[Center][h1][u][b][color=darkred]Kingdom Of Zakol[/color][/b][/u][/h1][/center]

[hider=Hakurei, Capital of Zakol - Office of the Minister of foreign affairs]
Lord Claymont sat at his desk inspecting the mountain of documents & letters that seemed to never decrease in number, "Right, now i can deal with the letters from my agents..." opening the messages one after the other as he recorded each in a large book dating each one as he did so, "Dagrenas... they found nothing? no sign of settlements or life at all?!," He frowned but promptly shook it off "Fools trying to hide away from the world around them i bet" He moved on after adding a comment to the documentation "Dagrenas = no hope" then he moved on to the other messages from the diplomats sent out over the past month. He read the report from the people he'd sent to the Holy Empire of Quaris they'd arrived back in the capital after only a couple days leaving "Turned away at the boarder, due to Zakol is a nation of unholy heathens practicing witchcraft... & false gods?" Claymont grinned at the insult but it faded as he got an odd feeling as he thought about Quaris's views, but continued on "Cosab, surprisingly friendly towards us openly accepted the peace & non-aggression treaties with us..." He noticed the diplomats little note before continuing on "...May be seeking allies as they fear the apparently aggressive Lagosami tribes to the south?." Claymont rifled through the messages before he turned to one of his staff "You!, boy! i sent some diplomats to speak with the Lagosami tribes ages ago go find me their report i don't have it!" the young man nodded and races out of the room as Claymont continued on "arrived in the Empire of Ubalri where met with open arms & desperation?, they seek immediate aid to help them combat the invading Lagosami tribe...".

Claymont already knew what had happened before the youngman had returned to tell him there hasn't been any contact from the group sent to talk with the Lagosami in the far south, having sent the assistant away again to get the records of the people in the missing diplomatic party, he started drafting the usual condolence letters for their families.

After an hour or so just as he'd finished with the letters, another of his staff urgently burst into the room, "Lord Claymont!, a message has arrived from General mokurs camp in northern Zakol by carrier pigeon" The aid passes him the report sighing deeply after he read it, "As our forces are in the south, the holy empire of Quaris has launched a full-scale attack against us, Gneral mokurs moving to intercept with what what token forces he has left stationed in the provence..." Claymont paces back & fourth in his office reading the report several more times before sitting as his desk and speedily starts writing several letters.
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[hider=Skirmish on the Western Boarder, of Southern Zakol]
General Venn had lead the Expedition force over the boarder into western Iparis with the intent of fighting a guerrilla war with ambushes & hit & run tactics, however shortly having crossed the boarders General Venn was drawn into what was thought to be a small skirmish against boarder guards had escalated in heavy fighting, most of her forces where already engaged in combat when it became apparent they where facing an entire force of Iparis military head on.

Despite the surprise, & being drawn into a direct full on battle the Zakolian forces Lead by Loxa Venn had initially smashed into the enemy like a tidal wave, Iparis forces suffering heavy casualties despite their fearless & fevered efforts in combat. As the fighting raged on however something strange happened on the front lines just as the enemy was getting slowly pushed back, wounded survivors of which where being dragged back to safety for aid telling stories of extremely bright flashes of blinding lights & tales of what seemed like angels, heavenly warriors descending from the skies fighting against them aiding the forces of Iparis.

A messanger ran over to General Venn "Mam!, our forces in the thick of the fighting on the front-lines are starting to take heavy casualties!" Not wasting a moment General Venn grinned as she took her prized great sword from the three personal aids carrying it, as she gathered her personal entourage to join the battle "Alright kids!, lets go join the fight!, i'm getting board back here!, Lt.general Grumret! you have command here" General Venn took off to lead a devastating rallying charge at the front-lines, her presence for a time was working in rallying Zakols forces in the fierce battle, when a low echoing boom sounded a short while later the ground near general Venn exploded killing her near by troops & sending her flying back through the air several feet her ears ringing as she stared up at the sky. After a few seconds some troops ran over to aid her & help her up their voices becoming clearer as the ringing in her ears dulled down, as a dozen or so more low echoing booms began sounding almost in rhythm, Loxa Venn looked around only to see groups of her forces abruptly explode as the earth itself seemingly shot up from the ground.

Over all the Chaos & shouting several Signaling horns begn bellowing from the command station at the rear sounding a full-organised retreat as more of the battlefield kept exploding as the air echo'd with a mix of low distant boom sounded & the loud bellows of battle horns rang throughout the battlefield. "Get back! Everyone Fall back!" Venn shouted at the top of her lungs her forces now falling back, squad stopping & turning to cover the retreat of other squads who then did the same as the Zakolian army promptly pulled back as the battlefield seemed to erupt around them.

Loxa Venn seeing some over-zealous Iparis forces preparing to make chase while others of their comrades worryingly held back not wanting to risk moving into the area where the ground was exploding held back. only a pocket of the Iparis forces broke rank to charge to which General Venn Slashed her great sword across the ground infront of her as if drawing a line before she them slammed it into the ground and gave out a mighty battle cry that sounded over all the noise across the battlefield the sight & sound of which seemed to actually halt the pursuers, after a few moments stareing each-other down some troops ran back to support Venn as she plucked her sword from the ground and slowly began to fall back the Iparis forces doing the same as they'd almost walked into the area where the ground was explodeing around them.

The expeditionary force began its slow march back over the boarder having lost the momentum & suffered some losses from the engagement. Iparis also having suffered heavily themselves decided to pull back & leave things as they stood. Genral Venn finally found the command unit "Grumret! good job timely organizing the retreat, do you know what happened after i took to the field?" The elderly officer nodded "One of our human magi said it was a metal ship called an ironclodd? firing .....On..ns?...Onions!...? from offshore!" General Venn looked at the elderly ogre in confusion when the magi stepped forward "S-sorry mam!, he means an ironclad was firing Cannons from the coast" Venn nodded at the human "thank you magi!, ive heard of these cannons a rather recent invention i believe", the human tried not to smile when he noticed the ogre was being Ernest "I wouldn't say recent they've been... never mind ma'm not important", the human vanished into the ranks not wanting to insult how behind the times Zakols forces where becoming compared to some of the more advanced kingdoms in Alria.

General Venn shouted to some of the logistical staff "Bring me paper, ink & qill i need to get a message to the main force of whats occurred immediately!" Some of the people took off gathering the things as well as a messenger bird as the worry as to whats happened with the main force under the princesses command.
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[hider=Assault over the Southern Boarder, of South Zakol]
Princess Yui Wolph lead the main force herself attacking Central Iparis, again not long after having crossed the boarders Zakolian forces found themselves up against the full military might of Iparis forces in their central Provence. It was only a few hours before Zakols main force was fully engaged in combat with the same initial prowess & success as they hammered into the enemy with torrential force.

The Magi worked in co-ordination with the infantry & cavalry hammering the enemy troops or hemming them into areas where Zakol could control the flow of battle Zakolian forces surprisingly suffering small casualties compared to the overwhelmingly heavy casualties Iparis forces where suffering in the valiant defense of their lands.

A human female War-magi stood near the signal operators at the command unit in the rear helping guide the flow of the battle helping Zakols troops react to potential weaknesses in advance or exploit vulnerabilities in the enemes lines before they noticed. Princess Yui stood watching over the battle her demeanor to any around her seemed like it was as if she was upset or depressed, reluctant of the actions she's taken. When Ozma Torth appeared at her side "Yui, it'll be bad for moral if you don't seem more resolute" Yui nodded and tried to suppress her thoughts returning her attention to the battle, walking over to her officers & the signal staff Torth following closely behind as she did so.

The Female war-Magi noticing the princesses approach spoke up "Your highness! we have everything in hand, you needn't worry yourself further..." Yui cut her off "No, i'm fine now lucretia but thank you for your concern, However!, we do have a war win, and to do it we need to promptly put an end to this minor conflict!". Yui walked over to a roughly surveyed map of the area "Right everyone gather round" Princess Wolph Gave her officers the details of her plan to finish the enemy forces in central Iparis.

A short while afterwards Zakols forces cheered, shouted and cried out in zealous celebration when Princess Yui herself charged into the battle with her elite bodyguards their combined overwhelming power, speed, & magic cutting swaths through what was left of the enemy forces, while the rest of the main force rallied behind her each solider fighting like a demon possessed to ensure their princesses well-being. The battle soon ended as the remnants of Iparis's forces scattered & fled from the overwhelming onslaught of Zakols main force.

Princess Yui after passing ranks upon ranks of cheering troops on her way back to the command unit, a messenger ran over to her "Your highness a letter from General Venn has arrived!" Yui read it as her face betrayed a mix of sadness & relief, Torth whispering to her "Is everything ok?" Yui nodded "Venn was forced to retreat but she's fine as are most of her forces Iparis was hit hard unable to pursue them... i'm glad they're ok but it's a serious set-back to my plan". Yui continued onward to the command tent lost in thought as casualty reports poured in her officers debating what to do with prisoners & wounded Iparis soldiers.

Yui Wolph spoke up "What's there to debate?! we have our duty & Zakols ideals to live-up to!" her officers fell silent as they turned to face her as she continued "get medical treatment to all of the wounded, i want all prisoners disarmed & put under guard, see to it they're treated fairly & fed proper!, Have any of our still capable forces immediately prepare to move out to secure & occupy all towns & villages in the Provence from looters & bandits seeking to profit from the confusion of the battles aftermath... and find a messenger willing to volunteer to take a message to the ruler of Iparis under a white flag of truce, any further senseless slaughter will only weaken both our kingdoms if this continues... i just hope Iparis will see reason in this as well especially since we never took the west". Her officers smiled at the conviction their ruler displayed and set about their duties.
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[hider=Battle of Lesai Plains, Northern Zakol]
To the north General Mokur gathered what troops where left in the north to defend against the invading Quaris forces from the north their army having already crossed the boarder the previous day messengers getting ahead of them to give Mokur some advance warning of their attack & direction which he relayed to the capital before moving to intercept the invader, his gathered forces setting up on the southern end of the Lesai plains.

Knowing he was likely outnumbered General Mokur adopted a defensive strategy his troops, engineers, and sappers hard at work setting up a central command platform, traps, pyres, anti-cavalry defenses, & the trebuchets in advance as he arranged his forces formations and discussed tactics with his officers & Magi.

Some hours later what seemed to be the full military might of the Holy Empire of Quaris marched from the northern end of the Lesai plains, massed loud hymns & prayers as their close-minded fanatical troops advanced their holy banners flying high & musicians playing to the march. As the enemy where still far in the distance Mokur Gave a booming speech to his troops who where witnessing this sight of the force approaching them. "The eyes of Zakol fall upon us on this day!, We must make our people proud that we are their defenders!, and more than that Our old gods watch over us on this day against these zealots and their young-ling god who's intolerant to all except their own people!, These Opportunistic bastards cowardly seek to stab our ruler, Your princess in the back as she is busy dealing with issues to the south, show them no mercy! give them no quarter! send these lowly fuckers to either their god or back from where they came!, For Zakol!, For the Wolphs!".

The outnumbered Zakol forces gave a mighty cheer and stood proudly & resolute against the overwhelmingly large enemy force, As Quaris advanced into range Mokur gave the order to his artillery, The trebuchets opened fire raining fire & stone upon the massed ranks of the Quaris infantry taking huge chunks out of their lines, however they continued on as more zealots filled in the gaps in their formations each time one was created. Despite the enemy infantry not slowing Mokur was forced into attempting the next phase of the plan, a unit of Javelin ogres marched alone ahead of the formation exposing the formations weak center & the command base General Mokur was leading from, as Zakolian magi subtly made the wind direction on the battlefield blow towards the enemy.

Taking the bait of the isolated unit Quaris elite Cavalry broke formation to charge down the easy target, the javelin Ogres feigning to panic began their retreat towards the center of Mokurs defensive formation to lure them in despite straining every muscle as they tried to fall back the through-bred war horses of the enemy cavalry fanatically closed the distance unable to out run them the javelin Ogres knowing what was at stake turned to face them in a desperate attempt to take some of the enemy with them as they flung their javelins or used them as spears, just as the enemy cavalry decended on them.

Utterly annihilated by the overwhelming numbers of enemy Cavalry, who then pressed on towards the weakness in the Zakolian formations center with frenzied zeal, however a third of which hung back desperately & cruelty seeking for any wounded survivors of the Ogre javelin unit to murder them in cold blood. Despite this they unit had mostly succeeded in their task as two thirds of the enemy's Cavalry charged into the center gap where the trap sprung Several rows of fenced stakes shot upwards out of the ground which the speed & deadly momentum of the enemy's cavalry couldn't avoid flew into causing horse & rider to be skewered or trampled over by their allies following behind & falling to the same fate, As Zakols KragFang Cavalry had circled from a hidden position around the formation to come up from behind closing off any retreat as the infantry formations to the flanks closed in around them, ahead two full units of heavy infantry now forming up in front of the command platform encircling the dismounted enemy cavalry. Unfortunately Noticing this the remaining third of the enemy Cavalry with wanton-abandon charged into the rear of the Kragfang cavalry pinning them against their own forces spike trap & the fanatical merciless blood-lust of the Quaris surviving cavalry resulting in a bloody & frenzied battle in the of the defensive formation.

After some considerable losses & the Kragfang cavalry being practically wiped out due to a tactical error in judgement General Mokurs forces had managed to defeat the last remnants of Quaris's Elite Cavalry, however they'd barely reformed in time as the main bulk of the invading army had closed the distance, it wasn't long before the entirety of Mokurs force was fully engaged in merciless combat, the desperately pitched battle was still going strongly against Zakols forces as their lines where being spread thin to combat the enemies numbers while many casualties fell to the enemies zealous warriors who's blood lust, & lethality was matched by their apparent desire to die in battle like martyrs.

The two forces continued fighting a bloody & merciless battle, both refusing to give in despite the losses as bodies piled on bodies, where used as stepping stones by more combatants refusing to yield to their enemy. The battle drew on mercilessly as wave upon wave of troops kept clashing with each-other however Zakols thinning defense line was slowly being pushed back by the invaders martial & numerical might. Mokurs Chief war-Magi appeared at his side as the wind had picked up in strength "Sir!, the majority of the enemies forces are still near where the traps with peat are!, however we move or they push us back any further it'll be to late!". Mokur Watched the battle before him his forces pressed to their limit as he waved his Entourage together as he grabbed his warhammer & tower shield. "Try and only have your magi ignite the traps where the enemy forces are most concentrated in number, im going to try and rally our troops to hold the line!". With that Mokur charged into the thick of the fighting over all the noise & chaod his booming voice carried over the battlefield "For the Wolphs! for Zakol!!!" After which Mokur displayed his prowess & might fully living up to his title as the 'shield of Zakol' taking on eight to ten enemy warriors at once hammering into them with unnatural strength.

The Fire traps ignited with overwhelming force the flames lashing out wildly engulfing entire lines of infantry however they grew rapidly out of control fueled by the ferocious winds that had picked up they did spread northward however the battle lines where so heavily entangled many Zakolian troops also got caught in the ferocious blaze that engulfed the battlefield Mokur himself was grabbed & thrown back by one of his men just before where he'd been standing went up in gushes of flame.

Both forces scrambled to get away from the fire & reform however from the extensive fighting & the wild fire that had spread over a vast majority of the battlefield both forces suffered Extremely heavy casualties... Despite this General Mokur had managed to recover a small amount of his exhausted forces hastily reforming them near the Command platform as the surviving Magi utilized their earth magics to douse or halt any spread of the fires towards their own forces, the troops from the Holy Empire of Quaris weren't so lucky the fire & wind direction had entirely engulfed their invading military force from the lowliest foot-solider to the highest of their ranking officers. The Quaris forces where entirely annihilated in the battle on the Lesai plains, However Mokur and his forces had little to cheer about as they where exhausted from the fighting, their heavy losses during the bloody battle not to mention the unfortunate warriors caught in the the fires, It was a pyrrhic victory at best, but according to Zakols populous & the politicians it was a victory regardless!.

To General Mokur however he couldn't consider it anything other than a resounding defeat as the forces under his command where so drastically depleted by Quaris's merciless & unprovoked surprise attack they where practically crippled from attempting any form of retaliation.
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[hider=Town of Eagrose, Mandalia Provence (27) - Formally Central Iparis]
Several Days after the battle the military force under Princess Yui Wolph set up headquarters in the North-central town of Eagrose from where they coordinate their efforts for the province,an officer arrives at the newly occupied garrison with the volunteer the princess requested "Your highness This man is willing to ride under the flag of truce to the ruler of Iparis for you". Yui walked over to them "thank you, for volunteering for this important task-", The excited messagner eagerly cut in "No-No problem your highness! i'its truely an honor i-infact i had to w-win a lottery to g-get this incredible chance to serve you in this task your excellency! i couldn't believe how luc-" The officer cut in "sorry mam when i asked for volunteers i near had a riot on my hands, of loyal subjects wishing to serve i had to resort to a lottery before i got trampled to death..." the officer smiled Yui almost burst into laughter "Oh, My! No, i assure you i'm the one honored that i have to many loyal retainers, Now please i entrust you with delivering this letter to the ruler of Iparis, It's of utter importance and i need it done as soon as possible!".

The Eager messenger took the letter forgetting himself "What's it fo-.. sorry!" Yui waved his worry away with her hand "I'm going ahead with what i intended to do from the start, i'm asking for peace", She stood there with a smile as everyone in the room around her stopped in silence surprised by what she'd said.

Meanwhile outside the garrison the War-Magi Lucretia was sitting at a wooden desk beside, a scribe, a diplomat under lord Claymont, & the mayor of Eagrose, (not to mention the guards, clerical, & logistical staff around them as well) sorting through various paperwork, while conducting trials & hearing the requests of the provinces people. a group of men held under guard were brought before them at the table as Lucretia spoke up "So... more bandits, your group tried to raid & pillage the farming village of Zlille?, Zelle?" The mayor cut in "Zle, Miss the 'e' is silent". Lucretia nodded in appreciation "Zle!, seeking to take advantage of innocents in the confusion of the battle few days past, i see no need for leniency with people such as you lot!, hmmm... six years hard labor under guard at a state rock quarry, where you will have time to reflect on your actions & learn through hard work on how to earn an honest days meal, which the innocent farmers of Zle toil for every year!".

The bandit leader went to protest as did his followers when Lucretia cut him off "If your unhappy with this option there's another..." She made an axe motion with her hand hitting softly against the side of her neck while staring straight at the bandits eyes, to which a patch on the front of the bandit leaders pants changed to a darker & wetter shade from before as he whispered under his breath "Quarry's fine with us.." as he hung his head and was led away to the cells.

"Next!" a middle aged man who looked half-starved as his shirt barely clung to his shoulders, was brought forward by another guard "Caught stealing food from the garrison supply warehouse shortly before our forces arrived in Eagrose" the scribe spoke up introducing the charges against the prisoner Lucretia just sat looking at the man waiting for his to talk as he did "Please forgive me, but My family's had nothing to eat for the past few days! my family needs to eat! arrest me but please give my family something i beg of you!". Lucretia turned to look at the mayor who explained "before the battle Iparis soldiers came through gathering up any able bodied troops & volunteers while appropriating the towns foodstuffs for the army's supplies as they gathered for the upcoming battle... Its not un-". Claymonts diplomat spoke up "It's not uncommon with most kingdoms when marshaling forces the nearest towns, farms, & villages to them are picked bare to supply a hastily gathered force especially if its numbers exceed predictions... As usual it's the common people who suffer the most in silence".

Lucretia has a whispered discussion with some logistical staff finding out Rahmas & Claymont had seen to the Zakolian armies being well (if not overly) supplied along with additional shipments of grain from lord Claymont apparently part of a gift from an allied kingdom. "Your free to go, as far as food is concerned each family will start being issued rations daily to get by on as transport & trade routes are re-established so that basic infrastructure can be set up to get things back on track!" The prisoner stood happy at being released but then got totally lost by Lucretias words when the mayor cut in "Everyone's getting food each day per family until everything's back to normal!" The man fell to his knees thanking for their generosity the guards having to practically carry him away for things to proceed.

Later in the afternoon...

The messenger that had been sent out earlier that day had sped back, his horse almost collapsed over dead from exhaustion as it had ridden so far in a few hours, as he raced towards the garrison on foot to deliver the reply from the ruler of Iparis to Princess Wolph, Only A few minuets later another messenger arrived from the capital with news of what transpired back home to the north of Zakol.
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[hider=Actions]
[u][b]> Diplomacy[/b][/u]
- The Kingdom of Zakol officially joins & commits to the 'Northern Alliance' established by the kingdoms of Tushienia & Andinon. Zakol offering what resources they can to future endeavors of the alliance.

- Zakol & Iparis make peace & form an agreement with each-other resulting in an unexpected alliance, additionally Iparis hands over control of its eastern most province (28) to Zakol as part of their agreement, which resulted from a heartfelt letter from Princess Yui Wolph. (what it contained & detailed remained between the ruler of Iparis & Princess Wolph.)

- Zakol Formally agrees to peace & non-aggression treaties with the kingdom of Cosab maintaining friendly relations with them.

- Zakol avoids further diplomacy with the Empire of Ubalri the diplomats maintaining a discreet presence however relaying any information on the Lagosami tribes movements, having noted they could be a future concern.

- Although nothing more than a formality at this point, a surprisingly well written & politely worded, declaration of war (filled with subtle insults & veiled threats) was sent from the office of Lord Claymont to Holy Empire of Quaris.

[u][b]> Military Action[/b][/u]
- Souths occupying the new territories, northern forces crippled until reinforced.

[u][b]> Personnel Transfer[/b][/u]
- Expeditionary force redirected to Eastrock.

- 1 unit light inf & 20 units heavy inf transfered from s.Zakol to N.Zakol

[u][b]> Recruitment[/b][/u]
- 1 units light infantry (Ogre) (27) - (Nts: of 3 units)
- 1 units Crossbowmen (human) (25) - (Nts: of 5 units)
- 1 units heavy Cav (Ogre) (18) - (Nts: of 7 units)
- 1 units Heavy infantry (28)

[u][b]> Naval Construction[/b][/u]
- 2 war ships (18)
- 2 war ships (25)

[u][b]> Research[/b][/u]
- Fortitude
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[hider=Garrisons]
[u][b]North Zakol (18)[/b][/u]
-Volaq Mokur 
-1 Unit of Light Infantry
-6 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-2 War-Magi
-1 Unit of Magi
-1 unit Heavy Cav
-4 Artillery
[u][b]South Zakol (25)[/b][/u]
- Glasha Yotul - Priestess of the Sun & Moon
- 3 units, Crossbowmen (50)
- 1 units, War Magi
- 1 units, Magi (20)
- 1 units,Trebuchet artillery
Transferred:
- 3 units, Light Infantry (300)
- 40 units, Heavy Infantry (1000)
- 1 unit, Javalin Ogres (50)
[u][b]Mandalia (27)[/b][/u]
-Yui Wolph
-Ozma Torth
-1 Units of Hellfire Banshees
-3 Units of Light Infantry 
-30 Units of Heavy Infantry 
-2 Units of Archers 
-3 Units of War-Magi 
-2 Units of Magi 
-6 Units of Heavy Cavalry 
-3 Units of Artillery

[u][b]Eastrock (28)[/b][/u]
- Loxa Venn
- Grumret
-3 Units of Light Infantry
-6 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-1 Unit of War-Magi (Lucretia Arnet)
-3 units of Heavy Cavalry
-1 Unit of Artillery

[u][b]Navy Locations[/b][/u]
- 9 warships (E12)
- 6 warships (E13)
- 57 transports (Trading/Various)
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