Word from the host:

I want to say that I am extremely pleased with everyone. We really managed to pull together and get things going. We may have our disagreements but at the end of the day we're all friends who enjoy writing together. Our ability to be creative should never be stifled. Secondly, I'm really excited about this RP. It's a bit of a throw back to Siege of Sentinel but this time the roles are a bit reversed. Starting a state is easier than maintaining one. For those of you who are veterans, I hope to see more of what you have to offer. For the new people, anyone is welcome to join. We've been doing RPs in the Timeline now for several years and even though things may seem a bit hectic, you really are writing with a group of upstanding people. Don't be intimidated by the scope of things.

Setting:

The RP is set a few years after the Oblivion Crisis. Taking advantage of the Empire's weakened state, political elements within the Summerset Isle take over the province forcing the Imperial garrison to relinquish control. A short but bloody war is fought in which the Empire also gives up its claims of Valenwood. The two provinces are united reforming the Aldmeri Dominion and an uneasy truce is reached. Seeing the Empire distracted, elements of the Crown faction under the young and capable noble, Hauron, seize power in Sentinel declaring independence from the Empire and claiming the throne of Hammerfell itself. The Elder Council quickly gathers whatever forces they can assemble from around the Empire and attempt to quell the rebellion. Hauron turns out to be the victor in what comes to be known as "The War of the Wolves" or "Sentinel's Usurpation" as it becomes known in the Empire. Now, years later, Hauron and his self styled "Yoku Empire" seek to expand their borders to encompass the entirety of Hammerfell and drive out any Imperial forces. In the south east a small pro Empire Forebear Confederation composed of Taneth, Roseguard and Rihad, backed by the Knights of the Nine Divine and other Imperial elements, now attempt to resist the Western King's wrath.

What will we be doing:

The advantage of a Siege RP I have found to be is that it can be very diverse in what you do. On the surface it is a military RP. But you have long intervals where the military aspect of things is conditional on waiting. So in effect you have elements of war and elements of adventure and individual character development side by side. You'll be picking a side although that is not required, and writing out your character's experience through the siege. You can be one of the attacking soldiers of Hauron's Sentinel, or a defender, or simply someone that's just there to observe. One thing I want to stress to newer members is that race does NOT denote political affiliation. This is not "Redguards vs Imperials." Things aren't so simple.



The Siege of Rihad

It's been years since the war in Sentinel. Corpses returned to widows, politicians slammed their fists on wooden tables. Politically disunified and unsure, the loss of Sentinel and other portions of Hammerfell was met by mild disinterest in the Capital. Along the south eastern coast of Hammerfell however, lay a self styled Confederation including Taneth, Roseguard and Rihad which proclaim loyalty to the Empire. The Confederation have asked the Knights of the Nine to act as protectors. Hauron, King of Sentinel and the self proclaimed Yokudan Empire can not stand that any portion of Hammerfell should still be in the hands of outsiders and seeks to expel the knights and any remnant of the Empire out. Bypassing Taneth and Roseguard, he seeks to cut the serpent's head off toppling the entire Confederation at Rihad where Hammerfell and Cyrodiil meet. The decisive siege will determine if the Empire will lose its last remaining port city to the Abecean Sea, their last remaining allies in Hammerfell not under Hauron's control and the fate of Hammerfell's future.


General Rules:
Use common sense. We're pretty lax about stuff for you newer guys. If you aren't sure ask around. Some things to keep in mind is that your character can die. Don't whine about it. Don't control other people's actions and again don't be afraid to ask if you aren't sure.

http://www.tamriel-rebuilt.org/forum/files/rihadviewedit_151.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j76/Titus-lord/TheCityofRihad-1.jpg

This is the basic map we'll be using. This is a much smaller scale variant keep in mind.


(Army sheets will be edited in as well as a few other things later on.)


DISCUSSION THREAD:

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1359761-immortalblood-timeline-discussion/

OOC: Small opening post. The thread OP is a work in progress keep that in mind. New people go to the discussion thread.


Life is just a fold in the fabric and fate something you had to laugh in order not to cry. Choices intersected producing results you can only shake your head at. Serosi sighed a sigh of serene irony as he walked among the defense emplacements with Ali al-Murabit, an Alik'r nomad who had come to Rihad on pilgrimage to the shrine of Satakal. Being related to the nobility of Rihad and showing he was capable enough, he had been elected to head up the city's defense. His manner was poetic and soft spoken yet firm. Serosi appreciated that he was humble and thoughtful, qualities that were often rare in others. Resourceful as ever, he grasped onto every resource he could and put it to use. Today was the last day to make preparations as scouts had already picked up the sight of the Sentinel army marching. Ali had command over the militia forces of the city, the various mercenary groups, the Imperial Guilds in the city and although the Knights of the Nine were independent they worked together. Aryon worked in the background over seeing and advising with Serosi as his aid.

"The Draa river has two bridges, one here..." Ali pointed in front of them as he often used his hands to speak for him. "...and the other to the east. Along the river and on the bridge itself as well as the beach we have obstacles making advancing difficult."

The obstacles themselves were little more than logs with holes cut through them and sharpened stakes fitted through deterring cavalry or the advancement of infantry. At the end of the bridge, a series of zig zag trenches were made with a group of soldiers in place. This would be the first line of contact.

"The mages were here earlier making preparations as well. If we can slow down their momentum before they reach our walls, we may yet tire them out." The two had stopped in the shade of some trees. A few of the soldiers and workers took a break there as well and the mood seemed sluggish and relaxed in the high noon sun. Serosi himself wore his noble's robes. Beautiful black silk spun by eastern insects formed a strong and formidable material. Dark violet patterns detailed Velothian proverbs in daedric letters. Due to his lineage he preferred to shield himself from the sun with a wide umbrella of Redguard style.

Several days earlier...


The Guild building was was a mixture of Cyrodiilic architecture influenced heavily by that of the Redguards, or was it the other way around? Columns outlined the grounds as massive colored domes soared high up above. No expense had been spared in detailing a symbol of Imperial influence in Hammerfell while also alluring the locals with their homeland's influences. The Mages Guild in Rihad had long been part of the city skyline and had compelled students of the arcane from all over Tamriel to settle. The proximity to the sea, the warm weather, the fertile grounds for exploration, the dwemer artifacts and the riches a port city brings were all present. Perhaps it did not have the centrality of the Arcane University but being outside of the Imperial City gave one freedoms only imagined in the capital. Few would like wise trade the warmth and culture for the dreg cold of Winterhold's College with all of its solitude. The inner gardens, guarded by Imperial-esque pillars and shaded by domes, acted as a forum for discussion among both faculty and students. Hundreds had gathered to discuss the state of affairs and the coming war. Most importantly on the minds of of many however, were the eastern magi of Morrowind.

Archmagister Tariq al-Za'id, a local by birth, sat in the circular space, seats the empty space on every side filled by both his peers and students. He sat quietly listening intently as he softly sipped the smoke from his pipe. A fiery Breton spoke in a voice that sounded much too strong to come from him. The strength of his voice was more representative of his abilities rather than his physical looks. The blue robes he wore spun as he turned, addressing it seemed each member of the Guild.

"When I was first approached with the idea to provide for Aryon of Telvanni, funds for research on the Dwarven ruins, I was a bit skeptical. I was proven wrong by his findings, and for this all credit is due. But we must remember that we only recently had the Archmagister in the Arcane University killed by practitioners of Necromancy!" Claude's voice raised with his last sentence familiar to those who took his classes on Conjuration. "Would we trade one external danger in the form of Sentinel's armies, for an internal danger in the form of the dark arts?! Should we make exceptions in dire times only to allow the Worm's thralls to slowly seep in under our closed doors and make nests within our chambers?! We should not, no, we cannot allow necromancy to be encouraged in any shape or form!" Looking satisfied having spoken on the matter, he walked back to his seat, his eyes searching among the others to see who would respond. Claude's eyes met with Aryon who was across the large room who was accompanied also by Serosi and Crane.

Surprisingly, none of them stood up to speak. Rather another fellow instructor from the Guild stood up. Casts-With-Tail, one of the instructors of Alteration stood up walking slowly toward the center. She wore a green robe that merged well with his green and yellow scales. She had a long neck and stood taller than most Nords. Her long robes touched the floor allowing only her tail to poke out. Indeed, her body looked so slender that it seemed as if a snake was addressing the forum.

"Although I respect Instructor Claude, as a colleague and as an expert in his own field, I must note that I disagree, not with his stance, but the manner in which he presents the issue. Our guests are members of House Telvanni, or at least affiliated with it in some manner. It is also true that they have experience with this new enemy from the west. And while I agree that those following the Worm King are our enemies, the practice of Necromancy itself doesn't lend one a member of them, anymore than Claude's use of Dremora servants renders him a follower of Mehrunes Dagon or a member of the Mythic Dawn cult. I have no interest in Necromancy myself and I must state that I do not advocate its use within the Guild, but does that mean we must apply our own rules into the lives of others? If, while in defense of this city, the fallen of the enemy can be turned against their own armies, by all means."

The Argonian spoke well and as gracefully as she moved. Before she could reach her seat, Claude, a firebrand for the issue stood lifting his hand up and pointing toward Aryon. "I can not believe my own ears at the defense of these necromancers! If the city falls we may lose a Guildhall but at the very least we won't be infiltrated! I would rather have no Guild rather than one with necromancy."

"Your words hearken back to your days as a witch hunter in the Reach rather than the realities today. And neither one deserves to be considered just a necromancer when their capabilities reach further beyond. A demonstration may be due in order." Casts-With-Tail rested in her seat awaiting Claude's response. He had been directly challenged and it would be in his advantage to win the argument by force rather than by words at this point. The fear of the possibility of Rihad being sacked so recently after the Oblivion crisis seemed like a more present danger than necromancy to many.

"I will demonstrate to this assembly that the defense of the city can be attained through other means." He eyed Aryon intently. To his surprise rather than him standing up, it was the Dunmer to his right. "What is this?"

"I've been Aryon's student for much of my life. I will be presenting for you today." Serosi did not look scary in the sense of an Orc or a Naga, but behind his youthful and groomed appearance, one could sense a sort of hidden strength. Although having been present for the past few weeks at the Guild, few had seen him and most of those who had simply assumed him to be Aryon's apprentice of sorts.

"Is this meant to be some sort of insult?" He looked up at those assembled as they watched with curiosity.

Silence was the only thing to be heard until Aryon replied. "Not at all, rather, you have been complimented."

Murmurs broke out as Serosi now seemed to have eyes locked onto Claude. Archmagister Tariq stroked his grey beard with curiosity, his whitening eyes more keen on what was happening than the others.

"Very well, I will humiliate you through your prodigy." Claude hissed gripping his staff. He was not used to being spoken back to. Being one of the more established and fiery members of the faculty, few really challenged his position.

Although this sort of display would to a certain extent horrify those at the University, magic in Hammerfell took on a more martial character familiar to the locals. Magic was taught to be used more directly and focused on more practical matters. It was very structured and direct resembling the Redguard's military culture.

Without missing a moment, Claude's hands raised up and from Oblivion's jaws emerged two Dremora Knights ready to do their master's bidding. Lightning and fire formed in Serosi's grasps that was replied to by Claude's smirk. As a Conjurer, he was quite confident and not without reason. Serosi's left hand called forth fire as the Dremora began to near. He launched the spell weakly toward Claude who Warded it away following another spell to shield himself from fire.

"I expected at the very least something more threatening than that!"

Serosi's method was first to find the weakness and then strike often using the enemy's own strength's against him. By first casting the weaker spell of fire, he made Claude use defensive spells that her perhaps didn't have the best grasp of. Serosi's efficiency with destruction calculated in the exchange. The fire shield spell cast afterward was another cost on Claude's part while Serosi could quickly regenerate the little bit he had used. "That wasn't meant to hurt." With his right hand Serosi cast the lightning spell at the Dremora to Claude's left. However the target that was intended to be hit was actually Claude. Seeing that he had a quick reaction time for frontal attacks, Serosi had decided to bounce the lightning spell channeling it through the Dremora and striking Claude from the left and staggering him. The hits you don't see strike hardest. In the same moment with his free hand Serosi cast another lightening spell, this time to strike directly at Claude.

The attempted wardspell did not have enough time to be properly in place and instead shattered through striking Claude yet again. Lightning spells by their very nature affected a caster's magicka. Serosi's spells generally had a touch of Mysticism in them making the spell absorb magic back to its caster. In effect, the Dunmer not only used his own pool of magicka, but that of his opponent any time a successful spell struck.

Claude caught his footing in time to see the two Dremora bring their blades to bare against his opponent. One cut low threatening to remove Serosi's ability to walk all together while the other cut across high for the neck. The agile footed Nightblade leapt between the blades into a roll and closed the distance even more with Claude. He was now in a full sprint toward the Breton who could not do much but repel the barrage of incoming spells from Serosi. If he let up on the destruction spells, Claude would only summon his servants to his side in a moment. In this manner Serosi easily out ran the heavily armored Dremora Knights.

In an attempt to slow down Serosi, Claude let down his arcane guard, long enough to use his staff to cast shards of ice toward the charging Serosi. The lightning spell barrage being quicker, struck the now only half guarded Claude sapping into the last bits of arcane reserves he had. The ice spell he had cast from his staff was redirected by the use of Mysticism to lengthening the Dunmer's curved dagger turned sword who's tip now pressed gently against the Breton's chest.

Everything had transpired so quickly that Claude simply had no reply. This summoned servants vanished as they ran to protect their master having failed in their task. Claude's own failure could hardly be blamed on him. Serosi, even though half his age, had year of experience dealing with Arcane targets. Claude had experience scaring rabble bandits and trading arcane spells from other fellow mages. Practices without application rendered the over confident useless.

"Enough!" Tariq stood up from his seat and smiled kindly at Serosi. "Serjo, you may take your seat. Claude please return to yours."

Tariq was advanced in age, a capable wizard and importantly, respected by most in the Guild and the city. "The images of seeing loved ones be raised after their death to be someone else's slave is indeed something evil, without question. But if we while defending our home, kill one attacker, would we not want to turn that fallen enemy into a raised ally? Those at the University can give all the lip service they want, but they aren't here to protect the city. We will use whatever means necessary to ensure the Rihad and Mages Guild has a future here."

Rihad, Docks

Vorandaril

Vorandaril, scholar, soldier of fortune, and disguised lich, sat motionless on the Rihad docks, deep in thought.

Astonishing. It has been not half a millennium and already the Cyrodiilic Empire has almost completely crumbled. It seems each subsequent Empire of Cyrodiil lasts for a shorter period of time. If the trend continues, at some point there will be no more Empire, not even in Cyrodiil. I would blame it on that stupid Levitation Act, but proper appreciation for magical innovation didn't stop the Reman Empire's fall. Vorandaril had been taking time to catch up on the two hundred years of history that he had missed. From what he understood, until just a few years ago everything was fine. Then one day the Emperor and his heirs were assassinated, Kvatch was destroyed (apparently for the second time since he retired to Nayamdar), Mehrunes Dagon invaded again, the last Septim died stopping him, and just about every province fell away. Strangely, only Morrowind and eastern Skyrim remained in the Empire. Knowing them, they probably stayed so they could continue to war with each other without having to worry about the Legion.

It wasn't just the provinces, however. Anvil itself had broken away. No surprises there. Single most wretched, corrupt city in all of Cyrodiil, a den of pirates and thieves, as I recall. Unfortunately, between that and Kvatch being destroyed, it had all but cut off Rihad from the Cyrodiilic Empire. If we want to keep this city, we'll have to do it ourselves.

Or rather, they would have to do it themselves. Vorandaril was merely a soldier of fortune, lending his services in exchange for magical texts. And he had learned that he simply wasn't cut out for it. Most liches were evil, depraved, or at least amoral creatures. Vorandaril, however, was not. Perhaps it was because he was very young for a lich, both in terms of his mortal life and in terms of the time he had spent undead. Perhaps in time he would cast off the morality of the world for whatever lurked in his own unbeating heart. But that day was not today, today he was a being who was being expected to kill, yet reluctant to do so.

This upcoming siege, however, had the potential to change that. A month ago, there wasn't a sense of urgency. Sure the port was blockaded, but after an initial bombardment, they had stopped. Now the enemy army was fast approaching RIhad, intent on toppling the Confederation at its head. In such a situation, it would be much easier to justify killing hundreds or thousands. Not only would he be directly defending the city and its inhabitants, but he would be defending magic in Rihad. In addition, he had learned much regarding the Yokudans' cannon weapons. Should he be called to strike, he now knew how to destroy a Yokudan ship with relatively minor magic.

This war is going to be an ugly thing, but I have to stay in it. I need the resources that the Knights promised me.

The Harbinger of Death...

In his quest to punish those who had benefited from Roxanna's death, Haroun had delivered pain to those undeserving. The Forebear militiamen who protected their villages had surrendered immediately, and were killed without mercy. Bomlikar ensuring their corpses were crucified. The gruesome display left long enough for the smell to pervade far from their location, word traveled virally through the confederation.

The High King, once filled with youthful idealism supported by cold logic was now fueled by hatred. The red lacquer armor he bore and war mask he carried had become an extension of his true self. A Red Devil, stained with the blood of thousands. He reached down with an armored hand, halting his horse in place.

Rihad's defenses were in eyesight.

The other armies in his command could be seen as well, making their way into position. His cousin Ruhk, and Bomlikar's men. The Navy had made there mark already for some time. Their early bombardment of Rihad making the war known and felt by all in that city.

His war mask concealed whatever expression was on his face, however his voice revealed his intent to all.

"Do it."

The man next to him, one Mogaba of the legendary Knights of the Scarab, 14 men who once belonged to an Order of 300 nodded his head. He shouted commands in Yoku, his men blowing horns throughout the Army.

The column approached north of the farmlands, halting roughly a kilometer. As the commands were given, Donovan's Navy would begin acting out the next phase of the plan. Bomlikar would start in as well. Bombardment of both city and defenses with timely rotation before maneuvering.

The Yokudan Empire's military dreadnought would not be stopped.