The Plot of Dustanova: Wargames

[Meleth Darkshine]

It has been eighteen years since the four races of Dustanova united together in the search for the notorious Scorch Mark Killer – eighteen years since it was proven that though the convictions of many were strong, the strains between the kingdoms of the realm were far too great for those unlikely and would-be heroes to solve the mystery and simultaneously calm the world. As we look back into the realm of Dustanova, the façade of peace has all but evaporated, and things have become very, very different.

Part I: Windows of Opportunity
The Crowning of Queen Empress Ezriska

After the loss of it's leader nearly two decades ago, Noctivagus quickly spiraled into chaos with the power of it's kingdom falling into different hands far too rapidly. Most successions were forced, dissention amidst the vampiric people far too obvious as they seperated from eachother and supported different noble houses for leadership, while the high born themselves murdered and schemed against eachother for the esteemed role. It was through this that the governing powers became vunerable for a strong willed usurper to take over, promising prosperity and security, and so she came in the form of a demon named Xanthe Ezriska.

Assumedly through demon will and a bizarre host of other tricks that none would be too fond of knowing the full extent of, the woman clawed her way to the top of the vampiric food chain and forced herself into the seat of power, taking those nobles who were once fighting against eachother and using their newborn hatreds to keep herself alive and seated. Like vicious and starved dogs she forced them into strong but irritable compliance, knowing her as master and they as underlings, and eventually her promises came true and Noctivagus knew a time of peace and security where they could rest a day and know that the same Queen would lead them, and that the goals of the country would remain solid. So for a brief time, though the leaders of other countries frowned at the forcibly crowned Lady Ezriska and her lack of past to be studied, Noctivagus was appeased and loyalty to their ruling house was bolstered.

Part II: Setting the Stage
The Forging of Unity

One of the first moves and plans of action was to reestablish bonds and treaties with the demons of the Cimmerii Valley. After Thorown, and then with the Scorch Mark Killer being all but outwardly claimed of being of demonic origin and the rest of the countries warily watching the demonic people's every move, the Phoenix Queen, Pallas Bloodskin, was more than happy to take on the offering of peace and understanding from Noctivagus and it's own demon queen, and so they became allies and only worked to increase relations as the time quickly passed.

It did not take long after that.

Part III: Check
In the Name of the ...

Dustanova cracked realm-wide to what it is now quickly, falling to international tension that came with out of realm invasions as well as the newly formed empire, the combination of Noctivagus and Cimmerii Valley coming together entirely, decided that two countries was simply not enough. With the vampires almost entirely in the hands of Xanthe Ezriska and the demons, as well as their Phoenix Queen, merely tired of being alienated for the sins of centuries past, the people of the Ardentia Empire have happily armed themselves to take on all those who would oppose them.

Silvanus, home of the elves, remains one of the last true bastions of sanity as well as strength, though a weakened Glendenvale works tirelessly to support it's ally of centuries past while defending itself as the "first target". Together they work to protect their people and ways of life against the merciless attacks that have been brought forward and right upon their doorsteps, and simultaneously try to find the point where their world funneled into a downward spiral in hopes of remedying the chaos.

.. And so we have found them, forced into playing ever dangerous wargames.