"The Firebolt" Vol. 2

[Coronate 5519]

The Firebolt Vol. 2

 

Volume Introduction (Words from the Author):

Not covered in this edition, and only added post production as a matter of intense importance to myself, is the attack of Darkspawn forces; those who call themselves the "Fifth Adventists." As a veteran of the Adventist Wars it came as a shock to me that only a few months after my return to the continent and introduction into Hohkmat that the very forces that drove me off continent would return. Let me note that I will NOT take their actions lightly. As a former Inquisitioner of Aaun and Lurin and second in command of the Inquisition of The Marshland I have more than my share of encounters and experience with these foul beings. Should the need arise I will dawn my titles once more and meet these evils in battle. Although enough has been said to these effects, if an expert is needed the addendum will have more contact information for my personage. Thank you for reading and enjoy the second volume of "The Firebolt."

 

Tales from the Front (Haense):

In my travels I sought to bring the words and thoughts of those fighting in this gruesome conflict to the ears of the people of Hohkmat, the following are the transcripts of interviews conducted with Haenseti soldiers and civilians. These conversations for the sake of honesty are not edited, be forewarned.

 

 

Vasili Vanrov "The Gatebreaker"

In my persuit for the story from the Haenseti side of the war I met with a soldier from the Brotherhood within a tavern who had recently gained fame or infamy at the "Battle of Brasca."

 

Quote

 

Editor: "Might I have your name?"

Vanrov: "The name is Vasili Vanroc, this man is a warrior"

Editor: "In your opinion, what is this war about?"

Vanrov: "It's about home. It is about protecting home. These men, these foul men recruit orcs and dark creatures to... to destroy us. We've shown it is not us who be afraid but them.... War will come to end sadly, I live for battle, for conquering."

Editor: "The war was offensive in nature I was led to believe... What do you believe the goal- or more concisely what is the desired outcome from your standpoint?"

Vanrov: "Elimination of the threat to homeland. They seek nothing but to destroy us... We will destroy them. With men like me and Vindacus, it shall be done."

Editor: "So you dont believe peace an option, but the destruction of the enemy?"

Vanrov: "This is our peace. They seek war through kidnapping and petty banditry... their keeps will fall and their homes will be pillaged."

Editor: "And when their homes are pillaged, what then, do you plan to permanently occupy the lands?"

 

 

It was here the interview was cut off by a variety of distractions including a small scuffle taking place involving a mage.

 

 

Matvey Kazimir

My persuit of the unbiased led me to speak with a child living within Valdev for his living situation.

 

Quote

Editor: "What is your name lad?"

Kazimir: "Yam Matvey."

Editor: "How old are you?"

Kazimir: "Yam nine."

Editor: "How aware are you of the war young man?"

Kazimir: "I know that if people break through the gates I must hide- because they are angry, and I need to wait to let them calm down. Or that is what the lady told me. And I can not go outside of the gates much without adults da."

Editor: "What is the situation in your foodstores? Have your parents been able to feed you well recently?"

Kazimir: "Da, da. They feed me the same as always and give me cocoa when I get cold."

Editor: "That's good, have you noticed others, perhaps friends lacking necessities; food, drink, clothing diverted for the war effort?"

Kazimir: "Da, one of my friends looks very... white like the snow, and has dirty cold hands. She says she sleeps by the fire, but I do not know if she has always been that way . . ."

Editor: "Interesting, perhaps lends this friend a spare fur if you have it."

 

 

From here the conversation turned to other topics, stories that I could not corroborate. However, it is telling that even on the offensive there are those that are lacking supplies.

 

Tales from the Front (Veletz):

In my travels I sought to bring the words and thoughts of those fighting in this gruesome conflict to the ears of the people of Hohkmat, the following are the transcripts of interviews conducted with Veletzian soldiers and civilians. These conversations for the sake of honesty are not edited, be forewarned.

 

Grisha of Breakwater

I had the opportunity to sit down with a Ferrymen in Veletz to speak with his view on the war. This proved excessively important to my occupation as later I would be saved from a potentially fatal encounter with Veletz soldiery on my travels by the man who remembered our discussion. 

Quote

 

Editor: "Your name, or would you prefer anonymity?"

Breakwater: "Grisha of Breakwater."

Editor: "I'd like to hear your thoughts on the war. What's this conflict mean to you, why do you fight?"

Breakwater: "I fight because an expansionist empire seeks to destroy Veletz. I could have taken money to swap sides, but Veletz gave the Ferrymen* land when nobody else would. I act to defend the Veletzian women and children.... That is the most succinct way to put it."

Editor: "Did many of your brothers swap sides?"

Breakwater: "A single one that I know of, Banjo."

Editor: "Banjo. Do you harbor any resentment for the decision?"

Breakwater: "Everyone who fights with the enemy is my enemy. But everybody makes their choices. I cannot abide by resentment towards a former brother even if his choice is immoral. People are not defined by one singular act."

Editor: "Your keep, its no secret it lay bare now, what is your outlook? Do you see your organization pulling through despite the havoc endured?"

Breakwater: "A castle is a castle. Compared to the lives of Veletzians lost, it pales. People are dying here, journalist, not castles. War is not a game."

Editor: "Lets talk of the civilians. No doubt you've seen war before, but this clearly is no minor conflict. How is the situation on the ground, able to keep up with the stream of refugees?"

Breakwater: "We defend our people. This country is wealthy and uses all that it has to protect its citizens. Even with the powerbrokers who rule the outside attempting to stamp us out, we maintain order, and people remain optimistic about the future. Haense and its coalition of piastdoms will always pale by comparison to our soldiers. It is why they rally the entire world to take on one foe."

Editor: "You've been facing something that's rarely been utilized on the battlefield to the extent its being levied currently. Magi in combat. There've been arguments against utilizing the arcane, such as with the siege of Brasca. Any opinion on the matter?"

Breakwater: "The mages have had no difference in the fighting. Whether they were there or not is irrelevant. We have our own mages, mages who make theirs look like a joke. Our cannons were more use than the enemy's magic."

Editor: "You seem certain... Peace must occur for progress, what do your goals look like in a peace accord?"

Breakwater: "That all soldiers march home and leave Veletzian land alone."

Editor: "A return to the status quo?"

Breakwater: "No, because the status quo involved a cold war. The establishment of a new peace. A peace where more soldiers do not have to die."

Editor: "Any idea of how that peace can be achieved?"

Breakwater: "They march home and we march home. It's rather simple. The end of hostilities. But the truth is the war is about the desire of Haense to subjugate its economic rival. And the other micro-states that assist them are desperate for a victory. It distracts them from the risk of Haense assaulting them next, which shall be inevitable... Make no mistake. This was is not honest or just... People ought to remember that a narrative is spun for a reason. I spin mine to spare the women and children of Veletz from an unjust invasion by a hostile nation-state that seeks to use it's foreign policy to subjugate its smaller neighbors. Those micro-states that assist Haense will find themselves on the chopping block sooner or later."

 

 

A Mage in Veletz

An individual mage which wished to remain anonymous brought to light some interesting details about the civilian life in Veletz.

 

Quote

 

Editor: A mage in Veletz, but not a participant in the war, interesting perhaps because of that fact... You've been here since the onset of the conflict, how was it affected your personally in your work?"

Anon: "Well, its limited my travels greatly. For a long time, and perhaps even now, I considered myself a vagabond. But now I feel as though I cannot travel anywhere with fear that I'll be accosted by either side... Not to mention, I have friends on both sides of the conflict, and I cannot fathom losing any of them in battle... especially to each other."

Editor: "You fear travel, have you been molested by either side so far? Held up, or questioned?"

Anon: "Questioned yes, but thankfully, I've yet to be harmed."

Editor: "How has your work been affected- any new theories or perhaps been able to set up a lab despite limitations?"

Anon: "I've a small alchemy lab, yes, and enchantments can be made just about anywhere... so my work hasn't been hindered, although I've also received very few commissions as of late." 

Editor: "What would you attribute that to?"

Anon: "Alchemy is all too common, and enchantments are not so useful in battle."

Editor: "Surely the influx of sick and wounded could utilize your alchemy?"

Anon: "indeed, but I fear there are dozens of other alchemists who could do the same... however, I have taken to enchanting people's clothing on occasion to keep them warm, or cool them down. it will not buden them with enchanter's sickness, but it will protect them from the Haeseni blizzards."

Editor: "Do you think that will come into use? That Veletz will push into the Haense?"

Anon: "They might. There has been attempts... however I fear this war may be a difficult one for Veletz to win."

Editor: "More personally... Have you been able to keep in touch with your friends on both sides- or has communication been hindered all together?"

Anon: "Sort of. I have not been in close touch with my friends on the Covenant's side. But that is for reasons unrelated to the war."

Editor: "Anything you wish to say to those you've been unable to communicate with?"

Anon: "That I hope they stay safe." 

 

 

Cartoon of the Week: "Worshipper's of Iblees"