It is said that when war brews in the minds of great beings, the first and last to know are the people. They are the front lines of any war, the ones that would-be conquerors must either win over or frighten into submission. They see war in the hearts and minds of their fellows, and know when their ruler is a cruel tyrant or a benevolent king. A kingdom without its populace is merely an army, and nobles with no subjects. 

47 years ago, a war was waged in the land of Durian. Secessionists in what is now Teredor felt that their needs were not being met by the king of the time, King Foliman, of the line Gregoran. Their pleas for aid fell on deaf ears, and so the leaders of the revolution decided to make a decisive first strike against the kingdom of Teredil. Seizing the city Pyl’s Gate, they quickly drove out the defenders and blocked out the Monolith. They rapidly gained territory, pushing east and nearly reaching the Heartlands in the first months of the war.

King Foliman responded with overwhelming force. Over the course of a decade, the armies of Teredil pushed the Secessionists back, until they reached the massive portcullis of Pyl’s Gate. From there, the newly formed Democratic State of Teredor held the line for five more years until an uneasy armistice was reached. The boundaries of the empires were set along the coast of Lake Fall, and Pyl’s Gate became a neutral grounds of sorts. Both empires set guards in Pyl’s Gate, the largest center of commerce in all of Durian.

32 years have passed since then. The roving gangs of Felrear and Din-Ghulda have constantly probed the defenses of Teredor, and so the border to the north and the northwest is constantly changing.

Conflicts along those borders have not been the only ones in recent years. Small skirmishes between independent mercenaries have taken place all along the border between Teredor and Teredil, though both empires deny any involvement. 

War is brewing, and only the simple-minded could not see it coming. Conscriptions have risen in all empires. Teredor and Teredil have both invented technomagical airships, in part based on the technology of the Majin. And it is even rumored that the pirates in Din-Ghulda have started to take people in addition to the riches of the ships they raid. In every aspect, the continent is readying for war, and some fear it may embroil [i]all[/i] of the major empires this time.

And thus the cycle continues.

[hr]
“Last call for Thanadan! Last call, anyone not on this ship will have to wait for mornin’!” cried the sailor. “If you got a ticket, get on board! Last call!”

The town of Nifu was quaint, if ramshackle. Merchants, guards, and mercenaries of all types roamed the streets. The air smelled of salt and fish, and a soft breeze chilled the air.

 It was sunset, the day winding down. This was the last boat to Thanadan for the day, and you had spent enough time on Naran Island. It was time to go back.

Glancing down at your ticket, you strode up to the walkway and boarded. 

[hr]
The ship was large and well staffed. The rooms were large and comfortable enough for any race, and had just enough luxury to make them feel special. After all, the odd painting and brass candle stick was rarely seen on a sea-faring vessel.

Dinner was held in the galley. Even if one wasn’t hungry, they were expected to show and at least introduce themselves to the others on board. At the captain’s insistence, everyone sat down. All told, there were about two dozen passengers. Captain Calhoun cleared his throat to get their attention, and he spoke. 

“Welcome! You are onboard the Mighty Gull, one of the finest ships in all of Din Ghulda. We are currently enroute to Thanadan, and should be there by ‘morrow at noon. I encourage you to eat, drink, and converse to your heart’s desire! If there is anything you need or desire, please talk to one of the stewards here. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask one of the crew or myself. Now, I shant keep you waiting. Please, tuck in!”

The Captain swiftly left, and dinner was served. As the plates were delivered and placed in front of you, you gazed at the others seated at the table. Perhaps you should introduce yourself?

As conversation between the passengers slowly warmed up, the voices of two people rose above the din. It was a human male, a mage judging by his robes, and a Djinn, clasped in its blue traveling cloak.

“...Look, all I’m saying is you should recheck your charts. The stars Viamal, Altag, and Pythe are all lining up tonight. Something good is happening soon, I can just tell. I’d wager a month’s pay something along an envoy will be sent between the empires, to cool the tensions,” The man in robes said.

“You are wrong, human,” The djinn replied. “If you would pay more attention, you would see Mirod and Exilum are close behind. They will form an equilateral triangle with Pythe around the same time. If I had to ‘wager’, I would guess an army was just sent out. Nothing good can come of this, I tell you. I have never seen a war as brutal as the Secession War. Bad blood will not lie.”

As the two continued to bicker about stars and their patterns, you wonder if introducing yourself and asserting your opinion would make things worse or better. At the very least you may be able to enjoy your meal without an argument breaking out between the two...