Finding Eden: Part 2 (A Risk Legacy Story)

Finding Eden Pt 2: A Risk Legacy Story, Years 2 and 3
 by the Growing Up Gamers crew

The hopes for peace begin to crumble.

 This is a continuation of Finding Eden, our ongoing saga of Earth #10148.  It is a story based on a series of Risk Legacy games the Growing Up Gamers crew has been playing.  For details and disclaimer check the first post. We didn't start opening secret packets and envelopes until year 4, so this post remains spoiler-free.


Year 2

The Second Wars, From the Journal of Nevarin Star, Seeker of Light:

 Despite the losses in the First War, I still found myself in good favor with the Imperials. I firmly believed that they could make this world stronger through indoctrination of a peaceful dogma, and did not want to turn my back on this opportunity to find our peaceful utopia. Our hope for world peace was fragile, but still within reach. The Council of Three was no longer a unified force, but rather a collection of individuals with apparently very different goals. If only we could have continued to work together....

After the catastrophic loss of my capital during Dragmorian's scorched earth maneuver in the First Wars, I felt it was most prudent to relocate my seat of power to Argentina, deep in the Southern Continent. I saw this as a place where the Imperials could focus on expansion and regrowth far way from the instigator Tenebrous, and beyond the reach of the Dragon's claw. Tenebrous is most certainly plotting something with his takeover of the European nations, and Dragmorian used the Enclave to further secure his hold in the large continent formerly known as Asia on Old Earth.

I helped the Imperial Balkana to return to glory and spread out across the lands, knowing that the more people they recruited along the way, the less bloodshed would required to secure a peaceful regime. The plan worked! With careful planning and almost surgical precision we were able to unify half the world as a bastion of light early into the year. There was some bloodshed, but the losses were necessary and we kept the fighting to a minimum  required to secure our territory.

Through careful resource management, I was able to establish a strong hold across the entire Earth without waging great wars. There was holdout from the Enclave of the Bear, they clung fiercely to Dragmorian's intent to conquer the land and subjugate the Imperials to his will... but when we fought our way into their capital city, The Dragon's Den, and held it strong, his warriors finally yielded. I founded the beautiful city of Crux at the southernmost tip of the world as a base of operations and gathered strong allegiance from the people, rallying them with the dream of a brighter future for this world. Our shining city gleamed like its namesake, and became a bright beacon of hope for our new world. 

For a moment, we held the world up high. Earth #10148 shone like a star...

Year 2, as told by the Lord of Shadows

After the battles of the first wars had died down, I knew it was only a matter of time before "campaign season" began again in earnest. Relocated to Europe after the losses of the previous year, the forces of the Saharan Republic seemed poorly adapted to the northern climes. Despite early advances, differences of opinion between the Saharan's leadership and myself limited the scope of our operations; I fear that our paths are growing apart. This time, Europe proved little refuge from the tyranny of Nevarin's Balkanians. Even my fellow councilor Dragmorian barely escaped her brazen march into his newly-christened capital city, The Dragon's Den. I must act fast to reach this region's other dominant faction, Die Mechaniker, before they, too fall beneath the Nevarin's boots.

Year 2, from the scrolls of The Dragon Sage’s History

After I, Dragmorian the Dragon Sage, stopped the terrible war started by my companions, restored peace to the world and built the new city of Dragon’s Den, I had hoped that the Council of Three could resume in a spirit of teamwork and help Earth #10148 become the Eden we all set out to make.  At first, all seemed well.  The Enclave of the Bear, once again willing to help the cause, started out from Dragon’s Den on the isle of Japan and spread to neighboring areas quickly.  I warned them to be none too greedy for space as it would send the wrong message.  With great humility, they took the smallest continent as a home for themselves, once again, and established, as I had asked, a small foothold in the Alaskan territory so that I could keep an eye on the other half of the world.  I warned them not to press further into that continent as I did not wish to spark another war.

As it turned out, my and the Enclaves gestures of peace were absolutely meaningless.  Even though her Balkanian forces had started the first battle in the first wars, I was willing to believe Nevarin when she said it had been provoked by Tenebrous’ forces moving too close to her own.  I was a fool to underestimate her thirst for power.  Her forces started at the southern-most tip of the world with an entire continent to herself.  However, after taking that continent, she pushed northward taking more and more territory.  Finally, even my tiny Alaskan foothold was too much for her greedy heart to bear.  Her Imperial forces smashed through my garrison, swooped in, and took my precious Dragon’s Den.  I have been forced to retreat and reconsider my notions of peace.  Nevarin’s grab for power must be stopped if there is to be any hope for this world.  Still, I have a lurking fear about the intentions of Tenebrous.  He has done little to harm me or Nevarin this year.  Yet, the minor border disputes he put up on this Earth’s largest continent made it impossible for me to secure the resources I needed to stop Nevarin.  I can’t help but wonder if he has some further design with malicious intent.

The only bright spot this year is that I was able to establish a small city called Dragon’s Reach to help secure my influence on this Earth’s smallest continent.  I must find a way to stretch my influence further and faster if I am to return peace and prosperity to this world.

Year 3

Tenebria, Land of Shadows!
 

In the third year on Earth 10148, it became clear to me, Lord Tenebrous, that the nomads of the Saharan Republic could not, or would not, be the force I desired them to be. Free-spirited and loathe to stay too long in a given place, they quickly fled the Balkanians and eventually changed their allegiance to Dragmorian. A flighty people, barely worthy to be referred to as traitors. They will still have their place, though, and I suspect they will find the Dragon Sage's style of leadership not compatible with their own.

Nevarin Star and her faithful Balkanians still favored the Americas, and established cities on those continents. It was undoubtedly their desire to bring more of Earth 10148 under their rulership, and ultimately bring to the humanity of this world the suffering of the last. My guidance is certainly required, and I must send emissaries to coax them away from Nevarin's  grasp.

With my support in Europe, I was able to quickly befriend Die Mechaniker, and they lent me their expertise. I was amazed at the speed they were able to muster their soldiers, and the technological advantage their arms and armor had over the others. Under my guidance, I was able to help them increase the productivity of their factories, and soon we held much of Asia. From there, it was simple to push toward my opponent's capitals. At last, the first of what was to be many victories transpired.

The people of what was once called Europe before welcomed me with open arms. So reverent of me, they named the entire continent Tenebria in my honor. Tenebria! Forever shall this be a testament to my glory. Under my shadow, the peoples of Tenebria will ever be a gentle hand guiding the world, and so shall others be welcomed to the fold. My alliance with Die Mechaniker, I cannot be so sure of. Though effective, I may need to court other alliances. So be it!

Year 3, from the scrolls of The Dragon Sage’s History
 

Sadly, year three of this world is a tale of woe and loss for myself and for the world.  There was hope in the beginning.  Nevarin’s military forces pulled out the Dragon’s Den and back to her headquarters and I was able to return to my home.  Unfortunately, the Enclave of the Bear, smashed and driven off of their lands, asked for time to regroup.  I was forced to court the appeal of the Saharan Republic.  I convinced them to immediately spread their forces into the North American continent to stop the Imperial threat.  I was fine with Nevarin keeping the South American continent as her own, but felt her grip on two continents was what enabled her to all but destroy the Enclave and seize control of the world.  I failed, however, to heed the warnings of the Saharans about their former lord’s shadowy intent.  Tenebrous’s armies waited until Nevarin and I were fully embroiled in battle and then swept out from his stronghold, crushing the Dragon's Den once more.  I must abandon my home for good this time.  It will be written in the pages of history that Dragon's Den was as symbol of hope and peace, but tactically it is far too weak.  A symbol of peace will no longer do.  With a heavy heart, I must make ready for war.

The Third Wars: From the Journal of Nevarin Star, Seeker of Light
 

Year 3 was a disaster, and a huge setback for the forces of light. Tenebrous, leading his armies now as "the shadow people" took and held the European countries as a base and worked his way across the world. Meanwhile Dragmorian and I were locked in a desperate battle for the North American continent that I had built up my influence in over the first two years. He led the Saharans into our lands, and claimed them for his own. I fought back as hard as I could, determined not to allow him to come in and take whatever pleases his whim. This was the Imperial homeland, and it would not be handed over to a harsh leader just because he felt like taking it. Our constant warring with the Saharans allowed Tenebrous to stealthily take over most of the middle continents and cut into our exposed backsides for a decisive victory. Once again, my capitol has fallen, and it is time to rebuild and reconsider my plans. I have learned much from this war...namely to watch my back because the shadows are everywhere. I did manage to establish the city of Rigel in the middle of the Americas. Much as its namesake shines brightly from Orion's Belt, Rigel will be my centerpiece moving forward. 

I fear my dream of unifying humanity and founding a peaceful planet is further than I thought. It is time to consult the stars, and look to their light for guidance and hope for the future. There must be an answer out there somewhere...

Finding Eden: The First Wars (A Risk Legacy Story)

Finding Eden: A Risk Legacy Story Pt. 1
 by the Growing Up Gamers crew

DISCLAIMER AND EXPLANATION: The Growing Up Gamers crew has decided to play Risk Legacy and blog about the experience.  Risk Legacy is a game that, over the course of 15 play session, lets you shape a world in different ways.  As you make choices and events occur each game, new board elements are added and some are lost forever (the game asks you to literally rip them up and throw them away).  Still further, cities are founded, continents are named (again, you actually write names on the board in permanent ink), and other permanent game altering changes are revealed.  We have decided to play these 15 sessions, shape the world, and write about it.  Because this game is supposed to be full of fun surprises, we will try to avoid giving too many spoilers.  We will not be talking about game mechanics, bits and pieces, or specific game turns. However, if you have not yet played the game and want to be completely surprised, we suggest not reading past Year 3 as we begin opening packets in Year 4.  This is not a review or even a detailed sessions report.  Instead, we are going to try and tell the story of our world, its creation, its wars, and its great and final destiny that will be forged over the course of the fifteen games. As we begin writing this, we don't even know how it will all end! For these stories, each of us has taken on a persona.  Julian will be Dragmorian, Sage of Dragons, Randy will be Tenebrous, Lord of Shadow, and Angie will Nevarin Star, Seeker of Light.  Each game will be written as 1 year of the history of the world.  History, it is said, is written by the winners, so the winner of each game will write the primary history for that year.  The other two players may contribute their own dissenting opinions of the history or explain their side of the story as they see fit.  We hope that this will provide an entertaining read and fun way to learn more about this innovate  game, and feel free to root for your favorite persona!

Old Earth Dies

After centuries of war, pollution, global warming, and dwindling fossil fuels the human race was at last saved from the brink of destruction.  In the year 2138, scientists of Old Earth discovered a way to clone the dying planet and begin anew.  To ensure the survival of the species, they cloned the Earth not once, but thousands of times.  In their infinite wisdom, the leaders of Old Earth assigned the caretaking and colonization of Earth #10148 to three great leaders.

The Council of Three

Left to Right Dragmorian, Tenebrous, and Nevarin Star

I am Dragmorian, the Dragon Sage.  Long have my people kept the secret lore and ancient knowledge passed down by the great and powerful dragons of old.  It has fallen on me to begin this journal, though my companions will no doubt share their wisdom with you.  Together with my companions, Tenebrous, Lord of Shadow and Nevarin Star, the Seeker of Light we formed a Council of Three in the hopes of bringing our new Earth unprecedented peace and prosperity.  I am, of course, concerned about forging a peaceful world with any man who would declare himself the “Lord of Shadow” but perhaps Tenebrous will bring some tact and subtlety to a world that will be in great need of diplomacy.   I am also unclear as to whether or not the mysterious Nevarin Star can be entirely trusted.  And yet, I am hopeful that this will be a glorious tale that will serve as a shining example to all other Earths.  My companions have made overtures of their own hopes for a great and resplendent new Earth.  I remain confident that we will find what others could not: the way to world peace.

The Formation of the New Earth

Our first task was to distribute resources across the globe and also help organize the different factions that would be traveling with us to the new Earth.  To ensure fairness and equality for all people, we distributed the resources equally across the land, giving each continent a number of resources proportional to the population it could sustain given the size of each land mass.  The factions we had to bring with us to this new Earth still had old Earth rivalries and warring tendencies.  However, we helped each faction plan its approach to colonizing the new world making sure to carefully balance each factions approach to give each a fair chance for finding its own happy corner of the world and ability to dissuade other factions from trying to take more than their fair share.  Any doubts I had about my companions intentions have been completely swept aside.  We worked as a perfect team to give this world the best start possible.  Our Council of Three is strong and wise.  Though I am certain the factions will be reluctant to give up their old warring ways, Tenebrous, Nevarin and I will guide them to a better path.  Our design of this new Earth has practically guaranteed our success.

Year One: The History of the First War

For the first year of this new world I chose to help the Enclave of the Bear with their colonization efforts.  We began on the island of Japan and spread quickly to the south to colonize what on Old Earth would have been called the continent of Australia.  From there, efforts were slow but steady to populate the largest continent, Asia as it would have been called on Old Earth.  I helped the Enclave of the Bear find territory for their people entirely through non-violent colonization.  The plans for a peaceful world seemed well underway.  However, I was distraught to find that my companions had abandoned all previous inclinations and fallen almost immediately into a great and terrible war.  After months of watching the battles go back and forth claiming countless lives, I could no longer stand by doing nothing.  A surgical strike was in order.  After securing the borders of my two continents, I rallied the Enclave of the Bear and recruited a powerful army.  I am pleased to announce that that the strike was complete success.  In one fell swoop my armies swept straight into Tenebrous’ and Nevarin’s capitols, stopped their war, and returned the world to peace with an absolute minimum loss of life.  To celebrate this glorious victory, I founded the city of Dragon’s Den on the island of Japan.  From the Dragon’s Den, I will continue to exert my influence and maintain the peace so dearly fought for this year.  I can only hope that the loss of their capitols will give Nevarin and Tenebrous time to think over their mistakes.  I still look to their guidance and remain hopeful they will remember their promises and help me shape a world that is free from war and strife.

Year One: Dissenting Opinion #1

I, Nevarin Star, the Seeker of Light, came to this world with the best of intentions. Our council was established with a goal and clear purpose, and we were given this Earth as a chance to create a new world to prove that a utopian society free from the shackles of war and oppression could exist. In the beginning I wanted to remain neutral and watch the fate of the people of our new world from afar, but Imperial Balkania had such a drive to grow and spread their dogma of peace and unity across the globe and they called out for a leader. I felt as though they were a faction that could usher in a bright future, so I started to build up influence working alongside them and fell into place as a valued advisor. 

As the factions on this world began to grow and populate the planet, our council’s grand plan began to unravel. I still don’t know why Tenebrous led the Saharan Republic far across the land, placing armed troops on the edge of expanding Imperial borders and locking them out of key resources that would fuel and sustain them for a peaceful future. Fearing for their safety and intent on avoiding the inevitable starvation that Saharan Republic threatened, the Imperials were eager to take a stand. Against my better judgment I conceded to their wishes to push back the interloper and secure the territories needed to survive and thrive as a society, and with that decision the first battle of what would become a brutal and bloody war commenced. If only I had forseen this horrific outcome, what a different story this would be! I stood with the Imperials in their noble goal to promote a peaceful planet, and later I cried with them at their devastating losses from this first war.

 As the border disputes continued, the tensions grew between myself and Tenebrous. I pleaded with him to pull his forces back, pointing out that there was more than enough space and resources for our factions to share. I think I had almost convinced him when suddenly, from nowhere, it was as if a dragon’s breath burned the empire to the ground! Dragmorian led the Enclave of the Bear to cut a bloody swath through the world and crushed our civilization, destroying my seat of influence and shattering the land. At least it was a quick war, but that massacre shall be forever remembered with the founding of the first major city of our new world, the Dragon’s Den. Dragmorian has placed his mark on the world, and I now know that his fiery breath and lashing tail are ready to strike fiercely and unforgivingly at a whim. 

I do not understand the motivations of my fellow councilors, I only know that I must be ever vigilant, and use whatever means necessary to ensure that our world does not become another war-ravaged rock among the shining stars, we must rise above and become a beacon of hope and light! In memoriam, I helped found the new city of Aurora in the Northern-most territory of Imperial control to stand as a vigil for the lives lost in this first war, may their souls shine ever brightly in the Northern skies, and as a constant painful reminder of my duty to protect the inhabitants of this world, even from themselves.

Year One: Dissenting Opinion #2



I am Tenebrous, Lord of Shadows, and destined to rule over Earth 10148. In the first year since the founding, my fellow councilors have shown me that they will be far more troublesome than expected. I completely expected this of Nevarin Star, the so-called "Seeker of Light". Using the thin rhetoric of "let us bring peace", she has all too clearly shown her imperial desires. The ham-fisted brutes of Balkania are all too eager grind any who disagree with her under their heels. Dragmorian, however... I expected more of an alliance with him, as the followers of the dragon are known for being canny and wise. But, alas, it does not seem so. I fear that Nevarin's frenzied grab for power ignited within him the desire to rule.

I had originally planned a summit among the chiefs of the factions. An alignment of goals and partitioning or territories would have benefited all, and the benevolent Tenebrous could guide all from the shadows. I barely had time to share my goals with the leader of the Saharan Republic before the Nevarin's Balkanians had spread across North America. Even as her thugs slaughtered the peaceful Saharans upon the plains of South America, she broadcast her "message of peace", as if to mock the victims of her aggression.

Though driven by the newly-ignited desires of the Dragon Sage, I still see hope for the Enclave of the Bear. The new world order I propose will utilize their simple directness to eliminate threats to it. They have shown themselves to be fierce and independent, excellent qualities for a peacekeeping force. I regret underestimating Dragmorian, for he has shown a propensity for opportunism. He effectively used the diversion of the Saharan-Balkanian conflict to drive his bear-riding minions into each of our capitals, lightning-quick.

These new developments delay my plans, but likely only for a few years. My fellow councilors can only hide so long. Though defeated, I quickly hid a cache of weapons and supplies in Southern Europe for my next campaign. I currently have the trust of the Saharan leadership, though I smell Dragmorian's influence among them. I will need to strengthen my alliance with them before courting the leaders of the others. The Shadow will grow, my friend. The Shadow will grow.



Read Finding Eden: Part 2