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The New Dynasty Age

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Yiski:
The events are placed within the Burning Skies/No Limit world. Time wise, these events are years into the future beyond Limit. This ties directly with the Flotsam Dynasty Campaign event starting next week.

Decades have passed since the failed invasion of Anvala by the Baronies. Since then, no other faction wanted to waste their already limited resources in committing wars or even small scale conflicts. However, do not let the peace among the factions fool you. The world has becoming anything but peaceful. Those who brave the skies and risk their lives would say the skies have become more dangerous. But they laugh it off to say the dangers are only an inconvenience to great rewards.

In the past few years, the economic and political landscape have shifted. All factions have started using their respective forces to guard and patrol their own territories and trade routes. The new vacuum of power created by the withdrawing powers opened the way to a new age: The age of the mercenary guilds (or clans to the average layman).

The factions began seeing mercenaries as easy and cheap means to keep their interests protected. The sudden influx of coin caused many mercenary guilds to stretch their influence into areas unknown.

Of course, not all were willing to join the factions. Just as many saw this as the perfect opportunity to become pirates and raiders for their own interests.

Now, instead of seeing the flags of the major factions take to the skies, it’s littered by the flags of those (both new and old) wanting to make a name for themselves in this new age of profiteering.

Yiski:
Prior to the current events and inevitable conflicts, Zill’s ‘retirement’ in the Yeshan canyons has treated him well. Having the Yeshans ‘officially’ backing his privateering against other factions did wonders for him. Without the Yeshans interference, Zill, with the help of Yiski, managed to create a modest privateering guild based out of Chang-ning, specifically out of the Crimson Skies Saloon.

For a few years, Yiski would provide information to Zill about Baron and Guild merchants who would travel through the canyons. In return, Zill would donate some funds and a few ill-gotten goods to the saloon, despite Roland’s objections.

Yiski and Zill were content with their privateering business until a certain day. Zill had decided to let a few of his newest recruits take to the skies in his stead while he dropped by the Crimson Skies for a visit. Alongside him, as always, was Jun’ko.

[Yiski]
“Zill! Didn’t expect to see you so soon, or ever for that matter.”

[Zill]
“Well, I decided to let some of the recruits take control for a day.”

[Yiski]
“You sure that was wise?”

[Zill]
“If they’re alive when I come back, then yes.”

The two catch up on their recent endeavors. A little girl runs up to Yiski and he picks her up, much to Zill and Jun’ko’s surprise. Jun’ko then becomes ecstatic to learn the girl was Ny-Lee and Roland’s. Immediately Jun’ko declared her and Zill her official aunt and uncle, much to Zill’s sigh, but nonetheless smiling under his mask. While lifting her new niece, Jun’ko eyed over to Zill with a mischievous smile. Zill knew to cut her thoughts off.

[Zill]
“We’re not getting one.”

Jun’ko simply pouted and Yiski laughed.

The conversation continued, until the subject of their little privateering guild came up.

[Yiski]
“I guess we’ve had enough small talk. You’re probably here because of the rumor flyin’ around.”

[Zill]
“Well, while privateering is nice, I thought we should expand.”

[Yiski]
“Well, you know how hard it is to move raided goods long distances.”

[Zill]
“Which is why we’re not going to be privateers anymore.”

[Yiski]
“So, then we’re going to become a mercenary guild now. Figures, we’ve been talking about this over the radio a lot.”

During their discussion, many Hellfires where had, and niece played with, much to Jun’ko’s constant delight (Zill still could not understand how much energy she still had, not that he ever complained about it), the men’s plans to go mercenary hit a slight snag: logistics. Mercenary guilds required to have multiple ‘offices’ all across the world. While their current guild was sizable, there was no way it could stretch its manpower to the required levels.

Luckily, inspiration hit both Yiski and Zill like a lochnagar Hellhound.

The two quickly realized they still were in contact with Plasmarobo who headed Wild Winds Trading and BdrLineAzn who owned the Burning Skies Saloon. In addition, all of them were still in very good standing amongst themselves.

After a few radio transmissions, Plasma and BdrLine were sold on the idea of becoming a mercenary guild. Just one detail was left...

[Plasma]
“So, what are we going to call ourselves?”

[BdrLine]
“I’ve been wondering that too. Any ideas?”

[Yiski]
“Nothing. Zill?”

[Zill]
“Nope.”

[Jun’ko]
“Yeah, I might have something. It’s from an old book from I read. I think the story was called Robin Hood....”

After giving a rough recount of the story, the others were sold.

[Yiski]
“Well, I think we can all agree on ‘Zill’s Merry Men’”

[Plasma]
“Why not Plasma’s Merry Men?”

[Yiski]
“Because you aren’t nearly attractive as Zill is.”

Getting an okay from BdrLine and a low grumble from Plasma which Yiski took as an acceptance, the transmission ended and Yiski turned to Zill.

[Yiski]
“Well, aside from sendin’ some folks out from here to set up shop with them, we still have another problem.”

[Zill]
“What’s that?”

[Yiski]
“Well, I’m sure you’re goin’ to need a pilot you can trust. Lauren has other obligations and I’m sure you don’t trust your recruits that much.”

[Zill]
“Funny you should ask that. I have just the pilot.”

Zill whistles loudly enough to silence the saloon. From outside, a hooded figure walks in and approaches the two. Upon removing the hood....

[Yiski]
“Bloody skies... this is who you pick? Anyways, you look good for being dead.”

[Shinkurex]
“Yeah, I get that alot.”

Yiski:
People from all four corners of the world have been fascinated with the mysterious phenomenon being dubbed as “dragon eggs” found by the archaeologists all over the world.

Rumor has it one group has been able to hatch one of these mysterious eggs and even fly with the dragon.

Of course, despite the influx of sightings lately, this could not possibly be true...

Somewhere in the frozen Northeast of Cerca Trova, there were a number of ships anchored down around a small section of land. The ships were not from any faction, but from a guild and unlike most (if not all) guilds, this one was more interested in knowledge than combat. Their flags reminiscent of old and mythical creatures which terrorized the skies in ancient lore.

Below their ships on the cliffs being crashed upon by the ever shifting seas, a man sat in an open tent watching his men and women digging, excavating, searching for relics of the old world, and sometimes bordering on the edge of reality and fiction.

The man was covered from head to toe in protective and warm clothing. It did not matter what time of the year is was, Cerca Trova came in only flavor: Very cold, very icy, and very unpredictable blizzards which could freeze Hellfire.

The man in the tent was the leader of this guild, the Celestial Dragons. Their leader, Fade Dragontear. An ironic name given the fact his occupation dealt with resurrecting an already faded civilization.

As he sat and watched his guildmates tirelessly working, Niels Juel, Fade’s second-in-command, approaches.

[Niels]
“The wind is shifting.”

[Fade]
“...”

[Niels]
“Shame really, the view here is beautiful.”

Niels beard had gathered frost and snow from the harsh climate, he sighed as he spoke to his silent leader. At times it felt like he was talking to himself, but he always knew Fade was not one for small talk.

A few moments of silence pass before Fade rose from his seat.

[Fade]
“Niels, its time to prepare the fleet to mobilize. We’re changing tactics.”

[Niels]
“I am not sure I understand sir.”

[Fade]
“The times have changed. We once had support to do these expeditions, but now we struggle to maintain our tiny fleet.”

Niels stood quietly, knowing Fade was not yet finished.

[Fade]
“We found what we came for; now it’s time to show the world the true strength of the Celestial Dragons”

[Niels]
“Are you suggesting we join in the current land grab against the other guilds?”

Niels stood quietly and could only hear the wind blow by. If Niels did not know better, he could have sworn Fade was smiling as the two gazed deeply into the blueish green orb.

Yiski:
There were few things which are considered to be absolute truths. One of those truths is any baked goods bearing the Les Boulangers Sympas name and mark were the best and almost worth their weight in gold.

However, when these goods were first introduced into the markets years ago, many people were highly skeptical when it was advertised in a language many considered to be lost, but most importantly, what was advertised when translated:

“OUR BREAD IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD!”
“YOU WILL FIND NONE WHICH IS BETTER!”
“WE GUARANTEE OUR BREAD IS ALWAYS HOT WHEN SOLD REGARDLESS WHERE YOU LIVE!”
At first, nobody believed the advertisement to be true... until a few curious souls bought some Les Boulangers Sympas goods.

Soon enough, there was a craze for anything baked by Les Boulangers Sympas. At one point, it almost caused a few riots worldwide when shops and markets had to turn people away because they had run out. During this period, people began to wonder:
 
Where is Les Boulangers Sympas located?
Why are they able to keep their goods so fresh over long distances?
How are they able to do it?
Somewhere southwest of Navinstaak, lies a cavern hidden within the slick ice and howling snow. Any suicidal to travel on foot to Navinstaak, had a possibility of seeing a small flicker of a faint light. It is within this cavern where Les Boulangers Sympas, and their delicious goods, are located.

Once their location was relatively known, people began to speculate how their baked goods are what they are.

Most theories (and the truth) settle on Les Boulangers Sympas using technology from the old world.
Fortunately, Les Boulangers Sympas are not just simple bakers. From their profits, they have managed to amass their own fleet for the purposes of defending their shipments. Les Boulangers Sympas’ fleet is also used to defend their base from any competitor who would want to claim their technology.

With the changes coming, soon we will have a war. A war... for bread.

Yiski:
Despite all the overt movements all the new clans and guilds were taking in preparing for the inevitable all-out war, there were a few small groups which operated behind the shadows.

Some of these groups are typically considered cults with their own set of weird and strange rumors. Parts of the general populace believe them to be myths created to scare their children into obedience. Others thinks they were once a part of the old world civilization. Some think they recite strange texts and commit rituals like sacrificing goats or some other nonsense.

But for as many people which exist, there are a number of cults devoted to their own little world.

Take for instance how quickly tales of epic battles get spread.
They are not just told through the eyes of the survivors or the mere passerby. There is an odd group of people who dedicate their lives in following major guilds’ fleets, not for the purposes of committing their own attack or an intelligence guild, but rather an order of warrior monks, sworn to observation.

Why this group exists is hardly known to the outside world, mostly because of how small and secluded they operate. Only those who are a part of this cult of sorts can recognize each other, even if they have never met.

What little we do know is they pray to a black monolith which exists on all their ships, a direct communication line to their deity, Twitch.
When you get two or more members gathered for the same battle, they have the habit of joining each other for additional commentary rather than trying to kill one another. Like I said, they were an odd group.

One such member of this cult goes by PapaParadox. After his association with Yiski and Zill, Paradox grew bored of managing the Dandy Lion Trading Company. Sure, there were times where he would authorize ships to go purge a region of pirates for safe passage, but he always felt left out on not being able to witness the action himself.

Luckily for Paradox, he was approached by Qwerty with the chance to do just that. Of course, Paradox accepted.

As for today, Paradox managed to successfully follow a Merry Men fleet heading into an engagement against a handful of pirates. Licking his lips in anticipation, Paradox starts up his recorder. Paradox was not alone for this engagement. Alongside his small ship were two other ‘casters’: Qwerty and Brick Hardcastle.

[Paradox]
“You would think the pirates would’ve stop trying to thread the needle here after the fourth failed attempt. What they should have done was at least tried to pincer Blame Doug and Then It Was Rebuilt, but the Kyllo would manage to spot them and relay firing positions.”

[Qwerty]
“The pirates could have succeeded.”

[Brick]
“Yeah, maybe if they weren’t flying piece of shit junkers into....”

[Qwerty]
“Like I said ‘could’. OH WAIT! THERE’S A JUNKER GOING UNDER DOUG AND... IT KEEPS GOING, COMPLETELY OVERSHOOTING THEM AND...

[Paradox]
“... gets torn to shreds by the gatling-mortar. Shame.”

The rest of the commentary was fairly boring to Paradox. The Merry Men had destroyed their attackers without so much a scratch on their armor. Paradox let loose a melancholy sigh, but soon cheered himself up.

[Paradox]
“Maybe the Overwatch and the Celestial Dragons will be more interesting to watch.”

[Qwerty]
“That may be good, but I hear Cake and the Aeronautical Knights are fighting later this week.”

[Brick]
“Whatever, I need to head back and sacrifice a goat or two.”

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