[whole post is OOC]

I love it, I don't recall ever doing something like this and it's highly enjoyable, reading through the threads woven by your fellow writers and watching how their strands are affected by yours.

I suppose we lost the "for DUST 514" thing a while ago but in essence, we're still with it. The whole idea of a universe captured in a universe is present in our story, right? Of fighters, fighting for fighters, who are fighting for the big wigs, who see the deaths of millions as merely the loss of a pawn on their grand chessboard.

The little stories of battles, such as the scrabble between Alixenus and Armok, and then the panning out to observe the bigger picture in terms of the whole world, and more importantly, the effect this little battle has had on the universe.

We've captured DUST in an ever evolving universe of our own, gentlemen.

By the recent reports, my second in command states that the zombies shall be in our lands in 3 days time...

Meanwhile, Thanatos and I are discussing many things. I shall begin with my questions.

"Indeed, what ever did happen to the archnecromancer? Furthermore, I would like to know very much about the entire zombie incident and invasion of the golems that caused it. Who has been causing this mayhem? As you can see, we went to the trouble of coming here just because of this entire incident. Also, Alixenus, you may stand down, as there is no immediate threat. However, you may keep your weapons on you."

It seems we have trouble brewing.

OOC: Who likes this so far? Also, I'm going to be taking this entire forum thread and making it into an forever-growing book. Who likes that idea? And finally, I've decided that we shall base our nations off our heroes, and it shall be much like a saga.

OOC:If we're focusing more on our heroes we should probably note their strengths, weaknesses, special abilities and whatnot. That way we can keep everything a little more organized. It's up to you though Sandromin. If so what format should it be in?

Thanatos removes his crown and rubs his head. He is clearly exhausted, and appears far older than he actually is. As Alixenus speaks he realizes just how much more advanced his kingdom actually was. He decided to speak in simpler terms to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

"The AN has not revealed his or her self as of now. We have no sure way of finding him. This also means that as of now they pose no immediate threat. The piece of the cipher on the other hand is vital. And we do have the means to find that. It is the key to ridding ourselves of the golems and zombies"

He leads the two into a room. The room is initially dark. The only thing that pierces the darkness is a glowing globe of Dustia hovering above a spiraling structure.

"This device has indicated the final piece lay somewhere far east. We can't distinguish exactly where. I do know however that it would be found in an area that is generally dark. My people have not left this land for quite some time. We have not been father east than here. But you two have. From my knowledge the piece would be located somewhere where perhaps there would have been several odd or supernatural occurrences. Something along the lines of phantoms or agonized souls. A place subject to rumors or folktales. Can you recall any place like that?"

Xavier hadn't even finished talking when Alixenus began discussing emergency exfiltration with his attendants outside the map room. As the attendant runs off, plate armour clanking down the halls, Alixenus turns to address his only co-workers in the entire world. Anger and Fear evident in his voice.

"Oh by the great maker I feared something like this would happen. Now, I know full well that this is one of those 'fight together or die alone' moments and I would personally like to wring the life out of the AN, but Venezzia needs me. If those zombies don't head into the mountains they'll be at the walls of city even if I leave right now. I may trust the people with a conventional foe but this is.... WHAT IS THIS? *throws his helmet on the floor* My Lords I am sorry but this cipher and AN will have to wait. I did not save my city from Armok just to lose it to a bunch of Tree loving cannibals! I will be more than happy to contribute troops to the defence of your homes, but the zombie threat ends now."

Sandromin moved to console the frenzied Venezzian, but Alixenus just bats him away with a heavy gaunlet and points his hamaxe at the Dwarf when he made a similar motion.

"Do not try to stop me, this is for your benefit as much as mine. Try to stop me and I will retract the offer of aid. Zombies first, AN later."

Alixenus regarded Thanatos with nothing but contempt as he picked up his helmet and affixed it to his head. Thanatos may not have been the cause, but Alixenus was certainly going to hold him responsible. The Lord-Lieutenant then turned and stormed out the room, his half-cape billowing about his shoulders, barking orders to the remaining attendants. The echo chamber in his helmet made him sound every inch like the God of War.

"BY THE GREAT MAKER I WILL SLAUGHTER THEM ALL!"

"No Xavier you should return to your people, gather your forces. Try to minimize death. You'll only need to hold out a while longer."

He fiddles with the globe and a flashing light pinpoints the source of the dark magicks in the Logipriest nation.

"It is difficult with only a direction to locate the final piece, but when you narrow it down to a specific area... Well as you can see thanks to you we now know where we're going. Sandromin will come with me. I will send my alkhemist knights to protect his people. Honestly Alixenus is a fool. He came to me looking for an enemy that was already dead. I even invited him to my kingdom. He didn't even ask for my help? How foolish indeed."

As Xavier leaves the palace, Thanatos gestures Sandromin to stand back. Thanatos draws his saber and holds it in the air. Blue alkhemical markings glow from the blade and the floor beneath them begins to shake. Before Sandromin realizes it, the entire room is moving downward. It becomes apparent that it is traveling underground. As Thanatos sheathes his saber he turns to Sandromin.

"Now that I'm sure no one can hear us... There is something alarming I need to discuss with you."

"No Xavier you should return to your people, gather your forces. Try to minimize death. You'll only need to hold out a while longer."

He fiddles with the globe and a flashing light pinpoints the source of the dark magicks in the Logipriest nation.

"It is difficult with only a direction to locate the final piece, but when you narrow it down to a specific area... Well as you can see thanks to you we now know where we're going. Sandromin will come with me. I will send my alkhemist knights to protect his people. Honestly Alixenus is a fool. He came to me looking for an enemy that was already dead. I even invited him to my kingdom. He didn't even ask for my help? How foolish indeed."

As Xavier leaves the palace, Thanatos gestures Sandromin to stand back. Thanatos draws his saber and holds it in the air. Blue alkhemical markings glow from the blade and the floor beneath them begins to shake. Before Sandromin realizes it, the entire room is moving downward. It becomes apparent that it is traveling underground. As Thanatos sheathes his saber he turns to Sandromin.

"Now that I'm sure no one can hear us... There is something alarming I need to discuss with you."

"First of all we need to establish something right now. This is of utmost importance. Are you prepared to become my ally? I say this to you specifically because of all your allies, you are the most trustworthy. Before I became ruler, my kingdom saw dark times. Generations of greed, corruption, and misuse of power has stained our history. And I have worked hard to regain our glory. We weren't supposed to be a secluded nation. Lionus III died 30 years after defeating the AN without an heir. With the loss of such a pivotal figure Parliament took complete control. They censored documents, burned books and cut off ties. Passing off their own as an illegitimate son, to make sure they maintained this power. With my own two hands I ended the Great Civil War that plagued us for two decades. This is our first contact with the outside world in four centuries. And I've chosen to make an ally of you. But will you make one of me. You must choose now."

The room shudders, indicating that its descent is almost finished.

{ooc} I was wondering if it was alright if I could join, I don''t really have a nation Idea but I do have a hero idea that could be interesting so to anyone who reads this and thinks "who is this chump?!" Let me try, please, at least I'm trying right? so here it goes and I also apologize in advance for Alixenus{ooc}

On a hill over watching the advancing Alixenus, a single large silhouette vaguely human stands atop a hill, but a better characterization would be "giant." standing at at least 10 feet tall with massive, powerful limbs and strong wide shoulders, but its body wasn't the only massive thing about it, it was covered head to toe in heavy armor more suited to a siege machine than a man, even equipped with large horns atop its head, much like a bettering ram.

Suddenly without provocation the beast rears it's head back and let's out a bellow as loud and powerful as thunder.
The beast then lowers its head and charges down the hill knocking over a small tree on its way down, a stampede of one charging straight at Alixenus with horns aimed at his chest

{ ooc} sorry I put words in your mouth Alixenus, it's just that you're the only character who I could think of being on a march to your lands, and I also apologize for setting up a place that I made, so again sorry.
P.s. I hope this is alright{ooc}