[b][i]Joint-Kingdom of Belmorn[/i][/b] [hider=Nation Status] [b]Current Leader/Government:[/b] King Marhorn Dryadson I (Elven) and Queen Alistine III (Human) [b]Settlements Owned:[/b] 2 [b]Provinces Owned:[/b] 2 [b]Population:[/b] 79,000 humans/43,500 Elves/10,000 Half-Elves [b]Population Happiness:[/b] 80% [b]Imports:[/b] Cattle (Erimir), Iron (Elslen) [b]Exports:[/b] Wheat (Jouria), Lumber (Erimir) [b]Wealth:[/b] Average [b]Alliances:[/b] [b]Trade Pacts:[/b]Erimir [b]Cease Fires:[/b] Jouria [/hider] Army Status Cards [hider=Dryadson's Host] [b][i]Fengarde Militia[/i][/b] [b]Current General:[/b] King Dryadson I & Countess Anya Meadowsong [b]Location:[/b] South Elslen. [b]Morale:[/b] 100% [b]Strength/Unit Breakdown:[/b] [indent] - /// -/<1,000>/ - /<600>/ - /<1,000>/[/indent] [b]Current Action:[/b] Marching east along Elslen’s Southern Border. [/hider] [hider=Fengarde Garrison] [b][i]Fengarde Garrison[/i][/b] [b]Current General:[/b] Queen Alistine III [b]Location:[/b] Belmorn [b]Morale:[/b] 100% [b]Strength/Unit Breakdown:[/b] [list] - /// - /<500>/ - /<1,000>/ - /<6,000>/ - /<2,500>/ - /<500>/ - /<600>/ [/list] [b]Current Action:[/b] Retreating to Fengarde. [/hider] [center][u][b]A Prince Falls, A Nation Trembles[/b][/u][/center] Upon the vast expanse of the Northern Wheat Fields did the Fengarde Militia and King Fek’Nassa’s army meet under the harsh Summer sun. Though Prince Constance IV was an experienced military leader, with a much accomplished history in warfare, especially with Jouria, his usual cunning and charisma could not stave off an inevitable defeat. The two forces crashed as the sun rose high in the sky, and after three hours of a brutal melee, Jouria was the clear winner. Thousands of humans lay dead in the fields of their home, bitten by fang and reeling from sabre stroke. Seeing the peril of his army, Constance IV resorted to his more brutal demeanour, and ordered his crossbow levy to open fire into the mass of engaged bodies. Lizard and human fell under this deadly barrage, but the banner of Belmorn trembled and morale was utterly broken. The Militia’s lines routed with little thought to organisation; the back ranks were crushed beneath the push of the front ranks, and King Fek’Nassa’s warriors pressed the assault to deadly effect. Shamed by his own contribution to the slaughter of his peoples, and unwilling to allow the Lizards to march on Fengarde whilst he still drew breath, Constance IV led a last and desperate charge to stall Fek’Nassa as his army retreated. Mounted on his regal steed, and decorated in some of the finest armours not seen since the Centurions of Bohaddon marched the fields, Constance IV committed himself to an honourable death. He and his personal retinue, aided by some of the Militia who had refused to give up the fight, thundered across the wheat fields on horseback, and laid waste to the Lizard vanguard. He was taken from his saddle by a spear, eventually, and brought to the ground. Before his retinue could reach him, the Lizardmen had decapitated him. His head now decorates the Jouria banner, as it makes its way to the human capital of Fengarde. [u]Battle Summary[/u] Outcome: Crushing Belmornian Defeat Belmorn Losses: 7,000 Jourian Losses: 2,000 --------------------------------------------- [hider=The Host of Fek’Nassa] [b][i] The Host of Fek’Nassa [/i][/b] [b]Current General:[/b] King Fek’Nassa the Grim [b]Location:[/b] Belmorn [b]Morale:[/b] 100% [b]Strength/Unit Breakdown:[/b] [indent] - /// - /<3000>/ - /<3000>/ - /<3000>/ - /<6000>/ - /<12>/ [/indent] [b]Current Action:[/b] Marching on Fengarde. [/hider] [center][u][b]Queen Alistine III Orders Fengarde Evacuation[/b][/u][/center] With Jouria’s army left free to march on the capital, Queen Alistine III has ordered a formal evacuation of the city. Fengarde has little in terms of defences, owing to its rapidly increasing size. This is not the first time the city has been evacuated in its history, and it would not be the first time it has been razed to the ground. Panic is rife amongst the population, and Fengarde’s clergy and town watch are struggling to keep order as the ever growing columns of evacuees surge from the city’s bounds. Crime is rampant, with the strong taking advantage of the weak at every turn. In man’s darkest hour, as always, does he toil to make it darker still. Queen Alistine III refuses to leave Fengarde until the last human and Elf has departed; against the strong advisement of her Captain Steward, and her Royal Guard. For the first time in Belmorn’s history, a human Queen has donned her war attire – a simple set of light chainmail, more for ceremony than for purpose – and is readily going about the city’s defence with enthusiasm. Thousands of citizens have flocked to her cause, replacing the staggering casualties suffered by the Militia in the Northern Fields. However, they are poorly equipped, and many have seen far too many winters – and some too few. Even in her peril though, Queen Alistine III has seen an opportunity for reform, and has allowed women aged 18-40 to serve in her impromptu defence force. Though her offer of ground-breaking equality has been scarce taken up, a regiment of some 500 womenfolk has been formed to bolster the defences. As earthen trenches are dug, pitch is readied and drills are carried out, King Fek’Nassa is storming towards Fengarde. He will be there within days, and this will not be enough time for the evacuation to have been completed. Many fear for their Queen, but not enough to turn back and stand by her. [center][u][b]Hadelmere Enacts ‘The Mustering’[/b][/u][/center] Without King Dryadson’s leadership, Hadelmere has been slow to react to the Jourian crisis. Despite sending a string of messengers to track him down in Elslen, no communication has been received in response. After holding a council of the ‘The Nine’ (The nine counts of Hadelmere, excusing Countess Anya Meadowsong), the stewardship of Hadelmere has uniformly agreed to enact ‘The Mustering’. This is an ancient Elven law, inscribed in the roots of all Elven cultures, whereby, under threat, a general muster is sent out to the population. Unlike human militias that are usually formed by those who dare or who are forced, The Mustering is answered by all Elves who are of able body. This is only the second time this has been done since Belmorn’s rise as an independent Kingdom. Logistical problems are the realm’s biggest problem, as even with thousands of determined Elves ready to march on King Fek’Nassa, Belmorn can do little to arm them. The iron shipments from Elslen are a new addition to the kingdom, and established metal works have yet to be set up. Lumber is plentiful, and the longbows of Belmorn are some of the finest in Orysson – however, battles are rarely won by this weapon alone, especially on a field. Needless to say, it will take weeks to assemble Hadelmere’s army, and many fear this will be too long to save Fengarde and its Queen. The biggest question the Council of 9 thretted over however, was: “Where is our King and his host? Why has he evaded Belmorn’s plight?”