"Yet some men say in many parts of England Albion that King Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of our Lord Jesus into another place; and men say that he shall come again, and he shall win the holy cross." - Thomas Malory

  Augustus Cladius Germanucus. The last of the many great Raman Emperors, upholding the lineage of Julianus Caesar and Octavius Augustus Caesar. Amongst their previous accomplishments conquest has been a core part of their lasting legacy; Cladius Germanucus would be no different to his predecessors. Despite ruling a good majority of the known word Rame still had many lands which were not brought under its rule. One of these unconquered lands was the lands of Albion; the enigmatic and mystical islands off the coasts of the known world. When the First Raman legions landed on the southern coasts they saw wonders of this island's new treasures, resources, and people that inhabit it. These people, called the Britions by the Ramans, have lived in these lands for untold generations, breaking off into several hundreds of groups and tribes that have now settled and warred on these sacred lands. Following this period of initial first contact the Ramans established a minor presence in the southern part of the island, setting up outposts and small settlements in these lands.

  Being formalized into the empire as the province of Brittian it proved to be an unruly province to govern for the Ramans due to the large amount of groups and their brash opposition to the the occupation by Raman forces. Revolts and rebellions were a common occurrence in these lands and such it required an intensive effort to provide the resources to put down and repair the damage incurred by these events. As well with dealing with the people on the island the Ramans also would experience the remnants of the Gaellic and druidic peoples in their pacification attempts; many a soldiers describe their experience with these people "as if we were stomping out something sacred, more than we will ever know. Moreover the increasing instability of the central Empire led to many challenges in terms of efficient governance in Brittian; further straining the problems this province held. Many Raman soldiers stationed on the garrisons would describe the lands as "Barren, belonging to those exiled from civilized societies." with the people living in these lands also being described as "Savage beyond that of any degree which we have ever seen; unable to be civilized ever." Along with the problems this province had it also proved to an economically weak province in all the provinces Rame held, in both trade and resources. Many questioned the logistics and sustainability of keeping this troublesome province in the empire, with many plans by future emperors to abandon the island; though not going through with it as it would plague their reputation as the emperor who abandoned Brittian. Though time would force fate's hand in this matter of Raman governance over the island of Albion.

  The Breakup of the Raman Empire into East and West would prove to be both cataclysmic and a saving grace for different parts of the empire; Brittian would face its cataclysmic results. The Western Empire would be invaded by many groups and result in its collapse in the 300s, though Rame would fall into the hands of various kingdoms Brittian and its Raman administration would continue to operate until the last vestige of it would be smothered and assimilated into the various kingdoms which would war and fight over themselves in an attempt to unify the island. The city of Landinium, the center of governance during Raman occupation, would be an especially contested place of interest for kingdoms, staking their claim on Brittian, to hold. However a more unknown but equally important city of interest both in this time of warring kingdoms and under Raman governance was of a city nestled in the mountains far into the north; Camelot.

  Being established by Raman settlers and soldiers in the mid-late era of Raman rule on the island, its function was to be the central base of operations into Caledonia as it proved to be both defensible and fertile enough to grow its own crops; perfect for withstanding any siege the Pikts of Caledonia would attempt against this city. Though as the Western Empire was beginning to collapse many Ramans fled from Albion back to the mainland, the settlers of Camelot were divided on abandoning their city which they have built; most opting to leave. Though a small population stayed behind to manage the city should the crisis on the mainland be sorted and the ambitions of reconquering Caledonia be invigorated again; but this would never be realized.

  Camelot would fall under the rule of many kingdoms that would proceed its Raman occupation. With its use being primarily a fort and armory, holding the weapons of armies, but following the piktish incursions in the late 400s Camelot was pillaged and was left only as ruin of its former self; bandits and criminals would populate the desolate streets during this era. Following the pikts came the rise of the Umbrians, who were the people birthed between the Pikts, remnants of native Britians, and various invading Viking groups, who ruled the north-midlands of the island and begun to revitalize any remaining old Raman settlements and cities to build their kingdom and legitimacy; one of them being Camelot. The dilapidation of the city was extensive but over time was beginning to heal with investments into the city and to the local lands, which was beginning to be used as farmland since the Raman era. By the time of the Essians rise to power in the south of the Island in the 800s and the increasing Viking presence to the east parts of it the kingdom of Umbria was diminished and further divided as many kingdoms and duchies broke away from their influence, one of these was the Duchy of Camelot.

  The Duchy of Camelot, prior to the breakaway period of the Umbrians, was held by Duke Raul II of the Ruling dynasty in the Umbrian Kingdom, overseeing its development and rebuild from the Piktish incursions. At this time the Duchy was a minor part of the greater Umbrian realm but it still held onto its significance because of its positioning and purpose as fortress against sieges; being dubbed as the "Gate between Albion and Caledonia." As the instability in the south grew many fled to the walls of Camelot, increasing the local population and economy as these people brought their skills and families with them, to the open arms of the city which was hailed as a refuge at this point in time. Due to this the Duchy became of great importance in the Umbrian realm as taxes were levied more heavily to benefit the Umbrian Kingdom. This backfired as many other Duchies and Kingdoms rebelled against Umbrian rule to which many of them severed all ties to their liege.

  Raul II would initially support the Umbrian Kingdom's authority in the Duchy of Camelot but after a mysterious disappearance, with many suspecting influential merchants with the disappearance as the taxes put a heavy burden on the merchant's businesses, and ascendancy to the title by his younger, and more rebellious, son Raul III the separation of the Duchy of Camelot from the Umbrian Kingdom was formalized, but not without bloodshed. A war immediately was declared on the rebellious realms and the great Umbrian army would begin marching towards their lands. The Duchy of Camelot was known for its defensive expertise, as most people and soldiers were trained in such tactics, but offensively they were lacking; most importantly in cavalry units which made their open field combat capabilities amongst the weakest out of the rebellious lords. So when the Umbrian Armies marched on the other lords they were slaughtered as the Umbrian army was amongst the strongest on the entire island of Albion. Most of whom either fled their lands or took hold in their castles; with the people of Camelot fleeing its outer lands into the main walled city, causing overcrowding. It is at this point in which the enigmatic mysteries which the castle and city of Camelot make dominion over its land is discovered.

  The main Umbrian army, led by guy, would march onto the farmlands on the outskirts of the lands which are part of the Duchy of Camelot and begin to raze any villages and farm fields left in the surrounding area. When they arrived to the mountain fortress they begun to prepare the stage for a siege of the mighty city and its walls. Preparing a number of siege towers and other such siege engines in order to batter down and weaken the wall of Camelot which, supposedly, towered over 70-100 ft and was nearly 15-20 ft thick; this is understandable since Camelot is situated in-between a circular valley of mountains. One the 13th day of the siege the first siege weapon began to hurl rocks at the walls of Camelot, ever increasing in volume of fire as more and more weapons were brought up to the siege line. On the 46th day of the siege the weapons ceased as an assault of 4 siege towers accompanied by well over 2000 soldiers commenced, and whilst they were able to initially overwhelm the defenders on the wall a lack of momentum and increasing reinforcements from the Camelot garrison forced the Umbrian attack to retreat; with all 4 siege towers being destroyed by fire from the defenders of the wall. This failure to seize the walls of the city led to guy being executed and replaced with Duke ?eelstan who had a more varied and open idea on how to take the fortress city.

  On the 70th day of the siege a lone woman arrived at the siege camp accompanied by soldiers and clergymen. She was dressed in rags and her arms was bound by chains with her head covered by a bag; a few strands of amber colored hair reached out of the bag. The Umbrians had brought a magic practitioner to assist them with the siege. On the mainland of Europa she would have been trialed and executed, as the church distrusts and openly condemns the practice of magic by humans but in the far reaches on the frontier of the known world they are not only more prevalent but more sympathized for since their usage of magic is useful in these underdeveloped and feral lands; magic users that specialize in healing tend to be more respected then the lords that govern them in the first place. The Umbrians have been known to indulge in these practices by using people who are able to use magic to supplement their firepower and though this practice is condemned by the central church it is know for clergy in these lands to turn a blind eye for a few gold coins and favors.

  At noon of the 70th day she was brought forwards to the mighty wall of Camelot alongside a bishop, Bishop John of Leeds, to which she began to materialize a ball of great light and power; reportedly soldiers on both sides were in both awe and shock of this display of magical ability. Expecting a devastating strike at this orb of concentrated magical capability many of the defenders pulled off the defenses of the wall, only leaving a light garrison to ensure that this was not simply a display to scare them off their defenses; however this would not be the case. Observers saw this woman hurling this ball of magic at the gates, like how one would throw a spear, and watched as it flew through the air with considerable speed before something, which even scholars so vested in the ways of magic do not even have a clue about, occurred. A great glassy-like sphere encapsulated the surrounding mountain, with Camelot also being encased, appearing moments before the orb struck the walls of Camelot, absorbing the orb conjured by the woman into its structure, before disappearing; as if it ate this ball of magic before quickly dissipating like a sudden fog. To the amazement of both the Camelot soldiers on the wall and the Umbrian army in their siege camp this ball of great light and magical power had just been absorbed by this strange glassy sphere; before turning into a disaster for the Umbrians.

  This glassy construct appeared once again before the part about which it had absorbed the ball of magic began to glow with the exact radiance of the ball which which had been thrown at it before growing in its intensity and then a loud thunderous sound was heard, so loud that it was heard from villages several miles away. Where the woman and the priest stood there was nothing but a deep scar into the earth as flames were ignited from the sheer power of the strike which was, assumingly, re-directed back to the magic practitioner resulting in a wide path of destruction. This display of destruction routed the scared Umbrian army from their siege camp, which allowed the Camelot soldiers and few cavalry units to sally out and cut down the fleeing Umbrian soldiers. This Siege of Camelot resulted in 2642 Umbrian Casualties and 3064 Camelot Casualties with the unexpected defenders forcing the attackers to abandon their siege; Camelot stands in this case.

  Following this defeat and show of force the Umbrians eventually made peace with Camelot and allowing them to even expand their lands into the neighboring ones to ensure they do not declare war on them in the future, the siege alone had drained a good majority of the Umbrians already exhausted resources due to putting down rebellions in the south of their realms and having to deal with Viking raids on their lands. Camelot would proceed to rebuild their destroyed lands and make their new lands and their city more prosperous during this era known as the "30 years of Peace" since that is how long this era of post-self governance peace lasted before the Vikings would mount several large incursions into Albion, though they were able to keep some of their self autonomy due to both a more professional and trained army and negotiations to offer minor tribute to these Viking kingdoms; effectively allowing the Duchy of Camelot to preserve their own self-rule without much meddling in internal affairs of the realm. This era of peace and relative stability would carry on for Camelot, even during all the wars, unifications, and breakups happening around them for all this time, for the next hundred years before a crisis would begin to brew in the early 12th century.

  The stalwart king that led Camelot to their independence, Raul III, would have their royal blood rule the kingdom during this time of stability from Camelot independence in the year 841 up until the crisis dubbed the "Throne Controversy" in the year 1119. The last king of Raul III's lineage, Raleigh the Scholar would pass away without a clear heir so a number of affluent royal families connected to the Duchy of Camelot would claim the title to hold the Duchy, however bitter disagreement and factionalism inside the court of Camelot led to no ruler being appointed which led to a controversial decision to appoint a ruling regent until a clear heir could be found; that regent would be a man named Uther Pendragon.

  Uther's early life is not well documented but from the few sources it is said that he was born in the city of Camelot before leaving off to mainland Europa to pursue an education, which many scholars speculate to be Rame University itself, before returning to Camelot in 1098 to work as a scholar and librarian for King Raleigh himself. During this period he would become good friends with the old king who was gaining in age even during this time, assisting him with his tasks and recording the words he spoke during important meetings with his council members. Uther rose up the ranks before being appointed by the King as his personal Chancellor in all forms of diplomacy and some limited governance in the city of Camelot itself. When King Raleigh died the throne was left empty since he had no discernable heir, a problem when it came to determining who the title would be passed down to. During this the council would mediate between the different royal families trying to claim the title of the throne; to which no clear heir was also found. This left the council with the choice to appoint a temporary regent and ruler of Camelot until someone could be found; to which they all ascended Uther to the throne as "Regent of Camelot and her lands"

  An era of uncertainty immediately followed Uther's ascension as the regent but that was quickly rectified in time due to what people in Camelot described as a "kingly presence" that seemed to come from Uther's rulership. Investing a lot of the royal treasury into the lands of Camelot, rebuilding neglected roads and infrastructure, investing into local businesses, building of new houses, development of new walls and defenses for the city and surrounding regions, and increasing the pay of the soldiers on guard of the region to name a few. Uther's popularity in both the people and military in the Duchy of Camelot was high, however a number of the Royals still viewed with distain at Uther's rule due to him having no hard claimant to the throne; with that distain being further fueled following a controversial decision which would be done by Uther Pendragon and a woman named Igraine.

  Just like Uther Igraine's past is not document that well. Many scholars believe that she was born to a peasant family in Essian, whilst many also believe that she hailed as a refugee from Germania, with another set of scholars believing that she was born from the enigmatic Emerald Isles, just west of Albion, whatever the case it maybe for her origins it is settled by most scholars that her descent is directly of Brition blood; the original peoples of Albion. Throughout her early life she would work from town to town, making whatever coin she could get her hands on. Eventually she had wandered into Camelot. At this point Camelot had been a refugee for many fleeing from the chaos and wars from the south, and due to the light levies and taxes had also made it a haven for business. She would work in the library of Camelot for some time as an assistant, meeting Uther briefly, before the Throne Controversy occurred. Uther, despite being the ruling regent, still occasionally visited the Camelot library to oversee its revitalization and upgrade; scholars believe that during this period is when the seeds for their relation would begin to form. As Uther ruled, the cries from the people to formalize Uther as king of Camelot grew louder and louder but Uther, ever the dedicated, would insist on his regency until a proper heir to the throne could be formed.

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  Eventually, after kindling their relations with one another, Uther had asked Igraine to marriage to which she accepted. It was also at this point that an object, in Igraine's few possessions, became of great importance, that of a scroll; which inscribed to it held the secret which Igraine had been hiding ever since her birth. It was a detailed document of Igraine's lineage and family tree with one of her ancestors being that of Kimarcus; a mythical king of the Britions. The wedding that ensued was also a coronation ceremony for Uther Pendragon and Igraine Pendragon, now King and Queen of Camelot. The cheering from the commonfolk could be heard for miles as the bitterness of the royalty exploded; however to make a move at this moment wouldn't be wise as greater troubles would brew in the south of the island. The Kingdom of Salbion, the sole hegemon over the south of the island, would implode in the year 1177 as the realm and ruling dynasty would be liquidated following many internal problems and power struggles; the south of the country had descended into anarchy as dukes, lords, and various other groups vied for the throne; Albion would bleed. However in 1177 it wouldn't be unfortunate for all, as a glimmering star shone on a clear night a child, who would tip the fate of all on the island of Albion, would be birth from Igraine's bosom. She gave birth to a boy and now the heir of the ruling Pendragon dynasty of Camelot, to which they would give him a name befitting of the heir of this new rule and era; Arthur.

  Arthur, in his early years, would be a troublesome child as he liked to both pretend and actually fight the other kids in the city of Camelot. Sneaking out of the castle to challenge kids to mock swordfights with sticks and such; defeating them with general ease. Despite his unruliness Arthur was a bright child who, if he were not fighting other kids, would be seen reading in the library reading books about the great rulers of the past of the past and often challenging scholars in their knowledge in various topics. Noting this great potential Uther and Igraine insisted Arthur to adventure into the wider world and mature before returning to Camelot; an offer which we would gladly take. As to not endanger him needlessly Uther also decided to send one of his great knights to accompany the then Prince Arthur on his journey beyond home; Sir Lancelot. Despite Arthur's protest at this notion he relented and allowed Lancelot to join his travels beyond the walls of Camelot. So, in the year 1192, Arthur leaves the city of Camelot to adventure forth into the world; to the weeps of many, especially his dear Mother. However, shortly after leaving, a tragedy would strike in the peaceful lands of Camelot which would overturn nearly 300 years of relative peace; something the young Prince Arthur would not know until half a decade later.

  During his absence the kingdom continued as normal, perhaps a bit more peacefully now since Arthur wasn't in the streets picking fights, however just a month after Arthur's departure a maid working in the Castle of Camelot would discover the bodies of the King and Queen, Uther and Igraine, with this being a clear case of the fates of a lot of monarchs throughout history; Murder. The entire kingdom of Camelot wept for the murdered King and Queen, with the culprit being a disgruntled homeless drunk whom many figures pointed the blame at; resulting in him being stoned and stomped to death by many commonfolk without him getting a proper trial to test his innocence before the law of Camelot. For another time in just a short period in Camelot's history the throne laid empty. Whilst normally Arthur, the heir and son of Uther, would ascend to the throne he had long ventured out beyond the familiar lands of Camelot and the surrounding regions. Thus the people cried out for another regency to lead them until Arthur could return. The man who would be chosen by, not the council, but rather the remnant royals underneath the vassalage of Camelot would be a man who would turn Camelot into both a true fortress city to withstand even the might of great Flugels and into a nightmare for all living there; Lord Lucius.

  Lord Lucius. Lucius the Architect. Anointed Lucius of the Great Guard of Camelot. Lucius the Butcher. Many more names belong to the man who has built a reputation on results rather than morals. The greatest warrior all of Camelot has ever seen. leading battles in foreign lands for wealth beyond that of any normal person could make in their lifetime; he was a man that gets the job done with ruthless efficiency. Appointed by the late Raleigh to oversee the guard and soldiers of the realm he had made sure to drill his men into living weapons of war, unrelenting in defense and tedious in attacks he had brought the Camelot guard up to par with some of the strongest men who walked the island of Albion; though it was not just his martial skills that made him respected and feared. During the ascension of regent Uther he was appointed with improving the defenses of Camelot and the surrounding regions, to this degree he had done it with a masterful elegance, suggesting that Lucius was also educated in the fields of engineering and architecture. People hailed Lucius for bringing them safety whilst a good number also feared him for his near despotic approach to problems. So when the late King Uther and Queen Igraine passed suddenly a number of influential royals convened to uplift him from just the marshal to now regent; and just as quickly as he was appointed he begun to make his moves.

  Ruling with an iron first with all the power that came with being the regent, only second to King, he begun to prepare Camelot for war against the south as the anarchy was still raging on; seeing this as Camelot's time to shine and become a hegemon in the warring lands of Albion. Taxes were heavily levied, men conscripted into the ranks of the Camelot guard, prisoners who were once just imprisoned were now being used as laborers for improving the defenses and lands of Camelot. Lucius was preparing for all outcomes during his conquest of the south and ensured that, even if the invasion failed, Camelot would, for the second time, stand. The people were beginning to feel the effects of this war buildup and demanded that the regent stop lest the economy and all the young men in the Duchy be spent on this costly war. That same night a great number of these agitators had disappeared. The tension could be felt and to those who Lucius deemed un-loyal to Camelot and the Pendragon dynasty would be meet with the fate "deserving of their rotten attitude." Despite all of this the people held onto the hope that the one true ruler of Camelot, Arthur, would return to lead them instead of this blatant tyrant. Their hope grew weaker and weaker with every year that came with Lucius still holding the power; but eventually their prayers would and hope would be answered.

  In the fall of 1197 rumors would begin to spread that an adventuring party consisting of just of 15 people are being led by a now 20 year old Arthur, the now King of Camelot, and that they are heading north to reclaim Arthur's throne. Whilst still just rumors the people found a glimmer of hope that the mythical prince, now king, Arthur would return and save them from the tyranny of Lucius; at the obvious concern to Lucius and the royals that propped him up. At dawn of a regular new day in the lands of Camelot 15 silhouettes were seen on the hills near the lands of the city of Camelot with one of these figures going up to hail the guards to open the gates; to which they said no due to this figure being cloaked in a dark cot and taking immense precaution under Lucius' rulership. It would only be until this person had unhooded their head did the guards on duty realize who it was; it was Arthur. An immense commotion boomed in the city as word of the King's return spread from street to street. Crowds gathered to greet Arthur's return to the city of his birth, people celebrated for not only was Arthur back to lead them but they also hold onto the hope that he will lift them out of the tyranny which Lucius had put under them. Lucius, likely hearing the news from both the commotion and from his guards, allegedly descended into his chamber before he had retrieved a set of plate armor and a great sword and rode out towards the main part of the city to confront Arthur. Upon meeting Arthur Lucius proclaimed that his claimant to the throne was invalid since he had been gone for 5 years and had plenty of time to claim it; to which Arthur reportedly asked who Lucius was. Angered by this defiance Lucius reported challenged Arthur to a duel to settle this issue and determine who the true rule of Camelot is; an offer Arthur accepted.

  The two meet in the center of the grand city, in the grand city square, and had brought up their arms and armor. Lucius in a splendid and gleaming set of the highest quality armor coin could buy, with a menacing great sword that towered over Lucius; who was said to be over nearly 6 foot tall. Arthur wore only his ragged clothes which he had been wearing for some time, but had carried a sheathed sword with him; though in both size and length it was no match for Lucius' great sword which he had brought to the duel. A large crowd had gathered in the square surrounding the two combatants, merchants lined the streets heckling people to buy their wears, the 14 cloaked people who had accompanied Arthur stood just behind him, and Lucius was taunting Arthur during their preparations; to which he did not reciprocate back. As the final preparations came Arthur was still in his ragged clothing, which attracted the taunting from Lucius boldly proclaiming that "The mighty "king" Arthur stands here and yet he dresses as if he were but a peasant" and "Do the people wish to see a blatant murder happen in front of them?", and Lucius stood with a presence which unnerved both peasants and soldiers. There was a great silence of a lengthened time; but it was Lucius who made the first move.

  Lunging at Arthur with great speed and with his great sword pointed he sought to bring a devastating first strike to his opponent. Arthur, without even unsheathing his blade, had blocked Lucius' strike dead in its track with just his scabbard alone. The audience gasped at this display before Lucius reeled back his sword and raised it upwards to slice Arthur. The next set of events are muddled in speculation due to the haste at which they occurred and how few people had recorded its happening, but what was claimed to have happened is that Arthur had slammed his scabbard into the front plate of Lucius' armor; in which the whole suit of armor shattered like broken glass. Lucius feel to his feet, reeling in the strike which Arthur had brought to bear on him, before feeling the hundreds of shards of iron which was once his mighty suit of armor; blood rushing out forth in enormous quantities. Having brought his opponent down Arthur had been declared the victor of the duel, to the enormous celebration of the common folk who had to endure 5 years of tyranny under Lucius. It was at this point that one of Arthur's cloaked followers had approached the gravely injured Lucius, placed their hand across the injuries, and, as one person described it "began to emanate a green glow from their hands." Lucius rose, with his wounds miraculously healed. Arthur had then offered a hand to Lucius before he had decline the offer, picked himself up, carried his sword, and walked to the grand gate of Camelot and left the realm; never to be seen again so far.

  Having returned and reclaimed his claimant to Camelot a grand coronation was prepared for the now King Arthur. Feasts and festivities raged on for the days on end but even during this time of celebration Arthur immediately began to act on his power as king. Reforming the guard and army, lifting the ruinous taxes employed by Lucius, release those from the servitude of penal labor, and revitalizing Camelot businesses in just the first month of his rule alone. It seemed as if Camelot's golden age is being reinstated once again however Arthur would aim to bring this revitalized golden age to new heights. The south of Albion was still embroiled in a brutal struggle of power following the collapse of the kingdom of Salbion with many factions and usurpers rising and falling as the chaos continued but this era of uncertainty would begin to subside as dominant factions and claimants would solidify their grasp in the south of the island. Arthur, likely noticing this opportunity ending, issued the raising of all the levies in both the lands of Camelot and its vassals; creating a mighty army of both professionals soldiers and common folk. Having assembled a mighty force Arthur would march into the surrounding realms and invade their lands; many of whom either resisting and failing in blind hubris or surrendering and giving up their claim on their lands. Though seen as warlike by many a good number of people Arthur is also seen in a good light, especially amongst the peasants and scholars of the lands, who see him as a liberator from the tyrants they use to serve. Though it would be his conquest of the kingdom, who was once the liege of Camelot but now stands as a vestige of the old warring kingdom days of early Albion, that would place Camelot in a firm place to take the whole Island of Albion; The Kingdom of Umbria.

  In the Spring of 1199, after the winter had came and went, Arthur swung his grand army from conquests of smaller duchies and kingdoms in the low north of the island to the far north. Having sent demands and calls of surrender to the King of Umbria, King Oswald III, to avoid needless bloodshed and conflict; demands which he would time and again deny. The Kingdom of Umbria at this point had been reduced from a grand power in the North of Albion to now just a few fiefs, holding onto what little land they can, but still held significant influence in both trade and politics in the local region whish was enough to maintain some degree of autonomy in spite of all the chaos; autonomy which would be challenged by Arthur. Arriving on the outskirts of their lands the meager local levies either surrendered or were slaughter in one-sided battles against Arthur's more superior force. The towns which were weakly held by the Umbrians were quick to fall to Arthur however it would the last stronghold of the Umbrians which would prove to be the bump on the road for this quick conquest; Castle Whitehorn.

  In all tense of purposes Castle Whitehorn was a neglected place, even at the height of the Umbrians, it was of Piktish origins before being turned into a small fort by the Umbrians. Having some significance as an armory during the invasions by the various Viking groups before falling into irrelevance again during the wanning years of the Umbrian Kingdom but now serves as the last stronghold of a near 700+ year legacy of Umbrian rule; a stronghold which would be seldom held in the face of Arthur's ability as both a diplomat and general. Arriving at the location of the castle at dusk Arthur ordered his army to rest and encamp on the many hills surrounding the castle; being sure to take note of the defenses of the castle and determine a plan of assault in the morning. At the dead of night a group of Umbrian soldiers had left the castle and sallied out forth towards the camps, the guards on duty who were suppose to alert the camp of enemy attacks were taken out so swiftly that they had no time to react; these Umbrian soldiers began a systematic gutting and killing of the sleeping Camelot soldiers. Though the butchering was swift it had left 847 soldiers of Arthur's army dead by the time the sun had rose; it was said that Arthur had wept upon seeing the sight. Clearly in both grief and anger Arthur had reportedly sent out one of his cloaked allies to the forefront of the field between Arthur's camp and the Castle. This cloaked figure approached the soldiers on the wall and asked for their final surrender lest they be "obliterated" to which they laughed off their attempt. The figure then walked a fair hundred or so yards before a white light began to illuminate from the hands; seconds later a display of force which even the most seasoned of soldiers have never seen before.

  A great cloud of light appeared above the Castle before tall pillars of white lightning began to strike at the Castle with rapid ferocity, strike after strike cleaving off great parts of stone and masonry as the walls of the castle crumbled like sand. This barrage of divine force lasted for the better part of a day before ceasing before night fall. What remained of the castle were nothing more but pebbles which had survived the onslaught; the castle itself, the soldiers defending it, and the then King Oswald III had been utterly destroyed. After this absolute total victory the remnants of the Umbrian kingdom were brought under the fold of Arthur and Camelot. Having greatly expanded Camelot's realm and influence on the island it was decided by Arthur (and by the proud people of Camelot) to ascend their realm. All this time Camelot was still the Duchy of Camelot, reflecting its small direct sphere of rule, but now after subjugating their neighbors and establishing vassals beyond that, the "Duchy" of Camelot was no longer reflective of its power. So in the Fall of 1199 Arthur, along with his vassals and council, formally declare the Kingdom of Camelot. It was also at this grand ceremony and coronation that these enigmatic cloaked individuals whom are often seen at the side of Arthur finally reveal themselves to the world; at the shock of all who were attending.

  These 14 individuals, which had captivated the mystique of scholars and normal people alike, were mostly comprised of all the different (known) races of humanity there could be. A Flugel, an Elf, a Nekomimi, a Dwarf, an Oni, and more. Only 3 were Human, one of them being Sir Lancelot himself, the rest were of these enigmatic peoples whom our scholars both know lots and little at the same time. Despite the unease that this news brought to people Arthur would be quick to calm down the people's fears, boldly stating that theses people are here to serve under me and ensure my rule as King of this grand Kingdom, going off on saying on how every person has a place and purpose in this kingdom that he is building and how that includes both the praised, like the Flugels, and ones who Humanity views with less favor, like the Nekomimis and Onis. Arthur's rousing speech had not only calmed the people but also invigorated their spirit and faith in Arthur's ability to lead them out of this era of wars and death and into one of peace and prosperity; something which the island has not seen in centuries.

  This promise seems to be true as there have been records and mentions of a the army of Camelot being greatly expanded and trained. The preparations for an extended war being also seemingly put into motion as bakers in the city of Camelot are limiting their bread purchases as demand for grain has exploded. It seems Arthur is the stages of preparing a grand conquest of Albion, as he had eluded to. King Arthur Pendragon. A respected and well meaning Caesar by many who will lead all those who follow his banner to salvation, a cruel tyrant by many as well for his numerous conquests of lands, he lives upon a throne of his achievements and hard work. Now in the dawn of the new century Arthur has seemingly continued his growth of his kingdom's fighting capabilities and dedication to being a haven for all, no matter what their difference maybe, but whether or not his dream of a united Albion under the banner of the Pendragons will be realized is yet to be fully seen, as there are many contenders of equal strength and virtue to Arthur also are preparing for their banner to unite all of Albion as well. Albion will either bleed one final time or will continue to bleed. Forever.

  Thank you my dear reader for the patience and commitment to this anthology of mine, it really does keep me motivated to keep on going, and if you enjoy it please tell me, even a small "this is interesting" can go a long way, with that I bid you farewell with this entry! Take care my dear reader!