The Diamond War
Chapter 1: Prologue
It was the summer of the Crimson era in the kingdom of Minexia. Fields had grown vast in size over the land, feeding the hungry and taking care of the poor. There was not a worry in the world for the citizens of the palace town Blokholme, their King had treated them all very fairly and had held a solid reign over the kingdom for 24 years now. King Notch was a generous man, a confident and reliable king. He gave everything he could in order to make the populus happy. Recently, his river expansion project was completed and unearthed a wealthy supply of ore for his growing army. They were the most brutal warriors around. Armed to the teeth with the latest weaponry. Archers shot with pinpoint accuracy with their Steel arrows. Warriors chopped enemies effortlessly with their sharpened Swords. The monsters had become a little restless lately because of their natural habitat being constructed upon. However the king hated to stir trouble up with the creatures, it was necessary to bring in enough grain, due to a drought that had hit them the previous year- starving, and killing many. One night, when everyone was asleep, all cosy and tucked into their beds, the unthinkable happened. A night-shift farmer was tending to his crops when he noticed a strange trail of flattened crops- Someone had trodden on them with brute force and vandalised it, or so he thought. Following the trail of the downed crops, he spotted it out of the corner of his eye... The Creeper.
Creepers were unusual creatures of the night, green hue, shiny, shelled creatures walking around, hulking their massive deformed llama-like bodies on short, stubby legs that seemed to crush the ground flat under the weight they carried. Creepers were renowned to be quiet, ruthless killers, only allowing themselves to scare their prey by hissing at them before self-destructing. It was unknown why they did so- but that made them even more threatening- A creature that did not fear death at all.
The Farmer was careful, tracing the creeper's footsteps slowly trying to sneak up behind it. There was no way he could leave it alone, As any life was threatened in the presence of the creeper. The Farmer drew a stone blade from his belt and just when he thought he'd be able to out-creep the beast, a stone tripped the farmer down onto the floor, the impact alerted the creeper. The farmer cried out for mercy, pleading and begging the creeper. It did not listen, it hissed. Violently, it's eyes flashed with anger, its face filled with hate. It started to expand... and then?
There was no more, an explosion rang through the air with ferocious speed. A smouldering crater was left behind, crops were showering back to the ground as ashes. Hundreds of townspeople had heard this, Scared- even worried, they began grabbing candles to illuminate the streets as they scurried into the cobbled streets- they had brought anything they could use as a weapon out with them- even books; just to make sure they remained safe. Once they had reached the blazing fields of the farm, some farm attendants were already dousing the flames with buckets of water. And there he lay, the Farmer. Face down in the dirt, at the centre of the crater. A young man, no older than in his early twenties tried to assist the Farmer, turning him over- It was far too late. He'd already died. This was the first Monster Casualty in 20 years. There was no doubt that King Notch would be interested in the matter, but that would have to wait for the morning- a Royal Guard approached the man tending to the Farmer. Garbed in golden armour and purple cape- he told him to write down anything he had heard or saw that night. Already, Notch was on the case it seemed. As the Man looked up, he saw many others being interrogated by the Royal guard- He nodded to the guard, standing to his feet, he asked him If he could have an audience with the King. The guard did not know if it was possible, but said due to the circumstances, he will see what he could do. With that sorted, the distressed citizens were dispersed,they slowly went home, gossiping about the events that had unfolded that night- telling tall tales and playing false prophets. One thing was for certain- If someone was killed within city Limits, It'd mean it wouldn't remain an isolated case.
When the morning had arrived, the townspeople had assembled themselves in a mob in the palace courtyard. It was presumed by many that Notch would address the people with updates on the situation that friday morning. He emerged, garbed in his royal red robe high on the balcony overlooking the palace and it's enclosed kingdom. Stroking his beard once, he secured his golden bowler cap and cleared his throat.
“Now, I'm sure a lot of you are looking for answers as to the events that unfolded last night. I can tell you that the Farmer- Thomas Sheepskin is dead. He was killed by a creeper that had tunnelled into the town that night. However, what concerns me most of this situation is that Creepers are not intended to tunnel. Something about their behaviour has changed ever since the river expansion and we will be investigating this little mishap with great speed to come to a conclusion. Bridges will be added later today to the river so that you can cross it, hopefully expanding our ever increasing kingdom, and to help put some homeless into nice homes. Are there any questions?' He stood, looking at all the blank faces of the people- One person seemed to have a question though.
“... You there. What is it that you wish to ask?” The King addressed formally.
It was the man who checked the Farmer the previous night. He wore a Black shirt and brown pants, his hair was longer than average, just touching his shoulders. He spoke in a very clear dialect.
“Excuse me, Sire- I'd like to ask of something. Perhaps It would be an idea to send patrols around the borders at night just to make sure that no beasts get into the town at all, Just for the next couple of days, I would gladly volunteer to do the work for you if your guardsmen are still at war with the Goblin Hutmire Rogues.”
Notch Paused, stroking his beard again in thought.
“... Agreed. I assume you would like some equipment and a chat with me? Guards, please Escort the young sir... er, what is your name?”
Notch asked politely, but was unprepared for what came next.
“My name is Meridius Sheepskin. Son of Thomas Sheepskin.”
The crowd gasped and pointed, whispering to eachother in astonishment, before splitting as two royal guards made a clearing between the now infamous man and the palace. They nodded to Meridius, who walked with them back to Notch's great domain. Walking past the impressively wide Foyer, up the spiralling staircase to the King's Study- Notch was sat down with a glass of beer standing on his large wooden desk.
“Tell me, Meridius. Is It revenge you're after? Perhaps you just want to show me up because I believe a war is far more important than dealing with small incidents in the town- Not that your father wasn't a great man- It's just a war is more of a threat. I knew him once, Thomas. Before his paranoia got to him. That's why you left the house, Is it not? You didn't want to bear the burden that your father always thought the creepers were out to get him. I say- He wasn't wrong, was he?”
Meridius chuckled. “You're completely right. You know as well as I do, you send way too much force out there... but that's alright. We've always come back heads up. I never really was attached to my father to be honest, but any family blood is worth avenging. Sure, his craziness drove me away- But it also brought me back for the very reason that he was right, If it had been a Zombie or a Skeleton that had killed him, I wouldn't have even bothered returning- They didn't explode, last time I checked.”
Notch grinned. “My Boy, I'm surprised you haven't signed up into the ranks of my army. I believe one day you'd be a fine general. It truly is an honour to have you serve the citizens so willingly... do you plan on doing this all by yourself?”
Meridius shook his head. “No, not at all. I'm going to recruit people, one way or another. Laziness is not an excuse to let someone die around here.”
Notch nodded in return, opening a chest nearby and pulling out some chainmail armour and an Iron longsword- then placing them on the table. “Here you go. Now, what do I call your adorable little squad?”
Meridius smirked, then laughed quietly.
“Call us the Farmhands.”
Notch fell back in his seat and laughed deeply, slapping his knee once before coming to his senses.
“How appropriate. A nice commemoration to your father, Meridius. I hope your patrol goes well!”
"It will. So help me, it will." Meridius responded, taking his equipment and leaving the study.
Chapter 2: We are the Farmlands
Meridius made his way down the cobbled streets, to his home so that he could unwind for a little. He entered the lounge which had a wooden floor, a wool rug, and a portrait of a man fighting a hand on the wall. He headed upstairs to his room where there was a chest full of junk he'd collected over time. He Put the armour into the chest and shut it up again. Snatching a gold bar from the chest, he headed to the local pub for lunch, entering the tavern, he sat at the bar and waited for the bartender to approach him.
“What'll it be Meridius?” Said the Bartender from the other side of the bar.
“Roast Pork Sandwich and A glass of the finest ale?”
Meridius laughed, responding to the Bartender.
“You know me too well.”
Suddenly, some noise caught Meridius's attention. He heard what sounded like a fight breaking out. He turned around in his stool and saw that the regular drinks were picking on someone, he couldn't make them out because they were hoarded over the poor person. He took it upon himself to get close to the riff-raff and began to push people out of the way so he could see what was going on. Of course he didn't like what he saw, there were guys surrounding a female who had come in for quiet drink. Meridius had noticed her in here before, her name was Leina. She had long black hair. Sporting a commoners red dress, it was her beauty that many sought. Obviously the drunks had finally had enough ogling and wanted a hands on experience. Eventually she launcher herself up to her feet, yelling.
“Enough! Get your dirty hands off of me!” She began punching anyone within range. Meridius started dragging some of the men away from her. Soon after, the area around Leina was clear. She Swept her hair back into place and walked up to Meridius.
“Thanks for that.” She said thankfully.
“It's good to see at least someone around here isn't a drunken lout looking for trouble.”
Meridius smiled, then responded to her.
“No kidding. You held yourself pretty well back there, too... Say, I know we've only just met. But- I'd like to ask you something.”
Leina laughed.
“A Man who defends me is well worthy of being my friend and asking me a question, what is it you wish of me?”
“I've been in talks with King Notch, as you know. I'm starting to form a group to patrol the city at nights so we can be sure that the creeper incident won't be repeated again... you don't have to say yes. But, I just thought, Y'know- you're quite capable.”
Leina rolled her eyes at Meridius.
“Well, that's quite the question to ask me. But I suppose I can't say no really. My father is a Lieutenant in the King's Royal Guard. I'm a born fighter, even if a girl. I think I've seen you in here before, now that I think about it... Yes, I have! You're Meridius aren't you? Well... I'd be honored to help protect Blokholme. I live in the Ninth Quarter Mansion. It's just around the back from here, so you can't miss it. I'm going to go home and prepare... call on for me at sunset.” Leina tapped Meridius's cheek and left. The Bartender had just returned from the kitchen with the food Meridius had ordered.
“... Well, I Heard some commotion and expected some sort of destruction... I was wrong! That's terrible... Anyway, before I let myself go on and on, your meal is ready and, uh... It's on the house.”
Meridius thanked the Bartender and ate his lunch and then went back to his house. Changing into the armour the King had gave him. Chainmail armour, Iron legs. Iron boots. No sign of a sword. Meridius's eye went to the wall. There he hung a Wooden sword and leather sheath he'd crafted when he was a kid. He knew just what to do, taking them from the wall, he gracefully put the sword onto his back and left again, heading off to find, hopefully another recruit.
It was the summer of the Crimson era in the kingdom of Minexia. Fields had grown vast in size over the land, feeding the hungry and taking care of the poor. There was not a worry in the world for the citizens of the palace town Blokholme, their King had treated them all very fairly and had held a solid reign over the kingdom for 24 years now. King Notch was a generous man, a confident and reliable king. He gave everything he could in order to make the populus happy. Recently, his river expansion project was completed and unearthed a wealthy supply of ore for his growing army. They were the most brutal warriors around. Armed to the teeth with the latest weaponry. Archers shot with pinpoint accuracy with their Steel arrows. Warriors chopped enemies effortlessly with their sharpened Swords. The monsters had become a little restless lately because of their natural habitat being constructed upon. However the king hated to stir trouble up with the creatures, it was necessary to bring in enough grain, due to a drought that had hit them the previous year- starving, and killing many. One night, when everyone was asleep, all cosy and tucked into their beds, the unthinkable happened. A night-shift farmer was tending to his crops when he noticed a strange trail of flattened crops- Someone had trodden on them with brute force and vandalised it, or so he thought. Following the trail of the downed crops, he spotted it out of the corner of his eye... The Creeper.
Creepers were unusual creatures of the night, green hue, shiny, shelled creatures walking around, hulking their massive deformed llama-like bodies on short, stubby legs that seemed to crush the ground flat under the weight they carried. Creepers were renowned to be quiet, ruthless killers, only allowing themselves to scare their prey by hissing at them before self-destructing. It was unknown why they did so- but that made them even more threatening- A creature that did not fear death at all.
The Farmer was careful, tracing the creeper's footsteps slowly trying to sneak up behind it. There was no way he could leave it alone, As any life was threatened in the presence of the creeper. The Farmer drew a stone blade from his belt and just when he thought he'd be able to out-creep the beast, a stone tripped the farmer down onto the floor, the impact alerted the creeper. The farmer cried out for mercy, pleading and begging the creeper. It did not listen, it hissed. Violently, it's eyes flashed with anger, its face filled with hate. It started to expand... and then?
There was no more, an explosion rang through the air with ferocious speed. A smouldering crater was left behind, crops were showering back to the ground as ashes. Hundreds of townspeople had heard this, Scared- even worried, they began grabbing candles to illuminate the streets as they scurried into the cobbled streets- they had brought anything they could use as a weapon out with them- even books; just to make sure they remained safe. Once they had reached the blazing fields of the farm, some farm attendants were already dousing the flames with buckets of water. And there he lay, the Farmer. Face down in the dirt, at the centre of the crater. A young man, no older than in his early twenties tried to assist the Farmer, turning him over- It was far too late. He'd already died. This was the first Monster Casualty in 20 years. There was no doubt that King Notch would be interested in the matter, but that would have to wait for the morning- a Royal Guard approached the man tending to the Farmer. Garbed in golden armour and purple cape- he told him to write down anything he had heard or saw that night. Already, Notch was on the case it seemed. As the Man looked up, he saw many others being interrogated by the Royal guard- He nodded to the guard, standing to his feet, he asked him If he could have an audience with the King. The guard did not know if it was possible, but said due to the circumstances, he will see what he could do. With that sorted, the distressed citizens were dispersed,they slowly went home, gossiping about the events that had unfolded that night- telling tall tales and playing false prophets. One thing was for certain- If someone was killed within city Limits, It'd mean it wouldn't remain an isolated case.
When the morning had arrived, the townspeople had assembled themselves in a mob in the palace courtyard. It was presumed by many that Notch would address the people with updates on the situation that friday morning. He emerged, garbed in his royal red robe high on the balcony overlooking the palace and it's enclosed kingdom. Stroking his beard once, he secured his golden bowler cap and cleared his throat.
“Now, I'm sure a lot of you are looking for answers as to the events that unfolded last night. I can tell you that the Farmer- Thomas Sheepskin is dead. He was killed by a creeper that had tunnelled into the town that night. However, what concerns me most of this situation is that Creepers are not intended to tunnel. Something about their behaviour has changed ever since the river expansion and we will be investigating this little mishap with great speed to come to a conclusion. Bridges will be added later today to the river so that you can cross it, hopefully expanding our ever increasing kingdom, and to help put some homeless into nice homes. Are there any questions?' He stood, looking at all the blank faces of the people- One person seemed to have a question though.
“... You there. What is it that you wish to ask?” The King addressed formally.
It was the man who checked the Farmer the previous night. He wore a Black shirt and brown pants, his hair was longer than average, just touching his shoulders. He spoke in a very clear dialect.
“Excuse me, Sire- I'd like to ask of something. Perhaps It would be an idea to send patrols around the borders at night just to make sure that no beasts get into the town at all, Just for the next couple of days, I would gladly volunteer to do the work for you if your guardsmen are still at war with the Goblin Hutmire Rogues.”
Notch Paused, stroking his beard again in thought.
“... Agreed. I assume you would like some equipment and a chat with me? Guards, please Escort the young sir... er, what is your name?”
Notch asked politely, but was unprepared for what came next.
“My name is Meridius Sheepskin. Son of Thomas Sheepskin.”
The crowd gasped and pointed, whispering to eachother in astonishment, before splitting as two royal guards made a clearing between the now infamous man and the palace. They nodded to Meridius, who walked with them back to Notch's great domain. Walking past the impressively wide Foyer, up the spiralling staircase to the King's Study- Notch was sat down with a glass of beer standing on his large wooden desk.
“Tell me, Meridius. Is It revenge you're after? Perhaps you just want to show me up because I believe a war is far more important than dealing with small incidents in the town- Not that your father wasn't a great man- It's just a war is more of a threat. I knew him once, Thomas. Before his paranoia got to him. That's why you left the house, Is it not? You didn't want to bear the burden that your father always thought the creepers were out to get him. I say- He wasn't wrong, was he?”
Meridius chuckled. “You're completely right. You know as well as I do, you send way too much force out there... but that's alright. We've always come back heads up. I never really was attached to my father to be honest, but any family blood is worth avenging. Sure, his craziness drove me away- But it also brought me back for the very reason that he was right, If it had been a Zombie or a Skeleton that had killed him, I wouldn't have even bothered returning- They didn't explode, last time I checked.”
Notch grinned. “My Boy, I'm surprised you haven't signed up into the ranks of my army. I believe one day you'd be a fine general. It truly is an honour to have you serve the citizens so willingly... do you plan on doing this all by yourself?”
Meridius shook his head. “No, not at all. I'm going to recruit people, one way or another. Laziness is not an excuse to let someone die around here.”
Notch nodded in return, opening a chest nearby and pulling out some chainmail armour and an Iron longsword- then placing them on the table. “Here you go. Now, what do I call your adorable little squad?”
Meridius smirked, then laughed quietly.
“Call us the Farmhands.”
Notch fell back in his seat and laughed deeply, slapping his knee once before coming to his senses.
“How appropriate. A nice commemoration to your father, Meridius. I hope your patrol goes well!”
"It will. So help me, it will." Meridius responded, taking his equipment and leaving the study.
Chapter 2: We are the Farmlands
Meridius made his way down the cobbled streets, to his home so that he could unwind for a little. He entered the lounge which had a wooden floor, a wool rug, and a portrait of a man fighting a hand on the wall. He headed upstairs to his room where there was a chest full of junk he'd collected over time. He Put the armour into the chest and shut it up again. Snatching a gold bar from the chest, he headed to the local pub for lunch, entering the tavern, he sat at the bar and waited for the bartender to approach him.
“What'll it be Meridius?” Said the Bartender from the other side of the bar.
“Roast Pork Sandwich and A glass of the finest ale?”
Meridius laughed, responding to the Bartender.
“You know me too well.”
Suddenly, some noise caught Meridius's attention. He heard what sounded like a fight breaking out. He turned around in his stool and saw that the regular drinks were picking on someone, he couldn't make them out because they were hoarded over the poor person. He took it upon himself to get close to the riff-raff and began to push people out of the way so he could see what was going on. Of course he didn't like what he saw, there were guys surrounding a female who had come in for quiet drink. Meridius had noticed her in here before, her name was Leina. She had long black hair. Sporting a commoners red dress, it was her beauty that many sought. Obviously the drunks had finally had enough ogling and wanted a hands on experience. Eventually she launcher herself up to her feet, yelling.
“Enough! Get your dirty hands off of me!” She began punching anyone within range. Meridius started dragging some of the men away from her. Soon after, the area around Leina was clear. She Swept her hair back into place and walked up to Meridius.
“Thanks for that.” She said thankfully.
“It's good to see at least someone around here isn't a drunken lout looking for trouble.”
Meridius smiled, then responded to her.
“No kidding. You held yourself pretty well back there, too... Say, I know we've only just met. But- I'd like to ask you something.”
Leina laughed.
“A Man who defends me is well worthy of being my friend and asking me a question, what is it you wish of me?”
“I've been in talks with King Notch, as you know. I'm starting to form a group to patrol the city at nights so we can be sure that the creeper incident won't be repeated again... you don't have to say yes. But, I just thought, Y'know- you're quite capable.”
Leina rolled her eyes at Meridius.
“Well, that's quite the question to ask me. But I suppose I can't say no really. My father is a Lieutenant in the King's Royal Guard. I'm a born fighter, even if a girl. I think I've seen you in here before, now that I think about it... Yes, I have! You're Meridius aren't you? Well... I'd be honored to help protect Blokholme. I live in the Ninth Quarter Mansion. It's just around the back from here, so you can't miss it. I'm going to go home and prepare... call on for me at sunset.” Leina tapped Meridius's cheek and left. The Bartender had just returned from the kitchen with the food Meridius had ordered.
“... Well, I Heard some commotion and expected some sort of destruction... I was wrong! That's terrible... Anyway, before I let myself go on and on, your meal is ready and, uh... It's on the house.”
Meridius thanked the Bartender and ate his lunch and then went back to his house. Changing into the armour the King had gave him. Chainmail armour, Iron legs. Iron boots. No sign of a sword. Meridius's eye went to the wall. There he hung a Wooden sword and leather sheath he'd crafted when he was a kid. He knew just what to do, taking them from the wall, he gracefully put the sword onto his back and left again, heading off to find, hopefully another recruit.
