Claw2k11

War of Dominion Reboot

"Weapons will do just fine but I have noticed that the armies of Tar Sequinus are not pressing the advantage despite the previous battle. You could probably make a white peace with nothing gained or lost. If not, these cannons and rifles along with gold and possibly a city of Tar Sequinus will pay the bill. Now this Shadow business seems quite urgent..."

@Mardox

"Excuse me?" she asks. "I lost over 70.000 men, 70.000 people that will never live to see the light of day ever again, I want to teach the Sequini what it means to lose so many men since they enough to spare!" she says obviously angered. "I'm sorry for losing my cool there, let us both go to this meeting, though your previous enemy, the Vaalgradi might be there..." she says thoughtfully. "Anyway, let's be off!"

@Lauder

(I'll post a bit later once everyone is ready to go to Ashkanian).

War of Dominion Reboot

Alright, to give you an explanation of what the Shadow Beasts are.

Long ago, in times immemorial, when countries were barely formed by the humans on the ruins of long gone elven cities, two threats arose to smash the newlyborn countries. Far away in the Czernobog(as it was called in the elven language) or better known as the Nightmare Lands, the Demonic Armies had spread out and started to slaughter and enslave humanity.

The peaceful nomads of Kalak Doman tried to put up a resistance, but they were smashed apart by the demonic hordes. North, however, the horde met organized resistance part of a combined effort of three very different kingdoms, the Grand Kingdom of Anqallyt, The Shogunate of Sha'an Tzien and the Caliphate of Mtol Darask. They stopped the demon armies in their tracks, using the treacherous deserts to ambush and smash apart the demons with the help of what little remained of the magical beings there. And they were able to stop the armies, but each time they would try to push them back, they failed, opting instead to stay on the defensive.

In the southwest the demon armies were pushing on relentlessly, eventually stopping only briefly as the massive mountains that were then named the Walls of the World. However, another threat arose far away in Ashkanian, where the Black Order arose to rule the lands. Massive beasts unable to be touched by regular steel or any other metal for that matter. They stormed out of the Shadow Lands and into the plains, slaughtering every living being from humans to even field mice. More than half of Ashkanian was claimed by these beasts in only a few weeks and it only seemed that they would claim more as they advanced. However, the fresh Kingdom of Nastrond realized that this threat would soon move towards them and claim them next, so they sent thousands of soldiers armed with weapons made of a new material known as Stygian Steel, or Living Steel, as the people of old called them. And it worked, this new material was all it took to harm these beings, so the Grandmaster of the Black Order sent massive amounts of the metal to the people of Ashkanian. With that, they pushed the Shadow Beasts back, but at a great cost... hundreds of thousands of people had died to push these horrible beings to their lands and since then, they have stayed there...

Meanwhile, the Demons had destroyed the Kingdom of Wolastra and claimed three quarters of the massive Sequine Empire. The remaining nations realized that this was it, if they didn't stop them now they would never stop them. The first battle was waged next to the fortress of Esa. The human armies numbered 1.8 million and it was a half of what the nations could now muster. The demons counted around 4 million, more than double the human armies could muster and their numbers seemed only to grow.

The battle at first seemed to be in the favor of the humans as the demons charged in no formation, becoming easy pickings for the archers that stood behind the stalwart armies. However, slowly, the people in front started to falter as they saw their own claimed by the demonic fires. So one King, whose name is forgotten, his family is still alive to this day, Gildentongue was his name and along with a band of 70.000 soldiers he offered to cover the retreat of the army so that they may combat later at their full strength.

The Nastrondi army stood against the massive tide of over 3 million demons and actually managed to hold them off enough for the Human Army to retreat into safety. Then, the Nastrondi army retreat to the massive fortress of Esa to hold them off there to the last man.

For two years, the armies of Czernobog were pinned down at Esa as their armies grew. But the humans more than had enough time to replenish their armies with willing men. The United Human Army now numbered over 4 million soldiers and conscripts not afraid to die for their lands. The last battle would be waged there, the battle that would decide the fate of humanity.

The Demon Army, had left a besieging force to keep the soldiers at Esa, who were still resisting, while their army, now 9 million strong and at their peak charged in the lands. The two armies met at Perusia, both standing at watching each other until the human army charged, not the demon one. At first this took the demons by surprise and tens of thousands of demons fell before them.

But as soon as the demons understood what had happened, they counter-charged, pushing the humans back to their original positions and now pounding on them. Though unlike before, now everyone fought for the fate of humanity and knew that if they fell here, they would have no chance of ever stopping the demons again. Even so, they were hardpressed, their army was streched wide, to prevent any of the demons to march through to the defenseless countryside and farms.

Days passed and the fighting was getting harder for the humans each day, they had lost over half a million men in this battle, but they weren't going to last a lot longer. Soon, a break would show somewhere and the demons would use it to tear down the human army apart. And now it was the time, the central part of the army, who had been pounded the hardest seemed to give way, but then, from behind the demon army, charged another group of humans mixed with demons. The banners were of the Nastrondi, 40.000 of them, led not by the lord Gildentongue but by the only surviving family member, a young girl of no more than 20 years of age. Soon, behind the small army charged another host of demons, over 400.000 of them, but their targets were not the Nastrondi, but the demon army.

This was it, lord Marikos Sylvanas charged his entire army at the demon army. The battle turned into a slaughter by the demons who were betrayed by their own kin. It took two days, but most of the demon army had been slaughtered and allied demons were in shambles, with only 20.000 demons having survived to go back to their home in the Czernobog

So, the humans now returned to their places, the fallen kingdoms of Wolastra and Tar Sequinus were recolonized by what remained of the population of the Sequine Empire. Wolastra itself was recolonized by these people, who soon rebeled and reformed the kingdom of Wolastra on their own.

And so thousands of years of years passed and these hard times became now tales of heroism as all of this was finally given off as myths. However, now, the flames of the Czernobog now start to light again and the Shadow Beasts seek to take the world by storm yet again.

And that is a short story of the Nightmare Lands and it's inhabitants and the Shadow Lands and it's inhabitants.

Shadow "Beasts":



Their cannon fodder, the Shadow Fiends:



The Archdemons, Demons and Imps in that order:

War of Dominion Reboot

"Why of course, make yourself at home. Reinforcements are already on the way. Now, the gold is rather nice, but how about you humor me and remind me what the main exports of Wolastra are?"
Nieldun smiles and gestures to a comfortable chair while saying this. His... heritage is properly suppressed as this is diplomacy.

@Mardox

"Wolastra is a very industrialized nation, we produce all sorts of machines, but two newly fangled weapons that my queen has designed are the cannon and rifle." she says with a wide and proud smile. "The cannon is a weapon capable of launching projectiles at a even longer distance and do much more damage than any current siege weapon, it will tear through walls very fast. The gun is a handheld weapon for people and is basically a mini-cannon, a line of people armed with rifles will tear through a cavalry charge instantly." she says smiling. "Of course... we also have plenty of minerals, wood and many exotic foods, but I trust that you wish weapons, right?"

A messenger comes bursting in the court, out of breath, he was from Ashkanian. After a few seconds to catch his breath the messenger says:

"King Nieldun, the Grandmaster of the Order of the Shadow Guardians and the leader of Ashkanian(the same person) has kindly asked to meet you and the all the other monarchs to a feast to discuss about the resurgence of the Shadowbeasts, he says he urgently wishes to discuss with you and the other monarchs of the continent."

@Lauder

The orders to build the arena were sent, however, before he could send the letters to the other monarchs, a messenger from Ashkanian arrived. The man was wearing a large bear skin over his shoulders, covering his broad back. Beneath it was a full set of black leather armor.

The man curteously bows before Felreich and says:

"Dear Emperor, I would like to inform you that, the Grandmaster of the Order of the Shadow Guardians, who is also the leader of Ashkanian has kindly invited you to a feast to discuss the resurgence of the Shadowbeasts. He said that it is of the highest importance that all monarchs arrive before him to deal with this great threat."

@Legion02

And it seems that the only Toran warrior remaining in the fights had observed her and put a hand on her shoulder, asking her in a tone that would be more befit a knight, not a massive warrior who until then was thought to be a savage. "Why do you cover your face milady, I'm sure you are prettier than me and my friends from Toran." he says with a gentle smile. "If anyone tries to harm you, I promise that they'll meet with sharp end of my battleaxe." he says with the same smile.

The Airgiallne warrior princess was sitting quite a distance away, guarded by the two other soldiers. She was eating like a noble would be taught to, despite having humiliated a man two times her size in combat just now. She only briefly glanced at prince Elias before turning to her meal and eating. She seemed to be not too impressed of him at the moment.

Markus Northwood and his siblings had sat right next to the Royal Family of Sylvannyr. His younger brother, not even 18 years of age, was sitting and glancing at all the young ladies in the court and smiling at them. He seemed to be quite skilled in the art of charming ladies. He was now looking at Castor's daughter and smiled at her to see if she would fall before him as the other ladies had. Markus' younger sister seemed to be quite the charmer as well, but occasionally glared at the warrior princess before turning to her meal.

The Bornetall father and sons were sitting at the middle of the table, eating and sitting as if they were in a military campaign meeting, not a feast to be enjoyed. Truly the Nastrondi were warriors in all they did. The two sons of Lord Bornetall, attracted quite a few looks of curiousity from many of the people there, as most people thought that the Nastrondi were ugly warriors, not such fine looking young men.

@Catchphrase

Before the king of Tar Sequinus came a messenger from Ashkanian. A young man wearing black leather armor and armed with Daraski scimitar came bearing a message. "Lord Vermilicum, I would like to inform you that, the Grandmaster of the Order of the Shadow Guardians, who is also the leader of Ashkanian has kindly invited you to a feast to discuss the resurgence of the Shadowbeasts. He said that it is of the highest importance that all monarchs arrive before him to deal with this great threat."

War of Dominion Reboot

@Mardox

As soon as she's got his word that Nieldun agreed to help her, the queen sends a small ship disguised as a trade ship to Nastrond, the ship is filled nearly to the brim with gold bars.

The representative that the queen of Wolastra sent was young, a young girl of no more than 21 years of age to be her representative on this mission.

"I am the representative that her highness sent to this beautiful place, shall we quickly negotiate?" She asks smiling. "Our nation is a bit... in danger."

War of Dominion Reboot

"That certainly sounds like a good idea. I will consider this greatly. Now, I hope that you have good time here but you are not going anywhere without your escort, you are dismissed until dinner," Felreich stated. the arenas would be a good idea to keep the citizens and warriors happy but he did not know whether it would be a good idea. So he ordered one to be built in Anqallyt as a bit of a test to see whether or not it would work to entertain the masses.

@Lauder

The arena at first is quite empty, however, as soon as more and more people come to it they all begin to enjoy the fights and soon the current arena is overflowing with people either witnessing the the fight or wishing to join it, the arenas are a real hit.

War of Dominion Reboot

King Dorias
I suppose the third city is not necessary for the peace. However, I still desire that you grant Nastrond a sum of wealth as yours is a rich but poorly defended land and ours is essentially the opposite. After all, while your people were acting in their interests so must mine. Furthermore, what is to be done with Highmall?
Sincerely, King Nieldun
Shortly after, Nieldun tells someone to notify Highmall of the peace negotiations. With this taken care of, King Nieldun composes a letter to send to every warring faction on the continent.
Dear (insert leader name here)
As you know, the Nastrondi are a proud people skilled in the art of war. I am offering assistance in your conflict in exchange for money, resources and land. This letter is also being sent to others, so the ones with the best offer in a timely fashion will recieve assistance. If your foe takes this offer first, please do not take it personally. Best of luck and may your sword hand never fail you.
Sincerely, King Nieldun Gildedtongue of Nastrond

@Mardox

In answer to the first letter, another letter arrives from Lord Grainwad.

King Nieldun,

The gold should have arrived with this letter, ten tons of gold, I hope it's a good enough price for liberty. As for Lord Highmall, I would personally send ten more tons of gold for his safe return, but my advisors and vassals have told me that a man who causes this much grief to a nation should be left in peace.

While you may do as you wish with him, I ask you on my personal behalf that you treat him with respect, he is a old and very respected warrior throughout the continent and his family is a old and proud one, treat him with the respect he deserves.

With Respect, Lord Dorias Grainwad

As for the second letter, one quickly arrives in response a mere six hours later from the king of Gnyr Shalorn, who now fashions himself emperor and one from the queen of Wolastra, who is now in dire trouble from the Sequini armies.

They both offer vast rewards in return for the Nastrondi help, though Lord Braveshine, who arrived now from his engagement with Vaalgrad says.

"My lord, the Shalorni want to put the Celestial Empire back together, so it means that we'll be their targets at some point in the future, so we should help the Wolastran, who are now in a real pinch." He says. "Their desperate, so they're gonna pay a whole lot more.

War of Dominion Reboot

@Legion02

The first fight began as both men stood in front of each other the age difference was the first to be seen. Lord Bornetall was in his early 40s while Fendar was in his late twenties.

The fight began as an equal fight with the fight seesawing in one anothers favor, their swords clashing together, the fight would seem to last forever, however, while Fendar was the Captain of the Reavers, he had no actual combat experience, whilst Bornetall was a veteran warrior. The fight abruptly ended as Bornetall disarmed Fendar.

The crowd was awkwardly silent as the foreign warrior shook hands with their champion and left. Not one cheer.

---

The Airgiallne soldier awkwardly bows to the crowd and faces Merias Bornetall with his sword out, who bows to the crowd and gets a loud cheer(mostly from the younger females in the crowd) because of his good looks.

The fight ends in three sword swipes with Merias quickly disarming the proud Airgiallne soldier, who let's slip a curse and leaves the arena. Merkas bows once again to the crows and leaves the arena.

---
The Toran warrior is a sight to behold dressed in leather armor from head to toe and armed with a massive mace. The young Bornetall, Keiran was almost dwarved by the massive warrior, who now roared and swung his mace at the young man.

At first, Keiran seemed to be on the losing side, but it was obvious that that the young Bornetall was dancing around the warrior, he was not warrior, but he was a very agile swordsman and he soon disarmed the massive warrior.

The Toran Warrior quickly lost his temper and punched the entrance door off... it was clear why Airgiallne was having a hard time against this massive warriors.

---
The crowd began cheering for the young prince of Vaalgard, not only because he was handsome, but because he had survived a full brunt attack of the Nastrond army.

This warrior from Airgallne seemed much more experienced than the last one and it was obvious that experience factored quite a lot in a battle.

The battle at first seemed to be in the favor of the young prince who was faster than the warrior, whose moves were rigid and slow, however, with a twist of the sword the proud warrior disarmed the prince.

However, unlike the Toran warrior, the prince was graceful in loss and bowed in front of the warrior, both then leaving the arena.

---

The crowd cheered wildly ss the prince of Sylvanyr entered the arena and kept cheering for him as the Toran Warrior enters the arena decked out in iron armor and roared loudly to make the crowd shut up and started swinging his warrhammer at the young prince.

At first, the fight was going in the warrior's favor, with the young prince barely being able to dodge his strikes, when they reach at the corner of the arena, the hammer hits the wall and shakes the warrior long enough for prince Elias to disarm him.

As the two warriors leave, the Toran warrior let's the rage get the better of him and punches the wall, which cracks under the force of the warrior.

---

As the princess enters the arena, most of the men there are smitten with her beauty and grace, despite the fact that she was going in a fight against a trained soldier.

The advantage was obvious from the beginning belonging to the princess who was, like the elder son of Bornetall dancing around the Toran warrior.

However, she did not disarm the veteran warrior the first time she got the chance, she dragged out the fight to make the Vaalgardi warrior seem good, to save his honor before finally disarming him.

The two bow down to the crowd and leave the arena with cheers begin them.

The final fight was about to begin when a young man steps in the field and shouts to the crowd.

"I am truly sorry people, but my master has garnered a heavy fever and will be unable to fight today, he would like to apologize to everyone present, but mostly to his highness King Castor, he yields to Toran Warrior."

"Ah, he must be one of the few survivors of the Slaughter..." King Markus Northwood says with a sad smile. "The poor man must've been traumatized by what he saw there, I can't blame him, if I had seen a archdemon in the skin I would've gotten a fever myself." He says as the crowds begin to murmur one to another.

"Ah, the next fight will begin soon, who do you think will win your highness?" Lord Markus asks.

War of Dominion Reboot

"Oh really now, what do you suggest that we do about this, eh, lack of entertainment? I would like to do know anything that may help improve my people's living," Felreich stated, a smile coming to his face. If he could learn this then he could use to improve the moral of his men, thus decreasing their chance to route.

@Lauder

"Well, I don't really know what your people like, but from what I've seen in your army, your people really love combat, so why not build a few arenas where you have your warriors or any willing citizen fight with animals or prisoners of war. That way, your prisoners can fight their way out of jail and your people are entertained!"

War of Dominion Reboot

@Lauder

"Your land is beautiful and your people are honorable and loyal to a fault. If anything is to complain is that your land is rather... dull if I may so." He says. "Our lands are sparsely populated as you could probably notice, but in every village we have something to keep our people entertained and happy." He says with the same polite smile.

@Mardox

"King Nieldun

I understand that you are a proud warrior and that you desire your lions share of this peace, but surely you must realize that that I cannot force my people to give up what has not been conquered yet.

I hope you can see my reasoning and hope that you are not going to make my people suffer more for serving their own interests. If you must, however, as soon as the Sylvannyr tournament ends, I will send my eldest son and heir as hostage to you to show that I want an end to this conflict.

With Respect, King Dorias Grainwad

War of Dominion Reboot

Upon hearing Bornetall's request, Nieldun nodded. "My good sir, I would be honored if you represented the Nastrondi people. You have my blessing to go and compete in the tournament, best of luck and may your sword hand never fail you." With this, Nieldun saluted Bornetall and went to attend to the matter of Vaalgard.
Hearing the terms offered by Lord Marthall, Nieldun composed a brief letter.
Esteemed Lord Marthall,
I assure you that the "The Slaughter" as it has come to be known was not something I would ever do to a force that honorably surrenders. Furthermore, my men are not permitted to harm civilians unless attacked. As such, I gladly accept your offer and your people will be treated honorably.
Sincerely, King Nieldun Gildedtongue of Nastrond
Then, once that was done, he issued orders to his armies. 20,000 new recruits each would occupy Gisting and Dolgathrasar. The Eastern Army would march to Sachaila while the Western would besiege Eljun. The same methods were to be used with the entire city encircled from a camp outside arrow range.

@Mardox

Lord Marthall surrenders and his force leaves the fortress unharmed for Eljun. However, before his forces could even reach Eljun and Saichala a message arrives from the king of Vaalgard.

King Nieldun

You have won the battles and you have won the sieges, now I ask of you that we settle upon a peace. I do not wish my people to suffer any further for my mistakes so I kindly ask that we bury the hatchet.

I am willing to offer Dolgathasar to you and if Lord Highmall agrees, Gisting as well. To further appease you, we will allow military access within our territory as long as the force does not exceed 60.000 soldiers.

Let us stop this bloodshed for now.

With Respect, King Dorias Grainwad