It was the year 4606 AR when the land split apart. The chaos that ensured is described in many a history books. Villages and towns were overrun and overwhelmed by the oncoming demon hordes. The cities stationed more westward of the worldwound were more lucky. They were manned to handle the beasts and mammtoths of the wintery areas west of Mendeav. But they too fell after being disconnected and seperated from their country. Supplies ran out, and eventually their strongholds gave way.<br/><br/>Crusades were rallied under the call of Iomdaea herself. The crusades were not entirely as righteous as the goddess would have hoped. Many of the surrounding countries, like Brevoy, Numeria, Ustalav, etc; would pledge their support to the church of Iomdaea. But it was vile and evil motives at their core. Instead of dedicating actual war efforts, they saw it as merely a way to pledge troublesome noblemen who created political strife and send them away to a suicidal war.<br/><br/>This led to problems. The demons tempted mortal souls. Promises of power and authority would sway the hearts of many of these crusaders. These demon sided humanoids would be known to be Templars. Traitors to the Crusades. Traitors to mankind.<br/><br/>But as the demons started making headway, the head of their efforts appeared...<br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b0/87/9f/b0879f90ad0ee41edcee6c3acff9bc9a.jpg)</div>Areluu Vorlesh was her name. She taunted the world as she described having ripped open the fabric of time and space and creating the worldwound with the help of her patron, the Demon Lord Deskari. She waged war on the world, and rallied the chaotic mess of demons to her beck and call. She urged other demon lords to join and in the ravel of ripping apart the material plane. As to date, only one other demon lord has openly joined and dedicated themselves to the war efforts. The Demon Lord Baphomet. Between Baphomets and Deskari's forces, the crusades lost most of Mendeav.<br/><br/>Realizing the severity of the situtation, the allied countries decided to fully focus efforts and resourcres into the worldwound. More noble heroes arose and gave true meaning to the righteousness of the Crusades. Heroes such as Yaniel took the reigns of the crusades and fought back. She was able to push back, and able to thwart the demons; until she fell in battle and was lost to the abyss.<br/><br/>Without their heroic leader, the crusades started to falter again. Other good deities decided to back Iomdaea. And they focused onto a group project to give mortals a fighting chance...<br/><br/><div class="floatright">(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/wrath-of-the-righteous-celestial-crusaders/images/c/c5/Wardstone.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140629143306)</div>The wardstone were created. These were spires that warded agaisnt demonkind. They could not enter the area around a wardstone. And thus, the major cities on the eastern and southern fronts had errected a network of wardstones to form a perimeter. A wall. To prevent demons from escaping the worldwound. This also functioned as a safe haven. Crusaders could always return to the safety of the wardstone to recover snd recouperate.<br/><br/>Not all cities were granted this protection. The Forth Crusade rallied in the northern city of Drezen. The spiritual capital and heart of the Crusades. But it was protected by the Sword of Valor. Also keeping demons out.<br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://db4sgowjqfwig.cloudfront.net/images/3059100/Irabeth.jpg)</div>Led by Irabeth Tirabade, the Fourth Crusade rallied and was ready to mobilize. But unfournately, the 4th crusade would be cut short. The protective aura around Drezen dropped. Demons flooded in and caught them unprepared. Families were murdered, children were captured and forced into rituals [Stolen Fury potential background]<br/><br/>Irabeth salavaged the remains of her army, and saved a good number of people. But the city of Drezen was lost. And it's loss impacted the crusades in a heavy way. Especially when it was discovered what had happened.<br/><br/>Whilst the Sword of Valor protected agaisnt demons, it didn't protect against traitors. Staunton Vahne betrayed the crusades, took the Sword of Valor, and disabled it's protection so his demonic ally could seige the city.<br/><br/>Irabeth remained headstrong. And regrouped in Kenebreas. Training new crusaders and paladins. Trying to reorganize her efforts and make up for her failing the Fourth Crusade.<br/><br/>That was 6 years ago. The year is now 4713. And with the leaders of Kenebreas, the Fifth Crusade is ready to start.<br/><hr/>(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNYywxBcjNs/V52c7kdSTjI/AAAAAAAAC0A/Pj3qSu1EA4IWntYppNBPP0AE_MfCNytMACLcB/s1600/Mendev%2B1.jpg)<br/><div class="floatleft">(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/757250035888029757/759858919912374292/Kenabres.jpg)</div>It is 4713 AR. It is mid summer and a hot day. A few clouds in the sky, enough to blot the sun every now and then. Doesn't look like it is going to rain.<br/><br/>But today is the day. Today is the day all of you waited for. Initations into the Fifth Crusade. For Glory, for Righteousness, for fame, for wealth. Or for the good of the world. You are here seeking to join. The gates are flooded with people, but there are enough guardsmen and paladins to help usher things in at a good pace. The markets are booming with stalls and food stands offering food, drink, or surveniour. Even citizens who are not joining the crusades, but are offering their support to a family member or just offering their support in general are abundant. The relative mood is positive and highly so. Even tieflings who normally get a second glance or a cautious eye trained on them, will find people's spirits too high to be ruined by subjecting negativity onto them.<br/><br/>Wether you are coming into the city from a long days journey and are approaching the gates in the morning or are already living within the city; Your day looks to be positive. The infectious high spirits touch your souls on this joyous day.