PBEM game "Not Stupid But Slow": Running

[Cainehill]

Remember, raze, pillage, _then_ burn, in that order.

[Alneyan]

The Karenon Monthly: the best gazette on the Eastern marches. A summary of the present events happening in the known world.

- The rumours of demoncial influences within Arcoscephale: A growing rumour in agoras has it that the powerful Pyromancer leading our glorious nation would actually be one of those fiends we so despise. Such lies are ludicrous, and an infamy. Our ally was not born in the Shadeworld of Hades, but from the elemental power of fire, the lifegiver. Any claim to the contrary shall be met with the full force of the laws.

- The fall of Ulm: travellers have reported a collapse of the archaic kingdom of Ulm, far to the west. The once-proud nation is said to have fallen prey to invasions and, above all, the intrigues of infernal lords. It is now widely known that Ulm fiddled with the powers of the abyss, the most heinous of all corrupted powers.

The Karenon Monthly failed to determine the current status of Ulm; nonetheless, we strongly urge our readers not to travel to the area. We have full confidence that their neighbours will remove the anchor of these devils, allowing us to resume normal trade with the protectorate of Ulm.

- Marignon reports the capture of several spies: In the course of the past few months, Inquisition authorities have claimed to have seized a few illegal travellers in their lands. The Holy Office pretended that these passers-by were actually employed by the Strategon Council of Arcoscephale, accusations left answered by Arcoscephale.

However, the Ekklesia admitted the responsibility of Arcoscephale in this matter, but dismissed the incident as being "a mere misunderstanding between the Ekklesia, the Council, and their servants. These were rogues in our midst, and their actions do not reflect the policy [of Arcoscephale]". Marignon answered that "they have means to unravel the truth".

- The thrice cursed land of Pythium: Following many hardships, the Southern elite phalanx finally rescued the Reunification forces, who were besieged in a Pythium fortress by errand knights. The disgruntled hoplites rejoiced as the reinforcements were sighted, putting to rout the finest knights this part of the world had ever seen. The core of our elite troops repelled a cavalry charge without a loss; a living testimony to the quality of our training.

Meanwhile, reclamation of lands in the former Empire of Pythium (a vain title for the heirs of the glory of the Old Empire) has begun. Religious renewal has been declared the most important aspect of this plan, as the faith of Pythium has radically changed since the days of the Empire. Above all, faith will be needed to keep the darkness at bay. The abomination stemmed from the collapse of the Empire is indeed too close to our borders.

- The future of Arcoscephale: an overview. With much of our lore rediscovered, our treasury filled with silver talents, and our army unchallenged, the eyes of our people may now turn to our neighbours. While we do not share their outlook, Marignon seems a trustworthy partner, despite rumours of a war involving them and some demon-kin. Who would we be to blame them for fighting the fiends?

The Summer Land remains nearby, their kingdom a haven of peace and prosperity; or so it used to be, as our relationship had deteriorated for the past few years. But the biggest threat to the continued survival of our cities is the resurgence of the Enemy, the Living Dead of Ermor. These are the foes of tomorrow, and they herald the coming of a period of despair, blood, and death. Little will be gained by crushing them once more; but securing the peace of future generations, and the harmony of the Greater Sphere, is our only duty.

(If possible, I will add something like a schematised map, with boundaries and approximate locations of the various nations, and probably some more details on the current situation)

[Blofeld]

The mighty forces of Marignon and Pangea rid the world of demonic Abysians. Not a moment too soon, as they, in their wickedness, had already started summoning infernal beings, which would wreak havoc upon the face of the world.
Oh, a glorious war it was. I personally shredded Abysian phoenix to pieces (twice) and our soldiers stood valiantly against supehumanly strong, fiery and armoured enemies.

Hail to Crash - good game, hope to meet you on a battlefield soon.

[Crash]

Good work Marignon and Pangea.

I look forward to more battles with you in the future.

Crash.

[Blofeld]

... and the eleventh point of order of monthly proceedings of the Venerable Akademeia of Arcoscephale would be devoted to discussing the Origin and Nature of recently observed Caelestial Phenomenon...
... which is undoubtely a Stella Nova, similar in nature to the one mentioned in the manuscript recently unearthed in.. - esteemed Theophilos did not finish his sentence as he was in turn interrupted by impatient Anaxymenes:
- Rubbish! This is a Comet, returning near Earthly Spheres to prophesy victory to our glorious Empire and demise to barbarians of Marignon!
- Hrmph. Even a half-wit can deduce it is a Meteorite Swarm, soon to provide us with a picturesque night spectacle! - proclaimed irritated Philocrates.
- Colleagues, civil discu...

[The rest of the protocol from the meeting was charred beyond recognition, along with a dozen or so bodies of most sagacious Academics, suddenly struck by fiery death from the sky]

Spokesman for Arcoscephale's Ekklesia refused to comment on the speculations that research grants and admissions to Akademeia are to be subject to a much more scrupulous scrutiny from now on.
Additionally, a number of surviving Astrologers barely escaped lynch mobs of angry customers, somehow doubting the professionalism of comissioned horoscopes and divinations.

[Alneyan]

Could someone please explain why I put my clams and my most precious mages in my capital city, along with a nice sign saying "BLast that place to dust with Fires from Afar"? *Slaps self repeatedly*

[deccan]

Since I'm leaving on holiday on the 20th, and I'm just about dead and Alneyan is dead himself, I have asked him to take over my empire (or its remains anyway) for one final showdown against Marignon.

Good play Blofeld!