Khorne

When deeplinking transparent PNG's from Flickr, I've found that you need to use the image in its original size. At first I made the icons at @2 size and then wanted to use them at 50% on EB, but whenever I used the Flickr resizing option, it added the white background. So I then made all icons 100% true size and re-uploaded them to Flickr and when deeplinking I now use the "Original size" option. The moment you pick something other than "Original size", it adds a white background.

Amazing! The ship by itself is already breathtaking and filled with plenty of details, deserving of a topic on its own, but the fact that you combined it with almost equally impressing terrain makes it mindblowing. So much to look at!

Glad you all enjoyed the additions. @Ayrlego also provided input and background content, plus gathered existing info. Most icons I had already made for the Essen page, but I made some new ones for the extra topics that are included in Jameis' Guide. I'm working on deeplinks for the figbarfs, because most are currently hidden on my Flickr page, but I'm planning to migrate those to the same account I use for the icons so my own feed doesn't get filled with only figures (even though, that's already 80% of my feed ). The Middle Kingdoms entry has been in the works for some months now and the Lotus and Monomonto entries were fine tuned over the course of last month in order to provide extra background information and inspiration for the coming challenges in the continuing El Oleonda conflict . Thanks for the info. I'm guessing there probably won't be an easy solution where I can just remove the white background, but keep the bold, italic, etc formatting. What a weird gimmick to include the white background, when copying. Doesn't really seem useful to me to include that function in the text editor.

Nice bayou with a great atmosphere. You're really bringing Nouveau Oleondia to life with these MOCs.

Okay, thanks! That's useful to know .

THE MONOMONTO SHOGUNATE or the Yamanokuni Domain Flag: Primary color: while the war banner of the Shogunate is black, there is no primary color in terms of uniform as all clans retain their own household troops Secondary color: the mon of the Monomonto clan is gold and thus gold is used sparingly as an accent color in some cases Demonym: Monomontachi Nickname: the Yamanokuni Domain, or in brief: Yamanokuni. An archaic name for the country dating from the pre-shogunate era, referring to its mountainous terrain. While coined by the original inhabitants, its usage became widespread under Lotii rule. Primary real world influences: (Late) Feudal Japan Religion: followers of the Nirvan Emmet, syncretized with animist naturalistic traditions Ruler: Shogun Monomonto Otomaru Monomonto Otomaru, head of the Monomonto Shogunate (by @Khorne) Capital: Hojo People and history: Living largely secluded from most of the known world, Monomonto is shrouded in mystery - even more so than its Lotii neighbor. The few contacts the Madrician nations have experienced with Monomonto were largely encounters with Monomonto mercenaries on El Oleonda, fighting in service of the Lotus Empire. As such, many Madricians mistakenly assumed the Monomontachi were in fact Lotii people, which was not the case. While there may be superficial similarities and Monomonto culture has been influenced in the past by the huge dominion the Lotus Empire has in southern Halos, they are a very distinct nation and people with its own customs and traditions. The history of the Shogunate is heavily tied with that of its ruling clan, the Monomonto. In fact, both are interlinked so vastly that the name of the clan has over time become equated with the country. Having spent decades as a subjugated vassal under the yoke of the Lotus Empire, the Shogunate finally broke free of its rein after a bloody civil war between those vying for independence and the imperialist Lotus faction. The independents won, but knew they would never be able to ward off a vengeful Lotus Empire forever. So, the most powerful clan of the faction - the Monomonto - decided to figuratively bow the head to the Emperor and acknowledge his supremacy in south Halos, promising never to claim the imperial title and would in exchange rule as shogun - military leader - instead. In theory, Monomonto was thus subservient to the Lotus Court, but in reality it was now free to follow its own course. While militarily still somewhat tied to the Lotus Empire, politically Monomonto had finally gained independence. Free from its overlords, the Shogunate enjoyed a cultural and economical boom that propelled the country forwards with enhanced prestige which enabled them to lay claim to, and take control of, both the culturally similar states of Dranomoto and Tendari. Monomonto society is highly stratified and feudal, with all members belonging to a certain caste with little social mobility. They rigidly adhere to their ancient traditions and customs and are extremely sceptical of outsiders, preferring a secluded life. The main reason the Monomontachi venture outside their own country is mostly due to their peculiar relation with the Lotus Empire, who tend to demand Monomonto mercenaries and warriors to aid them in their conflicts, invoking the oath the first Shogun made centuries ago. Geography: The geography of Monomonto is marked by mountainous terrain, rivers and deep forests that can make travel hard. Its unique nature has led to many splintered clans ruling their own eponymous domains in the name of the Shogun, but who are mostly left to their own devices in reality. While there are a lot of different clans, most of the lineages can be traced back to one of the three major clans one way or the other. A fourth, non-traditional power is also throwing its weight in the balance, backed by some smaller clans and families, challenging the other major players. Clan Monomonto - The ruling clan of the Shogunate. They have been the undisputed leaders of the country for centuries and are firmly in power. As a sign of their supposed vassalage to the Lotus Emperor, the mon of clan Monomonto is also a stylized flower. Clan Tori - While not nearly powerful enough to directly challenge the rule of clan Monomonto and the Shogun, clan Tori is the second most powerful and influential clan in the country. They were known to be members of the Imperialist faction during the civil war and are still regarded with suspicion. Clan Uchiwara - Ruling over a coastal domain, trade has made the Uchiwara clan rich in more ways than merely monetary. With trade has come knowledge of the outside world and exposure to new ideas and technologies. Perhaps the ways of the Shogunate should make room for something new and the Lotus Empire be renounced? Ikko-Brikki - A semi-religious organization consisting of (warrior) monks, ronin, laymen and commoners united in their belief in and devotion to the Nirvan Emmet. While at first a small sect, this grouping of people from all walks of life has gained considerable power and influence. They seek to rid the Monomonto Shogunate of its rigid class system and bring equality and balance for all, like the Enlightened One had always intended. Such thoughts are deemed highly rebellious by the Shogun and his court and thus the Ikko-Brikki and their allies are considered outlaws. Monomonto Cities and Towns of note: Hojo, the capital Monomonto settlements in New Terra: None Diplomatic relations: Corrington: Hostile Oleon: Hostile Eslandola: Indifferent Sea Rats: Indifferent Carno: Hostile Lotus Empire: Indifferent - while a military pact exists between both nations, the relations are hardly amicable War: A state of war exists between the Lotus Empire and Carno over colonial possessions in the New Haven Sea. Due to the pact between the Empire and the Shogunate, this means the Shogunate's relations are also affected. The Monomonto Shogunate is at war with Carno. The Monomonto Shogunate is at war with Corrington. The Monomonto Shogunate is at war with Oleon. Alliances or pacts: 'The Hojo Concordat', the peace treaty and political arrangement signed between the Lotus Empire and Monomonto Shogunate, stipulating military aid sent by Monomonto when the Lotus Emperor demands. Vassals: Dranomoto Tendari Defining characteristics: Each NPC nation has values for eight primary characteristics set by the leadership for the purposes of understanding the powers of NPC nations. These values are dynamic and may change periodically in response to events in the Brick Seas. Naval power: • • • • • • • • • • The navy of the Shogunate is basically non-existent, safe for a very small flotilla used to guard its own waters and keep pirates at bay. It is not nearly the size of the Lotus fleet, nor is it capable of challenging any of the Madrician nations. Military power: • • • • • • • • • • While the warrior class of the Shogunate upholds martial traditions and many of its daimyo are military-minded rulers, the Shogunate holds no real international military power or influence. Its samurai rarely venture outside the borders of the Shogunate unless in service to the Lotii Empire. Most of the sporadic fighting happening within the borders of the realm is fought between the personal levee armies of its military leaders. The Shogunate only upholds a very small standing army. During times of war, a larger force is called upon dependent on a feudal system of oaths and tithes. As such, there is little uniformity in dress, equipment or tactics. The military capabilities are powerful enough though to stop neighboring nations from invading and even allow Monomonto itself to exert its will on lesser countries if need be. Scientific advancement: • • • • • • • • • • The Monomontachi try to live a spiritual life, in tune with nature. While they are not wholly unschooled in the arts of the science, they undertake little themselves to further their knowledge and depend mostly on information brought in by outsiders or trade contacts. Political/diplomatic influence: • • • • • • • • • • Monomonto political influence on global matters is limited at best. Many nations in the north are hardly aware of Monomonto's existence and vice versa. In the south, however, they are one of the major political players and exert a decent amount of influence in Dranomoto and Tendari which are its vassals. Inner stability: • • • • • • • • • • The Shogunate has been ruled by the same clan for ages and things are unlikely to change for the time being. While not all inhabitants may be satisfied with the way things are in the feudal state, they readily accept their fate and move on with life. Sometimes an ambitious daimyo steps out of line, but is then quickly reprimanded by the Shogun or one of his allied clans, who are keen to expand their own influence and clout at the court. Despite the mountainous terrain having divided the country into many different domains, there is little chaos in the country and people prefer order over instability and uncertainty. While discontent and grudges have slowly been growing amongst several major clans, they haven't gotten serious enough to denounce or challenge the rule of the Monomonto clan. Treasury/coffers: • • • • • • • • • • The Shogun maintains a well-run bureaucracy and can count on a steady flow of income to upkeep a small standing army and keep the country running. There is a wealthy middle class of tradesmen, but due to the caste system they do not share the same landowning rights the noble samurai class enjoys. Exploration: • • • • • • • • • • Monomonto cares little for the world outside the southern peninsula and invest little time or money in exploration. They are vaguely aware of a "New World" and know a bit of the world in the north, but are largely uninterested. Cultural advancement: • • • • • • • • • • The people of the Shogunate take great pride in their culture and many traditions and try to elevate all things they do to a perfect art. They are sceptical of outside influences and strive for perfection in everything they do, believing their own traditions superior to all others. They are keen adepts of poetry and theatre, but are also firm lover of architecture - which they try to make as aesthetically pleasing as possible, creating harmony with nature and the world around them. Known Monomonto personalities and organizations: Monomonto Otomaru, shogun Examples of Monomonto builds: None yet. Examples of Monomonto troops: Assorted Monomonto mercenaries by @Ayrlego (on the far left; Lotii commander) Various armed Monomontachi by @Khorne Ikko-Brikki rabble (peasant rebels and Emmetist warrior-monks) by @Khorne Samurai and retinue (ashigaru infantry and Emmetist beggar monk) by @Khorne Clan Uchiwara infantry and samurai noble (wearing shaguma bear wig) by @Khorne

Jameis Farstrider sails again! Some new entries have been added to the Guide. I have a question for those who are perhaps more familiar with BBCode or whatever is powering Eurobricks. When copying text from on thread, topic or message to a new topic, the editor tends to also copy the white background behind text and images. This is rather annoying and so far I haven't found a way to "clear" text of this specific markup. Does anyone have an idea? Here's an example of what I'm talking about: I've already manually cleaned up the Heptarchy's entry and have started on the Lotus entry, but it rather tedious to manually clean it up via copying into a text editor and then copying it back into the browsers + relinking PNG images (which are transparent FYI). EDIT: So via trial-and-error, I've found that Flickr adds a white background to a transparent PNG when you use the Flickr resizer when making your BBCode link. Odd... Still doesn't solve the issue for text though.

THE LOTUS EMPIRE or the Great Harmonious State of the Unconquered Lotus Flag: Primary color: the war banner of the Lotus Empire is red, as is the color of the Imperial family. However, as armies are divided amongst military provinces, there is little uniformity in color on the battlefield. Secondary color: the Imperial family uses gold as secondary color Demonym: Lotii Nickname: "The Great Harmonious State" Primary real world influences: Late Ming and early Qing China, with various other east Asian nations. Religion: Wu-Cru, 'the Way' Ruler: the Lotus Emperor Chang, Supreme Lord of Dragons The Lotus Emperor, ruler of all Lotii (placeholder by The Brothers Brick) Capital: Liang Hui People and history: Little is known about the Lotus Empire and its people, culture or history. The handful of facts that have reached the northern nations are a mixture of gossip, hearsay and legends which have not always been corroborated. What is known, is that they are a highly ambitious and industrious people. While not necessarily the most technologically advanced in the world, they are not afraid to take up the gauntlet with the Madrician Great Powers and are undoubtedly the number one nation in southern Halos. The claim of being the Unconquered Lotus is one they are more than willing to prove. The Lotii are believed to be staunch adherents of the ancient teachings of the great philosopher Wu, who taught his followers to seek Harmony and Balance in all things and who philosophically divided the world into Five Elements. This school of thought permeates Lotii society and its citizens seek to achieve harmony in all they undertake, with each of them working together in the name of this Greater Good, believing they all have their set role to fulfill. This philosophy is apparently referred to as Wu-Cru and sets out a basic set of guidelines and principles to live a good life. The Lotus Emperor is seen as the pinnacle of harmony, having purportedly found balance between the Five Elements and having tamed the mythological Elemental Dragons. As such, the Emperor's rule is divine and his wishes and whims direct the course of the Empire and its citizens. Lotii tend to be rather arrogant and see their domination of the south as proof of their superior ways. They believe it is their purpose to bring the world into their fold under Lotii leadership and guidance bringing peace and balance to all, united in the name of the Greater Good. While Wu-Cru stipulates meritocracy and equality, these virtues are mostly reserved for the middle and upper classes who can move up in society through virtuous or valiant actions or by partaking in official examinations, organized by the Lotus Court, granting those who succeed access to the most prestigious branches of the government. Despite looming war, perhaps somewhere in the future peace will give way to more cultural exchange and information? Geography: The Empire is home to a great variety of biomes and diverse geography, ranging from tropical lush jungles and bamboo forests to nigh-impassable mountain ranges and arid deserts. While all territory and subjects fall under the dominion of the Lotus Emperor and all of the Empire is seen as his personal domain, the Empire is nevertheless divided into several domains for easier governance and to provide more defensive flexibility in war. These military provinces are each headed by a Dragon and have the authority to raise army units when required by the Great Lotus. Each is named after one of the Five Elements, which work together to keep the world in balance. Red, the Fire Dragon Banner - The Red Fire Banner army hails from the rich heartland of the Lotus Empire and is seen as the personal army of the Emperor. The Fire Dragon leading this military province is usually the oldest son of the Emperor and next in line for the throne. Green, the Earth Dragon Banner - The Green Earth Banner's homeland are the western reaches of the Lotii dominion, where the grassy flatlands of the center slowly start to give way to the unforgiving desert. White, the Wind Dragon Banner - When called upon, the White Wind Banner levies its troops from the Empire easternmost province, straddling the border with the Bouton and Peri protectorates. As such, it is not uncommon to find mercenaries from those nations amongst its ranks. Blue, the Water Dragon Banner - The Blue Water Banner army recruits from the damp southern province of the Empire. Yellow, the Lightning Dragon Banner - In times of war, the Yellow Lightning Banner is assembled in the north. It has a small core of professionals which guard the border with the barbarians of the Gerlo Empire. Lotii Cities and Towns of note: Liang Hui, the capital Byron To Keyto Fuji Lotii settlements in New Terra: Oryant, East New Haven Sea Luyang, East New Haven Sea Diplomatic relations: Corrington: Hostile Oleon: Hostile Eslandola: Unfriendly Sea Rats: Indifferent Carno: Hostile Monomonto: Indifferent - despite a military pact and a close history, relations with the Monomonto Shogunate are tepid at best War: A state of war exists between the Lotus Empire and Corrington over shipping and raiding disputes. A state of war exists between the Lotus Empire and Oleon over colonial possessions in the New Haven Sea. A state of war exists between the Lotus Empire and Carno over colonial possessions in the New Haven Sea. Alliances or pacts: 'The Hojo Concordat', the peace treaty and political arrangement signed between the Lotus Empire and Monomonto Shogunate, stipulating military aid sent by Monomonto when the Lotus Emperor demands. Vassals: Bouton Peri Banersbi Defining characteristics: Each NPC nation has values for eight primary characteristics set by the leadership for the purposes of understanding the powers of NPC nations. These values are dynamic and may change periodically in response to events in the Brick Seas. Naval power: • • • • • • • • • • The Lotus Empire upholds a considerable flotilla of war junks and plies the Brick Seas to protect its own shipping lanes or looking for plunder. Despite its numbers, the navy is rather outdated compared to most of the Madrician nations. It will hold its ground against the navies of its neighbors in southern Halos, though. Military power: • • • • • • • • • • Having a vast population at its disposal, the Lotus Empire is able to wield an army of considerable size if need be. Like most other nations of the South, the Lotus Empire only maintains a small standing army of professionals in times of peace, preferring to conscript or levy the peasantry to bolster its ranks for war. Despite its centralized government, the army of the Lotus Empire is very diverse in terms of equipment, uniforms and tactics. This is due to the fact that the Empire is split into several military provinces that each provide the numbers to supply one Banner Army. All of these provinces are also subdivided into smaller fiefs that work as a feudal system, where a lord grants a tithe of men to his overlord, all the way up to the Dragon - the military governor, ruling over a province in the Lotus Court's name. In total there are Five Banners and their respective Dragons, corresponding with the Five Elemental Powers that are supposed to keep the Empire in balance: Fire, Earth, Wind, Water and Lightning. Scientific advancement: • • • • • • • • • • In the past the Lotii were pioneers in the scientific fields, but over time progress has ground down to a near halt. Despite being rather conservative and believing in their own superiority, Lotii are not above using modern insights gained from the Madrician nations. If these insights are proven correct and reliable, of course. Political/diplomatic influence: • • • • • • • • • • While the Lotus Empire exerts considerable power in southern Halos, it holds little diplomatic sway outside its own sphere of influence. Its only presence outside the southern islands are its colonies in the New Haven Sea, which are heavily contested by the Madrician Great Powers. Inner stability: • • • • • • • • • • Despite its enormous size, the Lotus Empire runs like a well-oiled machine and can count on a sizable centralized administration to govern its territories and dependencies. The relation with the far flung colonies in the New Haven Sea is somewhat strenuous at times, due to the long distance away from the Lotus Court. As with most highly politicized societies, there is always petty court intrigue and internal power struggles, but a strong Lotus Emperor has always been able to rein in his subjects and put the Empire's goals above their own agendas. Treasury/coffers: • • • • • • • • • • As a result of its great inner stability and its functional bureaucracy, the Lotus Empire can depend upon a solid tax system that brings in a stable flow of income. In recent years, the Lotus Court has started to address its gold reserves however, in order to sponsor colonization and expand its borders. Exploration: • • • • • • • • • • Lotii have significant knowledge of the known world, but have done little with it. Their primary focus has always been its own territory first, with exploration coming second. Now that colonies have been established, this strategy is started to shift and the Lotus Empire is keen to become a world power next to - or surpassing - the Madrician nations. Cultural advancement: • • • • • • • • • • Despite being a heterogenous people, a shared culture has brought the Lotii together. Even though there are slight regional differences in dress, speech or way of life, nearly all Lotii greatly appreciate culture in the broad sense of the word, ranging from caligraphy, poetry, theatre, architecture and more. They pride themselves in their cultural prowess and tend to look down upon others. Known Lotii personalities and organizations: The Lotus Emperor Wu, legendary philosopher and spiritualist; founder of Wu-Cru - deceased Serpentine Guard, An honor guard founded centuries ago by one of the Dragons and originally drawn from members of one of the infamous Candarti Snake Witch Lodges, proficient in the use of toxins and poisoned weaponry. Examples of Lotii builds: Examples of Lotii troops: Green Banner Army by @Khorne (and one Blue Banner soldier)

THE EMPIRE OF PYROS - THE MIDDLE KINGDOMS or the Pyrite Heptarchy Flag: Primary color: Various shades of blue are used throughout the army's uniforms, with medium blue being the most common. Secondary color: Gold and bronze accents are relics and callbacks to the Empire's rich past, red is used for plumes or other decorations. Demonym: Pyrite Nickname: the Pyrite Heptarchy, the Twilight Empire, the Middle Kingdoms Primary real world influences: A diminishing empire struggling for its survival, an heir to a once mighty realm such as the real-world Byzantine Empire. Varying influences of Greek culture and history, with small doses of the broader Balkan and Diadochi empires. Ruler: Empress Zenobia Capital: Pyr People and history: The Empire of Pyros, also known as the Heptarchy of Pyros, is the political entity nested in between the major southern powers of the Great Alliance State and the Mokolei Empire. While it styles itself officially as an empire and is nominally still ruled by an emperor, the true power in this dying state is actually in the hands of the heptarchons: the rulers of the seven military provinces of Pyros. These two factors have led to the nation being known as the “Middle Kingdoms” among the people of the north. Once a major political and cultural entity encompassing much of what are now the southern provinces of the Great Alliance State and swathes of land in northern Mokolei, Pyros is now an empire on the decline, way past its zenith. Every day is a new fight for survival and trying not to be eaten up by its neighbors piece by piece. Aiding in their struggle is their efficient army and streamlined provincial rule. Pyros carries its rich past proudly with it, which is both a blessing and a curse. Strict adherence to the old traditions stands in the way of modernization and its famous bureaucracy - once a key factor in running a centralized empire - has now become a bloated and slow bastion of virulent nepotism. The level of decay and decadence in Pyros proper runs parallel to the decline of its military strength. While still fielding a generally well-trained and centralized fighting force - especially when compared to its immediate neighbors -, the Pyrite army is nowhere near the exceptional fighting machine of old. The professional standing army got increasingly smaller and made way for more mobile lighter units drawn from local regions to more easily counter enemy incursions, called the akritoi. These units float somewhere between professional soldiers and militia and are equipped by the provincial governments, but trained along the lines set out by the imperial bureaucracy. The Pyrites tend to approach things rationally and methodically and war is no different. Their generals are famous for the manuals they have written on war and how to deal with certain types of enemies. Their tendency to collect knowledge and pass it on along generations in a structured way is one of the reasons the empire has managed to stay alive for such a long time and helps to gain a marginal advantage over the less learned and younger empires such as the Great Alliance State. Even though the empire might've been on the decline for ages, that is does not the Pyrites themselves no longer know how to fight. On the contrary, the fight for survival has molded the Pyrites into stubborn and efficient fighters. Even though many “native” Pyrites are now mostly farmers and enjoy the simple life, in wartimes they form elite units of mountaineers and irregular infantry infamous for their capricious and volatile nature on the battlefield. Perhaps one day a strong enough Emperor will be able to rally all behind his banner once more and return Pyros to its former glory. Geography: While only a mere shadow of what it once was, the empire's territory is still vast compared to many other nations and as such it is home to a diverse climate and geography. Overall, the geography is mountainous and the climate is warm, ranging from pleasantly mediterranean in the west to increasingly hotter and more arid to the east. Vegetation follows the climate with the west being generally greener and a well-known home of olive trees and vineyards to drier shrubbery and grasses in the east. First devised as a means to optimize rule to more easily counter threats, the heptarchy (or 'rule of seven') has over time led to a breakdown of imperial Pyrite territory into seven distinct heptarchates which high degrees of autonomy. These heptarchates are the following: Pyros: the craddle of the empire, located in the western coastal region of the empire. It is also the location of the capital city of Pyr -from which its and the empire's name are derived-, a rich trading hub famous for its huge bronze colossus which guards the entrance of the harbor. Ellyria: the neighbouring lands of Pyr, Ellyria shares most of its culture with that of Pyros, although it has a less maritime tradition. Arvanion: the wilder, rougher and even more mountainous cousin of Pyros and Ellyria. While Pyrite culture is still dominant, Arvanion is the heartland region where the empire's diversity is mostly showing, with many local customs and dialects still in place. Myra: of all the heptarchates, Myra is probably the least mountainous and is known for its gentle rolling hills and green plains. Being the most flat land of the empire, it is also the most arable and thus serves as the breadbasket of Pyros. Karinthion Peleanos Bakharos: the easternmost heptarchate, guarding the border with the Mokolei Empire. Despite centuries of Pyrite rule, it is still considered a frontier region. Arid, dusty and mountainous - Pyrite culture never took strong root here and many Mokolei dialects are also spoken here. The people living here, however, are a distinct from the Mokolei and take great pride in their independence and the fact that they have always repelled all invaders of their realm. While thinly populated, there are several rich cities located in Bakharos, owing their wealth to their location along profitable trade routes. Diplomatic relations: Corrington: Indifferent Oleon: Indifferent Eslandola: Indifferent Sea Rats: Unfriendly Great Alliance State: Belligerent Mokolei Empire: Belligerent War: A constant state of belligerence and faux war exists between the Heptarchy and the Great Alliance States. A constant state of belligerence and faux war exists between the Heptarchy and the Mokolei Empire. Alliances or pacts: None known Defining characteristics: Each NPC nation has values for eight primary characteristics set by the leadership for the purposes of understanding the powers of NPC nations. These values are dynamic and may change periodically in response to events in the Brick Seas. Naval power: • • • • • • • • • • The Pyrite Empire only upholds a small and outdated fleet in the western sea to protect its harbours there. Being a mostly landlocked nation, it has little use for a large fleet. Also, there is no money to build and maintain a larger fleet. Military power: • • • • • • • • • • While the professional army might be small, it is well-equipped, highly trained and extremely motivated. When the local akritoi are not able to hold back enemy incursions, the main army is sent to deal with the intruders. Line infantry bludgeons the attackers with perfectly executed volleys, while the infamous heavy kataphraktoi cavalry crash into enemy lines and decimate most of the opposition. The army is built around the dictates of the Strategikon, a manual building upon centuries of expertise in warfare. (Open spoiler to read excerpts.) Scientific advancement: • • • • • • • • • • Scientific advancement as such has largely ground to a hold, yet the field of sciences in general is still held in very high esteem. Huge libraries of knowledge are open to peruse by scholars and even war itself is practically viewed as a scientific conundrum with mathematical solutions. Some advancements are made every now and then, such as the introduction of Pyrite fire: a fire-born chemical mixture that sows death and destruction upon all those in its path. Political/diplomatic influence: • • • • • • • • • • Officially, the empire stands isolated in its death-struggle and is tied off from most other political entities outside its borders. However, due to the unique position of the Holy Emperor of the Faith and being the descendant of Zeus himself, many pious foreigners flock to the banner of the empire to pledge their services. As such, the Emperor can rely on large numbers of foreign faithful followers for personal protection. Inner stability: • • • • • • • • • • Even though the empire might no longer be the political monolith of ages past, it is nevertheless more stable and smoothly functioning than its immediate neighbours. It might be a politically decentralized state, yet it can rely on procedures that have been streamlined and made uniform across the empire in the past. Despite rampant nepotism, the bureaucracy and administration is still well-trained and highly performant in general. Treasury/coffers: • • • • • • • • • • Continuous loss of territory and able-bodied men has sent the empire's coffers in a negative downward spiral. Every fallen subject means one less laborer to man the workshops or work the fields and thus generate income. Its strenuous relation with belligerent neighboring empires means there is little external trade and revenue which in turn makes there is little to invest in a better economy. Exploration: • • • • • • • • • • Largely landlocked and having to struggle for its own survival, there is no money, time or opportunity for much exploration. Pyrite knowledge of the Old World is quite extended and while they are aware of a New World, no Pyrite has ever been able to visit it, let alone start a colony. Cultural advancement: • • • • • • • • • • The Pyrite realm is tied together by a strong sense of Pyrite identity, culture, heritage and identity. Even though the Pyrite culture stands most strongly in the west, overall there is a strong 'us versus them' sentiment that unifies all Pyrite subjects in their fight. Pyrite cultural has slowed down, but there is still a large appreciation for the arts such as architecture, sculptures, theatre, music and famous mosaics. Known Pyrite personalities and organizations: Examples of Pyrite builds: None yet. Examples of Pyrite troops: Akritoi from various regions Phoideratoi, foreign auxiliaries Hoplitoi line infantry Stradiotoi, light ranged cavalry Kataphraktoi, heavy shock cavalry Brides of Ares, allied religious order (usually fights as light cavalry)

Beautiful scene! I thought Ayrlego would be the first to make an Altonian scene with his figs, but out of the blue it is you . I like the snowy landscape and the different types of trees you've built here, but it are the figures that steal the spotlight. Gorgeous! The bellhop torsos work so well for the the dragoons. Truly inspiring! The brick-built saddle is also interesting. I haven't seen that before. Definitely something to keep in mind. I didn't even know there was a dark orange horse available already. I'm lagging behind in the horse department. Lovely to see the NPC nations fleshed out.

Small builds, but with plenty of juicy details! I love the drinking cart in the first picture. The big barrel gives it a cartoonish look, even though it's also grounded in reality. I like how the scene is tranquil with the different soldiers simply enjoying a drink and chatting. I love that you've included some Essian soldiers. They are still very much present in Fort Arltrees to aid in its defense. Personally, I never used epaulettes for the soldiers because Essen is a really pragmatic society and they see too much decoration as gaudy or pompous. They prefer to keep things practical. The only units with epaulettes are the uhlans, because those wear copied uniforms. I've gathered all of the background info currently available in this guide, which I still update every know and then. Still, I'm nitpicking here and I do applaud the inclusion . The second scene is equally great, if not better! The idea for the fake dummy soldiers is so good and very well executed. I really love that scene.

Extremely beautiful! The double layer of the build makes it very entertaining to look at. Great job on the overall architecture and that curved ceiling. Well done!

I've always loved the architectural builds you've put out and this one is no exception. You really nailed all of the details that make this feel authentic to the area. Not that I have lived it, I'm far too young for that . But like someone else pointed it: it also reminds me of the later seasons of Mad Men when the main character buys a house reminiscent of your MOC, with the conversations pit and stuff. Lots of cool things to see here!

Nice color palette you got going. Great atmosphere. I love the inclusion of the yellow flower pieces for the leaves. I haven't seen that done much before.

Really loving this! The barge is such a unique build. On one hand, I'm kind of sad you didn't build the prison barge like you intended, but on the other the MOC you've made now is also really great with plenty of cool details. The chains holding the barge in place and the wood struts preventing it from toppling over are such great details to give plenty of character to the build. Same goes for the tattered cloth over the entrance at the side. Great touch there. The cannons are also well built and I love the sleds you've added there, but the barge takes most of my attention .

The influence of Norton's build is definitely there, but you did your thing with the subject and made another gorgeous build. You really nailed the architectural details and captured the feeling of Spanish America. There's plenty of details and things to look at; job well done!

Great addition to Stormhaven! You've nailed the aesthetics of the village and managed to put that "mangrove feeling" in the build. The addition of the building in the back aids in helping establish this house as an important trade building in the colony.

I'll echo what has been said here: the gives a wonderful overview of the smithing business. The roof is a rather unique variety which I haven't seen too often in MOCs. I love the inclusion of the small warehouse you did with all of the finished products. Nice touch.

I like the fence you did and the figures of the Tyree'dee. The idol in the second picture is also pretty great, considering you made it with "spare" parts. I'm also quite jealous of the state of your Islander pieces. My shields look all yellowed and the Kahuna masks are pretty dusty from having been excessively played with during my younger years .

Thanks everyone! We'll see how well these guys will hold up against the rampant Lotii!

Impressive column of soldiers. I like how you use the old and new torsos to differentiate between army ranks.

I love the buildup of the small cliff with the colors going from dark tan to brown to green. Also, I've said it before, but I really like the quality of print on that flag.

Wow, that is a neat trick. I thought you had Photoshopped the two images together. The cropped picture is indeed more immersive. Too bad about the soldier on the right though. Man overboard!

Oléon welcomes all who pledge their loyalty to the crown with open arms. No need to oppress those who seek Oléonese protection willingly. Also, there is no oppression in the Kingdom of Light. I can assure you: the sack is 100% Oléonese-made. No Eslandolan imports here . To clarify the bare feet: these are inspired by a mashup of several different types of 18th/early 19th (South East) Asian colonial infantry. I found it interesting that on many pictures or drawings I found, the soldiers were often bare feet, so I decided to keep that characteristic to set them apart from "regular western" infantry. So yes, they are definitely meant to be shorts like @evancelt already said. Check some inspiration below. The images on the right were used for the tirailleurs Jiangkainois, which have yet to be featured. But even there, you can see some people bare footed and with shorter pants. Thanks! Yes, the vegetation is indeed a good trick to make it seem larger and add an extra splash of color to everything.

Unit name: Armée de l'Orient Type: Line infantry Uniform description: Standard blue coat, black jingasa helmet, short blue pantaloons Equipment description: Standard musket, backpack, sometimes traditional Lotii blades are also carried into combat Recruitment center: Jiangkai, El Oleonda Unit history and description: After the incorporation of the Jiangkai territory into the Oléonese empire, the government was eagerly looking for measures to uphold the security of its newly acquired territory and defend it from the prying hands of the defeated Lotus Empire. The regular army of Oléon already stretched thin throughout multiple campaigns and theaters of war, the administration was quick to grant the permission to levy locally raised forces, consisting of Lotii colonials pledging their loyalty to the Kingdom of Light. Donning the blues of the Oléonese army, they serve as line infantry ready to defend hearth and home. Trained in similar ways to regular Oléonese infantry, their level of capability is on par with other units of the Oléonese army. Campaigns: Motto: More about the unit: