Armies And Might

An unfortunate, extensive explanation followed. In general, it seems to be similar to Magic The Gathering. There are, of course, certain differences, the cards themselves are based upon historical characters of this place and general different types of monsters. All cards belong to a certain faction or group, which is connected to their "ability cards." Ability cards are basically mana or some other form of energy for a character to use its ability. For example, a paladin will need 2 divine ability cards attached to it to use its ability called smite.

Whilst Secessus didn't mind the passionate explanation, the duration started to become a problem. The meal and beverages he ordered had in the meantime been consumed. And even as he ordered a third cup of this bitter local mead, the elder men still talked passionately.

Something else noticeable was that their explanation for the chivalric order called "The preserver of oaths" was even more passionate than the other factions. Their reminiscing gazes and the fact that they spent 20 minutes telling some tales about the order were particularly strange.

"That's about all, lad? You get it?" Sander asks me, his hands twitching.

"I think so, let's begin. Shall we?" Secessus decides to reply in a modest manner, whilst still pushing on. Not willing to hear another minute of this card game.

In the beginning, the shade demon decided to simply focus on the card game, scanning it for anything interesting. It seems that there are plenty of races as Secessus has been giving a combination of the beast deck and partly a knight deck. The definition of the beast deck was strange or rather crude. It included the likes of Orcs, wyvern, nymphs, vampires, beastmen, and so forth.

In Secessus's personal opinion, whilst orcs are undoubtedly violent and haven't left him the best of memories. To call the race in its entirety a bestial race undermines their ability to reason or to live in a society. To put it plainly, it was biased and quite frankly wrong.

However, he was in no position to argue about morality, especially not when trying to gather information. Most cards were basically useless, however, some seemed more detailed or important.

Vorigan Engel: Leader of the vampires, and an ancient vampire. He's described in this card game as an insatiable maniac with never-ending bloodlust.

Herald De Monley: A knight of renown and founder of the order called "Eternal Paragons." As a knight originally from a poor family, he quickly climbed the social ladder with his achievements. It is firmly believed that he was blessed by Asariel's grace, and the order he founded is him repaying this blessing. The order accepts all applicants and personally trains them. Firstly in the way of priesthood and afterward in the way of knighthood. Many applicants of this order tend to become religious figures instead of knights.

Isaura Geldhart: originally a mercenary and to some extent a criminal. She was pardoned for her crimes by king Garad Avoïl. She was immediately promoted to commander of the royal army and was a key figure in the war against the elves of Tal'sauy.

Now that the game had sufficiently gone on for a while and that the elder men were finally getting a bit more drunk. The shade demon decided to start his innocent round of questions.

"I could ask you all anything, right? Like I said before, I can't remember a lot. So, could you all tell me about how this world looks?"

"Euhh... Sure I guess. As you probably already know, we're in the grand duchy of Creseytesia. to our west is the grand duchy of Witon and to our south is the merchant republic of Crewent. For the rest, you have the other grand duchies, the confederacy, the elven kingdoms, and the remnants of the holy empire." Sander explains. It seems that they're generally not interested in this subject or have the will to properly explain it.

"And where should someone go, to discover where he belongs?"

"Euh, that's a complicated question," Sander mutters, rubbing his hand against his forehead.

"Well, the Confederacy of Friedrich houses the most guilds and has that academy for wizards." Bernt interjects himself in the conversation, speaking rather quickly for an old man already heavily under the influence of alcohol.

"Rea-"

"Or you can go to the holy empire, become a paladin. Those zealots always talk about how fantastic it is to serve "a greater purpose."" The older man called Timo says, talking like a schoolkid that's forced to talk about a subject he hates.

"Or… Perhaps…. You could join the rebels in Ararazi." Alex says whilst hiding his face behind the cards. The others at the table immediately turned around, their frowns burrowed deeply.

"What's the matter with you, Alex!" Sander yells out in a surprising fit of anger.

"I'm only say-"

"SHUT UP! I SAID SHUT UP!" Sander throws the wooden tankard he holds, still filled with ale, toward Alex. Barely missing him as it smashes into the wall.

"Is everything alright?" Secessus asks Sander as he grabs the old man's scarred hands. The old man, still agitated, tries to forcibly remove Secessus's hands. However, Secessus with some quick use of blood magic, strengthens his grip.

"We shouldn't fight, Right? Just talk it out." Secessus says again, trying to match the young tavern wench's energy. The old man, named Sander, begins to sweat profusely. His heart begins to beat faster as a voice in the back of his mind yells the word death over and over again.

"Yeah, you right." Sander says, looking downward. Secessus releases the old man's hands, seeing this admittance.

"It's just… We don't really like to speak about those rebels."

"Why not?"

"We used to serve in the army. Proudly, I might add. We've always served, and then your sons and grandsons decide to leave the village. For what? To fight for some rebel cause that they have no part in."

"…"

"A rebel is no son of mine. I can tell you that. Wouldn't you agree, Alex?" Sander calls out his friend, if glares could kill, Alex would have long been dead.

"mhm." Alex simply grumbles, giving no clear answer.

With a heavier atmosphere, the game continues on.