It is an inauspicious time to have become emperor.  There have been many reverses of late, severely testing the morale of your subjects.  The army in the northeastern province of Kohlus has been routed by a minor kingdom, probably due to the poor leadership of its commander, General Maretus.  Many of the legions are in desperate need of troops and there is precious little revenue to pay for them.  What's more, recent harvests have not been good, leaving the poor to go hungry.  Throughout the realm, ancient traditions are being abandoned and people are beginning to fear the empire has lost the favor of the gods.

Imperial Palace
The imperial palace is a magnificent structure that overlooks the capital from atop a hill at the heart of the city.  The most capable and most loyal of the empire's guards surround the throne.  Kurash, the imperial chancellor, stands at the foot of the dais, looking up at you obsequiously.  From here, you can issue commands pertaining to the governance of the empire.

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In an ill omen, the great temple at Ravera has been destroyed in a fire.

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The rich have begun wearing silk garments, something that would have been condemned as an extravagance in former years.

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The empire has suffered another defeat.  General Maretus was again bested by the kingdom of Samira, his force flanked by enemy cavalry.

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There is a new play called Rosebud, a jaunty romance which has distracted people from their travails.

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"Your majesty," the chancellor begins.  "Might I suggest that military affairs should be your first priority?  It is imperative that we ensure recent defeats are not repeated."

Attacks from the northern tribes have resumed, particularly the fearsome axe-wielding Aberion.  People now fear these raids all across the province of Kalyra.

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A brawl has disgraced the streets of Ravera.  It began when a nobleman struck a peasant who insulted him and the nobleman's guards were forced to come to his defense.  The incident underscores recent tensions between rich and poor.

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In a rare piece of good news, General Zaren has repulsed an attack by the republic of Amaratus, dispensing with wave after wave of their famed spearmen.

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"Imperial majesty," the chancellor declares, bowing deferentially.  "The truth is that our armies are not respected as they once were.  We are in dire need of more troops."

The spice trade has proved especially lucrative of late.  The empire's merchants are rejoicing at their new profits.

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There is a lull in raids from the north as the Aberion tribe contend with their rivals the Corimar, a people known for their skilled archers.

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Raveran nobles have begun keeping dogs, an animal once regarded as unclean and anathema to the gods.

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The kingdom of Samira attacks again.  Faced with a better general, Maretus finds himself lured into boggy terrain, which is common throughout Kohlus.  The result is a surprise to no one.

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The republic of Amaratus considers its future after the failure of its invasion.  Some called gallants support continued war while others called concessionists favor peace.

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To the east, the Orphiel empire has begun encroaching on the thinly settled province of Coletta, which is rumored to contain gold.

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The king of Samira looks to secure a marriage for his son, probably with Iyana, a princess from nearby Sontalin, who has recently come of age.  Such a connection will only further bolster his army.

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Another harvest has failed.  Food will be scarce and there is sure to be much distress among the poor.

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More raiders have arrived from the north.  This time it is the Plutari tribe, a vicious people known for carrying the skulls of their enemies into battle.

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A courtesan named Callya is proving popular with the nobility.  She is said to have a remarkable singing voice, among other talents.

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The people of Thurvira, the empire's second wealthiest city, have taken to protesting what they see as disrespect for the memory of their founding hero.  It is the latest in a long list of grievances.

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There is word of an alliance between the Uthanus and Corimar tribes.  If the connection persists, it could upend the situation in the north.

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A spectacular wedding takes place between the prince of Samira and Iyana of Sontalin.

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Debate continues in the republic of Amaratus and the gallant faction looks set to prevail.  You can probably expect their attacks to resume.

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A new play, Travius and Carissa, is irreverent in its treatment of the gods, depicting them as bickering figures of fun.

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The kingdom of Samira presses the attack against General Maretus, again outmaneuvering the hapless commander.

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Hungry peasants have stormed a granary, clashing with the guards as they pilfered whatever food they could.

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The Orphiel empire is sending ever more settlers to the east of Coletta, establishing a series of towns throughout what is nominally your territory.

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Emissaries have arrived bearing gifts from the southern kingdom of Majeen, a desert land known for spices, dyes and formidable battle elephants.  They seek to foster trade.

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With the gallant faction in charge, the republic of Amaratus has set about raising troops.  They will prove to be a more formidable foe in the next conflict.

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As part of their latest attack, the king of Samira comes in person to see his army prevail over General Maretus.  Afterward, it becomes clear that the province has been significantly weakened.  If the attacks continue, it is likely to fall.

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The Aberion tribe launches another attack against Kalyra, inflicting great damage with the power of their axes.

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A troublemaker named Lorius has begun riling up the masses.  It is only a matter of time before his inflammatory speeches lead to trouble.

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You hear reports of the Orphiel empire slowly assembling troops on the border of Coletta.

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Lately, priests have been misappropriating funds and neglecting sacrifices.

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The republic of Amaratus soon renews the attack.  Its reconstituted army proves highly effective.

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Selira, the daughter of the king of Majeen, has come of age.  She is said to be the most beautiful woman in the world.

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The kingdom of Samira presses the attack against Kohlus, sending an army of more men than has been seen in recent years.  The defenders put up a valiant effort but it is not enough.  General Maretus has cost the empire one of its most vital provinces.

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Rioters have vandalized the homes of some wealthy individuals.

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The Uthanus have a new chieftain.  Their shamans proclaim that he has a great destiny.

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The city of Amaratus launches an attack against Hayala.  The republic fields a well drilled force, ready for any contingency.  It is only with great difficulty that your force under General Zaren is able to prevail.

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There are riots in the streets of Ravera and they are becoming increasingly violent.  The mob has taken to snatching wealthy individuals and lynching them.

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The long anticipated attack has arrived.  The Orphiel empire finally marches its troops into the province of Coletta, invading with an army so huge they hope you will be overwhelmed completely.  Though you are not defeated decisively, you are defeated.

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There is conflict between those priest who are fulfilling their duties and those who are not.

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The Namaran tribe has joined the alliance between the Uthanus and Corimar, forming a confederation.

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Your army must contend again with the republic of Amaratus and its spearmen.  An invading force moves into Hayala, forcing an engagement with your forces under General Zaren.  There is a slow battle as the two hosts maneuver carefully for advantage.  Eventually, your force is driven from the field.

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The kingdom of Samira moves upon the capital, thwarting the forces sent to halt the advance.

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The confederation of the Uthanus, Corimar and Namaran are now mounting raids together.  Despite their combined strength, they are not able to best your better disciplined warriors.

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A philospher called Kamius argues against the existence of the gods.

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The famed explorer Kalben has returned from his latest voyage with a foodstuff that he calls potatoes.

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A sturdy republican army appears in Hayala, bent on conquest.  Its general is said to be a prominent leader among the gallant faction.  The enemy fights well, killing many of your men and leaving the province in even greater danger.

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The chief of the Uthanus tribe proclaims himself king.

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Orphiel soldiers once more intrude upon Coletta, resplendent in their fine armor, daunting in their immense numbers.  At length, battle is joined.  The soldiers and settlers of the province cannot hope to contend with so powerful an army.  They suffer many casualties.

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There is another clash with the new combination of northern tribes.  They field a highly mobile force, able to strike where they are least expected.  It is only thanks to many careful preparations that serious harm is avoided.

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Some have begun observing a new religion called Covenantism.

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An army from the republic of Amaratus again threatens Hayala.

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There is a new play called The Paunchy Prince, which satirizes the nobility.

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To the east, the province of Coletta once more comes under attack.  The Orphiel army once more fields a great army and resisting them proves impossible.  At length, your forces are driven back deeper into the country, leaving the enemy with an even more advantageous position from which to strike.

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The chief priest declares that only a new emperor can regain the favor of the gods.

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Under the direction of the Uthanus tribe, the northern confederation again intrudes upon Kalyra.  They fight with a united purpose and it seems they have greater designs than mere plunder.  It does not prove effective on this occasion.

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The city of Amaratus fields its army once more against ill-defended Hayala, conquering the province.  They do not seem to have any intention of extending their republican form of government to their new possession, instead appointing a new governor.

>z
Your nobles are busy gossiping about an affair.

>z
There will be cause to celebrate in the councils of Amaratus as they have achieved an unthinkable feat, taking possession of Ravera, perhaps the wealthiest and most important city in the world.  The republic has become an empire.  How this will transform their state remains to be seen.

*** You will be remembered for having presided over the end of the empire.  You were unable to prevent squabbles with your nobles.   ***

Would you like to RESTORE a saved position, RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, or QUIT?