The Battle of Bul'Derlihiem

The Battle of Pyros and Bul’Derlihiem wasn’t just a race for control of the Obelisk, it was a battle fought on multiple fronts. The forces of Valthor led by Brinadros and Ambros were determined to reach the Obelisk first and prevent the Darklings from using it to open a gateway to the Stygian realm. However, the Mor’dari had anticipated the arrival of the Thammundraian forces, and through dark treachery and deceit, had already infiltrated Bul’Derlihiem and set the stage for a two-pronged assault.   A Desperate Race:   The Mor’dari, with their corrupted allies, had spent years infiltrating the kingdom of Thammundra, corrupting some of the most trusted dragon riders. This betrayal created a dangerous advantage for the Darklings in the Battle of Bul’Derlihiem. They not only knew about the secret tunnels hidden within the mountain range of Bul’Derlihiem—a vital location for launching a surprise attack—but had already placed a smaller infiltrating force within the mountain, waiting to strike when the battle began.   The Thammundraian forces, led by Brinadros and his loyal dragon Ambros, made their way to Bul’Derlihiem, hoping to reach the Obelisk before the Mor’dari could unleash their full might. But as Brinadros and his forces advanced, they were confronted by a two-pronged attack: the Mor’dari had already infiltrated the mountain range, with corrupted Thammundraian riders positioned strategically within, waiting to strike from within the stronghold.   The Two Fronts:   As Brinadros led the charge towards the Obelisk from the ground, Ambros cleared the skies, engaging the Mor’dari dragons and their shadowy forces. However, the Thammundraian army quickly realized they were not only fighting the Darklings but were also surrounded by traitors within their own ranks.   The Thammundraian dragon riders who had been corrupted by the Mor’dari revealed themselves in a devastating sudden attack. These once-loyal dragon riders, now twisted by the influence of the Darklings, turned against their comrades, attacking from the mountain pass with fierce precision. The secret tunnel, long thought to be a hidden passage for retreat or reinforcement, became a deadly entry point for the Mor’dari to infiltrate the Thammundraian forces.   The battle now raged on both sides—from within the mountain and on the open fields. The Valthor forces were trapped in a desperate struggle, fighting to hold back the Mor’dari from the inside while continuing their assault on the Obelisk from the outside. The Thammundraian army, led by Brinadros, was surrounded, facing both betrayal and overwhelming external forces.   The Valthor forces—faced with the threat from inside and outside—had no choice but to fight fiercely on both fronts. Brinadros, knowing the stakes, ordered his forces to split. The main army would push forward towards the Obelisk while a smaller detachment, led by Brinadros, would engage the corrupted dragon riders hiding in the mountain’s tunnels.   The secret tunnel within Bul’Derlihiem’s mountain played a pivotal role in the Mor’dari’s surprise attack, and Brinadros, realizing that time was of the essence, fought with his elite soldiers to prevent the traitors from reaching the Obelisk first. But as the battle raged on, the Mor’dari continued to strike from all sides, their dark magic empowering their forces, even inside the once-pristine mountain.

The Battle of Pyros and Bul’Derlihiem was fought not only on the ground and in the air but also deep within the treacherous, towering Bul’Derlihiem mountain range. The Obelisk, a massive and ancient structure of immense power, was the key to the fate of Valthor. However, its position within the mountain posed significant challenges for both the Valthor and Mor’dari forces.   The Obelisk’s Position:   Deep Within the Mountain: The Obelisk was hidden deep inside the Bul’Derlihiem mountain, far from the initial battlefield. Reaching it was no simple task—it lay buried beneath layers of treacherous rock, shielded by a series of narrow tunnels and dangerous underground passages. This rugged location made it a natural stronghold and a strategic prize in the conflict. • Access Points: The main access to the Obelisk was through a series of narrow, craggy paths that snaked through the mountain’s interior. These paths were dangerous, with frequent cave-ins and rockslides posing a constant threat to the advancing forces. The Mor’dari, using their knowledge of the land and their infiltration of the Thammundraian dragon riders, knew about the secret tunnels leading to the Obelisk. These tunnels allowed them to move undetected, setting traps and preparing to strike from the shadows. • Hidden in Plain Sight: The Obelisk itself was not only deep within the mountain but also shielded by an intricate series of magical wards. These wards distorted the flow of time and space, confusing any who tried to reach the Obelisk directly. The Odraria family, led by Brinadros, had studied these wards and knew that to deactivate them, they would need to use their deep understanding of the Obelisks’ arcane properties. • Magical Energy Flux: The Obelisk’s proximity to unstable magic created an environment fraught with magical surges. Strange forces pulsed from within the mountain, causing illusions, disruptions in communication, and sudden magical storms that amplified the dangers of the battlefield. As the battle raged above the mountain, dark magic from the Mor’dari combined with the Obelisk’s energy, creating chaotic blasts that hindered both sides.

The battlefield around the Bul’Derlihiem mountain range was a mix of treacherous terrain and strategic choke points, all leading up to the Obelisk’s deep cavern within the heart of the mountain.   The Mountain Pass: • Primary Battleground: The narrow mountain pass leading to the Obelisk was the primary battleground for both sides. Its steep cliffs and narrow pathways made it difficult for large forces to advance in formation, but its location was key for anyone trying to reach the Obelisk. Both armies fought desperately to secure control over this pass, knowing that whoever controlled the mountain’s entrance would have a strategic advantage.   The Secret Tunnel: • Mor’dari Infiltration: Unknown to Brinadros and his forces, the Mor’dari had infiltrated the Thammundraian dragon riders and were aware of the secret tunnel that led directly to the Obelisk. This tunnel had once been used for hidden retreats and smuggling operations, but now it became the Mor’dari’s secret weapon. With this knowledge, they were able to position a small but lethal force inside the mountain, launching surprise attacks from within, while their main forces engaged the Valthor army on the battlefield outside.   Rocky Outcrops and Cliffside Battling: • Defensive Positions: As the battle unfolded, Valthor’s forces quickly realized that they could not afford to advance recklessly. The mountain cliffs offered natural defense for anyone who held them, providing aerial advantage and defensive high ground. Dragons soared overhead, swooping down to engage the Mor’dari dragons, while foot soldiers fought to secure the cliffs and caves that provided the best access to the Obelisk. • Surrounding Forces: The Mor’dari, well-versed in the art of ambush, used the mountainous landscape to their advantage. Hidden in caves and rocky outcrops, they launched sudden strikes to disrupt the Valthor forces. The Valthor army, led by Brinadros, struggled to hold their ground while attempting to push forward to the Obelisk. The Mor’dari’s forces, led by Azkaryth and his rider, Thaldrak, the corrupted Behemoth, used the mountainous terrain to block any advance. Clash for the Obelisk:   Inside the Mountain: • As Brinadros and his forces reached the entrance to the mountain pass, they were met with a harrowing sight: Mor’dari soldiers had already infiltrated the tunnels. With the secret tunnel now compromised, Valthor’s forces were forced to fight a two-front battle. The battle inside the tunnels was just as fierce as the one fought above, as Brinadros and his elite dragon riders struggled to reach the Obelisk and reverse its gateway activation. • Ambros’s Role: Ambros, Brinadros’s trusted dragon, played a crucial role in this battle. With air superiority, Ambros could fight off the Mor’dari dragons that patrolled the skies. But even he was not immune to the dangers inside the mountain. As the Obelisk’s magic flared, Ambros fought valiantly to protect Brinadros and his soldiers, unleashing fire and lightning on any Mor’dari forces that tried to breach their lines.   Final Push: • The final push to the Obelisk was a desperate sprint. Brinadros and his forces, though fatigued from the previous battles, pushed onward, determined to stop the Mor’dari at any cost. The Obelisk stood at the heart of the mountain, its hum growing louder with each step, as though calling out to the Stygian creatures from beyond. Every soldier knew the Obelisk’s power could tip the balance in the war—and if the Mor’dari reached it first, the world might be lost forever.

Brinadros’s Strategy at the Battle of Pyros and Bul’Derlihiem   The Battle of Pyros and Bul’Derlihiem was a clash of two opposing forces, each with its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. However, the battle’s true complexity lay in the strategic engagement, where Brinadros, leading his Thammundraian forces, had to contend not only with the Mor’dari’s overwhelming numbers but also with the treacherous terrain and the defensive position of the Obelisk deep in the Bul’Derlihiem mountains.   In this engagement, Brinadros employed strategies reminiscent of great military commanders from history, where intelligence, adaptation, and the use of terrain were just as important as sheer numbers. Despite being at a disadvantage—fighting with lower ground, surrounded by enemies, and facing an enemy who knew the landscape well—Brinadros devised a strategy that capitalized on his knowledge of the enemy’s weaknesses, his understanding of the Obelisk’s power, and the cooperation of Ambros.   Brinadros’s Strategy: A Battle of Survival and Swift Decision   The Terrain: The Battle’s Greatest Challenge   At the outset of the battle, the terrain was inherently against Brinadros and his forces. The Obelisk, the object of immense power, stood deep within the Bul’Derlihiem mountain range, positioned high above the battlefield, with the enemy forces already entrenched on the mountain’s higher ground. The Valthor forces were coming from below—the mountain pass where they had to fight for every inch of ground to reach the Obelisk.   Ancient Battle Tactics for Lower Ground: In ancient battles, those fighting on lower ground were often at a distinct disadvantage. They faced harder uphill charges, were more vulnerable to projectiles, and were less able to utilize the height advantage that their enemies enjoyed. Yet, commanders who had faced similar disadvantages, like Alexander the Great at the Battle of Gaugamela or Hannibal at Cannae, knew that all was not lost if the terrain could be used in creative ways. • Brinadros’s response to the lower ground was to divide his forces. He sent a smaller group of elite scholar-soldiers to infiltrate the secret tunnels beneath the mountain, attempting to reach the Obelisk from within the mountain itself. This would allow them to avoid the brunt of the uphill charge and reach the Obelisk first, where the magic could be reversed. • Meanwhile, Ambros and the other dragon riders would serve to keep the Mor’dari dragons engaged in aerial combat, using their superior maneuverability to keep the skies clear. Ambros’s presence also acted as a psychological tactic—he was a symbol of the strength and will of the Valthor forces, inspiring confidence in his riders and fear in their enemies.   Divide and Conquer: A Two-Pronged Assault   Knowing that the Mor’dari already had forces inside the Bul’Derlihiem mountains, Brinadros set out to divide the Mor’dari as much as possible. By splitting the Valthor forces into two distinct groups, he could create confusion and use the Mor’dari’s overconfidence against them. 1. The Aerial Assault (Ambros’s Role): The Mor’dari dragons had the advantage of higher ground and strategic control of the skies. However, Ambros, being a mighty and maneuverable dragon, took to the air with Brinadros’s elite dragon riders and kept the enemy dragons at bay. The aerial battle was intense, with Ambros unleashing fire and lightning on the Mor’dari dragons, forcing them into defensive positions. Ambros’s tactics were simple but effective: keep the Mor’dari dragons distracted while the ground forces advanced. Ancient Inspiration: Much like Alexander’s cavalry charges, Ambros’s force executed swift flanking maneuvers, attacking from unexpected angles to break enemy formations and clear a path for the advancing soldiers. 2. The Ground Assault: Brinadros and his elite infantry moved swiftly, using their knowledge of the land to avoid direct confrontations with the Mor’dari’s entrenched forces. They moved quickly through the lower ground, using the cover of rocks and the smoke-filled air to their advantage. The Valthor army had fewer numbers than the Mor’dari, but Brinadros’s leadership ensured that every soldier was strategically placed, with specific assignments to hold the line and defend key positions while the scholars and dragon riders pushed forward. The key to this battle strategy was to force the Mor’dari into a defensive position by striking at key strategic locations without committing to a full-scale clash.   Engagement Tactics: The Moment of Truth   As the battle unfolded, Brinadros’s forces were initially pushed back by the overwhelming Mor’dari numbers and the treacherous terrain. However, the Valthor forces had one advantage: they knew the mountain’s interior better than the Mor’dari did. The secret tunnels leading up to the Obelisk were critical to Brinadros’s strategy. • While the Valthor infantry and dragon riders kept the Mor’dari distracted on the surface, a small detachment of elite scholars, along with Brinadros’s most trusted dragon riders, entered the secret tunnels. They were tasked with reaching the Obelisk first, where the ancient Odraria family knowledge would allow them to reverse the magic and seal the gateway. Ancient Military Inspiration: This tactic mirrors the use of undercover units in many ancient battles—such as the use of spies and underground forces that could flank the enemy or accomplish critical missions far from the main battlefield.   Final Push and Ambros’s Aerial Advantage   The Mor’dari, realizing that Brinadros’s forces were getting closer to the Obelisk, attempted to close the gap by pushing forward from both above and below. The Valthor forces had reached the foot of the mountain, but they were surrounded by Mor’dari dragons and dark magic. • Ambros led the final aerial assault, distracting the Mor’dari dragons and buying enough time for Brinadros’s ground forces to break through. This final push was made possible by the Valthor forces’ resilience and their ability to strike swiftly without engaging in a prolonged confrontation. Ancient Inspiration: The tactic of resilience and adaptability was seen in battles like Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps, where outnumbered forces had to be flexible, unpredictable, and make the best use of the terrain.   The Secret Force: A Tragic Failure and Last Stand   In the early stages of the battle, Brinadros devised a critical plan to infiltrate the secret tunnels beneath the Bul’Derlihiem mountain range to reach the Obelisk before the Mor’dari could activate its power. A small but elite group of Odrarian scholars and dragon riders was dispatched to carry out this mission. Their task was to reverse the gateway and seal off the Stygian realm, but they were tragically ambushed inside the mountain by the Mor’dari forces. • Betrayal and Ambush: Despite their advanced knowledge and the element of surprise, the Odrarian scholars and dragon riders were met with treachery and overwhelming force. The Mor’dari had infiltrated the mountain long before the main battle, knowing of the secret tunnel and the Valthor’s strategy. They launched a devastating counterattack, leading to a massacre that left almost all of the Valthor infiltrators dead before they could reach the Obelisk. • The Final Push: The few survivors, including the Odrarian scholar who knew the key to sealing the gateway, managed to reach the Obelisk. But they were too few and the Mor’dari forces too numerous. The scholar fought valiantly, and despite his best efforts, he could not completely seal the gateway before he fell. His efforts, however, were not in vain—he managed to reserve most of the gateway, delaying the activation long enough for Brinadros to reach the mountain. Upon hearing through dragon telepathy that his secret force had failed, Brinadros knew that the only hope for Valthor lay in reaching the Obelisk himself. Brinadros ventured into the secret tunnel, knowing that he faced the Mor’dari’s remaining forces. • The Final Act: As Brinadros fought his way through the mountain’s depths, he discovered the dying scholar who had almost completed the ritual to reverse the gateway. Realizing the urgency, Brinadros took up the scholar’s work and finished the ritual to seal the gateway. However, just as he completed the task, a Stygian creature emerged from the opened gateway, a monstrous entity from the dark realm that had been freed by the Mor'dari. • One-on-One Battle with the Stygian Creature: With the Obelisk now secured and the gateway partially sealed, Brinadros faced the Stygian creature in a desperate one-on-one battle. The creature was a massive, terrifying force of darkness and shadows, a remnant of the Stygian realm itself. The battle was fierce, with Brinadros wielding every ounce of his skill and strength. Despite his efforts, the Stygian creature proved to be too powerful. • The Bitter Victory: The battle above the mountain continued as Valthor’s main forces gained the upper hand over the Mor’dari, their morale boosted by Ambros and the dragon riders. They broke through the Mor’dari lines and secured the mountain, but by the time they reached the Obelisk, it was too late. Brinadros, gravely wounded from his battle with the Stygian creature, had given his life to seal the gateway.   Conclusion:   Despite facing the Mor’dari’s overwhelming numbers, Brinadros successfully utilized terrain, split forces, and surprise tactics to overcome the disadvantages presented by the lower ground. The key to Valthor’s victory was not sheer strength alone but a combination of strategic deception, unwavering morale, and the genius of Brinadros.   By splitting his forces and exploiting the mountain’s secret tunnels, Brinadros was able to reach the Obelisk first, and the battle ultimately turned in his favor. Ambros, fighting in the skies, broke the Mor’dari dragons long enough for the Valthor forces to push forward and secure the Obelisk, ensuring the gateway to the Stygian realm was sealed.   Brinadros’s strategy, much like the great military commanders of the past, relied on understanding the terrain, the enemy’s tactics, and the importance of knowledge—ultimately turning the lower ground into the ground of victory.

Victory at a Cost: The Mor’dari’s forces were broken, their dragon riders defeated, and the gateway to the Stygian realm sealed. However, the loss of Brinadros weighed heavily on the people. There was a temporary power vacuum as the kingdom mourned its king. • Crisis in Leadership: The loss of Brinadros left the Thammundraian kingdom without its central leader. Ambros, though a symbol of hope, was a creature of immense power and wisdom, not a political leader. The kingdom was left to rebuild in the wake of its greatest loss.

1. The Stygian Threat Unleashed: Despite Brinadros’s sacrifice to seal the gateway, the Stygian creature that escaped during his final moments opened portals to release more Stygian creatures into Valthor. This new wave of dark entities further escalated the conflict and set the stage for the rise of new dangers—the Blood Age was now inevitable. As the Mor’dari and the Stygian creatures spread, a fresh conflict began, leading to the destruction of ancient lands and the rise of corruption that would plague the world for generations.   2. The Great Split of Thammundra: With Brinadros’s death and no clear heir to the unified kingdom of Thammundra, a power vacuum emerged. Thammundra split into two distinct regions—Arailia and Vesyria—each led by different heirs from Brinadros's family, marking the end of a united kingdom. • Arailia was led by Brinadros’s first male heir, King Thoros Odraria, his nephew, the son of Brinadros’s sister and the Lord of Odraria. House Odraria, the ruling house of Arailia, assumed leadership over this kingdom. Arailia was built on the foundation of Brinadros’s ideals of wisdom, diplomacy, and a strong connection to dragons, but with a growing emphasis on the Odraria family’s rule. The Odraria family took responsibility for the kingdom’s future, managing internal struggles and foreign threats with a strategic balance of power. • Vesyria was led by Brinadros’s sister, Queen Vaelya Arkiri, the first female heir, who assumed the throne in the wake of her brother’s death. Vesyria, with its strong ties to the sun goddess Hestina, became a land deeply rooted in elven traditions and divine power, embracing their identity as protectors of dragons and keepers of the sacred flame. The Arkiri family, with their bloodline to Hestina, soon rose to power in Vesyria, solidifying their legacy as the spiritual and royal rulers of the land. • The Split was not without its tensions. Some believed that the first male heir should rule, while others insisted that the first female heir take the throne. To avoid further conflict after the devastating Mor’dari war, the decision was made to split the kingdom into two separate realms: Arailia and Vesyria. This agreement was made to preserve peace, but it also marked the beginning of a rift that would lead to future struggles between the two realms, particularly as the power of the Obelisks and the Stygian realm remained looming threats. 3. The Rise of New Leadership: With Brinadros’s death, both kingdoms faced the challenge of leadership. In Arailia, the Odraria family took up the mantle, with Brinadros’s nephew leading the kingdom under the legacy of the Odrarian principles. However, this left Vesyria under the leadership of Brinadros’s sister, a strong figure with both political savvy and divine connection. • This split resulted in a weakened central authority, as Valthor had been ruled by Brinadros and his family's influence for so long. The newly established Odrarian leadership in Arailia and the Arkiri-led Vesyria both sought to consolidate power and influence, though the fracture between them only added to the uncertainty. However, both rulers worked to preserve peace while keeping the kingdom’s defense systems strong, aware that future threats—especially from the Stygian creatures—would challenge their unity.

The Battle of Bul’Derlihiem marked a pivotal moment in the history of Valthor, with profound consequences that would echo throughout the ages. 1. The Fall of Brinadros: The death of Brinadros during the battle left an indelible mark on the people of Valthor. He had been a symbol of unity, wisdom, and strength, and his loss was devastating. Though his sacrifice ensured that the Obelisk’s gateway was sealed, it also triggered a profound sense of grief across the lands of Arailia and Vesyria. His death catalyzed the split of Thammundra into the two separate kingdoms, as there was no clear successor to his rule. His passing marked the end of an era and the beginning of the divided age. 2. The Rise of the Odraria Family: The Odraria family in Arailia, led by Brinadros’s nephew, inherited his mantle and the responsibility of protecting Valthor. However, without a strong, central leader like Brinadros, the kingdom was more vulnerable to both internal strife and external threats. The Odraria line solidified its power, but the split of Thammundra led to the growing rivalry with Vesyria and political unrest that shaped the political landscape for generations. 3. The Reigniting of the Stygian Conflict: Despite the victory over the Mor’dari, the Stygian creature that escaped during the battle unleashed a new wave of threats. Portals to the Stygian realm were opened, and the fight against these dark entities would become a constant in the Blood Age. This battle set the stage for future wars between the forces of light and dark, particularly in the ensuing Blood Age, when the Stygian creatures would return in greater numbers. 4. The Divide Between Arailia and Vesyria: The battle’s legacy extended beyond the immediate aftermath. The Odraria family and the Arkiri family in Vesyria were both direct heirs to Brinadros’s legacy, and their rivalry, which began after the split of Thammundra, became entrenched during the years following the battle. As the two factions grew apart, their differences created a greater divide between Arailia and Vesyria, each pursuing different ideologies, and often competing for the same power and resources. 5. The Dragon’s Role: Ambros, Brinadros’s dragon, became an enduring symbol of sacrifice and loyalty. While he survived the battle, his role in the kingdom’s future became more symbolic than active. Dragons, once revered as powerful allies, began to retreat to the fringes of Valthor. The battle marked a shift in the relationship between humanity and dragons, setting the stage for the decline of the dragon rider tradition.

The Battle of Bul’Derlihiem, and the heroism of Brinadros, has been immortalized in numerous Valthorian texts, songs, and epic poems. Known as the greatest king to ever rule, Brinadros’s final battle and his sacrifice have become central themes in the literature and mythology of Valthor.   1. The Epic of Brinadros (The Song of the King)   This is the foundational text that immortalizes the heroism of Brinadros. It tells the story of his rise to power, his military campaigns, and, most poignantly, his final days in the Battle of Bul’Derlihiem. The poem is often sung by bards and scholars at royal gatherings, recounting his valor and sacrifice. • Significance: Brinadros is often described as the “unifier of Valthor” and the “greatest king” due to his wisdom, leadership, and bravery in both politics and battle. The poem’s climactic moment focuses on his final confrontation with the Stygian creature, which serves as a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice for his people. • Excerpt: “With Ambros at his side, he took the final stand; his blade met the shadow, his will the land. A king of kings, a ruler bold, who in his death his kingdom would hold.”   2. The Chronicles of the Odraria Family   This historical text, written by the scholars of the Odraria family, offers a detailed account of the Battle of Bul’Derlihiem from the perspective of the Odrarian scholars who accompanied Brinadros to the mountain. It details the strategy, the hardships, and the political context of the battle, with emphasis on Brinadros’s intellect and determination. • Significance: While it serves as a historical document, the text elevates Brinadros’s status as a ruler and scholar, reflecting on how his leadership not only protected his people but also his wisdom in understanding the ancient powers of the Obelisks. • Excerpt: “Through smoke and fire, and fearsome cries, the king did lead, beneath darkened skies. His mind, a beacon of light, to guide, his forces ever true to stand by his side.”   3. The Ballad of the Last Flight   This folk ballad has become a popular song sung by commonfolk and soldiers, detailing Brinadros’s relationship with his dragon, Ambros. It focuses on their last moments together before Brinadros’s death and is a poignant reflection on the bond between a king and his dragon, symbolizing the sacrifice made by both for the good of the realm. • Significance: The ballad emphasizes the emotion of Brinadros’s final act, presenting him as both king and man, dedicated to the protection of his people and the realm. The dragon-rider relationship is a central theme, representing loyalty, sacrifice, and duty. • Excerpt: “With wings unfurled, Ambros did fly, a shadow of flame, across the sky. His rider fell, but not in vain, for in his heart, the kingdom remains.”   4. The Stygian Wars: A Historian’s Account   This academic work is written by a prominent historian from Vesyria and provides an in-depth analysis of the Stygian conflict, including the Battle of Bul’Derlihiem. It examines the political and military consequences of the battle, including how Brinadros’s death directly led to the split of Thammundra and the rise of Arailia and Vesyria. • Significance: This work is one of the most factual and methodical accounts of the battle, though it also recognizes Brinadros as a martyr for his people and a key figure in Valthorian history. It’s a scholarly resource often used in historical institutions and academic circles. • Excerpt: “Though victory was claimed, it came at a heavy cost. Brinadros, the beacon of Valthor, met his end, yet his sacrifice secured the kingdom’s future.”   5. The Memorial of the Fallen Kings   This sacred text is written and preserved by the high priests of Vesyria, commemorating the great deeds of Brinadros and other kings who have died in service to the kingdom. The text is often recited in ceremonial rites to honor fallen kings, particularly Brinadros, who is considered one of the most sacred figures in Vesyrian religious tradition. • Significance: The memorial deifies Brinadros, elevating him to the status of a martyr-king who died for the greater good. The text explores the spiritual ramifications of his death and is used to inspire future generations to continue his vision for the kingdom. • Excerpt: “From the throne of flame, his voice did call, to protect his realm, he gave his all. The sun did set, but in his name, the light of Valthor forever shall flame.”   6. The Hero’s Tomb: An Odrarian Legend   This mythological retelling of the Battle of Bul’Derlihiem transforms Brinadros into a legendary hero whose final actions are imbued with divine significance. It mixes historical facts with mythical embellishments, portraying Brinadros as an almost god-like figure whose death at the hands of the Stygian creature served as a trial for the kingdom. His spirit is said to live on, guiding the future rulers of Arailia and Vesyria. • Significance: This myth serves as both a history lesson and a moral tale, urging the people to honor sacrifice and continue Brinadros’s legacy of protecting the realm. It’s often told during festivals and ceremonies in honor of the fallen king. • Excerpt: “And the king did fall, but not in defeat; for in the hearts of his people, his victory was complete. Through shadow and flame, his name will endure, as the hero whose heart and kingdom were pure.”

Technology During the Battle of Bul’Derlihiem   The Battle of Bul’Derlihiem was a turning point in both military tactics and the development of technology in Valthor. The unique combination of ancient magic, advanced engineering, and the power of Obelisks meant that technology played a crucial role in both the strategy and outcome of the battle. Here are some key technological elements that came into play:   1. Dragon-Rider Technology   The dragon-rider tradition had already seen significant technological advancements by the time of the Battle of Bul’Derlihiem: • Dragon Armor: • The dragon riders utilized specially crafted armor for their dragons, often made from dragon scales or draconic steel, a rare and powerful material capable of withstanding fire, ice, and physical impacts. • Brinadros and other elite riders wore customized armor to ensure maximum protection against both enemy attacks and the elements of battle, as dragons themselves were vulnerable to certain forms of magic. • The dragons also carried armor-plated saddles and reinforced wings, designed to withstand powerful strikes and magical blows during aerial combat. • Dragon-Borne Weapons: • Brinadros’s dragon, Ambros, and other dragons were equipped with fire-breathing mechanisms that were used in battle. The fire blast emitted from the dragon’s mouth was a key weapon, capable of incinerating entire battalions of enemies. • Tactical Ranged Weapons: Some dragons were also outfitted with projectile weapons, such as magical bolt-launchers mounted on their saddles, designed to fire enchanted bolts at the enemy while flying at high speeds.   2. The Obelisks’ Power   The Obelisks played a pivotal role in the battle, serving both as a strategic target and a potential weapon of mass destruction. • Obelisk Activation: • The Obelisk at Bul’Derlihiem was a source of immense magical energy. The Mor’dari sought to harness this power to open the gateway to the Stygian realm, but the Odraria family and Brinadros had discovered that the Obelisk could be used to reverse the opening and seal the dark realm. • The Obelisk acted as a magical conduit, its ancient runes and intricate mechanisms allowing scholars to manipulate the flow of energy in such a way that it could either open or close portals to other realms. This technology, rooted in both arcane and scientific understanding, was integral to the battle’s outcome. • Magical Seals: • The scholars, led by Brinadros, used arcane runes inscribed into the Obelisk to try to reverse the process. This magical technology was designed to stop the Mor’dari from unlocking the gateway permanently. However, as Brinadros fought the Stygian creature and the Mor’dari, the scholars worked to complete the final seal.   3. Tunnel Systems and Traps   The Mor’dari, having infiltrated the Thammundraian dragon riders, knew of a secret tunnel system leading to the Obelisk hidden deep within Bul’Derlihiem. • Secret Passageways: • These underground tunnels were not only a strategic route to avoid detection but were also filled with traps designed to slow down the advance of the Thammundraian forces. • The Mor’dari used magical traps activated by pressure plates or enchanted symbols to disorient and disrupt the Thammundraian advance. These traps included illusionary walls, illusionary darkness, and poisonous gas, creating deadly ambush points. • Stonework and Reinforced Defenses: • The mountains of Bul’Derlihiem were already home to ancient stone fortifications and barriers. During the battle, both sides used siege weapons to break through these walls. The Thammundraian forces employed ballistae and trebuchets designed to hurl massive stones or magical projectiles to shatter enemy defenses.   4. Siege Weapons   As the battle took place on the mountain slopes and near the Obelisk, both sides used advanced siege weapons to break through fortifications and barriers. • Ballistae: • Thammundraian forces used giant ballistae, massive crossbow-like weapons that launched enormous bolts, often coated in fire or poison, to target both Mor’dari soldiers and fortifications. • Trebuchets: • Trebuchets were used to launch boulders and explosive materials over the walls of the enemy’s strongholds, disrupting Mor’dari formations and fortifications on the mountainside. The Trebuchets were also fitted with magical projectiles, designed to cause magical explosions upon impact.   5. Dragons in Aerial Combat   The dragons were one of the most vital technological advancements used in the battle. The ability to take the fight to the air, with draconic riders, gave the Thammundraian forces a decisive edge, even though the Mor’dari had infiltrated some of the dragon riders. • Aerial Warfare: • Ambros and other dragons were equipped with enchanted armor and magical breath weapons. In addition to the fire-breathing capabilities, dragons also had the ability to release powerful blasts of wind and magical energy, knocking enemies off balance or destroying enemy siege weapons. • Draconic Coordination: • Brinadros’s coordination with Ambros allowed the dragon to execute complex aerial maneuvers, effectively devastating the Mor’dari infantry below. In addition, Ambros had the ability to act as a magical conductor, transmitting information from the battlefield directly to Brinadros via their telepathic bond.   6. Magical Runes and Weapons   During the battle, the Thammundraian forces made use of magical runes inscribed on their weapons and armor, which had been discovered and perfected by the Odraria family. • Runed Swords and Shields: • Odrarian scholars and warriors used rune-etched weapons and shielding, which provided extra strength or magical protection. These weapons were designed to amplify the wielder’s abilities and provide magical protection against dark magic. • Magical Ammunition: • Archers and dragons alike used magical arrows and projectiles, which carried runic power, making them far more effective against Mor’dari troops, who were vulnerable to magic. These magical arrows could pierce even the toughest of Mor’dari armor.   Conclusion: Technological Advancements in the Battle of Bul’Derlihiem   The Battle of Bul’Derlihiem demonstrated the evolution of military technology, combining ancient magics with cutting-edge engineering and draconic power. The Obelisk, siege weapons, dragons, and rune-inscribed armaments all contributed to the strategic brilliance of Brinadros and his forces. However, the Mor’dari also displayed their own mastery of dark magic and deception, making the battle not only a clash of arms but of technologies and magics.   This clash of civilizations, combined with the sacrifice of Brinadros, would go on to shape the future of Valthor and its people for centuries to come.