AMARIAN DEVIDE
Prologue...
Sevena was born to a minor noble house. At the age of 9 she first began to exhibit signs of channelling, a rare ability to harness magic. Taken to New Pariden she trained in the great libraries and was soon first among the students.
On her 16th birthday, Sevena was so far beyond her fellow students that Queen Procipinee, herself was a channeller, recruited her to the inner circle of Pariden.
Sevena and the Queen became friends. They would sit and discuss the world and how best to re-civilise it. Sevena however, became jealous of the Queen and her position.
On the eve of the beginning of the Queen's plans to reconquer the world, Sevena now 21 years old, entered the royal office where Procipinee sat over her desk.
“Why is it that you should be the sole ruler of this world?” Sevena asked.
“I am the Daughter of Amarian III” Procipinee said, “It is my duty, my responsibility to rule.”
“But we are both fit to rule.”
“Sevena my friend,” Procipinee began, “Leadership is a burden not a privilege. In the coming years it will fall to me to make the hard decisions. You will be my most trusted lieutenant, You will help me shape the world intosomething we can both be proud of. Is that not enough?”
“If leadership is such a burden then let me share it.” Sevena said.
“Sevena,” but before Procipinee could continue Sevena interrupted.
“No!, we are both Children of the Shards. I have given much for you and it it time for you to give something to me!”
“I have given you more then you could possibly imagine!” Procininee yelled, “I gave you access to the great libraries of New Pariden. I gave you a spot on my inner circle and I am still yet to given you all you richly deserve, but, leadership is not yours.” Procipinee had calmed now.
“Leave my chamber now Sevena, and do not speak of this again.” But Sevena made no movement to leave. “Leave now.” Procipinee warned, but Sevena was no longer listening.
“You greedy, selfish, bitch!” Blue magic was forming around Sevena's hands.
“What are you doing!” Procipinee asked.
“If you will not share your rule then I will take it!” Sevena gestured and a bolt of blue magic rushed toward Procipinee.
Procipinee deflected the bolt towards the wall.
“Stop this!” Blue magic forming around her own hands. But Sevena did not, another bolt shot from her. Procipinee adsorbed it and shot back her own, Sevena dodged it and a furious battle erupted.
The battle was short for no matter how strong Sevena's magic was it was no match for Procipinee's. Procipinee unable to kill her old friend banished her to the wilds.
Anger flooded Sevena, everything was ruined. How could she be so naivé to think that Procipinee was her friend, she had just been using her. Sevena made a vow right then that she would never again be used by other. Instead she would use them and when she was done throw them away just like Procipinee had done to her. As for Procipinee, Sevena would have her revenge.
Chapter One – An Empire is Born
Wondering the wilds for months Sevena finally found a place to start her Empire. Nameing it Adir, ancient Amarian for revenge Sevena hoped Procipinee got the message.
Recruiting an Urxen warrior named Dosia to he cause Sevena was careful to remember her lesson and made sure not to trust her.
“What is an Amarian girl doing out here alone?” Dosia asked Sevena, “why, you could hurt yourself.”
“Just answer the question; will you join me or not?” Sevena asked.
“Why should I join you? You have gold it is true but what good is gold if I die serving you?” As soon as the question had been asked Dosia was struck immobile. “What have you done? Release me!”
“As you can see I am far from helpless!” Sevena said releasing Dosia.
“I will serve you... your highness”.
Chapter Two – A Growing Nation
With more and more people flocking to the capital Orobr the decision was made by Sevena that if she was to get her revenge she would need more knowledge. So Orobr was made a conclave of knowledge.
The first contact with another nation since Sevena's banishment was with the Empire of Magnar. Despite a similarity of vision Sevena was sure these Magnar were not to be trusted.
The founding of the second city of Adir, named Ibutte was a longer time coming than Sevena had hoped because of the lack of suitable land. Again that accursed traitor Procipinee will pay.
Fortunatly Sevena was able to convince the Trog Poena to join her.
With monsters to the north and east, Magnar to the west and the newly descovered Krax to the south Sevena needed to train more troops to defend her new Empire. Adir had little magic channeling crystals but was rich in metals and so Sevena decided to focus on conventional weapons. More power would come in time, of this she had no doubt.
Chapter Three – A Time of Woe
Tarth was not like the other nations encountered by Sevena, Tarth was stronger then them and more hostile.
“Strangers are not welcome here” was the first thing the Lady Irane, leader of Tarth said to Sevena immediately after slaying a Bone-Ogre without breaking a sweat. Despite the show of strength Sevena could not let such a statement pass when she was within her own territory!
“I rule here Irane!” Seven declared.
“For now.” Irane replied and returned to her own lands. It seemed that Tarth would be an enemy.
“So be it!” Sevena whispered.
In preparation for the inevitable war with Tarth, Sevena and her companions were exploring ruins and attacked by a Dark wizard. Despite the weak appearance of the enemy, Dosia was injured in the encounter.
“Please, mercy.” The wizard begged but Sevena was too angry to listen and turned the wizards organs to ants.
Despite the victory against the Dark Wizard Sevena was about to learn a painful truth about settling land near Wildlands; They must be heavily defended.
In the winter snow the border town of Ibutte was invaded by an army of fire snakes called Naja. The local milita and newly trained Destinies Guards were no match. Ibutte was destroyed.
The loss of Ibutte became a turning point in foreign relations.
“I speak on behalf of he who is great!” announced the emissary, “The great lord Magnar states that you Sevena, the leader of the Adir should humble yourself and bend the knee to your better. Magnar will generously accept your fealty for 218 gildar to be paid forthwith.”
When the emmisary returned to without his head and Sevenas response nailed to his chest Magnar declared war.
Chapter 4 – War Begins
With war in commencement Sevena commissioned the creation of elete defender troops to secure the boarder. Eventually Sevena would march forth from the Empire and conquer all but that would have to wait.
The war expands.
The first battle of the war, Sevena is victorious but at a high price with Dosia and Poena both injured.
Even our friends have turned on us.
In a risky manuver Sevena takes a large portion of Adirs defence force and attacks a Krax city leaving the capital almost defencless. But Sevena is sure Adir cannot win this war without more production power.
With the Kraxin city captured, Sevena hopes to be able to increase production of defensive units in preparation for the coming invasion.
Chapter 5 – Encounter with Altar
With the majority of Sevena's forces engaged with the Krax, Altar seizes an Adir border outpost.
With the discovery of yet another possible enemy in the Kingdom of Gilden, Sevena wanted to ensure that Adir would not be attacked in it's time of weakness. It required much of Sevena skill and influence but Gilden finally agreed to a non-aggression pact.
“Cowards!” Sevena yelled as she retook the border outpost from Altar, “Come out and fight!” but they had already departed the area. It seemed that altar was content to interrupt Sevena's economy but when it came time for battle they ran.
“My Queen” Poena started, “allow me to hunt these cowards down while you focus on the main war effort.”
“Very well” and so it came to be that Poena split from the main army to track down the cowards of Altar.
It did not take long for the Altar army – led by Joffery – to be encountered by Poena. For Joffery, ever the coward had lain in wait until Sevena had departed and then attacked.
“Stand aside Trog and I will remember you when Adir is but dust.” Joffery declared.
“Do you think you can frighten me with your words? I am Poena and I will smile as I look upon your broken bones.” With that Poena lunged at Joffery. Joffery dodged the first attack but Poena struck cleanly on the second, Joffery fell.
“You are too weak to kill,” Poena laughed “Run back to your king and do not let me see you again!”
The minor victory against Altar was nothing compared to was nothing compared to what was coming.
Tarth had come.
Chapter 6 – Trechery Abounds
With battles being fought on all flanks, Adir was slowly being ground down. Sevena began to despair that she would never get her revenge on Procipinee. It had been years since her banishment and she had yet to see any sign of her old friend.
It was at this point that the Council of Adir was brought to session.
“My queen we may need to consider we will not achieve victory in this encounter.” Commander Haruir of the Elite Guard declared.
“What is it you suggest!” Peona asked, “I hope you're not suggesting surrender”
“No!” Haruir said, incredulous, “but we should look see if we can sue for peace. We neeed time, time to train new troops, time to research new weapons, time to prepare ourselves. As it stands I don't think we could hold back the combined forces of Magnar, Tarth, Altar and Kraxis for more then a few years.”
“You are a coward Haruir.” Poena said, “If we are to die then let us die on our feet!”
“Enough!” Sevena yelled before the argument could gain momentum. “Our newly trained troops are almost ready for deployment and the non-aggression pact with Gilden stands. Now is not the time to sue for peace. We will endure this war and emerge victorious. It will take all our efforts but we WILL be victorious!”
“Umm, Your Grace?” A herald had entered the council chamber with a pale look to his face.
“What is it?!” Sevena snapped.
“A m...message from Gilden,” The herald stuttered. “They've broken the non-aggression pact. We are at war.”
“Send birds to our enemies,” Seven said quietly, “Tell them we are ready to discuss term for peace.”
Chapter 7 – Sevena Brought Low
“Hah! So the arrogance of Sevena does have a limit!” Relias laughed.
Sevena used all self-control to keep herself from leaving but that would destroy any chance for peace.
“Will you accept my terms?” Sevena asked.
Relias made a show of thinking about the offer but in the end it was apparent he had no intention of accepting.
“I'm sorry Sevena,” Relias began although it was obvious he was enjoying himself too much. “Your offer is just not good enough.”
“No.” Irane said.
“No?” Sevena repeated.
“No, you will not have peace. I know your kind Sevena, you would use peace merely to build up you military until it you finally decided the time was right to attack. And so I say again; No”
“I want more.” Karavox of Krax said.
“More?” Sevena asked barely able to controll her emotions. “I have no more!”
“Then leave and come back when you do.”
“This war has cost us much Sevena.” Magnar said, “I too wish for an end to hostilities but we will require more reparations then you are willing to provide.”
This was too much for Sevena, “You started this war! The least you could do is accept this peace before everything is destroyed.”
“Be gone Sevena, before I forget my manners and impale you.”
It seemed no one would accept peace with Sevena, indeed, Gilden would not even listen to her proposals. Whether she liked it or not Sevena's would have to see this war through!
Chapter 8 – Darkest Hour
Battle after battle, army upon army, years of fighting and the Empire of Adir had been reduced to a fraction of it's former glory. With but it's capital remaining and Tarthian armies swarming the land it now seems certain that this war would be the end of Sevena. She was determined to go down fighting.
With the remains of the Adirin army protecting the capital, the combined forces of the enemy nations would have to wade through blood to get to Sevena.
At first the enemies of Adir laid siege to the capital in order to starve Sevena into surrendering but Sevena's magic was too strong for that and she used it to make food for her soliders.
When it was apparent that the Adir would not be defeated by siege a parley was called between Sevena and her enemies.
“Say what you wish to say and then be gone!” Sevena demanded.
“Your nation is defeated, your armies all but vanquished, surrender and we will be merciful.” Lady Irane replied.
“If that is all you came to say then return to you armies. For you will not get satisfaction.”
“Sevena, think of your people. Your cause is lost. Surrender and you can still save them from a pointless death! Do not squander their lives.”
“They are my people! MINE! They are mine to 'squander' if I wish.” Sevena declared.
“You are truly insane Sevena. I pity you.”
“I do not require your pity. You who have ruined everything! Prey we do not meet in battle for if we do you will not enjoy the result.” At the Sevena brought an end to the parley.
At first light the next day the Altaran division of the surrounding army attacked.
Victory! With the Altaran army in shambles Lady Irane took charge of the assault.
At first Sevena was able to counter the Tarthian archer strategy and inflict significant damage on their lines but Irane was able to reorganise her army and turn the table on Sevena's troops.
The first to fall was Dosia, she who had challenged Sevena at the start of their relationship had now become most trusted of Sevena's champions.
Next to fall was Poena, strongest and bravest in all the land. She died suddenly with an arrow shaft through her head.
As Poena fell, Sevena flew into a dark rage. Summoning the last of her magical reserves she launched a thunderbolt at Irane and struck her from her horse. Running with all her flagging strength Sevena closed in on Irane but as she moved in for the kill an arrow shot through her left leg.
Tumbling, she gathered the last of her strength and stood up. Another arrow struck her in the small of her back. Collapsing, she fell into darkness...
Epilogue
Light? Why could she see light? Was she dead? Was this death? She tried to move but pain shot through her body. She groaned.
“Your Highness,” a voice said. “She is awakening.”
A blurry figure hovered over her. “Sevena, can you hear me?” She knew that voice but... where?
“Irane?”
“Yes. It is good you survived your injuries.” The leader of Tarth said.
“What... Where...” Sevena said, confused.
“Your confusion will pass.” Irane said surprisingly gently. “It is a side effect of the bracelets.”
Looking at her wrists Sevena could now see she was wearing silver bracelets.
“They will prevent you from channelling any magic. We wouldn't want you escaping now would we.”
Reorientating her self Sevena could now see she was under heavy guard and she was naked save the bracelets and bandages around her stomach and left leg. Anger flared! She reached out to strike Irane with lighning. But nothing happened except the brackets glowed momentarily.
Noticing this Irane laughed. “You'll be returning with me to Tarth.”
“You should have let me die.” Sevena said resigned.
“Oh no! You're not getting away with what you've done so easily.” Irane said, suddenly serious. “Your punishment has just begun!”
Sevena had suffered much during the days immediately after she awoke to find herself a prisoner. She had had to walk through Tarth naked while being pelted with rotten fruit by peasants. She had had to wear the jesters robe and play the fool at formal gatherings (at least in this she was dressed). She was whipped every night until she passed out with pain.
Beaten and broken when Irane declared her punishment over, she rejoiced and was willing the march into death but that is not what Irane had in mind. Instead she was bound in the Tarth dungeon, force fed to ensure she would not die and told she would stay there until she died of old age.
For sixteen years Sevena sat in her stone cell, only visited by the guards who ensured she ate.
It was during this time she came to re-evaluate her life and more importantly that last fateful encounter with her one time best friend Procipinee. It had become more and more apparent to her over the years that Procipinee had not done her wrong. Indeed it seemed that Sevena had been the villain of their relationship. This realisation hurt Sevena more than anything Irane had done ever done to her. Now more then ever Sevena sought death.
One day the cell door opened but it was not her guards. Sevena blinked hard at what she saw.
“Oh Sevena.” The figure said. “I should never of banished you.”
“Procipinee?” Sevena asked fearing it was just a dream.
“Yes, it's me.” Sevena's one time best friend answered.
“Oh, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!” Sevena babbled. “Forgive me.”
“Always.”
The End
Afterward
Well that wasn't supposed to happen! I wanted to make an epic encounter with Pariden. I even increased Paridens intelligence to ensure I'd face them in the end game. But as will happen in strategy games something happened to change everything.
In this game the attack by the Naja on my second city was that thing. Had I realised that that would cause a chain reaction of DOWs I probably would have save-reloaded.
So my thoughts on the game in it's present state (v0.983)
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The AI should be less aggressive in DOWs based on wars you have with their friends. Particularly when you are friends with them yourself. I do not believe that the Krax should have attacked me when my relations with them were 'close'.
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It would be good to be able to call a peace summit (or sometime) that would end wars with all your enemies. It's no good to end a war with one nation for them to almost immediately redeclare war because you have not yet ended the war with their friends.
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A system to favour the nations in last place with short term bonuses. I'd like to be able you come back from certain defeat sometimes. (not all the time of course)
However congrats to the devs on a very well done game!
