The Hole To Hide InBoard

Southern Refugee Crisis

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{ 11ya Narvinyë, 71ya Randa Valia, 45ya Ioa ó Elron, 08 Yavannië }

[ Eleventh Age, 71st Valian Cycle, 45th Year of Elron | 08 September 2019 Kalranian ]

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A camera shot pans over a low valley filled with thousands of moving figures and hundreds of small white tents. The scrolling headline, written in the various languages of Eldamar, reads out the same message: Crisis on the Border: Laurentiean Refugees Overwhelm Southern Provinces. A helicopter swoops from above, the emblem of the Eldamar Armed Forces emblazoned on its side. The deafening noise of its rotors accompanied by the swirl of dust scares away a dozen or so children playing in a nearby field. The wailing of children can be heard in the distance as the helicopter continues on its route south.

The camera then pans to a nearby Eldamari checkpoint. It is a single gateway to the rest of the elven nation, the meeting point of a rolling razor wire fence that acts as the border to this camp. A few soldiers dressed in basic service gear and carrying rifles can be seen along and within the checkpoint building. A few are gathered in a small circle, smoking, looking on into the news crew and groups of refugees. A cool wind blows over the southern sun shines cooly overhead.

The ongoing civil war in Laurentiea has brought no small portion of hardships to the southern Vesperian nation. The mobilization of the greater Vesperian Union peacekeepers had brought little respite to the chaos and bloodshed, bringing tens of thousands to the Eldamar-Laurentiea border. While aid groups and the local government had been preparing for such an event, they were completely unprepared for the scale of movement of people that had occurred. It is estimated that some 440,000 refugees have made it across the border with an additional 400,000 refugees along the border, kept back by Eldamar's border agencies.

The entry of no small number of refugees has caused great discourse within the Eldamar. While the Laurentiean Civil War rages on, both sides of the bench within the National Congress have been fighting for different policies in reaction to this crisis. Thus far, some headway has been made on a bill allowing the entry of an additional 200,000 refugees accompanied by the relocation of some families in the border provinces deeper into the country. This bill was met with fierce resistance, primarily from the rightist Tánar (Anvil) Coalition which has fought for the deportation of a majority of refugees from the nation.

As the situation in Laurentiea is an ever-developing one, it is unknown how this crisis will develop, especially as the southern neighbor's central government continues to devolve day by day. Recently, the Nórëa Combë announced a new bill mobilizing yet another two battalions of EAF troops along with additional air support for campaigns further south and southeast. The bill was signed by the Lord Conciliator this morning, guaranteeing Eldamar's continued involvement in Operation Erume Quinga and actions against the rebel forces.

Nonadia
Empire of Gora
Neuerstaat
Laurentiea

THE OVERALL FREIVEN ELVES LORE

The freiven elves were known for their superior building magic. They were commonly known as the Astral builders (frei-ven). they were naturally acclimated to frigid temperatures, but their bodies could withstand hotter temperatures, as well, of up to 40° Celsius. their bodies withstood up to -56° Celsius. their physical attributes were one of the main factors in their close relationship with the sprites, mothian hybrids, and Swiss humans. their geography and equivalent lifestyle gave their rigid national identity for thousands of generations.

their primary and only magical ability was their power to build their stalwart steelwood trees. they use their mana from within to maintain and make their homes, communities, cities, and nations. As they've lived in their settlements for thousands of generations, their walls and titanic trees acted as fortresses, protecting themselves from foreign powers. their lifestyle aligned with both Swiss and Sprite cultures, and they embraced herding, horticulture, and strict neutrality within foreign affairs. Like the Swiss humans, their physical attributes were largely the same except for their ability to use magic and extreme tolerance to temperature ranges. So their interactions with them were amicable and held mutual respect for thousands and thousands of generations.

Invasions, from the ancient Maragor empires, were repelled with the help of the Swiss humans, mothian hybrids (Jaru mothians and Sweizzer faeries), Candainian sprites, and freiven elves. Relentless imperial onslaughts and failed occupations steeled the alpine region’s diverse sapient ethnicities; their resolve and determination to maintain their way of life became absolute. stalwart steelwood fortresses and walls withstood attacks from the north and south. Siege weapons proved detrimental, but they were not enough to destroy them. freiven archers, warriors, and artillerymen (catapults using steelwood logs) fought valiantly with the rest of the alpine warriors. every single nation banded together to form the Polarlicht; then, the greater Swiss Confederacy.

The next centuries oversaw stability through shared representation and direct democracy, allowing for all voices to be heard within the Swiss Confederacy. modern technologies molded with freiven designs; their equivalent ingenuity and innovation thoroughly boosted the nation's prowess within the vast sciences, mana research, and other technologies. like other important Swiss sapient species, the elves greatly contributed to the overall development of their great nation, their settlements, and their peoples (both pure and half). Foreigners were not seen favorably by the elves, except for the rest of the sprite enclaves, and the nations of Dzea (Dze Tribes), Eldamar (Fiercewood), Greater Xing (Ryuvir), and Schwypia. Elf interactions remained mutual and well-respected despite the distance.

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THE OVERALL FREIVEN ELVES APPEARANCES AND DEMOGRAPHICS

The Swiss Freiven elves permanently resided within the greater Alpine region and the Swiss Confederacy, appearing as tall, horned sapient beings with some fur coats equivalent to mothian hybrids and sprites. Females typically had longer ears, while males had shorter versions. But half-elves, by far, boasted the shortest pointed ears in the nation; interspecies relationships inevitably coalesced and bred with other sapient species.

both males and females were over six feet tall with slender and figure bodies. strict diets and healthy practices and lifestyles kept them in great shape, further boosting their life spans within the 800-year mark. Other elves managed to surpass the 1k mark; they were worshipped as wise and influential elders, master builders, architects, and scholars. Although with long life spans, it came with extremely low birth rates.

Their skin tones varied from beige to dark brown, primarily caused by strains within their genetic makeup. hair and fur colors usually oversaw varying degrees of white, light grey, light blue, and light green colors, while their horns had limited tonal ranges of white, grey, and black. however, their eye color proved to be somewhat opposite with their eyes being grey, light blue, prismarine, emerald, or light grey.

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THEIR TWO DISTINCT DEMOGRAPHICS:
THE PURE FREIVEN
THE HALF FREIVEN

MAXIMUM AGE:
800-1000 YEARS (FOR PURE FREIVENS)
200-400 YEARS (FOR HALF FREIVENS)

THEIR EYE COLOURS: GREY, LIGHT BLUE, PRISMARINE, EMERALD, AND LIGHT GREY

THEIR NATURAL FUR COLOURS: WHITE, LIGHT GREY, LIGHT BLUE, AND LIGHT GREEN

THEIR AVERAGE MALE HEIGHT: SIX FEET AND SEVEN INCHES

THEIR AVERAGE FEMALE HEIGHT: SIX FEET AND TWO INCHES

THEIR OVERALL HORN COLOURS: BLACK, DARK GREY, GREY, LIGHT GREY, AND WHITE

THEIR OVERALL SKIN COLOUR: BEIGE, LIGHT BROWN, BROWN, AND DARK BROWN
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THEIR MAGICAL ABILITY

THE FROIVIEN ARCASTALVAT MANICUMS (THE ARCHITECTURAL BUILDERS OF THE STALWART) WERE THEIR PRIMARY MAGICAL ABILITY, TO WHICH ONLY THE PURE FREIVEN ELVES (AND OTHER HALF-ELVES) POSSESSED. These types of building magics were exclusive and very common within the Alpine region alone, making the Swiss Confederacy one of the few kalranian nations capable of performing magic, researching magic, and improving its properties.

their magic was one with pure specialization, tailor-made for building civilizations, defensive structures, and infrastructures. Their few modes of defense (for military use) were primarily building fortresses, underground sanctuaries, and safe stowages. stalwart magic provided impervious structures for their users but at the cost of slow construction and the expensive depletion of mana. thus, more than one user was needed. plenty of rest, healthy food, exercise, and other very sensual activities became essential to recover their mana back to full capacity (mana levels and endurance vary from elf to elf). However, near depletion of their mana levels would send the elves into life-threatening situations, both physically and mentally. If near depletion of mana was reached, either death or 2-3 months' worth of rest (WITH LIFE SUPPORT) were needed to make a full recovery.

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THE FREIVEN SETTLEMENTS

(((FREIVHEM))) (((THE FREIVEN WORLD TREES ARCHITECTURE)))

The capital city of the Freiven Elves Canton featured the tallest trees within the alpine region and the entirety of kalrania; they were famously named "the world trees". They were unique architectural styles constructed and designed by the freiven elves themselves, having over five hundred major battles on their home soil. The capital city also boasted other nicknames; the most popular of them all was the Stalwart Fortress. The four world trees, life trees, sanctuary trees, walls, and extensive defenses garnered their reputation as one of the most heavily defended and impenetrable cities. Most historically, Freivhem repelled five invasions from the south, becoming the sworn shield of the southern domains.

Their total population maintained steady numbers of 920k, where average ages varied from 230 to 560.

(((FREIVFORIENTHOUR)))

Another one of their many settlements was smaller than the famed freivhem with its titanic world trees. However, the Freivforien tree settlements proved to be another major powerhouse within the technological research, private healthcare, and agriculture industries.

Their total population maintained steady numbers of 230k, where average ages varied from 130 to 410.

(((EFREN GORENG)))

Efren Goreng was one of the major freiven life tree settlements, focused on heavy R&D, industrial manufacturing, and construction services. They were known as the research hub for all freiven technologies and techniques; the epicenter of industrial sciences.

Their total population maintained steady numbers of 580k, where average ages varied from 640 to 860.

(((MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON)))

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THE FREIVEN STALWART STEELWOOD (THE STALWART WOOD)

THE OVERALL SUMMARY

Their stalwart steelwood resources were the freiven elve's special resource, exclusive to their nation and the Swiss confederacy. Series of steelwoods were their primary source of material to construct their tree settlements. Far stronger and more durable than steel and other heavy metals, stalwart steelwood withstood pressures over 50k pounds per square inch.

Their dense internal structures made them extremely sturdy, capable of withstanding natural disasters and nearly all manmade ordnance. Special freiven 1960 modern ballistics and defense research divisions conducted extensive studies; Stalwart walls endured attacks from 120mmm tank rounds and certain ATGMs, penetrating the wall. But there were no substantial damages recorded. JDAMS, bombs, and cruise missiles proved ineffective with one attack. However, two to five strikes destroyed their targeted portions. The rest of the structures, surrounding the afflicted sections, were left intact with some cracks, but foundations throughout the walls remained stable. Small sections at the freivhem world tree featured similar tests, but those sections sustained no visible damage. To counter long-range missiles, additional layers of walls were erected to mitigate damage and endure more attacks.

Thick layers of bark withstood up to 2530° Celsius; no fire in history ever reached the central core. Regeneration rates easily repaired underlying damage with the help of the freiven elves and their mana, however, those regeneration rates occurred very slowly, making them vulnerable to further attacks.

The stalwart steelwood trees were considered sentient beings themselves, capable of repairs, self-sustenance, and adaptation to their surrounding environments. Pure generation of stalwarts can be done, but to build/repair structures faster, scraps were often used to form the basis of the new building. However, constant maintenance and repairs were needed to keep the steelwoods healthy. Degeneration was another issue they had to face over the years, and as a result, complete removal of sections was conducted, replaced with new steelwoods, to prevent the disease from spreading.

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THE STALWART STEELWOOD PROPERTIES

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ADVANTAGES:
⇒VERY STURDY
⇒NEAR IMPERVIOUS (EQUIVALENT TO BOTH STEEL OR TUNGSTEN)
⇒FIREPROOF
⇒THEIR PRIMARY ATTUNED MAGIC CAN BUILD EXTENSIONS OF THEIR RESIDENTIAL TREE HOMES, INDUSTRIAL TREE SECTORS, AND MANY OTHERS
⇒BOTH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DESIGNS AND ARCHITECTURES OF THE TREES CAN BE MOULDED AND MODIFIED WITH THEIR MAGIC
⇒OUTSTANDING ENDURANCE TO BOTH HOT AND COLD TEMPERATURES
⇒ADAPTABLE TO EVERY ENVIRONMENT
⇒THEY ARE ABLE TO BE BUILT WITH NEARLY EVERY SHAPE OR FORM
⇒THEY ARE ABLE TO CONSTRUCT THE LARGEST TREES IN KALRANIA (1K-5K FEET)
⇒THE STALWART STEELWOODS ARE SELF-SUSTAINING AND GENERATE THEIR RESOURCES TO KEEP THEMSELVES ALIVE THROUGH THEIR MANA (HOWEVER, THE ELVES MUST MAINTAIN MANA LEVELS TO KEEP THE REGENERATION CYCLE STABLE)

DISADVANTAGES:
⇒LABOR INTENSIVE
⇒PRIMARY USERS OF THE MAGIC ARE ONLY THE FREIVEN ELVES
⇒STALWART LIFE TREES (HUGE TREE COMPLEXES) TAKE AT LEAST 150K ELVES TO CONSTRUCT
⇒TAKES 10 DAYS TO REGAIN MANA FROM BUILDING WALLS AND SMALL TREE COMPLEXES
⇒TAKES 2 YEARS TO REGAIN MANA FROM BUILDING STALWART LIFE TREES
⇒LEAVES AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS WITHIN AND ON THE TREES ADAPT TO THE FOUR SEASONS (WITH WINTER PRODUCING WAY LESS)
⇒THEY TAKE TWENTY YEARS TO BUILD ONE STALWART WORLD TREE
⇒THEY TAKE ONE YEAR TO BUILD ONE STALWART LIFE TREE
⇒THEY TAKE SIX MONTHS TO BUILD THREE STALWART SANCTUARY TREES
⇒THEY TAKE THREE MONTHS TO BUILD THEIR STEELWOOD WALLS
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THE OVERALL ATTRIBUTES OF THE STALWART STEELWOOD RESOURCES
⇒VERY THICK, VERY DENSE, AND VERY HARD WOOD EQUIVALENT TO STEEL AND OTHER METALS MORE DURABLE THAN STEEL
⇒FIREPROOF (BURNS AT 2300° CELSIUS)
⇒SELF-SUSTAINING WITH THEIR WATER AND NUTRIENTS
⇒THE NEED FOR CONSTANT MAINTENANCE WITH THE FREIVEN ELVES' MANA AND MAGIC
⇒VERY ADAPTABLE TO ANY SHAPE, FORM, AND ENVIRONMENT
⇒THE PRIMARY MAGICAL ABILITY AND RESOURCE OF THE FREIVEN ELVES
⇒THE ABILITY TO BE CONSTRUCTED AND DECONSTRUCTED (BUT WITHIN LONG DURATIONS)
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THE STALWART STEELWOOD MESHGEND

THE OVERALL SUMMARY

The Stalwart steelwood meshgends (MESHGEND TRANSLATING TO HEAVENLY SHIELD IN FREIVEN ELVISH) were another series of strengthened stalwart steelwood resources. Meshgend boasted the same properties as their original, but with strengthened fire resistance (burns at 4500 Celsius), sturdiness, durability, environmental adaptivity, and regenerative abilities. However, the cost of boosted performance made the sentient materials more expensive to design, build, and maintain. Meshgend structures required master freivens to keep the trees healthy. Therefore, their improved versions were greatly limited to essential infrastructures, such as medical, government, and military.

Many of the Swiss Confederacy’s top leading and many other medical tech development industries, such as Grandar Medical and Special Medical Development Cor, National Epidemic Disease Control Industry, Drazgi Health Organization, and Airiad Medical Technologies have begun their great research, with the support of the government and private sector to initiate similar studies on developing more advanced brain mapping, simulation technologies, methods in combating against cancer using CRISPR from CETI, Neurological reparation methods and technologies, more precise treatments for serious diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc. Partnered with TAGALogica, such industries are also currently in the development of advanced 3D Printer technologies to use both commercially and medically, using 3D printer systems to cheaply build hollow shells for medical technologies such as MRI scanners. Efficient surgical technologies were also in favor of improvement to boost the chances of survivability, even further.

ArtolCore’s initiative to improve polymer and zionite technologies was also announced, specifically to help create better energy storage systems for their upcoming next-generation medical technologies. The intended goal was to produce cheaper prices for commercial use in polymer and zionite tech. More advanced digital interface systems, alternate reality simulations, and info-processing data cores were included in the list of developments within the Swiss Confederacy.

From the depths of elven zones existed labyrinthian structures, forming grotesque natures. The abyss they called it. Do not go to the abyss. At least, that's what their folklore told them not to do. In reality, those labyrinths were of freiven origins, used to protect their most sacred treasures, knowledge, and experiments from outsiders. In the modern world, their world tree abyssal cores (others with horizon roots) were employed as top secret research sites, much like the ELBE AND THE ELEB RESEARCH BUNKERS. From an outside perspective, they looked like your average world tree settlements with four colossal spires at the center and smaller ones surrounding them. But their distinctions were determined from within.

The ABYSSAL CORE PROJECTS were nearly similar to their ELEB CORE counterparts with thick tree roots (THEY WERE RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES AS WELL) running alongside their underground strongholds. The only differences between the ELBE and the ABYSSAL were the ABYSSAL's dark purple colors, different steelwoods series, and the ability to create HORIZON ROOTS. One prime example was the GARRGEM ZONE (ZONE FIVE, AKA THE CANTON OF GARRGEM).

Elite freiven master builders and architects constructed another structure around the core testing room, initiating the development of strengthened stalwart steelwood (meshed with steel and other metals). Dubbed the STALWART STEELWOOD MESHGEND, their new versions massively improved their sturdiness, fire resistance, regeneration, adaptivities, durability, and self-sustaining properties, albeit, at the cost of greater use of mana and frequency of maintenance. With their current Hellgate projects with Otyken, considerable amounts of advanced, yet alien, technologies revealed its uncanny design within the strict obscurity. DEPTHS OF 15K FEET buried everything away from the outside world like a coffin sealing away apocalyptic monsters from forgotten mythologies. STALWART STEELWOOD MESHGEND ROOTS and STALWART SUPPORT CORES, in addition, clamped down any outflows of specimens. Their sturdier and higher resistant properties effectively negated any attempts to burn or melt their way through. Approximately, 1K large roots grappled the testing rooms tightly. Seemingly eldritch arms, marred with texture and dark purples, extended their reach across, leaving no room for anything to escape its eternal prison. But they left openings and spaces for essential infrastructures and ventilation; those, too, were shut for good measure.

Efforts to dive deep into hell had already reached its third phase: colonization and extraction. Larger gates were made as a result, but there was nothing the roots and the abyssal core could handle. Minor earthquakes shook Garrgem's rugged geography, but again, five layers of structural supports and protective shells prevented any damage from ever occurring.

(((MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ABYSSAL CORE AND HORIZON ROOTS PROJECTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE FUTURE)))

(((THE MAJORITY OF FREIVEN SETTLEMENTS, SPRITE SETTLEMENTS, MOTHIAN SETTLEMENTS, BUNKERS, ELBE ARCHIVE BUNKERS, ELEB RESEARCH BUNKERS, OBLISK CUBE COMPLEX PROJECTS, AND OTHER UNDERGROUND SETTLEMENTS HAVE NBC FILTERS. THE GARRGEM SETTLEMENT, MESHGEN CUBES, AND HORIZON ROOTS ARE NO EXCEPTION TO THIS)))

(((THE OFFICIAL CANONIZED EXPORTS OF STALWART STEELWOODS WITH MOD APPROVAL)))

(((THE UNDERDARK)))

Massive bulks of shipping containers scurried their way back to the Otykenese Federation; their destination: the Underdark drilling site (THE JOINT UNDERDARK PROJECT). Unique resources, native to the Alpine Region alone, were brought in droves to another one of Otyken’s scientific endeavors to explore another world beneath our feet. The stalwart steelwood series (stalwart steelwood and STLSTW meshgends), freiven elves, magically attuned sprites, and mothian hybrids were, thus, contracted and exported to the site with building materials and structural reinforcements for their dangerous expeditions. Legal bindings prevented the Swiss from building them straight from the ground using magic, and tremors, caused by magically manifesting roots underneath, proved extremely hazardous, especially inside caves.

The project transitioned into a trilateral partnership, which involved Brennian scientists in the mix. Although their recent war estranged the two nations, all three agreed to work together with the primary goal of scientific discovery. However, there’s no doubt the ground they’re on was rugged and steep, having two war-stricken nationalities altogether. Nevertheless, the Swiss kept a close watch.

(((MAGICAL AFFINITIES)))

The magical affinity with the sprites made the stalwart steelwood series another valued commodity for international markets with Candain being one of the Swiss Confederacy and the Freiven Elve’s biggest trading partners. Used primarily for construction, stalwarts saw extensive applications to sprite housing and structures. And with steelwood exports being present within other countries, the GCS, by default, provided Freiven maintenance services for specialized treatment of the stalwarts.

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THE SWISS EXPORTS TO THE UNDERDARK PROJECT
⇒THE STALWART STEELWOODS
⇒THE STALWART STEELWOOD MESHGENDS
⇒THE SWISS FREIVEN SPECIALIST MAINTENANCE SERVICES

THE SWISS EXPORTS TO THE CANDAIN ENCLAVES
⇒THE STALWART STEELWOODS
⇒THE STALWART STEELWOOD MESHGENDS
⇒THE SWISS FREIVEN SPECIALIST MAINTENANCE SERVICES
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THE MONTHLY EXPORT RATES OF THE STALWART STEELWOOD

(((MONTHLY RATE TO THE OTYKENESE UNDERDARK PROJECT))

150K TONNES PER MONTH

(((MONTHLY RATE TO THE CANDAIN ENCLAVES)))

350K TONNES PER MONTH
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THE OVERALL IMPROVEMENTS
⇒STRENGTHENED EXPORTS FROM THE SWISS CONFEDERACY AND THE ALPINE REGION
⇒STRENGTHENED EXPORTS OF NATIVE STALWART STEELWOOD PRODUCTS
⇒INCREASED TRADE BETWEEN NORTHERN NATIONS
⇒OVERALL STRENGTHENED EXPORTS OF SWISS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
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Mass migrations shook the island nation, where large diasporas moved to other countries. The cascades of major events had been their greatest catalyst, and now, another migrant crisis began, although more fraternal and harmonious than that of Vesperia's (specifically between Nonadia and Laurentiea). Border administrations barred immigrants from both countries, seeking to escape from their intense racial conflict. Considered radicals and terrorists, all forms of travel options were disbanded, barring any immigrants from using the Schengen Zone (Baltocarpathia) and the Celestial Union to enter the mainland. Vesperian nations, exempt from their new foreign policy, were Neuerstaat, Gora, Eldamar (Fiercewood), and Schwypia. With new conflicts brewing between Lillitia and Otyken, they, too, were barred.

The Naacalis were welcomed, however, due to their hard-working nature and budding talents. Investments nurtured their expertise. So much so, that their level of skill was almost that of an advanced first-world nation. Although the strenuous and wary outlook of the outside world grew, over 1K were accepted to the Swiss Confederacy as permanent residents. The Alpine Region tried to get their hands on highly skilled labor, such as their engineers, scientists, etc, but with great limitations to not disturb the balance of supply and demand. As such, no announcements were made, from the Immigration Bureau, to accept more migrants. Nevertheless, the lucky thousand entered the gates to Bern and prepared for a new life in the cold fringes of Ardentia. With their applications for permanent residencies, social services, and other government incentive programs were readily available anytime, anywhere.

War and turmoil ravaged the landscapes of the once proud and mighty honulites. With the 2nd socialist republic cementing its ground, the Civil War was finally over. But memories of the conflict raged on inside the battered minds of Swiss staff, captured and detained by the new honulite authorities. Reports of good treatment surfaced, which further alleviated the wary minds of the local populace. Interviews from the survivors acknowledged and spread the bravery and sacrifices by good men and women, Swiss and Honulite alike. Shell shocked and traumatized, one of the staff members reviewed their harrowing moments; they remembered friends being killed, debris mangling others, and horrifying images. It all started with a shake from the earth.

Breaking news of an impending Civil conflict broke out in droves as soon as Swiss citizens were quickly evacuated. Fast as a lightning strike, the flames of war quickly spread to the capital, where various ordnance pummeled walls, glasses, and offices mercilessly. Fire engulfed one section of the heavily protected embassy. Hell itself absorbed the innocent souls; no remnants were found as if they'd never existed. Emergency protocols and alarms screamed throughout the facility, ordering mass lockdowns and retreating underneath to their bunkers. Swiss guards armed themselves with rifles, pistols, grenades, and anything that could put the hurt in the dirt. Another explosion rattled the entire building and imploded as damaged supports broke away from its brittle state. Over >200 were confirmed lost, dead, or missing.

Streams of blood poured down wrecked pavements, where pipes and wires hung from above. Every entrance had five men guarding it. Footsteps, from above, intensified as if an army descended upon them, ready to execute, torture, or imprison the remaining 110 survivors. More explosions ensued, and clouds of dust made a smoggy scene. Then… a shot was fired from the intruders and struck one of their soldiers. A clean shot penetrated through their head. They slumped back; their blood stained the walls. Those malicious intruders yelled something aloud.

“HNRG!!! FOR THE ABSUKIANS!!!”

HNRG…

Swiss guard: “CONTACT! CONTAAACT!!”

In a blaze of fury, Swiss guards fired their SIG SAUER rifles, treating anyone outside the bunkers as hostiles. They returned fire in an attempt to hold their enemies back and avenge their fallen comrades. Flashbacks and sweet memories pushed wounded soldiers, to raise their guns and rally for their last stand. Bullets bounced off concrete walls, chipping them little by little. Frags sent bits of metal deeper into human flesh, both for the Swiss and themselves. War truly brought their demise to anyone indiscriminately.

Captain of the Swiss Guard: “This is it, everyone. Ready everything you got. Been a pleasure to serve with you all.”

There was no turning back now. The traumatized employee heard the captain's last words before every single one of them (except three) jumped into the fog, gun blazing and lights flashing. Grim Reaper took many brave souls in his hands that day. Loud sounds, of what seemed to be metal scraping the ground, emanated and shuddered with a huge thud. The vault closed itself, or rather, one of them managed to. Isolated without a consistent flow of supplies, their hard-fought battle began. They lost consciousness soon after, only to be awakened again by more honulites searching the premises. Many months passed. Only five survived. 350 gone. Socialist Federal Republic soldiers introduced themselves after they treated their wounds.

Back to the present, a pure soul bore deep scars that would never heal. The status quo was shaken, and its foundation cracked. Diplomatic relations remained amicable, but clearly under severe stress. The Swiss government hadn't forgotten the atrocious war crimes committed by the new regime. Purging and executions broke news headlines nearly every day, souring public opinions. From that day onwards, the entire nation walked cautiously with outsiders.

“Talk with a smile, but keep a knife behind your back.”

The Red Cross never forgot what they saw during their days in the Honulite Civil War and the war against Otyken. Humanity truly left everyone as anarchy descended upon the lands. Before being ripe with progression and innovation, all of it imploded instantaneously. Safe zones looked like h*ll, and much worse within the outskirts of it.

A young, female Swiss Muspel sprite, who hailed from the Candainian Gullblat Enclave before immigrating to the Swiss Confederacy, rebelled against orders to treat those who weren't able to make it to the safe zone. She only saw charred corpses that day. Desperately, she searched for any survivors, any last hope she could find, anyone she could save. Alas, nothing came to her. White pupils turned red. Her mind broke down completely to the nightmares she saw. Defeated, will compel her to return and save those that can be saved.

The Tengerinian turmoil had come to a close, despite two significant wars nearly killing everyone inside the safe zone. Good men, women, and children lost their lives. Their colleagues were caught in the crossfires. At least they died for what they believed in. The Muspel's conviction, however, crumbled. Resentment of the outside broiled within. Much like the rest of the Swiss, the world only became worse by the day, and it seemed that neutrality alone could not save the common people.

“A witch's nefarious pot stirred ever more furiously, hiding away in secret. She worked in the shadows, using contents made by herself, and began to plot, from what she believed, to save the world by destroying it first.”