A long invested struggle, between man and spirit, has ventured past eons on the soil from which both originated. Scorched beyond recognition, a compromise is desired between both parties, yet none can come up with an ideal solution. It leaves little to the imagination to suggest whether or not one side can concede for the other, as cost for conflict grew beyond their comprehension. All that was left was further loss in the eyes of those who have been just as scorched as the soil.
Carrying the burden of an idealistic goal, Leaders across the land discussed terms with which they could present with the sacred grounds that spanned across their territories; as a means for which their heritage wouldn't be as sorely sacrificed. One of the members of the meeting, a Lord's trusted scientist,conducted an experiment that allowed for the vitality in foliage to be harnessed into a gemstone, and with it, proposed extending the war. Many leaders stated that they had no interest in such things, but thought that it was worthwhile in providing it as a keepsake for their successors if their treaty were to go sour in the future.
Reaching out for the air, a sword materialized and fell onto the table, piercing the weatherd bark. The party was baffled and questioned the scientists abilities, and requested him to explain why he showed them this blade.
"Gentleman, our fury will bloom whether we like it or not. There is an age of war coming from the clouds, and we must bear arms. the question is not when or how, but why. Have we forgotten the sacrifies our forebearers made to give us peace? I know this is not the case, and perhaps you feel insulted. I wish for you to display your anger before this blade, for it shall present to you an affinity which will allow us to progress through this battle with victory set in our sights."
Forcing themselves into a rushed meeting, none knew of what was about to come. a Warrior clad in feathers that bore resemblance to coal walked towards them, and unsheathed a staff that retained a harmonic oscillation. He was requested to speak up but said nothing, and simply demonstrated his power. The meeting table became a map which displayed projection of invasions from the spirits, and that the meeting was fruitless. They had their hands forced into chaos. This man knew that and wished to clarify it, but none knew of his origins, nor cared enough to belay a reassessment of their plans. He was asked to Leopold's battalion, as he was the head of the meeting's orgainzation, and follow back to his kingdom when there was time for clarification.
The first to look at the blade with scepticism was The King of Wurfstone, Cuthbert. He and his loyal Knights crawled to the blade to grab its hilt, but to his shock, his subjects were destroyed immediately, while he was left to absorb their power. The other leaders were shocked but retained composure, and began discussing what could have happened. Were they dead?
"What treachery is this? You are no man of nature. Speak before I slay you!". Cuthbert was enraged, and drew the blade which took his loyal warriors, his friends, and intended to find retribution through blood.
That was, until the scientist spoke.
"Much like your friends were slain i presume? Do not fret, for they are still around, just not in their mortal coil. Their vitality has been assimilated into your body, Lord Cuthbert. Can you not notice a difference in your own strength?"
"It does not matter to me how much strength i have if it at the expense of those i wish to fight for. Undo your curse before i dismember you before this company."
"Ah but you see, they will return. just after the war is resolved. The power you have obtained is not merely the sum of their heads. You have unlocked something raw, something forgotten due to years of peace. this will allow us to win against these foes."
"What are you babbling about? What is this sword? Who are you?"
"My name is Odomir, and this blade was forged from refined rubble of Thiurhilt, the first fortress of our kind. It was more of a Ziggarach than anything else, but that does not change the fact that it retained properties that baffle even myself to this day, as you can see. All we know is, it can be reversed by drawing the blood of a thousand enemies. So I ask of you all, even if i must pledge as well, to hold this blade and cure this land of its sorrow."
The leaders spoke with one another, looking at the seething but charismatic Cuthbert, and one spoke out.
"I will accept, but are we correct to assume that all our underlings will be absorbed by our own flesh and bones?"
"You are not, however it is a fair error. The blade only seeks the strongest. Even those who are not disciplined might be taken in. this may perhaps worry you. fear not, for it will not affect your psyche. Bear in mind, however, that means you may submit to a stronger individual of your respective kingdoms, but that is highly unlikely unless they were to be present at the time our writ, or if their emotional disparity presented itself on the battlefield."
"I see...if that is the case, then i concede. My subjects have already consented."
"Again, your subjects may not even be chosen. You must be prepared to take the burden of holding the lives of innocent bystanders in your hands."
This began to worry the kings. But then a voice shook over the castle. The first to point it out was Leopold's Warrior.
