ABYSIA, THE SMOULDERCONE - Reports of the demise of Abysia have, it seems, been greatly exaggerated.
Following the glorious liberation of the capital from the armies of Sauromatia, thanks to the dozens of Anathement Salamanders and Dragons who had previously devoted their lives to research, Abysia has been free from hostile incursion for some time. As C'tis continues to deal with the Caelum threat, as well as increased pressure from their new border-mates from Neifelheim, Sauromatia has pulled back to regroup in friendly territory. Meanwhile the Abysian fire mages are scrambling to retake Abysian territory around the capital.
Things had become so dire that the Abysians began giving out gems and items to their allies. Figuring the last, desperate attempt to retake the capital was a fools errand, the Abysian commanders decided it was better not to risk losing its precious owl quills to the enemy, and so made a gift of a great many. Much to the surprise of Joe - who, frankly, has never been known for his tactical brilliance - the siege of Abysia was broken, and now the nation is without the portion of gems and items it gave away.
It matters little, as now the bulk of the mages who could otherwise use those items are now on the march. Moreover, Abysia's gem income, in spite of the territory it has lost, remains strong. A recent diplomatic envoy was heard to say: "Our friends in Neifelheim and Caelum may keep our gifts, as we are sure they will put them to good use. Frankly, though we did manage to fend off Sauromatia ourselves, without Caelum's aid we'd have been conquered by the lizards by now. Whatever we give them is their due. As for Neifelheim, they're coming aid deserves a similar reward."
It remains to be seen whether Abysia's resurgence is momentary or not. For now, the fires of the Smouldercone burn bright, and the priests who conduct the virginal sacrifices work with the verve of men who have been given a second chance. Even Joe - flanked by his new prophet and demonic lover Malphas - has shed his customary seriousness. He has even, it is said, forged himself a fancy ring...
