Beluaterran Observer/Issue 1

Beluaterran Observer October 1010

Ramblings on Realms

Avalon- Cteduul's walls were breached but last week by a huge monster army. It is said they put up a brave fight, yet the democracy created by Enweil in ages past was finally destroyed. It was certainly surprising their allies in the Netherworld failed to aid them, instead choosing to assault Hetland. Soon enough, Avalon will be just a page in the history books. While the Observers editors are unhappy to hear of the fall of yet another human realm, who isn't at least a bit happy to know that the realm of Dead Angels, Grim-Reapers, and funny symbols involving parentheses is dead?

Bara'Khur- The self styled realm of heroes has certainly come a long way in the invasion. From being a realm that was content to merely join easily won wars, it has managed to stay on its feet for a good portion of the invasion, savvily entering into federations with Enweil, Avalon, Fronen, Melhed, and an alliance with the Daimons. A former Bara'Khurian, Sherilynn Delsantos is even sitting on the throne of Netherworld. Bara'Khur has certainly played its cards well, and we lay odds this realm will be standing once the invasion is over. It may not be a realm of heroes, but its certainly a realm of politicians.

Enweil- Beluaterra's Giant took quite the beating this invasion, yet seems to be bouncing back. Left red faced after numerous defeats at the hands of Riombara and Dominion of Alluran before the start of the invasion, Enweil has managed to survive a Monster assault, forming federations with Avalon and Bara'Khur, and alliances with Daimons and Fronen. Having coffers that extend to the abyss is sure to have helped though. Will Enweils good fortunes hold out? In the end, will they be able to convince their partners in the Netherworld that their own realm doesn't need "purification by fire?" Who knows. Perhaps we shall see the old Enweil rise again after the invasion, dominating continental policies once more, ever willing to wage war to expand its own borders and impose its will on lesser realms.

Fronen- Boasting of a powerful militia army, well filled coffers, and a envious position around the lake, Fronen has remained dormant for the most part, sending its troops to the ill fated defense of Ossmat. Fronen is in federation with Bara'Khur and Melhed, and at peace with daimons. Monsters recently declared war on them. Perhaps its time Fronen woke up.

Hetland- Ahh, Hetland. Sent its troops to the defense of Mesh and Heen, yet sadly, both those realms fell. No strangers to the political arena, its nobles once famously spoke of daimons as their gods. In what can only be described as a remarkable turnaround, the very same nobles are now sacrificing themselves to the enigmatic faction of Light. Nonetheless, Hetland (with substantial help from the Light) has managed to turn back the daimonic assault. Will they survive the wrath of the Monsters, the faction they were allied with before the Lights built their temple in Creasur? Only time will tell.

Melhed-Once known as fence sitters, Melhed seemed to be doing well until yesterday. They were negotiating a pact with the dead, yet counted the daimons out, and were ambushed in Fronepu, loosing its walls to the netherworld. Is this the beginning of the end for Melhed? Or are the daimons just passing through? Melhed is rich, perhaps it can snatch victory from defeat, provided its rusty armies work in unison.

Meridian Republic- Beluaterra's Dark Horse, Meridian was formed in Rines, when the city seceded from Riombara. Meridian negotiated an alliance agreement with monsters. War was declared upon Meridian Republic by Enweil, Avalon, Bara'Khur and Netherworld hours after it was formed. It expanded swiftly, quickly taking four duchies for itself. Meridian is well placed, with walls guarding its inner core of regions, gold aplenty, and a seemingly powerful army. Meridian seems to be living up to its motto, "By casting aside your sacred honor, you can indeed gather an even greater honor: the accomplishment of your true goal." All that remains to be seen is the realms true goal. How does it plan to proceed now that its northern flank is secure?

Old Grehk- A shadow of its former glory, Old Grehk fought hard against the forces of the dead, making assault after assault, until finally the undead armies overwhelmed them, pushing them back all the way to Ossmat. Ossmat too fell at last, but was returned to Old Grehk by the dead last week under mysterious circumstances. Has Old Grehk agreed to a pact with the undead? Perhaps in the worst position on the continent, Old Grehk faces the daimons on the west, undead from the north and east, and monsters to the south. The editors wish them luck.

Riombara- The realm of the Highborn on the High Horses, Riombara, seemed in a good position at the start of the invasion, large and oiled army, defensible position, and a good ally in Dominion of Alluran. However, Dominion fell to the monster tide, Riombara too started loosing ground. Riombara managed to hold ground in Grehk, driving back monster hordes, and rejected a treaty from the monsters after a heated debate. Rines seceded to form Meridian Republic, and Riombara signed peace with monsters, which persisted until recently. Riombara seems on its way to recovery after retaking Irombro. Perhaps the realm shall bounce back.

Sint- Sint. One wonders how it has managed to thrive for so long. Forged an alliance with the daimons, abandoning their age old friends in Heen to a fiery death, and now word has it a Temple of Light has been constructed in Firbalt. Sint has abandoned the Netherworld once more, as swiftly as they became allies. The ends justify the means they say- and there is no denying that Sint has done what it perceived necessary to survive. Sint has a knack for surviving, and the editors feel it will pull through once again.

Thalmarkin- Targeted by the undead from day one, Thalmarkin has managed to push them back against all odds. Once reduced to Unger alone, and written off by many, this hardy realm clawed its way back from the jaws of death. Much strife have these people endured, and the editors hope they shall prevail in their struggle.

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