Ember Ridge Barony.
Baron Rothwell, a loyal vassal of the Verdant Glades Kingdom, presided over Ember Ridge Barony with unwavering dedication. His commitment to serving the kingdom and maintaining the eastern realm as a stronghold was evident in every aspect of his governance. The barony, strategically positioned as a vanguard in the eastern part of the kingdom, played a crucial role in safeguarding the kingdom's borders.
The landscapes of Ember Ridge Barony were characterized by rolling hills, fertile plains, and dense forests. The hardworking residents, farmers, craftsmen, and soldiers, contributed to the prosperity of the region under Baron Rothwell's leadership. The barony was not only a military outpost but also a thriving community with a sense of camaraderie among its people.
Ember Ridge, the main settlement within the barony, was a bustling town with a central keep that served as the administrative and military headquarters. The town's architecture reflected both practicality and a touch of elegance, showcasing the barony's importance within the kingdom.
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over Ember Ridge, Baron Rothwell walked through the town square, acknowledging the hardworking citizens going about their daily routines. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, the sound of craftsmen at work, and the laughter of children playing in the streets.
Baron Rothwell, a tall and imposing figure with a greying beard, wore the emblem of Verdant Glades Kingdom proudly on his armor. His presence commanded respect, and the people of Ember Ridge regarded him with a mix of admiration and gratitude for the stability he brought to their lives.
Approaching the central keep, Baron Rothwell entered the grand hall where his advisors awaited him. The room was adorned with tapestries depicting the kingdom's history and intricate maps outlining the strategic importance of Ember Ridge Barony.
"Milord, news has reached us that the Coalition Army has suffered a defeat at Oscana Barony. The situation is dire," one of his advisors informed him with a sense of urgency.
Baron Rothwell's face tightened with concern as he absorbed the shocking news. The defeat of the Coalition Army, especially with its formidable strength in numbers and two master level knights, was beyond comprehension.
"How could this happen? The Coalition Army is a force to be reckoned with, how can a barony level like us be able to defeat them, what kind of power did Baron Gareth have to defeat two master level knights and 20,000 soldier? " Baron Rothwell inquired, his mind racing to make sense of the unfolding crisis.
The advisor hesitated before answering, "Milord, the information is limited, but rumor has it that Baron Gareth is capable of a necromancy power that is being used on the battlefield.
"Necromancy?" Baron Rothwell's brows furrowed in disbelief. The notion of facing an opponent with the ability to wield dark magic and command the undead was both unsettling and challenging to comprehend. "This... this cannot be true. Necromancy is a forbidden art, a relic of the past. How can someone possess such power in our time?"
Another advisor spoke up, "Milord, it is also rumored that Lord Gareth Miller may have the ability to resurrect fallen soldiers on the battlefield, turning them into his own undead army."
Baron Rothwell paced back and forth in the grand hall, his mind grappling with the implications of the information. "Resurrection? Unheard of. Such powers were thought to be myths or ancient history. If this is true, we face a threat unlike anything we've encountered before."
"Do you think our fiefdom will be in chaos because of what happened in the Kingdom?" Baron Rothwell asks his advisor about the possibility what will happen to his fiefdom.
The advisors exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to predict the potential consequences for Ember Ridge Barony in the wake of the Coalition Army's defeat and the emergence of Baron Gareth's necromantic powers.
"It's hard to say, Milord," one advisor ventured cautiously. "If the rumors are true and Baron Gareth possesses such formidable abilities, it could indeed create chaos not just within the kingdom but also in neighboring nation. The people may be gripped by fear, and the stability we've worked hard to maintain could be threatened."
"What do you think about Pinnacle Republic, will they increase the price of their trade and take advantage of the chaos in the Verdant Glades Kingdom?" Baron Rothwell asked another advisor.
The advisor considered the question before responding, "Milord, the Pinnacle Republic has always been opportunistic in its dealings. With the kingdom in turmoil, they might see an opportunity to increase the price of their resources and strengthen their position in negotiations. We should be prepared for potential economic challenges and diplomatic maneuvers from the Pinnacle Republic."
"Haaa... our kingdom will be in turmoil."
Baron Rothwell sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the responsibilities that now rested on his shoulders. The stability of Ember Ridge Barony and its role as a vanguard in the eastern part of the kingdom seemed more crucial than ever.
"Milord!"
"Milord!"
"There is bad news."
Baron Rothwell turned his attention to the urgent voices, his advisors looking even more troubled than before.
"What is it?" he demanded, bracing himself for potentially more distressing news.
"Milord, reports have just come in that a Pinnacle Republic force, led by Supervisor Eldric and Commander Alex, is mobilizing for an invasion. They plan to exploit the instability in our Kingdom and have set their sights on our Barony," one of the advisors relayed with a sense of urgency.
Baron Rothwell's eyes narrowed in a mix of frustration and determination. "Pinnacle Republic? Invading us now? Blast! We cannot afford to face threats from within and without simultaneously. We need to strengthen our defenses immediately."
The urgency in Baron Rothwell's voice resonated through the grand hall as he issued orders to mobilize the defenses of Ember Ridge Barony. The news of Pinnacle Republic's invasion added another layer of complexity to an already dire situation.
"Prepare the messenger," Baron Rothwell commanded, his demeanor now shifting into military leader. "Inform His Majesty of the imminent threat from the Pinnacle Republic. We must seek assistance and reinforcement from the central forces of Verdant Glades Kingdom."