War of Mad Minds
The Conflict
Prelude
The human nation of Meshev, once a hub for technological innovation balanced with magical prowess, falls victim to the growing ambitions of Crux Dynamico, a leading conglomerate renowned for creating technically advanced robotic personnel. Helmed by Lukius Rischer, the desperate CEO diagnosed with a fatal disorder - Rampant Numen Fluctuations, Crux Dynamico turns greedy. Driven by the urgency to cure Lukius's condition and a vision for world domination, the organization sets its sight on Synead, a tranquil desert nation known for its population of Edhelleri and rich reserves of nyerringite. This unique mineral, when paired with technology and refined correctly, has a unique quality to sustain magic indefinitely. Unearthing nyerringite and exploiting it becomes a covetable objective for Crux Dynamico, leading to the inevitable decision of launching a massive invasion on Synead.
Deployment
Fueled by malicious intent, Crux Dynamico deploys its formidable robotic military force, the PALADINs, on their hostile conquest. The PALADINs, originally designed as peacekeepers, are modified to be more lethal, their programming and technology further enhanced by anti-magic tech. These robotic soldiers, devoid of empathy or morality, are led into battle by the dying Lukius Rischer, his determination to survive his disorder becoming an alarming threat to other nations' survival. The mechanical, cold ruthlessness of the PALADINs combined with Lukius's blind ambition forms a formidable, near-unstoppable force heading straight for Synead.
Battlefield
With epicenter in Synead, the colossal war spills across the borders of other nations. The citadels and oasis of the desert nation bear the brunt of Crux Dynamico's vicious invasion, transforming into a bellicose stage of mechanical terror, radiant explosions, and numen-disruptions. The desert landscape, once known for its ethereal beauty, now echoes with cries of the wounded and the whizzing sounds of PALADINs' advanced weaponry. The war also penetrates into the lush frameworks of bordering nations, tainting their tranquility with the brutalities of this unprecedented conflict.
Look around you, my fellow warriors. See the despair etched upon the faces of our comrades, the weight of loss and suffering that threatens to break our resolve. But let me remind you that we are not defined by our pain, but by our ability to rise above it. Let us find strength in our collective belief that every contribution - no matter how small - is vital to our success. Form an indomitable resolve where you can, to give all who fight alongside you a newfound motivation when their hope finds its low ebb!
Conditions
The harsh and unforgiving desert conditions weigh heavily on the individuals involved in the battlefield. Primitive magical protections against the desert heat are deemed ineffective against the draining effects of the anti-magic tech wielded by the PALADINs. Furthermore, the psychological torment inflicted by Lukius' relentless and indiscriminate attack strategy feeds discontent within the allied ranks. Sounds of the desolate cries, the sight of rampant destruction, the fear of impending doom, and the realization of self-inflicted pain serve as a constant reminder, further deteriorating morale, and adding a layer of psychological warfare. Above all, the indiscriminate rampage of Sar'ach, the legendary monster, ushers an era of chaos and confusion that transcends the normal dimensions of war tactics and management.
The Engagement
The initiation of conflict is met with staunch resistance from an unexpected alliance – a conglomerate of several nations led by cybernetic linguist Evelynn and mercenary Julius, both well-versed in understanding and tackling Crux Dynamico's robotic armies. Coordinated efforts, tactful strategies, and persistent attempts keep the daunting forces of PALADINs at bay to a certain extent. The war takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of a Shatari military unit led by none other than Evelynn's long-lost father, providing critical reinforcement at a time when hope seems elusive. However, the grand scale of the war further escalates with the emergence of Sar'ach, the monster from Shatari legends, rampaging indiscriminately adding a new layer of challenges.
Outcome
In a bid to destroy Sar'ach and restore stability, Xoxtris withdraws every bit of numen from the planet. This monumental shift results in the slow but certain death of magical races heavily reliant on numen for survival. Conversely, humans, who possessed relative immunity due to their minimal numen levels, descend into a mentally unstable state. The lack of numen coupled with traumatic experiences of the war push humanity to the brink of madness, resulting in self-inflicted damages that leave them in a near-extinct state. The world enveloped in an eerie silence is remnant of a war that sacrificed the joy of its people while they battled their internal demons.
Aftermath
The world is left in a tumultuous state of clinical freeze due to the efforts of the Erunit, known as world keepers. The entire globe is blanketed in an Ice Age as a necessary measure to repair the damaged minds of the surviving humans. It serves as a metaphoric reset button, allowing humanity to awake in a new era with no memory of their past and unsuspected of their actions that led to their downfall. The surviving Evelynn becomes the only witness of their history, emerging from her frosty slumber to retell the cautionary tale of their world's ruin.
Historical Significance
Evelynn becomes the chronicle keeper of the lost history. Through her recollection, the events of the War of Mad Minds is passed on to the new age, reminding everyone of the price paid for unchecked selfishness.
Legacy
The War of Mad Minds creates a ripple effect that echoes throughout history, manifesting as a potent lesson on the disastrous consequences of unchecked selfishness and greed. It serves as a grim reminder of the ruin and devastation that power-mad individuals can bring, becoming a story that is passed down generations. Evelynn's narratives serve as the voice of the forgotten past, recounting the series of events leading up to the war, their struggle, and the drastic results of their actions. They serve as a stark warning against self-absorption, greed, disrespect for natural and social laws, and thoughtless pursuit of unregulated progress. Through her chronicles, she hopes readers understand the value of harmony, communal wellbeing, and responsible progression, thus preventing a reiteration of history. The events of the war are remembered as a pivotal moment in her history - one that defines her current ethos and shapes the essence of society, implanting the need to prioritize the collective good over individual interest deep within her.
In Literature
Evelynn's narratives serve as a solemn reminder of the past, chronicling the conflict and downfall caused by rampant selfishness and reckless ambition. They are a cautionary tale circulating in society; a story that teaches the value of understanding, empathy, and community over individual self-interest.
Technological Advancement
The World is reset, with technology lost in the aftermath. With the restoration of humanity's sanity, new innovations must be made without reliance on magic due to the utter depletion of numen from the world.
Notice
This article is currently being worked on. Check back soon!
Belligerents
The Resistance
Led by
Strength
They had a small but determined fighting force, skilled in guerrilla tactics and hit-and-run attacks. They were also familiar with the desert terrain, giving them an advantage in mobility.
Crux Dynamico had a significant technological advantage over the resistance, having developed the PALADINs. The company also had a significant military force, consisting of a combination of robot and human soldiers.
Casualties
They suffered massive losses in the early stages of the war due to their smaller numbers and lack of resources.
The company suffered significant losses in the latter stages of the war due to the intervention of the Primordial Deity, Xoxtris.
Objectives
Their main objective was to defend their homeland of Synead from the invading forces of Crux Dynamico. They also aimed to disrupt the company's operations and free any individuals who were being held captive by the company.
Crux Dynamico's primary objective was to find a cure for Lukius Rischer's disorder, Rampant Numen Fluctuations. They also aimed to invade Synead and secure the deposits of nyerringite, which was necessary for teleportation and sustaining magic. Additionally, they sought to maintain their position of power and control over the populace, which they achieved through the use of magic and technology.
God, the consequences of the war were devastating. I like that Evelynn kept her memories so she could tell people of what had happened.
Yes! That's the whole premise of my book. Thank you for taking the time to read all of this! Being a key pillar in my book, this is very much just a foundation for the War. I definitely need to devote quite a bit of time to fleshing it out, and I'm open to suggestions/feedback!
I think some quotes would really bring it to life when you're fleshing out. I can't think of anything specific right now that would be important to add, though.
Good idea, thank you!