------------------------------------------------------------------------- title: imperial_throne.t3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. >recruit troops You spend the last of the treasury's funds raising troops from within the capital and its environs. Before long, you have them assembled and ready to deploy. In an ill omen, the great temple at Ravera has been destroyed in a fire. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Maretus. - Kalyra contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. - Thurvira contains one regiment of infantry. - Luracan contains three regiments of infantry. >send troops to coletta You dispatch a legion of infantry to the remote, sparesely settled province of Coletta. They make the long march from Ravera. The rich have begun wearing silk garments, something that would have been condemned as an extravagance in former years. >tax silk You decide to tax the lucrative silk trade. If the wealthy will insist on wearing such garments, you can at least profit from it. The empire has suffered another defeat. General Maretus was again bested by the kingdom of Samira, his force flanked by enemy cavalry. >remove maretus You dismiss Maretus as commander of the army in Kohlus. There is a new play called Rosebud, a jaunty romance which has distracted people from their travails. >see play Many fine plays have been performed in Ravera over the years. >x maretus General Maretus is not one of the empire's better generals. >a maretus "General Maretus is a good man," the chancellor says. "He possesses great integrity but, alas, not much aptitude for command." >x silk A luxurious fabric from the east that is becoming increasingly common. >x me You are the ruler of the Amaran empire, which has its capital at Ravera. You have recently come to the throne and are still becoming accustomed to your new responsibilities. >x ravera Ravera is the capital city of the empire, a fabulous and luxuriant place with wide paved streets and immense stone buildings. It is home to finely clothed aristocrats, assiduous merchants and a throng of ordinary laborers. It contains 1 unit of infantry, commanded by General Rilayn. >tax aristocrats You apply a tax on the aristocracy, who have plenty of money to spare. Attacks from the northern tribes have resumed, particularly the fearsome axe-wielding Aberion. People now fear these raids all across the province of Kalyra. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains three regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains one regiment of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. - Thurvira contains one regiment of infantry. - Luracan contains three regiments of infantry. >x troops Your armies are comprised mostly of infantry, who wield spears when fighting in formation and swords otherwise. >move troops from luracan to kohluls The word “kohluls” is not necessary in this story. >move troops from luracan to kohlus You dispatch a much needed regiment to Kohlus, hoping this will be enough to alter the course of the conflict. 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. >search for gold A protracted search uncovers a copious supply of gold in Coletta. People rejoice at the news. 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. >mine gold You establish a gold mine to profit from the newly discovered deposits in Coletta. The spice trade has proved especially lucrative of late. The empire's merchants are rejoicing at their new profits. >rebuild temple You order the temple rebuilt. Soon construction is under way and before long the temple will be as magnificent as it ever was. 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. >tax spice The spice trade proves an excellent source of revenue. Raveran nobles have begun keeping dogs, an animal once regarded as unclean and anathema to the gods. >x treasurey The word “treasurey” is not necessary in this story. >x treasury The treasury has a reasonable supply of money. >recruit troops You turn to Ravera for more troops. Fortunately, there are still many citizens eager to fight. You soon have them equipped and prepared, ready for battle. The province of Kohlus again finds itself under attack. Your troops assemble in the path of the enemy, ready for battle. The charge of Samiran infantry hits your army head-on. The battle is decided when you take advantage of a break in their lines. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. - Thurvira contains one regiment of infantry. - Luracan contains two regiments of infantry. >z 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. >save Saved. >attack amaratus You renew hostilities with the republic of Amaratus. The two armies meet under the midday sun. There is an exchange of javelins as imperial and republican contend for advantage. Contending with them is difficult because of the long spears they wield. You prove victorious. To the east, the Orphiel empire has begun encroaching on the thinly settled province of Coletta, where you recently discovered gold. >attack orphiel You give the order for General Callius to march your troops into Fajira, one of the western provinces of the Orphiel empire. It is an event of great significance, though the force you have committed is hardly adequate to the occasion. In this first clash, it is the enemy that prevails. 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. >marry iyana As emperor, you are a better suitor than a mere prince. You are able to secure a marriage with Iyana before she can be wed to the king of Samira's son. Another harvest has failed. Food will be scarce and there is sure to be much distress among the poor. >x iyana Your wife, the empress Iyana, is a beautiful fair-haired woman. >feed poor You use imperial funds to purchase what food you can and distribute it among the poor. 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. >x deployments The present deployments are as follows: - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. - Thurvira contains one regiment of infantry. - Luracan contains two regiments of infantry. >move troops from luracan to coletta You order another regiment of infantrymen to reinforce the remote province of Coletta. A courtesan named Callya is proving popular with the nobility. She is said to have a remarkable singing voice, among other talents. >hire callya Callya is only too happy to take the emperor as a client. She is a vivacious companion, lively in conversation and dexterous between the sheets. What your wife thinks of the liason, you cannot say. 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. >move troops from luracan to coletta It being important to defend against the Orphiel empire, you assign troops to remote Coletta. There is word of an alliance between the Uthanus and Corimar tribes. If the connection persists, it could upend the situation in the north. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. - Thurvira contains one regiment of infantry. >attack orphiel You again invade Fajira. This time, you are able to gain the benefit of some reconnaisance. The enemy army is led by General Karnir, said to be highly trusted by the emperor. There also seems to be a local ruler named Tamien. When battle is joined, the force is quite formidable, pushing your own army back. The king of Samira weds his son to the daughter of one of his nobles. This bride will not bring him more soldiers. >a karnir Kurash has nothing to say on that subject. >x karnir Karnir is a renowned Orphiel general, said to be closely trusted by the emperor. >x tamien Tamien seems to be a native ruler of the Orphiel province of Fajira. >make peace with orphiel You are unlikely to be able to forge an alliance with Orphiel empire. >z 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. >z A new play, Travius and Carissa, is irreverent in its treatment of the gods, depicting them as bickering figures of fun. >z Samiran warriors take to the field again, intent on Kohlus. They make little progress toward their goal. >z Hungry peasants have stormed a granary, clashing with the guards as they pilfered whatever food they could. >feed poor You have alleviated as much hunger as you can. >z Orphiel soldiers once more intrude upon Coletta, resplendent in their fine armor, daunting in their immense numbers. At length, battle is joined. The enemy warriors are not as invulnerable as they look. When all is said and done, many of them are cut down. >z 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. >trade with majeen You arrange for greater connections of trade with Majeen, which will surely prove lucrative. The republic of Amaratus soon renews the attack. Its reconstituted army proves highly effective. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. - Thurvira contains one regiment of infantry. >recruit troops Recruiting troops from the capital proves more difficult this time. You are gradually able to find more would-be soldiers and eventually, you have enough to put together a useful regiment. The kingdom of Samira reprises its attack on Kohlus. Two great phalanxes meet as Samiran horsemen watch from behind. The fighting lasts many hours. Eventually, the enemy must admit that they have no chance of victory. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. - Thurvira contains one regiment of infantry. >z The Aberion tribe launches another attack against Kalyra, inflicting great damage with the power of their axes. >z A troublemaker named Lorius has begun riling up the masses. It is only a matter of time before his inflammatory speeches lead to trouble. >bribe lorius The rebellious orator proves susceptible to a bribe, at least when offered a sufficient amount. 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 difficult. But, at length, your forces are able to win the engagement. >z Lately, priests have been misappropriating funds and neglecting sacrifices. >close temple You can’t close a temple. >talk to priests You can’t talk to the priests. >order priests to work The story doesn’t understand that command. >a priests "The behavior of the empire's priests may have something to do with our loss of divine favor," the chancellor says. >x priests The empire employs many priests to fulfill its religious duties. >condemn priests You are vocal in your condemnation of the priests. 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. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. - Thurvira contains one regiment of infantry. >move troops from thurvira to hayala You send troops to Hayala. Selira, the daughter of the king of Majeen, has come of age. She is said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. >z There is another clash for Kohlus. The kingdom of Samira assembles a great army, pressing deep into your territory. Your troops are able to use their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage. >z Rioters have vandalized the homes of some wealthy individuals. >z The Uthanus have a new chieftain. Their shamans proclaim that he has a great destiny. >z 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. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. >move troops from ravera to hayala You send troops to Hayala. 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. >z There is to be a great struggle for the province of Coletta. From the east, an immense army marches, the loyal soldiers of the Orphiel empire. By the time the day is done, many of them lie dead. >z With the neglectful priests punished, the others are working hard to regain the favor of the gods. >z The Namaran tribe has joined the alliance between the Uthanus and Corimar, forming a confederation. >z 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. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. >recruit troops You again turn to the capital to supply troops. There is a noticeable decline in the quality of the men available, forcing you to resort to criminals and other undesirable characters. The province of Kohlus again finds itself under attack. Your troops assemble in the path of the enemy, ready for battle. The charge of Samiran infantry hits your army head-on. The battle is decided when you take advantage of a break in their lines. >send troops to hayala You send troops to Hayala. 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. >move troops from kalyra to hayala You send troops to Hayala. A philospher called Kamius argues against the existence of the gods. >condemn kamius You order Kamius punished for his blasphemy. The famed explorer Kalben has returned from his latest voyage with a foodstuff that he calls potatoes. >praise kalben You praise the Kalben. >x potatoes You see nothing unusual about them. >z An army from the republic of Amaratus again threatens Hayala. >z The chief of the Uthanus tribe proclaims himself king. >z The fate of Coletta is once more in question. The Orphiel empire again attacks with a large force, meeting yours with a solid charge. For many hours, the two well disciplined front lines contend, gradually pushing each other as the initiative goes back and forth. At length, your army is able to get the upper hand. >z 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. >z Some have begun observing a new religion called Covenantism. >z 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. >z There is a new play called The Paunchy Prince, which satirizes the nobility. >z Orphiel soldiers once more intrude upon Coletta, resplendent in their fine armor, daunting in their immense numbers. At length, battle is joined. The enemy warriors are not as invulnerable as they look. When all is said and done, many of them are cut down. >z The chief priest declares that the empire is beginning to regain the favor of the gods. >z 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. >z 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. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains four regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains one regiment of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. >move troops from kohlus to hayala You send troops to Hayala. Your nobles are busy gossiping about an affair. >g You send troops to Hayala. 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. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains two regiments of infantry. - Kalyra contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. - Ravera contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. >move troops from coletta to hayala You send troops to Hayala. General Callius has proclaimed himself emperor and seized the western province of Esitura. Many have flocked to his cause. >condemn callius There is no reason to condemn Callius. >save Saved. >z 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. >z Tribal warriors move through the lands of Kalyra, seeming to know your territory as well as you do. >z Samiran warriors take to the field again, intent on Kohlus. They are able to make significant progress toward their goal. >z The explorer Kalben has returned from a voyage far to the west, where he discovered an archipelago he is now calling the Sunset Islands. >z The rebels amass their strength, hurriedly assembling whatever soldiers they can. Men come from all over the empire to fight for them. >z 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. >z There is to be a great struggle for the province of Coletta. From the east, an immense army marches, the loyal soldiers of the Orphiel empire. By the time the day is done, they have inflicted a great defeat on your forces. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kohlus contains one regiment of infantry. - Kalyra contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Coletta contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Callius. >move troops from coletta to ravera You send troops to Ravera. The philosopher Astalin has made an important discovery concerning the calculation of the area of a circle. >g You send troops to Ravera. The kingdom of Samira reprises its attack on Kohlus. Two great phalanxes meet as Samiran horsemen watch from behind. The fighting lasts many hours. Eventually, your troops break and flee, enemy cavalry in pursuit. >g You send troops to Ravera. The Orphiel emperor, Lodicus VI, has died. He is succeeded by his son, Cairos IV. >z The time has come for a terrific conflict. The army of General Callius, now calling himself emperor, marches on the capital. It will not do for him to rule just part of your territory, it seems. Meeting your forces, there is bitter fighting. In this first engagement, it is the loyal army that prevails. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kalyra contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Ravera contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. >z 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. >z The Orphiel empire dispatches a great army to Coletta, which assembles ponderously for battle. There is no choice but to take the engagement. It seems that the enemy has ever more soldiers, marching forward endlessly, filling whatever gaps emerge in the Orphiel line. Finally, the war is decided: the Orphiel empire has conquered Coletta. >z There is another attack from the kingdom of Samira. This strike proves decisive, giving them the province of Kohlus. >z You are a little closer to knowing whether loyalist or rebel will prevail. There is a large engagement just outside the capital. The armies maneuver carefully, both knowing the importance of the occasion. General Rilayn is able to push the enemy from the field, leaving many dead. >a rilayn "Rilayn is a capable general," the chancellor says. "However, his tactics are better suited to defense than offense." >move troops from kalyra to ravera You send troops to Ravera. Tribal warriors move through the lands of Kalyra, seeming to know your territory as well as you do. >z The kingdom of Samira moves upon the capital but you are able to thwart the advance. >z The Orphiel empire begins to fortify its newly conquered province of Coletta. >z General Callius once again makes an attempt on the capital. The two armies look evenly matched in number, though it is yours that fights better. >z Once more, there is an invasion from Samira, the royal armies pressing deep into your land. You are able to kill many of them. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kalyra contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains three regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Ravera contains four regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. >move troops from hayala to ravera You send troops to Ravera. General Callius will contend with General Rilayn. The two leaders assemble their forces not far west of the capital, the armies looking upon each other expectantly, anxious for the coming battle. There is move and countermove as the commanders look to shore up flank or center. The enemy army fights well but it is not enough. Many of their men lie dead. >z 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. >z The civil war continues. An army under General Callius is once more intent upon the capital. Your force meets them in the field and the fighting is thick and heavy. There is a bitter contest, the two sides exchanging insults as they jostle. At length, your soldiers give proof to their boasts, demonstrating their bravery and putting the enemy to rout. >z 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. >z You are a little closer to knowing whether loyalist or rebel will prevail. There is a large engagement just outside the capital. The armies maneuver carefully, both knowing the importance of the occasion. General Rilayn is able to push the enemy from the field, leaving many dead. >z General Callius once again makes an attempt on the capital. The two armies look evenly matched in number, though it is yours that fights better. >z The civil war continues. An army under General Callius is once more intent upon the capital. Your force meets them in the field and the fighting is thick and heavy. There is a bitter contest, the two sides exchanging insults as they jostle. At length, your soldiers give proof to their boasts, demonstrating their bravery and putting the enemy to rout. >a deployments "The present deployments are as follows," Kurash says. - Kalyra contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Fedwyn. - Hayala contains two regiments of infantry, under the command of General Zaren. - Ravera contains five regiments of infantry, under the command of General Rilayn. >z As you approach the twilight of your years, it is time to reflect on your performance as emperor. *** You will be remembered for having presided over the shrinking of the empire's borders. *** Would you like to RESTORE a saved position, RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, or QUIT?