Visual utopia story
The era was good. Scythruler, a man was courage and strength are legendary, and whose deeds are hailed across all the worlds as miraculous indeed. On the continent of Zetamania is where he finally made his his home. To him flocked a tiny population, only about a thousand men and woman, young couples with only one or no children at all. Most of the people where not trained, though a few had weapons, and so, they would do. Scythruler chose to settle in an open spot, and called the city Bacardi HQ. He named i so after his blood line, which was royal, whose later peoples had actually been touched by god, before seeming to disaapear from sight. It was a very productive city, and quickly grew. While the city grew, Scythruler has scouts sent out. They found other rulers who where also still in the growing process, and they found another great spot to build a city. However, what the found was even greater. They stumbled onto a truely spectacular site indeed. The ruins of an old city, from far in the past. They ran back to Scythruler with the news, and four days later Scythruler himself went to see the ruins.What he found there would change his history, the history of his family, and that of the continent, and even the world, forever.
A little bit before this, Scythruler has met with a man known as Brother Wessick. He too, had recently started up a few villages, and was quit successful. He also has a god, a powerful god named Lothon. After his very first meeting with Wessick, Scythruler had a dream. In it, he stood, with a banner waving over his head, it was blue, with a black background. On his right side stood the man he had just met, Brother Wessick. On his left stood two other men, who Scythruler presumed where his sons. Then a voice came. It was so awe inspiring, that, even though Scythruler knew it was just a dream, he felt a chill go through his entire body.
It said, "Scythruler, you are indeed a true and powerful ruler. I see strength in you. Tomorrow, you will go to Brother Wessick, and you will tell him of this dream. In four days, you men will come to you, saying that they have discovered ruins. You will ride there, and you will find what you need. You will become a great and powerful leader. Know that I smile upon you. Go and tell others of me, and build temples to me in all your cities, so that everyone will know of your greatness, and of my all knowingness. I know you will do this for me, and when people ask who I am, you will utter but a single word; Lothon."
And Scythruler did just this. He met with Wessick, and together they made a pact to spread the word of Lothon. They decided to wait until they knew what the ruins held, that the all powerful god had talked about.
Four days after the dream, the scouts returned. they told Scythruler of the ruins, and there he went. The ruins turned out to be an entire city.The city had belongd to a man known only as the Tirading Virus. In his day, the rumors where that he had been blessed by god himself, and that he never aged. He carried with him the secrets that bloomed into a knight hood, called, The Paladins of the Order of the Frozen Flame. He had built the magnificent city of Paladin HQ, and it stood for three eras, and through countless invasions. Then, suddenly, he vanished, and the city fell into disrepai, and ruin. It was all but forgotten, the secrets thought to be lost forever. Just before he left, he had entered the sacred temple, dedicated the frozen flame, and hidden the flame, along with many documents teaching the ways of his sacred order, so that it might somehow, someday be revealed to all.
Scythruler spent many days inside the temple, studying the scripts, and the flame. When he finally ventured out, he found his men,staring at him, almost in awe. One said, "Sir, you have been blessed." Scythruler carried with him a sword, so glorious, that his men fell to their knees, thanking god. "No, Scythruler said. Thank Lothon. God now has a name."
And from that day on, Scythruler and Brother Wessicks kingdoms both prayed to Lothon.
Scythruler had not only learned the secrets of Lothon, but also the secrets of the secret brotherhood known as The Paladins of the order of the Frozen Flame. It turns out, that Lothons spirit is in the Frozen Flame itself, and that the orders charges where to spread to word of Lothon, and to protect him. Scythruler made a pact with Brother Wessick, and re-created the order, with Scythruler as its High Paladin. However, this would later be distorted, the order became known as a Kingdom, and the office of High Paladin became King.
While all this excitment happened, other things happened as well. A man named Rock started a giant kingdom, which he bravely protected and fought for. His capital was located just to the west of Scythrulers. By now, Scythruler had build three cities. Bacardi HQ as his capital, Paladin HQ was re-made, and a third city known as Forest Watch was created on the outskirts of the forest of Nadali. One day, Scythruler and Rock's men met, and both returned to their respective lords, who, a few days later, met. Scythruler was impressed. Rock stood well over seven feet, a giant of a man. His double headed battle axe could easily chopped a man in half. However, i was rock who was truely impressed. Scythruler, though only standing at 6'2, with a strong but wiry build, was not much. However, he carried himself, and when he spoke, it was with suck confidence, and conviction, that Rock left that day, hoping to meet him agian. And meet agian they did. Letters where sent back and forth, and, only a few weeks after thier first meeting, Rock found himself the grand hall of the High Paladin, about to swear allegiance to him. And he did. He swore allegiance to Scythruler. He also swore to spread the word of Lothon, and build wonders inside all his cities to him. And most of all, to protect the Frozen Flame, if need be, with his life.
Just days later, a man named High Lord Ody Canoby sent word to Scythruler. He was from a long standing line of men, known now as the High Lords, because of the firm contol they always had over the south western corner of Zetamania. He had heard of this god Lothon, and of hos order, and he wished to do join it as well. He too, swore to uphold and protect Lothon, and prtect him, if need be, with his life. By now, Scythrulers office changed names, from High Paladin to Grand Master paladin, and Brother Wessick, Rock, and Ody Canoby became known as High Paladins.
A few more men came t the banner of the order. However, it was then that Scythruler and the new order encountered their first of several wars.
To the south of the Paladin Orders capital of Bacardi HQ, a kingdom of much power had been built. They called themselves Dragon Storm, because of the fierce beasts their leaders rode into battle. The paldins too, had dragons. Blue ones, who shot iceicles, and could freeze things with their frosty breath.
By now, the Paladin order had six members. The kingdom of Dragon Storm had over thirty, and continued to grow. Then, with no warning at all, a man known as Pincer, from the Dragon Storm kingdom, leading an army of over ten thousand men, launched an attack on Bacardi HQ. firtunatley, the attack was delayed by a charge of a hundred brave Lothon Knights, and reinforcments where sent from the armoury city of paladin HQ. The attacked the army of Pincer, known as the pincer Movement, and completely destoryed them. The Paladin Templars rode down upon the terrified foor soldiers, and destoryed them. Then, something truely remarkable happened. As Pinder ordered his own cavalry, of nearly three thousand men, to attack, the did not. Their leader, a man known as Thor, got off his horse, pushed his sword into the ground, and cried
"I am your humble servant. lothon guides me."
And one by one, his men took up the cry. As Pincer fled the battle field with the remanents of his army, Thor met with Scythruler, and discussed an all out attack on the Dragon Storm kingdom. War was coming.
Runners where sent to every Paladin leader, to prepare for battle. And they did.
It turned out that, Dragon Storm had a decently strong core, but they had expanded to much to fast. Most of the rulers in the kingdom would most likely turn tail and run, if ever an invasion force was sent into their lands.
At the battle of Baulders Gate, a big city conrolled by the Dragon torm King himself, everything would be put on the line. Scythruler, along with his three high paladins, and the two paladins, had agtered a large host, from every city. The Dragon Storm army was bigger. However, this, the paladins has known.
The dragon storm armies, as Thor had explained, are large. My men, my new paladin faithkeepers, as I shall call them, where the only well equiped regiment in Pincers army. Most of the other lords are the same. Their armies are full of men, poorly trained, who are just given swords and told to fight. This made up about sixty percent of the Dragon Storm armies. However, out of the the thirty odd provinces that comprised the Dragon Storm Kingdom, only twenty three had sent armies. As it was, three of the provinces had left the kingdom, and gone to another, called Southern Rising, who where building up a strong core in the south east. The other five where all in negotiation with Scythruler. Four had seen the light of Lothon they claimed, and the fifth was honest, and said he was not religious, but that he did wish to join the make the order stronger, and that he would even protect Lothon, and spread word of him, even though he personally did not believe. Scythruler prayed for days, and finally Lothon spoke. He said to take the non believer, and to keep the four blashphemers waiting, so that they wuld not aid in the coming battle.
And so, Mbeidas was accpeted into the order. He was deep in the south, and his amries could not come to the battle of Baldaurs Gate, but he had managed to start attacking the blashpheming provinces, and so caused a great mess for the Dragon Storm.
On the field of battle before the great city of Baulders gate, everything was quite. Then, Scythruler and his three High Paladins strode forth, to the front of their great Paladin armies. And they knelt, and prayed. And, then, all the paladins, from the paladin rulers, to the forrsoldiers, all bent down, and prayed to Lothon.
On the other side of the field stood the Dragon Storm horde. Mercenaries and untrained conscripts made up most of this army, with well trained groups of knights as well. However, when the praying started, the conscripts, who where mere peasants, felt the power of Lothon. They walked off the battle field, back to their homes. Now, the Dragon Storm horde was made up of Mercenaries and well trained knights and foot soldiers, and they still outnumbered thet paladin armies.
However, thats when the Dragon Storm King, Tessilvanus, made his biggest mistake. He gave the order to charge, and his hordes charged forward. However, as the paladin armies looked up, and saw the oncoming horde, most grinned. For, they did not feel faer, but the felt good. Lothon had spoken to each and every one of them, and had told some they would die, some that they would live. However, those who knew they would die, did not feel afraid. They where told that their families would be looked after, and all where given a sense of inner peace.
This was to be the first major battle on the continent in over a hundred years. The armies of Dragon Storm fought out of greed or fear. The Paladin armies fought out of love, for they knew that, if these evil hordes where not defeated here, on their own ground, that Lothon, and the order they fought for, would be lost forever.
And so, instead of waiting for these non believing men to fall upon them, the Paladin armies also charged, directly at thir opponents, and let out a battle cry so fiersome, it sent a chill through every single man on the battlefield. The Dragon Storm army stopped, and the Paladins swept over them like a mass of blue. However, now the Dragon Storm men fought out of fear, for they where cornered, and where fighting for their lives.
The fighing was fierce, as the battle raged all day. In the end, the Dragon Storm horde was routed, and the their evil capital burnt to the ground.
Shortly after this, ten additional rulers swore allegiance to Lothon, to protect him, and to do good, and spread his word.
Chapter 2: The Gods of War
They called themselves the gods of war. They where a normal sized kingfom, consisting of around ten members. Most where new rulers though, and small provinces. Only the king had any real power at all.
He made contact with Scythruler, explaining that his vassls, as he called them, where green. Good leaders, and loved by the people, but generally without an army. he hoped that Scythruler may spare his people, and that they may live in peace together.
Scythruler asked his council of High Paladins. He ruled alone, but in major political battles, he asked all three High Paladins for their opinions.
The high Paladin Council was convened, and they met in the Temple of Lothon, located at the hearth og the empire, between the cities of Bacardi HQ, and the former paladin order capital of Paladin HQ. It was the biggest temple in the world. It was bigger then most cities, but only a complete pure order of monks resided there, Scythruler often came here to meditate, as did the other paladin lords, and many army generals.
Scythruler explained the offer that Achilles, king of The Gods of war, had made.
High Paladin Brother Wessick spoke first. He was the one who had brought Lothon to them all. He was also second in command after Scythruler, the most senior of the three High Paladins. He stated, calmly, that these where blashphemers. They thought themselves gods, when only Lothon was a god. They had to be destoyed, and not be allowed to join unless they cleansed themselves of the terrible sayings.
High Paladin Rock, also, said that these men should be destoryed, However, he went even further. They should not be allowed to join the order. Also, no unpure city should be left in their control.
High Paladin Ody Canoby was not sure. His ancestors had dealt with these men before, and had had rather decent relationships with them. However, he did agree that, now that he was a true believer of Lothon, these blaspheming rapscallions should not be shown lianiance, until they renounce their claims, and worship Lothon, and Lothon accpts them as one of the order.
And so, the official war began. Gates where built to protect the core lands. Brother Wessick built Lothons gate to the north, and wayward gate to the east, Scythruler built North Wall to the north, and Eastern pass in the east. Each gate was heavily fortified with walls, and great walls ran from the gates to the natural boundried, making the only ways into the empires heartland through those gates.
Then, the Gods of War struck. Their armies came from the north, and attacked the heavily fortified entrances. To no avail. The defenders held storng, their fortifactions so great, that the defenders didn't lose a man, while they made their enemies pay dearly.
The attack on North wall proved to be the only real battle, all though it is considered by most to be a slaughter. The Gods of war retreated, most to trena, a fairly big city, used mainly for wood, and almost without fortifications.
There, the army of Paladin Templars that had protected North Wall attacked. They wiped out the entire defending force in a cmplete rout, and took the city, claiming it for King Scythruler, and the paladin order.
However, now the Gods of War where weak. They had no armies, and scavengers came from all over the world to take unprotected cities. The greatest and most powerful kingdom, known as The Predators, attacked from their northern stronghold, hitting The Gods of War from behind. Then The reaping, and the medieval dogs of war, attacked from the east. Every city was lost, king Achilles was killed in one of the invasions.
Now, the Paladin core was not only well prtected, but there where other kingdoms to speak with. As the continent, it seemed, became smaller, two kingdoms began to stand out, and became the super powers of the world.
The predators, the stronger and bigger of the two, controlled almost all of the northern border of the continent. they where strong, and resorted to politics over the sword when it came to world domination. Their king, a man by the name of Howell, was only a figured head. He held a seat on the predator board of viceroys, where all the decisions where made. There where five viceroys. They each had an equal vote, and so, their kingdom worked.
As the Gods of War fell, Scythruler and his three high paladins discussed meny things amongst themselves, and also conversed with the five viceroys of the predator kingdom.
After weeks of discussion, it was decided that war between the two kingdoms would destoy both of them, and lead to certain anarchy. And so, an NAP, or No Attack Pact, was established. The two kingdoms would not be allowed to attack each other.
Chapter 3: Razios and The Reaping
And so, The Paladins of the Order of the Frozen Flame lived on. They where guardians, protectors, conquerers and missionairies, all at the same time.
The spread quickly throughout the world, and man provinces came joined the Paladin banners, not all believers, but all sword protectors. And slowly, kingdoms of blashphemers, with evil tyrants as their leaders, fell to the awsome might of the Paladin attackers.
Many indeed, fell swiftly, however, soon after the Dragon Storm attacks, there was a small kingdom that did fight with power. They where called The Reaping, and where led by a cunning man known as Sir Razios.
He had been king for a while, and his kingdom, small as it was, was very strong. However, they made a few mistakes. Scythruler visited the ruins of Paladin HQ, thinking they may inhance his connection with Lothon. This also gave his son, Scythlord, the inheritor of the throne, a chance to rule.
It was during these days that Sir Razios launched an attack on the city of Trena, which was not just a Paladin held city, but one of the royal cities held by the king himself. Scythlord did not know the High Paladin Brother Wessick has already launched an invasion, and was taking cities held by The Reaping. Scythlord sent Sir Razios a message, but didn't wait for a response, and set out, and started attacking Reaping cities all over. He easily took the cities if Midori No Sato and Hell City, before hearing from Sir Razios.
The Reaping did put up a hard fight. At the battle of Nagawaka, The Reaping army was outmatched, but fought with suck intensity, that when the Crusader Knigthts of High Paladin Rock arrived to aide the Lothon Guards in their fighting, there was nothing left. The river by which the city by which the city had lain was stained red with blood. The field was covered with broken bodies and weapons. However, as Rock and his captins surveyed the battle field, one of the men shouted and pointed at the middle of the blood bath. There, all alone amid the Carnage, stood a giant banner of that all the paladin armies carried into battle. Its black background could not be mistaken agianst the blood red earth. However, it seemed as though the blue flame in the middle glowed, as though it where actually burning cold. It was a sighn.
The Crusader army was more determined then ever. At first, Rock feared, that having seen the carnage would make this mostly new recruit army weak and take the fight out of them. It almost had. But the sighn, some said it came from Lothon itself, telling the Crusaders not to give up. They would not forget.
They marched. They where twenty two thousand men strong. At Hells Kitchen, the final bastion of hope for The reaping, the met with the Paladin Faithkeepers, the army made up of all knights, led by the veteran captain Thor, and Scythrulers youngest son Narsis. Together, Rock, Thor and Narsis came up with a battle plan. Narsis would take half the faithkeepers, and hold them in reserve. Then, they would wait, eventually, the city would go hungry, and Sir razios would have to send his men out to fight. Then, said Rock, we will have the advantage. I am sure that we have more men then he.
He was wrong. Wrong about everything. Razios had over fifty thousand men in his capital, and as the marches out of the gates, the Crusaders stood in shock. their leader had been wrong? How could this be.
As his army stood there, infront of Hells Kitchen, Razios called out his challenge.
"Rock!!," he cried, "I know you are there. Do you see my city. Its gates are open. All you have to do to get inside and take it is kill all fifty thousand of my men. HAHA"
This is when Rock rode up infront of his men, and gave his famous speech.
"Men, paladins all. Do not fear. I know this looks grim. However, I want you to remember. Remeber the flag, and remember that Lothon watches over us. He will protect us. It is up to us. Here, on this field, stands the last hope of The Reaping. The are a dieing clan. Do you want this battle to be remembered as their last victory." Men of the men shook their heads, and some cried "No!". "Of course you don't," replied Rock. "This is your time. Razios has made a big mistake. He thinks your afraid, but you aren't. You are guided and determined, to bring glory to me, your king, and to the order and the empire. Each of you will be talkded about. if you die, your wives and loved ones will be able to say "yes, he helped bring down those horrible Reaping warriors. He saved the empire. That is how you will be remembered!!"
And with that, he wheeled around on his horse, and charged the enemy. His men, adrenaline rushing, followed him. And Thors cavalry too, charged.
The battle was fierce. At one point, The Reaping hordes looked defeated, but then, five thousand men poured out of the city gates to join the fight. This turned the tables, until, Narsis and the second half of the Paladin Faithkeepers charged in, hitting The reaping flank hard, cutting into it deep, before turning, only to plunge back in further down the line.
For the dy, and into the night the fighting raged. And then, it happened. Out of no where, the ground started to shake. Scythruler, and his army, known only as Retaliation Is Not Possible, the biggest army seen on the world at that time, hit them. the reaping turned take just at seeing the cavalry charge. Thirty thousand armed knights on horseback charged them. Some stayed, but where instantly cut down. The battle, that most likely would have lasted several more hours, finally ended. The Paladins burned the evil capitol, and Sir Razios fled.
However, a few days later, Scythruler retruned home. Right away, he congratulated his son on the victories, and spoke with Sir Razios. Just days later, the kingdom of The Reaping was disbanded. Most of the lords had lost all their cities, and had themselves perished in the fighting. Only Razios remained, with three cities left under his command. A week later, he took the oath, for, lothon had told Scythruler that he would speak with Sir Razios, for he was important indeed, and would have a purpose.
With The reaping gone, The Paladin order now cotrolled the entire soth easten corner of the map, almost one fourth of the entire continent was pure, with the Paladin empire growing still.
Chapter 4:Southern Rising, MDOW and the kingdom of Life
As the days went by, The Paladin order blossomed. Rulers from near and far came to the great temple of Lothon to swear allegiance to him and to Scythruler. However, several of the veteran rulers became restless. None more so then High Paladin Ody Canoby. He told his king about this, but was told to wait.
Then, for reasons unknown, he sent an army, of sixty thousand knights, to the eastern border of the empire. There, they where met by forces from Timmiev and Mbeidas, and the three rulers and their armies marched east, toward the kingfom of MDOW.
As the three great armies approached thier gate, MDOWs King, Naerey, started to send messengers to the three rulers. the messengers came back without eyes, it is said. Then king naerey sent a messnger to King Scythruler.
Scythruler recieved the message, which stated stuff about the three armies, and how they should be stopped now, or else he and all his allies would attack The paladin core. Scythruler smiled when he read this. He thought of the kingdoms that lay to the west of him. Southern rising was the strongest, but MDOW, the kingdom of Life, the kingdom of the Aces, and the Phantom kimgdom, all lived ther in peace, while a great war between The Predators and The`Demolishers Kingdom was taking place in the North eastern part of the continent.
Scythruler rode out to see what was going on himself. he brought forty thousand knights with him. He held a conference with High paladin Ody Canoby, Mbeidas and timmiev, and discussed the possibility of war. It turns out, that, between the four armies massed at the border, in frot of a gate city called Morgar, there where almost two hundred and fifty thousand men, one hundred tousand of which where knights or horses. As the four rulers went over the city defenses, Ody Canoby got an idea. What if he suddenly all left, and two armies ran to the other two gates in the area and attacked those. Surely they would not be expecting such a move. And so it was secided. Ody Canoby and mbeidas would goes north and take over the gate city of Lorden, while Scythruler and Timmiev would go south and take the city of Larenx.
The strategy wasa great success. The two gate cities where ndefended, and the two great hosts just walked in. Then, leaving small contingents behind to guard the cities, the four armies headed off in sperate directions, taking cities everywhere they went.
However, Naerey was crafty, instead of trying to follow four armies around his core, he decided to move his force from his gate, and attack the Paladin core. he called upon all his allies. Only Southern rising and the Kingdom of life responded. The kingdomof Aces, the phantom kingdom, and The predators all decided it wasn't worth the risk. they where right.
As the great army of naerey made its way towards the cities of Timmiev, Mbeidas, and another paladin member named Sparx, they where stopped. ad weather forced them to make camp in the middle of a plain. For a week the sat. then, when the weather cleared, they couldn't believe what they saw. Three armies marching onto the plain. The lothon Protectors, led by Sir nolan, High Paladin Brother Wessicks oldest son. Crusader marchers, led by High paladin Rock, and Lightning Bolt, led my Sparx. The looked behind them, and where even more stunned. Ana army of the same size as theirs stodd behind them, led by a new memver of the order, Stooks.
The army of Naerey was now caught in a pincer movement, and would have to fight, and fight hard. and they did, they foght like mad beasts, cornered animals fighting to survive. However, the bigger, stronger, and better trained paladin armies soon overwhelmed then army of naerey. As the army broke and fled, they where cut to bits by the cavalry.
That night, the four armies celebrated their great victory, and recieved word that, although MDOW had not been destroyed, their allies had come to their aide. the armies of Mbeidas and timmiev had both been smashed. they had died well, for the armies of Scythruler and Ody Canoby where able to pull back to their respected gates. Now however, Scythruler was angry. Much paladin blood has been spilled. He ordered the destruction of The Kingdom of Life, who had been resposible for Mbeidas and timmievs defeats.
The greatest army ever seen, two hundred thousand knights, marches towards the gates of Southern rising, as all the other armies went to attack The kingdom of life.
it took a month for the great army of Paladin Truth Seekers to reach the gates of Southern Rising. When the reached them, they where met by an army under the command of the magicia Valenx. he however, did not wish to fight. instead, he blesed the army of Paladin Truthseekers, and his mages marched with them. The Southern Risings viceroy and magician, Valenx, had spoken with lothon. he joined the order days later.
Then, they marched. First, they took the gate city of Guardian. just days later, they attacked and took over the city of Blood red, held by Blood of Southern rising. Then, they marched on. They attacked and took the armourey city of Marbles, losing two thousand knights, while the enemy lost twent thousand swordsman.
Even this did not satisfy the king. He wanted more. The army moved south agian, taking control of the capital city of Mars. This was a truely magnificent city. It was undefended, because all the defense was stored in Marbles. The army however, moved on. It took a small city called smurft, just two days march from mars. Then, they saw it. The Southern Rising capital. Omega Corp. A city whose size rivaled the Paladin capital of Bacardi HQ. It was defended by fifty thousand knights. They fought well. Their general, new to his rank, was well trained, but did not count of the fact that Sir Ryan, commander of the paladin truth Seekers, had a brain. He threw his man at the Truth Seekers, in waves. This was a bad idea. After the second mave of The Southern rising army broke upon the walls of the Truth Seekers, Sir Ryan made a charge of his own. His army, no number one hundred anf fity thousand knights, charged their opponents, and slaughtered them unmercifully. it was a rout, and the city of omega Corp was taken.
A week later, the final remenant of Southern Risings fighting force, held by a man named Cheeta, was converted. Cheeta had a dream, in which he was told that he was going to play a very important role soon, and that he needed to join the Paladin order, and he did just that. He became a member of the sacred order, and his armies attacked those cities still held by the paladins. However, Sir Ryan turned home. Cheeta sent him a message asking why. Sir ryans response was, "Something terrible has happened."
Chapter 5: The Kings Sons, and the beginning of the end
The King has three sons.
Scythlord was his oldest son. he was to be the future king of his fathers lands, and the king of the paladin order. He was a very charismatic young man, and the people already loved him, almost as much as they loved his father. Young Scythlord was also a believer of Lothon, and, could sometimes be found in the great temple, meditationg.
Narsis was the youngest son. He was an able bodied comander, and held the respect of his men. However, he did not like the political side of life, and like to live life by an 'attack first, ask later" policy. he too, was a devout believer of lothon, and adored his oldest brother. He would gladly give his life for lothon and for Scythlord.
Obie was the middle brother. One of the greatest swordsman in the land, he was well respected by the army. he was made commander of the garrison of Paladin HQ, and did a very good job running it, and personnally trained all the captains. However, he was jealous of his older brother. he secretly wanted to be king, but knew he would never be allowed to. He did not believe in Lothon. Lothon had never spoken to him, or made him believe.
Then there was Sir Nolan and lord Vostov. Though they where not Scythruler's children, but those of brother Wessick, they could very well have been. they where constantly over in the royal palace, coming up with strategies with narsis and Scythlord.
Sir Nolan was the oldest, and so, the rightful heir to the loyal high Paladin position. however, he did not aspire to be a ruler. he was content with his position as a commander of his fathers armies. he was also a devout follower of lothon.
His brother Vostov, was to be the inheritor of his fathers lands. And it was a good thing to, because, although he was younf, he was smart. He would be one of the finest rulers in the kingdom. however, he too, did not believe in lothon. Lothon had tried talking to him, but Vostov just dismissed these as dreams.
And so, with Scythruler on his deathbed, it was not a surprise that the royal paalce, and the lands immdiatly surrounding it, where in a very tense state.
Lord Vostov had sent his older brother, Sir Nolan, with an elite force of five thousand men, to the capitalm city of Bacardi HQ. He calimed they where there for the ceremony. However, no one was fooled. they where there to protect Scythlord and Narsis. For, it was common knowledge that if Scythlord died, next in line was Narsis. However, not even these extra support troops could help with what happened next.
Late one night, two assassins slowly crept down a side passage, toward the bed chamber of King Scythruler. Just outside the Kings door, two elite guards stood. These where both speedily dispatched by the assassins, and dragged into the room, and lain on the floor. Then one, apprently the leader, pulled off his mask. He leant over the king, and roughly shook him.
The king opened his eyes, and started, with a look of horror, as he recognized the face staring down at him. It belonged to no one other then his son, Obie.
Obie smiled, as it all began to dawn on his father.
He thought about how he thought his father had mistreated him. How his father had, while loving his other two sons, completely neglected him. He smiled agian. Now its gonna end, and i'm going to be king.
With these thoughts in his mind, he spoke. "Father," he said. "Father, you have wronged me. Now I am redeeming my honor. However, I am doing one kind thing. You will not die before your beloved sons. No, they will die after you."
With that, Obie pulled a dagger out of his belt, and slit his fathers throat. And then, he heard it. It sounded like something falling. He looked behind him, and saw that the door was closed. But, he had left the door open. And then he knew. He knew something had gone wrong. He immidiatley turned to his three accomplisses, and hissed, "Don't just stand around here you fools. Go kill Narsis. The crown prince is mine."
He then stalked off, to his older brothers room.
However, even as he came to the door, he knew. He knew something had gone horribly, horribly wrong. The door was wide open. As he bounded inside, he knew he had been seen. How could this be, he had been so careful. He ran to his brother Narsis's room. On the way, he met his three accomlises. "Sorry sir," one of them said, rather sheepishly. "We went to his room. It was empty."
"Dammit!" yelled Obie. But then, slowly, a plan started to form in his mind. "Summon the men. All the men, have them search the city for my traitor brothers."
"But sir," said the man questioningly. "What shall I tell them."
"Tell them that Scythlord and Narsis killed the king. Tell them that we saw them, but the ecaped. That I was with my father, just before he died, and that you all heard him. He renounced both my brothers, and gave me the throne."
"Thats a very good plan sir, I'll get on it right away." And with that, the three co-conspiritors scurried off.
Somewhere in a pub, in the same city..........
"We should go relieve the guard soon," said Sir Nolan. He and his trusted man Ron had charged themselves with the kings safety.
However, just then, three hooded figures burst into the tavern. Before anyone knew what happened, swords had been drawn all around, pointing at the three hooded figures. then one of them pushed back his robe. It was the crown prince Scythlord. He looked tired.
"What has happened?" asked Sir Nolan questioningly
Scythlord told him everything the boy had told him. He said that one of his servents has just been leaving for the night, when he happened to pass by the kings chamber. He told him of what the boy had seen. he had gone and warned his friend, and together, they had woken Scythlord and Narsis. Then, the four had planned to go back and cath the four unawares. but, they had no weapons, so, they came here instead.
Thats when it happened. Sirens started to wail. An alarm sounded, stating that Scythlord and Narsis had killed their father, and that Obie was now the only true heir. That Scythlord and Narsis where wanted men, and where considered armed and dangerous.
"We've go to put a stop to this, now!" said Ron
"We can't," replied Scythlord. "I bet that by now, my brother has had the entire garrison awoken and searchinf for us. And has the men from paladin HQ coming over here as well. Our best bet is to go North, and gain support there. I have many loyal followers there. And your father and brother will support me, won't they?" Scythlord looked at Nolan questioningly.
"Of course they will," replied Nolan with confidnce. And with that, they ran, and manager to get through the gates, smuggling the two figitives in with the rest of his contingent, Nolan claimed that he was going to patrol the outside, because the traitorous princes might have already escaped.
This marked the beginning of the end. It was going to be civil war, and it would be bloody.
Chapter 6: Final Battle
For weeks, Scythlord nad his brother had raised supporters in the northern cities. High Paladin Brother Wessick had sent troops, but he could not spare many, for most where away fighting in the east. He did gather to him a decent army, that would fight to the death for the true ruler of the empire.
in these weeks, Obie had spread further propoganda about his evil brothers. He had also been crowned king, though none of the paladin order had yet accpted him as such.
he had also changed the armor of his own personnal armies. the black and blue armor had been changed to black and red.
Now, obie marched at the head of fifty thousand men, to meet his brother on the battle field, near the city of Army Dudess. this would be the only battle of the civil war, but it would be bloody. Both armies where about fifty thousand men strong. Obies armies where better equiped, but Scythlords armies where more determind.
there they stood, facing each other. then, as was customary, Scythlords armies knelt and prayed to lothon. At this time, Obie called fo a cavalry charge.
His cavalry however, did not charge, They too where praying.
So he had his mercenary contingent charge instead. however, when they where half way across the field, the prayer ended, and Scythlords forces becme ready, and completely decimated the mercenary charge. Then they counter charged.
The fighting was brutal. Scythlord, with Sir nolan and Ron on his left, and Narsis on his right, led the charge. It was looking grim. At around midday, there was a lul, as both sides retreated to their respected sides. The air was filled with the stench of death, and the cries of the wounded.
An hour later, the fighting resumed. Thats when they saw each other. Nolan, fighting in the middle of the field, locked eyes with Obie, and slowly started to advance. Scythlord and the rest saw it too, and followed him, helping him clear a way to the evil leader.
Obie too, started to walk towards them, and a little circle formed in the midle of the figting. there, Obie and Nolan exhanged words. then they locked swords, and started in a deadly dance of death.
Nolan and Obie, two of the greatest swordsman to ever walk the world of ZetaMania.There they met, and fought. The fougt for hours, completely oblivios to the battle raging all around them. They each ignored the cuts and bruises they recieved, concentrating only on their opponent's sword. Obie had a gash across his forhead, causing a small trickle of blood to run into his eyes. Nolan had a cut on his arm, which made his hand a bit slippery while holding his sword.
The battle was not going good for Scythlords men. They where determind, but, they where out numbered, and, though the trained men that High Paladin Brother Wessick had sent helped a lot, most of them men where farmers. Still they fought on.
And, then, all of a sudden, the ground started to shake. It felt like a giant earth quake.
An hour earlier, the paladin Truth Seekers, led by Sir Ryan, had arrived at the city of army dudes. There, they had gathered as many men as they could, and rode to the battlefiedl.
At the battlefield, then men fighting, turned and started. There, riding over the crest of a hill, rode an army of over a hundred thousand knights. The fighting ceased, except for the deadly sword dance in the middle of the field. Sir ryan slowly mad his way, accompanied by fifty knights, toward the deadly battle. Just before he reached it, Scythlord and his brother Narsis stepped into his path.
The veteran knight quickly recognized them. he got off his horse, and bowed deeply before them, showing his respect. His men dismounted and did the same.
As the story unfolded, it became apparent that the late King Scythruler had very much been aware of his son Obies treasonous ideas. he had sent a messenger to Sir Ryan, telling him to return quickly, so he could help his son take the throne. Sir Nolan had immediatly come, and he and his men had rode at break-a-neck speed across the empire to reach the capitol as fast as possible. However, then they heard of the battle, and quickly went towards it.
Just then, Nolan, with a might cry, parried a thrust by obie, and sent his sword spinning off, landing on some poor fellows head, instantly killing him. the battle was officially over.
Obie was imprisoned. Days later, in the capital city of Bacardi HQ, Scythlord was crowned king of his fathers territory, and Grand Paladin of the order. All the members of the order where there, most of them new, most of the old members where dead or dieing, and had already had their heirs coronated. They all swore allegiance to Scythlord.
Sir Nolan, and Sir Ryan, where each given new titles. Sir Nolan, for his bravery, became the the secretary of the council of defense. Sir Ryan became the secretary of the invasion council.
Chapter 7: The Journey
Rumors had come. The sky darkend.
The rumors said that an evil mage had cast an armagedon spell. It was said that it would destroy the continents, decimating all the cities.
It was decided that all the rulers would board a massive fleet, and sail to a new world, and start the order there, and convert and purify them as well.
A great fleet was prepared. On it was a vast colonizing army. Most of the leaders where going, a fe where staying behind, to keep watch over the paladin order on zetamania.
Our destination, was the world known as mantrax.
It had been weeks, and then the storm struck. It was incredible. The thunder rolled, the lightning cracked all around us. Our fleet was being tossed around on the high seas, like a child tossing around small wooden boats in a small pool of water. It was reidiculous. Scythlord said, more to himself then to any one in particular, "Then the rumors where true. This is it. This is the armagedon spell that the powerful mage on Fantais cast. why where we not warned. Why Lothon?!"
Then he heard lothons voice in his mind. Scythlord, it said. I cannot tell you about everything. It is good that you took the flame with you, for zetamania has been completely destoryed. I was not able to stop the spell, though I tried, i really did. I just coukd not stop this, it was beyond even my control. Now you must go, and restart the order on a new world.
With that, the voice stopped. Scythlord and the fleet went on for days until suddenly, land was sighted. manyy said it was the fabled plains of mantrax. However, they where the harsh mountains of fantasia, where rulers who where well trained in the arts of war and politics roamed.
The storm had taken its toll upon the Paladin fleet. Most rulers only had about three ships left, and some rulers had not made it at all. High Paladin Rock is the most notable casualty of the sea.
The first thing the survivors dod when they landed was build a giant temple to Lothon, and made graves around it, for all those who died. Tombs where made inside the temple for the fallen rulers.
Chapter 8: The Continent of Fantasia and trouble
This new continent, Fantasia as it is called, is huge. The continent is three times the size of Zetamania, and many many people inhabit it. Many kingdoms had been there for ages. These where the Kingdoms of Legacy, Mirror and Abydos. One kingdom, named Carnage, had come from the world of mantrax. They however, had not had the same storm, and upon arriving on Fantasia, quickly set up a strong hold on the continent. The kingdom of predators too, had made the journey. They also had lost some men. They landed close to some veteran kingdoms, and where having a hard time staying alive.
The kingdom of Carnage. Soon after landing on Fantasia, Scythlord met with their leader. As it turns out, his ancestors had been close friends with Scythrulers ancestors, even having been members of the same kingdom way back when. This secured immidiate good relations between the two kingdoms.
As before, The paladin order started in the south western corner of the map. This was okay. They had less borders to defend. However, another kingdom, the kingdom of rebels, ahd also landed near them, and had set up a few cities. After on three months, war broke out between the paladin order and the rebel kingdom.
It went well for the paladins. they easily routed the untrained and ill prepared rebel cities. They where undefended, and un protected for the most part.
At the battle of North Carolina, the rebels lost a hard fough battle agianst the combined forces of Timmiev and Sir Razios. Next, the mining city of Georgia was taken, This one was undefended, and barely took an effort at all. Next however, came the battle for South Carolina. This was the rebel stronghold. This decisive battle was one of the greatest of the time. It was still early, and most kingdoms where no where near their full power. These where truely trying times for the paladin order.
Sir Razios then led an attack upon the rebel held city of Georgia. It was a tough battle, as its owner knew that it was of a dieing breed.
Soon, rebel rulers started to join the order. One named Isenthor Flying sun, was accpted. He was not the strogest, but he did believe. Lothon came to Scythlord in a dream, and told him of Isenthor, and how he would make the kingdom strong. Some, paladin zango being chief of these, felt that this was a bad decision.
It was looking really well for the paladin order, when the worst thing immaginable happened.
Scythlord became deathly sick. He lay in bed for days, not being able to attend to the day to day business of running his own cities, much less the paladin Order. Scythlords advisors took over the running of his cities, while High paladin Vostov, the son of Brother Wessick, became the temporary Grand Paladin.
Scythlords advisors where cruel, and Vostov lacked the xpirience to lead the paladin order.
It was then, that the worst of all things happened.
Chapter 9:Loyalty and Betrayl
Sir Razios. He was once a respected member of the paladin order. Scythlord, having lots of extra time on his hands, had even decided that when he came back, he was going to name Sir razios one of the new high paladins. Then, he claims to have been given a vision.
In this vision, he saw himself, the ruler of a powerful kingdom, leading a march upon the rest of Fantasia, and taking it. However, he did not do it wearing paladin armor. He did it in the armor of his ancestors, of The Reaping.
And so, during a time of great turmoil, Sir razios left the paladin order, and recreated The Reaping. He then asked paladin Zango to join him. In return for his loyalty, Zango would be allowed to kill Isenthor Flyingsun. However, though, for the first few days, it seemed that their timing was perfect, it couldn't have been worse.
After having almost died, Scythlord awoke one morning, feeling surprisingly well. He sent a messenger to High Paladin Vostov, wishing to speak with him at once.
Vostov arrived days later, to find his king, well and in good health, playing a friendly game of tennis with one of his advisors.
After the game, Vostov and Scythlord retreated into his study, where Vostov not only, sadly reported on the happenings of the kingdom, but also on his own cities. Scythlords advisors had the people living at serf level, giving them almost no food and water, and over working them. The cities where not growing, and where producing almost nothing.
Then Vostov reported on Sir Razios. The king was literally socked into silence. He was crushed, confiding in Vostov his plans to make Sir razios a High Paladin. Then, the king decided that he had been away for far to long. He called his captains together, had all his advisors arrested, gave food to the hungry, had his armies build houses for every family in the city, and,m finally, he called together his generals.
Commander Tyrone was selcted to lead the men of the Paladin Templars towards the Reaping held city in the north. Colonel Jasper was selcted to lead the Paladin Crusaders out, to fight with the advaning army, that was going to try and take Bacardi HQ, the paladin capitol city.
As the men left, Scythlord too, prepared to leave. However, he did not go to war, instead, he went to the temple of lothon. With him came his five best generalsn, as well as Vostov and his five best generals. Soon, every paladin and his five best generals had arrived at the temple of Lothon, built in on the sea.
Here, Scythlord gave his speech. The speech, which was meant to not only fire up his men, but also remind them of their duty t lothon, and to those weaker then themselves. He told them to never let greed guide you, as it did Sir razios. He also told them to never let hate guide you, as it did to Zango.
As the meeting drew to a close, a figure walked into the great hall. Before he knew what had happened, five men where already up, pointing swords at him. Another three had gotten between him and the king, and the rest where all holding their blades at the ready, waiting to see what would happen. The Scythlord spoke.
"I see you decided to show your face, Zango!"
"Y-y-yes m'lord," Zango stammered. "I heard you where well, and came to see if it was true."
"Well, you that I am. Now leave, traitors are not allowed in the hallowed halls of Lothon."
"B-but sir, I have renounced the reaping armor. I have left their ways behind, and am here to seek your forgivness, and to return to the paladin order."
"So now, only after we close upon you with armies whose size has yet to be seen in this world, do you come back. Well Zango, it is no longer my decision. The decsion shall be voted upon, by your former brothers."
Scythlord smiled, for Zango visibly paled, for he knew that now, he would either be accpted as a low ranking paladin, or he would have no home at all.
And then, all of a sudden, it happened. Zango backed away. Vostov had given a rousing speech, ending with his vote, tha Zango should not be allowed into the kingdom.
Then, as if everything wasn't already looking bad enough for Zango, a messenger burst out of one of the side passages. He brought with him the news that, the kings city of Forest Watch, had been taken and burned to the ground by an elite army of falcons.
As Zango backed away, instead of looking grim, he looked happier and happier. Now it was Scythlord who was looking rather pale, and very confused. Zango reached the entrance to the massive temple of Lothon, and said these fatal words.
"You do not accept me, that is fine. But you will feel my wrath. Even now, my armies march on Bacardi HQ, with orders to brn it to the ground. And, an extra special little surrpise."
With this, he turned around, and flung the dorrs open. When he did this, a hundred men, wearing, what looked like Falcon armor ran in, and formed a lin in front of Zango. Scythlord quickly assessed the situation. There where sixteen lords present. Each had brought their five best commanders, and at that time, being a commander meant you where good with a sword. So, eighty men agianst over a hundred. Many men would die. But then Scythlord noriced that these men where elites, a special fighting force Zonga had mentioned, and he also figured these where the same guys who burned down Forest Watch.
"So," Scythlord said. "You want to end this. You have your men burn my city down, then ask me to allow you back into our order. You make me sick. When we take out your men, I shall personnally tell King Plokoon all about your little escapades here, and have you thorwn out of there as well. You will never be safe from my wrath. Never!!"
And with that, the king pulled his sword, and charged at his enemy. Zango fled, but his one hundred elite men stayed. Scythlord led his eight men agianst the line. The fighting was fierce.
Scythlord charged straight at one men, the center one, and just before he reached him, he launched himself into a flying kick, hitting the mans shield, sending him falling back, impaling himself on the sword of the man behind him. After that, everything was a blur. The paladins rored, and blood was spilt.
An hour later, there where only forty one paladins left. A little less then half had died. Thankfully, none of the rulers themselves had. However, all one hundred elite men had been killed. none had run, like their cowardly leader had. Scythlord opened the doors, to find something he had not expected, another battle.
Chapter 11: The battle of Lothons temple
The battle of Lothons temple will go down as the first true fight of the era. Since the armagedon spell had been cast, and everyone had lost most of their men, most people had been consentrating on building an ecomomy. Not the paladins, though they tried too. However, the war with the traitors Razios and Zango left their economies strong, and with many men.
However, many brave men died at the battle of Lothons temple. There, after the fight between the paladin leaders and the elite soldiers, two great amies clashed.
Zango had pulled every man, given him a sword, and marched him off. All his cities now lay unprotected, but he had an army of ober five thousand men at his command, though it was not very well trained.
Scythlord always kept a few hundred soldeirs close by him. They, with the temple guards, made up a section of the paladin army. Also, High Paladin Vostov, had detailed a thousand men as guards. All the other paladins had brought small contingents of men, from fifty to five hundred men in size. So, it was here that everything would happen. Would the rebellion be ended here, or would it drag on for another few months, before the army of Zango finally all died. well, it was all going to depend on one man. As Scythlord surveyed the land, he knew his men, though outnumbered, had the advantage. The had the temple at their backs, and where much beter equiped.
So, as Scythlord and his paladins prepared, Vostov came up with a briliant strategy. He would take every horseman, a leave. Then, Scythlord would call out, and scream and curse, and then charge at the enememy. Then, when the battle was in full swing, Vostov and the cavalty would hit Zango and his men from behind. The plan couldn't fail.
And so, Scythlord stood there, dressed with his mighty sword. Beside him stood the great warrior timmiev, who carried the mighty battle axe, that could chop men in half. Also with him was mbeidas, a man skilled with a sword. Then he saw Vostov leave. At irst, he was filled with gnuine dread, but then he remembered the plan, and smiled. Then he started yelling and cursing, but the thousand odd cavalry men didn't even look back, they just kept riding away.
Then, with a scream that frightened his opponents so, he turned, faced his enemy, and charged. Mbeidas was right ehind him, and timmiev on his left side. the three the great warriors led a massive charge straight at the middle of the enmy lines. They had no shields to defend themselves with, but they did make a wall of spears, hoping to stop the oncoming charge. They didn't however, and the mave of paladin soldiers ran through the Zango men. Then, the cavalry came. They struck hard and fast at the rear, and soon, the battle had turned into a massacre.
Then, all of a sudden, Zangos battle lines broke, and his men started to flee, but they where quickly rounded up. Zango could not be found. The leader of the men was brought before Scythlord and Vostov. When asked what his profession was, the man had replied that he was just a potter, who had been, now it seemed, at the wrong place at the wong time. He also told the two men that none of his men where trained soldiers, they had all just been recruited and conscripted, without a choice.
Scythlord understood this, and, told the men to go home, back to their villages. However, he warned them that paladin armies would be coming, and it would be best just to surrender when they did.
As the defeted armies of Zango trudged home, many where in awe that they where still alive. Most considered it a miracle that they where spared, and where going to encourage their cities and towns to put up no resistance to the paladin armies when they came, so that everything would be okay.
And the did. After that, the army camping outside the city of bacardi HQ was defeated by a combined force of Scythlords paladins, helped by an army of Sir barney's, of a kingdom just east of them, called The jesters. Days later, Scythlord led an attack on the city of Castle of D, and easily took it. It was defnded by only a handful of men. The rest had all refused to fight, for they had been at the battle of the temple of Lothon, and knew what they had to do.
Zango was still at large, and roaming around the paladin forests, but he had almost no army. Occasional siting came in, but, they where never serious. A failed raid by him and his men on a merchant caravan, or stealing of cattle, that ended up kicking one of his men to death. It seemed that all the rpoblems that had befallen the sacred order where finally at an end.
I know its really long, thanks for finishing
