Total War upon Arche Prime: The Defence Pact Striketh Back

By Eleawen Galathiel

The mist that morning over White Harbor was so thick one might have thought the sky itself sought to smother the rising sounds of war. Here, under the strict control of Port Elysium, a quarantine had been imposed. « The spirits of the ancients must not ascend for the common good, » the sentinels reminded, their spears as straight as their duty. A necessary measure, the rulers claimed, to contain the dangers lurking between the stones of this cursed city.

Yet the adventurers of Che’El Oloth, ever bold and heedless of warnings, did cross the red line. A sentinel, his voice like thunder, growled, « A provocation! » A noble of the Defense Pact, his hand upon his sword’s hilt, roared, « An insult to the authority of Port Elysium! » But worse still – a transgressor was seized, and in their arrogance, the Drows did not yield.

Instead, they marched upon the very gates of Port Elysium, their fists pounding the iron and stone, demanding the prisoner’s release. « Release him, » they snarled, « or things shall get out of hand! » When the answer came—a firm and final « Nay »—they drew steel. Their reply was not words, but violence: a strike upon the gates, a blade turned upon the citizens and guards.

Why Such a Fierce Reaction?

Only a few months prior, Oloth had launched a blitzkrieg against Durakiss for control of the Belmorga Pass, a strategic point commanding access to Epsilon Black Nine’s laboratory and the Arche Gate. Despite fierce resistance, a peace agreement had been swiftly reached—at the cost of ceding the pass. But the Drows had shown little respect for diplomatic norms. An assassination attempt on King Alak during the war, had sealed the final rupture between the two city-states. « Break some Drow »—that is what now motivates Durakiss’s soldiers, as I’ve heard whispered among the barracks.

The tensions ‘twixt Oloth and Port Elysium are no new tale. One doth still recall the Councils of Arche Terre, where discussions ‘twixt the two city-states did ever fail, smothered by lingering aggression and the outrageous conduct of certain members of Oloth’s delegation. Provocations, scornful glances, and biting words had made all diplomacy impossible. And as if that were not enough, ‘tis not the first time that the quarantine imposed by Port Elysium hath been flouted by the Drows. A habit that, through repetition, doth resemble a veiled declaration of war.

As for whether any city-state doth appreciate Oloth’s conduct… Erevan alone doth know. But judging by the murmurs in Durakiss’ taverns and the sly smiles of Port Sambrune merchants, the answer doth seem to be a unanimous « nay. »

Like an echo across the mountains of Arche Terre, the member cities of the Defense Pact awoke in arms. « One for all, all for one, » as the diplomatic pledges proclaimed, sealed in honor and honesty in the face of adversity—especially with The Hive’s ongoing assault.

Troop movements began without delay. The armies of the Pact gathered in their strongholds before converging on Port Elysium, the crossroads where the first offensive was organized. The first target? Port Embria. And it was Durakiss, under the Kingdom’s banners, that struck the first blow. « A precise strike, a swift victory, » the heralds sang.

But the true challenge lay elsewhere. A joint offensive, led by Port Elysium, marched on the Arche Gate, Oloth’s access point. Success was mixed. For the Consortium, ever a step ahead, had already launched a subtle counterattack, making the position unassailable.

The Current Situation: A Multi-Front War

As I write, the Defense Pact’s lines are strengthening. Maps, redrawn daily, show a net loss of territory for Oloth. But beware, dear readers—for the Consortium does not stand idle. Its forces, discreet yet deadly, have retaken control of several areas once under Drow rule. « War is a game of chess, » say the strategists since the war exist. « Except here, the pawns bite. »

When kings play chess and generals brandish their swords, Erevan dances between the squares. And remember: in war as in trickery, the true victory is not to win… but to survive long enough to laugh at those who thought themselves untouchable.