Mardox

War of Dominion Reboot

I wonder what the Domani wish to speak with me about. Perhaps they just testing who would be friendly.

War of Dominion Reboot

"We proceed with the plans, we still outnumber them and they won't see it coming. Besides, if we retreat now we lose the element of surprise and the Shalorni will probably land soldiers. No, we have to attack them now."

War of Dominion Reboot

Nieldun smiled at the letters from Vaalgard and Noatun but snickered at the one from the Shalorni. Nasvell, the eldest of Nieldun's offspring asked "What is so funny father?"
Nieldun explained "It's the deluded usurper of Gnyr Shalorn. I never said I was supporting him. I simply said a few different things and let him jump to conclusions. Now he promises world domination and for a joint rule over a new Celestial Empire. He'll be in for a nasty surprise but I never actually lied to him."

War of Dominion Reboot

At the scout's "report", Nieldun stroked his chin. "Well, Archy, I think we know what your Tzieni counterpart is."
At the letters he was a bit conflicted. He didn't trust the Shalorni as far as a soft Vaalgardian could throw Archy, but the offer was extremely tempting. The Shalorni were by far offering him the lion's share of Vaalgard but why would they offer that? If he did this, the Shalorni who wished to rebuild the Celestial Empire would gain a foothold when they were rich, probably numerous and not terrible soldiers. No, the best thing to do was to bottle up the self-styled emperor on his island by ruining his navy. It wouldn't even detract from his campaign against Shaan Tzien as he would only have to provide naval support. So he wrote a response to King Dorias.
King Dorias Grainwad,
Despite our recent war I have no hatred for Vaalgard. However the Shalorni have offered me your entire nation except for Ullin, Ullur and Reyksalar. Luckily for you, I don't trust the false emperor any farther than you could throw an archdemon. I will lend support to you and contact Noatun with this opportunity as it is clear that if the Shalorni lack a navy they will no longer be a threat to anyone and remain bottled up on their "Royal Isle". That said, I fully expect you to compensate Nastrond handsomely for your continued existence. Best of luck and may your sword hand never fail you.
-King Nieldun Gildedtongue
With that, he composed a letter to Noatun.
Dear King Marcus Northwood,
I'll be frank. The aggressive Shalorni are currently trying to take Vaalgard by force. Now, before you dismiss this as misfortune for Vaalgard, you should be aware of the opportunity that is available for you. I have decided to assist Vaalgard. With your naval prowess added to our fleets, this is the perfect time for you to help us remove the threat to your lands. Working together, I am sure that we can defeat them in naval battles and not have to fight a single land battle. If their navy is vanquished, they cannot transport soldiers. Without transport for their ground forces, they will be bottled up on their island like a caged beast. Thus trapped, your nation could sleep easy.
Nieldun sighed, he supposed courtesy demanded he send those arrogant Shalorni a response. However, that didn't mean he couldn't be misleading.
Emperor Darius,
Come to the mainland and have your answer. Vaalgard is a prosperous but weak nation. I have Nastrond's best interests at heart.
-King Nieldun Gildedtongue

An Amateur's Treatise on Popular Military Understanding

Is this going on? Regardless, thank you for all the information.

War of Dominion Reboot

@Catchphrase
Dear King Lucius Vermiculus,
Currently, the only war I am in is to fight those who threaten the Ashkanians who have long held back the Shadows so that we may live free of fear from extinction. That said, we will attend your meeting but due to their very poor timing, I am considering the Tzieni as unintentional allies of the Shadows. I am always ready to listen.
Sincerely, King Nieldun Gildedtongue
And so, Nieldun and his children set out with their bodyguard to see what these talks would be about.

War of Dominion Reboot

Shogun of Shaan Tzien,
Actually, I would not have attacked the nation holding back the tides of darkness were I right next to them. Besides, I already gave my word that I would assist Ashkanian. So any talk of an alliance will have to wait until either you or the new Grandmaster decides to surrender.
The main issue you seem to be having is that you keep underestimating the Shadows and Demons greatly. You did not even consider acquiring weapons that could kill the first. As such I doubt your qualifications as allies against them.
In my eyes, removing your threat to Ashkanian seems to be in humanity's best interests and with creatures such as the Shadows and Demons rising, one must not only think of the nation's survival but the species as well. A war of aggression and ambition could not possibly be waged at a worse time.
-King Nieldun

War of Dominion Reboot

Nieldun chuckled and with mock-weariness said "No, little one, for the last time, we are not naming the retirement program for our veteran warriors 'Sociopaths Anonymous'."
"But father," said an attractive young lady in her early twenties "it fits so well with their loyalty and questionable moral compass! Also, must you call me little one? I mean really, I'm twenty-three years of age."
Playfully, Nieldun responded "Very well, Meriel Elizabeth Gildedtongue the Third of Nastrond, but you'll always be little one to me." Suddenly he became pensive "You know, now that I think about it, I'd say that you and your two brothers are ready to be shown to the world. It seems as if it grows more dangerous by the day but I can not hide you forever."
Meriel replied "Yes, we probably should get a little more involved in international politics. I mean really, we've been trained for such arenas for all our lives."
Nieldun nodded "Go tell Waldeal and Nasvell. They'll be rather interested to hear this."

War of Dominion Reboot

While preparations for the negotiations were under way, Nieldun decided that it was in the best interests of humanity to take action against the Shaan Tzien for what they had done. He began the task of assisting the Ashkanians by sending out a letter to Wolastra, Sylvanyr @Legion02, Toran, Airgiallne, Anqallyt @Lauder, Tar Sequinus @Catchphrase, Mtol Darask and Noatun:

Esteemed Fellow Leader,
I write to you because the Shogun of Shaan Tzien has quite possibly betrayed humanity. As you read this, the Ashkanian cities of Kamran and Shag-Ekur are occupied by the Tzieni and their vassals. In light of the recent meeting where the Grandmaster showed that the Shadows were clearly becoming a threat once more, this has rather sinister implications as to the Tzieni motives. Of course, they could simply be near-sighted fools who thought they could capitalize on the threat to Ashkanian and grab as much as they could, thinking they could contain the Shadows despite not actually possessing any weapons that can harm them. As an intelligent individual such as yourself may have guessed, I am requesting that we all send assistance to the Ashkanians. Regardless of whether anyone else helps, I will be sending 100,000 of my own men to fight this menace. Best of luck and may your sword hand never fail you.
Sincerely, King Nieldun Gildedtongue of Nastrond

Only four human nations (other than his own and the Ashkanians themselves) were not sent this letter. Vaalgard was not sent the letter because they were in no shape to fight a war, Shaan Tzien and vassals were out for obvious reasons and Nieldun hoped to discuss the matter personally with the emissary sent by the Domani. The Shalorni were excluded for now as they would probably demand to be in charge or underestimate the danger, relations with them were rather chilly. Ashkanian was sent another letter:

Dear Grandmaster,
The foolish treachery of the Tzieni angers me greatly, help is on the way.
Sincerely, King Nieldun Gildedtongue of Nastrond

Once the letter writing was done, Nieldun rallied a force of 20,000 veterans and 80,000 of the newer soldiers along with 600 Guardian Devils. Archy was also assigned to this endeavor as it was rather important and the Shadows feared half-demons at the very least. This army was led by Lord Dragonstar. Ahead of them was sent a messenger to Shaan Tzien with a simple message:

Attention Traitors to the Human Race,
Surrender now or face dire consequences.
-King Nieldun Gildedtongue

Satisfied that he had taken action, King Nieldun went to go see what his family was up to.

War of Dominion Reboot

Upon the Domani request for negotiations, Nieldun gladly agreed to recieve one. If the Domani were willing to talk, there would probably be no need for fighting. While the Nastrondi were a proud people skilled in the art of war, Nieldun had no desire of trying to duplicate his ancestors' feat of holding off overwhelming numbers with limited men unless he absolutely had to. As such, it would be foolish to offend them. Besides, the Domani could make excellent allies if they were willing. With ancient threats rising up, Nieldun would greatly appreciate working alongside the vast cavalry hordes, since his own people were excellent warriors but not the best horsemen. With Shaan Tzien's betrayal or at the very least, poorly timed aggression, strong allies would be needed. The thought that the Tzieni were allied with the shadows wasn't so unlikely, after all, Nieldun was the direct product of an alliance between human and non-human. With all this in mind, Nieldun ordered the castle to be ready to entertain the diplomat. The tapestries fortunately, depicted great deeds and victories of all the nations on the continent even including the Demons and Shadows so the Domani wouldn't feel left out.