Surrender you say? It is not you who make demands here, human, so listen very carefully. Prince Lacain Blackheart, Commander of the Legion of the Dragon, direct envoy of the Crimson Consuls, for the glory of the Republic of Dathen, commands you to take your pathetic rabble away from this land. If you don’t do as you’ve been ordered, whelp, you will be hanging from the highest tree by midnight. Your men will lie bloodied in the mud, and the women and children you fight so hard to protect will (...)
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The Republic of Dathen Commands You!
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The Swing and Thrust
Dread Elves train and work at perfecting the art of the “swing” (thrust, etc.) Starting at a young age, it isn’t uncommon for a Daeb parent to drill their children for hours each evening. Talking about glorious kills in combat to their children, parents pass on the ideals of military service, and their hope that one day their child will deliver the perfect killing blow to a wild beast or savage human. Once on the battlefield as adults, swinging a sword or spear is a trusted act perfected over (...)
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The Thundering Pack
At dawn of the fourth day the fog was as thick as milk as we cautiously advanced upon the reported landing site of the elven raiders. The damp air and the stink of marshlands to our left doused our spirits but what made us uneasy was a constant distant tremor. Someone behind me said “giant?”, another voice replied “no, battle formations!”, yet both were wrong. The trot of cavalry beyond the horizon was unmistakable to an experienced soldier. I ordered the battalion to halt and form ranks as the (...)
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The Time I Lost an Ear...
How did I lose my ear? I’ll tell you, but you need to speak up on this side!
My master once took me to serve her at the great arena of Caen Dracin. I spent the afternoon pouring wine while she conversed with her peers. As the great iron doors rumbled open for the final combat, I was awestruck. Out came a monstrosity I could only imagine in my wildest dreams! The thundering of the crowd was as intense as my horror. I assumed the beast was a dragon but for its lack of wings. It had a great (...) -
The Trewi
The sylvan elves, who call themselves Trewi, are now known to be far more widespread than originally thought. Though their power is undoubtedly centred on Wyscan, there are many different tribes and cultures of faerie folk found across the forests and jungles of the world, and it is unclear to what extent they are connected. It is theorised that they can travel great distances by magic linking these woodland realms. Many are the tales of a terrible mist that appears from nowhere, often (...)
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The Warborn
Like the great primates of the jungles of Taphria, orcs are strong and robust beings. In battle they seem able to resist the most terrible wounds and still continue fighting. Distinctive features include large fangs and the earthy hues of their hide - from ochre to green to darkest brown - all combining to give them a terrifying and wild aspect.The goblins, while sharing certain traits with their larger kin, are very different. Smaller in size and less physically powerful, they demonstrate (...)
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The Wild Herd
It is said that wherever a human explorer goes in this world, a beast has been already. Even in this great ninth age of humanity, the herds can be found around the world in all their dizzying diversity and savagery. Even in Vetia, they have not been entirely stamped out, with small bands still encountered in the wild parts of the great nations. Because they are cheap and deniable, many are still employed by statesmen as mercenaries - despite the risk to reputation, and knowing full well (...)
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Vermin and Avras
Q: We were told the Vermin Swarm overran Avras. Are they still proclaiming to be the false emperors or has the city been retaken since the 4th age?
A: In the first days of their emergence, the Vermin took Avras, and held it until the end of the 8th Age. They haven’t been observed in Vetia since Sunna slew the rat King, at least no more than a scattered handful of lone Vermin. In Sonnstahl it’s widely believed the Vermin were destroyed then as a organised force and only scattered remnants (...) -
Wise Words
I have never heard of a battle won without solid preparation.
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Your magnificent excellency, The ogres are...
Your magnificent excellency,
The ogres are mercenaries, plain and simple. They may not seek out violence if there is no need (war costs money), but neither will they hesitate to employ it to secure their trade interests. Their existence in the mountains, where nothing grows, depends on a monopoly of the wealth that travels through them. Any substance that moves east or west in this world - unless it takes the Steel Road - incurs the ogre tithe. Many are the great leaders of Sagarikadesha (...)