Posts from A link between eras.

But the simple elves wanted revenge...
For what? For the cities destroyed by the Tatians, for the dragons killed, for the stolen artifacts...
They didn't know that these were rebels, and hatred led them into battle...
Thus began the (Second) First War.

I don't care about the scenario at all... ;) I'll tell you this: the fifth installment of Heroes of Might and Magic is the BEST. It has great units and graphics... it's a WORTHY continuation of the Heroes series!!!!!!! And 3.5 is also good, but something was missing, while here, it has everything, everything, everything... :D

Somewhere in the south, not far from the deserts, in the mountain valleys, lived people who did not want to participate in the general war. Hidden from the rest of the world by mountain peaks, they lived there in harmony with nature. Many years had passed since they came there, and nothing had disturbed them since then...

Kilgor was not as evil and cruel as he was portrayed in magic schools and among the people. Yes, he killed, but which of the rulers didn't do the same? If it weren't for the near-total extermination of his people, he would never have raised the ice blade, for he knew its power. Only necessity forced him to take such a step...

When Dragon and Solmyr invaded Kilgor's preserve and slaughtered the creatures he had carefully bred, King Kruloda flew into a rage. "What do they think they are, these insignificant mages! How dare they!" Nothing could contain Kilgor's furious outburst. In his anger, he ordered his best generals to prepare the troops and march to the border.

Why did Roland join the mages' campaign against the Barbarians? He couldn't have failed to understand that his joining effectively meant the intervention of Erathia and Enroth in the war with the Barbarians, who, although they were unpleasant neighbors, had never started a major war. Nevertheless, Roland sided with the mages and thus laid the foundation for the end of two dynasties: the Ironfists and the Gryphonhearts...

Kilgor might have preferred never to draw the Ice Blade, but necessity forced him to. After the defeat in the first war against the allied forces of mages, humans, and elves, his people were almost annihilated. The once-proud Barbarians were hunted like animals. And Kilgor decided on such a desperate measure. Who can blame him for that?

People tend to blame the weak, who were once strong, for all their troubles. Otherwise, it is difficult to explain why they attacked the surviving inhabitants of Tatalia with such hatred after the cataclysm that shook all of Enroth. They accused them of the fact that without their support, Kilgor would never have rebelled against humans, mages, and elves. But at the same time, they forget why Kilgor decided to draw the Ice Blade.

It is hard for those who are forced to fight against the whole world. It is difficult to live in constant danger. And so, the inhabitants of Tatalia, who survived the constant battles with humans, elves, and mages, went underground. Some of the elves, realizing Helu's guilt, followed them. This is how the first kingdom of the twilight elves was formed. It did not last long, but when new streams of elves went underground, they were met there by their brethren.

Lekha, that's all great, but I want to say something.

First, regarding the commentary: replay the Necromancer campaign. There, Markel says, "My teacher, Sandro, was the greatest mage until the fanatics of Helgi killed him..."

Second, can you post the story you've come up with in its entirety somewhere? It's impossible to read it like this.

Third, if you have a complete story, I can write a review for you (with comments on how to improve it). Right now, what I've read seems too far-fetched, especially regarding the Elves. ;)

And I want to draw your attention to an interesting fact. Read the official history on the Nival website:
"The Wars of the Ancients - The Angels launch a campaign against the Faceless Ones. The destruction is terrible, and the oldest races suffer greatly in the war. Early Elven civilizations and kingdoms are destroyed. The original Dragons become a myth and are gradually forgotten. Peoples worship only the Elemental Dragons."
Couldn't this have been the Armageddon? Legends may distort events, names, and titles, but they can't ignore a global change in the world. :)

That's where you should start, in my opinion. In your story, you're using the history of the third game too much, forgetting about the fifth. You're kind of forcing the fifth game onto the third, when you should be fitting the third game into the fifth. Well, you get the idea. Your story should be such that everyone says, "That definitely explains why things are the way they are in the fifth game!" Instead, you're getting, "Well, everything in the fifth game is a lie; it all came from the third game..." It's just my opinion, but think about it. I'm all for this project, but unfortunately, time is running out. Maybe I'll come up with some more ideas. ;)

Best regards, Supreme!

Thank you for the criticism and suggestions. I could post the entire story, but the same time constraints prevent me from doing so right now. I'm currently writing a cohesive story for the revival. And I haven't had time to play Heroes of Might and Magic V properly, so I apologize. Once I upgrade my computer, I will...
But still, thank you very much.

Thank you for the criticism and suggestions. I could post the entire story, but the same time constraints prevent me from doing so right now. I'm currently writing a cohesive story for the revival. And I haven't had time to seriously play the fifth game, so I apologize. Once I upgrade my computer, then...
But still, thank you very much.

Well, I could find time to read it. I might even share a few thoughts, but coming up with a logical, well-structured, and interesting story isn't easy and takes time. So, if you need help, go ahead and post it :) I'll find some time.

I am posting my unfinished story in this thread. It describes the events of the revival. SO, here is the beginning:
Annihilation. The first chronicle from the cycle of revival.

Part one – The Trial.

Chapter I Braccada

Mountains, everywhere, wherever you look – mountains. Cliffs covered with sparse shrubs loom over narrow ravines, along which a small column moves. The sun beats down mercilessly, and it becomes increasingly difficult to walk. It is hard to breathe, but the people do not slow down for a moment. Well, they are not even people – by the radiance surrounding them, they are easily recognized as mages. Only the correct use of water magic allows them to maintain their strength and morale.
- Lord, a lair of azure dragons must be somewhere nearby, – reported the commander of the forward detachment of scouts. – Just a little more, and we will surround them.
- Hurry up, Kilgor must also be somewhere nearby. This barbarian has a knack for dragons, – said the young mage named Dragon, who was called the lord. – We must get ahead of him, this is our last chance to win.
And now the dragon's lair could already be seen. Fortunately, there are only three of them, which means that in the event of a victory over them, Dragon will overtake Kilgor in the number of trophies. And this is a victory in the competition and the acquisition of the title of the best dragon hunter of Enroth. Dragon can become the youngest holder of this title in the entire history of the competition – he is only twenty-three. And yet, he is already called the lord. He personally trained young mages and made them wizards – the elite of Braccada. For the wizards, he was both a friend, a leader, and a teacher. And all this despite his young age. This gift – to train young men into great warriors – Dragon inherited from his mother. From her, he also received this name. From childhood, his mother prepared him for victory in the dragon hunter tournament. And now, two years before the start of the big competition, Dragon decided to challenge the great king of barbarians – Kilgor, who had recently seized the throne. Dragon proposed the terms – for one month in the mountain region on the border of Crulod and Braccada, they would search for and kill dragons. Dragon was confident in victory and believed that this would be just a general rehearsal before the big tournament. But Kilgor thought differently, and now, two days before the end of the term, he is ahead of Dragon by one trophy – six against five. Now Dragon has a chance to win.
The wizards under his leadership slowly and quietly surrounded the lair of the azure dragons. But suddenly, the silence was broken by a thunderous roar. Dragon turned pale – he recognized the roar of battle beasts – Kilgor's loyal servants. A moment later, he saw them. Kilgor himself rushed ahead of his warriors, wielding a huge two-handed axe. The dragons, hearing the noise, crawled out of their cave and tried to rush at the barbarians. But it was too late – the perfectly trained beasts surrounded the dragons and began to tear them apart. In a moment, it was all over. Dragon's last chance disappeared. Dejected, he descended from the cliff and approached Kilgor, standing surrounded by his loyal servants.
- Milk-drinker, now you understand what it means to compete with me? No one among the living can compare with the great Kilgor! Are you satisfied?
- You are rejoicing too soon, barbarian! I will still take revenge!
- What can you do? Your subordinate wizards will never compare with my loyal beasts! Be glad that I am letting you live, not many can boast of such an honor. And now – get out of here, and don't throw down challenges anymore.

***
…Dragon woke up in a cold sweat. The twilight of his chambers brought no peace. A narrow beam of sunlight, piercing through the loosely drawn curtains, looked like the blade of a sword. To Dragon, the sunbeams resembled the glints on Kilgor's axe on that day. This dream again, for the same reason once more. So many years had passed since that contest, but the bitterness of defeat still burns his soul. Cursed be Kilgor, lord of the Barbarians. His mercy only struck Dragon's pride even harder. Although two years later it was Dragon who won the dragon-slayers' contest—one which Kilgor refused to enter—it brought no consolation. Indeed, Kilgor's refusal to compete felt like a slap in the face. The barbarian considered it beneath his dignity to rival one whom he had defeated not so long ago! Only revenge can bring peace. Revenge—only this single word shall serve as a balm for the wounds of the soul. It is time to act; he is now strong enough to challenge Kilgor once more. And this time, he, Dragon, shall be victorious. While the arrogant barbarian falls at his feet. But Dragon cannot manage alone, despite his extraordinary magical abilities. Even together with all his Wizard apprentices, he would not be able to break through to the very heart of Krylod—to Kilgor's palace. However, the troops of King Gavin Magnus could be enlisted for this purpose. Dragon leaped from bed and loudly ordered his horse to be saddled. He is riding to the capital!
***
Beautiful is the palace of the lord of the kingdom of same mages, Bracada. It is evident that the magic of the finest sorcerers was not lacking in its construction. The palace did not stand on the ground—it hovered slightly above it. The golden roof reflected the sun's rays in such a way that from afar the palace seemed like a bright flash, but upon approaching, its magnificence made one forget everything else. The towers of the palace resembled arrows pointed straight into the sky. Djinns with gilded sabers stood at the entrance. Dragon threw the reins to an approaching servant and walked briskly up the marble staircase connecting the palace to the ground. At the oak doors, reinforced with silver strips, he was met by servants who flung open both leaves as soon as he drew near. Dragon was clearly expected.
- Gavin Magnus, lord of Bracada!- announced the master of ceremonies.
The king sat on a throne of ivory and his entire demeanor expressed expectation. Gavin Magnus is indeed a great mage; he had been able to foresee Dragon's arrival at the palace. Or perhaps he simply used an Air View spell, which reveals all those possessing a heroic aura.
- Dragon! I am glad to see you in my palace; what brings you here? It has been a long time since you visited the capital. Still training your Wizards? – the immortal King Gavin Magnus showered the newcomer with questions.
- O great ruler of Bracada, I am glad to be received in your palace with such honor. My sincere gratitude to you. I would have been happy to come before your throne simply as a guest, but an important matter has brought me here.
- And what matter is this, great Dragon?
- The Barbarians! They have become utterly insolent! These constant incursions into our lands! These petty border skirmishes! I live right on the border and I know what it is like. And after Kilgor obtained the Ice Blade, the barbarians fear nothing anymore! The time has come to strike first before they start a serious war against us! – Dragon's face simply blazed with rage. Words flew from his lips like blades cutting through armor. It seemed that if even one barbarian were nearby, he would tear him into small pieces.
- All this is very interesting, Dragon, but why do we need a war? We have peace with Kilgor, and so far he has done nothing to break it. Petty skirmishes have always been and will always be, but a great war is too significant a step to decide upon out of the blue. And besides, who would lead our troops?
- Great Gavin Magnus, I am ready to lead your troops to victory! All the lands of Krylod shall become yours! I do not need glory, I do not need loot. I simply wish to bring peace to the lands of Bracada!
- You speak beautifully, Dragon, - Gavin Magnus raised an eyebrow. It was evident that he liked such a proposal. - But I will not entrust the command of my army to any mage, even the most powerful, without proof that he is worthy of this honor. What can you do to prove your claims?
- I am ready to fulfill any condition you set, to undergo any trial!
- You desire this far too fiercely. For what reason? – the king wondered.
- O great Gavin Magnus, do you remember my mother? She was one of the first sorceresses at your court. Even male mages could not compare with her in the art of wizardry.
- Do I remember Marion? Oh yes, I remember her perfectly. Had she preferred me to your father, you would be the heir to my throne.
- Then know that when my mother left your palace to visit me after my victory at the dragon-slayers' tournament, she and her companions fell into a barbarian ambush! Thus Kilgor decided to settle scores with me, fearing to enter an honest duel. Many years have passed since then, but my pain has not cooled. And recently, my mother appeared to me in a dream. She said that now, having obtained the Ice Blade, Kilgor will want to conquer the whole world. And Bracada must be the first to fall! The barbarians have already established a Preserve for their monsters near our border! Soon they will start a great war; we must preempt them!
- Dragon, your words are frightening. Could it be that you are right and the barbarians are preparing to strike? Has such a brief peace truly come to an end? But if it is as you say, then here is your task, by fulfilling which you can earn the right to lead my armies. You must devastate this Preserve you spoke of. And bring me proof that the danger is indeed as great as you describe it.
- You are very wise, great Gavin Magnus. I am ready to immediately begin carrying out your task. I ask only one thing: let the commanders of the border garrisons provide me with support; for me alone, it will be too difficult to break through Kilgor's vanguard armies.
- I shall grant your request, Dragon. The border towns will provide you full assistance. Moreover, I give you my most loyal servant—Solmir—as an assistant. His magic will be of invaluable service to you.
This was a cunning move on Gavin Magnus's part. "Dragon is clearly not telling everything. Perhaps he has something planned. Let Solmir always be with him and report to me if anything happens. I find it hard to believe that he is starting a great war only for revenge for his mother's death, so much time having passed since then. But the land of Krylod—that is what will help me spread my influence over all Antagarich, and eventually Enroth. Let Dragon act, and Solmir shall keep an eye on him."
"Magnus clearly does not trust me. But what does he fear? Does he really think I want his throne? He clearly did not believe my story about my mother. But I cannot tell him the truth. No one must know of my defeat. And when Kilgor falls, no one but me will ever know it. Perhaps then the nightmares will stop tormenting me..."
Thus thought two great sorcerers, carefully hiding their thoughts from each other. An oppressive silence ensued, which the mages were led out of by Solmir's appearance. A mental link had long been established between him and Gavin Magnus, and the servant was always ready to respond to any call—even a thought-call—of his master.
Solmir was a djinn, a very powerful djinn. He possessed the secret of using one of the most powerful spells known in Enroth—Chain Lightning. Thanks to this skill, Solmir was one of the most dangerous opponents for anyone. He had become Gavin Magnus's servant long ago, after the King of Bracada found a sealed jar containing a djinn and freed him. In gratitude, Solmir swore to serve his savior until death. But to his misfortune, the King of Bracada was immortal, and the service became eternal.
Responding to Gavin Magnus's mental summons, Solmir entered the throne room and bowed low.
- Solmir, I think you have no need for an introduction to Dragon, one of the greatest mages of our time?
Solmir silently inclined his head in agreement. He knew Dragon. He knew Dragon's mother. And he knew that Dragon was a great mage capable of much.
- Now then, - Gavin Magnus continued, - Dragon has developed a noble desire to protect our kingdom from the threat posed by the barbarians. I do not doubt Dragon's abilities, but in order to lead my armies, one must have authority among the generals. This can be achieved in only one way—a successful small war. Dragon says that not far from our border, the barbarians have established a Preserve for their monsters. If it is devastated, it will have a huge impact on the generals of my army. And I want you to provide all possible assistance to Dragon in his endeavors.
Solmir again inclined his head in agreement. Yes, he would help Dragon. It was a great honor for him to serve such a great mage.
- Very well then. Dragon, you may go and begin preparations for your campaign. And Solmir will join you in three days, before your departure for the border.
Dragon bowed exquisitely and headed for the exit. The doors swung open before him and then instantly closed, hiding the figure of the mage.

*** The Dragon walked along the palace colonnade, deep in thought. Solmyr's help might prove invaluable, but this djinn has his own peculiar notions of honor and justice. He will fully support me if I say I am avenging my mother's death, but if he learns the true reason for my hatred of Kilgor, he might withdraw his support. But his skills are truly indispensable. And why is Gavin Magnus sending his loyal servant with me? To spy? Or does he genuinely want to help? Well, everything will become clear as things unfold. For now, it's time to gather my Wizards. The Dragon descended the staircase made of blue marble and stepped onto the dusty pavement. Servants led a horse to him, a magnificent chestnut stallion. The Dragon easily mounted and immediately set off at a gallop. Three days to prepare – that's not much time; every minute counts. *** - Solmyr, I think you can guess why I decided to send you with the Dragon? The djinn silently bowed his head. He had become very quiet since his careless words made him Gavin Magnus's eternal slave. Now he spoke very rarely, preferring to respond with single words or gestures. - The Dragon is undoubtedly a great mage. He rightfully holds the title of the greatest dragon slayer. But something about his offer bothers me. I fear he might be planning something against me. I sensed that today he was due to arrive at the palace with a very important matter. And I was right, as always. But this matter has some hidden meaning that I cannot immediately grasp. You must always be close to the Dragon. Gain his trust. And provide him with all possible support. I want him to win! The lands of Cruelod must become part of Bracadia! Gavin Magnus was simply burning with enthusiasm. To expand the borders of Bracadia by annexing Cruelod. If he succeeds, he will become the greatest ruler in all of Antagarich. He will be able to compete even with Roland, the ruler of Enroth! No one will dare challenge him. Bracadia will finally find peace, for no one will dare threaten it. Solmyr looked at his master and didn't recognize him. Something had happened to Gavin Magnus. He was acting like a madman. Has the gods cursed him? Or do they want to punish him, for when the gods want to punish a man, they deprive him of his reason. Can one serve a madman? He, Solmyr, a great djinn – and suddenly a slave to a madman?! This is unfair! Gods, why are you punishing me like this? That's what Solmyr thought, but he didn't betray himself with a single movement. And Gavin Magnus wouldn't have noticed any strangeness in the servant's behavior, as he was so engrossed in his plans. Finally, the immortal king was able to regain control of himself. He calmed down, and his face took on its usual, slightly arrogant expression. - So, Solmyr, do you understand my instructions? Keep an eye on the Dragon so that he does not undertake anything that could threaten me. And help him fight the Barbarians. Your wisdom and his skill will lead my armies to victory! Solmyr bowed. But this time, his bow lacked the usual reverence. If Gavin Magnus hadn't been so excited, he wouldn't have noticed it. But now the king was not concerned with the unusual behavior of the servant – he was thinking about the upcoming victories of his armies. - May I go, master? – Solmyr asked, not waiting for new orders. - Yes, Solmyr, you may go. And tell the servants to prepare a feast today, in honor of the start of the war with the Barbarians. Let this be the last feast of peacetime. The next time we will celebrate only after the victory over the Barbarians. Solmyr left the king's chambers. The same master of ceremonies, who had announced the Dragon to the king, stood at the door. This was an old man named Paron, who had seen a lot and knew a lot. He used to be a warrior, but after a severe wound he received while fighting against Krigan, he had to retire from military affairs. Remembering his past merits, Gavin Magnus appointed the former warrior as master of ceremonies. Solmyr was well acquainted with Paron; they fought side by side in many battles. They had long-standing trusting relationships, and there were no secrets between them. Perhaps, for Solmyr, this was the only person he could call his friend. - Solmyr, I don't recognize our lord. He is acting like a madman. I have never noticed this in him before. And you? - I haven't either. In all the hundreds of years that I have served Gavin Magnus, I have never seen him in such a state. He has simply become obsessed with war. - War? So, he still agreed with the Dragon? I thought he had decided to consult with you to decide how to politely refuse him. But it turns out… War… - Yes, war. But the king does not trust the Dragon. He is afraid that this war is needed by the Dragon in order to become king himself. And I must be with the Dragon as an assistant and observer. - Yes, something is wrong with our king. Something terrible is coming if such a wise ruler suddenly becomes consumed by a thirst for military victories. - I think the gods are angry with Gavin Magnus. And in order to punish him, they have taken away his reason. - But why would the gods, who gave him eternal life, suddenly change their minds? - Perhaps Gavin Magnus is destined to be the hand of fate for the Barbarians. Kilgor, having seized the Ice Blade, became incredibly arrogant. Perhaps this war is needed to punish him. - Yes, strange and terrible things are happening in our time. And I thought that the worst was behind me. Having survived so many battles, I already decided that all the bad things were over for me. But it turns out, not everything… - Gavin Magnus ordered to prepare a feast. He says that this will be the last feast of peacetime. The next time we will be able to celebrate only after the final victory over the Barbarians. - I will take care of the feast. But I don't like this. To arrange a feast before a war… It's not a good omen… And Paron went to give orders to the servants. Solmyr stood alone in the middle of the corridor, deep in thought. Those times when he enjoyed fighting were long gone. The joy of battles… How long ago that was. Even before the imprisonment from which Gavin Magnus freed Solmyr. Once, Solmyr really enjoyed killing, but centuries have passed since then. And now Solmyr preferred not to remember the events that led to his imprisonment. And that was a war. A war that took place hundreds of years ago. Solmyr stood for a while in the empty corridor, and then, shaking his head, he retired to his cell, where he now spent his life.