Incran

In the midst of the Industrial Revolution, a new type of metal previously thought to be completely useless, named Durium for its unmalleability, was found to be processable using highly corrosive means. Being incredibly lightweight while surpassing the hardness of any known metal or alloy of the time, Durium became a key industrial and infrastructural resource, being used in the construction of buildings, railroads, and manufacturing equipment. New conflicts erupted around the world as Durium production could not keep up with demand. While nascent nation-states and waning monarchies clamored to secure deposits and stockpile the resource, they also used the metal to refit their armies with newfound portable and bulletproof armor, ushering a new age of positional and defensive warfare. Knights, not seen on the battlefield for over 200 years, returned clad in Durium armor, carrying light firearms, serving as shock and breakthrough troops. Tanks, in the past forced to balance between firepower, speed, and protection, could now be conferred with all three. Even regular foot soldiers could be equipped with a shield that could protect them from all but explosives and the heaviest of shells. In an effort to combat Durium armor, arms developers found inspiration from its production and created corrosive rocket launchers and corrosive rounds designed to disintegrate the metal right on the battlefield. Explosives also became much more important in combatting the new armor. In a new wave of nationalism, the island country of Basalun unifies under a single monarch. Rich with Durium deposits, and a culture of engineering and military tradition, Basalun looks beyond its shores to expand its influence and to bring to the world its true way of life. Basalun troops quickly conquer several offshore neighbors in quick succession with their more modern and flexible army and military doctrine, and the Allies scramble to militarize. After a lightning Basalan military campaign and innumerable Allied defeats, the nation of Hurena remains the only unconquered nation on the continent. The fate of the nation rests in its demoralized army and its supersoldier, Lumi.