Securing the Empire

February 17, 1696.

The fortress of N'kosi had fallen. His warriors were dead, captured, or scattered into the jungle, and his so-called divine leadership had been shattered by cold steel and gunpowder. Yet, General Armand Roux knew that this was only the first step in a much larger conquest.

The morning after the battle, Roux gathered his officers and Chief Ibara in the ruined war hall of the fortress. The Elysean flag now hung where N'kosi's banners once stood. Maps of the surrounding regions were unrolled across a crude wooden table, detailing the known kingdoms, tribal coalitions, and uncharted lands that stretched across the northern half of the continent.

Roux traced his finger along the map, eyes narrowing as he spoke.