Rise & Ruin History

Chapter 5: The Exodus

The movement to conquer the Keldei was vigorously supported among the Ralaks, and Lords Simargl and Veles exhausted all means to prepare the warriors for battle. Legions upon legions of Ralaks, armed in luxurious battle armour and fierce weaponry, trudged through the vast wastelands of their home world, foaming at the mouth in anticipation of conquest. Tactics and strategy were deemed unnecessary as the Keldei were perceived to be a peaceful species with no desire to engage in battle. Violence, an unlikely repercussion, would be minimal and the battle would be swift, leaving Gaia under the Ralak's control by sunset.

Fear was an unknown to the Ralaks and they approached battle accordingly. Led by Lord Simargl, they marched into the heart of Gaia's lush jungles to face the Keldei head on. Once there, the Ralaks simply proclaimed ownership of the Keldei's homeland without even a hint of defiance. Momentarily stunned by the Ralaks' audacity, the Keldei offered little response in return. Violence and hostility offered little appeal to the Keldei, but the massive army of steely-eyed Ralaks were not open to reason and diplomacy. A war was brewing for the land of Gaia, and as reluctant as the Keldei were, their battleaxes would decide their fate.

Judging the necessity of coming to arms, the Keldei leader, Chief Giobhniu, let loose a thunderous roar that echoed throughout Gaia. Called to battle, Keldei warriors emerged from the woods and descended from the mountains of Gaia, flocking toward the cacophonous sound. They moved with purpose, their amicable expressions replaced by masks of fury and determination. The Ralaks found themselves surrounded by Keldei, armed and steadfast in the defense of their sacred borders. Initially taken aback by the response of the seemingly timid species, the Ralaks quickly regained their remarkable confidence and unsheathed their swords. Battle became inevitable as both parties held firm.

In the distance, hidden beneath a mask of seaweed and waves, a single figure studied the unfolding events. Trogoderma, a jix'Su soldier, felt his blood rise as he watched the events unfold. Throughout the jix'Su's storied past they had longed to rise above the darkened recesses of their Abyssal Hive and secure totalitarian rule of Gaia. Until this fateful day, Chief Giobhniu and the Keldei had been judged too difficult an obstacle. Now, here for the taking, was the opportunity to bestow glory and fortune upon their beloved Queen Enyo. Trogoderma carefully lowered his angular body into the Gaian ocean. Agile beneath the waves, he raced back to the Abyssal Hive to recount the events taking place on the surface. The jix'Su gathered to await orders from their Queen.