THE WAR OF KINGS

**The War of Kings**, also referred to as the **Wars of Eldorimic Independence**, was a collection of political and military conflicts between the United Kingdom and its royal houses that occurred throughout Eldorim from the years 6034 to 6048. It was often recognized as the epitome of the Age of Heroes Era, for numerous champions throughout Caradon participated in the fighting. The war's conclusion saw the dismantling of the United Kingdom, the formation of the Eldorimic kingdoms, the receding use of champions, and the rise of Donrim as Anim's greatest power.

## **HISTORY**

### **HARRICUS' PURGE**

In the year 6032, Harricus Contramundus ascended the throne upon the passing of his father, the benevolent Hadrius II Contramundus. In his youth, Harricus was a disturbed child and had grown to become a vile man. Upon becoming high king, his appetite for wickedness only grew stronger and to satisfy his sadistic hunger, he ordered the gathering of the weak before him. The elderly, women, infants, and even babies were taken from their homes in droves and summoned before Harricus. To his delight, they were all tortured and executed in gruesome manners. For many days this continued and the United Kingdom despaired, turning to Ankor and crying out for deliverance.

A champion named Anaxes, however, took matters into his own hands, committing the first act of rebellion against High King Harricus' tyrannical reign. When his beloved mother was captured by Harricus' soldiers, Anaxes pursued after her for weeks. When he finally found her, he slew her abductors and brought her home. Others, inspired by Anaxes' bravery, resisted also, defying their captors and seeking to overthrow the high king.

### **THE DECLARATIONS OF INDEPENDENCE**

Only two weeks after Anaxes' heroic act, Lord Ignavus of House Donrim declared his peoples' independence from the United Kingdom without any hesitation. The major houses of Calarim, Gradios, Adrolos, Gaepelus, Trogos, and Skolheim followed suit, along with a number of other lesser royal families. They sent their signed declarations to Harricus, who scoffed and discarded them without much thought. The lords of the royal houses, however, were determined to end his reign. They signed a pact, called the Coalition to Restore Order, in which they swore an oath of loyalty to one another bound by the sole purpose of overthrowing Harricus. This alliance would produce three successive sieges on Ealrim, the capital city of the United Kingdom and dwelling place of the high king.

### **THE SIEGES OF EALRIM**

The first of these sieges was conducted by Lord Tolpus of House Gradios. Leading a considerable force upon Ealrim's gates, he was sure of victory. High Commander Clarivus of the United Kingdom, however, commanded a brilliant defense, spearheaded by Etimagnus, Harricus' foremost champion. Both Clarivus and Etimagnus were men of good standing but had sworn their lives to the throne. Lord Tolpus' forces were cut down by Ealrim's defenders and he returned to his people in defeat.

Lord Tristus of House Calarim orchestrated the second siege. Within his ranks was his young champion Laevus, who had not yet seen battle. His skills were promising and he was able to strike down many of Ealrim's defenders. Nevertheless, whatever progress he made was reversed by Etimagnus, who easily outmatched the inexperienced warrior. Not wanting to see a champion perish in his youth, Etimagnus spared Laevus and allowed him to retreat with the remainder of Lord Tristus' army.

Finally, Lord Ignavus of House Donrim sent an army under the leadership of a considerable roster of champions, including Anaxes. Since Ignavus' forces were few in numbers, he proposed his heroes take the lead and storm Ealrim's walls. But Etimagnus, who desired no more bloodshed, proposed a duel between himself and Anaxes to decide the fate of the city. Ignavus accepted and the two champions fought for nearly half-an-hour, with neither delivering a fatal blow. Etimagnus appeared to maintain an edge, but a draw was acknowledged, followed by an exchange of gifts. They agreed to continue their fight the next day and returned to rest in their tents. Though many believed Etimagnus to be the favorite for the next day's duel, Harricus feared his champion would lose and, in all his wretchedness, sent trained assassins into the tents of House Donrim's army. There they killed Anaxes as he slept, unbeknownst to Ignavus, Etimagnus, or any man from either side. When Anaxes was declared dead the next morning, Ignavus cried in rage and accused Etimagnus of murder and deceit, though he had done no wrong. Blinded by indignation, he had his soldiers assault the city, but they were driven back by High Commander Clarivus, just as the previous lords' armies had been.

While the United Kingdom survived the third siege, Etimagnus' honor did not. The valiant warrior was disgraced until his death, for Harricus refused to confess his crimes, letting his champion take the fall instead.

### **THE BATTLE OF PROELIUM**

A year after Lord Ignavus' disastrous siege, the Coalition to Restore Order decided it was best to combine their forces and launch invasions on the more weakly-defended territories of the United Kingdom. Their new strategy was very effective in its first few months of use and they were able to capture key trading cities and ports. But as the alliance claimed victory upon victory, High King Harricus sent Clarivus and Etimagnus to keep them from advancing any further.

This resulted in a massive confrontation on the farmlands of Proelium. Clarivus' army was significantly outnumbered yet remained resolute, being able to beat back each of the coalition's opening offenses. And though Etimagnus endured great shame, he was still the most feared warrior on the battlefield. No soldier dared challenge him, let alone near him in combat, which allowed him to easily dominate the frontlines as he so desired.

Laevus of House Calarim, meanwhile, built a strong reputation of his own. After his defeat to Etimagnus earlier, he had trained diligently and become a far greater warrior. Though he himself did not love war as many others did, he fought passionately to overthrow the wicked High King Harricus, whom he hated with his whole heart. Thus, his sword was deadly and stained with red that day. Fighting alongside him were Antinos the Handsome and Athandos the Fleet-Footed, both renowned veteran champions of House Donrim. Both Antinos and Athandos led a battalion of men through a large field of the farmlands, routing hundreds of Clarivus' troops. They were able to secure the position until Etimagnus arrived, wielding his sword with such precision that they fled the field.

High Commander Clarivus then led a charge down the center of the alliance's army, breaking them into two. This caused mass confusion amongst his opposing commanders, who were unable to communicate as a result of the assault. Etimagnus took full advantage of this opportunity and tore the alliance apart. As the United Kingdom tipped the scales of the battle in their favor, archers of House Calarim opened fire on a battalion belonging to House Donrim, believing them to be the enemy. The two forces turned on each other, breaking the alliance. Antinos drew his sword upon Laevus and dueled him amidst the hellish mayhem. Laevus was clearly the better fighter and slashed his blade across Antinos' neck, killing him.

Seeing the Coalition to Restore Order disintegrate before his very eyes, High Commander Clarivus pulled his forces out of the battle and returned home. Upon Etimagnus' departure, Laevus controlled the battlefield. He was immediately challenged by Percelus of House Donrim, another young but much stronger champion. But Percelus, too, was brought down by the sword of Laevus; he survived his wounds but was forced out of the battle. Callidus of House Donrim, the wisest and most cunning of the heroes, advised Lord Ignavus to retreat; seeing Percelus fall had reminded him all too much of Anaxes' death and without a champion to lead House Donrim's army, it seemed likely that they would never win another battle again. Ignavus heeded his astute champion's words and ordered a full retreat. Lord Tristus of House Calarim followed suit, as did the other lords. By nightfall, the battlefield was quiet, though littered with corpses. The Battle of Proelium had accomplished nothing and cost the lives of tens-of-thousands.

### **THE ORACLE FROM THYSELLA**

Weeks after the devastating battle, an oracle was delivered to Thysella by the hand of Olnius. It spoke of a lion cub whose destiny was greater than that of all the other cubs around him, yet also the most tragic. The cub grew up to become a deadly and feared lion, surpassing his father, but also an arrogant one. So unslakable was his appetite for glory that he wasted his entire life killing until it rendered him immense grief. After losing all those close to him, the lion died alone with no joy in his soul, though he had achieved immortal fame.

The lords all concluded that the oracle spoke of an undiscovered champion who would be the greatest Anim had ever seen. Over the next year, they each searched for this man but could not find him.

### **THE BATTLE OF KEDREK RIVER**

The Coalition to Restore Order's integrity was completely shattered by the disastrous Battle of Proelium. The lords each began to conspire against one another to take the high throne for himself. Thus, the motives of the war shifted from deposing High King Harricus to winning the right to rule the United Kingdom. In 6036, however, Lord Tristus of House Calarim and Lord Tolpus of House Gradios found common interest in defending their lands from an impending United Kingdom invasion spearheaded by High Commander Clarivus and Etimagnus. Though enemies, Tristus and Tolpus forged an alliance and positioned their troops along the Kedrek River to stop the United Kingdom's advance.

As Clarivus' legions plowed their way through the river, House Gradios and House Calarim's bowmen opened fire on them. It took an entire day for the soldiers of the United Kingdom to cross the Kedrek, and their losses from archer-fire were innumerable. Laevus was sent to the front lines and constituted a magnificent defense of the Kedrek; even Etimagnus, who was still crossing the watercourse, saw no victory and withdrew. But Iphilus, another one of High King Harricus' champions, refused to retreat and waded across the river. He drew his sword and challenged Laevus but was slain in a brief duel.

The army of the United Kingdom fled the field after Iphilus' death and at this, Laevus was declared by many to be Caradon's greatest warrior; some even thought him to be the subject of the oracle delivered to Thysella weeks prior. In his humility, Laevus rejected the idea and returned home with his beloved Promovere.

### **THE DISCOVERY OF ATHALEUS**

After the Battle of Kedrek River, the United Kingdom was significantly weakened. Lord Ignavus of House Donrim saw this as an opportunity to strike but first, he surveyed his lands one last time in hopes of finding the hero of the oracle of Thysella, for he did not believe it spoke of Laevus. During his journey, he came across a 17-year old youth named Athaleus, who had been raised by his mother on their farm. Athaleus was an incredibly gifted athlete, able to throw a javelin thirty yards and catch it before it landed. Without hesitation, Ignavus offered him a role in his army as a soldier, but Athaleus refused and instead asked to serve as one of his champions. Ignavus, realizing he was speaking to the hero of the oracle himself, accepted the young man's request and sent him to be trained under Reuben, an experienced veteran who was once a champion of House Donrim.

Subsequently, a stalemate ensued throughout Eldorim, as none of the lords dared advance against House Calarim in fear of Laevus nor the United Kingdom in fear of Etimagnus. There were small raids conducted here and there, many of them orchestrated by the cunning Callidus, but none were of any significance. For three years, there was no major battle fought. During this time of peace, Athaleus trained hard under Reuben's instruction. The prodigious warrior was taught how to command armies and lead men into battle, he perfected his swordsmanship, learned the spear, honed his javelin-throwing, mastered horseback-riding, conditioned his body, harnessed his athleticism, and expanded his abilities. Truly, he had been sharpened into the deadliest blade.

Athaleus, now 19 years of age, first saw action north, within the territories of the United Kingdom. He and Reuben were sent to spy the land and test the strength of High Commander Clarivus' army, which had been dealt a heavy blow by Laevus at the Battle of Kedrek River. Etimagnus, seeing Reuben's men from afar, dispatched a battalion to drive them away, but Athaleus, eager to display his talents, drew his sword and routed them. Alarmed, Etimagnus rode out to fight Athaleus himself, but Reuben hid his student, acknowledging Harricus' champion as a superior warrior.

### **THE BATTLE OF CORCIDON**

Lord Ignavus rejoiced at the news of Athaleus' feats in battle and confidently launched his long-planned invasion of the United Kingdom in 6039. With a mustered force still inconsiderable in size, though made up for in heroic might, his army marched until they encountered a massive host led by High Commander Clarivus and Etimagnus. Upon seeing the sheer numbers that stood against him, Ignavus shuddered but Athaleus raced ahead with the soldiers following after, his javelin at-hand and his sword drawn. The phenomenal warrior cut through the United Kingdom's army like a river splitting through land; Etimagnus, who watched from afar, prayed to Ankor, begging Him to relent whatever curse had been laid upon him. He deemed it wise not to confront Athaleus, who had achieved more glory in a single battle than most champions did in the entire war. Seeing no possible outcome of victory, High Commander Clarivus ordered a full-scale retreat, thus awarding Lord Ignavus his first victory of the war.

### **THE TWO LEAGUES**

After the Battle of Corcidon, a desperate High King Harricus offered a truce with Lord Ignavus; in exchange for a cease-fire, the United Kingdom would pay tribute to House Donrim with troops and supplies. Ignavus, acknowledging the small size of his own army in comparison to the mighty walls of Ealrim, deemed the offer profitable and accepted.

This came as an absolute shock to the other lords, who believed Ignavus had Ealrim at his fingertips and had let victory slip away. Many of House Donrim's soldiers, who had been fighting in the dreary war for years, were upset. Ignavus soon realized the foolishness of his decision and sought to restrengthen his reputation. He took action and proposed an alliance with the houses Gaepelus and Trogos at the end of the year. After some consideration, the two houses accepted, for they were both minor powers and viewed this as a means of expansion in both influence and wealth. Founding in the city of Acytosia in Trogos, the alliance was formally known as the Acytosian League.

Lord Ignavus' political dealings with the houses Gaepelus and Trogos enraged Lord Tristus of House Calarim, who once held profound respect for House Donrim's lord. Tristus publicly rebuked Ignavus, defaming his dignity in dealing with High King Harricus and his bravery in allying with the houses Gaepelus and Trogos. When Ignavus defended his honor, Tristus insulted his daughter, the beautiful Lady Bellida, declaring that she, being the offspring of a political whore, must herself be a whore also. Ignavus was furiously outraged at these words and openly declared war on Tristus, swearing on the Nalori that he would destroy House Calarim's capital city of Calcidon and lay waste to its people.

Initially, no one of House Calarim took Ignavus' threats seriously, but when reports of a massive army approaching Calcidon began surfacing, Tristus realized his folly. He himself quickly made pacts with the houses Gradios and Adrolos, who both considered House Donrim a powerful threat. Formed in Calcidon, their alliance was known formally as the Calcidonian League. In order to protect his capital city, Tristus positioned his army miles away, stationing them in the fields of Myonides, a province located just beyond the borders of House Gradios.

### **THE MYONIDEAN WAR**

There, the two leagues drew lines and prepared to do battle. High King Harricus, believing this to be an opportunity to end the rebellion once-and-for-all, marched his forces to Myonides; High Commander Clarivus and Etimagnus were present also. Over one-million took part, making it the largest battle yet in Anim's history. For an entire week, each royal house inspected its champions and troops, which were recorded in the *Catalogue of Armies*. The day after, bloodshed ensued.

House Calarim took the center of the field, led by Laevus and a muscular champion named Cyleon, who bore no armor and wielded a hammer. Courageously, he smashed into the lines of House Donrim, also in contention for control of the central battlefield. Leading them was Athaleus, who had entered the fray so fervently that he forgot his shield. Eventually, the two champions clashed, but the former was no match for the House Donrim's prize. With blinding speed, Athaleus cut him down and left him bleeding to death. He then proceeded to taunt the soldiers of House Calarim, who all fled from the terrifying champion.

Not far, Laevus was commandeering a sturdy defense, fighting like a lioness protecting her cubs. He defeated many warriors and though he was not a lover of war, he was certainly a master of it. After routing a battalion of House Donrim, he secured a position for his men to rest. Upon hearing news of this, Athaleus sought after him, for much glory would be won in killing him. However, for a single day, Etimagnus entered the battle. The mere sight of him caused hundreds to flee. Athaleus, undaunted, continued his search for Laevus, though he was unsuccessful. Etimagnus, meanwhile, secured a hold in the northwestern front for the United Kingdom, which High Commander Clarivus exploited to establish a formidable defensive post. When night fell on Myonides, the two leagues ceased fighting and returned to their encampments while the army of the United Kingdom remained in their fortified position.

The next day, the southern front received most of the attention. A master charioteer named Ichidaios sped across the battlefield under the banner of House Adrolos, routing the battalions of House Gaepelus. Athaleus, seeking glory, advanced south and charged at Ichidaios while everyone else fled. With unequaled velocity, the talented champion hurled his javelin into the charioteer's heart, killing him. The soldiers of House Gaepelus paused in awe and returned to follow Athaleus, who led them deeper into enemy territory. They were eventually driven back by Arcetimus, the foremost archer of the war who fought for House Adrolos. His screaming arrows found their marks and killed many of House Gaepelus' warriors. Athaleus, himself nearly a casualty of Arcetimus, withdrew.

To the north, the renowned cavalry commander Tenellus of House Calarim led a brave assault upon the United Kingdom's fortified position. Etimagnus, unable to break Tenellus' powerful charge, retreated and left for home, for he was tired of war. The triumphant Tenellus then rallied with Laevus and they drove back House Donrim also. Arcetimus joined them from the south and, as the three champions fought side-by-side, victory seemed certain for the Calcidonian League. By sunset, the Acytosian League had lost a significant portion of ground and was forced to reposition its encampments further west. For three days, both sides paused all fighting to bury their dead, celebrate their lives, and offer sacrifices to the Nalori. But Athaleus, who was not one for funeral processions, left to loot the enemy camps. He was followed by a battalion of brave men hailing from the province Ildia. Known as the Ildians, they became Athaleus' most faithful companions from that day onward. After sacking the spoils of the enemy and raiding their altars, they returned to the camp as heroes. The priests, on the contrary, were appalled, for they saw Athaleus and the Ildians' actions as sacrilegious.

Battle on the Myonidean fields resumed shortly after, commenced by a deadly exchange of archer-fire. Alongside Athaleus was the immense champion Percelus, who crashed into the Calcidonean forces like a tidal wave. This caused them to tighten their formation, which deterred his offensive. Much to his dismay, it was the prodigious Athaleus who drove the enemy back with his sword. To the south, however, the valiant men of House Adrolos were scoring victories against the Acytosian League. They were commanded by Taricus, an adept tactician, and Europylus, an acclaimed spearman. Their combined talents routed the army of House Gaepelus and secured control over the southern front.

Lord Ignavus, realizing the potential disaster that would result from fighting on two fronts (as House Calarim was still maintaining a steady effort to control the center of the battlefield), sent Callidus to win back the south. Callidus, always one step ahead of his enemies, lured Europylus and House Adrolos' troops into a woodland not far from the battle. As Europylus pursued the elusive warrior and his band into the forest, they were ambushed from all sides and slaughtered. Callidus, a skilled warrior in his own right, cut off the head of Europylus and carried it back to demoralize the men of House Adrolos, whom they handily routed.

With the southern front lost, the Calcidonian League's momentum vanished. Athaleus and Percelus advanced north, where the houses Trogos and Gradios were locked in battle. Though the men of Trogos were severely outnumbered, Athaleus and Percelus were each worth 1,000 men; after an hour, the two had defeated an innumerable count and forced Lord Tolpus to consider retreating. But it was Laevus who saved the day for House Gradios, wielding his sword with a potent hand. Again, Athaleus sought to fight him but Percelus challenged him first and for the second time, the two fought in single-combat. The day was late, however, and both champions were greatly fatigued and unable to kill the other. Laevus did manage to wound his opponent's massive leg, which caused him to limp for a time.

As night fell on the battlefield, the royal horn of the United Kingdom sounded; Etimagnus had returned, sent back by order of the high king. Coming in from the northeast, the tactically superior soldiers of the United Kingdom cleaved their way south, routing the army of House Donrim and House Gradios. Athaleus, furious at the sight of his fellow men retreating, charged directly at the United Kingdom's forces and cut down many. When Etimagnus saw this, he strode forth to stop the young killer. For a moment, the entire battlefield paused as Anim's two most renowned warriors crossed swords for the first time.

After exchanging words, the two commenced fighting. Though Etimagnus was 15 years older than his enemy, he still moved with remarkable quickness, parrying each of Athaleus' relentless attacks with unparalleled technique and then returning with dangerously fast counters. The younger hero made use of his unequaled athleticism to unleash a flury of blows, striking with blinding speed and brutal power. Etimagnus was familiar to fighting younger men, however, and held his own. As the two fought like lions for nearly half-an-hour, both armies stood still in wonder. Even the sly Callidus failed to take advantage of the battle's pause, watching the duel with attentive eyes.

Finally, quicker than the blink of an eye, the still vigorous Athaleus noticed a low opening and forced his sword through, cutting open Etimagnus' leg and slicing his sword across his chest. The United Kingdom's champion fell on his knees in pain, but was not defeated. As Athaleus turned in his pride, Etimagnus mustered whatever strength he had remaining and executed a volley of perfect attacks, disarming the spurious victor. A draw was decided by those who watched as the two champions were led away into safety. Etimagnus later acknowledged Athaleus' superiority and gifted him his sword as a showing of respect.

As both sides watched the two champions depart from the battlefield, Callidus seized the moment and swept in from the east, behind enemy lines.