The role of warfare in the realm, and its balance of attention from non-warfare interests, is decided. Warfare as a destructive force is returned to its rightful place, as compoennt not ultimate decider of cities, by general consent and divine recommendation. Legion warfare, especially razing, plundering, and destructive acts against cities, becomes only theoretically possible but impractical without real years of neglect. The other meta-aspects of Avalon reassert themselves immediately after, with a rash of fighting over guild and council chambers, fields sown and mineheads dug, and the reasserted rights of the baronies in each of the cities.

In a terrible day for Thakria, Prince Fenris of Parrius with Deputy Darian and Prince Lleu of Mercinae with General Raldon pressed their advantage against the Thakrians, who suffered for the absence of their Field Marshall Zio. Despite valiant efforts by General Mystfade, Major Balliol, Zakath, and Belgarath, no amount of assistance was sufficient to recover what was already lost. Of the roughly 135,000 men deployed (at the time a quarter of the Thakrian military), over 60,000 were slain with less than a few hundred killed in return, for lack of ammunition, weapons, or orders. The feasting season came to a close with the northern towns up to Moonstone Lake occupied by Parrius and Eleusis firmly under Mercinaen control and pressing into the Greenwood. The second campaign season, of 1445, closed spectacularly. There was a flurry of claimed territory from Mercinae and Parrius, with over two hundred locations and multiple villages conquered by them each. Between them, Thakria suffered the loss of an embarrassing sixty-five thousand men, the highest in history. Prince Lleu led a successful invasion and conquest of Eleusis, held early by Thakrian Marshall Zio and wiping away almost thirty thousand Thakrian men. Field Marshall Fenris destroyed another thirty-five in the north, liberating Greeny's Edge and Snowfoot, but promptly disappeared. Acting Field Marshall Darian continued the assault on the sleepy Thakrians, until in the final months of the season Thakria resurged with full claims across Goblin Town and Thaumacie by Generals Necrophona, Mystfade, and Colonel Aerian. Mercinae's military junta now holds Nassau, Coriona, and Marshton as tributaries while Parrius holds Knightswood and Eleuthera. Their Entente Cordial continues.

The campaign season returned on Cloudburst 1445. The frosted leaves, brushed white by the northern snows, now warmed. From the depths of cities to the West, South, and East, the drums pounded and shook the eaves of the forests of Greenwood, Chetwood, Grey, and Northwood. Banners rose over the northern towns and claims called loudly by Thakria. Mercinae began a systematic assault on Eleusis, led by Prince Lleu, against the disorderly armies of Thakria stationed there by Field Marshall Zio. Simultaneously, Parrius continued their march from Oakwood through to Snowfoot, wiping out tens of thousands of Thakrian legions left without orders or equipment. With no sign of the Thakrian Field Marshall, young Thakrian captains were drilled in proper retreat by Cornelius, but the damage was long done. Cloudburst ended with a shower indeed, of the Thakrian dead exceeding twenty-five thousand men.

On the 4th day of Skyelong, 1444, Zio as Field Marshall of Thakria plants the first flags of Thakrian territory since the return of war. The 4th of Skyelong witnesses a rash of territorial flags planted, with Fenris, Prince and Field Marshall of Parrius, being the second to claim territory, along the western highway. Throughout the month of Paglost 1444, while legions began their hunt for unclaimed territory all around the world, death was everpresent not only for legionnaires but all of mortaldom. The month dripped with the blood of Mercinae's Prince Lleu, Hellchaser, Baron Raldon, Baron Ninjawarrior, Skulkarax, Evanlyn, Araseth; Parrians Fenris, Darian, and Ashlanir; and the Thakrian Field Marshall Zio, Prime Minister Mystfade, Belgarath and young Balliol, Cavalier Aerian, and Warlocks Richter and Abaku. In the exchanges, there were over three hundred mortal deaths that had disturbed the ethereal plane, in the month of Paglost alone, and proving to be the highest death toll since the Battlesands Quest for the Divine Pearl, won by Agarwain, on the 3rd Cloudburst 1388 aDW.

Warfare returns to the land much improved, with minefields removed, distances lengthened and rationalised, days to march between cities, and city forts strengthened

Evanlyn and Skulkarax of the Mystics, and Mysterin and Darian of the Astrologers, had spent many Avalon years carving up the unattended sprawl of the Seers Guild, long neglected by Thavar the Oracle for over a decade. The invasion lasted so long as to see Centre of Thakria Square and all major streets falling under the Mystic stones. Aware of these incursions, Zio, Aerian, Prisma, Mystfade, Richter, and Balliol pressed the Mystics to desist. Disrupt they could but not retake, without a Seer and the City of Miracles proferred one: at the turn of the Hindyear 1443, Maldor the Oracle returned and, with his citymates and newly returned Belgarath, immediately launched a searing offensive for the entire Avalon month to reclaim all of Thakria and its local territory. Today, the stones glow hot throughout the land and the horizon is fretted with the fires of war.

Warfare is disabled across the world pending revisions. Contest for the Fang is called by Necrophona, Princess of Thakria. Any Thakrian may claim the symbolic Fang of Thakria by slaying their peer enemies a hundred times undefeated.

A backdrop to the battlefield activity is a surge in player vs player melee; Thakria leading the charge against Silverfalls, Mercinae and Parrius all. The Parrians - though arguably successful in their war efforts - are slow to rouse, few of their citizens eager on the battlefield as even city barons stand idle as their citizens go to their deaths. This is a poison in Parrius that must be purged. The year 1398 sees also a number of admissions to the ranks of the True Fighters: Necrophona, Torac and Nieon all edged across the RANKS line to have their names turned red. Positions 8-16 all remain within a few dozen kills.

No battlefield action has taken place since the large scale battle of March 5th. The weekend passed by in a state of almost total peace as the broken and humiliated Mercinaens licked their wounds and made complaints. Parrians led primarily by Xion and Laramyn spend the lull-time regrouping and rebuilding; reorganising their tribute legions, reconstructing forts, rebuilding much needed war supplies after conflict. Every single Mercinaen fort in the wilds is left dull and unwaxed and globestaves are arranged to erode. Some 20K forts are worn down in advance of potential Parrian retaliation. Complaints are made to Genesis and Elmaethor, delivered by envoys of the broken generals Skulkarax and Vannish. Warfare BB #63 is posted in response to publicly redress the complaints and to establish a historical record. Lleu of Mercinae expresses discontent with the actions of Mercinae and Prince Nighteagle abdicates responsibility to the Gods. The Parrian rebuilding effort continues.

Mercinae sent out 30K troops on a mission to knock out Knightswood forts and mine up the town, ready to engage Parrian reaction. But not to stand up to it, it seems, as Skulkarax shat his pants when the siege failed (blaming Elmaethor interfering to block use of an exploit). Short engagement was endured then Skulkarax and Vannish were broken and ran home, taking their army back behind city walls. Parrius humiliated Mercinae without breaking sweat (Zio then Xion and then Laramyn with the Parrian legions.

Parrians launch an ambitious training exercise in which Krystia, Saxxon, Spectro, Faelynn and Ziel are the major players under the direction of Deputy Field Marshall Laramyn, besieging 33000 forts on the river leithe barring access to moonstone lake. 28000 forts are destroyed at a cost of 3000 Parrian men before Necrophona launched a counterattack sending another 4000 Parrians to the river floor. Much battle experience is gained by the Parrians but not without the bitter taste of loss.

The Battle of the Steppes 1395, Part V

A final attempt is made by Necrophona to resist in the Alzir. Leading over fifteen thousand Thakrians to the river, the Siren engaged general Skulkarax with a cacophonous exchange of mortar bombs, arrow-fire and melee strikes. Five thousand men are slain from each side before the retreat horn is sounded for the final time. The final month of claim goes unanswered and the towns of Ogg and Barholm are subsumed into the Mercinaen sphere. Jynx of Silverfalls is able to raise the flag of his homeland in Culloden and it is noted even by the Gods that Mercinae has begun to regain some of the prominence it enjoyed after the great downfall of Thakria and Mirales in early 2015.

The Battle of the Steppes 1395, Part IV

Battle resumes and the well rested leaders return to the fray. The invasion of Isabella is cancelled and tribute returns to the land. For once, the typically dominating Parrians (Xion, Mnemugg, Spectro and Ziel, later joined by Laramyn) are overmatched by the forces of Mercinae, among them Nieon, Alarius, Vannish and Shakralay with a cameo appearance by Torac. The Parrians manage to secure two thirds of their tribute but the Mercinaens gleefully coerce over a thousand Parrian men into their own barracks.

The Battle of the Steppes 1395, Part III

Necrophona returns and immediately assumes control of the Thakrian armies. Cneida, Hugh, Satsuki, Anara and Belgarath accompany her on a campaign to lead several thousand Thakrians to the river Alzir near Isabella in order to mount a resistance. Hundreds die on both sides before a stand off leaves neither willing to continue to engagement with a body of water betwixt the colliding armies. Besieging capabilities are reviewed after a botched attempt by Jynx and Vannish to besiege Isabella - in many ways the ultimate prize for a hungry and emboldened Silverfalls. Exhausted, both sides agree to a brief period of peace to tend their dead and rest their weary bones.

The Battle of the Steppes 1395, Part II

Belgarath - Sorcerer Master - is able to rally Satsuki and the two senior Thakrians mount a resistance along the streets of Dundalk. Gloomy fog plays a pivotal role in preventing the enemy generals from relaying orders to their troops. In the confusion, shots are exchanged with meagre losses on each side before the Thakrians retreat, satisfied but still under siege. Claims continue in the Steppes as Silverfalls boldly begin to seize the town of Culloden. Further fortifications are destroyed but among the chaos mistakes are made, mines are stepped on, claims are disrupted and exhaustion begins to take its toll. Ogg and Barholm remain under Mercinaen siege and claim, Culloden under that of Silverfalls.

The Battle of the Steppes 1395, Part I

Mercinae under Vannish and Skulkarax, accompanied by Jynx of Silverfalls invade the town of Ogg and destroy further fortifications on the jetties. The Mercinaens storm the small fishing village and begin to lay a claim both to Ogg and the southernmost Steppes. With Thakria missing star general Dachnavar and Satsuki the Deputy Field Marshall "in charge in absentia" while Field Marshall Necrophona vacations, the city of miracles' response is negliglbe and the Mercinae/Silverfalls axis are allowed to press further into Dundalk and Culloden. Several thousand Thakrians are slain in further sieges as a result of negligent deployment and craven inaction. Losses so far include six thousand Thakrians, four thousand Silverfallians, 7000 Mercinaens and approximately fifty thousand fortifications.

The retreated Silverfallians appear to abandon the towns of Nassau and Morgana's Rise, gainsaying any suggestions of reprisal or retaliation. The claiming Parrians alongside their exhausted generals see out the entire month undisturbed and raise their flags in victorious conquest.

Parrius under Agarwain, Laramyn, Xion and Solxor invade the villages of Morgana's Rise and Nassau, adopting a new claiming strategy of utilising groups of 100 troops armed (unexpectedly) for battle. The month of Midsummer is a quiet one though two attempts are made first by Quinn and then by Lukien to destroy the Parrian invasion force. Two thousand Silverfallian troops are slain in the attempt, Lukien able to disrupt but a single claiming legion and in doing so inadvertently sealing off Silverfalls access to the town of Nassau.

Silverfalls invade the town of Isabella, intent on destroying as many Thakrians as they can in a surprise sneak attack. Satsuki, Prime Minister of Thakria is able to rally half the Thakrian forces home but not before over two thousand legionnaires are slain.

Thakria under Necrophona organise a field training exercise for its many cadets. The youths Chiaroscruo, Zand, Arkturus, Willo and Azoth launch a daring campaign into the Steppes hoping to seize further territory. Mistakes are made however and several Thakrians are lost to the Silverfallian banners under Fenris, Quinn and Lukien. Phaith of the Cavaliers arrives at the eleventh hour to direct a last minute retreat, saving a thousand of the original four thousand Thakrians.

With Nassau left strongly fortified and set to claim, an exhausted Parrius dare to sleep, confident in their future acquisition. Silverfalls led by Quinn and Field Marshall Sloane utilise their experience navigating fortifications to counter-invade Nassau, slaying the claiming Parrians where they stood and returning the town to their own state of occupation.

Parrians under Agarwain, Laramyn and Xion unearth long forgotten tunnels and invade the village of Nassau, setting deadly oil cauldrons and burning two thousand Silverfallian troops to death before staking a claim to the riverside village.

Silverfalls stealthily claim the village of Eleuthera under their flag and declare occupational conquest. Is it unclear whether this is an oversight by super power Parrius or part of a longer term plan.

Thakria formalises their occupation and invasion of the towns of Thaumacie and Goblin Town, each promising enormous tributes to their conquerors.

In the midst of Thakria's invasion of Thaumacie, Mercinaen General and lifelong Alchemist Lleu leads a force of five thousand Mercinaens through the southwestern mountains. From their foothold in the Thaumacian peaks, the Mercinaens launch a deadly precision strike; slaughtering over half the Thakrians stationed in the dwarf town before retreating.

Thakrian troops invade Thaumacie, led by Necrophona, Zio and Satsuki. Thousands of legionnaires under the banner of the Crescent Moon vanquish Mercinaen forces and begin to occupy the dwarven homeland.

Enlivened by their combative victories over Mercinae, Thakrian troops led by Zio and Satsuki begin to invade Goblin Town. The underground citadel's fortifications are soon breached as the Mercinaen generals are kept from marching by the violent Thakrians.

The village of Kristanisti - historically an epicentre of military conflict - is invaded by Parrius under Agarwain and Laramyn with a force of ten thousand soldiers. The Parrians slay a thousand Silverfallian troops and begin to lay siege to the village's fortifications.

Parrius invades the town of Knightswood and begins to plunder its rich storerooms; defying an earlier edict by Proteus, god of the sea not to assail the town.

Whispers of a military clash in Knightswood sweep the continent; Mercinae and Parrius at their fore. Proteus, god of sea claims the town as his own; threatening to destroy any conquering armies intent on plundering Knightswood's commodity stores.

Eleusis, after 136 years of being under Thakrian control, is liberated by the city of Parrius with a force of 30,000 troops, and given their independence.

Springdale razed and its existence as a city purged from the land. In a treaty between Thakria and former Springdale, terms are outlined for the creation of a new city in its place, Silverfalls. The landscape of the continent is permanently changed. In a curious coincidence, the hunchback who ran the historic wolfhound races moved his entire operation to behind Thakrian walls around the same time.

The Bandits Guild invade the Animists

The Bandits invade the Animists Guild in the Northern greenwood, stating that the invasion is in reaction to interference in combat and warfare by the Animists.

Parrius Invades Mercinae

Parrius had decleared they would use their legions to destroy the Knights guildhouse as punishment for attacks by Knights guildmembers on Parrians. A failed pre-emptive strike by Knights guildtroops was judged as a violition of the 1021 treaty, Parrius invaded Mercinae once again and destroyed most of its guildhouses, homes and shops.

Thakria Invades Springdale

Thakrian legions fight their way into Springdale and finally defeat the city after several bloody battles. Springdale is forced to agree to a 15 year treaty, one of the terms is that the city is renamed Springtown. A statue of a grim-faced Thakrian man is erected in Springdale Square.

Parrius Invades Mercinae

Relationships between the former allies had become increasingly strained during the previous 5 years as Parrius had grown and sought to increase its sphere of influence, causing Mercinae to give up some of hers. An incident in 1017 when Parrian troops who had been protecting north Mercinae were prevented from returning home by the raising of Mercinae's East Gate fortifications did not help. Mercinae signs a 20 year peace treaty with Parrius.

Rise of the Orc Armies

An Uruk-Hai legion sacks Eleusis, marking the start of the Orc Wars with Orcish armies marching as far as the gates of Mercinae. Rumours spread of the return of "The Master".

Mercinae defeats Thakria

Mercinae invades Thakria, utterly destroying its army. Mercinae proceeds to loot and raze much of the city unchallenged whilst a 5000-strong army occupy Thakria for several months. Mercinae withdraws after a peace treaty limiting Thakria's military for 10 years is signed. This effectively ends the war between Mercinae and Thakria.

Thakria sacks Mercinae

A large Thakrian force defeat the army of Mercinae at the city's North Gate. Parrius marches 1500 troops into Mercinae via the East Gate. Mercinae's forces are routed in the first battles, and the invaders destroy much of the city but are finally driven out with the aid of Guild troops.

Mercinae and Thakria declare war on Parrius.

Thakrian forces liberate Coriona. Ithakus, Prince of Mercinae, invades Parrius with Thakrian funding. Parrian troops break the siege, Ithakus recalls all Mercinaen forces and resigns his position.

Thakria besieges Parrius

Thakria saw Kristanisti saved by Parrian arms but undaunted by the minor defeat, Prince Shaitan powered on and launched an attack on the Parrian homeland itself! The siege lasted for six long days and both sides were most worn out when Mercinae finally woke to the danger and Prince Isildur sent in his legions to break the deadlock and chase the Thakrians back across the realm. Parrius was saved.

Thakria beseiges Kristanisti

Prince Shaitan launched an invasion of Kristanisti after persuading Mercinae to remain idle. Kailess the Knight and Enth the Astrologer supported the Sorcerer Prince of Thakria. All looked fatal for Marie and her town until Parrius, despite reeling from recent theft of half a million gold, rose in defiance and sent in their armies under Nataykk, together with Polgara, Conan, and Nelgin.

Mercinae is defended to the last by Zollrender, leading the Mercinaen battlement legions in a desperate bid to hold off the conquering Thakrians. Rescue comes at last as Parrius mobilises and enters Mercinae, engaging the Thakrians as the last Mercinaen battlement was about to fall.

Thakria invades Mercinae

Thakria declares war on Mercinae as Snowlock leads a hundred thousand Thakrians to conquer the City of the Swan.