Update 11 - 2011 FF The Year of Menacing Eyes
SPOTLIGHT: Shaban Steppes
Much had been done in order to secure the welfare of the people. It was hard enough times during the Karaim conflict, when everyone was looking over their shoulders and checking everybody's lineages to see if they had any "Savage Blood" in them. Then it was the cold, which was handled wisely by the current and beloved Nadime Senkrist. For a woman, she was outspoken and fierce. few other women had a prestigious office such as her. She had managed all of Shaba's challenges well, but there were always new problems that needed fixing. Some of them were civic. Others, military. "Such as this," thought Remy.
Remy Rupert, veteran cavalryman, Seventh Shabow regiment - a legend on horseback, a deadeye marksman, and expert tactician. His stories were known by every soldier in the army, and new recruits often requested to be placed under his command. His reputation was only surpassed by his skill, and that was also why he was chosen for this task. After he had reached his forties, his duties had more and more been to lead the regiment, rather than fight with it, but he went beyond his duties as often as not, joining the ranks of his men. He knew that he could not expect them to give it all if he didn't and it also let him save a few fools from getting themselves killed, which again earned their respect and devotion. Even so, faced by this menace, his men were shaken before the battle had begun. The battle they faced would last a week, if not more.
There, from the eastern slope of the Southern Mountains, they could see a sea of walking dead. They were walking into the sunrise, creating irregular waves in their ranks as they trudged slowly but deliberately like an ooze sliding down an agled surface. They had been doing so for the last seven months, which was good, since it meant they would not turn and assault the fragile New Gardens. But they were heading straight for the town of Grivil, and that was why he had been ordered to eliminate the undead. It was a simple task. The undead were only walking dolls, and barely able to defend themselves, let alone attack. But there had been reports of entire settlements being ambushed in the night and... consumed by the undeads. They seemed to favor human brains for some reason. a simple task, if there were not tens of thousands of them. And his men were scared.
Remy was not scared. He had left that part of himself that were moved by blood and terror many years ago, when he first served in the war against the Garla bandits in the eastern marshes. In those murky, putrid waters were still the white bones of his comrades, as well as those of his left foot. As he had learned that day, when he arrived to the main camp after a night of crawling with a bloodied leg and the head of Garla in his felt bag, he recited to himself and his men his motto and warcry:
"Pain is temporary! Glory lasts forever!" He rode down the slope without looking behind. He knew his men would follow him. From behind him came their answer: the thundering of hooves and booted feet.
Global news: The plague is over. But the results are still devastating, not to mention still roaming the countryside. The walking dead have formed huge clusters, and are moving with determination in two directions: east and west. The eastern undead all walk beyond settled lands, into the far eastern corner of the southern continent. the western ones have reached the remnants of the Western Continent, which seems to have fragmented and sunk beneath the waves. What has caused this cataclysmic event is not known. The new island is named "The Grey Island", and it is known that it is moving in a southeastern direction. Why the undead are gathering in clusters, what they are moving to, and what actually keeps them alive, are all shrouded in mystery...
Islands: Wu'di launched a fleet to the Nether Islands once again. This time, they brought a large host of their Adepts Soldiers, who managed to dispell a section of the illusions surrounding the archipelago. After this was known by the Kultans, they sent out their fleet, which was promptly crushed by the Empire fleet. Then the Wu'dians landed, but were faced by the entire defence of Kulta. The battle was long, with Kultan forces beleaguering their own capital, which served as the Empire's base of operations in the campaign. At last, the provisions ran out for the Wu'dians, and they retreated with their fleet to Moonshard. Although the Kultans survived for this time, they have lost almost their entire fleet. Knowing that the illusion barrier can be broken, they need to arm themselves better for the next time the Empire comes.
Felaskhar has come halfway to their project's completion. Many of their citizen lost their lives in the risky experimental transmutations, and many others were deformed into hideous beasts. Still, their sacrifice has allowed the Sealords to practice and perfect the art of oceanism, the sub-branch of magic that holds the spells for changing humans into amphibious beings. In fact, the new mareghar are so radically different that they can hardly be recognized as human, much like the Red Dragon Adepts of Shaemar. With the Empire preoccupied with Kulta and the undeads, it looks like the Felaskhari will manage their escape to the bottom of the sea.
Heartlands: The new Republic of Tori has been founded! After the death of Barragh, the Western Empire stood leaderless, ready for the taking. The people saw a chance to reclaim the rulership of their land, and gathered behind a group of revolutionaries called the Silver Owl. The Silver Owl proclaimed their new Senate last year, but only really grasped the power this year. Now they have made plans for the rebuilding of Torinni/Turin and named their new capital Tori. Their ideas of a people's rule through representatives is catching on in many other countries across the Southern Continent, notably Horus, Shaemar, Delenlor and Cairo. This wave has created a series of revolutionary groups who work to spread their ideas through frequently illegal papers and secret meetings. Although the groups are small and easily uncovered, the nations must be weary if they want to stem the tide. This only becomes even more critical seeing how the groups often report to the Republic of Tori.
Horus has joined the ranks of Ramon's army in their war against Rollux and Delenlor. For the War in the Pass, read below. Domestically, Horus has taken some measures to suppress the revolutionaries, uprooting cell groups and storming secret meetings. The work on the Barad-dûr continues, a dark tower which is reputed to be the new palace of Seth Dethos. The fortress has several levels in it's cellar, undoubtably meant for hiding many secrets...
Ramon has started a maximized effort to recapture the Easting Pass from the hold of Delenlor. A mass recruiting was in order, gathering thousands of Ramonian youth to fight in the forefront of the assault. After joining with the Horus forces and donning Frost Armor, they lunged at the massive defence works of the Citadel. It was a bloody affair, starting in late summer and lasting long into the fall. After the snows began, the assault paused and both sides are mustering for the resuming of warfare in the spring. As a result of the long assault, the first ring of defence works on the western side has been demolished and taken by the Ramonians. The inner circle still remains, and will undoubtly fall if the Ramonians continue with the same intensity. For now, the snow hides the corpses littered in the valley, but with spring and warmth, the clash of swords and stench of rot will resume for sure...
Steppes: The Eastern Empire is no more! After half a year of siege by the Shabans and Cairens, the mighty Stone Tomb was starting to crumble. It was revealed that the two last Imperial Princes had comitted suicide, along with all the Adepts. This meant none were left to maintain the imposing tower, and the physically unstable and architectually impossible structure was falling in on itself. Hastily, the Shabans managed to evacuate the fortress for people, and secured the Academy of Illusion as well. Now all that remains of the Triad is a pile of broken rocks and debris. The Shabans have also moved most of their people northwards, as well as founding a new capital: New Gardens. Situated in the middle of the realm, the Council of Nine intends it to become a city surpassing its namesake in the future.
Delenlor continues warring with Ramon in the Easting Pass. The Citadel still stands, but the integrity of the initially temporary stewardswhip of General McKrawl is slowly decaying. People are beginning to raise their complaining voices. Also, with the war agains Ramon going slowly, the people are growing weary and angry. If the Citadel was to fall to the Ramonians, it will certainly spell the end of the stewardship.
Cairo has started rebuilding after the war with the Eastern Empire. However, their efforts are overshadowed by the recent ambush and destrouction of the academy of Life by the Pashawani, and many fear yet another war to break out. Governor Terrator has futilely sought the attention of King Hardot I, and seems inclined to get his attention by military means if that is what it takes. Although war has not yet been declared, the people are starting to feel the need to take matters in their own hands...
Lirkland: Rollux still fights on Delenlor's side against Ramon. With the loss of the first defence works, though, it seems like the combined efforts of both are not enough to defeat the western enemy. It will be interesting to see if they are so keen to avenge the betrayal by Ramon if their southern ally falls.
Pashawan has fought many of the undeads roaming their land. This became first priority of the army after on of their clusters marched right through the capital of Pesh, "consuming" hundred before moving on to terrorize the countryside. The King had to evacuate his palace because headless corpses were climbing through his window, an event that certainly convinced him to had the matter dealt with. Now most of Pashawan proper is cleared of the undead, although more are still coming from the west...
Western Shelf: Shaemaran RRred Dragon Adepts have devised a new way of magic! Their innate bonds with dragonkin has enabled them to develop a new way of spellcasting much like those of magical creatures such as dragons. With this new knowledge, they are training new Adepts without an Academy. Although the new Adepts are somewhat less versatile and flexible as normal Adpets, they are equal in magical strength. What more, the Shaemarans have gotten reinforcements: the Dragon Lord has returned. Still, with the new Sorcery, the Academy of Fire in Shaemar is no longer needed, and both sides have ceased fire since its capture by Soltyria last year. Will war rage anew on the Western Shelf?
Soltyria has studied the scrolls of the Academy of Fire and uncovered its secrets. This has allowed them to open it for learning again, and new Soltyrian Wizards of the Flame are expected to graduate from next year on. An expedition of Wardruids and Air Adepts was also sent to recover the academy of Air back in Solopolis. Great was the startlement when it was discovered to be missing. Apparently, someone must have managed to break the magic seal and empty the Academy before they had come back. No sign of the thieves or their origin was found, leaving the Wardruids dumbfounded and quite angry. After an extensive search in the city, all they found was a few frayed ropes discared by the docks from a later snow layer than the desertion of Solopolis, years before they had come. Who stole the Academy of Air is anybody's guess.
Spine of the World: The barbarian lords of Konahn have begun bickering amongst themselves. Despite the Empire of Konahn expanding steadily and trudging along, the lords have grown weary of one another. Some have threatened others with war and destruction, although none of them challenge the supremacy of Konahn. Whether this will decimate the barbarians, will overthrow Emperor Konahn or simply vanish again is not known. Right now, the namesake of the realm remains silent, if not ignorant, of the current domestic affairs.
A new nation has formed in the easternmost reaches of civilized lands. Hailing themselves as the Clous, they are centered around the river outlet of the Interior Lake (name it?). The Adepts of this region have devoted their studies to weather and magic of the skies. What role the Clous will play in the time to come remains to be seen.
That's it. I am very tired, and I don't care to check for mistakes. Let me know if you find any. Thanks.