Dominion Chronicles - Battle Of Cressida

The Battle of Cressida



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Late as I always shall be. Though it keeps me in the habit of writing at least.
This, as with the other pieces I have written (maybe more so) is dramatised, with things happening out of order, important players missing due to them not having a character name or players joining at a different time than in reality. All just to serve the narrative.
Apologies if any of the info/lore is incorrect. Inform me and I can fix it.

Thanks to all players on both sides for a truly memorable, if stressful, few days.
Addendum is below.
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Boots thunder over treated wood as a bridge, decked out in Volarys purple, is filled with soldiers, axes and sharpened swords glinting in the sun as Fort Volar looms behind them.

As plated boots touch sand the small Cressidan outpost comes into sight and Qadir lookouts shout warnings down in portend of the coming battle.


Barely an hour passes before Dominion soldiers stand firm at the outpost. Zander Claythorne remains resolute, warhammer at his side and a small contingent of soldiers at his back, a shock troop swiftly assembled to counter the first waves of Volaryan attackers.

Without a moment wasted the two sides meet, suddenly and violently, the first clash exploding around the base of the Cressidan outpost.The fighting is ferocious but the meagre stationary defences have the defenders at an evident disadvantage. Zander roars, bringing his hammer down, over and over, Volarys helms and breastplates cracking under the weight, even as Dominion soldiers fall around him, zealous rushes into the enemy lines see Phoenix banners lying in the sand soaked in Dominion blood.



As the chaos of the first clash dies down the Dominion forces lie devastated but the Cressidan outpost remains standing still. Zander rests on the haft of his hammer, his warplate shifting with each heavy breath. The few remaining men stand around him equally, if not more exhausted, almost half of their force lay dead outside the outpost and another sizable amount lay inside with grievous injuries.

The Eronidas looks back out over the battlefield, the Volarys forces have retreated for now, their banners sitting in threat on the horizon, their next charge will certainly spell the end of the Dominion defences.

“Worry not, my friend.” A thickly accented voice speaks up behind him as a huge hand rests on his shoulder. Propping himself back upright he turns to the source of the words. A colossal Qadir, his grinning expression just visible through a burgundy headwrap.

“Amiram!” Zander wears a look of complete surprise, standing silent for a moment before they are in a swift, friendly embrace, a firm pat on the back between friends before pulling away, the expression of deep worry settling back in.

“I am glad to see you!” The Eronidas continues with a sigh of relief, “Reinforcements?” The word is barely spoken, uncertain as if the expected answer worries him. He is met in return however with another grin and a nod. Amiram leans back, pointing over his shoulder. The outpost is now swarming with new activity, the Cressidan guards are joined by a score of Deldrimor, Lumina and Dauntless craftsmen, headed up by Drake Blackstone and Rufus Redbeard. Black Cadet Axe, winged heart and Black Sun Sigils now fly alongside the Cressidan ivory Crescent. Logs are hefted upright and bored into the soft ground to outline a frame as stone walls form the main core of the structure.

“We’re joined by Dominion soldiers and craftsmen. High Paramount Arzowyn heads up the logistics back home and Commander Volodar is handling reinforcements.” there’s a hint of joy to his stoic words.

“I hope it’s enough…” The Eronidas' voice is distant, uncertain and contemplative. The bunker should give them a fair chance if it stands strong by the time the main Volarys force returns, yet anything but a frantic defence seems all but impossible.

“We do what we must.” The cheer remains in Amiram’s voice but it is tainted by a similar worry to the one painted on Zander’s face, the words left unspoken are heard the loudest.



The second clash looms, more than just a Volarys vanguard sits stationed on the horizon now, instead a full battalion moves in battle lines to the outpost, now manned and fortified but outnumbered still. The defenders shift on their feet, kicking up sand, fear running through their ranks.

“Stand strong!” Zander’s voice booms out, echoing from the sandstone ruins that dot the arid landscape. The defenders peer up at him with a look of hope.

“Sha'allahab!” Amiram echoes a sentiment of strength in Qadiric, the air settling as the defenders look ahead, weapons at the ready.


The second clash begins as violently as the first, the attackers pushing their superior numbers, soldiers from both sides falling to the onslaught. The Volarys forces push as hard as ever, Ailor, Qadir and Eronidas stand fighting side by side as the two forces meet, crushing blows see Red and Purple liveries alike drop to the dirt, lifeless. Altalar mages whip up spells, lighting and flame tearing across the open battlefield and cooking soldiers in their armour, charred bodies piling against the outpost walls as Qadir explosives shake the foundations, the defenders using the newly erected fortifications to their advantage however, turning Volary’s superior numbers against them in a bottleneck, fighting tooth and claw but losing ground regardless, the offensive remains too overwhelming.

It was as all seemed lost, the shout of a retreat on Zander’s lips that a war horn was heard, the soldiers continued their fight with a number of heads, attacker and defender alike, now turning towards the sound.

The horn is heard again, the low rumble of hooves on dry silt can be felt under foot.

A final blast of the horn momentarily deafens out the sounds of combat, accompanying voices can be heard with it this time, battlecries of flame and fire, screams for Cressida and the Dominion. Moments later a cavalry battalion rounds the corner, horses weaving among the ruins in a thundering charge leading up to a single moment of deafening silence before they make contact with the Volarys forces, chaos erupting as they drive a wedge through the attackers. Helmets crumpling under mace swings, spears and Halberds shattering on impact or piercing armour to carry the poor soldiers along, lifeless, with the flanking offensive.


“To arms! For Flame!” The battle cry echoes from the front of the cavalry charge as it comes to a halt after tearing the Volaryan ranks in twain, Brandyn Reaver, the King’s blade, the Silver wolf, sits triumphantly at the head, his light armour complimenting his mobility, his spear in hand already coated in blood.

Behind him sits another Deldrimor Battalion bolstered by an eclectic group of mercenary companies, all mounted and armed, swinging wildly at their flanks as the Volarys force tries desperately to reorganise.

“For Flame!” Zander cries back, a renewed energy sweeping through the defenders. Amiram is the first to file in behind Brandyn, his colossal axe moving in wide swings as the cavalry carve a path.

The fighting continues as the Volaryan forces make for a defensive retreat, shields raised as the bulk of the force heads back to their camp.

“Hold!” Brandyn calls out, the chasing attackers coming to a sudden halt, watching as the Volarys force makes it back past their war tents, Fort Volar still looming in the distant fog as the sun sets on a bloody day. Another victory pulled from the jaws of defeat, yet it was far from over.



A new day dawns and the battle lines are drawn once again. The meagre outpost is now almost dwarfed by the defending force outside its doors. Barely visible, through the ruins and across the rocky dunes the purple banners fly once more. A force of Volarys and Varenna soldiers accompanied by mercenaries of their own. Both forces are now a little closer to equal in size.

“Zander, take the right flank with Dauntless, I’ll take the mercenaries left.” The Deldrimor generals stand around a table in the outpost, Brandyn shifting makeshift wooden pieces around on a sketched map of the battlefield. “They want the outpost, so if we keep the centre thin they will overextend and we can pin them from the sides.” He peers up at the Eronidas, looking for understanding, Zander nodding back to him. Continuing he turns his head to Amiram, “The centre will be kept thin but it can’t be weak. I need you leading that central force. Do not break, but do not push.” His gaze remains on the Qadir until he gets a nod from him too, punctuating his words with a quieter “Hold the line, until reinforcements arrive.”

The three men stand tall, Amiram hefting his axe and Zander sliding his helmet back on as they make their way to the outpost’s exit. Walking out they weave through the rear guard of soldiers, Zander gesturing to Drake and Rufus as he heads to the right flank, the Dauntless warriors walking with him as Brandyn splits off and joins the mercenaries on the left.



The sun rises further in the sky, casting long black shadows across the sand as the Volarys force begins moving, a march at first before breaking into a run. Their forces formed a tighter wedge compared to the Dominions defensive line.

“Hold!” Brandyn screams, the cry echoed by Zander on the other flank before filtering back through the lines. The sound of restless footfall shuffles through the Dominion forces. “Hold!” The cry is repeated, more forceful than the last, the Volarys forces clearly visible now, almost on top of the defenders. “Hold!” The call echoes through for a third time, weapons at the ready, eager axes shifting in impatient hands.

“Charge!” The call is given when the Volarys vanguard are within almost swinging distance, the two force clashing, a moment of tense uncertainty as they hit the back line, the flanks swinging forward, Brandyn and Zander not looking back, placing their lives in Amiram’s hands in the hope the back line holds.

The moment is over as quickly as it started, a crushing blow hitting the defending line, Dominion soldiers crumbling, shields splintering and bodies dropping but a roar from Amiram and a counter push sees the line stay strong, a sigh of relief passing through the defences as the flanks close in. It may not be a victory but their superior footing puts the forces at equal.

Now with the battle underway the lines begin to break up, the Dominion flanks hacking at the Volaryan force, neither making much headway. Amiram remains stoic in the centre, framed by the sandstone outpost as he swings at purple liveries as if felling trees, standing a good head above any adversary.

Zander hits equally as hard with a ferocious speed as he brings his hammer down, standing back to back with the Dauntless leaders, Drake and Rufus swinging in near unison alongside him with the black sun banner fluttering above them.

Finally Brandyn, surrounded by Deldrimor forces and mercenaries alike, weaves between their lines, dodging a sword swipe so as to bring his spear up between the gaps in a Volarys helm, yanking it back out with a squelch and using the haft to block a strike before felling another.

The battle rages evenly for longer than any the prior day, the earth at their feet compressed and soaked with blood from both sides. It is with reluctance after such a hard fought battle that the retreat order is given. Soldiers of the Dominion fight the Volaryan’s back as they move away, towards the outpost, the light beginning to dim as they filter into the safety. The Volarys vanguard make chase but the rest pull back, neither side willing to lose more fighters before the day is up.



The moon begins setting over the horizon on what all present know will be the final day of combat. The generals look around at the troops, noticeably fewer than the day prior. Amiram remains in the shade of the outpost, overseeing repairs after clockwork bombs had torn holes in the brickwork the day prior, Brandyn sits slumped against the outpost wall, spear propped up next to him and Zander stands near the edge of the camp, pressing at a wound on his arm as he looks out to the enemy, their lines beginning to form up.

The usual royal purple Volarys and Varenna banners fly in tandem with a score of varied mercenary banners forming a patchwork backdrop but now the more ornate banner of house Volar flies front and centre. The house guard and possibly even house members will stand at the centre of the day’s assault.

Brandyn props himself up with his spear and prepares to call for battle formations when he is cut off by a horn. A far cry from the shrill intimidation of his own war horn, rather a regal sound, a bombastic melody.

Startled and somewhat uncertain Brandyn spins on his heel, the few soldiers outside looking to the east, the opposite direction of the siege. Cresting the hill, framed by the sun stands a sizable army. The King’s banner flutters at the front and centre.

More and more defenders funnel out of the outpost to watch the approaching force. Distinct figures start coming into focus as they near. King Robert sits front and centre in riding half plate, the Phoenix banner accompanies the Golden claythorne axe above his head. To his right the Winged heart of Lumina flies, Maeva and Volodar riding below it with a host of Lumina soldiers at their back, to the Kings left is the Cressidan crescent, Rasim and Sayuri riding below it with a small group of assorted banners beyond that.



“Your Majesty!” Zander is the first to speak up, punctuating the words with a bow.

“Zander.” Robert nods back.

“Took your time.” Brandyn speaks up with a smirk, a grin pulling at the King's lips in return. “We might just be able to win this thing.”

“How is it looking?” Volodar cuts straight to the point, asking his question as he peers out at the horizon.

“Hopeful, now.” Zander takes a more casual stance again, “They have more troops than ever though. House Volar has shown up personally.” The elf’s brow wrinkles slightly, suddenly looking lost in thought, speaking up again after a short moment. “Take your men to the rear guard, let them rest.” He nods at Zander before gesturing to his second, a call goes out, rippling through the Lumina host before he rides off, the Lumina force and Deldrimor reinforcements following him to the front lines.

“It’s good to see you.” Brandyn speaks up again, more sincere this time.

“You too.” Robert replies in kind.


Behind them Sayuri and Maeva head into the outpost with delegates from Azuria, Helmslot, Nesaak and Dauntless, crates and barrels of supplies being carried in with them.

Rasim hops off his horse with them but heads to the exterior walls, small gestures and whispers of gratitude mix in with his prayers as he walks past the fatigued and injured combatants.

A positive energy ripples through the camp, soldiers once hopeless and weary wear smiles once again, hands grasping at hilts as the time draws nearer.



The battle lines are drawn for the final time. The sun reaching its zenith on the third day of combat. A low murmur runs through the troops before it is silenced by shouts from the Generals. King Robert sitting at the fore with Volodar and Zander at each side.

Brandyn and Amiram remain in the rear guard with the Dominion troops who had been fighting tirelessly for two days, no less at the ready.

The Dauntless soldiers now take up the right flank with a refreshed force, Drake on the frontlines with Rufus in rear guard and Lysanthir commanding their supply. The mercenary banners now mingle in the centre between the Deldrimor axe and Luminan heart with the left flank headed by a force of warriors from Raptum, the Ascalon banner flying overhead.

As the warriors stand in waiting the outpost is rife with activity; the Crescent, Owl, Sun and Coin banners flutter against the brickwork as Cressida, Helmslot, Azuria and Nesaak sit in support, potions, weapons, armour and supplies being made as quickly as they are moved into position.


“Soldiers!” The call echoes through the ruins. “To Arms!” The sound of shifting metal and stomping boots has the soldiers standing at attention. The combined Volarys force was on the move, Matias Volar at its head, the rest of the Volar family, house guard, troops from both sister Kingdoms and mercenaries of their own approached. The forces truly equal this time.

“To Flames!” the final call echoes out, the defenders charging forward, now no longer required to sit back, the two forces meet each other on the field in a way no less explosive than any prior, screams and clashing steel ring out, lightning rains down and clockwork explodes, showering the field in corpses, weapons and armour. The suppliers ran support, potions ferried to the front lines, the injured carried back as more weapons and armour were crafted, enchanted and fitted on soldiers as they were rushed back out to the front lines. Chaos rules the battlefield and one break in the supply would bring it all down.

Sword, spear and axe clash for hours, arrows soaring overhead, the fight remaining equal for much of it. The defenders slowly moving back to the outpost until eventually, something gave way, all in an instant the tide turned and the Volarys line broke, a break through the centre headed by Robert and Volodar has Dominion soldiers pouring past the Volarys lines, chaos erupting in the enemy camp as they frantically push back, the bridge used to assault the Cressidan outpost now being used as a bottleneck to slow the Dominion assault, the wood painted red as more bodies fall. Screams accompany the sounds of battle as people fall to the churning waters below, lightning still cracking, charring the support beams as the Volarys force is fought back to Fort Volar. The warriors of Ascalon give chase with Zander and the mercenaries not far behind.

The main dominion force stops near the bridge, so many lost on both sides but with their enemies routed the chance for a counter attack is over, the Dominion stands, bruised and bloody but victorious.

A cheer erupts through the ranks as battle cries are shouted, a shout heard all the way back at the outpost.

Against all odds the Dominion stood successful and Volarys had been stopped, at least, for now.



The next day, so many hours after the fight had ended the quiet on the dunes was still deafening. Rasim walks the halls of the outpost, now swiftly emptied and abandoned, all but a few guards remain. Chests dot the walls and broken weaponry lays against the sandstone.

Rasim’s thick blue cloak fills the small corridors as he saunters through them, making his way up a flight of stairs to the exterior. The earth, once rolling sand dunes, untouched by all but the oldest of ruins now lays compacted and pock marked, craters and ashes, bodies and broken things clutter the landscape.

He stands there and watches, silent, for hours as the moon passes through the sky before taking in one final breath and turning back to his retinue to head home.



“From his majesty, the Great King of the Dominion, Lord and Paramount of Deldrimor, envoy of the Divine Brace, sword of the realm and will of the people. His Majesty, Robert Claythorne the first-” the envoy begins, his voice echoing off of the great vaulted ceiling of the Deldrimor keep, “-for bravery and servitude to the Dominion, to the valiant dead and indomitable living, countless soldiers and support, you are awarded Medals of heroism for acts pertaining to the Battle of Cressida and the securing of the borders of the Dominion itself.”

The leaders of the participating nations step forward to thunderous applause, servants of the court step up to meet them, medals prepared.

The cheering grows louder as the medals are draped around the leaders necks, the rest to be awarded later thanks to the sheer volume of participants now crowded into the vast hall.

A smile crosses Robert's face as he stands from his throne, his council around him, the sea of faces smiling back, and the cheers, as deafening as the battle, make it all worthwhile.

This is far from the end of their problems but, for now, they can rest.





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Addendum

Part of the Dominion 'Chronicles' 'Roleplay' scene.

Zander Claythorne - _Bl00dy
Amiram Sarkis - Traxex30
Drake Blackstone - Darkstone
Rufus Redbeard - KniferHarm
Maeva Arzowyn - Chalsie
Volodar Aevaros - Knyxo
Brandyn Reaver - Shaneski101
House Volar - The Volarys/Varenna leaders/officers
Robert Claythorne - Sevak
Rasim al'Mahdi - RazeII
Sayuri Kimura - AzureShoyru
Ascalon/Raptum - Jquaile, FubetheMangler and Kidmodo

and, undamed but no less important are TehCatalyst, BlueChaos, KittyPoppins, TheBoomyFly, HamCheese and countless PvPers who I do not have the capacity to remember!
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