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In a way this quite serves Lyssa right. She has been a bad teacher. Otherwise she would know her own daughter better.
Yep. The Rite of Passage events can seem a bit unfair sometimes as far as I can tell, but she definitely brought this one on herself.

I was kinda hoping Maya would die. Is that bad of me?
Nah. This is CKII after all :D

Better to have not returned alive than to return empty-handed and in disgrace...
Indeed. Banishing costs more than her "disappearing" by herself...

What fate awaits a disgraced Amazon? Even the daughter of a queen.
Ideally she should be banished, but Lyssa has too much of a soft spot for her daughter. Of course, a disgraced Amazon can't have titles or jobs, so she's still going to be useless...
 
Chapter 6
Chapter 6: Decadence and Dynasty

Her daughter's failure has hurt Queen Lyssa's prestige and done her mood no favours either. Unable to bring herself to banish the girl, every time she sees her around the palace is a harsh reminder of that night.

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She was already lazy... this must be a whole 'nother level of sloth!

In attempt to save face, Lyssa leads a few raids on neighbouring lizardmen. While she is not a great general like Calypso, the queen does have a plan: Taking advantage of a civil war in the great Lizardman domain of Xahutec to the south, she is able to take only favourable engagements. She returns triumphant – enough to soften the prospect of outright rebellion into murmurs of dissent.

Trying to look past the setback her indolent daughter has created, this raiding is in fact part of a larger scheme. To the east of Xahutec lies the independent Amazon domain of Teuinochacal – the Tarantula Coast. In 2015, its Matriarch had died giving birth to a boy and as she had no female heir, its ruling dynasty ended. In came Parthenia, a violent and capricious woman who had previously been fighting both with and against the Panthera tribe in Gwangee Valley.

Eyeing an opportunity, Lyssa sends Tisiphone to see if the tribes were willing to submit to the Queen of Amazonia herself, rather than be ruled by a stranger from the middle of the Amaxon Basin. If nothing else, it takes the rebellious matriarch out of the queen's hair for a while. For her part, Tisiphone reluctantly agrees to this task, but for a different reason: Teuinochacal borders the domain of the like-minded matriarch Concordia, offering an opportunity for these co-conspirators to expand their power base...

As the year turns and spring approaches, however, Queen Lyssa's mind is focused on a different subject. She is still not over her daughter's fate and it worries her: Her second-eldest, Inanna is hardly the sharpest scalpel in the torture chamber and Phaedra has not distinguished herself in any way – apart from naively insulting women at the court. For the first time, Lyssa is actually a little worried about the future...

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* * *​

01.05.2017
Giddy with revelry and flush with booze, Lyssa leads her sisters up the wide stairs to a great platform at the foot of the pyramid where Serena's temple is situated. Whoops and yells and the sounds of drunken playfighting well up from the crowd behind her as they ascend.

Stepping onto the platform, the queen sees before her arrayed a dozen males, naked and in chains. Studying them closely, she licks her lips as wine-fuelled lust wells up in her. Nevertheless, something niggles her in the back of her mind: She cannot trust in her children – what if they fail like their elder sister? No, she has make sure her legacy is secure.

Lyssa's gaze lands on a humble man, unassuming at first glance, but noticeably supple and handsome upon closer inspection. Not a youngster by any means, but closer to her own age. She takes a step in his direction and the priestesses immediately respond by unchaining him.

Yes, it is a queen's duty to make sure she has a suitable heir. This is a duty she will not mind too much, she thinks to herself as her chosen mate is led towards her.​

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Being an Amazon queen is just tough sometimes...

* * *​

The queen's duty does in no way leave her dissatisfied. An excellent lover to match his looks, this "Roman" so amuses Lyssa that she decides to spare him from being ritually sacrificed the next day. Basking in the glow of a long and lovely night, the queen's mood is buoyant over next days and weeks – especially as she starts feeling the tell-tale signs: She is surely with child!

Feeling like everything is falling into place, Lyssa calls for Calypso to join her at Ganaina. There is much to be planned. When the Jaguar of the Sea arrives, the queen greets her with much pomp and ceremony. Then, in the middle of the reception, Lyssa suddenly collapses.

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Just when things were starting to look up...(?)

Plagued by fainting spells and dizziness, the queen's pregnancy completely saps her strength. Left confined to her bedchamber most of the time, she is forced to let Calypso act has her regent, taking charge of the day-to-day business of running the realm.

Laid low just when she felt things were falling back into place, Lyssa takes to self-medicating with wine and chicha. While not doing much for the symptoms, more importantly the booze takes her mind off her predicament and eases her anger. To please their queen, Lyssa's servants keep the alcohol flowing. In particular, a certain halfling is very diligent in providing her mistress with ample libations...

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Just sleep and drink: sounds like a recipe for greatness!

What starts off as a drink here and there, becomes a habit over the following months. After all, what else is there to do but drink? Enabled by her servants, the queen starts drinking less to sooth her mind and more because she can.

Taking advantage of the queen's condition, the ever-ambitious Tisiphone makes a bid to return. She conspires with Lyssa's steward and chieftess of Mamazo, Belyse. If anyone can be motivated to overthrow the queen, it is this avaricious matriarch.

Much to Tisiphone's surprise, she finds her advances rebuffed. Unknown to her, Belyse has her own schemes. Rather than replace the currently weak queen with someone more capable, she seeks to take advantage of the situation to gain dominion of all of Amazonia west of the Amaxon river...

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* * *​

02.02.2018

“Where is my wine??” screams the Amazon queen through clenched teeth. She grabs a nearby servant girl, but before she can pull her down to scream in her face, another convulsion racks her body.

“The midwife says you mustn't–” Although Lyssa has let her go, the withering stare from the queen on the bed quickly shuts her up. “I'll fetch more immediately!” she reconsiders and rushes out of the room, happy to leave the queen's labour to the experts.

After being indisposed for so many months, Serena finally takes mercy on Lyssa and grants her a relatively quick struggle. As she finally collapses, bathed in sweat, the midwife brings the queen's issue to the priestess of Serena. Lyssa herself is vaguely aware of the incantations being recited. Screwing her eyes shut, she would rather fight a ravenous Carnosaur than be where she is right now. Maybe she can drink until she passes out...

At least her lineage is secure, she thinks to herself. This is the last time. At this point, a presence hovering nearby brings her out her introspection. Opening her eyes, she sees the midwife looking uncomfortable at the side of her bed.

“What is it?” the queen groans.

The woman's face pales as she forces out a reluctant reply: “It... you have a son, your highness...”

Lyssa blinks. Then she blinks again. Without a word, her nails dig into the bedsheets with a fury that threatens to tear them apart. Staring at the uncaring ceiling she howls with all her pent-up frustration, rage and pain: “Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!”​

* * *​

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Named according to the, ahem “circumstance” of his birth

Suffering through such a troublesome pregnancy only to be denied the potential heir she had hoped for smothers the queen's spirit. Although she slowly recovers from her ordeal, she has no willpower to kick the habit she picked up during her pregnancy.

As if to add insult to injury, her son quickly shows great aptitude for all manner of things. Before the year is up, even without the care and attention offered to royal girls, he is able to both walk and talk. Of course, it is unbelievable that a mere male could grow up stronger and brighter than any of his sisters, but still...

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That moment when siring a Pretty, Strong and Bright child only drives you even further to drink...

The queen's failure to produce another potential heir and her new-found tendency to drink heavily even outside of feasts only fuels the murmurs of discontent. Rumours that she has especially taken a liking to wine from barbarians across the sea – ostensibly seized from adventurers and pirates over decades – only makes the situation worse.

No longer content to whisper, Tisiphone is now outright questioning the queen's ability to rule. Denouncing Lyssa's decadence and hedonism, she is joined in this cause by Concordia. Having become convinced that any contact with inferior menfolk taints an Amazon's spirit, the chieftess of Cuauhlotl now swears to a celibate lifestyle very much at odds with Lyssa's promiscuous ways.

The drunken queen has her hands full trying to reign in the troublemakers. While she might have been able to silence one rebellious matriarch, there is no way she can deal with both without tearing her still-fresh realm apart. However, while she has to give all her attention to these matters, Lyssa is distracted from her other subjects...

Calypso has previously paid Tisiphone's accusations little heed. With Concordia joining the chorus and Belyse carefully aligning herself with whichever faction seems strongest at the moment, the words seem to carry more weight. Furthermore, when Lyssa hardly makes time for her anymore, even the mighty Jaguar of the Sea is starting to question her own loyalty to the queen...
 
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Things are starting to go from bad to worse. Lyssa has made herself so very vulnerable.
 
Things are starting to go from bad to worse. Lyssa has made herself so very vulnerable.
Maybe her plan is to make her situation so bad it can only get better!

It seems as though the Anakondas' days are numbered... Lyssa has set herself up for a mighty fall.
Let's pin all our hopes on young Inanna -- she might not be very bright, but she knows how to punch things real hard, which is an important Amazon virtue!

Lyssa has allowed herself to slip in the eyes of too many of her court.

What becomes of male children of Amazon queens?
Their sons get to join all the other men in being slaves with absolutely no rights or prospects. Even when they have great traits and are more capable as toddlers than their sisters as adults...
 
Chapter 7
Chapter 7: Tapestry of Treason

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12.06.2018
Lyssa, Queen of Amazonia stares into her cup of wine. She tries to focus on how rich this foreign vintage seems compared to the usual Amazon fare, but trouble is not far from her mind. She takes a big sip, but even drinking doesn't dispel her unease tonight. Alone in her quarters, she is supposed to enjoy an evening snack and drink, but neither can subdue the gnawing feeling in her gut.

She puts down the cup with a sigh. Instinctively, she reaches for another slice of grilled meat. If nothing else, the alcohol seems to boost her appetite if not her spirit. Chewing thoughtfully, it reminds her of Calypso. Their meetings have grown fewer, shorter and frustratingly unproductive in the last months. It has not gone unnoticed by the queen that the Jaguar of the Sea was spending more time with Tisiphone and Concordia when at court, either. Plans for subjugating the Amazons of Tarantula Coast had stalled – Lyssa simply did not know who to trust anymore

“I still don't...” she grumbles to herself. She thought she had placated Belyse by appointing her to the council, but it turns out the greedy woman is conspiring to usurp Western Amazonia for herself. Lyssa does not fear that Belyse might succeed – she is not a very savvy woman – but all these small disobediences...

“It's like they don't know who's queen around here!” she growls and downs her cup in one, angry gulp.

“Forgive me, I did not hear it all. Something you want, Your Bigness?”

Lyssa turns around, though there is no mistaking the heavily accented voice. Standing shorter than the queen, even if she is seated, the stout halfling servant is carrying tray of grilled fish. The look in her eyes suggests she very much did catch what Lyssa said.

“Uh? How long have you been standing there...” the queen grumbles, obviously tipsy by now. “And by Rigg's fiery pubes, for the thousandth time it's Your Highness!”

The Miyan seems blithely unfazed by the rebuke: “I just think, maybe Highness wants fish with the coconut sauce. It is the family recipe.”

Lyssa is about to berate the servant for not acknowledging her mistake, but she is distracted by the spicy aroma as the dish – exquisitely grilled fish bathed in creamy sauce – is placed before her.

“Something is the matter?” the halfling wonders as she refills the queen's cup. “I can take back.”

“No, no!” Lyssa says hurriedly. “It looks delicious.” She wasn't planning on having any more, but to emphasize her words, she takes a bite out of the fish.

“I am no good with the politics, but I advise not to let it ruin the good meal,” the servant says, her tone showing how seriously the Miyan take their food – even when it isn't humanoid.

Lyssa scoffs: “That's easier said than done! You're not the one they want to steal a throne from.” She finishes by chuckling acerbically at the thought of a halfling in such a position, before taking a sip of wine to wash down the fish.

“But if the throne is stealed... Quiauhxochuatzin will be made stonecutter slave or the god-food,” the Miyan counters, highlighting how her fortunes changed when Lyssa decided to take her as a household trophy on a whim.

“I'm sure this cooking can convince Calypso to let you live,” Lyssa opines sardonically, taking another bite. “Wait... what did you say your name was??”

“Quiauh– ” the halfling begins before quickly giving up: “You can call me Quihuatzin, Your Bigness. And it is not just me. There is the Amazons with none of the noble background too.”

Lyssa chews her food thoughtfully as she tries to parse what the halfling just said. She makes a sound of agreement: It is true that commoners like the priestess Feidlimid owe their positions to her. And given her limited ability, in Feidlimid's case it would not just be her background speaking against her.

Lyssa cannot help but chuckle: if a fanatic like Concordia ever gains power in Ganaina, her fellow priestess Feidlimid would no doubt fare quite poorly. Finishing with a sigh and a big swig of wine, she says mostly to herself: “Too bad all the nobles, those with any actual power, all seem to hate me – for some reason...”

“For some reason?”

Lyssa meets Quihuatzin's puzzled look with a defensive huff, her cheeks red with indignation but mostly with booze: “Just because Calypso is such a great warrior! Seriously, anyone would look like a bad commander compared to her! I bet I could take any of the others in a fight. Well, Belyse at least... especially if she's been drinking...”

“But if Calypso is the great warrior... why not let teach you?” the servant suggests, patiently getting the queen yet another refill. “She do teach the queen's daughter the fighting, yes?”

“Are you out of your tiny Miyan mind??” Lyssa blurts out. “An adult Amazon being tutored like a child? And if it's a queen and her subject... no one would ever respect me again.”

“Besides,” she quips blithely as a follow-up, biting into a piece of fish and finishing with her mouth full: “have you seen how chunky she's gotten? It'd probably be more feasting than fighting.”

“Well if it has to be the secret... want me to practice with the queen? Not like anyone notices me around here, even in the sight that is plain, anyways.”

Lyssa stops eating and drinking to just stare at Quihuatzin, blinking in disbelief: “Is this a Miyan joke?” she eventually manages.

The halfling just shrugs: “Could ask your warriors who I meet at Catlmox, but they all dead now.”

The queen's eyes narrow: “Then why are you here, if you're such a great fighter?”

“Am just good,” Quihuatzin corrects her. “Not great enough to fight hundreds when other cowards give up. But if Your Bigness commands it, I will give the demonstration to prove.”

Lyssa groaned. This is all too far-fetched, but she has precious few options. “Fine, have it your way! But if you're lying and this doesn't work, you'll find yourself on Rigg's altar before you can speak that long-ass name of yours.”

Quihuatzin just smiles and offers the queen some bread with which to soak up the remaining sauce: “If thing not work out, I think I will be in the bad place anyhow!”​


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That's a lot of red traits you got there, Your Bigness


* * *​


Hobbled by the after-effects of her troubled pregnancy and vacillating loyalties among her matriarchs, Lyssa finds herself unable to embark on any of the ambitious projects she might have in mind. This does not mean that the rest of Lustria stands still, however.

To the west, the Miyan domain of Amocan is starting to crumble from the unrest caused by its leader's ignominious defeat by Lyssa and her warriors. The furious High Chief Ikengrim has already imprisoned, executed and banished all Amazons in his realm, ending the male Amazon chief Jakusch's curious reign where Lyssa had not. Nevertheless, revolts are spreading from the inland provinces, where rebels have held sway since 2017.

Perhaps more curiously, at the very start of 2019 news arrive at Ganaina that the undead scourge King Charles of Monkeigh Island has been defeated! Apparently the leader of the pirates in the Triad Islands, one Elana Marle, has somehow managed to best the foul creature. With his vampiric influence gone, the pirates have started using “Monkeigh Island” – or Zarmuda, as the sunken city that forms the “island” is actually called – as a base.



Thanks to the uncertain situation in the realm, the Amazons are unable to react to any of these events. The queen has seemingly given up on bold adventures, satisfied to idle away her days with eating and drinking to excess.

However, in secret the halfling Quihuatzin is not merely serving Lyssa delicacies, but also happens to be her clandestine sparring partner. Much to the queen's surprise the Miyan is a competent warrior and a match for her larger mistress. Furthermore, she also turns out to have a mind for tactics and this seems to rub off on Lyssa over the months they practice together.

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At the same time, affairs of the realm seem to continue more or less as normal. Although plotting the overthrow of the queen, her chancellor Tisiphone sticks to her mission to sow discontent among the Tarantula Coast Amazons. After all, it is in her best interest that they should welcome the Queen of the Amazons with open arms: That queen will be her soon enough.

Not that a coup will be straightforward to accomplish. Lyssa's reputation as saviour for rallying the tribes still remains even if it has become tarnished. More importantly, as all queens, she was crowned by the Sisterhood and circumventing the holy order would spell trouble – even if Concordia is a priestess of Rigg. In fact, it is Concordia herself who warns her co-conspirator about this. Wary as always, she fears what might transpire if they act recklessly.

Together, Tisiphone and Concordia decide that the best course of action would be to show that the majority of Amazons disapprove of the queen's hedonistic ways. This way, the other nobles and dignitaries will not have to be convinced to outright support a coup, something which Concordia warns will draw undue attention to them and possibly undo all their work.

Exaggerating truths and fanning doubts, the pair are not besmirching the queen's reputation aimlessly. In fact, they have the perfect culmination of their work in mind: At the end of the fourth month of the new year, Amazons from all corners of the realm will gather in Ganaina in preparation for the Feast of Serena. If the foremost Matriarchs of the realm all confront the queen with her misdeeds before her people, the sisterhood will surely be compelled to approve Lyssa's removal.


* * *​


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19.04.2019
The queen sits with her daughters Maya and Phaedra in an airy pavilion situated high on the royal palace. Open on one side lined with decorated columns, the space offers a fresh breeze against the clammy jungle atmosphere. Idly lounging on a divan, the older girl blathers on about the frivolous matters of her idle life at the palace. Inane though the subject matter is, the queen seems to find relief from what is worrying her in the idle chatter. Soon, a knock on the door disrupts the conversation.

“Yes, what is it?” Lyssa says casually and in comes Tatiana. With a quick bow, the spymaster gets on with the reason she is here:

“My queen, I beg my leave to prepare for the council meeting later today,” she says frankly.

“Meeting? I don't recall calling the council,” Lyssa cocks a questioning eyebrow, though her tone suggests that she entertains the possibility that she has in fact forgotten.

“Matriarch Tisiphone did,” Tatiana says helpfully. “I assumed you would be informed, all things considered...”

“Right, of course...” Lyssa says, trying to hide her surprise – and growing feeling of dread. “Just to remind me, where will we be convening?”

“The councillors and Matriarchs will be assembling and await your arrival at the Shrine of Rigg, my queen.”

“All of them, huh? Well... you best run off then.” The queen dismisses the huntress with a wave. She follows Tatiana with her eyes until the door shuts behind her.

“Shit,” she breathes sharply, one hand clutching her chest. 'Await her arrival'... this is a trap – and if they are brazen enough to spring it right under the Sisterhood's nose, Lyssa doesn't like her chances of getting out of it. She has heard the accusations and if all the nobles share this sentiment...

“They'll have to drag me kicking and screaming!” she declares angrily to her two daughters, springing up from her seat.

“It will look really bad if you don't go...” the young Phaedra says bluntly, as always.

The queen's gaze snaps to her daughter, but before she can retort there is another knock on the door.

A skinny Amazon woman clutching a scroll steps through, looking somewhat distraught. She carries none of the symbols of nobility, but her garb is finer than that of a humble gardener or spearwoman.

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“Forgive my intrusion,” she says softly, her eyes darting from the queen to the two princesses. “I bring... a message.”

Lyssa considers the woman for a moment, trying to remember where she has seen her before. Before she can quite place her, she is handed the scroll. The queen notices the woman's hesitation, but doesn't draw any attention to it. Instead she unfurls the scroll and holds back a gasp as she reads the pictograms.

“I was... not sure, so I came here...” the woman offers, wringing her hands.

Lyssa looks up at her, realizing where she remembers this messenger from: “You didn't tell anyone else yet?”

She gets a nod as a reply.

“Well, you are welcome to stay as my guest for the time being,” the queen assures the messenger, but her tone suggests it's not an offer to be refused. She then turns back to Phaedra:

“Yes, I really should go,” she states firmly as if her own earlier protest was never uttered. Next she addresses Maya, kindly but sternly: “And you had better get going. I know of another guest here in Ganaina who deserves to be... entertained.”

 
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Lyssa is about to be in a very challenging situation, one feels.
 
Lyssa is about to be in a very challenging situation, one feels.
Unless it's a competition to see who has the most "deadly sin" traits, it is indeed probably not going to be easy

The reign of Lyssa is hitting a turning point. Whether it's a turn for the better or a crash is a good question.
Something's gotta give. If nothing else, if the conspirators do succeed the resulting struggle for power should be... entertaining?

A dire turn of events, to be sure -- but it looks like the Queen has gained some valuable information here at the last moment. Perhaps it may serve as leverage?
Maybe there's still hope -- or simply hubris!


More generally, I'll be trying my best to continue to post one update a week, even if the schedule has gotten a bit out of whack.

Finally, a big (belated) thanks to @Henry v. Keiper for the ACA nomination/vote/thing! I don't know how all that stuff works, but I appreciate it a lot!
 
Chapter 8
Chapter 8: The Queen's Trial

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Hefting her oversized macuahuitl, Inanna starts climbing the overgrown stairs of some long-forgotten ruin. A different woman might wonder about the origins and symbolism of the moss-covered engravings and idols desecrated by stone-splitting vines, but the queen's daughter pays all of this no heed: The teeming, hazy jungle leaves little room for idle thoughts. Luckily, Inanna generally has few thoughts of any kind.

Stepping nimbly over roots and broken stone, she is about to reach the top of the stairs when instinct makes her hesitate. Scanning the jungle below, she spots a slight ripple in the underbrush. One might be forgiven for thinking it is the wind, but Inanna knows better: Cold Ones.

More concerned that the bloodthirsty reptile will get away than the danger it poses to a lone Amazon, Inanna impulsively leaps down from the stairs. She uses the split second she spends regaining her balance to look around for her quarry. Her eyes catch mottled scales, almost indistinguishable from the ferns and moss, sliding through the thick vegetation.

Not about to give the beast a chance to turn the tables on her, Inanna anticipates the Cold One's path and prepares to intercept it. Just as she is about to leap forward, a sonorous growl gives her pause. It comes not from the front, but from the side.

Still crouched, Innana spins around, her hand gripping the macuahuitl so hard the wood creaks in protest: “Clever girl...”​

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* * *​


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19.04.2019
Dressed in a finely woven, yet simple, robe, Queen Lyssa of Amazonia steps into the plaza at the foot of the huge temple to Rigg. Steeling herself, her eyes scan the open space. On the raised platform at the stairs leading up to the shrine itself, a smaller group of women stand waiting for her: Matriarchs Tisiphone and Calypso. Of the queen's councillors: Spymaster Tatiana and Court Priestess Feidlimid. With them is also Harmothoe the chief priestess of the Shrine of Rigg. Filling the rest of the plaza, a throng of onlookers crowd the short stairs leading up to the platform where the council has assembled.

Flanked by two bodyguards, Lyssa makes a point of paying them no heed as she brazenly strides past them all and takes up position a few steps up the enormous stair leading up to the shrine. Effectively standing a few heads taller than her would-be accusers, she can see her subjects fill the plaza.

“Good afternoon,” the queen says calmly, but loud enough for her voice to carry. “I believe you had something to discuss with your queen?”

Tisiphone looks around the congregation, dismayed to see two of her fellow Matriarch allies still missing. However, before she can voice any kind of protest, Tatiana steps forward and announces loudly:

“The foremost ladies of the realm, Matriarchs, councillors and the faithful, have found reason to question if the queen is fit to rule our people.”

Lyssa swallows, but is mostly successful in hiding her reaction. She did expect something like this, but to hear it spelled out... Clenching her jaw, she clearly struggles to keep her response level:

“Care to elaborate?”

“The Matriarchs of Amazonia,” Tisiphone clarifies to share the blame, “disapprove of the queen's conduct.” She looks around for more of said Matriarchs, but the watchful eyes of the Sisterhood on the steps above force her to continue:

“On their behalf, let it be said that the queen has abandoned her fiery Amazon spirit in favour of hedonistic pursuits. Drunkenness and excess is not behaviour befitting an Amazon, much less a queen.”

“Foreigners still roam our shores with impunity,” Calypso throws out, leading the conversation towards matters more meaningful to her – and that do not hit as close to home.

“And yet, the queen is content to languish in her palace, too indolent to lift her sword in defence of her country,” Harmothoe intones, encouraged by the others. “Even worse, this decadence has spread to the queen's daughters. What does it mean for the future of our realm if the royal children are unable to even complete their rite of passage? A generation of lazy brats? Gorging themselves on game hunted by others and lusting after feeble men.”

Tatiana doesn't say anything but nods solemnly. Maya's failure and Lyssa's handling of the matter has bothered the proud huntress very much: She is not a woman who appreciates tenderness.

Lyssa's lip curls as she looks at the dignitaries in turn. She expected attacks from some of them, but judging by their faces they are all turning against her. So far, Feidlimid has not said anything, but to Lyssa the priestess looks ready to join in the second she feels the need to distance herself from the fallen queen.

“Is that all?” Lyssa asks, doing her best not to let her wounded pride show but unable to keep from affecting a haughty tone.

“Don't you have anything to say for yourself?” Calypso blurts out, obviously upset that the queen does not even acknowledge any of the accusations. She does manage to keep her voice low enough to keep the crowd from hearing. As much as the Jaguar of the Sea is surprised, she does not wish to cause Lyssa undue embarrassment either.

“We're still waiting for... more dignitaries to arrive,” Tisiphone protests, since Lyssa's unexpectedly early arrival seems to have robbed her of two important allies.

Tatiana nods in agreement: “We should have a full council before the queen defends herself. I have sent my huntresses to fetch Belyse and Concordia.”

Tisiphone breathes a sigh of relief: Escorted by the highly principled spymaster's fellow warriors, at least the queen should not be able to harm her fellow Matriarchs.

“Good, good,” Lyssa says evenly. “After all, these allegations are not made by individuals, but the council as a whole, right?” She tries to put on a conciliatory smile but it turns into more of a smug smirk towards Tisiphone.

“Yes, in fact it is Concordia and Belyse who–” the Matriarch of Tetla ventures before she is cut off by a shout from the plaza:

“Get yer handsh off me... hav'ya got any idea who – hic – who I am??”

Kept on her feet by two burly huntresses, a sloshed Belyse stumbles towards the assembled council. Following not too far behind, Maya gives her mother a sly look before disappearing into the crowd – her work here is done.

“H-hey! Didya shtart with-without me??” the undignified steward fumes indignantly as she is more or less carried up the steps – lest she trip and and fall.

“What are you doing??” Tisiphone hisses back as Belyse unsteadily takes up her position beside her.

Realizing all eyes are on her, an inkling of how much she is embarrassing herself slips through Belyse's drunken haze and she blushes: “Sh-shaddup...”

“So this is the kind of person who accuses the queen of drinking too much...” Lyssa muses, making sure to raise her voice so the crowd hears her clearly. “Obviously the honourable council has been treated to some fine hypocrisy here. You say you speak on behalf of all of the Matriarchs, but I find it hard to believe that Calypso, who knows me so well, would entertain such two-faced accusations.”

The queen gives the Princess of Quetzlpan a disarming smile, offering her a way out that absolves her of wrongdoing. Making sure she has her attention, Lyssa continues:

“The Easterners continued presence is indeed disconcerting, which is precisely why we must remain united. It will take a large number of war canoes to overcome their ships and allow all of our warriors to honour Rigg by crossing the sea and taking the fight to the interlopers. And as the Jaguar of the Sea will tell you, building so many boats takes time – which is why we have yet to take the fight to them.”

It is something of a white lie: Lyssa truly does not see any way of realistically evicting the pirates from the Triad Islands without several more ships... but that has hardly been the reason she has not made war yet.

The queen glances around as if waiting for something before continuing: “Indeed, if anyone supposes that my – our – realm has been weakened, the strife this kind of controversy engenders would go a long way to explain why it is so. Now, I would not immediately assume that Amazonia's state is in such a way compromised...”

Lyssa goes on at length, almost as if she is stalling with her increasingly empty words. All the while, her eyes scan the crowd with increasingly concerned anticipation. Finally she seems to see something she likes, happily abandoning her waffling mid-sentence.

“But not only do some people suppose that the queen is weak. They disparage my children. I see my daughter Inanna has just returned from her trial, so I shall let her answer these accusations.”

The crowd parts reverently as the powerfully built princess marches towards the temple. Covered in muck and blood, a hastily butchered hide of thick scales is draped across her shoulders. Behind her, she drags three large reptilian heads tied together with sturdy vines.

Inanna doesn't seem to pay the expectant stares any mind before she dumps her trophies at the stairs leading up to the shrine. Looking dumbly at the crowd, she is about to blurt out something in her confusion when her mother grabs her and pulls her to her side.

“Just stay silent and let mummy handle this,” Lyssa whispers sharply.

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That whole “suitable heir” business is a “best of three” kind of deal, right?


“Is this a lazy brat?” the queen asks rhetorically, making sure everyone gets a good look at her bloodied daughter. The crowd satisfies her with their reaction. Taking it a step further – and literally taking two steps further up the temple stairs – Lyssa raises her arm as if to get everyone's attention.

“And by the same token...” she roars with the crowd's approval. “Is this...”

Lyssa tugs gracefully at the cord around her waist. Undoing the knot, she lets it fall and grabs the hem of her robe – and with a flourish throws it open and lets it fall from her shoulders.

“Is this the body of a slovenly hedonist?” she asks the audience, showing off the taut muscles and chiselled features of her naked body. There is a gasp from the onlookers, not out of prudishness but admiration.

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Hey Tisiphone, do you even lift, bro?


Spreading her arms just in case someone doesn't get the hint, Lyssa's gaze lands on each councillor in turn. “Now... perhaps the council can reach a verdict?”

Tisiphone averts her eyes, gritting her teeth as she sees the reaction of her fellow councillors.

“Damnit... hey! You said we had to wait for everyone,” she calls out to Tatiana. She tries to feign concern for due process in her tone, but she cannot help but sound exasperated. “Matriarch Concordia is still not here.”

Unseen by the vexed Matriarch, Lyssa makes a subtle gesture. Out of the crowd steps the thin Amazon who met with the queen earlier that day. Apologetically, she silently begs the council's attention.

“You may speak, Azu,” Lyssa instructs her, feigning curiosity about the woman's purpose. With the queen's permission, the newcomer turns to address everyone, her voice barely carrying over the crowd's confused murmurs:

“My fellow Amazons, it grieves me to tell you that my lady and mistress, Matriarch Concordia Pythona of Cuauhlotl passed away in her sleep three days ago. The swamp fever hit her swift and hard and none of our prayers or remedies could help her.”

“Why didn't she tell ush??” Where Tisiphone manages to hold back a similar outburst, Belyse has no such restraint. “Uhm... anyone. Why didn't she tell anyonesh...”

“I'm afraid the Matriarch became bedridden and delirious as soon as the fever struck...” Azu says softly, so only those on the platform can hear.

“While I would no doubt have appreciated Concordia's... input in this decision, I suppose we must nevertheless conclude this farce,” Lyssa interjects. Before anyone can pre-empt her, she calls out to the whole plaza:

“Now... who here questions the queen's strength and vigour?”

The drunken Belyse is about to raise her hand when Tisiphone brusquely stops her. The others might have followed a strong display of unanimity by three Matriarchs, but hardly a minority of one Matriarch and a drunk.

Lyssa can't help but smirk at the two before continuing, even louder: “And who here supports the rightful queen of Amazonia and wish to follow her to battle and glory?”

A spontaneous cheer erupts from the crowd. Calypso cheers with them, raising her fist to the sky. Tatiana bows reverently and Feidlimid pragmatically follows suit.

The women in the plaza start kneeling as the euphoria spreads. Caught up in the moment, the councillors do as well – with Tisiphone and Belyse grudgingly coming in last.

Lyssa basks in the attention, awe and adoration, letting it wash over her bare skin. The sense of relief alone is almost unbearable, but this sudden about-face... she feels like she might burst from pride alone. The queen watches her subjects gleefully. This is as things should be.

Beside her, Inanna blinks as she looks around, still very much confused by the whole thing.

 
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I liked the little homage to Jurassic Park.

So Lyssa has outplayed her foes ... very nicely done in all.
 
Absolutely magnificent :D Lyssa took a public "vote of no confidence" and turned it into a ratification of her reign. Methinks it will be some time before any of her vassals have the audacity to challenge her again -- publicly, anyway.
 
I liked the little homage to Jurassic Park.

So Lyssa has outplayed her foes ... very nicely done in all.
Rest in peace, Bob Peck

Lyssa isn't the bravest or the brightest, but she has a way with words.

Now there is a turnaround!
Good things come to those who wait... and the queen managed to make use of those things when they did :)

Absolutely magnificent :D Lyssa took a public "vote of no confidence" and turned it into a ratification of her reign. Methinks it will be some time before any of her vassals have the audacity to challenge her again -- publicly, anyway.
Hopefully you're right and she can get back to more important things like drinking and bumping uglies with cute Amazon guys.
 
Chapter 9
Chapter 9: Prosperity through Procrastination

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From the moment Queen Lyssa of Amazonia left the shadow of the Temple of Rigg, it was as if she was walking on air. Her opponents had been discredited. The death of Concordia of Cuauhlotl had broken the cohesion of resistance to her rule.

The redoubtable Calypso might have listened to the careful Concordia, but Tisiphone's naked ambition did not agree with the marshal. Because she was the most powerful Matriarch by far, with an army that easily rivalled the queen's own, Calypso's loyalty did much to secure Lyssa's position.

There were rumours that the queen had caused Concordia's death, but few took these claims seriously. No one could imagine where she would find someone versed in such magic. Not without searching far across the seas. Unless... she had somehow ended up in cahoots with the Ruinous Powers of Chaos themselves, but the notion that any Amazon could fall to Chaos was preposterous to all.

Perhaps just as importantly to Lyssa, her second daughter was also proved safe and sound. It was not like she had doubted Inanna's strength and fighting prowess – the girl had been tutored by the great Jaguar of the Sea herself, after all. Still, seeing her daughter emerge from Rigg's Shrine as a true Amazon was a source of relief, but also pride for the queen.

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As they say, beauty is in the gore of the dinosaur

* * *​

For her part, Lyssa has her own theory explaining Concordia's demise. Undoubtedly, her adoption of a celibate lifestyle had sapped the Matriarch's vigour and strength, leaving her vulnerable to the disease that felled her. With this in mind, the queen resolves not to end up like that: At the Serena ritual following the events at the Temple Plaza, she makes sure to enjoy the menfolk on offer to the fullest. However, she is meticulous about avoiding the fertility ritual's true purpose. Her latest pregnancy still lingering in her mind she is not about to let that happen again any time soon.

No matter the underlying cause of Concordia's demise, Lyssa wastes no time taking advantage of it. The Matriarch had only sired male children – one of the reasons she swore off contact with men completely. As such, there is no heir to succeed her. Acting upon the prerogative she had bestowed upon herself after her victory over the halflings of Amocan, the queen returns the domain of Cuauhlotl to the Throne. In other words; to herself.

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Amazonia in 2019, with the domains controlled directly by Queen Lyssa in light green


This move is endorsed by the foremost of Concordia's advisers, her former steward Azu – the woman who first informed Lyssa of her mistress's death. Completely unrelated, Azu finds herself replacing the disgraced Belyse as steward in Lyssa's council. Furthermore, the queen elevates the “lucky” commoner to carry the noble name “Cuauhlotl”, to be held by her daughters in perpetuity.

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A competent steward who doesn't hate Lyssa? Madness! As an aside, she seems to have gotten a bit of a tan after coming to Ganaina...


Interestingly, despite her role in discrediting the queen before the Temple Plaza incident, Tisiphone of Tetla retains both her title and her position on the council. No longer fearing a united front against her rule, Lyssa feels confident enough in her authority to avoid the unprecedented step of stripping a Matriarch of her nobility. Instead she keeps her erstwhile rival close – where she can keep an eye on her. In addition, although the queen will not admit it publicly, the ambitious woman is a competent diplomat and warrior. With the wars she has promised her people, Lyssa will need every commander she can get.

In return for Tisiphone's cooperation, Lyssa refrains from pushing the fact that she was one of the women opposing her reign. Much better to keep the Matriarch's misdeeds hanging over her head in case she decides to try anything...


With order restored and the much more dependable Azu managing the realm's resources, Amazonia prospers. Or rather, the wealth at the queen's disposal increases considerably. Slaves previously taken from Amocan and Pircaro are put to good use constructing lodging and training areas in Ganaina for the army Lyssa seeks to raise.

In addition, slaves are sent to toil in the fields and thus freeing up Amazons on gardening duty to practice their martial skills more. Lyssa might have promised war – and certainly wishes to pursue one to keep the naysayers occupied – but she is not happy with the number of warriors at her disposal. The effects of the devastation of 1997 are still felt. Not only the loss of many strong shieldmaidens, but so too the children they would have borne. Children who would have been in their prime now...

* * *​

09.10.2019
Lyssa's sigh carries through the empty hall. Artisans have started work renovating the grand throne room, but work is slow going and fraught with trouble. The queen habitually laments that Amazons are not used to building anything grander than stick fences and mud huts. One can hardly fault the slaves when their supervisors have no idea what they're doing. However, this is not the matter that dismays her this afternoon.

Showing no sign of taking a seat at the dinner table, Matriarch Calypso impatiently waits to deliver her report. For her part, Lyssa had hoped to sit down together for an informal dinner and maybe a glass of wine or three. To her chagrin, the Jaguar of the Sea still seems rather distant even after what happened at Temple Plaza. When Lyssa gestures for her visitor to take a seat, Calypso instead speaks up:

“We have assembled eighty or so more recruits since last time. I have some of my most experienced warriors training them.” She hardly seems pleased about this.

“Only eighty...” Lyssa sighs, disappointed. It's been months since she ordered her marshal to gather Amazon refugees from Amocan, dispossessed tribeswomen and women who have gone too long without practising their martial skills and forge them into a fighting force. At this rate the queen felt her realm would be ready to make war on the foreign invaders in something like five years.

“Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a nice bed warmer as much as the next Amazon,” Lyssa greatly understates, “but hearing these numbers... I wish the invaders had taken some of our males rather than our shieldmaidens in the Great Raid.”

“It is our duty as Amazons to protect the weak,” Calypso reminds the queen.

“I can't invade the Triad Islands with an army of men!” Lyssa laughs heartily and even her marshal has to concede an amused smile at the thought. She shakes her head: “So many useless males and so few warriors...”

Looking thoughtful for a moment, Calypso relates: “The Sisterhood says that a long, long time ago we had strange magic created by the Old Ones that could decide the sex of Amazon children. But now I'm afraid we have to make do with what we got.”

“That would have been very handy two years ago...” the queen grumbles. That damn, troublesome brat she had struggled so hard to bring into this world. She did not wish to sacrifice her son to the gods, but the thought had struck her...

“Hopefully you can still pass on a measure of your power and might through him,” Calypso offers.

Lyssa considers her marshal's words, but doesn't feel very reassured. What do her future grandchildren help with her current predicament. Still, it does somewhat mollify her anger over Fak's failure to be born a girl. Perhaps he'll be of use yet...

Hoping her flattery has an effect, Calypso presses on: “I'm certain we will be ready for war by spring.”

Hesitating, the queen silently goes through all the problems with her marshal's impetuous plan. There are not enough trained warriors... and not enough war canoes to carry them, much less fend off the great ships the pirates own. Not wishing to upset the battle-hungry Matriarch further, she says diplomatically:

When we're ready, we shall fall upon the interlopers like furious gods of war.”​

* * *​

When Calypso's designated time arrives next year, it seems Lyssa still does not deem her forces ready. Instead of sailing to the Triad Islands, the queen travels to Zalli where the fort guarding the Amaxon River has just been finished. However, Lyssa is not quite done here yet. In fact, the wooden stronghold – though one of the mightiest structures built by Amazons in recent memory – is but the foundation for a larger, even stronger fortress.

And so another year passes in relative peace disturbed only by the occasional raid deeper into the jungles of Lustria. These raids bring goods that can be traded with independent Amazon realms further up the Amaxon. The shrewd Azu sets a few small trade expeditions in motion and Queen Lyssa is quite pleased with the results. Delicious fruits and highland honey from Gwangee Valley certainly sweeten the deal, convincing the queen to try expanding this trade business... even if it is not as honourable an endeavour compared to making war.

With gradual development on Lyssa's mind rather than a sudden offensive, each month strengthens the realm ever so slightly. However, the promised great and glorious war remains elusive...

* * *​

11.03.2021
Queen Lyssa leans back in her seat and smiles to herself. A seven-course meal and a few cups of chicha and mead certainly puts her in a much better mood to meet with Azu and discuss infrastructure concerns. What a happy – and most assuredly in no way intentional – coincidence that her schedule should turn out this way!

Lyssa languidly turns her head to look at the throne behind her. Ideally she should probably receive her steward from there, but she just doesn't feel like getting up right now... Sighing contently she closes her eyes to enjoy the pleasant warmth from the alcohol until she hears the door to the throne room open.

“Ah, there you are, Azu,” Lyssa smiles, pretending that she has been waiting for a while.

“Did you enjoy your meal, Your Highness?” the steward smiles in return as she steps deferentially over to her mistress.

“It was excellent,” Lyssa nods, her gaze landing on the table before her. All the dishes have been cleaned up, so how did the other woman know? She quickly dismisses the question and bids Azu say her piece.

“We have finished the expansion of the South Square warrior lodge and set up a shooting range for Amazons to practise their archery and javelin throwing,” the steward explains. “I feel we are doing well in Matriarch Calypso's absence.”

“I realize she needs to look after her island tribes, but I hope she gets her ass back here as soon as possible,” Lyssa grumbles before brightening up and smiling proudly: “At least Inanna is here to help out.”

Looking like she suddenly has something stuck in her throat, Azu stammers: “Ah... hah... yes. Yes of course. Some of the shieldmaidens have a bit of trouble following her, uhm, unique instructions... but she is quite, ahem, 'inspirational'.”

To illustrate the royal daughter's technique, the steward slams her fist into her palm.

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Inanna SMASH!


Lyssa quirks an eyebrow, but before she can ask Azu to elaborate, there is a knock on the double doors to the great hall. A rather agitated Tatiana comes running in without being admitted:

“Your Highness, a bird has arrived from Matriarch Calypso,” the huntress says breathlessly.

“Oh?” Lyssa perks up before her demeanour darkens: “Wait... she isn't writing to say she's going to stay at home on Quetzl is she?”

Tatiana hesitates slightly before replying: “My queen, she is in Zarmuda.”

“She's what now??” Lyssa blurts out once she has processed her spymaster's words.

“It seems she has taken matters in her own hands and taken the fight to the pirates without you, Your Highness,” Azu offers, her eyes on the messenger.

The queen taps her fingers on her stomach as she considers this. While Calypso is free to raid as she please, her attacking the foreigners on her own like this could reflect badly on Lyssa herself. While considering how to handle that issue, Lyssa bids Tatiana continue: “Did she have anything else to say?”

Tatiana swallows before continuing: “The main pirate force arrived after the Matriarch took the island. Her army is broken, surrounded and outnumbered. She... she is actually asking for you to come to her rescue.”

 
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Well those tables have turned very dramatically.