So that's what's going on in Zero! (Zero Beta Only)

[Stormwrath]

OOC:

This RP is made for the members of Zero Beta to hone and sharpen their skills in RPing. Here you can write a story that took place in your nation, whether it is in the government or in the lives of the average @@DEMONYM@@ citizen. If you need any help, just TG the founder or the WA Delegate. Have fun while you're at it!

[Stormwrath]

Leicestria College of the Arts, Tanamal City, Stormwrath
7 January 2015, 11:27 AM

"… And this is why the anthropocentric view must be taken with caution in today's world."

Darren Mathers was trying not to fall asleep, but it was just very uninteresting. His Upload professor was droning on and on about human's place in the universe, all of which he thought, had nothing to do with his life. But this was college for him, like it or not. While he was taking down notes with his Metaverse Eye, Darren was clearly showing drowsiness as the notes began to lose their sense of grammar once a person reads it from the top. This was probably because of the party at Raul's house last night.

The bell rang, signaling the end of this period. He suddenly woke up, with saliva slowly seeping from his mouth. He wiped it off with his sleeve as the professor then said to the class, "Alright, I believe that we have just reached the end of our period. Thank you for listening, and please study for the pop quiz that will be next week."

The class rose up as one man and exited the classroom. Darren was walking through the hall, strangely more active than a few minutes ago. It maybe was because he had no other classes for the rest of the morning. He pulled out a small slab from his courier bag and it unfolded into a hoverboard for him to ride on. He hovered his way to the college's park, where he would be meeting up with his girlfriend, Zia. Darren saw her sitting under the shade of a Vatoc tree, probably studying her notes she took down earlier with her own Metaverse Eye, which were displayed in her data pad. He stopped right next to her and just hovered on that spot, just an inch off the ground.

"Helloooo", he greeted first.

She looked at him and replied, "Don't you have anything better to do?"

Darren then got off his hoverboard and said to her, "Well, you did say that we're going to have lunch here, so ummm," he then directed her attention to himself and continued, "I'm here."

Zia chuckled at this. She put her data pad back in her bag and pulled out her lunch box. "Alright, let's eat."

[Rannochloch]

134409

[Stormwrath]

Tidal City, Stormwrath
19 Jialanska 1881 PA (27 April 1472 AD)

32 years after its independence from the Elumbish Islands, Stormwrath was at most isolated from the rest of the world. Its citizens had their usual businesses in order, despite the effects of the economic downturn seven years ago. Somehow the people were mixed in opinion whether their country should continue to be a rotting backwater. Some say they should remain isolated and out of the influence of foreign powers, others say otherwise. However, there happened to be a ship that came to remind them that they cannot be hidden from the world forever.

On 27 April, a mysterious ship came to its shores. It had gigantic sails that made it stand out from all of the other smaller vessels at port in Tidal City Harbor. The figurehead was that of the Hito, a race of beastmen coming from the other side of the divide. But what were they doing here?

From the Lavender Palace, Emperor Cato was looking on through his telescope, as three of the beastmen disembarked from the mighty ship and onto the docks. He could tell that they weren't impressed with the city. An adviser came by to his chambers and reported, "Sir, the men of Katchmar have arrived in the city."

"Yes, I could tell."

"Shall we go and welcome them?"

"Yes. They are our guests, after all." And the guard bowed and left his presence. Just as he left, his adviser came in and asked, "What are they doing here, your Majesty?"

"Time will tell", solemnly replied the old Emperor. "Time will tell."

The beastmen were escorted by the guards to the Lavender Palace on carriage. From the looks of their faces they were more impressed. To think that the Stormravens can't build a city but can maintain carriages! It may appear that the Stormwrathians have got their priorities all wrong, probably why the country was increasingly declining. They arrived at 10:32 AM local time, much to the relative lack of knowledge of the Munisci and Apiscii that made up Cato's cabinet of advisers. They have arrived at the palace, and did a gesture of respect to the Emperor while saying in Elumbish, "Salutations Emperor Cato of the House of Stormraven, from our Emperor Seneca Katchmar."

Seneca? The beastmen had apparently an Elumbish named emperor on their throne. Cato was genuinely surprised. "Greetings, men of Katchmar. What has convinced you to arrive here in this fair nation? Please answer when we get to the meeting room."

The three beastmen conversed among themselves as the Emperor led the way to the meeting room where his advisers were in. As he entered, one of them stood up and announced, "All rise for His Majesty, the second sovereign monarch of the Empire of Stormwrath, Cato of the House of Stormraven, the first of his name."

The three beastmen sat down among the advisers, a head taller than the rest. Cato sat on his end of the table and then motioned for the diplomats to speak.

One of the three men, who appeared to be a beastman resembling a fox, began to address him with the best Elumbish he could use, "We are representatives of the United Confederation of Altarian Nations, known to the world as the Empire of Altaro. Our Emperor has decided that we be sent to propose a Treaty of Amity with your nation, to improve both of our nations' economies and to promote friendly relations and understanding between us. Our observations have pointed out that this nation is to be a part of the world, and therefore offers to take the first step by investing in your nation to help it rise back up."

"How so?", asked Cato with a pique of curiosity. "Our neighbors have said the opposite and therefore refused to invest in us. What makes your nation unique, I must say?"

"Our great empire has all the resources and the technology your nation needs to grow", replied the second beastmen, who resembled a bear. "We have resources such as silk and rice that can be useful in the interoceanic trade between our nations. We also will accept the products that Stormwrath is to trade with us, free of tariffs. In short, the Treaty of Amity we propose is both a free trade pact and a non-aggression pact. The latter part means that our nations are not to engage in hostile activity between each other."

The advisers had their doubts on this proposition of theirs. Now they were questioning Cato. Many of them were in opposition.

"Are we really going to accept their proposal? What if there are strings attached?"

"Exactly. I mean, look at their ships. Surely with hundreds of those our nation will crumble in the face of invasion."

"Don't be ridiculous. This nation of theirs doesn't seem to be belligerent. In fact, they have just asked us to open up our markets with them."

"What about exploitation? Our resources will be drained and our people will still be left in poverty."

"No, they have stated that Altaro will provide their resources and products to help us."

"Wait a minute, what if we might be assimilated into their nation? Even annexed, after all the founding fathers have done to secure our freedom."

"Emperor, should we consider? You have indeed seen their ship outside, what the beastmen can do, how much power they have. Aside from that, we are fine with Palmaria being our only trade partner."

Cato was frustrated, and motioned everyone to be silent. He regained his composure, and in one swift move disregarded his advisers' counsel. "In behalf of the Empire of Stormwrath, we accept the Treaty of Amity your nation proposes. I have faith that your nation has good reason in opening up to us, and hope that through this agreement, Stormwrath and Altaro shall have begun friendly relations, and better understanding for both of our nations." He turned to the advisers and said, "Meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for your time here."

The beastmen thanked the Emperor, wished him the best of luck, and were escorted back to their ship by the guards. As for his advisers, they were still questioning his decisive move.

"What now? His Majesty has granted to open up our nation."

"I do not like the look of this. Are these men of Katchmar, no, Altarians serious and sincere in their proposition?"

"How do you think our empire will benefit from this, your Majesty?"

But Cato just returned to his balcony, watching the beastmen return to from which they came. The mighty Altarian ship lowered its sails and began to exit the harbor, passing by the island that is to become the site of the Watchmaiden Statue in the future.

"Your Majesty?"

Cato simply replied with a tone of confidence, "Our nation will rise again, my friend. Stormwrath will rise again."

By his death, other nations were impressed at this monumental growth of the nation. This has helped attract other investors from nearby countries, and trade was also opened with them. The economic boom that resulted, and the construction boom that became its after effect, will be Cato's greatest legacy. As for Stormwrath, its presence on the world stage had only just begun.

[Stormwrath]

3.8 kilometers east of Halim, Stormwrath
32 Jialanska 1982 PA (10 May 1573 AD)

The lines of infantry and cavalry poured out of the city as they were to face battle in the plains to the east. For the past few months they have been pressing into the Great Jarovilla Plain, steadily pushing all the way to the east, with the city being captured just under a week ago. While forces loyal to the House of Stormraven are retreating in Floricia, they are gaining ground right here; thanks to a certain genius in tactical warfare.

General Ricardo Lapis was indeed known all over Stormwrath for his acumen and tactical cunning in the field, having served as a master tactician under Emperor Sigismund. Now that the Emperor has died without a suitable heir (his son Benedict had a very weak constitution and was suffering from tuberculosis), Lapis was now serving his more suitable nephew, Marcellus, in his claim to the throne. The forces loyal to the House of Fairfax also have generals just as cunning as Lapis, however he was able to at least minimize any attrition that the Stormraven forces may acquire. Now, he was looking for a significant victory, as Halim was captured almost without a fight.

Reconnaissance carried out by his scouts have indeed served him well. His opponent to the east, General Rufus Asmetare, who served the Fairfaxes, had brought in a force of around 100,000 men at arms, many of them heavy infantry units and artillery gunners. His rival was also cunning, but he depended on the artillery and the size of his army for his success. Lapis on the other hand, had brought in 60,000 men, but had a certain plan to test his opponent.

At his tent, he was standing around a table with other military officers, devising a strategy to outsmart their more numerous enemy. This had been going for several minutes now.

Lapis said, "I will repeat, General Nome and Athosus will command the southern wing of our troops, General Gaius and I will command the northern wing. Brigadier-General Atium will command the troops with the main charge, and General Fisher and his troops will outflank the enemy's rear. Any final questions?"

General Nome then said, "Question, General. Before our Brigadier-General here will lead the main assault, we have to consider where the artillery placements are. From our study on tactics used by military officers loyal to the House of Fairfax, they often rely on the quick repositioning of their artillery so that they cannot be targeted easily while their infantry is focused on assaults of two wings. The three wing tactic is good, but we still have the artillery to deal with."

Lapis thought for a few moments. "Hmmm… Simple, we get close to the artillery."

Nome was surprised. "General, that is a suicidal move. I know that you are an expert tactician, but you would suggest placing our men in the line of fire to take them out?"

"Well, don't you want to claim victory?"

"Yes I do."

"Then you would send valiant men into battle to fight to the death, knowing that through them the battle is won." After he said that, no one asked any more questions. Lapis then said, "Alright men, commence the plan."

"Aye aye commander." As the men left the tent, Ricardo then said to Nome, "Get Colonel Locero and Major Vertina here."

Nome, curious on what his comrade said, asked, "For what purpose?"

---

The opposing force came in strength, facing 30,000 from Lapis' forces. Atium was facing Asmetare here in battle, whose confidence had just spiked upon realizing the number of troops Lapis was using to fight him. Asmetare's riflemen lined up in position, aiming their rifles at Atium's men. Now they were to put it into action.

Atium's forces charged with suicidal fervor, running towards the enemy lines. The riflemen fired all at once, but that didn't stop the oncoming infantry, which only suffered a few casualties. The artillery began to fire, claiming several more. This was all to make the Fairfax general believe that Lapis is stupid. Who sends men charging while a line of enemy infantry fires upon them? Atium then began to bring Asmetare's forces towards the direction of the river, making him think that he was retreating.

However, the fringes of his forces were soon met with quick charges from Lapis' dragoons from the north, and Nome's dragoons from the south. The artillery gunners who were stationed at the fringes were struck down; others were fired upon. The three wing tactic was in motion, and 10,000 of Asmetare's soldiers fell. Losses were also increasing on Lapis' forces; Atium's men lost 6,800 to enemy fire. On the other hand, Nome and Lapis were starting to lose men, as the enemy infantry began to regroup and reposition. The light cavalry were sent out and began to fire their guns on the enemy, but to almost no avail. The horses were struck down, forcing the dismounted cavalrymen to drop to the ground and shoot in a prone position. This new technique has helped all three factions save lives, right up until the enemy is close.

A charge of dragoons led by Asmetare began to plow through Atium's forces, killing another 2,700. The sun that shone over the plains was beating down on both sides. Asmetare's forces were pushing towards the river, with Halim just on the other side. However, it turned out to be a trap.

"Got them", remarked Lapis.

A part of the troops led by Locero and Vertina had reached the rear of the enemy and engaged in combat. The Fairfax forces realized that they were being pushed towards the river. Lapis and Nome turned around and began to contribute to the reversed positions. Atium's forces gradually slipped out before they could reach the river. Now Asmetare was trapped, his artillery was left by his fleeing men.

After the next six hours of fighting, victory was claimed. The captured soldiers were paraded through Halim soon after. Lapis' first victory was claimed here. However, in the midst of the fighting he had lost his left leg due to the explosion of a bomb. He was quickly brought to the military hospital to be treated. Although he won this battle, he was put out of service for a few months, by which time he received a prosthetic leg.