From invite thread - http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=60319.msg2723735#msg2723735 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=60319.msg2723735#msg2723735)<br/>History - http://elliquiy.com/wiki/The_Twin_Kingdoms_of_Zagzys_and_Bergovia (http://elliquiy.com/wiki/The_Twin_Kingdoms_of_Zagzys_and_Bergovia)<br/>Rules - http://elliquiy.com/wiki/First_Edition (http://elliquiy.com/wiki/First_Edition)<br/>Related thread invite - http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=60794.0 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=60794.0)<br/><br/><div align="center"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"> Village of Ashrae</span></strong></div><br/><div align="center"><br/>(http://images.epilogue.net/users/lunatique/melancholic_princess.jpg)<br/><br/>http://elliquiy.com/wiki/Ayeoa]Ayeoa of Ashrae Mystic Overseer (http://elliquiy.com/wiki/Ayeoa)<br/><br/></div><br/><div align="center">(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2192/2260580981_c0af2ab9f6.jpg)<br/></div><br/><strong>Food Management</strong><br/><br/>Although milk and cheese is managed by goats about the village, most of the diet comes from semi-cultivated foraging of mushrooms, roots, fruit, berry, editable flowers and nuts.<br/><br/>Although nuts and berrys and roots grow throughout the forest nearby, the nation has dispensed of all clearing for agriculture in favor for "seeding" the forest with editable fruits and nuts more liberally than would otherwise occur naturally.<br/><br/>Yield and ease of such harvests are both sacrificed for maintaining a robust ecology of nature about them.<br/><br/>Harvesting is usually enough to meet the demands of the local populous, and involves drying the fruit and roots and keeping unused seeds in clay jars is used to preserve spare quantities. Such spare dried food is quickly distributed evenly throughout the village, and because the goods were acquired in separate nearby places, poisoning the village as whole is close to impossible.<br/><br/>To the untrained eye the forest about the village is untouched and there is no dependence on a working granary nor milling. The variation of foodstuffs managed this way is as close to a balanced diet as one could hope a village to manage, furthermore the variation of seeding ensures that at least a few seeded plants will be in a state of harvest at any time.<br/><br/>Once every week a small amount of fish is retrieved via nearby rivers, however the quantities are not that high and is used primarily as a flavoring of stews and not really a meal unto themselves. Other than fish, venison, rabbit, and boar can appear on a plate of any villager - but only at times these animals seem to be flourishing.<br/><br/>Typical meals are soups and stews consisting of radishes, roots, fish stock, baby spinach and sweet potatoes.<br/><br/>Food is served in small wooden or stone bowls shaped to be drunk from directly using both hands like a large handle-less cup. The only real cutlery adopted are wooden ladles for serving and implements (such as stone knives) needed for food preparation.<br/><br/>Soups stew in massive stone bowls filled with rainwater on fires of heated stones from the forges used by the blacksmiths and armorers.<br/><br/>All villagers are expected to carry and clean their own supper bowl, the loss of one requires the villager to create their own substitute .. quickly.<br/><br/><strong>Youngling raring</strong><br/><br/>The role of biological parents quickly peaters out after birth of any newcommers into the village, where soon their care is placed unto the village as a whole. As such many women can be seen breastfeeding younglings that are not their own, Although petty comparisons are made, on the whole this greatly aids the cohesion between families.<br/><br/>Knowing who the father is of any youngling in the community is mainly guesswork and no attempts of tracing or recording ancestry is made.<br/><br/>Teaching culture to the young is varied as it is haphazard. Those expressing an interest or aptitude towards skills usually become adopted by those who have mastered them, in hope of having anything between a transitory helping hand and a outright protegee.<br/><br/><strong>Current state </strong><br/><br/>A few powerful individuals (Ie Ayeoa and her followers) with specialized skills have shared a vision of a community which they hold strong hopes for and have recently found an area in the mountains at the crest of a valley overlooking a sprawling forest. Other than these individuals, a few families from a variety of races have taken their chances to dispense of their current lives in hope following Ayeoa's vision. These families more or less get along mainly because none seem to be nosey or opinionated about their history or quirks, usually because they themselves have enough skeletons in their closet not to provoke such habits. All are very easy on the eye even if as a whole they do not pose much of a military threat. Over the course of a few years the town has increased to its current state due mainly to those being paid to construct the castle district falling in love with the town enough to desire to move their families here permanently.<br/><br/><strong>Main Families</strong><br/><br/>Family - The Oranacks. A human family with a river fishing history, taken by the belief deposits of Moonrocks may exist in the rivers banks nearby. If deposits are found, the harvesting would be deemed property of the village, however the family will be granted considerable status and near constant respect for its management.<br/><br/>Family - The Rinn. A human family with varying skills in alchemy and tailoring. The lead member of this family was an alchemist that Ayeoa has hired to attempt to try and use silks to capture precious metals from the river mouths. It is their vision that fine threads of silk will over time be coated in fine layers of gold, platinum or mithril or other exotic metals unheard of. Success would trigger looming of these into "metallic silks", cloths of which the villagers would hope to dominate the tailoring and trade of. It is Ayeoa's hope that the alchemist and his family will become permanent citizens, a likely prospect if their efforts prove fruitful.<br/><br/>Family - Greshley. A large outcast elven family shamed by scandal and ridicule. Their knowledge of nature and the woods however has quickly redeemed their use in Ashrae's eyes. Furthermore this family has given the villagers considerable knowledge of editble roots and flowers, herbs and spices found in the nearby, as well as receipies that make stews of which delicious. Currently they have suggested the methodology the village currently adopts for food management.<br/><br/>Family - Uio. A blend of elf and human and halfling blood in equal measures, a fact deemed poorly by all but this very commune they are attracted to. This family has been lingering in and out of peasant-dom in other cities for generations. Most of their linage have at least some affinity to animals, members of which are most likely seen with a wolf at their feet or a more exotic creature as a pet. These "pets" are far from permanent or loyal as they effectively are wild creatures found desiring of their company. As such these creatures usually will follow an Uio about for a season or two before moving on. Often however these return at least once a year sometimes with more of their kind, usually during harsh a winter in the hope of easy meals, and safe and warm resting places, something the Uio are all too happy to provide.<br/><br/>Family - Roaoa. A family of Wood elves of a clan who have been displaced by the aggressive cultivation of land a land far away. Historically this family has considerable experience of forest warfare and are constantly speaking of the importance of a dedicated military being created as soon as possible.<br/><br/>Family - Lir. A family with skills in sapping and stone masonry. This family has been principal on designing a layout for a village with requirements of keeping the forest relatively untouched. Currently this family is conducting exploratory sapping to find caves about the crest of the valley.<br/><br/>The rivers about the towne are the freshest in the kingdom but close to freezing. During winter months the waters will partially ice over however due to the waters always moving a channel of the river large enough to permit passage of small ships would be relatively free of ice. Freshwater fish to thrive in these waters, but only ones tolerant of the cold, and in numbers far smaller than their ocean counterparts<br/><br/><div align="center">(http://fantasyartdesign.com/free-wallpapers/imgs/new/26Castle.jpg)<br/><br/>(http://images.epilogue.net/users/hythshade/Castle_falls.jpg)<br/></div><br/>Although its exterior does give the impression of royal elitism the truth is far from it. Most of its halls are decorated with paintings and erotic statues created by the villagers.  Overseer Ayeoa herself does not reside in the castle for reasons to promote it being viewed as beloning to the village as a whole and to personify a removal of any elitism that comes with positions of station.<br/><br/>She herself resides outside of what she deems is the "communal castle district", but often frequents it during the daylight hours dressed without jewlry or adornment or guards, as such is possible to figuratively pump into Ayeoa while she walks about her business, to those doing soon are faced with one who insists on others addressing her on a first name basis.<br/><br/>The "castle district" is poorly named as technically there is no castle for there are no castle walls so speak of, it is more district of an opulent conglomeration of round towers strategically built on an island in the middle of the major river running through the village, effectively giving the area an impressive moat and extremely good vantage point to view the surrounding glade at the top of the valley.  Instead of "castle walls", dense manicured trees and greenery take their would be place between towers.<br/><br/>Towers of the castle district all have dedicated uses, toped by conical roof's all serve non-military purposes, where round towers those topped by battlement ridges are reserved as the quarters of military personnel.   Each internal non-military tower has one guard on every level and two guarding each entrance.<br/><br/>Non-military conical topped towers are outfitted to serve particular roles, the major ones includes:<br/><br/>* Library and study hall<br/>* meeting place for resolving internal disputes<br/>* markets and trade tower<br/>* Meditation tower<br/>* map room (with one crystal ball fixed mounted into a pedestal)<br/>* food, water and necessities planning<br/>* treasury and accounting<br/>* Guest Quarters for visiting diplomats and guests of honor<br/><br/>All non-military towers are also linked by stone bridges with little cover but with breathtaking views. These exist at every odd level and are often drapped in fine silk vertical drop-banners of colors marking the season or others complimenting a current feastival.<br/><br/><br/>Above the second level these stone bridge walkways are often merged by a interlaced network of wooden decking which are covered during windy and rainy seasons in canvas roofs in the style of a circus marquee.<br/><br/><div align="center">(http://www.elegantmarquees.co.uk/images/layout/marquee-gallery-pic2.jpg)<br/></div>During the day these marque settings are used for a communal eating, live music appreciation, while some also serve as platforms for painters and sculptures or players of card card games or board games similar to chess. During dusk these areas of the castle is used to host formal dinners during festivities, speeches, debates, plays and dance carnivals.<br/><br/>These wooden decked platforms are always boarded by stone bridges lined by bird baths, purpose made bird nests and vased-creepers or more exotic flowering plants, all of which in turn overlooks the river and a splendorous landscape of plant and bird life boarderd by ice tipped mountains.<br/><br/>Private decking on the quest quarter tower includes an outside rainwater wooden-bath which is level with the tree canopy, when not in use, birds have taken to use it for their own purposes. While no diplomats or honoured guests to the village are present all are happy to let the birds do with it as they wish.<br/><br/>Three of these decked marquees area's are practically constantly reserved for a santaury of those indulging in drug use from opiates to dream weed to alchohol and are lined with statues of gods promoting such excession. Towers near these areas have rooms filled with hammocks for those too out of their mind to manage stairs safely enough to manage to get back to their own homes in one piece. These hammock rooms nicknamed "santuarys", are minimalistically illuminated, have constantly flowing water-fountains and facilities positioned at regular intervals throughout their internal walls. When occupied these rooms are monitored by three to five guards and at least one trainee healer or mystic. Message runners are also used by these rooms to inform occupant families of their members whereabouts.<br/><br/>Regardless of its opulence it is defensible due to very sensibly placed arrow slits and bridges throughout. The defensivility of the castle district would be simular to a Citadel of a third of its size, highly impressive for a small town but very low considering the total price of the stucture itself -<br/><br/>Total estimated fortification worth of the castle district - 70 000 gp,<br/>(actual cost due to decadent finishings is ten times that)<br/><br/><strong>Military philosophy</strong><br/><br/>As the value of life is considered greater than the value of objects, location or pride on being an impressive military force, defense tactics are refined in manners of a more dynamic approach to defense of the townsfolk and not the location itself. This has involved the investment in objects supporting a methodology and lifestyle which aid the harmony, trade, and the safety of retreating civilians in case the site has to be abandoned.<br/><br/><strong>Castle district entrances</strong><br/><br/>The castle has several thin bridges linking it to the rivers nearby. A network of cogs can chains in underground areas of the "castle" can break these bridges if the need arises.<br/><br/><strong>Village Center Overview</strong><br/><br/>The village itself comprises of an assortment of stone and wooden constructions where alchemists, blacksmiths and weaponsmiths as well as a host of other trades and services can be found. Most traders have houses merged to their shops. The elves of the town however prefer to live amongst the trees, although most occasionally use human-style residences during times the whim takes them.<br/><br/><strong>The Town's Fantastic Objects</strong><br/><br/><strong>Theadric's Everfull Purse, Gems:</strong>40,000 (creates 800 gp of gems per day) This is always in the treasury and is the towns most guarded and valuable item, although the village can support itself currently with taxes, this object is responsible for the payment of the creation of the castle district, the current treasury buffer as well as other things such as the medallion of empathy - central to the town's governing methodology. This has been used extensively to finance the creation of the towns infrastructure and currently the overseer seeks to employ adventurers to further the towns causes in order to stop being so dependent on the purse.<br/><br/><strong>2 x Medallions of Empathy:</strong>Enables the wearer to read the thoughts and emotions of anyone within 10 yards. This makes the wearer 75% able to detect lies, and 90% able to detect suprise. Worth 30,000gp (Used by those tasked with resolving internal disputes).<br/><br/>The donning of this ceremonial device is a presumed role of being an arbiter to the resolution of internal affairs. Those donning it are previously sworn not to reveal aspects of those they read that does not effect the current matter at hand. If this is abused, punishment for the one abusing is jeopardized in favor of rewarding the victims of the abuse and as well as the recording of the fact such that the abuser is not invited to perform this role again. It is deemed civilian duty to adopt the medallion to resolve bickering of others for a day when the need arises. Occasions where the verdict of the medallion wearer is questioned results in a public debate on the issue, unless the issues is one that creates continual resentment and unworkable emotions, issues escalated in such manners however usually simply become stories told into plays and songs. Although this very simple method of internal resolution does have its flaws and is abused quiet often, it doesn't take long for those respecting its mantle become well known and highly thought after. When this became obvious a new practice was adopted where those seeking resolution through the mediation do have to agree on an arbiter who dons it before the proceedings commence. If an agreement is not made within a two days, the arbiter is determined randomly. When not in use the medallion is placed over one of several statues in a the arbitration room, which is at all times guarded by three guards within and  2 outside each entrance. The second mediation is kept in the treasury in case the current one somehow is broken or made corrupt. The Overseer often does check the medallion for signs of being tainted, cursed or swapped for a fake.<br/><br/><strong>Telepathic Communication Crystal Ball: </strong>20,000 (controlled by Commandings steward to coordinate scouts and commands to military forces)<br/><br/>To most commanders such an advantage would make most forces invincible however although training of the military is seen to professionally<br/>up to half the military at any one time would be inhibited or otherwise unfindable due to the culture which embraces carnal desires. This military weakness is very well known to those in command of the army but the bonding to the townsfolk being lax on this measure is compensated by loyalty to the lifestyle the forces choose to defend. As such tolerating this ever present weakness is deemed a fair trade to not be in constant fear of divisions defecting to other nations or simply leaving.<br/><br/><strong>2 x Normal Crystal Balls</strong>(one which Ayeoa keeps on her person, the other which is reserved to be freely loaned to those charged with the current most important quest concerning the town's wellbeing, this may include being loaned to captains of the village's merchant ships). Other than scouting for nearby armies, the most common of uses for these objects is to find horses, livestock or children thought lost in the woods. While these crystal balls are available no desire to spoil the surroundnig area by using fences is envisaged.<br/><br/><strong>2 x Small Merchant Ships: </strong>These are ships that are occasionally used to ship materials to the town when the need arrises but more often than not are used to service the towns silk trade. These ships are equipped with a balista on its foredeck and have 10 soldiers guarding the ships when in hte towns habour. When set to sail the force on board is usually 50 soliders to ensure trade occurs without incident. [Small Merchant Ship Carries up to 1 million coins in cargo weight, weighs 250,000 coins when empty, requires 10 sailors to sail. Can carry up to 100 passengers for up to 2 weeks, and accomadate 50 passengers indefinately. ]<br/><br/><strong>Population 70 000 </strong><br/><br/>(Fortification value = 70 000 gp)<br/><br/>9 divisions of 333 each (each division is broken down as the following) (total 3000)<br/><br/>100 x Elven Longbowman (6gp each)  600 gp<br/>100 x Crossbowman:  20sp      200 gp<br/>40 x Heavy Infantryman 2gp          80 gp<br/>20 x Pikeman:  3gp          60 gp<br/>30 x Heavy Calvalryman: 6gp*       180 gp<br/>20 x Light Calvalryman: 30sp*       60 gp<br/><br/>1 x alchemist 300 gp          300 gp<br/>1 x Architect: 100gp          100 gp<br/>3 x Carpenter: 90sp            3 gp<br/>1 x Scribe: 15gp*           15 gp<br/>5 x Wagon Driver: 135sp         7 gp<br/>12 x Siege Crewman:  5gp*        75 gp<br/><br/>All equiped with magical weapons, arrows and elvin chainmail (including barding for horses) and payed 130 % typical wages<br/><br/>Total support cost = 1680 gp pm per division, at extra 30 percent pay = 2184<br/><br/>These "divisions" are commanded by one of:<br/>9 x Commanding Stewards: 1,000-1,600gp* (commands 200-320 troops) (2 of  which are followers who do not need payment)  (total 11 200 gp pm)<br/>... all reporting to<br/><br/>1 x General (follower - no payment needed)<br/><br/><strong>Total troupe payments = 9 x 2184 + (officers) = 19656 + (11200) = 30 856 pm.</strong><br/><br/><strong>Army Support Services</strong>(these stay stationed in the town and no not travel with the divisions)<br/><br/>16 x Elven Armorer@500gp     = 8,000<br/>22 x Elven Blacksmith @ 150gp = 3300 gp<br/>18 x Elven Fletchers@ 100gp  = 1800gp<br/>6  x Leatherworker @ 1gp     = 6 gp<br/>1  x Sapper: 150gp<br/>1  x Mason: 12 gp<br/>1 x Miner: 15 gp<br/>1 x Sage: 1000 gp<br/>1x Town Crier 10gp (to advertise the towns wanting of adventurers )<br/>Posting notices services 50gp (to advertise the towns want of adventurers)<br/><br/><strong>Total Support Services = 14 343 pm</strong><br/><br/>The Light Calvalryman is mainly used for scouting and messages and harassing supply lines or retreating forces as mobile archers. The alchemist is dedicated to brew healing / performance improvement and potions for the division. The Architect is dedicated to the creation of bridges, siege engines etc, commands the division's carpenters. The scribe acts as a map maker, scheduler and logistics. The Wagons are pulled by 4 horses each and to carry supplies as well as the injured or sick<br/>The Siege Crewman act as light infantry when not using siege engines or as as lackeys for the carpenters or foragers for the alchemist. The town's sapper insures foundations are of good order. The Mason ensures buildings are in a sturdy state<br/>The Miner maps surrounding caves and stone quality about the area.<br/><br/>All military forces are well equipped and well trained,but do live much laxer schedules than other nations.All military all have quarters in the castles towers cavalry horses are left to grace in unfenced meadows nearby that are herded by Calvary members which are on duty.<br/><strong><br/>Total Taxes = 48 000 pm<br/>Total Army and Support costs = 44 600 gp pm.<br/>Total Treasury savings per month = 3400 pm<br/>Current Treasury = 150 000 gp</strong>(just over 3 months wages of army and all the town's support services - this buffer is desired and required to manage the unexpected)<br/><br/><strong>Objectives</strong><br/><br/>* Seeking Henchmen (adventurers ! )<br/><br/>