Thread: (loneiysong) Dealing with Dragons (MaximalCrazy)

The continent of Bastien was a large land that sheltered hundreds of thousands of beings, millions even. It was home to beasts of legend and annoying pests. Goblins roamed in caves or hid within the brush of forests, waiting to poach upon passing merchant caravans or foolhardy adventurers. Larger beasts like chimera were things of story, but could be see soaring through the crystal blue skies, roaring and screeching fiercely and letting its voice carry for miles on end. Even the seas were rumored to house great sea creatures that sailors and pirates often told stories of, like the great and mighty Leviathan. But as numerous as these creatures and beasts were, even greater numbers of humans dotted Bastien's surface in small townships and cities. Many were located in several large, powerful kingdoms that split Bastien into thirds, thus casting into a grand scale war that shattered the peace between said kingdoms many moons ago. Alabastor, known as the Sea Kingdom, occupied the southern point of Bastien. It was strategically located within the peninsula, able to focus a great deal of its power within naval combat and for a time, it protected Bastien against foreign invaders. Alabastor's people knew of a life at sea, many of those people fishermen or naval soldiers. Even if some remained anchored on land, they were prepared to call the sea their home. Alabastor also controlled nearly most of the trade handled by sea and boat during times of peace long ago, and even if remote ports within the rival kingdoms had long been captured or destroyed, the many ports they did hold still held a firm grip on sea trade routes. And despite their focus at sea, the kingdom had a large force, mainly a militia that protected their home fiercely. They may have lacked proper military structure, but they all shared in one common goal to protect Alabastor. The Kingdom of Nobility, Westmarch, was a much smaller nation, but surprisingly formidable in army size and wealth in comparison to its two foes. Appropriately located along the western edge of Bastien, partly surrounded by mountains, Westmarch is known for a population that boasts wealth and fame. Every citizen is well-educated, some artisans of a particular craft or a virtuoso of an instrument. Its army is comprised of well-trained, athletic and intelligent soldiers who head on to the battlefield with unshakable will and valor. And its government is sophisticated and well structured. Its citizens are taken care of and provided for, crime is at an all time low, and if there ever exists a dispute, it is handled diplomatically with healthy debate and discussion. It is also of note that Westmarch joined the war last, seeking to remain neutral. However, it was when Alabastor attempted to take the life of of one of Westmarch's key political figures that they quickly stepped into the fray. Finally, the Kingdom of Radiance takes the final slot. Dubbed after its first founder, Arthur Providence, the kingdom known as Providence has seen the most difficulties during the war. It was known to be a rather holy kingdom, but also accepted all. There were some from both Westmarch and Alabastor that came to Providence for one reason or another. Perhaps there were conflicts within a royal family. Maybe a pirate was escaping Alabastor and seeking a new start in life. Whatever the reason may be, Providence was the kingdom that housed the neglected and rejected, and it built a strong community and family of strangers. The Providence lineage ruled with benevolence and justice, but it could only get them so far. A kinder hand led to some unrest of citizens thinking their own rights and powers earned them more. A more cautious approach towards diplomatic items and political business left the government in disagreement, their standing within Bastien beneath Westmarch and Alabastor. However, with the crowning of the new king, King Bishop III, he began to take a firmer role as leader. There was much to work on within the kingdom, but due to Alabastor's greed and thirst for conquest, King Bishop had no choice but to respond with military action. The war began shortly after Bishop was crowned, and the kingdom of Providence has been strung left and right. Members of the royal family, even the women, have been taking up duties that test their limits. But slowly, Providence's people have come to focus more on protecting their nation. Especially as Alabastor's larger force appears to be pushing back the untrained and weaker forces of Providence. If not for Westmarch's involvement, Providence would be in flames. --------------------------------------------------------------- Gods damn! A hard fist crashed against the wooden table within the strategy room within the castle. Before King Bishop III stood several generals, all of which had downcast expressions, unable to face their king with the news they brought. ... How far out? ... A full day's march, sir. The eldest of the generals replied, his voice trembling as his brow glistened with sweat. He had been the one to lead the platoon to intercept the enemy. And the Alabastor force was... it was too large. They barely escaped with the skin on their backs! To have tried to go head to head with an army so vast, an army so hungry for war? Providence's Valiant Army wouldn't be able to hold them back for a second. They were all doomed. A day... a day... The King muttered to himself, falling back into his seat. The man was in his 40's, but his grey hairs truly grew out when he became king, and his face looked tired and stressed beyond comprehension. There was gloom after gloom within this war, and they seemed to be losing troops faster than they could put more on the battlefield. Their population was rather high, but they would need a miracle to push such a violent force back. We need to bolster our defenses. The walls are strong and solid. The Alabastor soldiers will spend days on end trying to tear down our walls. Meanwhile, we will pick them off from above. That's what we'll do. Bishop said with uncertainty, and his generals looked on at him. They knew their lord was beyond scared. They were all scared, but for a man to keep trying to lead them during such a tragic and trying time, they respected him. Yes sir! As they left, Bishop fell back into his seat, staring out at the map laid out, the kingdom of Providence slowly being closed on by the Alabastor forces. He feared not only for his people, but for his daughter, the Princess. She was his most precious treasure, a girl he wanted to make proud. And yet he could barely keep this kingdom alive. He gave her the best he could, tried to give her a utopia on earth with Providence. Some tutors from Westmarch were hired to tutor her. He often gave her freedom to enjoy her walks through town, even procured her a magnificent stallion. Bishop tried to give her the world, and now they were fighting everyone else in that world. A calloused hand rubbed at his forehead and eyes, sighing deeply. What am I to do...?