Return Journey - II

Ustrax is the name of a legendary dragon who lived in these parts, not the name of the place. At that moment in time, the vessel state of Fasnijan' still existed, before the current Monarchy. However, the area now called the city of Ustrax, along with the snow-covered territory surrounding it, wasn't a part of it. It was an uncharted territory, with no man treading on it for centuries or decades. The frozen tundra was covered with towering trees that blocked sunlight from reaching the undergrowth. It was an area teeming with monsters, and leading them all was the legendary dragon Ustrax.

However, after several centuries, during the reign of Edmund the 2nd, King of the 'Sovereign of Fasnijan,' his son-in-law, also known as the 3rd King of the 'Sovereign of Fasnijan' and famously referred to as the 'Adventurer King,' emerged. He possessed legendary adventurer skills and embarked on a perilous journey towards the salted mountain. The snowy mountains surrounding 'the city of Ustrax,' back then it went by that name, as it appeared like a glistening, beautiful mountain of salt when viewed from the capital.

Back then,

The 'Sovereign of Fasnijan,' prior to the current monarchy, was governed by a group of warlords from the 'Kingdom of Alkatash. As in the course of several generations these Warlords silently pulled their collective assets in a singular point, creating a singularity so dense that it radiated power, intensity so formidable that it instilled fear in the two major powers of the continent of Guernia, It is said that the warlords who ruled the 'Vessel State of Fasnijan,' implemented an incredibly efficient taxation system that screwed the lives of every citizen within their territory. However, driven by their greed, the warlords eventually attempted to break free from the Kingdom of Alkatash, declaring themselves a separate nation. They sought a free province under their governance to escape the suffocating tax repatriations imposed by Alkatash and exploit the resources for their own benefit.

Through meticulous planning and strategic maneuvers, the four warlords of the Vessel State of Fasnijan achieved independence from the Kingdom of Alkatash without resorting to violence. By employing a twisted logic, they argued that this separation would ultimately benefit the Kingdom of Alkatash in the long run. They believed that the newfound autonomy of the Kingdom of Fasnijan would create opportunities for both regions to thrive independently, As they pretend to be at odds with each other, the warlords of the Kingdom of Fasnijan will seek aid from The Kingdom of Alkatash's powerful rival, The Principality of Viola. Over time, they will work towards strengthening their relationship enough to manipulate the powerful houses of the Principality from behind the shadows. Their ultimate aim will be to topple their rival nation from within.

However, while they were still back at the Kingdom of Alkatash, in the absence of authority in that small province now known as the independent Kingdom of Fasnijan, which consisted of only 7 territories colonized in the uncharted lands, dubbed officially 'the Untamed lands', their capital, which was a port town, found itself besieged by a massive fleet of Pirates. These Pirates were predominantly war victims, and it was a calculated move orchestrated by their King, the Pirate General who was known by the name 'The Dealer of Damnation'.

The Kingdom of Fasnijan, having recently gained independence, experienced a sudden and unexpected attack from the sea. Despite a significant military presence on land, with over 25 thousand infantry troops, their strength proved insignificant against the naval assault. Fasnijan had only 9 battle-ready frigates compared to the pirates' 30 powerful Man O' War ships, 15 imposing frigates, and 20 swift brigs, all armed with potent magical cannons. In a short time, the Fasnijan navy defending their shores was relentlessly pounded, while the enormous enemy ships unleashed hell fire over the city. The soldiers were overwhelmed, houses were destroyed, and thousands of people lost their lives. Panic-stricken soldiers abandoned their posts and fled, leaving behind a city consumed by the blistering waves of fire. After the onslaught, the pirate fleet docked, hunting down any survivors they could find. The pirates executed the elderly and men, while women and children were subjected to rape and taken captive, destined for slavery.

These nomads didn't just plunder; their purpose was to establish their clan's dominance over the land. Arriving with a fleet of over 30,000 pirates, they decided to settle and became the ancestors of a majority of the people in "The sovereign of Fasnijan." Starting from the port town, they began their conquest to take over the entire territory, which at that time consisted of only six additional regions. The following four months marked the darkest period in Fasnijan's history, as a kingdom-wide purge commenced. The new inhabitants ravaged villages, set fields ablaze, and executed citizens who resisted their authority or refused to acknowledge them as their new rulers. However, these dissenters were a minority, as most common folks endured the oppressive rule of the four warlords. Only the wealthy and influential individuals who had migrated from the Kingdom of Alkatash voiced their objections.

At that moment in time, there existed a considerable distance between Fasnijan and The Kingdom of Alkatash. Due to the delay in information transmission, news of the events in Fasnijan had not yet reached The Kingdom of Alkatash. Before the news could travel, the four warlords decided to conclude their stay in the Kingdom of Alkatash and return to Fasnijan, unaware of the impending fate that awaited them.

As these warlords set foot upon familiar soil once more, a disconcerting sight greeted their eyes—a legion of unfamiliar soldiers, a macabre tableau of lifeless bodies strewn across the road, besieged by ravenous crows and vultures, their cruel feast unfolding before them. Swiftly, they were stopped at the very gates of the capital, ensnared by the hands of capture, and yet their identities remained hidden.

It was only then, when "The Dealer of Damnation" unraveled their true identities, a penance was due in order. With merciless precision, their bellies were brutally lacerated, viscera laid bare, their very innards exposed to the cruel gaze of all who bore witness. A sickening inversion followed, as their very skin was turned inside out, a barbaric display of immeasurable suffering. Finally, their violated and lifeless bodies were raised high, their crucifixion a public spectacle atop the crow's nest of the colossal Man O War gallion—a defiant banner raised in brazen defiance against The Kingdom of Alkatash, and a chilling admonition to any audacious enough to challenge their authority.

Now,

Before The Kingdom of Alkatash could mobilize for a campaign, it would require a minimum of 5 years to regroup its forces and make preparations. However, within that period of 5 years, the Nomads managed to remarkably persuade the neighboring tribes of the "Untamed lands" surrounding the "Sovereign of Fasnijan" to join their illustrious nation. They capitalized on their shared destain against Alkatash, significantly expanding their territories and bolstering their numbers. By the time Alkatash was ready to launch their invasion, "The Sovereign of Fasnijan" stood on equal footing with "The Kingdom of Alkatash," boasting an insurmountable military force and an intimidating fleet of warships. Alkatash found itself at a critical juncture, facing a dilemma between recognizing this newfound nation or engaging in battle. However, the potential losses incurred in the confrontation would require several generations to recover from. Consequently, Alkatash opted for a century-long period of silence, cutting off all contact with the Sovereign of Fasnijan.

The man referred to as "The Dealer of Damnation" who led the pirate fleet, took the reigns of the newly established nation. During his reign, he deliberately declined the titles of "Emperor" or "King." Instead, he focused on uniting additional tribes in the vicinity of the "Sovereign of Fasnijan," expanding their territories and fostering diversity. However, certain regions, particularly those surrounding the Salted Mountains believed to be infested with monsters and governed by an indestructible Dragon god, were excluded from their dominion. These areas served as a natural boundary between the territories of "The Principality of Viola" and their recently formed nation of "Sovereign of Fasnijan." Following his demise, the leadership mantle passed to his loyal right-hand man and apprentice, Edmund, who veered from his predecessor's path and assumed the title of King. Opinions on "The Dealer of Damnation" varied among the populace. Some describe him as a cruel and calculating individual, while others portray him as a benevolent figure who only acted out of necessity. It is also suggested that he harbored a certain degree of respect for the colonizers he had triumphed over, as he retained the name "Fasnijan" for the nation. However, the details about his true character have been lost to the ravages of time, never to be unraveled.

During the reign of Edmund, his daughter fell in love with a wandering mercenary, a highly skilled adventurer, and eventually married him. Their union was sealed with a vow to conquer the monster-infested territories near the Salted Mountains and defeat the seemingly invincible Earth Dragon known as Ustrax. Leading an adventuring force of nearly 5,000 adventurers, comprised of mages, wizards, warriors, and various other formidable classes surpassing the abilities of regular knights and soldiers, they ventured forth. Facing insurmountable casualties along the way, they successfully cleared the mountains and the surrounding areas of these high-threat-level monsters. Eventually, they approached the lair of the legendary Earth Dragon, Ustrax, ready to confront the immense challenge he posed.

Atop his home, which is now known as the "City of Ustrax," the adventurers engaged in a fierce battle against the dragon. Unfortunately, within a single day, every adventurer except for Rudolph, the son-in-law, remained to face the formidable beast. According to legends, they valiantly fought for five consecutive days without any rest. Eventually, Rudolph emerged as the victor, driving the dragon to retreat to the deepest depths of its lair. However, before departing, the dragon cast a curse, staking claim to its territory and creating a labyrinth where its remaining army of monsters could hide. To commemorate his triumph and marriage, Rudolph erected the notorious "City of Ustrax" above the labyrinth, providing a place for adventurers to rest before venturing inside. The city's name honors both Rudolph's victory over the dragon and serves as a symbolic reminder to future generations that Ustrax, though wounded, still lurks beneath the city's depths and could resurface at any moment.

Till this day Ustrax, though undying writhes in pain below the depths of the City, waiting for a day of reckoning.

His curse still active, causes the area surrounding the Salted mountains or the mountains of Ustrax as they are known now, For half of the year, an extraordinary environment unfolds, with the region being completely engulfed in relentless snowstorms. This transforms the area into a frozen tundra, a frigid and inhospitable landscape where the risk of avalanches is high. These avalanches often block trade routes, isolating the dragon's former territory from the rest of the nation. Only after six months of winter have passed does the snow begin to recede, and the trade routes are reopened.

"The City of Ustrax," although it is part of "The Sovereign of Fasnijan," enjoys special treatment compared to other states and cities in the nation. During the six-month isolation period, no taxes are levied on the city. However, during the three months of summer as the summer solstice approaches, the snow covering the grounds of Ustrax begins to melt, releasing poisonous fumes from the earth. During this time, residents temporarily evacuate the city for their safety, returning as winter nears. The royal authority also remains in Ustrax for only the three-month period, prior to the annual evacuation. This unique set of circumstances makes the city a perfect refuge for those seeking to evade the law, as it provides sanctuary for six months out of the year.

Albeit short, during the initial three months of summer, trade thrives in the City of Ustrax. Traders and merchants from all over the nation gather here, attracted by the wealthy clientele who seek to evade taxes and could pay considerably higher prices for their goods. These three months are celebrated as a festival of trade and commerce in Ustrax, with residents indulging in lavish spending. Meanwhile, Conrad and the others having been away on an expedition away from the city during this period. As the city transitioned from winter to summer, they found that returning home the way they came posed a risk due to rising poisonous gases in that route. Therefore, they took a detour as they returned to the City of Ustrax.