Episode: And Not to Yield
Posted by Story on 01/14/24
More scouting reports begin to come in, as the flood of refugees to Arx intensifies. Hundreds of smaller domains have begun to marshal their forces, readying to rally to the banners of their highlords whether in defense of of the cities of the Great Houses or to make to Arx, but there's been a distinct lack of communication from the more distant domains. As more refugees arrive, it becomes quickly apparent why- most outlaying domains are simply gone. Attempts at defense were overwhelmed and completely destroyed. In most places, not even ruins remain and refugees attempting escape have been run down.
The sheer size and scope of the horde is overwhelming. It's possible powerful stands at strategic points can slow the march upon Arx, buying refugees time to evade the horde and make it to Arx. It's also possible that the horde will overwhelm and utterly crush everything in its way, allowing it to defeat the forces the Compact in detail before it falls upon a weakened Arx like a hammerblow. Different lords argue about what is the better choice.
Though others are just in denial. Some traditionalists seem happy to pretend nothing at all is the matter, writing white journals about trivial complaints about neo nobles or prodigals, even as word arrives that their domains have been completely annihilated and their houses functionally no longer exist. The shrines, the Great Cathedral of Arx, the Great Archive are all swarmed and overcrowded by the faithful praying for answers, and writing. Some have no hope at all, while others march for doomed defenses of minor domains, baronies that cannot hope to even slow the advance.
For centuries, the Compact believed magic didn't exist, and demons were simply stories. They saw the Reckoning as allegorical. That time is past, and a second Reckoning has come for the world.
The sheer size and scope of the horde is overwhelming. It's possible powerful stands at strategic points can slow the march upon Arx, buying refugees time to evade the horde and make it to Arx. It's also possible that the horde will overwhelm and utterly crush everything in its way, allowing it to defeat the forces the Compact in detail before it falls upon a weakened Arx like a hammerblow. Different lords argue about what is the better choice.
Though others are just in denial. Some traditionalists seem happy to pretend nothing at all is the matter, writing white journals about trivial complaints about neo nobles or prodigals, even as word arrives that their domains have been completely annihilated and their houses functionally no longer exist. The shrines, the Great Cathedral of Arx, the Great Archive are all swarmed and overcrowded by the faithful praying for answers, and writing. Some have no hope at all, while others march for doomed defenses of minor domains, baronies that cannot hope to even slow the advance.
For centuries, the Compact believed magic didn't exist, and demons were simply stories. They saw the Reckoning as allegorical. That time is past, and a second Reckoning has come for the world.