History of Arnor

Colonial era - xxxx

The history of the colony begins when two exploration ships are lost in storm at way home and take shelter in unexplored bay. The ships are beyond quick repair and explorers are forced to set a camp. They are capable to survive first harsh winter thanks to perfect terrain with many resources and protection of bay, which saved the ships. The ships are repaired by summer and set off back to Star City. Explorers named foundations of the settlement Survival and most of them returned under protection of the Empire to build proper settlement and set a colony.

Following colonial years were simple years. Star City Empire was at it´s peak and colony explored and settled new lands under Empire´s authority, eventually controlling whole Eriador and parts of Calenardhon. It is also in this time, when colony discovered remains and ruins of some people in Calenardhon. These humans were one of the two groups of people, that separated from us, since we arrived through monolit so many years ago. The second people traveled past them into Valeria. It seems that these people destroyed one another and their remnants eventually died out.

Pre-war years - 2016

It is in these years, when colony saw its biggest influx of new colonists. Political instability, schemes, plots and corruption ruled in Empire and people, tired of it, were forced to the colony. One of them was young man Argonaut. Those in the Empire who even noticed their colony at the time, called fleeing colonists cowards or weaklings.

Argonaut, being well educated and talented individual, quickly rose in politics with his pro-colonial rhetoric, that called for more autonomy, honor and honesty. His party, called "Dúnedain", completely dominated colonial politics for a while, with only opposition in party of "Loyalists".

Loyalists had strong roots and were supported by renowned families of the first settlers, who were satisfied with colony as it is and, as their name may suggest, were loyal to the Empire. Most prominent of these was young senior officer of colonial militia Berúthiel and her administratively talented brother Cirion.

Colony, nearly unwatched by its overlords, began to prosper and talks of independence spread through it. Dúnedain complete dominance in colonial politics ended with rise of Ar-Adûnâim led by Durion, former imperial general. Many of Dúnedain switched sides to Ar-Adûnâim, which promoted full independence, even at the cost of armed conflict

Although Dúnedain no longer had complete dominance, they still held a majority, and with that influence, Argonaut was placed at the head of the militia as captain.

Discussions in colony were coming to boiling point whether to fight for independence with preventive strike or send proposal of it to the Emperor. Both Dúnedain and Ar-Adûnâim eventually agreed that it would be better to prepare for the worst. They passed decree of militia professionalising and both military complexes and factories were expanded in preparation of possible future conflict.

Changes however came, sooner than expected, when Empire plunged itself in civil war between Shield and Hydra.

Barbarian invasion and Great war - 2017

In the beginnings, no one in the colony knew what was going on. Great civil war in Star City´ Empire started raging on and all of Star City´s forces were withdrawn from the colony to support their parties´s fronts. Explosions and shots were heard kilometers away. Ground was shaking under men and war machines and whether it was by these noises or some electromagnetic explosion, Barbarians were awoken. 

Their raids and pillages led colony into chaos. Lone farms and households, villages, towns and even twin cities of Armenelos and Rómenna were razed to ground. No one from the Star City responded to the news about Barbarians or requests for help and all communications with colony were eventually shut down. Many of those who survived in places successfully defended by militia blamed both sides in Star City for not helping in initial fights and especially Ar-Adûnâim promised a revenge to them. When help didn´t came even after few weeks, grim thoughts settled in minds of besieged colonists. However, they were still determined to fight.

Colonial militia was divided into three sector army groups, each under leadership of political party's leader. Northern sector army group Arnor under Argonaut, South-western group Gondor under Durion and South-eastern group Harondor under Berúthiel. However, colonial resistance was still somewhat sporadic and Barbarians surpassed militia both in numbers and strength.

Hope rised when Argonaut bringed up unorthodox tactic with new armored exoskeletons, power melee weapons and Bolters. Victories were achieved and colonists could finally carry out some offensive against the barbarians. Even though Barbarians started to be more organised, transition from defenseless prey to battlehardened enemy was too quick for them and Colonists eventually retaken most of their land.

Unfortunately, Great war found its way to the Colony, when Hydra deceived Durion and many Ar-Adûnâim with honey words and by falsely accusing Shield of planning attack on colony. This supposed attack should have come from Alfa Site, what was at the time safe haven for wounded, supply depo and reinforce point for eastern parts of Star city. However, this military base was very far from any fronts or other meaningful infrastructure and as that, it aroused suspicion. With Gondorian Sector mostly clear of Barbarians and secured in the east by Arnor and Harondor, Durion mustered force and marched on Alfa Site.

During Durion´s march, disaster in Nûrneled forrest happened. Berúthiel´s regrouping forces were ambushed after successful counterattack on Barbarian force deep in their territory. Her attempt to use another counterattack was foiled as Barbarian reinforcements flanked Harondorian forces. They pushed them against the river and steep slopes of the hill until surrounding them. Arnorian forces responded on the calls for aid, but time was not in their favor. Berúthiel was forced to cross the river to save as many as possible, unfortunately this was all part of Barbarian´s plan. They pincered both banks of the river once half of Harondorian force crossed. With river being shelled by Barbarian "artillery", attempts to unify the forces were futile. With more and more concentrated fire on Harondorian positions, Berúthiel ordered to push to the north along river banks. Harondorians were breaking through Barbarians, shoulder to shoulder, shield to shield, sword to gun. Slowly marching over their fallen comrades and piles of dead Barbarians. When Arnorians arrived, they could only save what little remained from Harondorians, with most of them dead or severly wounded. Berúthiel, with her leg missing and on the verge of fainting from pain and fatigue, entrusted Argonaut to lead Harondor. This basically incorporated Harondor into Arnor and caused most of the Loyalists, including Berúthiel and her brother, to lose faith in the Empire and transformed them into Dúnedain.

Durion´s sudden attack on Alfa Site catched Shield in surprise. Gondorians easily taken outer perimeter and managed to get into courtyard, however number and resistance of now alerted defenders stopped their advance. Durion, seeing coming bloodbath, ordered retreat. Nevertheless failed attack wasn't a complete loss for Gondorians as they managed to destroy and even capture some of the equipment in the courtyard and damage on the outerior of the base was also somewhat significant. Shield claims to suffer no casualties, yet Arnorian records tell different. Unfortunately for the rest of the colony, such strength of Alfa Site so far from Great war events and so close to Colonial border only hardened resolve in Durion and Ar-Adûnâim. Durion was now fully convinced that Shield is the enemy and demanded full support from Argonaut for war with Shield. When Argonaut refused, outraged Durion made alliance with Hydra and declared rest of the colony traitors.

Durion marched to Longway Watch where he made a camp and rallying point for his forces and all who supported him. Argonaut, forced to protect his infrastructure and factories, marched with most of his Arnorian forces to Zâram-Gathol, north to the Longway, while Harondorians mustered in Eatsgard. Time for negotiations was short as remains of Arnorian and Harondorian forces, left to fight Barbarians, were hardly sufficient. Neither of them was willing to submit to the other and with time pressing, Argonaut attacked. Durion, aggressive bold leader, suffered in defensive position, but his counterpart Argonaut, who held himself to "best offence is great defence", was not in his own skin either. Outnumbered Argonaut started losing ground and loss looked inevitable. However, with Harondorians arriving and attacking in the rear, effectively distracting Durion´s reserves, Argonaut was able to make a push againts Durion with his elite troops and armored division, which was in reserve until now. Even though battle at large was still being lost for Argonaut, he managed to kill Durion and his most trusted supporters before the gate of Longway Watch. Broadcast of Durion´s death and promise of pardon made his force surrender.

Argonaut in control of Arnor, Harondor and now even Gondor quickly dispatched his forces back to Barbarian frontline. The bolstering of the frontline was very successful even though some of reclaimed territory was lost. But, this was only quiet before storm. Same as Barbarians exploited Berúthiel´s counterattack strategy, different exploit now waited for Argonaut´s defensive one. Barbarians used Argonaut´s defensive passivity to amass a massive great horde. It was too late for any attempts to dislodge this horde. Argonaut ordered complete evacuation of the colony. The northern half took shelter in Survival, the best fortified settlement of the Colony, while all colonial forces and armed volunteers worked on defenses. Those from the southern half, who wouldn't make it to the Survival in time, were sent to Alfa Site. Argonaut knew it was just false hope to ask for help those which were attacked by his people, but it was still better than to wait for slaughter.

For days Barbarians thrown themselves on Colonial makeshift defences in surroundings of Survival and eventually forced Colonists to settlement itself. In hopes of survival, children, some women and few men were selected to hide in cave systems of Survival while others defended. After fall of the walls, defenders retreated to main keep and continued in distraction, prepared to fight to the last. Out of nowhere forces of Shield came storming into Barbarians from west and south. They arived just in time to save dwindled and tired colony´s militia inside the keep. Defenders of Survival, seeing Shield forces and some of their own from Alfa Site, were taken by relief. They charged from the keep into Barbarians with unseen ferocity, joining forces with Shield and driving Barbarians off. It was sight to behold and never again did Barbarians amassed so many of them.

This last minute save, sheltering those in Alfa Site and following help with securing colony helped to increase the relationship between the two, but it did not undone betrayal made earlier when Shield abandoned them.

Formation of the Kingdom - 2018

Survival was in following days renamed to Sanctuary and once the colony was secured, colony´s militia with support of colonial citizens declared Argonaut their king.

Hesitant at first, Argonaut eventually accepted this. With the coronation, political parties ceased to exist. Cirion was named steward and his sister Berúthiel, who now had several minor and one big prosthetic, the Captain-General. Those who proved themselves in their ability to lead, administer and hold people together during the invasion were appointed to noble status. Arnor, Gondor and Harondor were proclaimed kingdoms, with Gondor and Harondor being only titular and Arnor being the High Kingdom. The old government structure was nearly non existent and with ever present threat of Barbarians, High King Argonaut was given absolute power.

Shield was informed about declaration of independence and have given unofficial acceptance to this action. They didn't want to or couldn't forcefully occupy and hold colony with Star City in ruin. Either way, its forces were withdrawn from the colony. After the Great civil war with Hydra State, Arnor was officialy recognized as independent state by government of new state established by Shield - Denebol.

The relative peace that followed after destruction of Barbarian massive horde left Arnor with few weeks to fortifie positions, secure and rebuild important settlements. The relations between Arnor and Denebol were kind of nonexistent at first and everyone cared mostly for their own problems.

Barbarian war - 2018

When Barbarians resumed their attacks, Arnor was ready. Proposals to ask for help were swept off the table as Denebol would either only suffer in another war or straight forward rejected the proposal. Arnor needed strong faithful ally that would respect Arnorian autonomy and had either enough strength to destroy Barbarians completely or was stable enough to fight another war.

Thanks to Rangers, Legions and well positioned defensive structures heartland of Arnor was relatively safe, but more than one quarter of Arnorian population was needed to sustain this defensive perimeter and even then many heroic deaths followed as outnumbered Arnorians fought for every inch of their land.  Several years of bloody battles and skirmishes started takeing severe toll on Arnorian people, but Arnorians never gived up. Every man and woman had to absolve two years military service (usually not in front lines), unless they were disabled or went to college/university, but even then they had to absolve basic training.

While High King managed to rule and command in the field at the same time, it would eventually ended up with disaster without Cirion. He was the one who set up proper administration and was High King´s right hand.

Every dead Arnorian was repaid by hundreds of Barbarian lives, but this war of attrition was something that Arnor wasn't able to win. As Arnor approached to breaking point, Denebol issued mobilisation. It was unknown to Arnorians that mobilisation was against some race in space, but it was a sign that Denebol was stable unified nation. Arnor finaly asked for full intervention in Barbarian war. After few days of combined offensive of Arnor and Denebol, Barbarians realized their demise and most of them fled planet in organic spaceships (something Wraitish looking).

So ended Barbarian war, almost three years long bloody conflict that made Arnorians into the best warriors far and wide.

From what was discovered, we could only assume, that Barbarians were hibernating here for centuries and others of their kind still are all across galaxy. Discoveries made in Barbarian dwellings and hives didn't just uncovered more about them, but also helped Arnorians to tweak and improve their own genetics. 

All these events have forged Arnorians into people, who they are today.

Post-Barbarian Era and beginning of Denebolian war - 2020

Arnor was unable to enter into another fullscale war a so, to honor Denebolian Accord alliance, formed Grand City Company and commissioned plans for Arnorian spaceships. This company encompasses volunteers, who entered Denebolian teams and squads, and several Arnorian units from all military branches. As for other aspects of Arnorian military, High King issued what is now called "Disbandment of the Legions". More than half of military personnel was released with honors and a 5-year allowance or interest-free state loan and grant of free land. Arnorian military was now left with true elite and those, who stayed, had their pay increased and were granted land to.

After "the Disbandment", government started taking small steps from sort martial law ruling style, that was here basically from the start of Arnorian nation, to more relieved approach. However, it soon proved insufficient. High King, with help of Royal Council, then launched number of decrees and new laws. He implemented huge social, economic and political reforms. As part of these reforms was, for instance, creation of the Senate. Large reformation and revision of art, architecture, education and moral system followed soon after, all of which self-started during the Barbarian war. 

The Denebolian G.U.A.R.D. initiative has sparked sharp debate in Arnor. Many whished to continue and expand existing cooperation, but there were very few of those who even considered to give up highest autority over Arnor. However, after some back and forward diplomacy and lots of persuasion, Arnor eventually agreed to join under few conditions.  

A year after the victory in Barbarian war, the Mithril was found deep under their dwellings. It opened a "window" into a sub-dimension used by barbarians. All enhanced people who came in contact with Mithril were affected by it. This spread like wildfire from person to person and eventually hit all enhanced Arnorians. It was not a big deal for already enhanced Arnorians as nothing changed for most of them and those who can create spark out of thin air or slightly push a leaf have no useful use for that, however those who try to be enhanced now become overcome by sudden appearance of sub-dimension. Unlike the already enhanced Arnorians, who gradually adapted and subconsciously protected themselves from the effects of Mithril, the newly improved ones are exposed to a fully open sub-dimension. Those who didn't lost their minds completely became crooked, corrupted and in one case, possessed by being from sub-dimension. Therefore Arnorians completely stopped enhancing newcomers. Witchers and witches were created to study and protect us from conscious beings that came through rifts.

Without Barbarians, there was no need to hold so tightly together and joining into the G.U.A.R.D. was imaginary last straw for many. Unity in Arnor was divided. The old parties have recovered, new established and political rifts are beginning to emerge. 

Arnorian crisis - 2021

With no possible way to catch up and match Shield´s technological progress, Arnorians shifted most of their focus on Sub-dimension.

All began with further study of Sub-dimension that allowed Arnorians to implement it into their technology. Mainly in new energy generator. Such generator have set Arnorians even with Denebolian energy production capabilities. However, it not only consumed lot of its power on stabilising the field around rift and protection field, which should prevent spirits to flood our dimension, but also require constant maintenance and supervision by witchers and witches. Nevertheless, it was huge breakthrough in Arnorian energy sustainability.

The large and continuously opened rift in the generator had unexpected effect which was overlooked in design of protection field. The field was protected only onewayed and strenght of thoughts and emotions of Arnorians was immensely multiplied in the Sub-dimension. This and Arnorian view on "demigod like" Sisters caused the birth of Yárcarniel. A goddess, or a cosmic being of enormous power if you want.

Arnorians fixed the protection field, but damage was already done and their careless way forward finally turned against them. They were now connected to their goddess. Even if they would limit all Sub-dimensional use, they and this universe were already revealed in the circless of Gods in Sub-dimension. Arnorians were at the crossroad. 1. They could mass suicide themselves to close the connection between them and Sub-dimension and make it a lot harder for the other gods and abominations to reach into our universe, 2. explain everything to Denebol and hope for quick solution (which seemed impossible in the middle of government change) or 3. strengthen their goddess, while messing up with Sub-dimensional generator and Sub-dimension itself only minimally.

With their new found religion, Arnorians started "jumping" on other worlds and spreading their faith. Thanks to their goddess Yárcarniel, jumping into the Sub-dimension to traverse between planets is relatively safe, but still enormously burdensome for witchers and witches. Targeting mostly well developed worlds from ancient and medieval era forward, the faith spread. Arnorians formed outposts on most of the worlds and made them their protectorates or colonies. Those who refused were slowly persuaded or left alone, but those of the advanced worlds who offended Yárcarniel or Arnorian culture were met with steel. Establishment of the protectorates and colonies was a huge drain on Arnorian manpower and resources. To offset this, Arnorians issued adequate tariffs on their new subjects and created Cohortes Vigilum to suplement Arnorian ranks with "cannon fodder".

This sudden rampage was very quickly discovered by Denebol and allies of Denebolian accord members demanded answers. Arnor was accused for murder and enslavement and forced to stop and explain its actions. The complete embargo of Arnor caused shortage of imported goods, especially luxuries and halted all heavy industry. A disaster for Arnorian economy. Only now Arnorians realized how much was their economy dependant and tangled together with Denebolian one. The martial law for all Arnorian citizens on Denebolian territory came to be. All these preemptive measures surprised Arnorians. They knew Denebol will react to their "aggression", yet no one expected such quick and harsh response.

A meeting with all three leaders of Denebolian accord was held where a fragile deal was eventually made. An investigation by Denebolian committee will take place to find out truth about falsehoods of genocides and enslavements. Arnor reluctantly agreed to leave all "primitive" worlds where its presence has not manifested itself much, but refused to leave those which choose to remain its protectorates. The worlds that choose to remain had to be allowed to by the committee. All "primitive" worlds are to be left alone and newly discovered advanced worlds have to be reported to Denebol. Arnor is allowed to spread its faith in peaceful manner and only to those who will listen.

Aftermath of Arnorian crisis - 2022

Diplomacy, science and especially economy took huge hit and Arnor had a hard time extinguishing the flames, yet biggest wound remained in trust. Trust not only between Denebol and Arnor, but in Arnorians to themselves. Many wonder how could they betray the accord. Was it a desperation, the other face of the Yárcarniel that pushed them over the edge or their distaste of leaving primitive worlds to their suffering? No matter, what it was, breaking rudimental rules of their culture shamed them and made them harden their resolve to never break them again.

With the self-realization, High King ordered to leave even more worlds, where Arnor spread, than what was required. Only a handful of nations on some planets remained in Arnorian sphere of influence and even less were fully integrated protectorates. Yet not all agreed with it.

The limited spread of faith helped to solidify Yárcarniel´s position among the gods just barely. Because further spread of faith is slow and unreliable, armies of Arnor sent expeditions into outer Sub-dimensional material layers of hells, abysses and voids. It was believed that such hit and run expeditions could hinder enemy attempts on mounting an attack and even make distractions and openings for Yárcarniel to take offensive. This confidence was High King´s last mistake. Arnorian expeditions met not only fierce resistance from demons, but from environment itself and whole idea of invading universes subjugated by gods of Sub-dimension turned disastrous.

Recent events have cost High King most of his support, but Ar-Ardûnâim surprisingly did not gained from it much. The High Canoness, commander of Sisters of Blood, has elevated to the highest political circles. Together with her Sisters, they bear biggest influence and popularity in Arnor. High King forced to acknowledge this has made "political alliance" with the Sisters in order to ensure honoring of Denebolian Accord.

They proceeded to establish the Crimson Chapter and Scarlet Chapter. These semi-state militant orders, under the leadership of the Sisters, founded outposts on many worlds. Many of these worlds were artificially added or re-added to the Arnorian sphere of influence. Most Arnorians never properly settled and jumped at the chance to rejoin the armed service. This basically rendered the whole 'Disbandment' a situation where the High King only lost men in favor of the Sisters.

The Ar-Adûnâim, feeling omitted from the "alliance", formed groups of small warbands. Acting mostly as mercenaries, these Arnorians spread influence by their way. Some of them embraced raids and more violent means to achieve their goal. However, they are unofficial and without any real oversight. Their support has become forbidden and they were exiled. Yet thanks to backing of Ar-Ardûnâim, they are not pursued nor attacked by Arnor and their support is sometimes done despite the ban.

Many days have passed since the crisis and, though the worst was overcome, the shadow of it still remained. High King has become grim and increasingly absent. He was rumored to be abdicating, but after a few private conversations with Cirion and Berúthiel he reappeared in public with a last attempt to stabilise the country and its people.

The subtle tour across Arnor with promotion of traditional symbols and values seemed ineffective at first. The cooperation on small projects with political parties and several concessions was unimpressive to, but it soon yielded fruit. High King´s actions helped to deradicalize population and returned him some of the much needed trust. Notable concessions such as legitimizing several warbands, giving the High Canoness seat in royal council and allowing establishment of the Scarlet Chapter or loosening several restrictions in guild system were inevitable either way. Sightings and small skirmishes with the Barbarians on several planets were a reason for High king´s regained popularity too.

Arnor refused to pay the minor sanctions, or fines as they are called in Arnorian slang, issued by Denebol at first. This eventually lead from common diplomatic meetings to a very memorable diplomatic encounter. This encounter grew more intense, resulting in Arnor facing an ultimatum to either pay or leave the Accord. Arnorians, being still hesitant to pay these fines, fired the moment to extreme. Someone even shouted a threat with nuclear strikes and extermination of Arnorian people, if shall Arnor continue in its course of actions. This claim, though most probably unofficial and caused by the heat of a moment, left Arnorians speachless. On one hand, the fines were justified when looked from the right angle. On the other, warrior's heart urged them to defiance. All was saved with unexpected coming of the Eldar delegation. Listening to both sides, the Eldar calmed the situation. Though staying neutral to the end, Eldar reminded Arnorians why are they in the Accord and what friendship would they lose. In the end Arnorians were even glad to pay and settle this unpleasant affair.

Several days later, after diplomatic delegation reported the encounter many times over, both Senate and King´s Council have come to understand the problem in their stance. Arnor lived out of the past. All the help, support and tolerance with which Denebol treated Arnor was always covered by a need and fear for independence. It was believed in the past that Arnor had to fight for it and prove its right of existence. Arnorians actually never stopped drifting away from anything connected to Star City´s Empire. Their warrior culture, supported by widespread ptsd amongst most of the Arnorian population, and foe seeking personality only helped to strengthen this belief. Although not all have come to same conclusion and there are those who refuse it completely, most have adjusted their speeches and governance stances to be more friendlier towards Denebolian support. Of course, such a change will take time before old habits disappear and population stops being suspicious of Denebolian intentions, but a new path was chosen.

The Ciris - 2023

The Ciris

The Ciris has been a catastrophe. Through some unknown demigod a league of gods, demons, and eldritch voids managed to stage an assault on Yárcarniel's followers. They breached the fabric of space between the subdimension and real space in the Arnorian generator.

As the peaceful day was about to end, the last tips of sunshine touched the Black Citadel: Taras Lúna. The Citadel, which suddenly woke with an alarm, and hustle ensued in the city of Annuminas below. The Subdimensional generator, hidden underneath the Citadel, burst open as hordes of demons, beasts, and other horrors poured forth. The Sisters of Battle, their aspirants, failed acolytes, witches, and witchers, all rushed to stop the breach. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they held their ground, even against great abominations that were unable to fit in those large spaces. They held until an enormous figure sprang up from the rift, a figure that rose and rose, collapsing the underground complex and the Citadel itself in the process. As the dust settled, instead of a black tower, there was a disgusting fat giant, encumbered by crude and evil jewelry, wielding a massive rusted golden mace. The sky darkened, and a massive maelstrom began expanding across it. Blue explosions in dark smoky clouds and purple lightning were the only source of light from the sky.

Arnorian forces stationed in Annuminas rushed to form a defense of the city, but its most powerful assets, as well as warriors, were in the rubble of the Citadel. The god of greed and corruption had set his most powerful servant, and together with a few other gods, managed to penetrate Yárcarniel´s hold. As the giant roared for an attack, many of the dead Sisters and their servants refused to leave their bodies. They held the urge to leave the world with all will and were answered. Yárcarniel herself helped them stay in their bodies. They were like child puppeteers, unable to do much apart from twitches. However, they were soon not only helped to stay there but to control themselves. They felt the presence of Yárcarniel, who like a gentle mother guided their movements. They rushed through rubble unbothered by pain and damage to their bodies, killing and being killed again, torn apart, eaten, and burned. Nothing stopped them in reaching a safe room, where a last fail-safe of the generator could be activated. Upon doing so, all backup protection field emitters activated, and a single word was sent across the galaxy to all Arnorians: Ciris. Then all undead Arnorians collapsed. The emitters, some of which were kilometers away, were enough to stop the rift from expanding, but not enough to close it. Only now the maelstrom stopped expanding, covering the whole Arnor and even reaching the center of Denebol Prime.

As the horde charged into the city, more and more Arnorians jumped into their path. Whole cohorts, in the company of many witchers and witches, a single witch with a squad of soldiers, Varangians, Telcontaiâr—all answered the call. The High King himself with Praetorians marched into the fray. The lower city became a bloodbath, with bodies upon bodies, rubble, and carcasses. Upon all of it, new beasts charged Arnorian wall of armor and fire. Soon enough, GUARD and Dnebolian home forces arrived too. Every lightning strike summoned another monstrosity, and shadow wraiths descended from the maelstrom. The giant, despite all the firepower, still stood, and each swing was devastating for Accord forces. All the creatures from the Sub-dimension were resistant to common weapons and defenses. Arnorians equipped with rune-enhanced weapons and armor were still not doing enough. Orbital support was called immediately, but the maelstrom scattered the fire far and wide. These shots landed everywhere, including Amaurëan city, where they caused much damage. Arnorians then resorted to a last trick in their sleeve. Witchers and witches of the Forge made a jump for Colossus. Many of them were left with seizures or brain damage, but the Colossus appeared above the giant. A walking fortress with large lances on its shoulders, bolter cannons with bayonets instead of hands, and many small turrets upon its battlements. It was terribly incomplete work, with many important systems fully exposed and many missing armor plates. It fired as it fell and sank the bayonets deep inside the giant. The two then locked in a dread duel of titans. It would be controversial to say that in a fully operational state the Colossus would have a chance against the giant, but like this, it was a mere slowdown. The Colossus was soon crushed. As a last attempt of defiance, the crew of the Colossus detonated it. The explosion caused the giant to fall back and impale itself on the stump of the Citadel. The fortress of the Sisters of Battle was the most rune-engraved place in the whole of Arnor and as such caused a fatal blow to the giant. Meanwhile, the Denebolian Strike teams managed to enter the Citadel and, with the help of witches, massively reduced the maelstrom. This allowed Accord forces to deploy air support and orbital bombardment. The High King then led the charge forward. Without the giant and constant stream of enemies, Accord forces stood a chance. As he pushed, the High King found himself impaled on a trident wielded by a minotaur and raised high into the air. Arnorians then faltered; however, one of the Praetorians managed to break the minotaur´s knee, and as the High King fell down, he decapitated the minotaur and roared a painful battle cry. Ground forces with renewed vigor and fervor then pushed the horrors back to the rift before witchers and witches closed it. A universe-ending threat was averted, but not without so many losses. Works on a new generator began immediately, for the Arnorian realm was unable to spare so many witchers and witches on holding the rift closed. This whole ordeal left the Arnorian realm upon the brink of collapse, and Yárcarniel weakened. Not only by the loss of life but by the loss of a few subdimensional layers too.

Aftermath of the Ciris

In the aftermath of the Ciris catastrophe, Arnor faced significant challenges to its military capabilities and the protection of its realm. The assault orchestrated by hostile forces highlighted vulnerabilities in Arnor's defenses and raised concerns about future threats.

One of the primary concerns was the strain on Arnor's military resources. With the city in ruins and a high toll on life, the Arnorian armed forces were depleted, leaving token garrisons scattered across planets vulnerable to attacks by pirates and other hostile entities. The weakened state of Arnor's legions made it difficult to withstand emerging threats, forcing strategic withdrawals from certain areas deemed untenable to defend effectively. Additionally, the reliance on Denebolian Strike teams showcased the need for closer cooperation with Denebolian armed forces in the events of national emergency.

In light of these challenges, Arnor was forced to reassess its military priorities and strategies. Efforts were made to bolster defensive capabilities through the redeployment of resources and the implementation of new defensive measures. However, the scars left by the Ciris catastrophe served as a sobering reminder of the ever-present threats lurking beyond Arnor's borders, prompting the realm to remain vigilant and adaptive in the face of adversity.

Arnor also found itself grappling with severe economic challenges exacerbated by the loss of life and disruptions to crucial supply lines. The stewardship of these supply lines, overseen by witches and witchers, was compromised, resulting in widespread shortages across the realm. Tithes from protectorates, traditionally a vital source of revenue and resources, were now nearly cut off.

With the toll on life depleting the workforce and hindering production, Arnor faced difficulties in meeting the demands of its population. Confronted with these pressing economic constraints, Arnor was compelled to seek assistance from external sources. The realm submitted pleas to Denebol, its long-standing ally, for aid in both addressing immediate shortages and facilitating the rebuilding of the generator, a crucial infrastructure damaged during the Ciris assault.

additionally Arnor explored avenues for bolstering its workforce and revitalizing its social fabric. One such initiative involved extending an invitation to the people of Morwe Gad, a planet known for its great winter storm, to immigrate to Arnor and contribute to various sectors, particularly agriculture.

The prospect of immigrating to Arnor resonated with many young Morwens, who viewed it as an opportunity for a better future. However, the proposal sparked controversy among Arnorians who harbored reservations about foreigners acquiring land and settling in Arnor proper.

In navigating this delicate issue, a compromise was reached. The immigrants from Morwe Gad would be permitted to settle in Arnorian lands under the oversight of Arnorian bailiffs and landowners. This arrangement not only ensured the integration of Morwen immigrants into Arnorian society but also facilitated their participation in the workforce.

Moreover, the influx of Morwen immigrants prompted a significant social shift within Arnor, with many Arnorians seizing the opportunity to become lesser nobility by acting as overseers and landlords for the newly settled immigrants. While the initiative faced initial skepticism and resistance, it ultimately contributed to fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual benefit between Arnorians and Morwen alike as the Morwen were more and more indoctrinated into Arnorian culture.