It's been a couple of months since we announced Essos, and progress is coming along rather nicely. Our history setup is almost done (minus the Dothraki) and we are starting to implement some new mechanics, such as Galle's slavery system, as well as adjusting existing ones to account for a new continent.Today I'll go into some more detail on our ruins and colonisation mechanics. As said in our first diary many provinces are now portrayed as ruins. They provide no manpower or income and cannot be conquered conventionally. There are currently numerous ruins across the map, examples include the ancient cities of The Rhoynar, Sar Mell, Old Ghis, the Isle of Cedars, the cities of Sothoryos, Oldstones and Summerhall.Whilst they cannot be attacked they can be colonised, this is achieved by a special casus belli. You have to either neighbour or be within 2 sea provinces of the ruin to colonise it, and it also costs 1000 gold to start up.You then have to move an army to the ruin, enforce a 'peace', (which is easy as ruins have no levies or garrisions) and finally establish the colony. The size of the colony depends on the size of the ruin, and will provide no income and troops for many years. Your vassals and kin cannot ask for this ruin, so you do no need to worry about keeping it in your demesne. Meanwhile various events can happen in the colony:The natives may also get pissed at you for trying to enforce your will upon them:You will also want to protect your colonies, as they are liable to fall back into ruin, with all investment lost, if subject to a siege or mismanagement:The time it takes for the colony to be fully built depends on the size of the colony (larger colonies take more time) and the stewardship skill of your ruler. Having your steward oversee contruction there will also speed things up. Also bear in mind the costs and other elements are subject to balancing.Please feel free to ask questions, or suggest any flavour events that could happen for your colonies!