The Mind of Denezhdh

Moonshard, the Mind of Denezhdh

Name of Faction: Denezhdh
Government Type: Monarchy
Official Language: Denezha
Official Currency: Silvershards
Name of Capital: Moonshard
National Anthem: Denezhdhah, Mhoih Denezhdhah
Faction Leader: Overlord Zhilzh Silvertongue
Official Religion: Religion of the Five

Culture

History Presurface history: Archives will be added later. 14 April 1496 AD: The Denezhans, under the leadership of Vd'Hargo Hammerhand, finally settle around the remnants of old Carthage, building the city of Halhgdh. 3 March 1498: Vd'Hargo Hammerhand dies to smallpox, his son Mz'Hargo succeeds him as Overlord. 5 August 1499: Denezhdh declared war on the kingdom of Simon to aid the Romans. 6 August 1499: The Denezhan fleet sets sail from newly acquired Malta to Sicily, to conquer the capital of the Kingdom of Simon, to aid the Romans. 10 August 1499: The Cordoban Caliphate declares war on Denezhdh. 29 August 1499: The Denezhans conquer the capital of the Kingdom of Simon. 10 September 1499: The Cordobans invade Halhgdh, failing after 10 days of siege. 21 September 1499: One day after defeating the Cordobans, Halhgdh is invaded by the Kingdom of Simon. The Kingdom takes the already weakened Halhgdh after 5 days. 2 November 1499: The Almohads declare war on Denezhdh invading Arrowhead, taking it after 20 days. 11 December 1499: Mz'Hargo Hammerhand moves the capital of Denezhdh from the conquered Halhgdh to free Moonshard. 1500 - 30 March 1501: Arrowhead is attacked and conquered by Denezhdh, then Almohad and so on. Finally in March Denezhdh retakes Arrowhead, and holds it. 20 July 1500: Halhgdh is liberated by the Eastern-Roman Empire, who has come to aid the Denezhans, but remains after agreement of Mz'Hargo Hammerhand under Eastern Roman rule. 15 August 1501: Denezhdh wins it first naval battle ever, versus the Kingdom of Simon. 3 January 1502: The Denezhan marines act heriocally, defeating the large fleet of Cordoba with the heavily damaged fleet which won the battle versus the Kingdom of Simon. Fifty days later, the fleet is restored to proper size. 23 July 1502: The Denezhan fleet, obliterates the previously damaged Almohad fleet in one blow. July 1503: The Denezhan fleet sets sail for Malaga, trying to conquer the current capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba, taking it. 24 January 1504: Overlord Mz'Hargo Hammerhand falls from the stairs of Moonshard, breaking his neck. He dies after a few moments. 25 January 1504: Mz'Aghos, brother of Mz'Hargo, proclaims himself Overlord, but only the Ironfists and Stonearms support him. 27 January 1504: Mz'Aghos Hammerhand is dethroned by Bhlonh VIII Goldenlock of the House Goldenlock. Mz'Aghos' life is spared and is granted a place in the new Overlord's entourage. 22 March 1504: The Denezhan army marches for Cordoba. 28 May 1504: Bhlonh VIII Goldenlock is crowned Overlord of Denezhdh, being the first Overlord to be crowned in a long time. 23 July 1504: Denezhdh declares peace with Cordoba, the Almohads and the Kingdom of Simon. 12 December 1505: Bhlonh IX, the new heir to Denezhdh is born. 12 December 1513: North-West Africa is united under Denezhan banner. 6 July 1521: Bhlonh VIII is assassinated after declaring war against the Gandharans. 8 July 1521: Rhadhzh-Ervh'Ohrmhehingeh 15 December 1521: Zhilzh Silvertongue marries late Overlord Bhlonh VIII's sister Glozhah Goldenlock, deposing House Goldenlock and starting the Silvertongue Dynasty. Alphabet and Writing(s) The Denezhan Alphabet consists of six vowels, "a,e,i,o,u and ?y?h" (swap ? for any vowel), which to must people sounds like an e. The Denezhan Alphabet consists of all the consonants of the current Latin Alphabet, except for "x", but regarding "y" as a consonant as well, furthermore, the Denezhan Alphabet adds a few 'basic' consonants in combination with an 'h', in order to change its pronunciation, for example: "dh, sh and zh". In the Denezhan writings, only consonants are written, vowels are expressed in dots above the consonant it belongs to. One dot is used for an a, two for an e, three in the shape of a turned triangle for an i, a stripe for an o and two stripes for a u. ?y?h is expressed in one to three comma's turned upside down for ayah, eyeh and iyih and curves for oyoh and uyuh. The Denezhans also have an alphabet meant solely for religious writings, only adding the 'x' to the alphabet. There are only a few public writings of Denezhan hand, namely: The Religion of Denezhdh, by the Dragontooth Priest Chronicles of Rulers of Denezhdh, by Har'Davgh Silentstone The Vashan Revolt, by an unknown writer The Denezhans also own the single preserved book of Ghaldhan hand, the vast collection of Ghaldhan writings were lost when the great underground halls collapsed. The Ghaldhan book is know as Ghaldh'Harmokh Vhershdh, it is written in new-Ghaldhish, a language even the wisest Denezhans have trouble reading. Music Denezhans use primitive lyres, harps and kettledrums for the music they make. Rarely, Denezhans use flutes. Denezhan music consists of many consecutive discords, repetitive motifs and a low unchanging bass. Song is a little more complicated. Heroic poems, relgious songs about the Daughter and Mother and occult chants are sung by women, whereas men sing all the remaining songs. Men and women join in song at funerals, births and appointments of important clan members. Leisure Activities Popular ways of spending free time is categorized in four age groups: Children, Adolescents, Adults and Elderly. Children, having the most free time, since most children learn from their parents at their work for about five hours, often spend that time playing with the other children of their village, city or town. They play children's games, mostly tag and hide and seek or go on adventures in the area around their hometown. Adolescents spend about six or seven hours helping their parents with work. In their spare time, they like to play music, sing and dance or to hang out at the local tavern. Most commonly however, they practice sports in their spare time. Adults work for about ten hours a day. The little spare time they have, they usually spend on about the same things as adolescents. The elite of Denezhdh like to spend time reading, or visiting one another. The elderly, depending on their health, work four hours a day, if the work isn't physically demanding, the elderly often work as long as adolescents. In their free time, they usually gather at town squares where they will sit down and discuss on a variety of subjects. Some of the elders spend their time playing music and singing. The elite elders don't work and spend their time gathered in one of their houses, discussing, sometimes plotting, or reading, painting or sometimes writing and philosophizing at home. Birth and Naming After seven months of pregnancy, women will not leave their house anymore, since it is socially unacceptable to do so. Giving birth happens in the company of a midwife and all female members of the family who have given birth to children themselves. After cutting the navel cord, the child must be wrapped in black cloth and brought to a shrine of the Child, where the father of the newborn will wait. The newborn will be held for a statue of the Child, undone of the black cloth. There, the father will call out the name of the newborn. An offering will be made to the Child and after that, the newborn will be wrapped in white cloth and the father will return with his named child to the mother. For the children of the Overlords, the same thing counts. However, the name will not be announced to the public untill the Overlord and Lady of Denezhdh choose to do so. Son and daughters used to be named after their father or mother by adding a number to their name, but since the fall of House Herder, parents choose to change the name of the father or mother just a little, resulting in nearly similar, but different names, evolving every generation. Coming of Age Men As prescripted in The Religion of Denezhdh by the Dragontooth Priest, boys go through a trial on their fourteenth nameday. They will be pitted against wild animals in only leather armor and with close combat weapons. Sentries do stand guard however, to kill the beasts if things go out of control. Only twice in Denezhan history, someone has died during this trial. If the boys succesfully pass the trial, their heads will be shaved bald. They will be held within a cage for a week, with minimal amounts of food and water. The week thereafter, they will reside in a House of Plenty, where they will eat, drink and feast. After a week, the boys will be circumcised. After recovery, they are worthy to be called men. Women As prescripted in The Religion of Denezhdh by the Dragontooth Priest, girls go through a trial on their sixteenth nameday. First they will be imprisoned in cages for a week with minimal amounts of food. After that, they will have to preform hard labor. If succesfully complete the work without passing out, the girls will be sent to a House of Plenty. Those who do feint will be cut in a minor artery, tapping two hundred and fifty mililiters of their blood. After recovery, those girls will spend the rest of the week in the House of Plenty. After a week, all the girls will gather. Their hair will be cut to about two centimeters high. Then, there hair will be dyed with the blood gathered from those girls who fainted, and of the animals who died during the trial of the boys and the blood of the boys who were injured. For a month, girls will have to walk around with their blooddyed hairs. This is considered an honor for girls, to show others that they are worthy of being called women. Marriage As prescripted in The Religion of Denezhdh, young couples should marry in a temple dedicated to all five Divines, although the Child can be left out. If such a temple is not present in the hometown, a shrine or temple dedicated to the Son and Daughter, or one of the two, will be sufficient as well. The common people often wed in their own outfits, but the nobles wed in the most expensive garments. Early in the morning, the wife-to-be will leave for the temple or shrine, to be dressed up there by priestesses. The husband-to-be will come later, for it takes a lot less time to get him ready. The nearest family will gather in the temple or shrine where they will await the couple. There, the Priest-Overseeer, the leader of the group of priests and priestesses in a certain village or city, will marry the couple. The couple has to promise one another undying loyalty, to respect eachother and love no one else besides him or her. Denezhans marry up untill the age of twenty. Marrying above that age is considered a disgrace, however it sometimes occurs. Marrying above the age of twentyfive is unheard of. Denezhans know no such thing as a wedding night, for the first week after marriage, the couple will sleep separated, each in the house of their parents. Funerals For centuries, whenever a Denezhan died, the body of the deceased would be carried to the surface. According to the Denezhans, from the surface, it was easier for a soul to get to the Eternal Halls, than whilst being under the ground. On the surface, the deceased would be layed down on a boat, laying in the sea. The boat would be set on fire, while it drifts off from the coast. When the body is burned, the soul is released, ready to make its journey to the Eternal Halls. There was some sort of difference between the funerals of people from different classes. Warriors would be carried on a bier made of all sorts of weaponry. Guardians of the cities of Denezhdh would be carried on a large shield. Priests are carried on a draped piece of wood, while the common folk was carried on all sorts of stones, depending on their stature. Members of the clans were carried like priests, warriors or guardians, but with a larger entourage and more splendour. The Overlord was carried on Henhekh's Stone, ever since Henhekh III Herder fell onto that stone, dying because of the injuries inflicted by it. During the time that a person is carried, the Song of the Dead is sung. When the boat is set on fire, the Song of Eternity is sung by most funerals, except when it is the Overlord. In that case either the Song of Heroes, or the Song of Kings is sung. Following someones death, the Denezhans often mourn for a week. Denezhan funerals occur three days after the person in question is deceased.

Religion

Religion is very important to all Denezhans. The Denezhans believe in the Five, five divine beings who each have their own powers which they use to govern the world and all its inhabitants. The Five The Myth Before the universe existed, the Father and the Mother dwelled in the Eternal Halls. There, the Son and Daughter were born to them. The Son and Daughter however, wished for a spouse as well, seeing their Father and Mother being together and them being alone. However, the Father and Mother did not grant their wish. The Son and Daughter grew ever more alone and found eachother in their common loneliness. At a certain time, they lay with one another. The Daughter bore a child and gave birth to it. The Child, offspring of the Son and Daugther was born. The wicked deed of the Son and Daughter manifested itself in the Child, with the Child being a maniac, a true evil. The Child plotted against the Father, Mother, Son and Daughter. In response, the Father and Mother drained from the Childs power to create the universe and everything in it. They created the earth and its inhabitants, in order to distract and weaken the Child. All the earth's inhabitants are good and evil, due to being created from the power of the Child, which is evil, by the hands of the good. However weakened, the Child still has power enough to cause disasters and plagues, as punishment for their deed, the Son and Daughter have the task of protecting the earth against the Child ever since. The Divines The Father The Father is one of the two most powerfull divines of the Denezhan faith, the other being the Mother. The Father represents light and the stars of the universe. He is the Divine of death and the past, but also the Divine of trade, speech and words. He represents the season spring and the element water. He is the Law-giver, although he does not actively pursue those who defy his laws, but he will judge them in the end. The Mother The Mother is one of the most powerfull divines of the Denezhan faith, the other being the Father. The Mother represents darkness and the planets of the universe. She is the Divine of life and the present; she is also the Divine of agriculture and thoughts. She represents the season fall and the element earth. She is the guardian of knowledge, aiding the Father with her knowledge. Like the Father, she does not involve herself in earthly matters. The Son The Son is one of the three minor divines. The Son represents the season summer and the element fire. He is the Divine of war, industry and lust. He is also a Divine for specifically men, for he is also the Divine of male fertility. In contrast to the Father and Mother, who use words and thought, the Son favors the sword. The sun represents him, on earth, trees represent him. Furthermore, the Son is also the Divine of justice, he actively pursues anyone who disobeys the Father's laws in order to see justice done. The Daughter The Daughter is one of the three minor divines. The Daughter represents the season winter and the element air. She is the Divine of peace, culture and love. She is the Divine for specifically women, since she is the Divine of female fertility. The Son favors the use of the sword, the Daughter favors the shield. The moon represents her, while on earth, she is represented by flowers. The Daughter is the Divine of mercy, actively influencing people on the wrong path, trying to turn them onto a good path, to save them from harsh judgement by the Father. The Child The Child is one of the three minor divines. The Child represents the void of the universe, on earth the Child is represented by bushes and other brush. The Child is, on one side, the Divine of plagues and disaster, magic, the occult, evil, perversity and deceit. On the other side, the Child is also the Divine of playfulness, birth, puberty and weather. The Child is also the Divine of the future, hence being tied to the occult and often being called upon by soothsayers and prophets. Cults The Father and Mother Cult The Father and Mother religion used to be a small cultist movement, untill its popularity started to increase throughout the entire realm. The Father and Mother Cult dismissed the three minor divines, stating they were vile abominations, demons, with their only goal being to destroy all what the Father and Mother stand for. According to the Cult, the Son and Daughter were perverted beings, while the Child was the source of all evil in the world. At first, the Cult was highly extremist, attacking any non-cultist when they had the chance, however, when the Cult became a religion on its own, extremist members dissapeared. The Three The Three Cult, a small, secretive cult, revolves around the Son, Daughter and Child. The Father and Mother are considered too divine to be served by mere Denezhans. The members of the cult considered any way of servitude to the Father and Mother a grave sin, punishable by death. Outsiders who know about the cult, consider its members perverse people, since in most of their gatherings they engage in 'immoral' practices, yet according to the cultists, it is the right way to honor the Son and Daughter, and their Child.

Government

System Pre-Rhadhzh-Ervh'Ohrmhehingeh (568 AD - 1521 AD) Denezhdh is led by the Overlord and a council of advisors, handpicked by the Overlord himself. In the times of the underground realm, the Overlord let lesser lords rule other provinces, while the Overlord himself ruled the capital. However, no lord could create a law without the Overlord's permission. Also, if the Overlord decided something different than the lords, all of them had to follow his decision. Lords rule from the province's capital, often giving away some authority to mayors of towns other than the capital. Mayors have to obey lords, lords have to obey the Overlord. A lot of lords also hire stewards to take care of business that does not interest them, or were they don't excel at. Once every five years, the lords come together at the palace of the Overlord to discuss all that has passed and has come to pass. These events sometimes set the stage of a coup, the record of coups was four times in a row. At the moment, the clan Hammerhand has ruled the Denezhans over three centuries. Post-Rhadhzh-Ervh'Ohrmhehingeh (1521 AD - ) Villages and towns are ruled by Local lords, mayors, or as the Denezhans call them: Klyhnheh. Each Local lord holds allegience to his Holding lord and the Overlord. Villages and towns located around a city are merged together into a Holding. Each Holding is part of a Province. The largest, wealthiest or most powerful Holding is often the Province Capital Holding. Each Holding is ruled by a Holding lord, Krohdheh. The Holding lord of the Province Capital Holding is also the Province lord, Ovh'rzhdheh. Holding lords owe allegience to their Province lord and the Overlord, the Province lord holds allegience to the Overlord and the local clergy. The Crownland Province's lord is also the Underlord of Denezhdh. The Shard, the seat of power, isn't part of a province. It is a special Holding. It's lord is the Overlord himself, the mayors of the villages and towns around the Capital City of Moonshard owe allegience to him alone. Arrowhead is another special Holding. The Holding only contains the city of Arrowhead and is ruled by the High-Priest of the Five. Provinces and Holdings Map Holding name, Capital City, Ruling Family, Others 1. The Shard, Moonshard, House Goldenlock, Current Capital City of Denezhdh and a Special Holding. 7. Arrowhead, Arrowhead, High-Priest of the Five, Religious Capital City of Denezhdh and Special Holding, site of many great battles. The Crownland Province (North Africa to the right of the green line, with the exception of Cyrene and surroundings): 2. Z'd-Gahveh, Khrodh, House Hammerhand 3. Lakhvah, Lakhvah , House Waterfront 4. Zaavdh, Zaavdh, House Seafallen 5. Yhlanh, Lahguhn, House Overflow 6. Halhgdh, Halhgdh, House Hewnstone, Provincial Capital 8. N'd-Gahveh, Ghahvherhnh, House Ironfist 9. Crownpassing, Mah'dah, House Shieldforth The Westreach Province (North Africe to the left of the green line): 10. Longpass, Merzhdhah, House Traveller 11. Sunhold, Sunflare, House Sunrise 12. Vhashdh, Vhashdh, House Stonearm, Provincial Capital 13. Mhidheh, Khendher, House Gatherer 14. Northpass, Nhoh, House Gv'edh 15. Outreach, Odh'Rhekh, House Mharh 16. Zhaadh, Zha'idh, House Outbound 17. Mhekh, Mhekh'Hirh, House Lorhkh 18. Ohrahn, Ohrahn, House Duneway 19. Dhlehmken, Dhlehmken, House Sunfield The Cold Province: 20. Nharboh, Nharbohnheh, House Silentstone, Provincial Capital 21. Dhoulh, Dhoulhouzh, House Stormcrow 22. Ahuzhadh, Vhohikhzh, House Iceblood 23. Lorhdhezh, lorhdhezh, House Snowfeet The Golden Province: 24. Mhaldh, Vahledh, House Silvertongue, Provincial Capital 25. Shykhylyah, Lhilhyh, House Storehold 26. Mhezh, Mhezh'hih, House Horsemaster 27. Shyr, Shyr'hahkhuzh, House Herder 28. Bhen'gh, Shyrh'Ehneh, House Fleetford 29. Mahgharh, Dhernhah, House Portmaster 30. Dhezherdh, Ohah'zh, House Dryground The Blood Province (Red-bordered regions, mostly Egypt): 31. Waarhdh, Sereneh, House Forgefirst 32. Zhanh'dh, Whuzh'eh, House Sandstorm 33. Lhyhbh, Shywh, House Shieldbarer 34. Ehg'pdhush, Khamhbh, House Bladescorn, Provincial Capital 35. Ehg'bh, Ehg'bh, House Deathbringer Major Clans 1. House Goldenlock 2. House Hewnstone 3. House Hammerhand 4. House Bladescorn 5. House Stonearm 6. House Silvertongue 7. House Silentstone 8. House Herder 9. House Stormcrow 10. House Fleetford Lesser Clans 1. House Ironfist 2. House Overflow 3. House Seafallen 4. House Waterfront 5. House Shieldforth 6. House Deathbringer 7. House Shieldbarer 8. House Sandstorm 9. House Forgefirst 10. House Horsemaster 11. House Iceblood 12. House Snowfeet 13. House Duneway 14. House Sunfield 15. House Outbound 16. House Lorhkh 17. House Traveller 18. House Gv'edh 19. House Mharh 20. House Sunrise 21. House Gatherer 22. House Storehold 23. House Portmaster 24. House Dryground Important Individuals High-Priest Zv'Dhogho Hargho'Zhodh (Ruler of Arrowhead) Chronicles of Rulers Priest-Lords (326 BC- 568 AD) High-Priest Ghlarhdh, died 568 AD, ruled the Denezhans with an iron fist from 560 AD to 568 AD, when he was dethroned by the first Overlord of the House Herder. Overlords (568 AD - ) House Herder (568 AD - 966 AD) Henhekh Herder, born 542 AD, died 612 AD, ruled Denezhdh from 568 AD to 612 AD after overthrowing High-Priest Ghlarhdh, bringing about a new age in Denezhan history. Henhekh II Herder, born 562 AD, died 630 AD, ruled Denezhdh from 612 AD to 630 AD. Henhekh III Herder, born 610 AD, died 631 AD, ruled Denezhdh from 630 AD to 631 AD. He fell into a deep cavern, crushing his back on a large stone, the stone now known as Henhekh's Stone. Monhekh Herder, brother to Henhekh III, born 628 AD, died 684 AD, ruled Denezhdh from 631 AD to 684 AD. He was the most popular ruler of the House Herder. Henhekh IV Herder, born 669 AD, died 723 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 684 AD to 723 AD. Henhekh V Herder 'the Longliving', born 694 AD, died 812 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 723 AD to 812 AD. At the age of 98, his third wife gave birth to his youngest son, Monhekh II. Monhekh II Herder, born 792 AD, died 863 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 812 AD to 863 AD. Monhekh III Herder, born 821 AD, died 878 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 863 AD to 878 AD. Monhekh IV Herder, born 865 AD, died 913 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 878 AD to 913 AD. Monhekh V Herder, born 900 AD, died 982 AD, was the last ruler of the House Herder. He was dethroned by a member of the House Hewnstone. He ruled Denezhdh from 913 AD to 966 AD. House Hewnstone (966 AD - 1187 AD) Ezhlelkh Hewnstone, born 921 AD, died 980 AD, claimed the position of Overlord from House Herder and ruled from 966 AD to 980 AD. Eshlehk Hewnstone, born 958 AD, died 1012 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 980 AD to 1012 AD. Sheshlehk Hewnstone, born 997 AD, died 1045 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 1012 AD to 1045 AD. Sheshlahk Hewnstone, born 1026 AD, died 1047 AD at the hands of an assassin, ruled the Denezhans from 1045 AD to 1047 AD. Shezhelh Hewnstone, born 1029 AD, died 1093 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 1047 AD to 1093 AD. Sheshleh Hewnstone, born 1074 AD, died 1121 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 1093 AD to 1121 AD. Sheshlezh Hewnstone, born 1101 AD, died 1168 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 1121 AD to 1168 AD. He was, by far, the most popular ruler of the House Hewnstone. Hezhlesh Hewnstone, born 1146 AD, died 1228 AD, was the last of House Hewnstone to be Overlord of Denezhdh. He ruled from 1168 AD to 1187 AD. House Hammerhand (1187 AD - 1504 AD) Argo Hammerhand 'Furyfist', born 1152 AD, died 1225 AD, claimed the position of Overlord from House Hewnstone and ruled from 1187 AD to 1225 AD. Argo II Hammerhand, born 1199 AD, died 1260 AD, ruled the Denezhans from 1225 AD to 1260 AD. Argo III Hammerhand, born 1242 AD, died 1302 AD in old age, ruled the Denezhans from 1260 AD to 1302 AD. Argo IV Hammerhand, born 1287 AD, died 1360 AD in old age, ruled the Denezhans from 1302 AD to 1357 AD. He was the only Overlord to step down in history. Jh'Argo Hammerhand, born 1337 AD, died 1411 AD in old age, ruled the Denezhans from 1357 AD to 1411 AD. Denezhdh flourished under his rule and he was loved because of that. Yh'Zargo Hammerhand, born 1379 AD, died 1455 AD in old age, ruled the Denezhans from 1411 AD to 1455 AD. Gr'Zargo Hammerhand, born 1416 AD, died 1473 AD in old age, ruled the Denezhans from 1455 AD to 1473 AD. Vd'Hargo Hammerhand, born 1456 AD, died 1498 AD to smallpox, ruled the Denezhans from Ghaveh and later Halhgdh from 1473 to 1498 AD. He was beloved by all Denezhans. Mz'Hargo Hammerhand, born 1482 AD, died 1504 AD after injuries sustained by falling from the stairs of Moonshard, ruled Denezhdh from 1498 AD to 1504 AD. He was loved by the army, navy and the masses for his courageous assault on Sicily. Mz'Aghos Hammerhand, born 1488 AD, ruled Denezhdh for a few months in 1504 AD, before being dethroned by House Goldenlock. House Goldenlock (1504 AD - 1521 AD) Bhlonh VIII Goldenlock, born 1485 AD, died 1521 AD at the hands of an assassin, ruled Denezhdh from 1504 AD to 1521, after overthrowing Mz'Aghos Hammerhand, starting the Goldenlock Dynasty of Denezhdh. Thereafter, the Goldenlock Dynasty ended through the marriage of Glozhah Goldenlock, Bhlonh's sister, to Zhilzh Silvertongue. House Silvertongue (1521 AD - ) Zhilzh Silvertongue, born 1505 AD, rules Denezhdh since 1521 AD, after his marriage to the fourteen years older Glozhah Goldenlock, sister to the previous Overlord.

Diplomacy

Diplomatic Standings Almohad Caliphate = War Caliphate of Córdoba = War Czardom of Narakota = Neutral Eastern Roman Empire = Allied Kingdom of Bohemia = Neutral Kingdom of France = Neutral Kingdom of Ghandara = Good Kingdom of Great Dacia= Neutral Kingdom of Jerusalem = Allied Kingdom of Scotland = Neutral Kingdom of Simon = War Kingdom of Sweden = Neutral Prussia = Neutral Roman Empire = Allied Trade Almohad Caliphate Caliphate of Córdoba Eastern Roman Empire Kingdom of Ghandara Alliances None Wars Rebels Other None

Overlord's House

House Silvertongue Zhilzh Silvertongue First Overlord of the House Silvertongue. Glozhah Silvertongue-Goldenlock Daughter to Bhlonh VII Goldenlock and Ghlanah I Goldenlock, wife to Zhilzh Silvertongue.

An ambassador from Constantnople has arrived to Halhgdh. Please excuse his rudimentary Denesha and knowledge of Denezhdh customs, for he learned as much as could in the Repository of Learning in Constantnople and Restored Library of Alexandria. Unfortunately there was little to learn. He begins with a courteous salutation of "dvrtvrv grg vesds ffhhmj, zm ,k, lkkuk ukugtt.". He seeks audience with Overlord Vd'Hargo Hammerhand [OOC: I know where you "Hammerhand" from. King Helm Hammerhand of Rohan, born in 2691, reigning 2741-2759 of the Third Age, if memory serves.].

His name is Theodosius the Wanderer ("Theodosius" meaning "God's Gift" in Koine Greek, the official Eastern Roman language. The Denezhdh equivalent would be "the Father's Gift".).

"Heh bhradheh medh dhenh alhdh Ghaldheh dhialh'hekhdh, lhakheh." nobles giggle in the corner, clearly amused by the ambassador's words. [OOC: Translation: He uses the old-Ghaldhish dialect, how amusing.]

"Welcome Father's Gift the Wanderer, what brings you here?" Vd'Hargo asks.

[OOC: Vd'Hargo is by no means related to any LOTR stuff, I just needed a nice surname]

[OOC: I sure can't think of a better surname that describes someone so uniquely and well. C.S. Lewis used "Thunder-Fist" for a similar adjective. I like Hammerhand better myself.]

IC: Theodosius made little attempt to a mental translation of the nobles' words for it would take long enough to make the situation even more awkward (he already realized both times he used "s", it should have been "zh". Then there was his mistaken past tense and present tense verbs!), but he could sense something was very wrong here. Trying to breeze through it as if it didn't happen, he gave a courteous bow to the Overlord, and said,

"Greetings from His Imperial Majesty Emperor Frederick of the Eastern Roman Empire! I see you have taken residence in the grand city of Carthage. As a gesture of acceptance and friendship, I was dispatched to request a trade agreement between our nations. My liege is most interested in exotic animals of Africa (elephants and dromedary camels, namely) and rich grains found in your lands. We can dispatch Thracian Gold, Athenian Silver, fine Marble, Oaks, Mastic resins (apparently it's like chewing gum), and even some imported Far Eastern silk and spices.

"What say you, Overlord Vd'Hargo?"

Vd'Hargo made a few diagonal gestures with his head, the Denezhan way of nodding. "Jhaheh ovh Neyehe... Hanhdhelh...!" Vd'Hargo yelled through the dimlit chamber, waking some of the elder nobles who seem to have been sleeping. These nobles didn't look like nobles at all, wearing torn pieces of cloth. Vd'Hargo's clothes were torn as well, but they seemed to have been somewhat finer than the nobles. The nobles whispered to one another, gesturing diagonally.

"We agree to your proposal. Be advised though, we won't be able to give you a lot at this moment, for we are busy building our cities. However, once we are settled properly, we will be happy to trade at full capacity with your nation. Tell your Ovh'Rlhordh this and may the Father give him a healthy life, may the Mother give him wisdom, may the Son give him strenght, may the Daughter bless his offspring and may the Child safeguard him from evil."

Cordoba wishes to establish trade with Denezhdh.

"Let the money flow!"

OOC: Trade commences.

Gandhara wishes for trade.

Accepted

Great Almohad Caliph wishes to trade with great Denezhdhans.

Great Almohad Caliph wishes to trade with great Denezhdhans.

We accept your offer.

The new King of Jerusalem Amalric travels to The capital Of denezhdh:

Haill great King he says! I request an audience with somebody important of Denezhdh

The King of Jerusalem is welcomed by Overlord Mz'Hargo himself.

"Welcome King Amalric of Jerusalem. Why does Jerusalem honor Denezhdh with a visit?"

Because we are fascinated by your Mysterious faction we never had heard of before,says Amalric

We want to learn more about Denezhdh, So i propose an alliance and trade agreements if you wish, states Amalric

I'll gladly wait for your answer great overlord

"Does his majesty know that an alliance with the Denezhans will mean a war with the Caliphates of Almohad and Cordoba and the Kingdom of Simon? For trade, we will agree, but we will let you reconsider your offer of an alliance, so you won't be dragged into war without knowing." Mz'Hargo says. "You are welcome to stay here and learn all about our kind, even though we have little records left of our ancient underground life. Our elders still know a lot about those times however, so I would recommend you to speak to them if you wish to know about our history. In terms of culture and other things, I or anyone else in Denezhdh can help out a lot."

Mz'Hargo claps his hands, servants come forth to offer Almaric and his entourage food and drinks. "Please eat, drink. I will make sure your stay in Moonshard will be as pleasurable as it can be in these hard times."

'Yes, we heard about the terrible wars in the west, it saddens me to see west europe burn, Yes we know that war shall be upon us, and we still are behind the alliance.

Thanks for the food and drinks, these generous deeds will not be easily forgotten in jerusalem, Because of your friendship you showed to us we will send you soldiers to support you in the war to protect your homes!

Also i must say that your history is very intresting!

I hope the alliance is formed now,? states Amalric'

"If it is Jerusalem's wish, who are the Denezhans to refuse such an offer of friendship in hard times. It is a strange time indeed, but it gladdens my heart to see people and nations still having a conscious mind. We are in Jerusalem's debt from this moment forth, and, Denezhdh will promise, to help Jerusalem in its time of need, like Jerusalem aided us. I swear this oath, the Oath of Mz'Hargo Hammerhand, on the Father, Mother, Son, Daughter and the Child!" Mz'Hargo exclaims, holding his right hand against his heart. "Allies we will be, unstoppable and loyal. Take this copy of the Ghaldh'Harmokh Vhershdh. It cannot be translated, but it is a beautiful book nonetheless. It contains ancient hymns of the Ghaldhans which were, so I have heard, the most beautiful of songs ever sung."

'Yes, indeed very strange times it is!. I swear an oath that when you will fall (i hope it won't ofc)i will restore your empire, I will support you to the bitter end when the darkness falls upon us!

Because of this alliance we made a song for us both to hear

Home is behind, the world ahead
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadow, to the edge of night
Until the stars are all alight
Mist and shadow, cloud and shape
Hope shall fail, all shall fade

Glory to us all!'

"I hereby declare, that from henceforth, this day shall be known as the Day of the Two Oaths! Now let us rest, I will command my scribes to translate the beautiful song to Denezha so all Denezhans can sing its words."