Liotrent

A Song of Iron and Coal - The second war of the five kings

I love the idea but I have absolutely no knowledge about Game of Thrones. Would it be alright if I watch though if this takes off?

Qualia: Mission Sub Rosa

Bunga was ecstatic that this British man didn’t necessarily find her weird or too pushy when she introduced herself. She guesses it’s just her thing to visibly reach out and feel out someone whenever someone’s out in the dumps and she has the ability to help. Do what you can with what you’ve got, she’s just nice like that.

But she didn’t expect that James would also respond with another question, one that Bunga didn’t expect. It’s not common for the helper to be helped in return, and Bunga’s feeling that James might also reach his hand out in assistance to Bunga’s downer mood right now. “Oh, me? Yeah yeah, I’m feeling a bit dejected myself. I’m currently searching for a man by the name of Le Bang Kieu, he’s Vietnamese, and he might have an idea of where I can find my own countrymen on this island.”

“Oh, perhaps I forgot to mention this, but I hail from the Majapahit Federation. Perhaps you’ve heard of my country before? I heard it’s called the Spice Islands or the East Indies in the Occident right? For some strange reason I somehow haven’t managed to find one of my own fellow countrymen throughout my time studying here. Of course, it’s not a long time, but I find it bizarre that no Nusantaran Polymaths or individuals are around here.”

She took a short breath before continuing. “And for some reason, he’s… gone! Like poof! Into the air for some reason. I’ve been searching for this Le guy for so long, and I still am not closer to him than when I started. Feels just… UGH.”

She feels a bit sorry for unloading all her grievances to James. But it feels like they both needed to vent stuff right now.

---

---

James Porter

---

James listened for a while as this woman aired out her grievances. It seems she was looking for his roommate, Bang.

“Ah I see you’re looking for my roommate. He’s quite the pleasant fellow. Though I wasn’t able to catch him this morning, then again, I slept in for the first time in a long time.”

He put his hat on and placed his hand on his chin to think for a bit. “Perhaps he went to look for a person I wanted to associate with more. A miss Yun Hana.”

He then looked at her and smiled, “I could help you look for him. I’d recognize him in a heartbeat.”

For some reason, he seems a little more relaxed. Perhaps all he needed was someone else to talk to and a task to put his mind to. Speaking of, he still wasn’t able to find his target which, up till now, he had forgotten about. This little mistake made him flustered, it was embarrassing to think that he had forgotten the real reason he was here even though he had just been worrying about it last night.

---

Bunga felt that she just accidentally found a goldmine. Here she was, searching endlessly throughout the island just for this one person, and the moment she tried helping someone who seemed to be down on their luck. She discovered that this one guy is apparently Le Bang Kieu’s roommate.

“I’ll be darned. Are you really his roommate?” She asked James. “Well, looks like the day will end on a high note after all!”

“Yes, let’s search for him together James.” The vulpine eared woman responded. “And if we can’t find him today, perhaps we can meet up tomorrow? Are you alright with that?”

---

---

James Porter

---

James put a hand to his chin again and closed his eyes as if to ponder. A small smile then formed on the corners of his mouth before he replied, “Meeting again tomorrow would be alright.”

James thought it was a good opportunity to extend his connections. Even if this led to nothing, it would help maintain his image as a regular student. Though when he looked back towards her genuine happiness, he thought again to his thoughts and feelings from before. Who exactly does he want to be and what exactly was his goal as a person.

Regardless, he kept up his smile, for Bunga’s sake. “Let’s go then! Perhaps he went to one of the restaurants around here.”

He fixed his hair and his clothes and began to walk in a direction which he believed would have a few places to eat.

---

It felt like hours more as the group searched and searched throughout the city. They scoured every restaurant, asked every restaurateur, and asked as many questions as they could for everyone. And in the end, it turned out to be for nothing. The duo managed to not discover Le Bang Kieu’s location, and Bunga was left severely disappointed by the lack of progress they’ve made.

Still though. The group still has time to make some smalltalk. Bunga has internally reasoned with herself that they wouldn’t be able to find Le Bang Kieu no matter what at this point, and decided to ask James some questions.

Getting to know more students in order to further her studies isn’t necessarily a thing Bunga’s against after all.

“So, James. What brings you here? To the island? I’m currently doing some studies concerning Egoism. To keep things short, I’m trying to replicate the formulas from nature for human use.”

She gestured at her fox ears. “As you can see, there are some visible results from my studies. Don’t worry about these though, they’re all temporary.”

“So, what about yourself James? What are you studying about?”

---

---

James Porter

---

James was slightly fascinated in the sense that her formulations were temporary. Her field of study is quite humanitarian. It once again contrasts against himself. He looked at her cheerful self and for the first time felt disappointed that he could not help her.

It was starting to get late. This person beside him, had stayed by his side and had not gotten something for herself to eat. Before he answered her question, he walked towards a small stand that sold pretzels. He bought a bag of pretzels and walked back to her.

“Here, you should at least eat a little something. We’ve spent all this time looking for my roommate that you’ve forgotten to take care of yourself. It’s not much but it’ll do before dinner at least.” He handed over a small paper bag filled with pretzels to her before finally answering her question.

“... Anyway, I came here to further my studies on chemical concoctions and formulations. I mainly focus on perfumes and turning those beautiful scents into something that can improve one's mood. I also dabble in the pharmaceutical field.”

He then brings out an assortment of vials filled with all sorts of colored liquids with nice little labels. He sorted through them for a bit and then picked out a rather benign one. “I don’t quite know if this will affect you but here you go.”

The vial he handed her was filled with a red liquid labeled scent of spring. “It’s been made to improve one’s focus. Perhaps it’ll serve you well… Or not! I don’t know.”

---

She received both the pretzel and the vial with glee. Although she decided to only eat the pretzel. “You know. I never had much German food when I was back home. The only Occidentals I’ve met during my time studying in Palembang were only some British and Dutch folk. Hmm, salty and filling. It’s good!”

She has tried adjusting her expectations to fit the current food culture in Bermuda. Palembang is not exactly a place where Occidental food is… well, present in numbers. Practically all the food she was present there was either incredibly spicy, incredibly colourful, or incredibly tasteful. A strong mix of spices is present in all the food she ate.

This felt different, and different tastes good.

“Ah James. I wish I could have cooked you some food from my island. But alas, I don't have much kitchen space where I’m living.” She remarked. finally finishing the pretzel. “These pretzels are delicious!”

She eyed the vial for a while. “Hmm. I’m not a technologist, so I’m kinda not sure if I should drink this right now…” She eyed the red liquid. “It’s a bit irrational, but I kinda don’t like getting poisoned, and this red liquid feels suspicious. Ah well, maybe I’ll just hand it over to some of my technologist friends in the dorm and see what they think about it.”

She then noticed how it’s getting darker. The streetlights are now fully operating, and people are now starting to go back to their dorms. “Oh dear. Looks like it’s getting a bit late at night huh? I think I have to go back. Perhaps we can continue the search for him tomorrow perhaps? Meet sometime midday? Maybe a restaurant somewhere in Bermuda?”

Bunga is practically drooling at the prospect of meeting Le Bang Kieu. She has to meet him at this point, Calm down Bunga, calm down, it’s fully possible that this Vietnamese man may have no idea where the Nusantarans are still. She thought to herself, some vain effort to calm herself down from the prospect of meeting him tomorrow.

“Right, since it’s getting darker outside, perhaps we should go home then. Don’t wanna be outside when curfew hits right?” She asked James.

---

---

James Porter

---

James began to genuinely snicker, “Ahaha,sorry, but that’s not something you drink…” he points to the vial, “... It’s a perfume! Though I could understand why you’d think it was a drink.”

He held a hand to his lips to stop himself from laughing further. He paused for a moment then looked at her. “Well, we stay in around the same place anyway. I’ll walk you back.”

As they were walking James then produced another vial and popped the cork off. “This one is named Dandelion breeze…” the liquid within the vial he produced began to turn to gas as it met with open air. The blue mist began to rise and with a flick of his hand, the mist began to swirl around them both.

“This one’s effects are to alleviate fatigue and it smells sweet, but the scent is subtle. Hopefully it will work on you, we’ve been walking for quite a while after all.”

He led the way back to the dorms alongside Bunga. It was a different experience. He admired her determination. There was no sense of quit in her even after she failed to find Bang twice. He then thought perhaps this was what normal people would call ’a crush’. It occurred to James that he himself had never felt attraction towards anyone. Was it really worth the trouble?

He thought about the small things she had revealed about herself. Majapahit Federation, Palembang, Nusantarans, her troubles, her studies, it was all so innocent. As they got back to the dorms, James thought about her invitation tomorrow. Without further hesitation he said, “… I’ll see you tomorrow. You tell me where. I’m interested to see if we can find some of this cuisine you wanted to cook.” He smiled almost eager to see tomorrow.,

---

Bunga smiled at James. Thanking his offer to bring her home, and most certainly happy for the clarification James did. “Ah, so it’s a perfume! Didn’t expect that.” As James then brought a vial called ‘Dandelion Breeze and proceeded to air it out. Bunga was calmed by the pleasant smell, and the enthralling blue colour.

It looks so vivid! Bunga thought as she looked at the blue swirls all around the duo as they walked back to her dorms. The woman side by side James and smiling all the time. She felt oddly comfortable with him for some reason. Perhaps it is his friendly nature and the rather nice clothes he wears, perhaps it is the way he talks, and perhaps it is all of them.

Regardless, she feels that she won’t mind getting closer with him at all.

When they finally arrived at her dorms. She hugged him, pressing her body close to him, and smiled at James offering to meet her tomorrow. “I think it would be better if you bring Bang here, to my dorm room door midday, and then we can find a nice restaurant to eat and have fun!”

“It's nice meeting you James. I hope that we can be good friends!” She finished, hugging him again, this time slightly longer, before departing and closing the dorm room shortly thereafter.

He’s very nice! Bunga thought to herself, as she eventually walked back to her quarters. Taking a short shower and changing to her sleeping clothes. Reading a bit on the book she bought before turning in for the night the moment curfew hits.

---

---

James Porter

---

The hugs surprised James. He didn’t think he deserved such thanks. Of course, she still wanted to meet Bang - it seems that he’d have to ask his roommate to join him tomorrow afternoon. For some reason that annoyed him, but he couldn’t quite place why. Was it the fact that he had to go through the trouble of asking Bang or something else entirely? He couldn’t answer such a question. Nevertheless, he put those thoughts aside for a while and sighed heavily.

As he got back to his own dorm, he noticed a letter. Whoever left it here must've slipped it under the door. To his surprise it seemed to be addressed to him. The sender went as far as to write ”For you eyes only." He took it and went to his room for some privacy.

Bonsoir Monsieur Porter,

It has been many years since we have last spoken, but it is a joy nonetheless to see that you have been accepted into Bermuda Island, as expected of one possessing such pedigree as yours.

I am writing to request a sleeping aid for a friend of mine, an Egoist with Occidental inclinations. Her room does not suit her taste, and her bedding in particular is found wanting in consideration to her biological developments.

If you could provide such a concoction by the morning of May the 7th, I will be quite thankful.

May you remain worshipful and wealthy,
Jeanne Du Bordeaux

Jeanne, the crazy french woman. Then again, as he thought before, she may be mad but there’s a method to that madness. That alone made her incredibly dangerous.

James went on to light a match and burn the letter. Jeanne wouldn’t want anything to be used against her. This was a chance for James to expand his network of associates within Bermuda. He immediately got to work and got to work setting up his lab - there was a long night ahead of him.

---

_{A collab between @Liotrent & @Kumbaris}

Through the Rifts: Progeny [Open!] [Co-GM Run]

---

THE CRUSADE OF RECLAMATION

_{Or at least it should've been...}

---

It started with a startled patrol. A flood of monsters and unfamiliar animals and unknown dangers. But it was after this that the dwarves responded with focused aggression until they could control the situation. It was then that it dawned on them that the magical gateways once again sparked to life and opened a way for the dwarves of Dunmar to return. The generations here were old enough to remember their exodus. Dunmar moved forward, but never forgot. The Emperor himself marched to the top of Scibriz, the mountain capital. He then ordered half the army within Scibriz to assemble. With all this commotion the rumors began to spread, thousands of dwarves who weren't in the army gathered behind the columns of armored men and women.

On top of Scibriz stood Ulrik Longbeard, son of Dorik Longbeard, son of Ulfrik Longbeard. He is from a clan of dwarves who have fought against the goblin menace, dwarves who have led their people to prosperity. Now he stands where his father had led his people. He stands alongside a mighty host of dwarves eager to retake their homeland. He was here at the head of the dwarven formation. An army of twelve thousand dwarves to retake their homeland and rise to the glory their fathers and their forefathers once had. Behind them was a long caravan of dwarven settlers that would once again fill the halls of old Dunmar.

Ulrik looked down hill at the rows of chanting dwarves. He raised one hand balled in a fist and the chanting stopped. The silence filled the air and across the jagged mountain tops the echoes began to fade. He then started his speech shouting at the top of his lungs as the mountains carried his echoing message down towards the foot of the mountain.

"LISTEN TO ME SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF DUNMAR AND LISTEN GOOD! HERE I STAND WHERE MY FATHER STOOD WHEN HE LED OUR PEOPLE FROM THE CATACLYSM! THAT RAT BASTARD SAVED OUR SORRY ARSES SO THAT WE COULD SURVIVE! NOW I STAND HERE TO LEAD YOU BACK TO OUR ANCESTRAL HOMELANDS - FROM DUNLAN TO MENIR! LET'S TAKE IT ALL BACK BEFORE THOSE GREEN INBRED FUCKS GET THERE BEFORE WE DO! LET GAIA KNOW THAT WE DWARVES HAVE RETURNED AND LET ANY ARMY THAT STANDS AGAINST US KNOW THAT WE WILL FIGHT AND DIE! WE'LL TAKE THEM WITH US IF THOSE BLOODY FUCKS WANT A PIECE! LET THEM HEAR THE GRUMAKS ROAR AND WATCH THEM SHIT THEIR KNICKERS! STOMP AND SHOUT PROUD DUNMARII! URATH ARAN KATARR!"

He grabbed a banner next to him and raised it high while also raising his axe. The people of Dunmar began once again to chant.

"URATH ARAN KATARR! URATH ARAN KATARR! URATH ARAN KATARR!"

This chant was the rallying cry of Dunmar. Urath aran katarr in common tongue means to death or glory. Ulrik would leave Ruhk in the hands of his retainers and lead a crusade to Gaia to reclaim their lost world. He held it in his mind as he walked through the portal. On the other side he found himself shielding his eyes from the harsh sunlight. To his disdain, there were already others here. His army was marching behind him. If these people here on Gaia now were to take the wrong idea then Dunmar would be pulled into an unnecessary conflict that he would have to retreat from.

“Ah shite..." he grumbled, he barely had time to take in the scenery before his entire mood was ruined.

The next to emerge was his retainer, Halmdir Swordsworn. "Ah bloody hell... I haven't seen the tallfolk since I was a wee lad. What should we do about it my lord?"

"Go back and tell the rest of the army to hold... I'll need to barter passage or we might end up fighting the tallfolk and the goblin hordes. I need neither on our crusade."

Halmdir nodded and went back through to stop the army's march on the other side. Ulrik on the other hand continued to curse under his breath, "I'd rather kiss a Grumak's arse than grovel to some tallfolk. I hope the cataclysm curbed their egos or by the gods I'LL CAVE THEIR BLOODY HEADS IN..."

---

Meanwhile...

The drums begin to sound within abandoned dwarven strongholds. The warbled screams of inbred beasts echo within caves and across mountains.

The Goblin horde awakens. It knows that the rifts had opened once more. They too will move soon. They too will sweep across the different worlds and infect them with a savage malice.

Their civilization will march to conquer new lands and spread their accursed race. The question is when...

Through the Rifts: Progeny [Open!] [Co-GM Run]

Dunmar Dominion

DUNMAR DOMINION

Government Form:

Dunmar is ruled by an Emperor who’s dynasty has lasted for thousands of generations, even before the time of the calamity. The current ruler is Ulrik Longbeard. He has a number of retainers and advisers that are heads of their own dwarven clans who in their own right have followed the Longbeards for as long as they remember.

Demographics:
The Dominion is mostly made up of Dwarves and enslaved goblins.

Population:
They are an empire of Dwarves that number around 2.5 million in population. Disincluding enslaved goblins.

---

Plane Description:

The planes of Ruhk are mountainous, harsh, and desolate. However, for the people of Dunmar it was home. The underground biomes of glowing forests, rivers, and rich soils. This was however, also home to their enemy who had followed them through the rift - the Goblin menace. For hundreds of years, the brutal back and forth between the savage goblin tribes and the armies of Dunmar have continued above the surface and deep underground.

History:

The Dunmar made the most of Ruhk, however their way of life has not changed. They stubbornly retained their way of life and adapted it to this harsh environment. The only thing that has changed is the number of dwarves and which Longbeard sits upon the imperial throne.

First was the establishment of Scibriz, the capital of Dunmar. Then was the expansion of their territories and the establishment of thirty more settlements. There were no natives to this land and if there were, they were long gone.

It was only when they met their Goblin foes again did they experience troubles. The long wars with their green foe had pushed them to become more militaristic. Their brutal purges against their goblin settlements have been the mark of every settlement after the first thirty. They still continue to this day to fight for territory, for resources, and for survival. Indeed - Dunmar has learned to live with less and turn it into more.

Culture and Society:

Dunmar culture hasn’t quite changed. They still hold large festivals that worship their gods of fortune, innovation, and war. They also are surprisingly unbiased in terms of gender roles. They have a saying, “If you can do it, no one can say you can’t.” From this it is clear that they value strength and integrity.

There are many dwarven clans, some very highly renowned, some less so. A number of these clans are favored by the Emperor and serve as the overall governors of Dunmar’s expansive territories. Clan Strongarm, clan Ironhand, and clan Swordsworn are three of the Emperor’s most successful clans. There are plenty more. Each clan has their own doctrines and ways of life. Clan Ironhand for example usually have the best equipped fighters, they pride themselves on their craftsmanship. Clan Strongarm have some of the best slingers, capable of throwing heavy lead shot so strong as to dent or peirce heavy steel plate at range. Clan Swordsworn claim to have the best fighters in the dominion. There are plenty of other clans like clan Hammerfist, clan Earthensong, clan Firebeard, clan Greatmane, and many more. These clans all come together and share their knowledge and expertise to make Dunmar as a whole united as one people.

Dunmar has a martial tradition in which even the young must learn how to fight. Often as one would walk through a Dunmarii street, one would see a child learning how to fight on one occasion and another learning how to craft and cook on the next.

Despite their martial nature they still have artisan virtues towards their stonework and steelcrafts. This is reflected in their architecture and the meticulous designs that they put on their weapons and armor. They also take very careful attention to their appearances, often grooming their beards or braiding their hair. Their clothes are simple and practical, pouring more time and effort not in their tapestries, but rather their utensils, their plates, their pots and pans. Only the more wealthy clans care about such things.

Aside from this, there is something new they developed as part of their society and culture. They have made mounts of the very common mountain lizard they call grumak. These are large, feisty lizards the size of three adult human men. They take their eggs and train them from a young age as brutal warmounts that they ride into battle. The ones they could not tame they hunt for sport. Grumak riding has become a staple of the Ruhk plane. They can ride long distances, assist dwarves on the hunt, and are excellent beasts of burden. However, their meat isn’t exactly the best of quality. It’s gamy, tough, and hard to chew through. Other animals of Ruhk are better farm animals than the Grumak. Nevertheless, grumaks have become a part of Dunmarii culture and, like most Dunmarii traditions, that is unlikely to change in the near future.

---

Governance and Politics:

The Dumar dominion is expansive. The emperor alone cannot realistically keep his empire together. He allows some control over his chosen retainers who are given their own lands to govern and become great clan leaders. Clan Longbeard, clan Ironhand, clan Strongarm, and many more. They are given some autonomy, but are ultimately subject to the Emperor’s will - Ulrick Longbeard.

When there are several clan leaders in one place, authority will usually default to the region's governing clan. If it cannot be resolved this way, they will default to the eldest, and if not in that way it will default to the one with the most strength. An arm wrestling match is usually how one would settle such a thing. Less commonly it could also be settled by who could hold their drink better, it's more common in times of peace or during less urgent matters. However, if the Emperor is present, he is the one with the final say, he is the one in command, all other clans respect this arrangement.

If the Longbeards should fall, the clans with claims to the throne are clan Strongarm and clan Ironhand. Clan Swordsworn are named such as they swore an oath to follow the emperor's will, therefore they cannot lay claim on the imperial throne unless the emperor himself wills it so. Other clans may have a claim to the throne, however, they recognize the strongest claims lie on either Strongarm or Ironhand.

Technology and Magic:

The Dunmar used to be miners, engineers, and most of all professional soldiers. Before the great cataclysm the dwarven kingdoms that made up Dunmar united in order to fight the goblin hordes that came to raid them in large numbers. A great campaign was headed by the first great Longbeard who led several successful crusades against the green scourge.

To do this, Dunmar developed their siege equipment, their weapons, their armor. They’ve even developed a way of fighting using earthen magic to create walls and fortifications. They call it the crawling offensive. It takes a considerable amount of energy to push and sustain these walls as they approach their enemies. They then use this earthen magic to create ramps or bust holes into their enemies' fortifications. In close range engagements, their above average strength and excellent equipment usually outmatch most opponents.

The Goblins however counter this with alchemical concoctions, simple fire spells, and overwhelming numbers. This is why the war against their green foe has never been resolved.

Military Overview:

As they are always at war with their goblin foe, they have several large regional armies. Some of these regional armies are mostly comprised of that region’s clansmen. They all have their own orders of battle, but they all do so in the name of the Emperor and to fulfill their vow of exterminating the goblin scourge.

Their usual order of battle is to use a main body of heavy infantry and pikemen that will make up the middle. The flanks will be watched by grumak riders. In front of the main body will be the light infantry that will skirmish with crossbows and slings. This is their standard formation. The skirmishers will initiate as the main body marches forward. In the chaos the grumak riders with their sturdy mounts will tear apart the enemy formation from the flanks. The main body will then break off into smaller sections led by a dwarven captains to exploit the gaps created by the skirmishers and the grumak riders. Sections of grumak riders will break off to finish off any routing enemies.

The dwarven doctrine is to apply steady pressure and exploit the mistakes the enemy makes under this pressure. Most dwarven regiments are stubborn enough to fight towards near annihilation. This tendency to fight till they die is ingrained into dwarven culture - "Those who run from battle are bloody cowards and a disgrace to their bearded clansmen!". However, this steady formation has been beaten by their goblin foe by simply throwing more numbers and using more chaotic tactics to break apart the well coordinated dwarven lines. Goblins have also learned to kill high ranking dwarven leaders in order to further cast the dwarven ranks into disarray. This has made it so that Dunmar now has a complex order of ranks from highest to lowest so that even when a leader is killed, dwarven ranks will remain in tight order.

Dunmar has experienced war. Most citizens know how to fight from an early age because of the constant threat of large goblin raids. The goblins that they fight multiply faster than they can kill them and so they must continue to train each generation from a young age so that they can fight even when their armies fall. It is better to fight and take a few of the inbred scum with you rather than surrender and die a tortured death.

---

Additional Info:

(I would put a theme song here but none of them feel genocidal and dwarven at the same time)

Through the Rifts: Progeny [Open!] [Co-GM Run]

Dunmar Dominion

DUNMAR DOMINION

Government Form:

Dunmar is ruled by an Emperor who’s dynasty has lasted for thousands of generations, even before the time of the calamity. The current ruler is Ulrik Longbeard. He has a number of retainers and advisers that are heads of their own dwarven clans who in their own right have followed the Longbeards for as long as they remember.

Demographics:
The Dominion is mostly made up of Dwarves and enslaved goblins.

Population:
They are an empire of Dwarves that number around 2.5 million in population. Disincluding enslaved goblins.

---

Plane Description:

The planes of Ruhk are mountainous, harsh, and desolate. However, for the people of Dunmar it was home. The underground biomes of glowing forests, rivers, and rich soils. This was however, also home to their enemy who had followed them through the rift - the Goblin menace. For hundreds of years, the brutal back and forth between the savage goblin tribes and the armies of Dunmar have continued above the surface and deep underground.

History:

The Dunmar made the most of Ruhk, however their way of life has not changed. They stubbornly retained their way of life and adapted it to this harsh environment. The only thing that has changed is the number of dwarves and which Longbeard sits upon the imperial throne.

First was the establishment of Scibriz, the capital of Dunmar. Then was the expansion of their territories and the establishment of thirty more settlements. There were no natives to this land and if there were, they were long gone.

It was only when they met their Goblin foes again did they experience troubles. The long wars with their green foe had pushed them to become more militaristic. Their brutal purges against their goblin settlements have been the mark of every settlement after the first thirty. They still continue to this day to fight for territory, for resources, and for survival. Indeed - Dunmar has learned to live with less and turn it into more.

Culture and Society:

Dunmar culture hasn’t quite changed. They still hold large festivals that worship their gods of fortune, innovation, and war. They also are surprisingly unbiased in terms of gender roles. They have a saying, “If you can do it, no one can say you can’t.” From this it is clear that they value strength and integrity.

There are many dwarven clans, some very highly renowned, some less so. A number of these clans are favored by the Emperor and serve as the overall governors of Dunmar’s expansive territories. Clan Strongarm, clan Ironhand, and clan Swordsworn are three of the Emperor’s most successful clans. There are plenty more. Each clan has their own doctrines and ways of life. Clan Ironhand for example usually have the best equipped fighters, they pride themselves on their craftsmanship. Clan Strongarm have some of the best slingers, capable of throwing heavy lead shot so strong as to dent or peirce heavy steel plate at range. Clan Swordsworn claim to have the best fighters in the dominion. There are plenty of other clans like clan Hammerfist, clan Earthensong, clan Firebeard, clan Greatmane, and many more. These clans all come together and share their knowledge and expertise to make Dunmar as a whole united as one people.

Dunmar has a martial tradition in which even the young must learn how to fight. Often as one would walk through a Dunmarii street, one would see a child learning how to fight on one occasion and another learning how to craft and cook on the next.

Despite their martial nature they still have artisan virtues towards their stonework and steelcrafts. This is reflected in their architecture and the meticulous designs that they put on their weapons and armor. They also take very careful attention to their appearances, often grooming their beards or braiding their hair. Their clothes are simple and practical, pouring more time and effort not in their tapestries, but rather their utensils, their plates, their pots and pans. Only the more wealthy clans care about such things.

Aside from this, there is something new they developed as part of their society and culture. They have made mounts of the very common mountain lizard they call grumak. These are large, feisty lizards the size of three adult human men. They take their eggs and train them from a young age as brutal warmounts that they ride into battle. The ones they could not tame they hunt for sport. Grumak riding has become a staple of the Ruhk plane. They can ride long distances, assist dwarves on the hunt, and are excellent beasts of burden. However, their meat isn’t exactly the best of quality. It’s gamy, tough, and hard to chew through. Other animals of Ruhk are better farm animals than the Grumak. Nevertheless, grumaks have become a part of Dunmarii culture and, like most Dunmarii traditions, that is unlikely to change in the near future.

---

Governance and Politics:

The Dumar dominion is expansive. The emperor alone cannot realistically keep his empire together. He allows some control over his chosen retainers who are given their own lands to govern and become great clan leaders. Clan Longbeard, clan Ironhand, clan Strongarm, and many more. They are given some autonomy, but are ultimately subject to the Emperor’s will - Ulrick Longbeard.

When there are several clan leaders in one place, authority will usually default to the region's governing clan. If it cannot be resolved this way, they will default to the eldest, and if not in that way it will default to the one with the most strength. An arm wrestling match is usually how one would settle such a thing. Less commonly it could also be settled by who could hold their drink better, it's more common in times of peace or during less urgent matters. However, if the Emperor is present, he is the one with the final say, he is the one in command, all other clans respect this arrangement.

If the Longbeards should fall, the clans with claims to the throne are clan Strongarm and clan Ironhand. Clan Swordsworn are named such as they swore an oath to follow the emperor's will, therefore they cannot lay claim on the imperial throne unless the emperor himself wills it so. Other clans may have a claim to the throne, however, they recognize the strongest claims lie on either Strongarm or Ironhand.

Technology and Magic:

The Dunmar used to be miners, engineers, and most of all professional soldiers. Before the great cataclysm the dwarven kingdoms that made up Dunmar united in order to fight the goblin hordes that came to raid them in large numbers. A great campaign was headed by the first great Longbeard who led several successful crusades against the green scourge.

To do this, Dunmar developed their siege equipment, their weapons, their armor. They’ve even developed a way of fighting using earthen magic to create walls and fortifications. They call it the crawling offensive. It takes a considerable amount of energy to push and sustain these walls as they approach their enemies. They then use this earthen magic to create ramps or bust holes into their enemies' fortifications. In close range engagements, their above average strength and excellent equipment usually outmatch most opponents.

The Goblins however counter this with alchemical concoctions, simple fire spells, and overwhelming numbers. This is why the war against their green foe has never been resolved.

Military Overview:

As they are always at war with their goblin foe, they have several large regional armies. Some of these regional armies are mostly comprised of that region’s clansmen. They all have their own orders of battle, but they all do so in the name of the Emperor and to fulfill their vow of exterminating the goblin scourge.

Their usual order of battle is to use a main body of heavy infantry and pikemen that will make up the middle. The flanks will be watched by grumak riders. In front of the main body will be the light infantry that will skirmish with crossbows and slings. This is their standard formation. The skirmishers will initiate as the main body marches forward. In the chaos the grumak riders with their sturdy mounts will tear apart the enemy formation from the flanks. The main body will then break off into smaller sections led by a dwarven captains to exploit the gaps created by the skirmishers and the grumak riders. Sections of grumak riders will break off to finish off any routing enemies.

The dwarven doctrine is to apply steady pressure and exploit the mistakes the enemy makes under this pressure. Most dwarven regiments are stubborn enough to fight towards near annihilation. This tendency to fight till they die is ingrained into dwarven culture - "Those who run from battle are bloody cowards and a disgrace to their bearded clansmen!". However, this steady formation has been beaten by their goblin foe by simply throwing more numbers and using more chaotic tactics to break apart the well coordinated dwarven lines. Goblins have also learned to kill high ranking dwarven leaders in order to further cast the dwarven ranks into disarray. This has made it so that Dunmar now has a complex order of ranks from highest to lowest so that even when a leader is killed, dwarven ranks will remain in tight order.

Dunmar has experienced war. Most citizens know how to fight from an early age because of the constant threat of large goblin raids. The goblins that they fight multiply faster than they can kill them and so they must continue to train each generation from a young age so that they can fight even when their armies fall. It is better to fight and take a few of the inbred scum with you rather than surrender and die a tortured death.

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Additional Info:

(I would put a theme song here but none of them feel genocidal and dwarven at the same time)

Qualia: Mission Sub Rosa

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James Porter

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"Excuse me? But, are you okay do you need help?"

James turned his attention to the person calling out to him. He was surprised, but it seems that he was a bit careless - his emotions were showing on the surface. What's more is that this person was barely wearing anything. Something he was used to on his foreign assignments, but that is to say, it's always a bit of a shock.

"Ah, sorry for the suddenness of this, but your face looks very pale, and I thought that you might be a bit depressed or something. I'm Bunga Kurniawan, an Egoist." She continued. To James, she seemed friendly and genuinely concerned for his well being. It was a nice change of pace, one he was still not used to, one that he still wondered he deserved.

James then chuckled a little then replied in a friendly manner, "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. My name is James Porter, dynamicist and chemist. I'm quite sorry if I've worried you miss Kurniawan, but I'm quite fine." He took off his top hat and bowed slightly, gentlemanly as he should, he then turned his attention to her "What about you miss? You seem a bit out of it yourself."

@kumbaris

Qualia: Mission Sub Rosa

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James Porter

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James started his morning as usual, however, the adjustment of cohabitation with a roommate was... Weird to say the least. He had to be mindful of his sleepier self, not allowing his habits as a solitary spy and assassin bubble to the surface. After all, there was still a lot to think about. This type of deep cover infiltration was new to him. The agency could've sent anyone else, but perhaps he was the only one available. These new thoughts and feelings all brought about by the appearances of people his age talking about their upbringings, their families, their loved ones. It made him realize how much he didn't have. Though he had ended the night prior in good spirits, these thoughts hung about him and refused to let him sleep.

Nevertheless, after showering he put on his tophat and his usual coat and left the apartment. He needed to clear his mind. That was when all the news had hit him about the previous night. There were plenty of goings on now, especially after that little stunt that Jeanne pulled. It piqued his interests as Jeanne, despite how she looks, isn't the type of person he'd think would do things on impulse. No, as much as he'd hate to admit it, there was some method to her madness, otherwise, she wouldn't be here in Bermuda in the first place. While this news was surprising it was not enough distract him from exploring his surroundings further. He let himself go and hoped his thoughts would slowly fade away. Not too long after, he found himself looking at some ornate looking pocket watches through a store window. He didn't know why he stopped in-front of this shop, he just liked the design he supposed.

"Perhaps... I've gone soft." He whispered to himself. In the reflection of the store window he saw himself. He wasn't even aware of the expression he was making. His eyes looked distant, his face pale, his brow furrowed. So distracted, so disconnected, and so self-centered that he could not even process all the things going on around him or noting anyone of interest. He sighed and continued on his stroll.

Through the Rifts: Progeny [Open!] [Co-GM Run]

Hey Tort! Seems like I caught this one a little late. Still accepting people?

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

New Haven
City of New Athenia
Gaian Temple
“A new life awaits you! Brothers and Sisters!” Temple Father Zionus announced, his voice booming through the crowded streets. The New Haven Directorate being kind enough to allow the Gaian Harmony to construct a Temple in their capital city, the temple itself was a work of art, made up of towering spirals, sleek and curved shapes, it was almost maddening to describe the structure in words. Assisting the Temple Father were MK1 Legionary drones and and rather pleasing-looking Temple Sisters as they passed out infopads to curious onlookers, always parting ways with potential converts with “May you find True Paradise.”

“I know that Transcendence can be daunting, even frighting.” The Temple Father said. “But all you need is to take one step! Gaia’s gift to you all, the chip! Such a small device can bring you closer to paradise, to true happiness! No strife, no war, only peace!”

New Haven was still adjusting to having new colonies of mankind suddenly pop up. Not to mention how different each colony was. The visitors this time came from Gaia and now they were preaching their message in New Athenia. One curious scientist named Sheldon came up to them with an assistant nearby, "Salutations! I'm interested in doing this so called transcendence for the sake of scientific discovery! My assistant will be monitoring it for all the fleshy people around us of course."

“Hazzah! A new brother to join our flock.” Temple Father Zionus said, followed by eyeing the assistant with a flash of a glare, subtle, yet bone chilling. “Of course, your companion can witness you for your first step towards true paradise. Follow me.” The Temple Father stepped down from his podium, as he and two Temple Sisters escorted the pair into the interior of the Temple. The Temple itself was dim, yet illuminated, a long tall, golden statue of a feminine figure standing at the end of the walkway.

"PERFECT!" the prospecting researcher exclaimed. "LEROY! READY YOUR EQUIPMENT!"

The man behind him was dragging a whole cart that weighed about a ton. Even with his exoskeleton assistance he was already panting, "I fuckin -huff!- am already!"

"Well chop chop! We're wasting daylight!"

"Why am I the intern?" he whispers under his breath.

As they enter the temple interior the researcher then asks, "What will the process entail?"

“We’re not too far, we’ll gladly show you!” Zionus said as he led the group deeper underneath the Temple, entering a clean lab environment, rows upon rows of inanimate robotic shells lined up on one section of the facility, along with several clear rooms of operating tables of sorts. A glass door slide open in one of the rooms as Zionus was the first to step in. “Please lie down on your stomach, brother.”

"PERFECT! SO INTERESTING! LEROY YOU BETTER GET THIS ON FOOTAGE!"

Leroy, the assisstant, looked at his boss and said with a dry exasperated expression, "Shouldn't you ask first whether we can film this?"

"It'll be fine! We are scientists! We have a moral obligation to record things for posterity and for the betterment of mankind as a whole!"

The researcher then goes over and lies down on his belly, "I AM READY GOOD SIR!"

Zionus turned to Leroy, placing his cold hand over his shoulder. “Do not worry, my son.” He said. “We have nothing to hide….” At least, in first phase of the procedure….
Zionus turned his attention back to the eager scientist. “I would brace yourself if I were you, If I remember correctly, the process will be a bit….painful.”

With that said, several elongated mechanical arms emerged from the celling, all equipped with unique surgical tools for such a delicate procedure. An additional arm emerged, on the tip it carried the Chip implant, ready to inject directly to the brain.

Leroy continued to film and asked to his researcher friend, "Are you sure about this Sheldon?"

"There is no boundary for science Leroy! Be brave! BE BRAVE FOR PROGRESS!" Sheldon braced himself for the procedure

Leroy continued to film, despite the imposing presence of Zionus. For his comrade in science, he must show no fear.

The arms went to work as they begun the surgery, cleanly cutting through meat and bone as a gapping hole was left in Sheldon’s cranium in the aftermath, the arm with the chip slowly lowered itself and in quick succession, inserted the chip deep in his brain in a blink of a eye. Once the process was completed, the arms resumed with resealing the surgical spot. Within moments, the arms retreated into the celling as Zionus was the first to step forward and approached Sheldon. “How do you feel? Sheldon?” He asked.

"I feel... Okay I think?" Sheldon looks around himself before looking back at Leroy, "You got that on footage right? How'd it look?"

Leroy then said, "It looked terrifying... But then again, we do our procedures using nano-surgery which is far less intrusive. This does the same thing but in a more direct way."

"Hmm... Keep recording these notes! I'm interested" Sheldon then returned his attention to Zionus, "What's next then?"

“The final step of Transcendence is choosing your new body.” Zionus replied as he led the group out of the room and towards a wall lined with rows of inactive Gaian shells of varied designs. “Choose whatever suits you, my brother, what speaks to you?”

Sheldon put a hand to his chin and browsed through the selection as if he were picking a suit for a wedding. He looked over one body with a sleek, elegant, yet simple design.

"I think I'll go for this one" he pointed over to it, Leroy of course was close behind filming everything as they went. Then he said, "You're finally getting cyberdized like you always wanted."

"Heh- Well, this isn't exactly what I pictured, but it's close enough right?"

Leroy let out a bit of a chuckle before looking towards Zionus.

“Ahh, a fine choice indeed…” Zionus said. “Come! Greatness awaits!” With that said, the selected shell sank into the wall, the group once more, leaving the floor and ventured deeper into the Temple, right into the Transcendence Chambers. Dozens of glass tubes lined up, ready to be filled with potential “occupants”. Said tubes were all linked to greater machines as they let out low hums that filled the air. The group stopped at one particular tube as the New Sheldon hung over it, tendril-like wires and tubes gripping and connecting the shell with the machine. The glass seal raised up.

“Step in, and your past life will be all behind you.”

"I'll see you on the other side friend" Sheldon shook Leroy's hand before stepping into his glass tube.

"Alright, I'll see ya!" Lucas continues to record Sheldon's transition.

Sheldon’s body was consumed in a blinding light as the Transcendence begun, you could almost hear a hauntingly beautiful hum ringing out during the process, and for a moment, screaming could be heard from Sheldon’s tube, tearing one’s mind apart and reassembling it into code would no doubt be..painful. Zionus looked to the Lucas, who no doubt was alarmed. “Do not fear, my boy.” He reassured him. “This is all part of the process, all part of bettering yourself, all part of Her plan.” The hums soon died down as well as Sheldon’s screams, all was silent as the light dimmed. The tube that carried Sheldon’s new body lowered itself towards the group, the glass door sliding open as a cloud of smoke filled the air.

Electronic-sounding joints whirred up as Sheldon took a step forward, scanning the room with his new eyes, feeling a sense of euphoria as he behold himself to his new form. “It is done.” Zionius said, his pride and accomplishment hard to hide. “Welcome to the fold, Brother Sheldon!”

---

A Collab Between Liotrent & @Sigma

Qualia: Mission Sub Rosa

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JAMES PORTER

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James took a moment to let everything settle down. He was still slightly reeling from the drugs in his system. He found the entire place simply exquisite, but it was more spacious than what he was comfortable with. On top of that, he had a roommate, this complicated things. He had already missed a golden opportunity to find his target, now he had to deal with a person looking over his shoulders every time he were to do something. 'This situation is a pain in the ass' he thought.

However, instead of dwelling on complications, he simply wanted to recover from tonight's exciting events. The student he was to have as his roommate shared many physical similarities. If one were to see them together, it'd be certain that they'd ask if one was related to the other. The only dead giveaway that they weren't are the orient features that his roommate had. James paced the rooms for a little before stopping to glance at his roommate.

"It seems we're stuck together for the time being..." James' tone was a little harsher than he wanted it to sound. If he were to be honest with himself, a little frustrated at how everything turned out and it seemed to be leaking into his speech.

James turned to face him properly and continued, attempting to remedy his tone with a smile, "... Introductions are in order I suppose, James Porter. Chemist and Dynamicist, and you are?"

_@banjoanjo