I'd like to start this with a short preamble, this took a while and it's because I was remastering and making new pieces for this very article, alongside extending much of the original lore; I want to give a huge thanks to the moderation team at Civit for allowing me to make and post this series of articles as without being able to show one scene in particular it would have felt pointless to do. Without further adieu, welcome to the Prologue for The Battle of Nacarath: Aylgraad, capital of the Penitential Realms and the Penitential Order which rules it. The sounds of bustling life, children's laughter and an overall peace blanket the grand city. In the heart of the city rises the grand citadel which houses the Penitential Order and their patron goddess the Penitent Sister, Kathyrne.
In the beautiful cobblestone eastern wing of the citadel, where the legendary Judicators call home there is an intense meeting between four Judicators including the High Judicator himself...
In the war room it is clear there is a tension, not between each other but of how to deal with the situation at hand.
"Darius," the young elven woman of the group spoke up, "this operation, you're positive? I mean, assassinating Gharaak and assaulting Nacarath is.." The young and exquisitely armoured High Judicator rose his hand to stop her. "Dangerous, I know Irina." He paused a moment before continuing, "but think of it, we know now where they've built their damned war engines and we know exactly where Gharaak himself will be. This is a chance we shall not have again, we can end his conquest; we can save the realms." At his other side, the young red haired Garrett spoke up in a proud and bold tone, "I concur with High Judicator Fairwillow, if not now then when? We're stretched thin as it is and the mans crusade continues to take realm after realm, even the Priestesses have found themselves unable to deal with the Gharaakian hordes, what say you, ser Eric?" Gesturing towards the veteran Judicator who had been sitting, hands together and eyes closed until now. "It's incredibly dangerous, we need a plan..." As the others started to speak he rose his hand, "more importantly, we need a plan for if we fail. We mustn't forget, the Judicators aren't immortal, even with four of us helming this operation we need to be prepared." He looked piercingly at Darius before continuing, "Darius, you're skilled and you've earned your place as our leader but please heed this, I've seen what happens when these missions go south; do not rely solely on our stature and skill, plan ahead and prepare for the worst." He lowered his gaze and sat back before saying one last piece, "to that end, I believe Irina would play a pivotal role..."
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Across the many realms of The Lands Beyond few realms hold near as close a tie to The Realms Between as Nacarath, seemingly a barren waste once inhabited by bandits now home to the Gharaakian Empires enormous portal nexus and siege construction, a massive fortress which spans much of the surface of the realm works tirelessly to ensure the Gharaakian imperial might
Within the grand fortress the Xyc'Takkn portal magi continue never-ending charge to empower the great portal nexus of The Gharaakian Empire. Standing and staring at the massive stone of Celestial Ore harvested from the Pinnacle of Eternity itself, Warplord Makkla seems deep in personal thought.
With a quiet chittering as he peered into the portal stones brilliance, the wise Xyc'Takkn quietly mused over the nexus he stood in, built in such short order with such amazing purpose and craftsmanship; he was certainly thankful to Lord Gharaak for giving his people purpose once again but to what end was such a thing necessary? Certainly not for simple transportation or conquest; yet even he could not peer through the defense the man put to protect others from whatever his true intentions may be.
He was suddenly interrupted from his thoughts as he felt a cascade of energy, ripping through the fabric of the realms, his eyes furled and he spoke softly, "ah... so this is why." The Warplord straightened himself and declared to the other magi around him in a calm, commanding voice, "as Lord Gharaak divined, a rift to Nacarath has opened. From the Penitential realms of all places, send an envoy to his grace immediately." The other magi chittered nervously at the mention of the Penitential Realms but nonetheless bowed and went about their tasks. "Gharaak... just what are you plotting to lure such a foe to our very doorstep."
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Outside Aylgraad the forces of the Penitential Order stand gathered as the High Judicator raised the mythical Einval to the sky, behind him a massive portal billows to life as the High Judicator begins to speak to the soldiers
"Knights of the Penitential Order, hear my command! Today we destroy the Gharaakian menace, the scourge that has plagued the Lands Beyond's many realms for years." Cheers erupt from the soldiers as the young man continues, "The Judicators have found the realm from which the Gharaakian scum build their machines of war, moreover we know the demon himself shall be present. My good warriors I ask you, is such an opportunity not a divine chance from Kathyrne herself?" More cheers and agreeing shouts can be heard from the zealous knights. "Then, with my power as High Judicator of the Penitential Order, I hereby declare an assault on the realm of Nacarath to end the scourge of the Gharaakian Empire once and for all. For The Lands Beyond, for The Penitent Sister!" The battalion around erupt in unison echoing "FOR THE PENITENT SISTER" as a march begins towards the portal, Darius at its head.
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