Far from the domain of Helgos, across the border into hostile lands, lies the realm of the beastmen. The United Realms of Lankos, a Confederacy of several beastmen realms. Initially, they were a squabbling domain of Demi-humans divided by racial differences.

It wasn’t until the great war against the advancing holy empire if Judica, did the disparate Nation states unite. R social boundaries fell as a far greater threat emerged. Humanity was the great expansionist that sought to claim the sacred lands of their ancestors.

The greedy race sought to defile the land with their spirit faith. The corrupting force that was the spirits was antithetical to their way of life. For beings not of this world to twist the fabric of nature. It was the greatest of sins.

This could have been forgiven, since the beastmen had forged peace with creatures from other worlds. The demons of Demonus were one such extra-dimensions species they had come to an understanding with.

This understanding was more akin to mutual respect. The beastmen before unification had a primitive cultural mindset. At least, that's how an outsider would view it. They believed in the principles of social Darwinism: the strong thrive while the weak perish.

Naturally, this perspective evolved post-unification. But the basic tenets were still there. Demons in fact believed in a similar viewpoint with one minor difference. They saw other races as part of a grand scheme of life and all should serve in their own way. The strong should flourish while the weak serve.

This perspective existed rather counter to their cooperative ideology that made up the federation. Yet despite their ruthless viewpoints, the Federation of Demonus grew to become a major nation weaved together by a myriad of complex treaties.

The ways of the demon meant little to the Lankosians. Only the respect Demonus had for their ways led to their membership status. The unified nation of beastmen became a valued member of the Federation. Becoming a buffer state against the predations of the Empire. The general view of imperials was rather poor, yet the beastmen held no major prejudice against humans. Most humans would largely disregard an odd turn of events.

Imperials held nothing but animosity towards the beastmen, and in return, they received hostility. Yet a contradiction held with Lankos' amicable relationship with the Wizard State of Ikarus. The wizardly realm held the largest population of humans in the eastern lands. Despite this lack of xenophobia amongst the citizens of Lankos. They still held an aversion to the ways of humanity and their desires to force their so-called civilised realm upon them.

It was this crux that led to the decades long hostility that was now coming to a head. Reports of instability in the Empire, emboldening the Lankosian warlords, had finally encouraged them to stake a claim on their ancestral lands. The beastmen sent the claim in their typical way. The beastmen sent an emissary force to the border with all pomp and ceremony to deliver the ultimatum.

Standing at the border of the western lands. A small force of beastmen made camp. The species that comprised the camp were of many types. Post unification saw the integration of complimentary species into a standing army.

The combination of various races saw the development of new tactics in warfare. Yet despite the integration, their military leaned into infantry. Further developments were ongoing, but for now, they were better suited for this.

“Is this not unwise, my general?” A lupine beastmen asked.

People knew the being as a wolf-kin, a descendant of a proud and powerful race known only as the Children of the Moon. It is said their ancestors could become monstrously powerful when the moon was full. Lankosian soldiers outfitted the lupine soldier with the typical Lankosian military garb.

Gone were the days of animal hides and fur armour. Now the Lankosian military wore a leather gambeson with a steel plate. The investment of the Federation afforded such luxury. It took a while for the beastmen to get accustomed to the restricting armour. They made many modifications, but ultimately transformed the beastmen into a fearsome force.

The wolf-kin didn’t receive a reply from his superior and so he remained in silence. It was their typical interactions. His General went into deep thought. The being that stood at the head of the camp was massive, casting his piercing gaze at the human fortifications.

He was not of the wolf-kin. In fact, he was from an obscure species that existed far south. They resembled bipedal boars and were violent and hostile to outsiders. Territorial by nature, something the wolf-kin could understand and respect. They were the last species to join the united realms. Mainly because they didn’t even understand the concept of surrender.

In fact, his species known as the realms did not subjugate Boar-kin. They instead joined after fathoming the heights their people would rise. That was years ago and so they had become effective soldiers in the united army. Contrary to their martial skills, this Boar-kin excelled in feats of the mind.

“War is always unwise, but if it has to be done, we must ensure we do it right.”

The wolf-kin had been his adjutant for three years and he always found his superior's perspective on war rather strange. He figured it was because of his species. They were defensive by nature and were skilled at defending against enemy sieges.

“But the last battle with the Empire left many dead, and the lands scorched by magic.”

“We always address that distinction, Lieutenant Sigyn, not their magic.”

Sigyn pondered the words. Yet all he could come up with were the horrific memories of past battles. The humans, known as the paladins of fire, burning whole cohorts to cinders. Being a survivor of such a battle and claiming a few kills had led to his promotion. He never understood why the mighty General Grey-Tusk would take him under his wing.

“But they can throw fire just as easily as a volley of arrows.”

“There is a difference between having power and wielding it. You should have read the reports I gave you.”

The General's word sounded like admonishment, but thinking it over, it held the scent of a teacher. Grey-Tusk all thought hailed from a clan of primitives, by the standard of the realms. He still rose to prominence for his intellect despite those that looked down on their race.

“You know I’m no good at all that reading and analysing.”

“It is not a matter of skill; it is a matter of discipline.” Grey-Tusk added sternly.

“But I prefer it when you explain. You are so much better at words.”

“Fine then, let us start with the magic of the Empire. We have time until the emissaries return.” He said, shifting to face the young lieutenant.

“Yes General.” Sigyn saluted.

“What you call Paladins are, in fact, humans that borrow the power of the spirits. They are akin to the warlocks of old, that summoned demons to bargain with.” Grey-Tusk explained.

“Warlocks, I have not heard of such a thing.”

“Ah yes, before your time, young one. They were community humans and beastmen that worshipped demons, doing their bidding for power.”

The General scratched his whiskers while the young officers were deep in thought. His tusks required some maintenance, and he wondered if the enemy would draw out the negotiations.

“Does that mean the spirits and demons are similar?” Sigyn asked casually.

“I wouldn’t let the diabolists hear you say that. But you are on the right track.” A faint smile crossed the boar man.

"The similarities are obvious when you think about it. Both demons and the spirits interact with us lowly mortals the same way. They both promote dependance on their power and animosity against the other. I wouldn’t be surprised if they started this war."

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“Surely you jest. This is a righteous war to reclaim the fatherland.” He added with the fervour of a staunch believer.

“The fatherland, you say, while I agree, we can trace the origins of several species to the western plains. Many of the united realms originated elsewhere. In fact, I would wager a set of mithril armour that the humans will claim ancestry from the plains as well.” The General explained with a smirk.

The young lieutenant frowned. The desire to strike back against that statement warred with his respect for the General. It was difficult for the young lupine to hear these words. The united realms raised the young lieutenant, along with many other young beastmen and women. Their ideology instilled in them a belief in the importance of land, ancestry, and respect for the traditions of its diverse races.

The Boar-kin were, of course, practical creatures and dealt with situations without pomp and ceremony. It made most of the other races look down on them. How can you respect a race without tradition, honour or a sense of duty? That was one of the many questions posed against their admittance. Yet, the realms still accepted them and granted them full citizenship.

"You don’t have to think too hard on the issue, young one. If you take away all the politicking and face the facts. It becomes less about who hailed from where. You should know that in war, what matters most is what can be held and what can be lost."

Sigyn calmed his nerves, trying to digest the words of the man he respected. It was difficult, but he could understand the practicality behind it.

“Think of my words when you have the time. Perhaps they shall put things into perspective.” He gestured to calm his anxious subordinate.

“We have other matters to consider.”

Turning away, he cast his gaze upon the table before them. It was a simple wooden table with a map, blocks of wood spread across the field, and a strange dagger made of glass. Picking up the weapon, he gestured its figure to Sigyn.

“What do you make of this weapon?” He asked, presenting the pristine blade.

“It looks fragile, like it could break easily.”

Someone abruptly placed the blade in the young man's hand. Gripping it tightly, the soldiers' eyes widened. The reaction seemed like what the General would have expected. He had the same reaction when he first wielded the weapon. Despite its glass life visage, it had the weight and durability of steel.

Their benefactor gifted them the weapons. The northern nation is strange. The Wizard State of Ikarus. Something about the shipment struck the General as odd. The wizard nation had always been neutral in this conflict. But they had put their support forward.

“These weapons are from Ikarus. Apparently, they can contend with the spirits.” He explained.

His subordinate's face, slowly registering awe, revealed the significance of such a weapon. People considered the spirits to be the greatest enemies of all beastmen. The corruptive force would infiltrate all facets of the natural world, bending it to the will of humanity.

Many druids and rangers saw this as heresy, while the typical beastmen recalled how they had torched their brothers with fireballs. The negative opinions surrounding the spirits made them seem suspicious on this side of the border. The discovery of weapons that could fight these monstrous beings was a boon to the army.

“We've distributed the shipment. We have large stores of arrows, short swords, and daggers.” He explained.

His adjutant nodded, pleased at the support the army had gained. It was quite the boon for the forces and he couldn’t wait for the Empire to feel their wrath. Grey-Tusk saw the gleam in his subordinate eyes. The craving for blood and battle was typical for their people. So he didn’t admonish the boy, still he found the concept irritating.

“Is this all we are?” He whispered to himself.

The silent question claimed no answer, only the sound of soldiers marching and the anticipation of battle.

Far from the borderlands, in the royal capital of the Tarkonian Kingdom. A stone-faced sovereign sat upon a gilded throne, receiving news from his vassals. Wine goblet in hand, his queen at his side. The monarch exuded wealth and prestige in everything he did. Despite all that, the clear rippling muscle and militaristic attire showcased him as a martial king.

Being around forty years old, dark brown hair and a chiselled square-jawed face. He appeared what you would expect to be a warrior king. His light blue eyes seemed vibrant and confused by everyone that met the man. They appeared to be kind, beautiful eyes, while the rest of him looked to be the personification of violence.

The queen beside him was not beautiful by the typical measure. She appeared far more conservative, with little interest in flaunting fashion or beauty. Dressed in a simple violet gown, she sat upon her throne with a meek smile, the blonde curls of her hair cascading down. Her dark green eyes cast upon the procession, analysing everything she saw.

The two figures were the prospective monarchs of the Tarkonian royal family. Absolute sovereigns over the Great Kingdom of Tarkon. At least that’s how they styled themselves to the masses. To be fair, the kingdom had endured far longer than most civilisations, predating the Empire by a century. It was a true oddity for a land so steeped in magic, for a nation of martial prowess to prosper.

The kingdom had reigned in the western lands for over six hundred years. Founded after the fall of the vampire overlords. This martial kingdom claimed the southwestern lands of Hestia. Its cities and fortresses were unique, as they had kept much of the structures built by vampiric hands. A thousand years ago, vampire lords ruled the land. The night masters raised powerful fortresses made from mysterious stone resistant to heat and siege weaponry.

These impregnable lands became the base for the kingdom's power. Despite the defensive capabilities of the nation, they were not an all-powerful country. They lacked an effective industry for magic in civilian and military use. The martial nature leaned most towards the way of the sword. Wizards were a rarity and realms imported magic, such as Helgos.

Another major facet of the realm was the staunch embrace of religion. The kingdom recognised and respected the Paladins of Pyrus as a pillar. Temples of fire and earth dotted the realm. The worship of the fire spirit was the largest contingent of faithful. While artisans to the earth, the spirit became the bulk of industrial workers.

The spread of the temple's influence was largely because of the king's devout fervour. The man was a loyal follower of Pyrus and a veteran paladin of the order. Nobles of the past opposed their king's induction into the temples. Such voices of dissonance were easily silenced.

“Your majesty, reports have come in.” A well-dressed advisor approached the throne, clipboard in hand.

“Speak.” The king replied with a single word.

“Lankosian emissaries have delivered the declaration of war. Their casus belli are the claims over the eastern plains. We have delivered your refusal, and they have acted as expected.”

“So, it is to be war, then.” The king stated with a smile.

Rising from his throne, sword once leaning to the side, now clutched in waiting hands. He stood regal and powerfully built. Casting his gaze over the assembled nobility, each of them were border noble. The court highly respected militaristic families. War and conflict were so common that peaceful rulers were a hindrance.

“Do you really have to go, dear husband? Can’t you send one of your General’s?” The queen inquired, her prim and proper manner stressed her noble birth.

“How many are the enemy?” The king asked his advisor.

“We have sent ten legions, twice as many as last time.”

The king nodded, turning back to his queen, giving her a knowing smile.

“Does that answer your question?”

Shaking her head as the facts were irrefutable, she leaned back in tired acceptance.

“Fine then, just don’t get yourself killed. Being a widow would be tiresome.”

“You will do fine without me. I'm sure you will find some strapping young lad to twist around your exquisite finger.” The king added with a smirk.

“My dear Andrei, I wouldn’t dare replace you with some young fop.”

“I know, but select someone appropriate, just not my brother. Anyone but him, my darling.” He stated firmly.

“Why not darling, it would be appropriate to keep the royal line intact.”

"Out of the question, besides we don’t even know where that boy is. Last I heard, that mercenary crew was gallivanting with him."

Even though the reigning monarch, King Andrei Tarkon spoke of his younger brother with disdain. The thought of the open road, sword at his side, and adventure always made him smile. It was something his little brother could indulge in, but not himself. He had the responsibility of the kingship and the duty to defend the land from savages.

Just as he was about to lead on and take to the field of battle, a figure entered the throne room. Normally, this would be the height of disrespect, but the man's countenance revealed him to be an emissary of the crown. The emperor's messenger had the authority to interrupt the court of his kingly vassals. The well-dressed fop entered, bowed to the king and handed a scroll to his advisor.

With no pomp or ceremony, the messenger left. Andrei knows what this meant. The emperor only sent messengers for two reasons. When the Empire was under threat, or his majesty was sending an imperial order. The advisor opened the scroll, read its contents, and paled.

"Well, what is it?" demanded the king.

“The Kingdom of Helgos has rebelled and declared independence from the Empire.” Those weighty words set the entire court to silence.

Only the king remained immune, his chuckling laughter bellowed throughout the throne room. The king jovially laughed, as if the notion of a war on two fronts was the funniest thing he has ever heard.

“Helgos, I didn’t think they would have the balls.”

Disturbed, the rest of the room didn’t share in the king's joy. He didn’t care, they rarely understood his humour. Still, he understood the stakes and with the invasion and now a rebellion. The situation was getting very interesting.

“I assume his majesty has sent summons?”

The messages nodded and directed the monarch to the palace portal. King Andrei kissed his queen and left for the portal room. The network of magical gates that linked capitols of each kingdom was a peculiar thing. History records the ancient realm of Upire as having built it.

The nation that once spanned the entire continent and brought all races to heel. The ruler of the vampire overlords was a time when humanity was on its knees. But no longer, humanity had grown strong under the benevolent guidance of the spirits.

The Temples had been a pillar of strength and unity in the empire. The emperors of old knew this, heeded their wisdom and humanity prospered. As of late, the spirit faith and become less involved in secular matters. Past emperors would have considered these unions heresy, and they have thinned the imperial bloodline. The more the empire tried to compromise, the more they strayed from the faith.

"Savages at our doorsteps heathens out our backs. I foresee a great resurgence of the faith. We shall inscribe lessons learned in blood."