[13] Moving up

One month since I joined Lyrinthia, our population has swelled from a mere 100 to an astounding 1,000. We had officially transitioned from a village to a town, a milestone that demanded a celebration fitting of such an achievement. The town square, once just a gathering spot, was now abuzz with the vibrancy of a thriving community.

As the evening set in, the square was transformed. Lanterns hung from every post, casting a warm, inviting glow. Tables groaned under the weight of virtual food and drinks, an extravagant display of our prosperity. The air was filled with the melodies of musicians and the excited chatter of the townspeople.

Elara, standing on a makeshift stage, raised her glass, calling for attention. "Alright, you beautiful bastards, look at what we've achieved! We're not just a town; we're a fking force to be reckoned with!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, clinking glasses and shouting in agreement. The sense of pride was palpable, each person basking in the collective accomplishment.

Elara continued, her voice carrying over the din. "A week ago, we were a village, and now look at us. This isn't just growth; it's a goddamn explosion! And it's all thanks to every single one of you. You've built, fought, negotiated, and hustled to make this happen."

I stood off to the side, smiling as I watched Elara command the crowd. Her ability to inspire and rally the people was nothing short of incredible.

"And let's not forget," Elara added, "this growth brings new challenges. More mouths to feed, more land to manage, and more assholes trying to knock us down. But we'll face each challenge head-on because that's what we do in Lyrinthia!"

The crowd's response was a mix of cheers and determined shouts, a collective affirmation of our readiness to meet any challenge.

As the celebration continued, people danced, ate, and shared stories of their experiences in Lyrinthia. The atmosphere was one of jubilation and camaraderie, a community united not just by virtual proximity but by shared goals and aspirations.

At one point, Elara joined me, a rare moment of relaxation evident in her posture. "Not bad for a week's work, huh?" she said, a grin on her face.

I laughed. "Not bad at all. You think we're ready for what's next?"

Elara's expression turned serious, but her eyes sparkled with determination. "We have to be. Growth like this puts us on the map, and not everyone will be happy about that. We'll need to be smarter, stronger, and more united than ever."

I nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "We'll be ready. Lyrinthia has come this far; we're not backing down now."

***

The morning after our town's celebration, with the high spirits slightly dimmed, I found Elara overseeing the training of our militia. Sensing an opportunity to deepen my understanding of the game's mechanics, I approached her with a question that had been on my mind.

"Elara, how exactly does war work in GoK?" I asked, watching as the militia practiced their maneuvers.

She turned to me, her expression turning serious. "War, huh? That's a whole different beast in this game. Only the rulers of official nations can declare war. And by 'official,' I mean any nation with a population over 100K. We're not there yet, so it's not in our playbook for now."

I nodded, absorbing this information. "So, what happens when a nation declares war?"

Elara leaned against a wooden post, her eyes scanning the training soldiers. "When you declare war, it's a big fucking deal. It's not just about raiding or skirmishing; it's about territory. You win a war, you gain land. You lose, and you could lose part of your kingdom. It's high stakes, high rewards."

"And raids?" I inquired further. "Are they different from wars?"

"Raids," she scoffed, "they're the playground brawls of GoK. Anyone can declare a raid. It's more about looting and causing havoc. You might grab some resources, but you don't gain any territory, even if you win."

I considered the distinction. "So raids are more common then?"

"Much more common," Elara confirmed. "Especially for smaller settlements and those not officially recognized as nations. It's a way to assert dominance, to test defenses, or just to be a pain in the ass. But they can escalate quickly if you're not careful."

"And how do we fit into this?" I asked. "As a town, are we at risk of raids?"

Elara's gaze was steely. "Absolutely. We're growing, which makes us a target for those looking to prove a point or for bigger nations wanting to keep us in check. We've got to be ready to defend against raids at any time."

Her words underscored the constant threat that hung over us in this game of power and conquest. "We're training hard, but we've also got to be smart. Know when to fight and when to fortify. It's not just about having the biggest army; it's about strategy and knowing your enemy."

"If you know your enemy and yourself, you will win all your battles. If you only know yourself, or only your know your enemy, you will win half of your battles. If you don't know your enemy or yourself, you will lose all your battles. Sun Tzu, art of war." I quoted.

"Didn't strike you for the history type." Her lips went upwards in an impressed curl.

"Then let's make sure we win all our battles, starting with combat training." She held her spears forward, her eyes flashing with determination.

Oh boy...

Q: Have you read Sun Tzu before?