AndrewCooper

Formaroth: Battle for the Throne

Palace throne room

It had been a few weeks since Andrew had returned from Nyhem. He was glad to be back in home with the company of his friends and family. But the war in Formaroth had begun, even though Andrew didn't want to have to fight another war he knew it was his responsibility to defend his homeland and make his dream of a united Formaroth a reality. Andrew was in the throne room. The throne room was made entirely out of sandstone and the throne was made out of an exotic palm tree which went extinct one hundred years ago. Andrew was sat on his throne; in front of him was a palm wood table with the map of Formaroth marked with the new alliances forged after the meetings. Either side of him stood both his friends and trusted advisors Alun DeGrande and George LeWest.

"So where do we start?" said Andrew.

"Well my lord the first thing would be to strengthen the weak spots in our borders in case the enemy would dare attack Uzgob." Replied Alun. Andrew looked at the map and analysed it carefully, he could see three weaknesses that the imperial concord could exploit.

"Ok first should deploy a small number of soldiers to the mountain pass that leads from Rathikun to Uzgob, then send a larger number towards the border that divides us to upper Glarmion, finally we have where the river meets the sea, if the enemy were able to use this then they would have no problem sailing up towards the city." Said Andrew.

"I will attend to the mountain pass and the Glarmion border at once Andrew." replied Alun.

"Thank you Alun I know you'll do your best for me and all of Uzgob" said Andrew.

"Just like old times." said Alun as a remark toward the civil war towards the Remonnets.

"Just like old times." replied Andrew with the addition of a smile.

"George what is the status of Fort Scarab if the fort falls then the river is completely open to the enemy."

"Well since the civil war we have improved its fortifications, we've installed trebuchets that can easily destroy your average ship, we have also installed watch out towers so we can see any armada for miles meaning we can easily prepare if they launch an attack. We have also increased the amount of ships stationed at the fort so if we have to fight we'll be ready." said George feeling proud of what he had accomplished over the time.

"That's amazing, thank you George it's good to know that I have reliable friends as my advisors who care about Uzgob as much as I do. If we do not survive this war I want you to know that it is an honour and a privilege to be your friend." As Andrew said this he put his fist to his chest and bowed to both men as this happened both Alun and George did the same.

"Well it's an honour to be serving under such a lord that both protects and cares so much for his land and its people". Replied Alun.

"Now is there anything else I should know before we conclude this meeting?" said Andrew.

"Yes my lord" replied Alun. "Our spies have reported that Imperial forces are withdrawing from Orog."

"This is most likely to reinforce their borders." replied George "Would you like to act on this my Lord?"

"Yes." replied Andrew "I will send a letter to House Greensworth sympathising with them and offering them protection which the De Reimers so easily left them to be wiped out in exchange for joining us in our cause and a chance to get revenge on the De Reimers themselves."

"Very good my lord" replied Alun "Is that all?" "Yes that is all, thank you gentleman." Both George and Alun went on their way and Andrew headed to his chambers to gain some solace.

Training – Palace Courtyard
It was early afternoon and Andrew had taken some time off to practice with his niece Elizabeth. They were both in the training field sparring with each other using wooden swords. Andrew wanted to see that Elizabeth's training didn't go to waste. "Very good Elizabeth. But your legwork still needs some work." said Andrew.

"I don't see why we can't use real swords." said Elizabeth

"Remember the last time we used real swords." said Andrew who pointed to the scar on Elizabeth's cheek. "Any enemy smart enough to see that flaw could knock you down and then it would be over."

"My legwork is just fine Uncle" said Elizabeth.

"Very well then. Again!" yelled Andrew and the pair sparred again. Andrew could tell that Elizabeth was a bit too confident in her abilities with a sword. It was time to prove her wrong. He could see the same flaw in her legwork so using his sword he knocked Elizabeth to the ground. As Elizabeth scrambled for her sword, Andrew had his pointed at her. "Told you." he said as he offered his hand to Elizabeth in which she accepted. "Always hone your skills Elizabeth and maybe someday you'll be able to give both me and Alun a challenge."
"Thank you Uncle." said Elizabeth as she did this she gave Andrew a hug.

Then suddenly a voice called out "Uncle Andrew!" Both Andrew and Elizabeth turned their heads to see Mary and Lucy approaching them. Mary was running straight to them while Lucy quickly walked behind her. Once both girls reached him, Andrew gave both of them a hug. "Hey you two. Did you come from your lessons."

"Yeah" said Mary "Mr DeGrande and Mr LeWest were teaching us the history of Uzgob."

"Interesting" said Andrew "So; name me the house that took control of Uzgob after the great purge?" Both Lucy and Mary thought hard on this question but ultimately Lucy had found an answer. "House Ennis, they were the ones to later introduce the election system so that corruption could not sit on the throne again. “Very good Lucy" said Andrew who was very surprised with how quick Lucy answered the question. "So who's up for some dinner then?"

"ME!" exclaimed all three girls as they raised their arms. Andrew smiled and all of them headed to the castle kitchens to make their favourite meal.

The Dream
490 A.R – Execution of Rhys Manshrew
It was raining in Nyhem and Andrew was stood amongst the crowd wearing a black shroud so as not to draw attention to himself, especially at this moment. Andrew made his way through the crowd until he could see the execution stand which was surrounded by numerous guards. On top of the stand stood Duncan De Reimer 'The Snake', Aurelia King Heylot's mage, King Heylot himself, the executioner and more importantly his brother Rhys who was so bloodied and bruised that he was barely recognisable who was shackled. Heylot spoke to the crowd

"My loyal citizens as your King I must tell you that we have been betrayed." He then pointed to Rhys. "This man tried to assassinate me under the guise of being an honourable guess in my castle. This man who I once called an ally and most importantly a friend has betrayed me and therefore all of Formaroth." As the crowd cheered, Andrew from amongst the crowd shouted "He's lying!" luckily no one heard him over the noise of the cheering crowd. Heylot spoke again "The penalty for such a heinous crime like this is... death!"

The crowd cheered once again but Andrew couldn't believe what was happening and that no one was objecting to this. As Rhys knelt down readying himself for his demise he saw Andrew in the crowd but making sure he did not give him away for he would be surely killed as well. Andrew was ready to fight he was not afraid to die today knowing that he tried to save his brother but as he was ready to draw his sword he saw Rhys give a slight shake of his head telling him not to do it. Andrew saw this and put his sword away with a tear leaving his eye, luckily the crowd was too transfixed on the execution to have seen the sword. As Rhys laid his head on the block his final thoughts were those of his family back in Uzgob and how he would never see his daughters grow up. Andrew felt helpless, his anger for Heylot grew and he vowed that he would kill the tyrant king himself. As the executioner's blade rose Andrew wished he could stop this but Rhys' death would become a way to show Heylot's true colours and then the blade fell. Andrew jolted from his sleep his brother’s death still haunted him after so many years. The best Andrew could do was that his brother's death was not in vain as it was the spark that destroyed Heylot's rule and made the House of Manshrew a hero name. As he thought of this Andrew went back to sleep.

Formaroth: Battle for the Throne

Andrew rose next. Standing either side of him was two of his elite guard wearing the best armour that Uzgob had to offer. Andrew was wearing a fine Uzgob noble robe, the colour of the robe was that of orange with black accents this was considered as one of the pinnacles of Uzgob fashion, he knew this was an important event and he wanted to show a great respect towards it.

"Greetings to all. I am Andrew Manshrew, I speak on behalf of House Manshrew and all of Uzgob. First of all I would like to thank all of you for the hospitality given to me and my men who have travelled far from our homeland." Andrew could see that many of the nobles were impressed with his polite introduction but he could see that even though Duncan appeared to be impressed to keep up appearances Andrew knew he was not. "Years ago I was invited by a man who showed me and my family the greatest kindness in the aftermath of the war. His name was John Remonnet a great man and a great king which left this world too soon. Before I left Nyhem to return to Uzgob John entrusted to me that he was in my debt and he promised to fulfil that debt so I am here to see that this debt is fulfilled. I also want to repay his kindness and seal his debt by taking his place as King of Formaroth. If I do become king I hope to create unity and equality not only in Nyhem and Uzgob but for all of Formaroth."

"I know some of you still view me as the man that killed a king out of cold blood but I hope to show to you that I more than a king slayer but a kind and just ruler who listens to the opinion of his subjects and allies." Then suddenly Jullon Greensworth stood and shouted "How do we not know that if you won't kill any one who stands in your way and throw your allies aside once their usefulness are at an end!" "How dare you!" shouted Serala Lanistark, "Have you already forgotten that the man you are talking to is the hero of Formaroth and the man which personally killed the tyrant which once sat on that very throne in this room." "Yes I do remember." replied Greensworth "But what's to stop Lord Manshrew from declaring war on the next ruler who he sees fit to label as a tyrant." "Nobles please!" shouted Andrew, the room fell silent. "I want these talks to be peaceful and not fall into chaotic shouting. But may I remind you Lord Greensworth that when House Lanistark fell under attack from Remonnets army I came to help them even at the risk of my own army and kingdom and through that said act has created a strong alliance from it." "Also Uzgob's citizens are treated equally with respect and no one is mistreated" Lanistark finally added. "Thank you Lady Lannistark." said Andrew. Lanistark sat back down in her seat. "So Lord Greensworth have me and my allies answered your question?" Greensworth sat back down in his seat it was obvious to everyone in the room that he had made a fool of himself. Finally Andrew said "I thank you for listening and your time." After concluding his speech Andrew sat back down, all Andrew could do now was to wait and hope that these talks would end quickly and peacefully.

Formaroth: Battle for the Throne

Hey everyone, excited to see how the meeting of succession goes and also wanted to say that I am a real person and I do exist and I'm not a robot.

Formaroth: Battle for the Throne

It had been many hours. Andrew sat in his throne listening to the council of Uzgob opinions on matter of the new ruler of Formaroth. Once the final council member had finished, Andrew stood "Thank you my friends, through the years of my reign you have all given me your advice and I have treasure each and everyone. But on this day lies one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make not since I made the decision to wage war with the Remmonet. So what we do today could alter both Uzgob's and Farmaroth's history so we must act carefully. I would hear from our most esteemed council members again before I make my final decision."

Andrew sat back in his throne whilst the eldest council member stood ready to give his opinion. "Back in my day we would have summoned the army and took the throne of Formaroth ourselves. All of Formaroth know the strength of our army thanks to the war. I say we show it again". "Yes and we would show the land that we are no better than Helyot" replied Andrew. "We must show Nyhem that we have the peoples best interest at heart not our own". "The DeReimers and the other houses could use that to their advantage" said the Elder. "That is true councilman and if they do they will only expose themselves to the people, Thank you councilman but I that is not my way." said Andrew.

The elder sat feeling rather stupid about his offer. As this happened the second councilman stood ready to give his opinion."Thank you Lord Andrew, I believe that we should send one our best ambassadors to Nyhem to discuss and put forward your claim to the throne. It is the best and safest idea". "Thank you Councilman" said Andrew. The councilman sat down in his seat. Now it was time for Andrew to make his decision he knew that whatever he said would get criticism from any of the council members but he had made his decision.

"Council members I have made my decision" said Andrew "I will personally go to Nyhem to discuss with the other houses our claims to the throne of Formaroth". "My lord this is madness you will be a clear target in Nyhem, some still believe that you are nothing but a king slayer" said a council member. "That is true but I must show them that I am not afraid and it will give me a chance to talk to those who do see me as that, but I will take a small number of my elite bodyguard just in case" replied Andrew. "I thank you council members but this meeting is adjourned I will for Nyhem first thing in the morning". As Andrew left the council chamber he could hear the whispers from the council members he knew that the room was mixed with whether the decision would lead to Uzgob's glory or its ruination.

Formaroth: Battle for the Throne

It was the early morning. Andrew woke up and left his wife Diana who was still asleep in their bed. He walked out on the balcony and looked out at his kingdom. It was perfect there was peace and stability in the kingdom. The council had told him of how the people considered him as one of the greatest rulers of the kingdom. But Andrew knew that he was nothing but a man who was looking to protect his family and his people.

Suddenly one of the servants approached him. "Lord Andrew" said the servant. "I have message from Nyhem", the servant gave Andrew a letter bearing the royal seal. "Thank you my dear boy. You'd better get out of here or you'll face the wrath of my wife if she wakes up". "We've all had that before haven't we" the servant replied. Both of them laughed and the servant quickly left the room. Andrew opened the letter and read it. King John Remonnet is dead and the funeral was held a couple of days ago. Andrew looked out towards his kingdom he knew that this was a sign as the start of something that would change the land forever.

"Why are you up so early my dear husband", Andrew turned around to see his wife in the door using the bed cover to cover herself. "I have news Diana, King John is dead". "Then we must be swift we must declare your right to the throne". Andrew knew that Diana was right, he knew if he was king he could do so much to help all of Formaroth. "You are right. We will assemble the council to see what we must do. The people's opinion is as much as important as our own. We must be careful as well no doubt Duncan DeReimer has some scheme to secure his place as ruler." "I bet he and his family were the ones to kill John themselves" Diana replied. "I wouldn't be surprised" said Andrew "but we mustn't jump to conclusions. The people may call him The Snake but he is a resourceful man he will everything to his disposal to get what he wants."

"Let's not worry about it today we will mourn for John, Formaroth has lost a good ruler" said Andrew. Diana nodded and walked back to their bed. Andrew once again looked out to the kingdom he knew that the next few months or even years would be busy and he knew that he would have to protect his family and his kingdom once again.

Formaroth: Battle for the Throne

Family House
Family Name: House of Manshrew
Kingdom Location: Uzgob Desert
Crest: Orange background with a black bear
Family Motto: Sometimes the smallest can be the strongest
Relations with other Kingdoms: Unsure
Family Reputation: Popular, Trustworthy, Wealthy and Respectful
Kingdom’s main export and goods: Exotic fruits and animals
Description of Kingdom: The Uzgob is the most North kingdoms in the land. It is also considered to have one of the hottest climates and to have the most barren land. However through the exotic fruits and trading with other kingdoms Uzgob has become one of the most prosperous kingdoms despite its location. Uzgob has a natural border of a mountain range which appeared due to a giant earthquake which happened thousands of years ago; this has proved useful when invading armies are concerned. However due to the state of the land many invading armies either ignore Uzgob or usually turn back due to the little food resources. Then further north there is River Gonzo which also acts as a natural border for the dead lands.
The biggest settlement of Uzgob is the city of Andromeda. Andromeda is located in the very centre of the Uzgob Desert. Its very existence was due to the founders of the city discovering a giant underground lake they later called Eden and through this the city grew. The building structures of Andromeda are designed to be similar to Damascus during the crusades. There is a little difference between the classes due to the fact that the people have to get along to survive the desert so the classes are treated equally. The Manshrew family live in the central castle in the very centre of the city. The middle and low class live equally in city which surrounds the castle. A coliseum lies within the city as well as there where they hold non-lethal gladiator battles and sport related games in which everyone even the Manshrew family even attend. The city is then surrounded by a wall which protects it from armies. The middle class is made up of inn keepers, shop keepers, merchants, doctors and politicians. The lower class have also have merchants, shop keepers and a few politicians. Other professions are craftsman, blacksmith and gladiators and sportsmen.
Fort Scarab is located at the point where the River Gonzo meets the sea it’s heavily fortified and holds the majority of the kingdoms navy. The fort is large enough to hold all the sailors for the ships.
Family Background: Uzgob has been under the control of the Manshrew family for one hundred years. The Manshrew family came into power through being chosen as the next family to come into power as the previous house had no living heirs. Over the last fifty years there was a troubled relation between the Manshrew’s and the Remonnet’s this was mostly due to Helyot Remonnet’s paranoia towards the family. Eventually war broke out between the families due to Helyot’s assassination of last lord of the family Rhys Manshrew. His brother Andrew quickly rose to power and led the Manshrew’s to victory and killed King Helyot Remonnet himself on the battlefield. News about the Manshrew’s victory spread across the land increasing the popularity of the family. Relations between the Manshrew’s and the Remonnet’s were restored with the new king John. John made a debt to Andrew promising him that he would repay Andrew for the loss which the Manshrew’s suffered.
Due to the Manshrew’s popularity the family has become a popular choice of an ally with many of the houses however with any families which were loyal to Helyot the Manshrew’s have become a targeted but the family is very well protected.
Reason of claim to the throne: The Manshrew’s believe that it is time to collect their debt by making Andrew the new King. Even though Andrew is content with Uzgob he willing to pursue this debt. Andrew’s aims are that if he can become king that he hopes to unite the kingdoms even though this will be very hard.

Family Members
Lord Andrew Manshrew
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Position: Head of House Manshrew
Personality: Protective of family, ambitious, thoughtful of subjects, honourable, respective of culture
Appearance: Medium height, short dark brown hair, slightly muscular, tan skinned
Skills: Expert Negotiator, Master Politician, Master Ruler, Expert Swordsman, Master Tactician, Master Strategist, Expert Economist
Weaknesses: Andrew won't change his mind once its set towards a goal only Diana, Alun and George can change his mind. Andrew is too trusting it doesn't take too much to earn his trust. Andrew is too idealistic his dream for Formaroth may in they way of better judgment. Andrew's code of honour may get in the way of victory.
Background: After his older brother Rhys Manshrew was assassinated by order of King Helyot Remonnet Andrew quickly rose to power. To prove himself as a capable leader to his fellow politicians Andrew spent three days in the Uzgob Desert alone with barely any food and water to survive, many thought that Andrew would not survive but on the eve of the third day Andrew returned, till this day Andrew has told no one how he survived. Once he was established as the Lord of House Manshrew Andrew declared war on the House of Remonnet. Eventually the war between the houses led to Helyot leading his army into the Uzgob Desert to confront Andrew this wasn’t the best idea. Using new war tactics, Andrew waited for the army to be weak of starvation and thirst and then finally defeated the army with his own and killed King Helyot in single combat. After the war was over Andrew focused of improving his own kingdom until one day he was invited the new King John. Andrew accepted even though he did not know what to expect out of this new King. Fortunately Andrew and the King had something common and got on well. Before departing to his Kingdom Andrew was told by John that his family would be repaid after what they had been through.
Andrew’s forces consist of his land army which he leads alongside with his military and political advisor Alun DeGrande and then his navy which is lead by friend George LeWest. Andrew also commands his own personal guard which are trained and sworn to protect the Manshrew family.

Lady Diana Manshrew
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Position: Lady of House Manshrew
Personality: Loving towards family, respectful of Andrew’s ambitions, formal
Appearance: medium height, long red hair, beautiful, elegant dresses
Skills: Expert ruler, Expert politician, Expert economist, Expert negotiator
Background: Diana came from another political family in Andromeda. Once she reached 18 years old many political family members were asking for her hand in marriage. For an entire year she turned down every man. By that time the yearly masquerade ball was around, her parents forced her to go so she could find a suitor. After a few hours Diana was approached by a mysterious boy she didn’t know why but she had a quick fondness for him near the end the ball the couple retreated somewhere private where the boy revealed himself as Andrew of House Manshrew. After a few more secret meetings Andrew asked for Diana’s hand and she accepted.
Andrew and Diana have been happy since but after the war with House Remonnet they have been trying to produce an heir but so far they haven’t had any luck but they still try. However when she is not helping Andrew run the kingdom, she takes care of Rhys’ three daughters.

Lucy Manshrew
Age: 16
Gender: Female
Position: Heir to House Manshrew
Personality: Cunning, Driven, Loyal to family
Appearance: Small, Blonde hair
Skills: Adept ruler, Expert tactician, Adept politician, Adept Negotiator
Background: As the current heir of the House of Manshrew, Lucy is learning to become the ruler of Uzgob. Even though she is being currently being taught best the best teachers in the country she prefers the company of her uncle and is always eager to listen to his stories.

Elizabeth Manshrew
Age: 14
Gender: Female
Position: Second in Line to House Manshrew
Personality: Militaristic, strong, Loyal to family
Appearance: Short dark hair, scar on left cheek
Skills: Expert Swordsman, Adept Tactician, Adept strategist
Background: Elizabeth started sword training when she was young she has taught by her uncle but her main teacher is Alun DeGrande who is her main role model. She always pushes herself to the limit to improve her skills. Alun believes that one day she may surpass his and her uncle’s swords and may become the best swordsman in the country.

Mary Manshrew
Age: 11
Gender: Female
Position: Third in Line to House Manshrew
Personality: Friendly, adventurous, loyal to family
Appearance: Long blonde hair, skinny
Skills: Adept Naval Commander, Apprentice Tactician
Background: Being the youngest member of the Family of Manshrew, Mary is not expected to take on any responsibilities at this time. She spends time with Naval Commander George LeWest. When she was young she has always dreamed of sailing and exploring the world. At the current time she is learning from George on Naval tactics. If she continues she may become one of the first female naval captains in the country.

Alun DeGrande
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Position: Political/Military advisor of House Manshrew
Personality: Friends with Andrew, open,
Appearance: Medium height, short dark hair, chin beard
Skills: Master Tactician, Master Strategist, Expert Swordsman, Master Negotiator
Background: Alun met Andrew when they were very young. In a short time they became best friends. As time passed and Andrew came into power Andrew appointed Alun as Political and Military advisor. This became a wise choice as together they were able to outwit the Remonnet army which ultimately led to their defeat. Andrew and Alun work together constantly to perfect their battle plans.

George LeWest
Age: 36
Gender: Male
Position: Naval Captain of House Manshrew
Personality: friends of Andrew, adventurous
Appearance: tall, medium dark hair, short dark beard
Skills: Master Naval Commander, Master Tactician
Background: George and Andrew met in their early teens. Andrew soon realised Georges love for the navy and his skills as a naval captain. When the war between the Manshrew’s and the Remonnet’s began, Andrew sought George’s expertise in the navy and offered him a place as the captain of the navy. This became invaluable when the Remonnet navy began a surprise attack on Fort Scarab. Through George’s leadership the navy was able to counterattack and were able to cripple the Remonnet navy which some believed had shorten the war by two years. After the war the people of Uzgob saw how important the navy was considering that the majority of the country is desert.

Formaroth: Battle for the Throne

hey