The Queen's Advance

[Simple]

1850 A.C.

With large-scale hostilities ceasing between Asphodel and Shadowmire, the Queen has set her focus upon the people of Aesirheim instead. The forces rally, preparing to march upon the home of the Vanirhallans. No doubt as a consequence of their Oathbreaking only a few years prior, though an address has been made and dispatched to those within Asphodel all the same.

"As you are no doubt aware, those who follow the oathbreaker Vekel have been attempting to assassinate me, positioning themselves within our perimeter. His hunts have not gone unnoticed, as I've stumbled upon him many times now whilst using my invisibility potions. They twist our words and our agreement, manipulating others into believing our generosity and mercy is a lie.

We will not stand for it. We cannot stand for it.

We will move upon Aesirheim and see it destroyed. Those willing to avoid bloodshed are free to join Asphodel, to return to the agreement which we made, within reason. I am not at all a tyrant, and I am willing to exercise benevolence in return for a surrender. We do not, however, entertain the demands of oathbreakers, so there are certain individuals who will not be allowed this reprieve.

We have prepared, waited, and after assisting Achyon in its defense we will see to it that this enemy is also destroyed. Their Jarl licks at the boots of Osrona, as well as the 'neutral' Headmaster of the Academy. Nothing more than a chained dog, an assassin dispatched to do the bidding of Starfall's faculty.

The time for discussion, handholding, and lies is over. 
We march."

Per the Queen's orders, Asphodel's military is preparing a large scale attack upon Aesirheim, with the goal of destroying it as a whole, or at least damaging it to a significant degree. This will be taking place at 6 P.M. EST, Sunday, June 13th.

[DestroBistro]

Aesirheim has been making rapid preparations to withstand Asphodel's attack on their livelihoods. Men, women and children alike are contributing to the efforts- setting up traps, erecting war camps strategically around the Shadowed Savanna and even learning traditional Vanirhallan combat techniques from the Magi that reside in the settlement. After months of silence from its leader and frequent bouts of absence, Vekel finally returns to address his people- dispelling any concern they may have had following Araceli's announcement.

Warriors of Aesirheim, the time has come to prove my worth as your Jarl.

I'd assumed Asphodel's leadership to be at the very least competent in diplomacy, but no, even there they've disappointed me. Their shepherd trembles at my presence, resorting to drinking invisibility concoctions and sneak tactics rather than approach me head on. Not a single one of their Vampires can hold a candle to my strength. I am Kark's Chosen, and that is why they come for my people...

... because they could not kill me. There is no other reason.

So be it.

They dare march on the legacy my predecessors built throughout their lives, and I will not allow them to lay waste to my home without consequences. They've harassed the Docro family, they've lied to you, they've deceived their allies but worst of all? They still claw at righteousness and moral high ground.

Let it be known that their monarch desires but one thing- total conquest. She wishes for all to bow to her, assuming the guise of a reasonable leader when in reality? She is a power hungry tyrant. My people, rest assured,  because we do not march alone. For we have one thing that they do not- humanity.

Humanity will not let its own fight on its lonesome. Not this time. I have not asked for aid, because I know I do not need to.

I am accepting all warriors who wish to fight this blight with me.

The people of Aesirheim were forged through the fires of war. We are ready for anything.

The Triumvirate marches with us. Láta við.

(Battle Date: Sunday, June 13th, 6 PM EST)

[Swift!]

The dark of Asphodel looms over Vanir. Once allies, the coming attack casts it shadow potently. Night after night the civilians and fighters of the desert city are prepared for death, ready to fight for their country without aid.

The shimmering city remains quiet for months in regards to the threat from the queen. No words from the Radiant, Lightbearer, nor the Arch-Magi. The council remains just as still. No official word has been spoken in favor or against the defense of Aesirheim. Rumors spread of the involvement of a certain pair of blue-haired nobles. Then of a lone Knight speaking with the Jarl.

Another period of silence passes, then on the rising sun of one morning, a trail of Knights and non-magi militia are spotted. They bear no insignias of the Faith, nor of the Second Dawn, yet all of them come from the city of light. Resources, food, gear, training, and many other supplies are brought, and refuge is offered to those unable to fight, back in Osrona.

At the head of this trail is the same Knight who spoke to the Jarl. Aeliana, Knight-Keeper and freshly seated member of the Osronan council. Still bravely covered in her sigils of Faith and the Order. She speaks a simple and blunt declaration to the desert city on arrival, her voice booming over the dunes. A series of letters sent out not long after, quoting the speech.

Through the darkest night and strongest storm!

The children of Eternia are of one.

Whether graced by the stars or by the tales of the Vanir, we are of one blood, of one continent.

The blood we spill from each other, we do from love, whether retribution or tradition.

In this coming storm, know that Osrona does not stand behind Aesirheim. There is no alliance or future promised to either side.

The light is not here to protect the ways or culture of the Vanir. We are not here to make peace or mend wrong doings.

When the dark seeps into this land, no matter where it's shadows reach, we will be there. Nothing of true evil shall touch this sacred ground.

The day of the Vanir's reckoning will come, but not of this raid.

We, the might of Osrona and the people of Esshar are here for one reason,-

-to destroy this filth.

[Didos]

  

With the imminent attack on the Vanirhallan in the desert, prepared by the Queen of the Vampires - the enemy forces would advance to help against such monsters! All together in defense of the desert people, in such a moment of need.

 

But such an occurrence would not go unnoticed by Achyon and its leaders, who began to rapidly mobilize their troops and war machines - ready to join their allies of Asphodel in this attack that would prove as an opportune time to deal with their various enemies and show them what happen when they meddle where they are not supposed.

 

---

Mmmm.. I had promised you,  didn't I, Queen? That as you helped us before, we would return such a favor and lend our strength to your people - where the rest of those in Achyon always agree with me.
 
The time has come to demonstrate to everyone what happens to traitors - but most importantly, how we deal with intruders who betray their people.. Such as the new generation of Osrona, who let their people down and preferred to not aid them against us!
 
Great are they, the Oathbreakers.
 
Haha.. I thought Vekel hated that kind of person, but that probably wasn't the case - since he would be allowing them to aid him this time..

 

Amidst the troops marching on the dunes, sightings of countless abominable beings could be noticed! Undead Knights and other Creatures, bearing the Necromancer's banners, carrying ancient equipments and rusting weapons.. Such beings were advancing side by side with Achyon's troops, in order to carry out their Master's will! Who collected their bodies during years of war, in order to use them for his plans - to carry out his will.

 

And the time had come for this.