The Goblin Coast derives its name from the numerous goblin communities scattered across the coastal plains. As for the history of this region—the arrival of goblins, their displacement of the original human settlers, and the original name of the plains—these details have faded from common memory, known now simply as the Goblin Plains, a name that has persisted through generations.
Over the centuries, countless goblin tribes have inhabited this area, constantly in conflict over resources. Powerful tribes rise and fall, betrayals and conquests playing out amidst the goblins, who, despite their occasional unification, pose less threat than their forest kin. Nevertheless, their sheer numbers make them a formidable danger. Few venture into these goblin-infested lands, save for the occasional adventurer testing their luck.
Two hundred years ago, this region was known to the world as Anseta, named after the great city of Anseta. It was a time of prosperity, fueled by the River Yaralok, known as the River of Gold, flowing into the sea here. Trade flourished, towns prospered, especially near the mouth of the Yaralok. Back then, Anseta rivaled Aliresh Keep, another mouth of the Yaralok, in prosperity.
Everything changed when goblins from the Kenasloth Forest were driven here by the lizardfolk of the Gelkarst clans. These malicious green-skinned beings raided merchant ships and even blocked the river, diverting wealth away from the vital trading hub of Katawote, the City of Freedom.
Attempts to clear the trade route faltered amidst the chaos of subsequent events, such as the Cataclysmic Night, leaving the city's leaders focused on survival rather than restoration. When stability returned, efforts to combat the goblins proved futile, as their numbers had swelled during years of peace. Eventually, the trade route was abandoned entirely.
The decline of commerce and the goblin threat led to a mass exodus from Anseta, once bustling cities reduced to ruins. The final human stronghold, the great city of Anseta, fell to the goblin coalition, transforming Anseta from a prosperous hub into what is now known as the Goblin Coast. The stretch of river from Katawote to Anseta's former harbor is now called Goblin River by all who know of it.
The situation has changed recently.
For a long time, the ruins of Anseta City on the coast have been a focal point of contention for the Goblin tribes. Typically, whoever controls this area gains dominion over the fertile surrounding lands and the bountiful fish-rich Anseta Fishery—an invaluable legacy inherited from the Anseta humans by the Goblins. Nearly every short-lived overlord of the Goblin coast has launched their ambitions from seizing the ruins of Anseta.
Now, the ruins have once again become a battleground. What appears to be a typical conflict is different this time—the attackers are not Goblins but humans. They rally not under savage Goblin totems but under the crowned double-headed eagle and the cross-flag bearing four βs.
Amidst the rubble of Anseta, Goblins clash with fully armored humans. Both sides engage in skirmishes within the ruins, with Goblins clearly at a disadvantage, continually pushed back by the advancing humans under the cover of archers.
"We must commit more forces, General John," Giovanni of Genoa said, sword in hand, addressing Army Commander John Kantakouzenos. He anxiously looked towards Anseta, where the state of the battle was evident on the map spread across the command table. "My soldiers are prepared and await your command."
"Patience, Giovanni of Genoa," John sat on a broken column, clad in golden armor, sheltered amidst the ruins with walls barely standing. "The frontline progresses smoothly, those... Goblins won't halt our advance." Seeing Giovanni's grim expression, John added reassuringly, "Your men will support immediately if needed."
Nevertheless, Giovanni walked away in agitation, his full plate armor emitting faint clinks. John could only shake his head silently.
Official Byzantine attitudes towards this enthusiastic Genoese were cautious. On one hand, he privately recruited 700 soldiers to aid in the defense of Constantinople; on the other, his Latin identity made the Greeks wary, having suffered from Latin incursions in the past.
With the resolution of the "transmission" incident in Constantinople, his obligations naturally ended, but he could not return home. Thus, he and his men were absorbed into the central Roman army.
As for the origins of this battle, it's a long story.
With continuous encounters with the Goblins, the scale of the conflict between the two sides has grown. The Goblins clearly took notice of this sudden human city and deployed reconnaissance teams outside the walls of Constantinople. Inside, there were also a significant number of wolf riders, these massive wolves surprising the Greeks as they had never seen such large wolves before. These Goblin wolf riders caused trouble for the Greek light cavalry, but it was manageable. Having long battled the Turks, the Greeks had already learned the horse archery techniques of the Turks. For the Greek cavalry skilled in horse archery, these Goblin wolf riders were like rookies compared to the arrogant Western knights in the mountains of Anatolia—let alone these Goblin wolf riders did not wear armor, and they only wore some animal skins.
However, faced with increasing harassment from the Goblins, Emperor Constantine ordered a firm expulsion of these green-skinned wolf riders and increased the number of cavalry outside the city. On the other hand, he tasked brave riders to investigate the origins of the Goblins, mobilizing a portion of his own guard, veterans who had fought alongside him for years in Moria.
In the end, not only did the Greek riders fulfill their mission, but they also brought joyful news. They tracked the Goblin raiding parties back to the ruins of Anseta, a day's ride from Constantinople, and noted that surrounding Goblin tribes all traced back to this city.
Armed with intelligence gathered from reconnaissance and probing, the Emperor decided to attack the ruins of Anseta once and for all, to rid themselves of these troublesome flies.
Thus, after discussing with his senior officials, the Emperor decided to entrust John Kantakouzenos with this task. Leading two thousand men, including Giovanni, they marched towards the ruins.
What followed was the recent story. The Greek assault was unstoppable; the hideous Goblins had never anticipated an attack from humans. This owed much to the exceptional performance of the Greek archer cavalry, whose arrows pinned any Goblin scout attempting to report back.
"Giovanni, please, take a seat," John Kantakouzenos watched Giovanni idly kicking rubble and dust. "This won't accomplish anything. When the time comes, I'll send your men in."
Just as Giovanni was about to respond, a bloodied messenger burst into their makeshift command post, a house in ruins. "Sir, General Demetrius requests your support. The Goblins have suddenly deployed a large force, including some big ones. We need reinforcements."
"Giovanni, your men are needed." John immediately turned to the Genoese, signaling guards to attend to the messenger's wounds. "Your chance has come. Later, I'll dispatch archer cavalry to cover your flanks. Go, and don't disappoint me."
"Yes, Commander." With that, the Genoese exited the temporary command post. Soon, cheers erupted, followed by the sound of running footsteps and clashing weapons.
"Have Varitai's troops flank the city, quickly." With these orders given, John picked up a parchment and quill from the nearby command table, beginning to write: "Your Majesty, Giovanni of Genoa has been tested. Though impatient, I find no signs of discontent towards you or collusion with the Latins. Nonetheless, I advise continued vigilance over him, despite knowing he is an old friend of yours; for the Roman Empire, only the Greeks are truly trustworthy."
Shortly after, John finished the letter, sprinkling fine sand to absorb the ink, then sealed the parchment with his own seal.
"Send this letter back to Constantinople immediately."