Qurest
Qurest is the capitol of the Mateba dynasty.
1) Records indicate that Trayus' offensive plunged the furthest into Gracemex territory. Indeed, from the survivors I spoke to, each referenced the momentum of the campaign. Despite this momentum, Trayus' abruptly stopped, and negotiate this. Early in my historical career I wondered why he did such a thing. Upon visiting the hive I understand.
2) Trayus' had only fought the enemy in the field, routing or killing thousands. The few times he entered a mound (two in total, and both lacking a queen) were after he annihilated the whole population on the field of battle. His army relied heavily on the centaur knights that made, thus tunnel fighting would be unwise. However, It was not bravery or lack of fighting prowess that stopped Trayus, it was the city itself.
3)To understand these things one must understand the city. Qurest was built on a large river delta that bordered the desert. The Mound itself is as tall as amount, and allegedly reaches miles below the surface. Surrounding the mound itself are 6 seprate cities of Moundbound, from different cultures around the world. Each of these cities was well constructed and contained a population as big as an Major Veren city. It has been theorized that the Moundbound, outcasts from their society are studied by the Gracemex, and in exchange for a place to live are fiercely loyal to the bugs.
4) Weeks before Serjanus' Folly took place, Trayus no doubt hearing about the disaster from the few survivors of the incident. The mound which was famous for producing the most quality of Cemex silk was an incomprehensible maze of tunnels and dead ends. Filled to the brim with angry bugs.
5)The city had grown fat on the silk and amber trade, and had outfitted the Mound-Bound with their own armies (fashioned after thier homelands), and were able to bring these to bear. Trayus' had a formidable host, but even he acknowledged he could not win with minimal cost against an enemy such as this.
6) Trayus elected to end with diplomacy. He used his legions to surround the cities and pressure the Mound-Bound into panic, before sending an Envoy to the queen. Thus the Third Veren-Cemex war came to a close. One wonders how we were able to defeat such an enemy at all.
Comments