[168] An army of nations

The combined forces of the races of the world had come together in an unprecedented show of unity. Each race brought with them their own specialized weapons and tactics, which when combined, formed a robust and diverse arsenal, the likes of which had never been seen before.

For the land army:

The humans, being adaptable and innovative, brought a mix of weaponry. These ranged from the traditional such as crossbows, longbows, and long swords to the more innovative catapults, trebuchets, and siege towers. They also brought along cannons, an invention of the last few decades that were capable of launching heavy projectiles at the enemy from a distance.

Elves, with their mastery over magic, brought forth a variety of magical weapons and artifacts. They had their finely crafted bows, that could shoot arrows imbued with various spells and enchantments. But more than that, they also had staffs and wands that could unleash devastating spells, as well as amulets and rings that granted protective auras or enhancements to the bearer.

The dwarves, unsurprisingly, had brought their iconic weaponry – finely crafted axes, hammers, and pickaxes, each a masterpiece of dwarven smithing. However, what truly made them stand out were their intricate mechanical contraptions - crossbows that could launch a volley of arrows, and more impressively, their formidable war machines. These included ironclad tanks, which could crush enemy lines, and even contraptions that could launch exploding projectiles.

The Orcs, a physically strong and brutal race, had weapons reflecting their battle style. These included massive war hammers, hefty battle-axes, and spiked maces. These weapons, while primitive in design, were incredibly effective in the hands of the strong Orc warriors.

The beastkin race brought their own unique weapons that reflected their animalistic nature. Claws, fangs, and bone weapons were commonly used, augmented by their naturally enhanced strength and agility.

For the naval and air units:

The human race, well-versed in seafaring and naval warfare, came with their sturdy galleons. These ships, although not as massive as the Merfolk's battleships, were designed for speed and maneuverability. Their swift and agile vessels were armed with arrays of cannons, ballistic weaponry, and even a few arcane projectors, which could cast destructive spells onto enemy lines from a distance.

Beastkins, too, brought their unique ships to the fray. Crafted from the gigantic bones and hides of their sacred beasts, the beastkin ships were formidable vessels that combined both the raw power of nature and beastkin ingenuity. Their ships boasted ballistic weaponry that fired massive bone spears, capable of puncturing through even the most robust hulls.

The Orcs, while not known for their naval prowess, had commandeered hefty war barges for the impending conflict. Their bulky vessels were more akin to floating fortresses, sturdily built and covered with all manner of spikes, blades, and other deterrents. They had an uncanny resemblance to their ground-based siege engines, emphasizing the Orc's belief in the power of raw strength and intimidation.

The Dwarves, preferring the stability of the land, brought a unique aspect to the naval warfare. They provided a fleet of airships, elegantly crafted blimps powered by steam and complex clockwork mechanisms. The blimps were capable of dropping explosive charges from above, acting as an efficient aerial bombardment unit. Furthermore, the thick, hardened-steel hulls of the blimps provided ample protection against any incoming fire.

The Dragonborne, living up to their namesake, didn't bring ships but instead offered themselves as flying units. These mighty creatures of scale and flame were the epitome of aerial dominance, capable of both high altitude surveillance and destructive dive attacks.

The Merfolk did not bring typical ships to this aquatic armada. Instead, they rode atop a variety of enormous, majestic sea beasts that they had tamed and trained for warfare. Their sea beasts were a sight to behold and brought a unique aspect to the naval forces. They brought with them the Sea Drakes, their bodies, covered in hardened, iridescent scales, shone under the sun, a spectacle that was both mesmerizing and intimidating. Armed with sharp teeth, powerful claws, and the ability to spew jets of scalding water, these creatures were designed for speed and swift assaults.

I sat within the main war tent, inspecting the might of our united forces, I then turned to each leader and asked them about the numbers of our troops:

The human general, a seasoned man named Chancellor Leopold, responded with a detailed account:

"For the human realm, we've assembled a force of about one hundred thousand troops for frontline combat," he began, a sense of resolve clear in his voice. "This includes infantry, cavalry, archers, and artillery units."

"Fifty thousand of our force constitutes the heavy infantry. They are well-trained, equipped with sturdy armor, and ready to face the oncoming demon forces head-on."

"In our cavalry ranks, we have twenty thousand soldiers. They are a mix of light and heavy riders, armed with diverse weaponry to adapt to a variety of battlefield situations."

"Twenty thousand skilled archers make up our ranged forces. They wield longbows and crossbows, with some units even trained in the usage of rudimentary firearms."

"Our artillery and support units number around ten thousand. These include operators of our siege engines - catapults, trebuchets, ballistae, and a few cannons. We also have our engineers who are prepared to construct defenses or dismantle enemy fortifications."

"To support our ground forces, we have hundreds of healers and mages ready to offer healing magic and other supportive spells on the battlefield. And finally, we have our naval force, comprising fifty battleships armed with cannons and accompanied by a fleet of smaller, agile vessels."

Pausing for a moment, Leopold concluded, "Every soldier, every individual among our forces, is prepared to lay down their life to protect our world. We will not fall without a fight, Yi-Fei."

"Dwarves may not be as numerous as humans," King Rurik Thunderforge began, his voice rumbling deep within his broad chest. "But we're unmatched in our mastery of stone, metal, and machinery."

"We have ten thousand stronghearted warriors who can stand on the front lines. Armed with heavy hammers, battle-axes, and shields, each dwarf is a fortress in his own right."

"For ranged assault, we have five thousand crossbowmen. Equipped with our ingeniously crafted repeating crossbows, they can send a deadly hail of bolts down upon the enemy."

"Artillery? We excel there as well, with five thousand operators manning our war machines. Catapults, ballistae, and our secret weapon — the steam-powered cannon. It's a bit experimental, but we're confident it'll cause havoc among the demon ranks."

"We also have a thousand engineers, ready to construct fortifications, repair equipment, or sabotage enemy siege engines."

"But where we truly shine is in our air force. We have fifty blimps — heavily armed and armored, equipped with flamethrowers and dropping firebombs. Each blimp carries a crew of twenty — pilots, gunners, and engineers."

Rurik's chest swelled with pride as he concluded, "We may be fewer in number, Yi-Fei, but every dwarf is worth ten of any other race in battle. You'll see. We'll hold the line."

Chief Kael Windclaw, the leader of the Beastkin, stepped forward. His voice carried an undeniable strength and the grace of a predatory cat. "We Beastkin are varied in our abilities and strengths. And each clan brings a unique power to this fight."

"From the Lion Clan, we have three thousand brave warriors, each as ferocious as the beast they share a spirit with. Armed with spears, swords, and shields, their courage and tenacity are unmatched."

"From the Wolf Clan, we have two thousand swift and agile scouts, perfect for reconnaissance and swift, deadly strikes. They carry light weapons for swift attacks, like short swords and throwing daggers."

"The Bear Clan contributes a thousand heavy infantry. Their strength and endurance make them perfect for the front lines. Their towering shields and mighty war hammers will stand firm against our enemies."

"From the Hawk Clan, we have a thousand archers. With the keen sight of their totem beast, they can strike down foes from a great distance."

"Our Serpent Clan provides five hundred stealthy assassins. Silent, swift, and deadly. They're experts in poisons and surprise attacks."

"The Elephant Clan presents five hundred heavy cavalry. They ride atop mighty beastkin elephants, causing earth-shaking chaos with their charge."

"The Rhino Clan adds another five hundred to our heavy cavalry. Their rhino riders, with their massive horned mounts, can breach enemy lines with terrifying force."

Kael's golden eyes gleamed as he finished his report. "In total, we beastkin number around nine thousand. What we lack in numbers, we make up for with our fierce spirits and unity. We will stand and fight, Yi-Fei, for our lands and our people."

King Triton III of the Merfolk, his scales glittering under the lantern light, began his report in a voice as deep and powerful as the sea. "We Merfolk, while not numerous, have our own strengths to bring to bear. Remember, Yi-Fei, the sea is our domain, and we know it better than any other race."

"First, our Warriors. We number two thousand strong, all skilled in underwater combat. Armed with tridents and nets, they excel at ambushes from the depths."

"Our Beastmasters number five hundred. They can command the sea beasts of the depths, bringing them to our aid in battle. Krakens, leviathans, and other mighty creatures of the sea will answer their call."

"Next, our Sirens, another five hundred. Their bewitching songs can control water itself, causing whirlpools and waves that can disrupt enemy ships."

"Finally, our Mages number a thousand. They are masters of water magic and healing, able to call upon the power of the sea to heal wounds and provide support to our forces."

He finished with a proud smile, his sea-green eyes determined. "In total, we number about four thousand. Though we might seem small in number, remember, Yi-Fei, it is we who rule the seas."

Chief Gronk of the Orc clans, a hulking brute with muscles that rivaled small mountains, grunted in response, his scarred face pulled into a fierce scowl. His voice was a deep rumble that shook the ground beneath his feet. "Orcs may not be as numerous as humans, but we are a force to be reckoned with."

"We've got five thousand of our Warriors, strong and fearless, ready to charge headfirst into the demon hordes. Armed with battle-axes and war hammers, their raw strength and tenacity are unmatched."

"Two thousand of our War Beasts, these are the fiercest and largest creatures from our lands, trained for war. Mounted by our Beast Riders, they'll trample any demon in their path."

"Our Shamans, about a thousand strong, can call upon the spirits of our ancestors for guidance and strength. Their magics can heal wounds, shield us from harm, and even give strength to our warriors."

"We've also got another thousand Archers, fast and accurate with their longbows. They can rain down death from a distance, taking out the enemy before they can even reach our lines."

"Lastly, two thousand Berserkers, Orcs who've embraced their inner beast. When they enter a battle rage, there's nothing that can stop them. They're the true terror on the battlefield."

"So, all told, that's about eleven thousand of the fiercest, strongest fighters you'll ever see. Don't underestimate the power of the Orcs, Yi-Fei," Gronk warned with a grin, showing off his jagged, yellow teeth.

Aurelia, the Dragonborne representative, a figure of regal beauty with her platinum-scaled skin, crimson eyes and a crown of horns, looked at me with a solemn expression. Her voice, deep and melodic, echoed throughout the council chamber.

"The Dragonborne are not many in number, compared to the likes of humans or orcs. However, our strength lies not in our numbers, but in our power and the bond we share with our dragons."

"Three hundred of our dragons have pledged to lend their wings to this fight. They are mighty creatures of varying elements, each capable of massive destruction. Their breaths can incinerate, freeze, or electrify the enemy lines, turning the tide of battle in our favor."

"We may not have the numbers, but every single Dragonborne warrior is equivalent to a hundred human soldiers, and every dragon, a moving fortress in its own right. We will do our best to ensure victory in this war of survival."

With her words, the council chamber fell silent, everyone present understanding the significant strength the Dragonborne and their dragons brought to the table.

Elandra, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders and catching the light, turned her intense, sapphire eyes to meet mine. Despite the gravity of the situation, her calm poise and regal air remained unfaltering.

"In the Elven Kingdom, we have always placed an emphasis on the quality of our troops over the quantity," she began, her voice as melodic and serene as a summer breeze. "We may not possess the overwhelming numbers of the human kingdom, but each of our warriors is a highly trained and disciplined asset."

"We have mustered a contingent of approximately 40,000 elven soldiers. Among them, 15,000 are skilled archers, each capable of striking a target with unerring accuracy from great distances. These archers wield longbows carved from the sacred yew trees of our ancient groves, their arrows tipped with mithril known for its lethality to demons."

"We also have 15,000 magic wielders, consisting of healers, elemental magic users, and enchanters. Their skills will provide significant assistance in both offense and defense, ensuring our forces remain bolstered."

"The remaining 10,000 comprise our corps of swordsmen and spearmen, all proficient in hand-to-hand combat. Protected by magically reinforced armor and equipped with enchanted weapons, they are more than ready to face the demonic horde."

"Finally, we have mobilized 5,000 White Stags, our elite cavalry. Their stags are swifter and more agile than any horse, capable of maneuvering through the most challenging terrains. The riders themselves are among the finest warriors in our kingdom."

Pausing, Elandra looked at me with an unwavering gaze. "We may lack in numbers, but each of our warriors is worth ten others. We shall fight to the last, Yi-Fei. For our people, and for our world."

"Thank you all for your report, queen Elandra may you please tell me the recruitment numbers from the adventurers?"

Elandra gently pressed her lips together in thought, her sapphire eyes glancing down at the parchment before her that held the recruitment numbers.

"In the recruitment process, we've put a lot of emphasis on skilled individuals who can make a difference on the battlefield. As such, we've managed to gather a considerable force of adventurers from across the continents."

"For F tier adventurers, we have a force of around 20,000. They may not be the most powerful, but their numbers are advantageous, and with the right guidance and strategy, they can be quite useful."

"The E tier brings in around 30,000 adventurers. Their skills are more refined and their experience broader. D tier is a little less, with around 25,000 adventurers."

"As for C tier, we've recruited around 20,000 adventurers. These individuals have proven themselves in their respective fields, and their skills will be invaluable in the coming battles."

"B tier is where we start seeing a decrease in numbers, but an increase in individual power. We have approximately 15,000 B tier adventurers. A tier adventurers are rarer still, with around 8,000."

Elandra paused a moment, her expression growing more serious. "Then we get to the real heavy hitters. We've managed to gather around 600 S tier adventurers. For SS tier, the numbers are smaller, but these individuals are among the most powerful beings on our side – we have 50 of them. As for SSS tier adventurers, we've been fortunate to recruit 20. Their abilities are on a completely different level, and they could potentially turn the tide of a battle on their own."

"And finally," Elandra's voice dropped to a near whisper, "we have been graced with the commitment of five Legendary tier adventurers. Their powers are, quite literally, the stuff of legends."

Satisfied, Elandra set down her parchment, looking at me intently. "With these adventurers bolstering our forces, we have a good chance of putting up a formidable resistance against the demon king's army."

Q: Do you play WoW Frozen Throne?