Dominions 4 pbem: The Chronicles of Bogarus

[JohnTheRevelator]

Oh, I get it. You're planning to lose before that could even happen. Very clever.

 

[Grimwulf]

Oh, I get it. You're planning to lose before that could even happen. Very clever.

I never lose.

Spoiler

Unless I'm fighting Amrav.

 

[Dreaad]

It's fine, one day I will have my revenge, either as a bane or a devil Dread and his madness will return. Mwahahahaha.

 

[Trash Player]

Unfrozen Lord. Those antlers look really cool.

Spoiler

Should have told me you've only got openings for scouts.

Excellent choice, do you pick it without reading the spell description or right after you realize Grimwulf's build?

 

[Jester]

Grimwulf
Heh so I have one unknown choice to try find person I know nothing about and Alex.
...
Fiodor will do his part for motherland. Those people sound like only ones who think even a little about простóй нарóд.

1

 

[Grimwulf]

CHAPTER 10

​

Rimtooth Pass is a horrible place to spend the winter.

Got some sacramental wine, fatso? My bones turned into icicles.

Call me fatso again, and I’ll make sacramental wine from your blood!

I’m afraid it’s frozen solid too. How long has it been?

… Months.

And how on earth does this guy even..? Ah, forget it.

Both of them looked at Sviatoslav, who was standing on a hill nearby. One can only guess how Sviatoslav endures this severe cold without showing any signs of freezing.

Is it time for breakfast yet?

Gluttony is the only thing you care about, huh?

No, I also like to rid the world of sinners and foul-mouthed young princes. SVIATOSLAV! Come join us! A man has to eat!

The Prophet casted one final glance at the west, and then came to the campfire. Today’s ration included goat meat and boiled water.

Priyatnogo appetita!

Batushka Artemy buried his face in roasted goat leg.

Still no sign of the enemy?

They are waiting for something. Amassing their numbers.

The history will remember this war as the most retarded event that ever happened to this world. Just look at these wildlings. People in the city say that T’ien Ch’i invaded us because “fighting Bogarus is easier than rebels”.

Artemy suddenly bursted with laughter, dropping half-chewed meat on the ground.

That’s what she said.

Exactly, those are Bu-Ti’s words. They lost two battles miserably, and now they try to form a full-scale army on our borders. Some easy conquering they have there, eh?

Population of Trollhome stopped worshipping Bu-Ti some time ago. People there support our cause instead.

Spoiler

One has to be brain dead in order to worship Bu-Ti. Fun fact: they can’t even figure out how to spell her name properly. Sometimes they address her as “Bu-Ti”, and sometimes it’s “Bu’Ti”. How hard can it be to spell your God’s name? Ah, screw them. What bothers me more is what are we doing here? Sviatoslav?

We are waiting.

Waiting for what? You do know that no more reinforcements will arrive, right? The Tserkov decided to invest everything in eastern expansion. We have what we have; now it’s either attacking or falling back.

I thought you wanted to attack, Sviatoslav? We have enough forces to win this, no point in giving barbarians more time to prepare.

I was ordered to wait here.

Well, I don’t take orders from Rasputin. If I go away with my men, you will be forced to follow. You cannot take on T’ien Ch’i without me.

HOW DARE YOU?! BETRAYAL!

Betray my ass, fatso. I came here to fight. To support my kinsmen in battle. Not to freeze to death, waiting for barbarian cowards to come visit us. Rasputin’s orders make no sense!

Fine. If you decide to leave us here, I cannot prevent it. Your people are loyal to you, and will refuse to take orders from anybody else. But know this: we are not following Rasputin’s orders. He wishes to attack T’ien Ch’i just as much as I do.

Then what is the POINT of all this?!

The Countess told us to wait. Neither me, nor Rasputin will ever question her judgement.

The Countess? Elizabeth Bathory? Are you even serious, Sviatoslav?

Blasphemous, ignorant, spoiled child! After all that happened to you, TO US, how can you still doubt her? SOSUNOK!

Iyul looked at the map.

Spoiler

Ivory Keep is so close. They say it was built on the ruins of THE Ivory Keep – home of almost mythical demigod necromancer Chernobog. Warm beds, warm baths, warm wine. Maybe even hot women?

If you leave us now, we will probably die in battle, for our formations and combat tactics depend heavily on your peshtsi. But even then, I cannot disobey my order.

Really? You will stay here and wait for them to come and kill you? Is that what your Goddess wants?

That question has angered Sviatoslav a bit.

What do you know about my Faith, smerd?

Frankly? Nothing. You worship supposedly immortal woman that nobody in this generation had ever seen.

Ublyudok chernoslovni!

Give me a break, Batushka.

Sviatoslav did not respond. A trace of weariness flickered on his face for a moment.

Well? Tell me that I’m wrong! Tell me about your Goddess!

My Countess.

Now even Batushka Artemy seemed to be somewhat confused.

Peasants refer to her as Goddess, worship her, pray to her. But the Countess came to this world like any of us did. Once she was just an ordinary woman.

Sviatoslav sighed.

It’s not the best time for stories, Iyul. We have to be on our guard, otherwise we risk missing enemy raid. Stay with us for a while longer, and you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams. Abandon us now, and you will be damned for eternity.

Rewarded, you say? Rewarded with what? Gold? Lands? Castles?

Purity. Immortality. Eternal youth.

Is that what you fight for?

… No.

Sviatoslav stood up and returned to the hill he was standing on before.

He is too soft with you. Let me tell you this: you walk away now, and all of us will die here without your peshtsi support. But I swear that my ghost will haunt your treacherous arse.

Spoiler

Joined on the 4th of July choose your destiny!

1. The whole concept of Elizabeth Bathory commanding our voisko is insane. But abandoning my friends like that is a dick move, even by my standards. (stay in Rimtooth Pass)

2. I just want a tiny bit of comfort. Is it so much to ask? (move to Ivory Keep)

Knyaz Iyul spent the rest of the day keeping to himself. When the night came, he couldn’t sleep. It was too cold, and he was too anxious. Knyaz left his tent and sat by the campfire, hoping for a casual conversation with his fellow warriors. Something to take the psychological burden away for a while.

Suddenly, Iyul heard a shout from the lookout post.

THERE! IN THE DISTANCE!

Everybody grabbed their spears, shields, bows and quickly took the battle formation. Something was approaching from the mist.

It’s coming from the city!

We don’t expect reinforcements.

Are those things on his back… wings?

An angel… A blessing!

Ehrm. I wouldn’t be so sure on that.

When it came closer, it became obvious that the unexpected guest was not an angel. At least not the one that people usually refer to.

Spoiler

I think I’m gonna puke.

The “angel” was accompanied by several nearly naked men armed with morningstars. Their bodies were bearing fresh wounds, some of which were still bleeding. One can only guess how can they endure the numbing cold in such a state.

Two terrified women in chains were walking behind the group. Their faces have Ulmish features.

Name yourselves and state your business!

The group stopped in the distance, but didn’t respond. Batushka Artemy whispered:

Sviatoslav. I know these people.

I’m listening.

There is a certain religious movement in Bogarus, calling themselves Khlysty. To keep it short, they preach that any man can purify his own blood without Tserkov’s aid, but their methods are rather… well, you can see for yourself.

Self-mutilation.

Technically, they still serve the Tserkov, and every Khlyst respects and obeys the Patriarch. Their movement is not an official part of Krovoslavie, but the Patriarch often uses them to solve various problems.

Yep, I’ll definitely puke. See you later!

Knyaz ran towards the bushes, while the Prophet addressed the “angel” once again.

Don’t make me repeat myself, smerd!

We were just passing by, Prophet. No need to be nervous.

What is your name? Who sent you here?

I am Jagreen Lern. My companions and I are humble servants of the Patriarch.

… Reinforcements?

Merciful blood, of course not. We despise war. Our true enemy lies within ourselves, not somewhere in foreign lands. Each and every man has to fight his own battle, atone for his own sins. I have slain my inner demons, and now I travel the world and help others to do it.

There are other ways to redeem yourself! These warriors are in my congregation! You are not welcome here, Fivefold Angel!

I never intended to stop here. Just happened to pass you by.

With these words, Jagreen Lern turned away, revealing his back to the voisko. Some of the more sensitive fighters followed Iyul to the bushes, unable to stand the sight of torn skin and festering flesh.

Wait! Why are these women in chains?

Oh, them? They used to be whores of Ulm, which came here with Midgard’s diplomatic delegation. The Patriarch asked me to cleanse them. That is exactly what I intend to do.

Why are you going to the west? There is nothing but… Countess help me, are you going to T’ien Ch’i?

Precisely.

You are going to be butchered there!

Do not worry about us, Batushka. We can be discreet.

... Stay with us for a while.

Wh… Sviatoslav?

These women in chains are not here for cleansing, Artemy.

Jagreen Lern smiled.

I could use someone like you in upcoming battle.

Spoiler

JagreenLern pick your poison.

1. The Patriarch trusted me to convert the population of T’ien Ch’i into our religion. This war can be won without bloodshed. I shouldn’t waste my time here. (to Trollhome)

2. I guess I could stay for a while. Our movement was born in the shadows of Krovoslavie, but perhaps the time is right to reveal ourselves. I can use this opportunity to teach these warriors how to purify themselves, and to aid them in battle. (stay in Rimtooth Pass)

* * *

Both Namestnik Dmitry and Kaznachei Yuri were extremely surprised when Royal Auditor Azira invited them to have a drink.

Master Azira, it's both an honor and a pleasure!

To your health, Master Azira! Cheers!

Yuri drank his cup of vodka before the others even filled their own.

Namestnik. Kaznachei. The pleasure is all mine.

Say, you look a bit different. More… I don’t know…

Manly! Shall we drink to manhood?

Slow down, alkash ebuchi.

I’ve grown a beard.

Yes, now I see! You look less like a foreigner now!

First your beard, then inviting decent men to drink. What next, Master Azira? You’ll start swearing in Bogaslavic?

Stop pestering our friend, mraz! I’m sure he invited us for some particular reason!

Nothing particular. Just small talk. Maybe some… fresh rumors?

Rumors? Bah, if rumors could be used as a currency, I would be the richest man in this city! But alas, I have to suffer through my life in this wretched poverty.

Yuri took a sip from the bottle.

Let’s see… Well, first of all, we have finished construction of Ivory Keep. An expensive and ambitious project, to say the least.

That’s good news.

Nope! We’ve lost Ivory Keep to the rebels.

GRYAZNIE SOBAKI! How? When?!

I’ve heard the news this morning from Ambassador. Both Boris and the Patriarch are enraged.

The rebels overtook the castle right after it was finished? That’s some perfectly timed effort. How comes nobody saw them coming? The builders could send a messenger to the city.

Apparently, these rebels convinced the locals to join their ranks. I’ve heard that several Grand Princes are leading this band. They go as far as calling one of them Tsar!

We must crush them, crush them all!

That’s the problem right here – the Tsardom barely has enough gold to support eastern expansion, while fending off T’ien Ch’i barbarians. It will be cheaper to build a new castle than to reclaim Ivory Keep.

Azira scratched his beard. He is about to collect enough sinner's skin for publishing a new Tissue of “Pureblooded Herald”, but he has his doubts about the material.

Spoiler

Azira your move!

1. I must say something about the Ivory Keep situation. Public denouncement of the new Tsar is mandatory to maintain the Propaganda.

2. I don’t have enough material about the Ivory Keep situation yet. While I’m investigating this matter, I could write about something else. An article about Pythium should be interesting. They seem to worship some kind of monster and suffer from its mind control, and their hero Vergilius is an interesting and intelligent person. Maybe I could send my agent to interview him? Hmm.

What is Rasputin’s opinion on all this?

Rasputin? Nobody saw him since… I don’t know. Since Midgard’s delegation left?

How so? Did something happen?

What could ever happen to this man? HE is the one who makes things happen.

Da, he’s just locked up in Hall of Elders for some reason. No explanations or anything, just puff – he’s gone.

And surely you know the guards of this place, Master Azira. Even if Pantokrator himself suddenly returned and demanded access inside, they wouldn’t let him in without proper invitation.

You should have seen the Patriarch screaming there yesterday. He was standing in front of Hall of Elders all day, unable to go in, screaming and cursing Rasputin.

Don’t talk about the Patriarch like that. What would you do in his place? Our eastern effort is slow, our freshly-built castle is overtaken, and our voisko is just loitering in Rimtooth Pass. Because Rasputin tells them to stay there. Madness, blyad!

I wonder what he's doing right now...

* * *

​

Grigori’s mind was wandering way beyond this world, searching one realm after another. Even such a skilled master of Astral magic as Rasputin has difficulties traversing the realms. The main problem here is the time distortion. Sometimes you can live a whole life in the realm you’ve came to, while only a few moments will pass in your native realm. Other times it’s vice versa.

But Rasputin had no other choice. He had to find her.

ELIZABETH!

Another realm, another scenery. His body in the real world could be dead already, but he’ll think of something if that is the case. He could try to possess somebody else, or bargain himself another life with one of the Demon Lords. He’ll figure it out later.

ELIZABETH!!!

It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. Part of him was simply hoping that the Countess would feel his presence and contact him herself, as soon as he gets close to her. Although he mostly relied on decades of Astral practice, his experience and intuition. He knows her astral scent. He just has to find the realm where she's currently in – the rest is simple.

After what seemed to be an eternity, he entered an unfamiliar realm of death, green fog and toxic water.

And here he finally felt her.

We have a problem, Countess!

This time he had no doubt that she heard him. He’ll just have to wait.

Almost an hour later, Grigori saw a familiar reflection in the dark waters. Her ever-youthful face.

Grigori.

Countess Elizabeth.

You were supposed to stay in Bogarus. I contact you frequently enough, and give you clear orders. What could possibly be a reason for you to take such a risk?

I had a vision, Countess. We are out of time.

Explain yourself.

We need you in Bogarus. Everything is ready – our voisko, our research, and all other preparations you requested to complete.

I expected no less. I will come as soon as I’m finished here. T’ien Ch’i can wait.

The barbarian tribe is just a minor inconvenience, my Countess. There is a greater threat approaching, and we are not ready for it. The threat is of foreign nature, but it originates from within Bogarus. I saw your demise as clear as Pantokrator’s downfall.

You have some nerve calling your previous vision “clear”, Grigori.

True, I was unable to determine the reason of his vanishing, but the timing was perfect. He disappeared exactly the day I told you he would. And I was right about the ascension wars as well.

Yet you were wrong about Pantokrator’s current location. We’ve lost almost a year because you assured me I can find him in Kokytos.

That wasn’t because of vision, Countess. Seems like Geryon sold me false information on purpose. But I won’t let him get away with it, I assure you.

Your deals with Demon Lords don’t bother me right now. I will come to Bogarus soon.

I’m afraid that “soon” might be too late. You need to go now, my Countess. Otherwise, all our effort will be in vain.

Elizabeth’s reflection began to fade.

Return to your realm, Grigori. I will follow, but first…

The reflection dissolved completely, her voice turned into an echo.

I have to make sure that he won’t come back.

 

[sqeecoo]

I like Elizabeth already

And the decisions are getting serious! Be smart guys, we don't want to lose this!

 

[Joined on the 4th of July]

Iyul has grown to like these two - Sviatoslav and Artemy - even if they are somewhat unstable. Of course he'll stay.

 

[JagreenLern]

How can a humble servant such as myself refuse a request from our prophet? I will stay in Rimtooth Pass with Sviatoslav and his companions.

Also, it appears that the young nobleman with the strange hair is in need of spiritual guidance. I will do what I can to ensure his salvation.

 

[Azira]

Traitors within our midst. Propaganda must be turned, and swiftly!

1

 

[Grimwulf]

Fiodor will do his part for motherland. Those people sound like only ones who think even a little about простóй нарóд.

Iyul has grown to like these two - Sviatoslav and Artemy - even if they are somewhat unstable. Of course he'll stay.

How can a humble servant such as myself refuse a request from our prophet? I will stay in Rimtooth Pass with Sviatoslav and his companions.

Also, it appears that the young nobleman with the strange hair is in need of spiritual guidance. I will do what I can to ensure his salvation.

Traitors within our midst. Propaganda must be turned, and swiftly!

 

[Cassidy]

 

[Grimwulf]

 

[Azira]

Beards are manly.

 

[Matalarata]

Damn! I was away from home, enjoying the sun and the sea, and I lost the beginning of this pure
This is wonderful man! You're a genius with emergent storylines! You should be a DM in rl if you aren't already, I'm sure you'll make some pnp group very happy!

Anyway please, do sign me up for this epic conflict, nothing specific but Id' love to:

a) survive 'till the end or at least the near-end, even weaseling or retreating if necessary. Some non-combat role maybe?
b) allow my charming personality to shine, even at the cost of some fuck ups (I think I know why Rapsutin hates Ulm, maybe I could pull a Stachanov here too ?)

Apart from that, do whatever you wish. Use me as filler if needed!
Much bro-love to you, this is better than your old LP (an amazing task by itself) and almost enough to forgive you for the prolonged hiatus (almost).

 

[Suicidal Meat Slapper]

I await the arrival of our goddess and the destruction of these butthurt grand princes!

 

[Monstrous Bat]

So you started with a dormant pretender?

Any ideas as to what T'ien Ch'i is up to? Is Bogarus about to get fucked by hordes of blessed mongols?

 

[Grimwulf]

OKAY

Soon I'm gonna implement property points (or whatever I'll call them in the end). Dependent on how successful you are, how influental is your fraction, and generally on the mood of ruling elite, your charachters will be assigned provinces, castles, bodyguards and other sweet stuff. When you face inevitable death, all your achievements will be engraved in Memorial section 'til the end of times. Why? Idk, for the dick size contests.

Beards are manly.

Spoiler

You should be a DM in rl if you aren't already, I'm sure you'll make some pnp group very happy!

I'll probably git drunk before the game even starts.

Anyway please, do sign me up for this epic conflict, nothing specific but Id' love to:

a) survive 'till the end or at least the near-end, even weaseling or retreating if necessary. Some non-combat role maybe?
b) allow my charming personality to shine, even at the cost of some fuck ups (I think I know why Rapsutin hates Ulm, maybe I could pull a Stachanov here too ?)

Awright, I'll make your dreams come true. Knowing your incredible luck and Stachanov pulling skill, I wouldn't bet on your survival 'til the end, but who knows? All of the recruits are still alive, after all. Well, except for a special someone who was in suicidal mood lately.

Much bro-love to you, this is better than your old LP (an amazing task by itself) and almost enough to forgive you for the prolonged hiatus (almost).

I await the arrival of our goddess and the destruction of these butthurt grand princes!

Any day now

So you started with a dormant pretender?

Aye!

Any ideas as to what T'ien Ch'i is up to? Is Bogarus about to get fucked by hordes of blessed mongols?

Well, it's W9S6 T'ien Ch'i raiding poor Bogarus since turn 5. By all laws of logic, we should be dead already. Thankfuly, TC player makes a ton of mistakes, so we r gud for now.

But if someone gives him a hint or two, we're most likely rektd. I'm not a wizard, after all.

 

[Matalarata]

I'll probably git drunk before the game even starts.

I fail to see your point here... That's exactly how it's supposed to be. Anyway please continue soon!

 

[Grimgravy]

I saw Boris discussing US-Cuban relations on Fox news or CNN at the gym last night. I was quite surprised. I wish I could find a picture or video.

 

[Caul Shivers]

I recon our much anticipated God is a Vampire Queen?

 

[Azira]

She is pure of blood. Slander will get you nowhere, unbeliever.

 

[Grimwulf]

CHAPTER 11

​

Batushka Artemy couldn’t stand the presence of Jagreen Lern anymore. With a truly titanic effort, Artemy climbed the lookout hill where Sviatoslav was spending most of the days.

I swear by all Saints, if that urod proklyati stays here a couple more days, there will be consequences. I won’t have him preaching to my flock!

Old Eparch was truly pissed off this day.

Did you know that FIVE local virgin girls are now following his every step? You should have seen their eyes – it seems like they don’t understand where they are or what they are doing! They don’t even wear chains like Magda and Elza, and their families disappeared soon after they joined him. Sviatoslav, are you listening?

Leave him be.

How can you be so ignorant? Don’t you understand that this man corrupts everybody around him? Just look at him!

Jagreen Lern was standing by the campfire, preaching to several dozens of men and women. Most of his listeners were from the voisko, but one could notice quite a few locals as well. Even Knyaz Iyul Chetverti himself was present.

He who embraces the Pain, finds Salvation. The way of war isn’t the righteous one, but since you have no other choice – fight without fear. Don’t hide behind your brothers; don’t try to escape from the battlefield; accept the pain and death. You all have an exemplar right here.

Jagreen pointed his stump at Iyul.

Me? Oh, you mean... Yeah, it was kinda complicated back in Morassia.

Was it? From what I’ve heard, you charged into enemy ranks all by yourself, in a desperate attempt to save what was left of your archers. You didn’t try to escape even on a brink of death.

My mind wasn’t very clear at the moment.

That is because your blood and your instincts took over the control of your body. Your very soul demanded Cleansing. Apparently, your whole life is drenched in Sin.

I’m not that bad.

But you are, child. A good man would never embark on a quest to fight his own kinsmen. The pain you endured purified your somewhat, but it’s only the beginning. You will have to suffer much more, if you don’t wish to experience eternal torment in the Afterlife.

More suffering, you say? Isn’t there some other way? Charity, perhaps?

You are lost, but I can show you the way.

Artemy’s face was tomato-red, because of fury and severe cold.

Look at him brainwashing! “Embrace the pain” – what does it even mean? Do you want our voisko to lay down their weapons and charge at the enemy naked and smiling?

I want them to fight until the last drop of blood. Hold their ground until the last man falls.

Slaying sinners is the only way to find Redemption for a decent man. I have been preaching this to our warriors over and over again. And now this Khlyst comes and tells them “HEY! YOU CAN JUST GO AHEAD AND DIE – THAT’S EQUALLY GOOD!”

Then why are you whining here? Go to the campfire and say your word. Tell them that pain and death is good, but they should also slay as many enemies as they can before leaving this world. Go!

Swearing and spitting Batushka climbed down from the hill and went towards the campfire. He didn’t notice a hooded man that was watching him from afar.

* * *

​

The Patriarch had a hard day today, being drowning in debates with his Eparchs. A lot of religious doctrines tend to contradict each other, and need to be revised, but it’s never an easy task.

When he saw Yuri standing at the entrance, he felt relief.

I’m afraid I have to leave you, bratiya. Duty calls.

The Patriarch gestured Yuri to follow him to his private room in Grand Cathedral.

You took your sweet time, Kaznachei.

I’m sorry, Your Holiness. Circumstances.

That smell… Are you drunk again, Yuri?

Of course not! That’s just my medication.

Vodka is bad for your blood. Anyway, did you prepare the Royal Edicts?

Yes, they are both there, you just need to sign them and put the Royal Seal. I don’t intend to question your judgement, Your Holiness, but isn’t it strange that you award these two men, while leaving the others, including our heroes, empty-handed?

Alexej took two scrolls from Yuri’s hands, and put them on his table, along with ink, feather and Royal Seal.

What do we have here… Ah, Master Azira. Personally, I wouldn’t reward this man with anything, but Ad Avis insisted that we keep him well-fed and happy. I don’t need another quarrel with Rasputin just because of one province, so…

He signed and sealed the document.

Spoiler

Now for the second one…

Hoverdogoff? Really?

He has been loyal to me so far; successfully reclaimed two provinces; ready to conquer another one.

Technically, we owe Morassia to Knyaz Iyul Chetverti.

Should I remind you that he escaped from that battle? I don’t care what people say about Iyul, but the Tsardom doesn’t own him anything. He never won a single battle.

As you say, Your Holiness.

Besides, I want this to be a proper message for other capable leaders: Patriarch Alexej can be grateful for loyalty.

With these words, the Patriarch signed and sealed another document.

Spoiler

What about Sviatoslav?

I intended to award him with Ivory Keep, but you know what happened next. Maybe I will grant him T’ien Ch’i – we’ll see.

And Batushka Artemy?

We, servants of the Tserkov, live humble lives. We don’t need reward or luxury for our service.

Kaznachei looked over the room that was literally made of gold.

Right. I had another question. Don’t mean to show disrespect, but some people will doubt legitimacy of these Edicts. The Tsar used to sing these kinds of documents himself.

And since there is no Tsar anymore, the Tserkov makes decisions about Tsardom’s lands and other property.

I’m just saying that if there will be another Tsar, or foreign aggressor, or any other… ahem, ENTITY to rule Bogarus, your Edicts might be cancelled.

I don’t see how this is possible.

* * *

​

Spoiler

Spoiler

Meaglin is a poor leader, constantly being mocked even by his own people.

Spoiler

Just like with Bu-Ti / Bu’Ti, people of T’ien Ch’i can’t decide on how to spell his name correctly. Sometimes he is referred as Maeglin, and sometimes as Meaglin. After all the lost battles against Bogarus, his name became a symbol of failure and incompetence among the population. E.g., when a Bogarusian man gets drunk too easily, people call him Meaglin. When a Bogarusian woman can’t get pregnant, people say that she married Meaglin.

First the armies exchanged arrow volleys that didn’t inflict any major damage due to distance. Bogarusian infantry charged ahead in line and box formations. Suddenly, Jagreen Lern uttered something in Magda’s ear, and blood began flowing out of her nose, mouth and eyes.

Spoiler

Then he did the same with Elza, who was terrified and cried in agony. Local girls watched this process with smiles. The voisko was acting very strange.

Spoiler

First wave of enemy cavalry attacked.

Spoiler

The voisko managed to surround and dispose of them in a quick fashion.

Spoiler

Then climbed the hill with Ancestor Vessels.

Spoiler

Spoiler

Soon the voisko was obliterated, but they did their best and bought some time for archers and Divine Might of Sviatoslav and Artemy.

Spoiler

The cavalry charged into archers, butchering through their vast numbers. However, the archers had no fear in their eyes. But Ancestor Vessels did.

Spoiler

Spoiler

Their morale failure was inevitable.

Spoiler

Only the General refused to retreat. He wasn’t a bright person.

Spoiler

His death concluded the battle. Nobody noticed how one of the Styags, using this moment of somewhat confusing triumph, knocked out Batushka Artemy and took him away in unkown direction.

Spoiler

Although the price was high, Sviatoslav managed to defend Rimtooth Pass once again.

* * *

​

Ambassador Boris was surprised to receive Rasputin’s invitation, but didn’t really mind. He had his own questions to discuss with old Koldun.

Boris knocked at the door of Rasputin’s private room and stepped in without waiting for an answer.

Ambassador.

Grigori. You wanted to see me?

No, I wanted to talk to you. What was in that letter that you received from Atlantis earlier?

How do you… Nevermind.

Boris took a moment to think on his answer.

Although I have no obligation of reporting to you, I can share this particular letter in exchange for what is rightfully mine.

Go on, I am intrigued.

You are not the only one with eyes and ears, Grigori. I know that you negotiated with Ulm without even notifying anybody else. I am the Ambassador of this Tsardom. Not you.

I see. So you want to exchange information?

Not only this, but I want you to promise me that there will be no more secret meetings with representatives of foreign nations.

I won’t make any promises to you, Boris.

Listen, Koldun. You make things complicated. Rumor is, Ulm thinks of Bogarus as an ally of Midgard, all because of “negotiations” that I don’t even know about! What did you tell them?

I was visited by an unwanted guest. From ULM, no less. What did you expect me to do? Be polite?

What is the story between you and Ulm anyway?

There are several stories, none of which is pleasant. Let’s skip them for now. Ulm made some ridiculous demands about hanging over the virgin girls that Midgard gifted us, and

Wait, virgin girls? I thought they were whores.

Whores cannot be used in blood magic, and Midgard knows that perfectly well. There are other methods to have your way with a woman and preserve her virginity at the same time. So maybe they were actually whores, who cares? The Patriarch wouldn’t hand them over to his Fivefold Angel if they weren’t virgins.

The Patriarch dabbles in blood magic?

What you know about his past is only a top of an iceberg.

These women might cause a diplomatic conflict. What else did the messenger from Ulm wanted?

He offered assistance with T’ien Ch’i, which I immidiately declined. Ulm just wants to grab their territories and their city.

Anything else?

He tried to threaten me with forces they keep in Bleesed Basin. Unless their armies learn how to fly, there is no way to cross Rimtooth Pass from the south.

Right. So, there is no real need to gather an proper diplomatic meeting with Ulm. We have nothing to discuss, and any diplomatic activity with Ulm will make Midgard nervous. Our eastern effort will suffer from it.

Now tell me about Atlantis!

Why do you care so much? The frog creatures are not worthy of discussing. Granted, I was surprised to receive a message from them – didn’t know they can even write, but…

Answer my question, Boris! My patience is on its imit.

Among the crap about “we are not barbarians”, they offered an alliance against Midgard. It was all cloudy and such, but still recognizable.

Who wrote that letter?

“Nilak”, whoever that is.

Grigori started browsing through his notes.

I am not going to answer them, of course. Even if I wanted to, I don’t know what to say. “Hello, my fellow civilized creatures. I hope that this is still readable beneath the waves or wherever you are currently located. Yes, we shall gladly join you in war with Midgard. We will be happy to leave our former provinces to rebels and send 1,5 swordsmen we currently have available to fight against our northern kinsmen, all in the name of preserving your species. Even if our 1,5 swordsmen end up dead, have no fear – we can call for our main voisko, that currently protects our western borders from T’ien Ch’i barbarians. Or at least it used to, before it was completely destroyed. No matter. We can still fight two wars if that what Atlantis wants.”

Didn’t know you have a sense of humor. A horrible one, too.

Rasputin stopped examining his notes.

Nilak. Nothing about him.

Are you looking for something specific?

Carax, their new deity. I saw him in my vision. Now do me a favor, and start taking Atlantis more seriously. If they ask for negotiations – invite them to the Royal Palace, and send me a notice.

You must be joking.

Don’t test me, smerd. Now, any news from Ivory Keep?

We’ve announced a reward for their heads, some assassins and bounty hunters might be interested. Ivory Keep is rather passive right now, but I heard about their recent activity in the Hand and Rimtooth Pass. Katrina goes as far as saying that some of Sviatoslavs own men are agents of the so-called Tsar.

Proklyatie. The Countess will be displeased. Tell Alexej that I intend to deal with those rebels myself.

* * *

​

Sviatoslav, Iyul and Jagreen were walking among dead bodies, looking for Batushka Artemy.

He’s gone.

Keep searching.

He’s GONE, Sviatoslav. Just deal with it.

He is not a man who simply escapes the battlefield.

Sorry to break it for you, but he was among the first ones who escaped from Morassia.

Fear turns men into unworthy rodents, Prophet. Fear corrupts us, makes us weak. Artemy fell victim to this ancient enemy of mankind.

I know him. Artemy is completely fearless.

Even the best of us make mistakes sometimes, Prophet. Especially when it comes to evaluating another man. It’s so easy to be mistaken in others. Am I right, Knyaz?

Jagreen Lern smiled, as if hinting about something.

In any case, me and my followers must beg our leave. We still have orders to carry out.

Are you sure about that? In our current situation every man counts.

Don’t worry, friend. I’ve sent a message to an old acquaintance of mine. People call him Grimgravy.

Never heard of him.

I am sure he won’t disappoint you. He promised to bring you some fresh men from the city, in case of another barbarian attack.

It was an honor, Jagreen.

Sviatoslav punched himself in the chest, and walked away, leaving Iyul and Jagreen alone.

I couldn’t help but notice your strange tone when you said about being mistaken in other people.

Don’t worry, Knyaz. Your secret will die with me.

My secret? Which one?

Lern put his stump on Iyul’s shoulder.

Every single one of them, child. Just be careful with your little plan, for I have a bad feeling about this.

As he was walking away, Jagreen Lern added:

And remember that Khlysty will accept you among our ranks anytime.

That’s… reassuring.

At the end of day Iyul finished the battle report. It wasn’t pretty.

Spoiler

 

[Azira]

Morassia. That's a nice territory. Of course, I've got duties in the capital, so I can't spend as much time in Morassia as I elsewise would, but I'll make sure the province is properly developed and defended. At some point, it might behoove us to move some research away from the capital? If so, we could construct a lab and printing press in Morassia and work from there.

 

[Andnjord]

Now that's a good slaughter if I ever saw one. Unfortunately this war looks like more of stalemate for now, you're only bleeding each other dry for no gain. But who am I to criticize the decision done in the name of Our Glorious Lady? As long as I'll get a fancy hat and boots once I'm recruited (assuming Bogarus survives that long Blam! Heresy!) I'll be a happy camper.