Fire and Steel (IC/Aurinel Only)

[Parravon and Lyonesse]

19 Oinos 724

For many years the Arch Electors of Parravon have longed to reclaim the former holds and territories of the Empire of Aliresse. The first of many expeditions to attempt to do so landed in the deserts just to the east of Parravon. However, the soldiers who waded onto the shores of mainland Aurinel in 692 were not greeted with a vast open expanse waiting to be reclaimed, but stiff resistance. The nomadic peoples of Oraganios are a stubborn, traditional people, and wouldn't give up their homes without a fight. The original expedition was swiftly driven back to Parravonese territory, sorely lacking supplies and munitions.

Another six expeditions were sent out since then, with all returning with nothing but shame to show for themselves. However, with the rising use and relevance of newfangled technologies such as the steam engine and percussion caps, Arch Elector Amrothin Lorren is now convinced that he can finally reoccupy the coveted lands of the old empire. With fire and shot the men of Parravon go forth, eager to win glory and honour for themselves.

The men of Oraganios are ready to resist, convinced that their determination and traditionalism shall see them through the fray once more.In this clash of ideals and ways, who will succeed?

[Oraganios]

20 Oinos 724
It was a clear day. The troops from Parravon & Lyonesse were pouring out of their ships. From the way they acted, most of them had never spilled blood.This is good, thought Sheik Rapa, a Coyote Anthro.They'll be more confident this way. He knew that Parravonese forces consisted of mostly rifle troops. It would be a fierce battle, but he knew the desert, he knew how to fight, and most of all, he knew how to kill Parravonese. He was a master in these subjects. The landing force consisted of about 2,000 men. he had 500. The element of surprise was his favor, though. and his direwolves were swift. The sheik's men hopped on their mount, and howling to the sky, as was the battlecry of the Organo. His force was mixed of humans and Anthros, but they all fought and died the same. The Organos charged down the sand dune. All of the Organo carried traditional blades, but many had Holoskan rifles and revolvers.

* * *

The battle was complete chaos. the Parravonese line was in chaos. They weren't able to form up in time, but they still managed to fire a volley. Many warriors fell. However, the Parravonese took casualties from the revolvers, and the cavalry charged into their ranks. Even though they were green in experience, Rapa knew they were elite warriors by training, as they held their ground. Blood stained the ground red. Eventually they were fired upon by Parravonese warships, and they took heavy losses, but they now had an even better advantage. As long as they stayed away from the coast, they would win the war. However, 146 men were slain, and another 200 wounded. He would have to return to the Oasis at Relos to obtain more troops.

[Parravon and Lyonesse]

20 Oinos 724

General George Massey surveyed the chaos that confronted him. Through the crackling of musketry and the columns of smoke that rose lazily into the afternoon air, he could make out the Oraganion cavalry bearing down on his flanks. Behind him, Volan’s Might and The Fist of Caliban were still firing broadsides at the shoreline, to varying degrees of effect. Unusually, these nomads appeared to be armed with firearms. However, the threat they posed were negligible, as the tribesmen didn’t appear to be particularly proficient at aiming.

According to a deafening roar of fire to his left, his twelve pounder cannons had finally been unlimbered and had begun bombarding the enemy positions. His troops seemed to be holding for the most part, more than he expected from essentially raw recruits. Unfortunately, Parravon had lost many of its veterans during the Three Months War, and thus, his meagre landing force of roughly two thousand men were mostly untested youths. However, he found comfort in the thought that he could always rely on the 69th Astoran Foot, his only elite regiment, to plug any breach that might emerge.

Massey’s chestnut brown courser whinnied and reeled back in fright as a revolver round embedded itself ominously in the pale, coarse sand by its feet. He dug his heels into his mount, and briskly trotted off towards the the left flank. One of the light companies had already began to flee, and some bolder native cavalrymen were riding them down, pushing on past the 92nd Centre Company, which was eagerly pouring fire into the exposed flanks of the horsemen.

The order was given, and the Astoran Foot moved up to fill the breach, their pristine, polished white coats and golden buckles reflecting the sun’s everbright rays. They quickly reformed from a marching column to a firing line, and fired off a single, incredibly accurate volley before valiantly charging at the foe. On the right flank, Massey could just glimpse the enemy cavalry retreating en masse. The day was won, but at a terrible cost.

[Holoska]

EMPIRE OF HOLOSKA
Frostspark City - 21 Oinos 724

---

"Again?"

"Yes, sir. Again."

The Emperor of Holoska sighed as he threw the packet down on the table. "We were at war two months ago. And two Holoskan months, at that. Are the Elves out in Parravon so desperate to remake Aliresse that they'll keep grinding their manpower down to nothing in the hopes of reclaiming even a single square centimeter of their old land?"

The Holoskan Diplomat to Parravon, an Elf with hair as yellow as the sun, nodded a bit. "I've only come to tell you that a state of war is now in place in Parravon."

The Emperor scoffed. "Poor bastards." He turned to the man, then nodded. "Very well."

"And they ask for Holoskan neutrality in this conflict."

"Only if they keep out of the Coyote Anthro regions of the invaded area." He chuckled. He knew very well that after the humiliation at the Battle of Geluuosta, Parravon would clearly love to keep Holoska out of the fight. He imagined what must have been going through the Arch-Elector's mind when he remembered the Alkilab Alrramal, the "Sand Dogs", the Coyote Anthros who shared a small portion of the country, and remembered what Holoska was willing to do in the last war.

The diplomat smiled. "I will relay that to the Arch-Elector, sir. He should be happy to hear it."

The Emperor nodded, and smiled. As soon as the man walked out, he started writing a new letter to the Defence Minister.

Make ready 90,000 soldiers for possible future deployment into eastern Aurinel.

[Oraganios]

Oinos 26 724
After the somewhat successful attack on Parravonese forces, three sheiks, Sheik Rapa , Sheik Mora, and Sheik Seros joined forces to molest the invading troops. Twice they attacked in the night, and four times they killed reconnaissance units. The enemy was blind and afraid. But their numbers swelled. Luckily, so did the Organos. With 1,500 riders and 2,000 foot soldiers, they attacked repeatedly and swiftly. It would be a long campaign for their invaders. The best part was that the Organos knew exactly where the Parravonese were, and the Parravonese had no clue where the Organos resided.

[Iffria]

"Hahaha!", roared Talis.

"Sir?", said a simple messenger delivering the paper.

"Oh, this is great. They don't know when to quit."

"Sir"?

Wiping a tear from his eye, he proclaims,"bring Serion to me".

"Yes, sir".

Serion soon arrived in the throne room."Yes"?

"Serion, it's time".

Serion sighed."I'll send for Armanos".

"Not him. The Immortal General himself".

"WHAT!!", Serion roared uncontrollably."We can't send someone like him to Oraganios. It would sour our relations with Parravon."

"But they don't know he exists. As far as we know, Holoska doesn't even know why he's so special".

"Very well." Serion turned towards one of his servants."Summon Felix Ardros. Tell him to bring the proper supplies. He's going to the desert".

[Parravon and Lyonesse]

26 Oinos 724

George Massey sat astride his beloved brown courser, gazing across the battlefield. After almost a week of skirmishing and raids, the Oraganion forces had finally decided to stand and fight. His artillery, which had recently been reinforced with the addition of twelve eighteen-pounder guns, were creating hundreds of pock-marked craters in the coarse sand.

After realising that the Oraganion armies wouldn’t seek open battle, Massey had decided to force them to. He had marched his army southward, and after several arduous days of marching, had come to a large, calm river. Its water shimmered beautifully in the bright sunlight, and his men finally had a chance to refill their water canteens and bathe. He had originally anticipated that his opponents would attack as his men were gathered around the river, and had intentionally arrayed his forces to give the illusion that he was as weak as he appeared. And yet, no attack came. In fact, the Oraganion outriders were nowhere to be seen.

He had then split his army and ordered the majority his men to march a kilometre north westward, and at dusk, set up camp on a small ridgeline overlooking the river. Later that evening, his foes showed themselves. However, this time, his men were ready. The proud Parravonese regiments marched out, ranks filled and colours blazing. The Oraganions moved to face them, moving wide around their left flank. It was at that moment that the men he had east re-emerged to the right of the enemy. The entire army, now reunited, agressively advanced towards the enemy, trapping them on the bank with the shining river to their backs.

His cannons continued roaring on, and he had begun to hear musketry further downhill. The Oraganions were panicking, desperately trying to charge at the weak areas of his line. Most of their disorganised attacks were repelled, but one group of riders punched straight through the third Centre Company of the 9th Barrowton Regiment, and began to harass his light infantry. However, a spontaneous decision by the 85th Lyonesse Cavalry Regiment to draw their splendid sabres and charge the enemy horsemen in the rear saved his riflemen to the far left. After almost an hour of fruitless, suicidal, charging, the Oraganions, outmatched and outsmarted, surrendered. They dropped their weapons, their heads bowed low in shame as they walked over the dunes, littered with their own dead.

[Oraganios]

"Good God", said Sheik Seros."They did overwork their troops trying to take out Darius' troops". He gave fifty Aloras to Sheik Rapa."But how'd you know that he'd lose"?

"He was overconfident and inexperienced as a leader. Excellent bait for an inexperienced army with little intelligence on their foes. Their leader is quite formidable, though".One of the warriors reported that the guard was lowered and the warriors sent to round up their routed men had returned."We'll get as close as possible without attracting attention, then our rifle infantry will open fire on their cannon crews, while our cavalry will charge through their camp, and our infantry, both melee and ranged will finish off any resistance by Parravonese".

* * *

The sun had almost risen. Many of the fires had died out, and the Parravonese were exhausted from fighting and the threat of another attack. It was too easy. The rifles were not even twenty feet away when they opened fire, tearing through the cloth and flesh like teeth through a steak. The cavalry then charged in from all three sides, slaughtering anyone who stood in their way. Anyone who was just getting out of their tents or who withstood the charge were cut down by the infantry, many of whom were in the last assault. Those who were previously shamed fought twice as ferociously and four times more brutally than the others. Soon the entire camp, or at least the living camp, had laid down their arms in surrender. General Massey and his guard had fled across the river in confusion. Over a thousand Parravonese lay dead. Shot, charred, skewered, stabbed, or cut were the corpses. It had been a tremendous victory.

[Holoska]

EMPIRE OF HOLOSKA
Frostspark City - 27 Oinos 724

---

The Holoskan Emperor looked over the dossier on the conflict in the east, which had been stamped with a simple "05" in a rounded rectangle. According to intelligence, Parravon was already putting too much effort into this war, and as their manpower was slowly being ground down, the people, who were already tired of the status quo as it was, were growing ever more restless. None of the newspapers were reporting it, but the intelligence papers in front of him said that there had been 5 major riots in the last week alone.

He tossed the papers down on his desk, and signed off on them, letting Sector 05 know that he had seen it. That accomplished, he wrote a short letter to the Holoskan Consulate in Parravon and Lyonesse.

Ambassador Fulkreth,

Please make it known that Holoska will remain neutral in this conflict, but that we will remain on guard for disproportionate retribution
against the Anthros of Organios.

Emperor Mobiyuz

With that done, the Emperor leaned back in his chair, watching the sun set outside his windows. Another day done, another bevy of work accomplished. He really did like his job, he just felt it was tiring at times. Especially with how repetitive diplomacy kept being in Aurinel. Parravon hadn't lost the Three Months War barely 2 months ago, and already they were at it again. By some miracle, though, Lykouros seemed to be more preoccupied with other matters, although that may have had to do with Lucas still being missing. The Emperor sighed. How is it that shipwreck of a nation manages to even exist these days?

A thought occurred to him, and he started writing a new letter to Sector 05.

After a short while, he had it finished, and dumped it with the rest of the papers in the little box marked "Outgoing". He smiled and got up from his desk, done for the day. Mobiyuz promptly started going around the office, straightening things up as he saw fit. It didn't take long, though, for someone to find him. "Your Highness?"

Mobiyuz turned around and smiled at the Shadow Draconid woman standing in the doorway. "Hello, Miss Pauling. What brings you here?"

"Your wife was looking for you, sir."

"Syuzann? She knows she can find me here at this time of the day...wait, what time is it?"

"It's about 7:50, sir."

"7:50?! Gods almighty, I lost track of time! Where is she?"

"She's at the dinner table, sir. Your family has been waiting for a while for you."

Mobiyuz dropped everything and started dashing down the hall, calling back over his shoulder. "Thank you, Miss Pauling!"

Miss Pauling smiled and walked back down the hallway, thinking over the few duties she had left in that day. All she had left was to make sure the kitchens were cleaned, and that the fireplaces were kept stoked for the night. It had been a cold day, and it was only going to get colder, as a fresh new layer of snow was falling outside.

[Erresuma Ennos]

Revanchism Across the Sands
O R A G A N I O ND E S E R T ,2 8 T HO FO I N O S7 2 4

---

Even as the cool and shifting winds of the cold season blew across the sands, the desert remained the oven that it was. No sign of any relief from the sun(s) can be found around these parts of the Oraganion Desert, save for a travelling caravan of horses and camels, nor was there any sort of oasis around that could save them from the scorching temperatures out here. It was pretty much a sea of sand that extended for miles toward the horizon, with at least a few rocks sticking out and giving some variety in what would be an otherwise empty wilderness. Fortunately for Nadal, his driver had seen footprints imprinted on a sand dune, signaling the end of his long journey from Ennos. His carriage rocked slowly as he adjusted the fabric of his cloak, looking out the window and taking in the view of the desert outside. The landscape was in contrast to the fertile plains of the Ennosian heartland, where greenery and stone buildings grew abundantly by the banks of the Erdiko River—what the kingdom boasted as the lifeblood of the Yuzhnaya.

His mission here was for a meeting with Oraganion diplomats, something that was of great importance not just for himself, but for the nation he was representing. Such a mission was born out of the concerns of the Ennosian government, who have been carefuly watching the war unfold in the east. The Parravonese had pursued a more belligerent stance to the world, leading them to this recent conflict with Oraganios, but the invasion that they had carried out appeared to be inconclusive—not to mention that they had been exhausted by their previous attempt. Even so, those haven't assuaged the fears of the Ennosian Parliament due to the fact that once the Parravonese had annexed their neighbor, Ennos was next on the elves' list. And this time there would be no uninhabitable piece of land to shield them from those eastern invaders. It was the very thing that they feared from outside powers for years ever since the Holoskans under the warmongering Pashkina threatened to swallow the rolling fields whole with her armies.

The convoy began to near the ruins of an abandoned city, and slowly the desert was starting to give way for more substantial evidence of civilization. The semblance of a road began to appear—its stones look like they have been chiseled a long time ago, a reminder of the heights that the Aliresse Empire had achieved. From the looks of it, this was once a major highway that bisected the city in twain, and on each side were foundations that indicated where houses and markets once stood. To think that such a city had its inhabitants wiped from the face of Osira... It was a stark reminder of how things will be in Ennos if he does not succeed. However, he knew he could not stay long to sightsee—rumor has it that there are predatory creatures hiding behind the columns, ready to pounce on any unfortunate soul that would cross this place. Thus the ruins were left behind.

Another couple of hours passed as they traveled through the sand. There in the distance, from what looks like to be a small oasis, smoke could be seen rising in the air. Someone's here, and if his hunch served him well, it must be one of the local leaders who set up here—a lucky find since Oraganions were legendary for shifting places as quickly as the sands around them. The carriage came by a moderately large camp, probably home to hundreds of Oraganians tending to their tents and herding their goats by the oasis. This must be the camp of a prominent Sheik, one that held great influence in the land, possibly enough influence to sway his counterparts. Now Nadal's purpose—to offer the Oraganion people military aid on behalf of his nation—can be one step closer to fulfilling.

Two armed men, a wolflike anthro and a human, approached the carriage as it stopped. The doorsman got off the carriage and opened the door for Nadal, who stepped out of the carriage and sunk his sandals into the sand. It felt warm and soft as it got into his toes. The anthro came up to the diplomat and asked in the vernacular tongue, "What be your business here, Ennosian?"

"A diplomatic mission, sir," he replied, producing a letter from his coat. As the guard opened the letter and read, the driver added, "I wish to convene with your Sheik, as commissioned by His Highness Aimar."

Indeed, the guards had been made aware of an Ennosian diplomatic envoy arriving in the camp, but these visitors appear to have been early in their arrival. And they somehow were able to find the location of their camp. The letter stated the intent of the Ennosian diplomat, and featured the signature and seal of the Ennosian monarch. After scanning through its contents, the guard handed it back to Nadal and went to inform their leader of their visitors' arrival. "Come with us," the guard cocked his head at Nadal. The Ennosian followed with his doorsman by his side, pulling up his cloak to cover his nose.

[Republic Of Varra]

Republic of Varra - 30th Oinos 724

---

Katzendorf further worked on his idea for a meeting of multiple nations at the end of the year. He did not tell anyone about it yet and awaited for it to be perfected, but the news of the events happening on mainland Aurinel begun to spread more and more, ruining his plans of having a peaceful conference with other nations if events kept up like this.

The war however had caught the attention of the Varran legislation and news of an intervention vote begun to circulate. Of course, an intervention would mean possibly souring relations with Parravon, making the Chancellor even more worried about his future plans. The vote was to be held on Oinos 32 to decide if, how, and when to intervene. Many Senate Members seemed to agree on an intervention force, while the Representatives seemed to be split on the issue at the moment.

[Oraganios]

"Grand Sheik Xerxes, an Ennosian is here to see you", claimed one of the guards.

"Send him in", replied the leader of all Organos. The Ennosian came in to the tent.

He then began to speak."Oh great Sheik..." Xerxes raised his hand to silence him.

"I do not care for your petty formalities. State your business."

"Very well. We Ennosians wish for a military alliance with Oraganios".

His body was composed and his face was stern, but on the inside Xerxes was relieved. His three most trusted generals were on the field of battle, and he felt they would be victorious just by themselves, but with the help of another nation they would be assured as the winners once again."Give us 5,000 men and you have your alliance. You arm them, we lead them."

[Salt Cay]

On Corsair Flagship "Heretic", Harbour of Salt Cay

Alaghon was soundly asleep in his cabin, when an agitated dwarven pirate started to knock on his door furiously. "Cap'n! Cap'n! Please, I have very important news for You!!"
Cap'n Alaghon got up slowly and cursed to himself. Then he ordered the dwarf to enter.

"I am sorry master, but it's on your own orders. A war have broken out! You ordered to be contacted immediately if such thing happened"
Alaghon's face suddenly changed completely. Tiredness was swept away and was changed to eager interest. "Where?" he asked.

"Parravonese have started invasion in some of their former lands. It has made them enemies with some anthros."
Alaghon scoffed. Everybody knew this proud half-elven man not to be fond of anthros. Anthros was not even allowed to become corsairs, they were always made slaves.

"Send an envoy to Parravon" he replied. "Offer them our help. Ask for payment in weapons. Do not ask too much, let them see that we are friendly".

On Corsair ship "Merciless", off the coast of Parravon, 5 days later

Sailing under the blue flag of peace, the lone corsair ship approached the port. An old Draconid corsair, known only as The Butcher, watched over the boat, which were being lowered to leave for harbour. Butcher had clear orders from Alaghon to offer their services to the Parravonese army as mercenaries, but also to hint, that corsairs would like to be considered allies as well...maybe in future.

"I hope they will agree to meet me soon".

[Holoska]

E M P I R EO FH O L O S K A
F R O S T S P A R KC I T Y-3 0O I N O S7 2 4

---

The latest act on the Emperor's desk that day was to approve the execution of two men who had been caught poaching on Imperial lands. He signed off on that a moment after he had seen it. With nothing else to do that day, he spun around in his chair and stared at the view out the window, across the city. It was snowing, with the sky a flat grey and small flakes wafting down from the sky, adding another layer to the foot of snow that already lay on the ground. It was days like this that men, women, and children alike loved going out and playing in the snow, himself included. You know what? To hell with it. I'm taking Lyudmilla out to play today.

The moment he turned around, another one of the endless stream of couriers walked into his office. Sighing loudly, he sat back down at his desk and asked impatiently "What do you want?"

"A packet's just come in from Sector 05, sir."

"Oh. Well, let me see it."

The courier put a paper down and left, letting the Emperor read through it.

INFORMATION - WESTERN SECTOR
SHIPS FLYING SALT CAY FLAG SPOTTED DOCKING IN
PARRAVON HARBOR - MEN PRESENTED AS DIPLOMATS
FOR POSSIBLE NEGOTIATION OF SOME SORT OF TREATY
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW

-BOREALIS-

The absurdity of this situation in western Aurinel kept coming. "They're negotiating...with pirates. Gods almighty, they really must be desperate." He pushed the paper into the drawer, then got up to go take his daughter outside to play in the snow.

[Erresuma Ennos]

Side by Side We Stand
O R A G A N I O ND E S E R T ,2 8 T HO FO I N O S7 2 4

---

"Five thousand?"

That was a term worth repeating. Questions began to run through Nadal's head. Why this few men? Certainly the invading armies could number more than what the Oraganians were expecting, and the latter were only armed with sabres. Could only five thousand of the flower of the Ennosian Army bring victory to the nomadic warriors of the desert? Or were the Parravonese fewer in number than what the reports have given to the King? What was on the Grand Sheik's mind before he made that proposition? It was hard to determine from his countenance. But if this alliance with the Oraganians was to be forged, he would have to honor the terms that Xerxes had set, but certainly not with five thousand men.

But it was not his place to question what the chieftain has proposed, lest he violate the precepts of diplomatic protocol. Slowly bowing his head, Nadal spoke, "Very well, Grand Sheik. I shall return to my homeland to inform His Majesty of your willingness to continue this alliance. As per the terms of our agreement, we shall send 5,000 men to aid in the defence of your territory, as well as military advisers to help your generals use our soldiers and our equipment to the greatest effect."

The purpose for this meeting had been achieved, but this meeting was certainly not over yet. The Sheik deemed it was too perilous for Nadal to make the long journey back on this day, so he invited the Ennosian to stay with the Oraganians for a night—to which he accepted. Indeed the sun was bearing on his head, and it would do well for him to stay in the camp, for this was the only place for miles that had an oasis. Thus his horses had become as one of the camp's for the day, and he continued to sit with the Sheik and chat over nuts and dates, hammering out the details before Nadal could be satisfied enough to return to Ennos the next day.

Contemplation
C I T YO FI B A I E R T Z ,3 R DO FD W O U7 2 4

---

Modernise the kingdom through rapid industrialisation, develop closer relations with other countries, promote the sciences, and encourage the spread of new ideas—that had been Aimar's top priorities ever since the day that he began his reign. Yet today those were briefly brushed aside by the concerns posed by the nascent war to the east. The King shifted through the papers in front of him as his ministers looked on, and he was baffled at how rumors regarding the actions of other countries had made it to his desk more than information about Parravonese or Oraganian troop movements, but perhaps the men around him can provide him with the answers he seeks. Aimar knew that he didn't have the tactical prowess of his predecessors, not even that of his grandfather, Eder Sendoa, but he was trained in the ways of warmaking just like them.

The King had made his stand on the matter clear—whatever the Holoskans and Varrans may be planning to do was of no concern to him. Thus the meeting was to move on to another topic at his behest. His gaze landed on a letter that had been written by the diplomat that he sent to the Grand Sheik, indicating the required number of troops that the Ennosians may be sending for an intervention force. "5,000 men?" he asked the Foreign Minister.

The Minister bowed, "Yes, your Majesty. Mr. Basauri has advised to the Grand Sheik that we send 10,000 men to aid their defence of their borders instead of 5,000, but the Grand Sheik has remained by his request."

"And to think even he would listen to a foreign diplomat," he muttered to himself. From the way that it was answered, this was no advice given to the chieftain of a desert country, but to Ennos itself. And telling from the way Xerxes would act, he would make do with 5,000 as much as he would with 10,000—thus Aimar was not so willing to be generous for the sake of his appointed diplomat. The king spoke, "What difference will 5,000 or 10,000 make? The Parravonese cannot expand their foothold on the mainland for long, not with their current numbers and the inexperience of their men."

"What you have spoken is true," the War Minister replied, "but while the Parravonese have lost their more experienced fighters at the War of Three Months, their elite forces remain, and intelligence has revealed that they had come with the invasion forces. There also have been rumors of Parravonese prisoners escaping their captors, but our embassy has yet to confirm these."

Aimar rubbed the sides of his temple. "Guess we will be covering for their inadequacies, huh? Very well." Glancing at the War Minister he commanded, "Ennos shall be sending 5,000 soldiers and advisers to the Grand Sheik to be placed temporarily under his command, and another 5,000 shall be deployed to our eastern border for reinforcements. Let us pray they do not waste the help that we send." Shifting his gaze to the Foreign Minister he added, "Write a letter to the Grand Sheik, he will be pleased to read our response."

"Yes, your Majesty," the two Ministers bowed in submission.

The King slipped the paper under the pile, revealing another letter that had been sent to him. The raging snow outside doesn't seem to be letting up, so they might have to hole themselves in this chamber a little while longer. "Is there anything else that should concern me?"

War can wait. For now he wished to know of the strides that his appointed officials have made in realizing his goals. The Minister of the Treasury seemed to have some good news that he wished to share, but he wasn't sure how the King would take it. He spoke up, "Yes, your Majesty. Two miners have found a large coal deposit at..."

[Salt Cay]

Corsair ship "Merciless", off the coast of Parravon

"Mister Butcher, sir?" a young corsair approached the Butcher, master of the ship. He was a raw recruit, Lykourian, and still had a hard time to let go of all the formalities of speech.
"Speak" Butcher answered.

"There is no reply from the Parravonese for now, sir. Men are growing paranoid and restless and-"

"Who?" Butcher cut him short "Who exactly is getting restless? Let him come to me and voice their objections themselves" The large, scarred man smiled and patted his battleaxe. "And then I will voice mine".

"None ir particular" the young corsair answered nervously "I was just thinking-"

"Stop that" Butcher answered "It is not one of your talents. And now listen. We are going ashore. Either they will let us come or they will not. In both cases they will be forced to speak with us. But remember - these are said to be potentional allied lands. No pillaging, no killing, no rape, no fighting unless attacked. You are even not allowed to kill anthros. It may sound foolish, but some of these Parravonese might see them as persons." The Butcher spat into the water.

"Right away master, sir!"

[Parravon and Lyonesse]

8 Dwou 724

Amrothin drank deeply from his cup contentedly. Down in the harbour, the ships were just returning. It seemed that the stars had aligned, and he had played his cards just right. He knew that the expedition on the mainland was folly, but it had the overwhelming support of the public. Thus, he could never hope to convince the House of Electors, and to a larger extent, the James Cambronne, the Minister of War, to issue an order to have the troops withdraw. Thus, he turned to his only remaining option. The Archduke was the only other person in Parravon able to issue an executive order to get his troops off the mainland. Thus, many bottles of wine later, the order had finally been given, and all troops engaging in operations on the mainland were withdrawn.

A new approach would have to be taken to win the war, and the Arch-Elector had already set his new plan in motion. Funnelling the Parravonese troops into the desert was utterly ruinous, and thus, he had to think around the notion of frontal assault. Ennos had recently allied with the nomads of Oraganios, and several battalions of troops proudly bearing the Ennosian banner had been sighted amongst the camps of the nomads. Therefore, Parravon was conveniently automatically at war with Ennos. His new scheme, recently approved and endorsed by both the Archduke and Ministry of War, called for a massive blockade of the Ennosian seaboard.

Ennos owned only a small amount of territory that connected with the sea, and thus, a total blockade would be easy enough to enforce. Although the nation primarily traded across its land borders with Holoska and occasionally Lykouros, the naval blockade would still place pressure on Ennos' supposedly secure eastern provinces, and direct attention towards the area. This would not only lessen the amount of troops slowly reinforcing Oraganios, but would also weaken garrisons nationwide for fear of coastal attacks. Then, if his old friend and skilled diplomat could be relied upon, Goatistan, who had fought several small, inconclusive wars with Ennos in the past, would also declare war on the country. The old, much more wise Goatistanian Emperor was in his death bed, and his brash, arrogant heir was effectively the ruler of the Empire in all but name. If he could be convinced to declare war on Ennos to win himself some glory, as well as a large monetary and territorial reward, the odds would tip dramatically in Parravon's favour.

If Goatistanian troops could swarm into Ennos from the western border, while a small but elite Parravonese army attacked from the highly defended east, the country would begin to crumble. Once Ennos had been soundly and swiftly defeated, they could sue for peace, offering Ennos relatively generous terms of surrender. They would keep most of their land, excluding some western provinces given to Goatistan, and a small Parravonese colony on the eastern seaboard, and have to provide some small financial compensations. From there, his troops could return home heroes, and forget about Oraganios entirely until another solution had been reached.

[Iffria]

10 Dwou

Felix Ardros had enough. It took over two weeks to get to the west end of Aurinel. Partially due to storms, mostly due to pirates. He heard of corsairs on this side attacking bandits, but the fact that they attacked a merchant with the banner of Iffria meant that they were confident. Already two ships were sunk. However, six pirate galleys were destroyed. Felix himself struck down 20 men in one attack, making him a hero to the fleet guards. As soon as they arrived in Goatistan, he had to sneak across the border. He knew that 30% of the Organos were Anthros, which was good, since he became fluent in Anthraic over the course of three years. He had a mission from the emperor himself, and he would not fail. Could not fail. Even though it wasn't Iffria, it was a nation that could become friendly with Iffria. He continued to walk across the desert when suddenly a patch of sand exploded in front of his feet, an arrow spouting out of the tiny crater formed by the impact. He looked up to see two Organos, one human, one Anthro. He found the people he was looking for.

[Republic Of Varra]

12 Dwou 724 "A Concerned Letter"

The Varran government in a surprising turn of events, tremendously voted down getting involved in the conflict with Parravon, which Katzendorf was relieved of hearing. He didn't need Varra to be hated right before acting as an ambassador of nations.

News of Iffrian interest quickly spread in the days following, and many people in the legislation became worried. What if the military alliance with Iffria drags Varra into the war with Parravon? That was a very large question that had many bracing for a possible war. Oraganios was allied with Ennos yes, but Ennos had a separate, private military agreement with them, as opposed to Iffria which brings the entire military coalition down into the conflict. And if the war grow large enough, perhaps even Holoska would be sucked into the war, which obviously worried many.

Katzendorf finally made a decisions to write to the emperor of Iffria himself after enough consideration had passed. He took out a pen and began to write on a blank sheet.

"To the esteemed emperor of Iffria,

We enjoy having you as an ally, as your protection and your compliance have meant wonders to us. However, we ask of you at this time not to get involved in the war of Western Aurinel. The risk poses too great for an even greater conflict to spark, and the Varrans do not want to be dragged into a war with Parravon, especially if the act of war is attacking a country not in the military pact.

(Of course there's more to the letter but that's the main point of it so I don't really need to get into more detail)

Kindest regards,

Chancellor Katzendorf

[Parravon and Lyonesse]

15 Dwou 724

It was a warm day today, the first Parravon had seen in several months. Shin-high snow drifts were slowly receding, and citizens could be seen out in the streets, strolling about and enjoying the sun. The Arch-Elector on the other hand, left the Crimson Keep for a few hours on a less busy day. Amrothin averted his gaze from the polished window at the rear of his large office, and back to his messy desk. An urgent report had been sent from the mainland yesterday, and had only surfaced upon his desk earlier that morning. He broke the wax seal, a roaring crimson lion, and swiftly read through the letter.

It was from Charles Narva, his old companion turned renowned diplomat. He, of all people, was a Goat Anthro, and unlike many Anthros in the country, was fairly well-loved by the populace. At the end of Oinos, he had been dispatched to Goatistan to seek military aid, and by the looks of things, he was succeeding. Although no official agreement had been reached yet, he had seemingly convinced the Imperial Heir to consider going to war with Ennos. In return, Goatistan would claim some of Ennos’ border provinces and receive some monetary compensation from them. Parravon would also have to provide Goatistan with a negotiable number of steam-engines and percussion caps. In the Holy Empire, technology was decreed somewhat heretical and sinful, and thus, not much technology advancement had been made in the last 50 years.

Thus, it seemed the young Imperial Heir was aiming to catch-up with the rest of the continent. After all, the majority of Goatistan’s local militias were still armed with pikes and poorly-fashioned matchlock muskets. However, it was undisputed that the Goatistanian troops did not lack for spirit or morale, and were swiftly yet effectively trained and numerous. They would be a good ally to have in the coming fight. Reaching the end of the report, Amrothin leaned back into his chair, sighing. Everything was falling into place.

[Republic Of Varra]

15 Dwou 724

It was a warm day today, the first Parravon had seen in several months. Shin-high snow drifts were slowly receding, and citizens could be seen out in the streets, strolling about and enjoying the sun. The Arch-Elector on the other hand, left the Crimson Keep for a few hours on a less busy day. Amrothin averted his gaze from the polished window at the rear of his large office, and back to his messy desk. An urgent report had been sent from the mainland yesterday, and had only surfaced upon his desk earlier that morning. He broke the wax seal, a roaring crimson lion, and swiftly read through the letter.

It was from Charles Narva, his old companion turned renowned diplomat. He, of all people, was a Goat Anthro, and unlike many Anthros in the country, was fairly well-loved by the populace. At the end of Oinos, he had been dispatched to Goatistan to seek military aid, and by the looks of things, he was succeeding. Although no official agreement had been reached yet, he had seemingly convinced the Imperial Heir to consider going to war with Ennos. In return, Goatistan would claim some of Ennos’ border provinces and receive some monetary compensation from them. Parravon would also have to provide Goatistan with a negotiable number of steam-engines and percussion caps. In the Holy Empire, technology was decreed somewhat heretical and sinful, and thus, not much technology advancement had been made in the last 50 years.

Thus, it seemed the young Imperial Heir was aiming to catch-up with the rest of the continent. After all, the majority of Goatistan’s local militias were still armed with pikes and poorly-fashioned matchlock muskets. However, it was undisputed that the Goatistanian troops did not lack for spirit or morale, and were swiftly yet effectively trained and numerous. They would be a good ally to have in the coming fight. Reaching the end of the report, Amrothin leaned back into his chair, sighing. Everything was falling into place.

15 Dwou 724

Iffria wasn't the only country that Katzendorf contacted about the conflict.

Dear esteemed leaders of Parravon and Lyonesse,

I come to you today for forgiveness, for I didn't know this conflict was going to spiral out of control so quickly.

I am requesting that you not invade Ennos.

Now that may sound strange, especially since they are currently helping your enemy, but let me explain Varra's current situation.

Oraganios is the separate military ally of Ennos. Meaning, if Oraganios gets attacked, they will defend them. However, Ennos is in a military alliance with Kookahmunga, Iffria, ourselves, and Skogartstrond. If Ennos gets attacked or invaded, it will bring all of the members into conflict with your nation.

I am sincerely sorry that these friendly ties have led to this, but please, do not invade them. We do not want to be brought into a war with your good nation. Not to even mention that Holoska may take the opportunity to join the fray, which isn't good for any party involved.

I hope... you can accept my apologies about the situation, and take great heed of my words.

Faithfully yours,

Chancellor Katzendorf.

[Holoska]

E M P I R EO FH O L O S K A
F R O S T S P A R KC I T Y,F R O S T S P A R KP R O V I N C E-1 6D W O U7 2 4

---

"This is getting out of hand."

The Emperor of Holoska had called all of his Ministers to the meeting, with the 12 men and women sitting around the table in front of the Emperor himself. While some were more capable than some, the Emperor had wanted everyone's opinions. At the moment, the Minister of Justice was speaking. "This war is starting to envelop most of the great powers of Aurinel. We cannot fight this battle, this is our of our hands."

"But we cannot let the Anthros in Oraganios be trampled like ants!"

"Yeah, a few coyotes in the middle of the desert, and we risk being invaded over their lives. If they want to escape it, they can be refugees here in Holoska."

"That's assuming they make it across Ennos."

"Koswor would likely happily work with us on this, they share a border with both Oraganios and Holoska."

The Emperor held up his hand, and silence fell across the room. He spoke. "I think the Minister of Agriculture makes a good point. We will extend a mission to Koswor to help us with this, should it become an issue. Until then, though, we must do nothing. My father once spoke of a great war in the future of the continent, and I will not let Holoska be destroyed by this."

[Republic Of Varra]

18 Dwou 724

To the esteemed Emperor of Holoska,

As you are no doubt aware, the situation is spiraling out of control rapidly with the war in western Aurinel, having the possibility of dragging other powers down with it to a seemingly fruitless endeavor. I have contacted Parravon and Iffria personally in hopes to quell the conflict, and restrict it to just Parravon, against Oraganios.

If this war ends quickly, in which I hope it does without any involvement from us, I have a plan to stop many of these conflicts in the future. However I will need time to set everything needed into place.Give me about a month's time to prepare it, and I will notify you, as well as other leaders of the continent.

(Yada yada political stuff, that's the most important bit right there.)

Kindest regards,

Chancellor Katzendorf.

[Salt Cay]

Harbour of Parravon

Unchallenged, the corsairs dropped their anchor in the harbour and came ashore, led by a large, scary looking, scarred, bald man. Other corsairs referred to him only as the Butcher. Butcher lead his men through the crowd straight, making all the commoners to give way to them or to be pushed out of way. However, Butcher still looked carefully for his man not to hit or attack anyone. Corsairs were going straight to the palace of Parravon.

Reaching the palace, Butcher turned his attention to the nearest guard.
"Hey, you warrior! You look like a warrior at least, not a slave... I am here to meet Amrothin, your Arch-Elector. You can call me Butcher and I represent the Free Men of the Salt, proud Corsairs of Salt Cay. My visit were announced earlier by a letter. Now go and inform your master!"

on Corsair flagship "Heretic", harbour of Salt Cay

"Fools" muttered Alaghon, High Captain of the Salt Cay Fleet. "Attacking an Iffrian diplomatic envoy, which were guarded so well...Gaining nothing...Losing five ships... What do these reckless captains want? An alliance to snuff us out?"
He collected himself. "Divide the survivors of the attack between other ships. Strip all captains and officers, who took part in the attack, of their rank. Stupidity, recklesness and failure have their price. Order all captains to stay away from Iffrian ships...for now."
He thought a little and asked to his advisors "How many Iffrian slaves do we possess?"

"About 50, master. Iffria is far away, their ships rarely come in our waters and we haven't conducted any land raids on Iffrian soil. Most of their captives have agreed to become corsairs, anyway."

"Let's free these slaves" Alaghon ordered "Bring them back to Iffria with a message that Salt Cay is not their enemies. We have enough to worry about for raiding Lykourian and Holoskan ships and villages."

"It will be done, master."

[Parravon and Lyonesse]

19 Dwou 724

Amrothin poured over the Varran Letter for what must have been the twentieth time. Taking a small sip of sour red wine, he began to compose a reply.

Dear Chancellor Katzendorf,

I, too share your concern for Aurinel as a whole, and wish to prevent further unnecessary blood-shed. I believe you may have misunderstood my intentions. As you know, many years ago, the Empire of Aliresse constructed holding across the entirety of Western Aurinel. These holds were densely populated by elf and human alike, all of Parravonese blood. Their descendants are still my people. When the Empire fell, many of the good peoples of Parravon were brutally slaughtered and tortured by the Oraganios. The same occurred to a much lesser extent in Ennos, where ethnic Parravonese still face discrimination, increased taxation and public shamings.

Yes, I wish to escalate the conflict with Ennos, but only for the sake of the Parravonese abroad, whose ancestors prospered under the old Empire, but are oppressed under their new rulers. I do not wish to totally annihilate Ennos, indeed, Ennos and Aliresse co-existed peacefully for close to a hundred years. I have proposed to my Parliament that a moderately sized colony be founded in the south of Ennos, to rehouse those whose veins run with blood of old who are suffering under the Ennosian Administration. Surely you would do the same if your people were being oppressed and discriminated against abroad? I have already drawn up a generous proposal of peace with Ennos. They will provide my nation and its allies with small economic reparations, and arrange for the transportation of all willing Parravonese citizens to the new outpost.

It was never my intention to invade Ennos, as I also desire peace upon the continent. But as long as one of my citizens lives oppressed or starving overseas, peace will not have been achieved. I do not wish to invade Ennos, I merely wish to impose a small trade blockade and embargo against it. Hopefully with some economic pressure placed upon them, the Ennosian Government will come to see reason. I am only prepared to take full military action against Ennos if it continues to stubbornly resist my demands.

Please be advised that I do not wish for war with Ennos, but merely the liberation of my ancestral peoples. Continental war would be incredibly detrimental for all of us, so I implore you to convince the rest of your coalition not to seek hostile action against my nation. I only wish to assist my people in their plight with the least hostile yet coercive method, embargo and blockade. I do hope that it does not come to war between us.

Yours with Honour,
Amrothin Lorren

Re-reading his message, Amrothin took another swallow of wine and affixed his seal onto the letter. He beckoned to an aide sitting at a nearby table in the adjacent room.
"James, take this to the Varran Embassy. They should be able to rally the message back home from there."
The aide nodded, scooped up the letter and briskly strode down the hallway.