Year 12: The Beginning of Demon Slavery
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1. Demon Empire Expands:
Following their victories in the Great Demon War, the Demons, led by Zarathor, Lord of the Abyss, grow more ambitious. Realizing they can't conquer the surface races outright due to their strong alliances, the Demons turn to more insidious means: enslavement.
Using their dark magic and sheer force, the Demons launch targeted raids on Human, Dwarven, Goblin, and Gryphon territories. These raids are swift and brutal, leaving no time for resistance as they capture large numbers of these races.
2. The Enslavement of Humans and Dwarves:
Humans and Dwarves are highly sought after by the Demons for their skills. The Humans, with their growing knowledge of magic and versatility, are forced into labor, working in the infernal forges or constructing fortresses in Zorath, the Demon Realm. Some are also used in dark rituals, sacrificing their life force to empower Demonic warlocks.
Dwarves, renowned for their craftsmanship, are forced to forge powerful weapons and armor for the Demonic armies. Under constant threat of torture, they are forced to create items imbued with dark magic. Any resistance is met with cruel punishment, and entire Dwarven families are broken apart and scattered across the Demon territories.
3. Goblin Subjugation:
The Goblins, always the opportunists, are initially ignored by the Demons. However, the Demons see potential in using the Goblins' cunning and adaptability to serve them as scouts and miners.
The Goblins are enslaved in great numbers, forced to dig deep into the earth to extract precious metals and rare resources for the Demons. They are treated as expendable, with many perishing in the hazardous conditions of the mines.
4. Gryphon Captivity:
The Gryphons, majestic and powerful aerial creatures, are prized by the Demons for their ability to fly. Many are captured and broken through dark magic, forced into submission, and used as mounts by Demonic generals.
The enslavement of Gryphons is particularly devastating to their species, as many are tortured and killed in the process. Those that survive are shackled with enchanted chains and bound to the will of their Demonic masters, their proud nature broken.
5. Establishment of Slave Camps:
The Demons establish slave camps throughout their territory, particularly in the volcanic regions and near Zorath. These camps are brutal places where Humans, Dwarves, Goblins, and Gryphons are kept in chains, constantly under guard by Demonic overseers.
Many slaves attempt to escape, but the majority are either recaptured or executed as an example to others. Those who do manage to flee often become part of hidden resistance movements, though they face overwhelming odds against the might of the Demon Empire.
6. Rise of the Resistance:
Despite the overwhelming oppression, small pockets of resistance begin to form. Human, Dwarven, and Goblin slaves secretly work together, hoping to find a way to break free from their chains. The Gryphons, although broken in spirit, secretly communicate with each other, planning a future uprising.
Among the slaves, a Human warrior named Elira Stormborn, a Legendary fighter, begins to rally her fellow captives, inspiring hope that they might one day overthrow their Demonic captors. Her courage begins to spread through the camps, though the Demons remain unaware of her efforts—for now.
7. Surface Races' Response:
News of the mass enslavement spreads quickly across Tempest, but the surface races are divided in how to respond.
The United Forces, already weakened by years of war, are slow to react. The Council of Three debates whether to launch a rescue mission, but fear of another full-scale conflict with the Demons holds them back.
The Titans and Giants remain largely uninvolved, focused on their own growing power and potential alliance, while the Dragons, led by Azryx, are indifferent, viewing the plight of the enslaved races as beneath their concern.
8. Angels Watch in Silence:
The Angels, led by Seraphiel, continue their observation from the shadows. While they despise the Demons, they choose not to intervene directly in the enslavement. Instead, they quietly gather information and look for opportunities to strike in the future when the moment is most advantageous for them.
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Year 12 Major Events Summary:
The Demons begin enslaving Humans, Dwarves, Goblins, and Gryphons, establishing brutal slave camps across their territories.
Humans are forced into labor and dark rituals, while Dwarves are used for their crafting abilities. Goblins become expendable miners, and Gryphons are broken and used as mounts.
Resistance begins to form, led by Elira Stormborn, a Legendary warrior among the Human slaves, though the odds are heavily against them.
The surface races are divided on how to respond, with some debating intervention while others remain focused on their own power struggles.