Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 8

The Concubine Ceremony was the most important year for any family in the lands of Drangleic. The son or daughter seeking a husband or wife from a large selection from women all across the lands of Lordran. For the Oda clan, it was Ethan's turned. "My lord. It is time" said Matsuda, Ethan nodded and the two proceeded to meet the selected choices of the day.

"Too big", "Too nervous", "Too skinny", "Too much makeup", "Too much fashionable", "Too small", "Too fake". One by one the women were rejected by Prince Oda. "Bah! None of them are good. Send them away!" said Ethan as he was not only disappointed but disgusted by the choices. Matsuda nodded and told the soldiers in the room to escort them back to their carriages.

Ethan sat on his throne as he rubbed his forehead in misery. "Ugh. Women" he said. Meanwhile, as the carriages departed. One carriage came in, It was the Saito carriage, Matsuda noticed this, "Excuse me! Sorry milady But Master Oda isn't taking anymore". The woman was in a velvet ivory purple dress, wearing beautiful make-up. And having her hair neatly done to perfection, "Please good sir. Let me see the prince. I came a thousand miles to see this 'Demon King' I want and will see him" the woman said, Matusda gave in and said, "*Sigh* Alright, Come with me" the bodyguard said as he escorted the woman to the main hall. "Good Luck" he said as he waved goodbye to the woman.

As the woman entered the main hall she recalls what she still remembers to this very day: The hall was magnificent, splendor and grand. Majestic as well, At the end of the hall I see the Oda thrones, one huge one reserved for the Snow White Queen and the other two reserved for her children. Ethan sat on the right hand throne.

"Lord Oda?" she said as she kowtow towards him, "*grumbles* What is it?" as he regains focus at the task at hand. "My name is Serena, daughter of the viper" she says once more, Ethan laughed and said, "Ah yes, the viper. Tell me. Child. Have you heard of the stories and legends about me?" Ethan states as he gets up from his chair and walks slowly down the steps towards Serana. "Yes- Yes I have" she states frighteningly. Ethan put forth his hand and told her. "Let's go" he said, Serana gazed up to the man. She recalls what she saw in him: A handsome man. Stern on the outside as it is for all children of the crown. On the battlefield he fights like a demon. Off the field however you could tell by looking at him, he was calm and collective but has this presence of  a tactful politician".
The good woman smiled and began walking with him. And from that day forth. Ethan wasn't so lonely no more. For he has found the woman, he has been patiently waiting for all of his life.

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 7

"Brother" Elana said tearfully as she hugged him. "My- My daughter!" shouted Eden as she dropped her rapier and went over to her only daughter. "You came?" she said tearfully, Elana laughed and told her mom, "*chuckles* mother, I was here for a few days. Not in the capital per say. But staying with the knights at Vigil's Keep" she said. Eden laughed and said to her child, "Ah the knights were hospitable" she said.

As everyone was recovering Ocato and a few heavily armored palace guards came into the room. As he walked forward, he partially looked at the corpse of one assassin before realizing the family symbol, "Dammit" he said as he rushed over to the body. "Ocato, do you know this symbol?" said Vorador, "Ha! More like use to know. This clan symbol belonged to an old family. Use to be loyal to the kingdom before being deemed as traitors by the court" said Ocato as he explained things to Vorador.

"Is the threat over?" said Elana as she overheard the conversation, "No it isn't" said her brother as he walked over. "We need to talk. Again" said Ethan. Meanwhile, the wounded are treated and order has been restored to the palace. The city itself has been placed on high alert by the guards.

"What do you mean, you won't accept ruler-ship of capital lands?!" said a shocked young boy king. Eden herself was shocked by her son's demand. "We want these lands as sphere of influence. Not as actually territory. The Owari region is our home" said Ethan firmly on his choice. Eden smiled for a little bit, but was proud of her son. Ocato realized what he meant by his demand. "*laughs* We accept" said Ocato.

The Oda clan thanked the Imperial Court and then departed from the capital. The people waved goodbye to their saviors and they marched home to Owari. "So is this what you want? My son?" said his mother, Ethan chuckled and said, "My dear mother, what do you want? Constant warfare? or peace?". Eden laughed at her son's question, and she responded "That is a trick question" she said.

After many days of marching. The Oda family finally came home to Owari. As days passed by, The Oda army, trained, recruited, posted, maintained. They were prepared for anything, it was until a nice spring day that a messenger from the north came. "Lord Saito understands you have a son without a wife?" the messenger said in fear, knowing Eden's reputation. "Yes. Yes I do have a son, he is twenty-one this year. And is now ready for marriage" Eden stated. "Ah I see, please excuse me, My lord Saito's adopted daughter is also the same age. Can she request an audience with the young lord" said the messenger once more, Eden stood up, the messenger coward in fear thinking something offended her. "She can see him during the concubine ceremony" Eden stated once more as well. The messenger was happy and he departed.

"The Viper? Are you trying to get me killed at a young age?" Ethan said as he entered the room. "Did you hear everything?" Eden stated frankly. "Yes. Yes I did, maybe you want to prepare my coffin" said a frustrated Ethan. "It will be good for the family" Eden said as she was confidant in this marriage idea. "Fine" said Ethan as he kowtow for his mother and left the room. All the while Eden was sitting alone. In her room as it becomes dimly lit and the sunset for the next day.

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 6

Present Day.....

"Mother!" shouted her son as he greets her. "Ah. My son!, glory shall be yours for this mighty deed" she said as she hug him tightly. "It has been.....too long" she said, "I miss my children" she said with a tear coming down her eye. "Ah don't worry about us mother. You taught us everything" Ethan said with a smile for joy to see his mother again. "Where's Elana?" Vorador said as he looked around for her. "My daughter. She is away at the academy. She won't be returning anytime soon. But she does send her love to us from half way across the world" Eden said as the three began walking towards the palace.

"It has been indeed this long!" shouted Ocato with happiness. Ocato greets the Oda's and Vorador with a low tone. "Ethan. Eden. *low voice* Vorador" he said, Vorador laughed and patted him on the shoulder saying, "See. I told you one of these days it will happen. But you refuse to believe such things". The group began to feel uncomfortable for a minute or so. It was really an awkward silent moment. For you see, Vorador predicted that the Oda's will enter the capital. And claim regency. But Ocato believe this act will have Takeda and Uesugi marching from their territories in earnest. Luckily Ocato's prediction was wrong.

The city remained intact. While the palace took damage during the assault. "The traitorous eunuchs scramble to the hills. They won't return anytime soon" said an officer as he gave his report before leaving, as the group entered the main hall of the palace. "Before we go in further, It is manners of this household that we show our gratitude" said Ocato. The three nodded in agreement and proceed to meet the king of these lands. "Ah! The Oda clan, we thank you for saving this kingdom from our own political infrastructure" the young boy king said as he drank lilac wine. The three kowtow in humble grace, and said in unison, "We thank you. Thy majesty of Drangleic". The young boy king stood up and said, "We shall have a grand ceremony for the saviors of this kingdom. I shall appoint Eden Oda. The head of the Oda clan. As regent. I expect the most from you within this station".

Evening came.

The Oda officers and generals, the young boy king. Everyone, was celebrating during the evening in the gardens of the palace. "Next up. It's the young king's favorite play" said the host of the evening's event. Everyone clapped as the play began, During the play Ethan was curious as to why Takeda and Uesugi would be trouble, so he asked Vorador "*Ahem* why Takeda and Uesugi? Vorador?" he said as he leaned over to him, Vorador gave a brief scoff and said to Ethan, "Because. The other houses won't dare budge. Only Takeda and Uesugi would take high interest in his majesty's safety" he said, As the play ended and everyone gave a clap. The host came on stage and announced the finale act. "For tonight's finale. We present to you the most beautiful dancers from the four corners of this empire" the host said once more as he departed from the stage. The dancers appeared, very beautiful and majestic, all wearing ivory cloth, with jewelry and makeup you won't find here in the capital.

As the dance went on. And as everyone was relaxing, a young officer came into the room. "Psst. Commander" he said, Ethan got up and left to see what is up. "What is it?" he asked, the young officer whispered, "You were right". the young officer departed, Ethan stood there for a brief moment of silence when suddenly, "Assassins!" shouted the palace workers! "Everyone scatter!" the garden was then an instance war zone once again. The assassin's were fast. While the Oda were plenty, ability seemed to be on the enemies side, "Dammit!" shouted Maeda, "Their too many!" shouted another, "Kill Eden Oda!" shouted the assassin commander. As he lunged forward only to instantly be killed by Vorador, "Hmph! Pathetic dogs!" he bellowed. Eden Oda found herself surrounded. Not only that but in a sea of fire, "Come" said Eden with a cold look. Two assassins lunged forward, one was instantly killed, the other was blinded by her cape as Eden struck the other assassin down.

Meanwhile, Ethan Oda also held his own but was severely outnumbered. "Will you give me? The Demon King a good death?" he shouted. The assassins came forward and one by one they were struck down, however one assassin managed to wrapped his sword in chains and then outmaneuver around Ethan to pin him for the kill. As the assassins sprang on him, a woman shouted. "Brother! No!" the woman instantly killed the assassins. The danger was over, Ethan recovered as he looked up, it was a familiar face. This face was suppose to be at an academy way across the world. It was his sister. Elana Oda".

Lore: Drangleic Barbarians

No rules. No Order. Only destruction.

Short Description:

Before the Warring States Era in Drangleic. The barbarian menace was a huge problem. History sadly cannot give an exact time and date as to when this menace occurred across the land. But it was deadly as it was terrifying for the common folk.

History:

The Barbarian horde was spotted by the government during it's early days. Whether or not this was unintentional is left to be seen. Some say the government wanted to act like the heroes still. And so they paid particular factions to rise up in rebellion. Others say it's the church's practices that cause the people to sway against the country. This origin story has many choices and no real point of starting origin. In a matter of days, weeks, months and years. The horde went from just a mere tens of thousands to over a hundred-thousands. The horde itself was divided into three columns each led by the Barbarian King's three sons. While the main army was the real elite of warriors. They went on and pillage and destroy much of the country. Despite the best of efforts. The people were suffering and without a proper leader to lead Drangleic's armies into battle all was lost.

Downfall:

Eventually, Three Great Noble Houses. Formed a coalition that was not only well-equipped but their supply line was endless. These houses were Oda, Takeda, and Uesugi. Despite the fears and issues of this alliance. Soon, the barbarian king lost his sons. One was killed in battle, the other died to disease, and the last son was killed by his own men. He led one final raid upon a fortified village, the village was destroyed by due to the harsh winters they couldn't move out in time before the coalition forces surrounded them. The barbarian king despite losing supplies and his men were suffering, soon his army abandoned him in just a matter of hours to about a few days. His vast army dwindled from a hundred thousand to twenty-five thousand, being outmatched by an army of elite soldiers in total of eighty thousand.

On a red and spring day. The king made his last stand. His family is all but gone. A few days prior his wife, disappeared, no trace of her. His sons died through malice or through Heaven's deceitful ways. The man was brave, his soldiers made a valiant last stand. Taking arrow shots left and right and being stabbed multiple times through the gut. By the afternoon the menace was over.

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 5

Eden Oda and her forces marched onward. Seeking out the Barbarian King. For many months now his forces have been causing too much trouble for the kingdom. At first, the kingdom gave them land to settle on, so long as they stopped pillaging and murdering. But of course, that didn't last. The king eventually demanded tribute, and the kingdom outright refuse. And so, the Barbarian King use the people's distraught and lack of faith in their own government as his weapon. And soon, his army went from just a merely five-hundred followers to thirty-thousand in just a matter of a few days it then became a hundred-thousand.

How the barbarian king can command such a vast army and lack on resources is hard to say. "If this army grows any larger, the kingdom's forces will be outnumbered" said Vorador as he pans over a map he is surveying. He usually reads maps or drinks wine when doing such things. Outside Montross gives orders to a scout patrol. "I want you to sweep the area. Use the eagle to communicate, should you find yourself in a deadly situation" said Montross as he handed an eagle to a scout. "Yes sire!" said the lead scout, afterwards the scouting party left. Meanwhile, Eden Oda after a long day's march, decided to relax herself. After countless patrols, helping about. Maintaining morale, etc. The woman was tired, you can see the sleeping bags under her eyes. "Ugh, I am tired *yawn*" she said. Eden disrobed and decided to take a short hot bath. Afterwards she put on her night gown and proceeded to sleep. "There must be a way" said Vorador, "How to beat an army of rabble" as Vorador said to himself as he paces back and forth in his tent. It was then an idea struck. "Takeda and Uesugi".

Vorador slammed his fist on his table in excitement, and then rushed towards Eden's tent. "Lady Oda! Lady Oda!" shouted Vorador with glee. "*groans* what is it? I am trying to get some sleep" said a frustrated Eden as she yawned and stretch her arms. "Hear me out" said Vorador, Eden sighed and said to him, "Alright. You got five minutes, then I am going back to bed" said Eden. Vorador began telling her his idea. "A dragon in the snowy north, In the east, the summer breeze spawns fire with four legs as it roars high, and in the south phoenix-dragon, soars high to the heavens and caws upon high". Eden scoffed at his idea and said, "A poet now are we? You wake me up to tell me a poem?" she said to Vorador, "*Hmph! Men*" she said as she went back to sleep. Vorador disappointed by her response said to himself, "Surely she knows what I was talking about?" he said as he left her tent for shut eyes.

The next day during a war council, Eden announced her plans. "We are going to ally with Takeda and Uesugi" she boldly stated. The whole war council was silence whether this was out of fear for not liking the idea was yet to be known. The history between these three clans was mighty. Sure Takeda and Uesugi disliked each other, and for reasons of course, but mostly it was the respect for Eden and her capabilities as a leader amongst men in a man's political and militaristic world. "That won't happen. Those two are enemies for life!" shouted one general. "If we win the war, whose to say they won't take advantage of our tired forces" shouted another, soon the war council turned into an argument of bickering imbeciles. Montross didn't like the idea, Ocato was aghast by the thought of it, and Vorador didn't anticipate just how bad things will get. After a few minutes of bickering and arguing Eden slammed her fist and yelled "SILENCE!".

The room became quiet once more. "We will ally ourselves with the Dragon of Echigo and the Tiger of Kai, Do not worry Montross our military is mighty, I have study their ways and know how to fight them on evened ground. Ocato, you are worried about the political issue. Three great houses? Seizing glory in a time where the government needs a hero?! This is not the time to discuss such things. This is an age of chaos and war. Lives are being lost. Families utterly destroyed, and yet we sit back and watch as these barbarian hordes destroy our beloved country. Well I say, No more! Enough is Enough!". The war-council became quiet and shook their heads in agreement.

Eden smiled and said, "Good. If you don't like the idea. Then leave! Go back home while we seize the glory!" she said once more before dismissing the council. She then ordered messengers to be sent to Kai and Echigo. The fate of the land was now in the hands of the three Great Noble Houses of Drangleic.

Lore: Slavery in Drangelic

"The true driving force of Drangleic. A sad and disgusting history".

History always tells us. That the common man, helped build the kingdom to heights we have seen today. However, the truth is more dark.

In the Beginning

It is hard to describe when slavery first began in Drangleic's history. No real time date has been established. Apparently the Council of Lyons see slaves as a means to not only keep the rich in line, but also drive the nation even faster in terms of growth and internal expansion.

The System

Slavery works in two ways:

The first is servants. Men and women from random barbarian camps across a young Drangelic kingdom. Who are either kitchen staff members, maids and butlers, or garden workers. In some cases they are sex slaves as well. Pleasing the heads of these rich families or pleasing their children. They get paid very little, and their living conditions are horrible. If the servants are out of line they get whipped and get thrown into the dungeons for a whole week without food. Some descend into madness which results in their deaths or they die of starvation.

The second is the so-called "slavery working class". They work the mines, the lumber mills, building, maintaining, no matter the weather condition or the season they are the "first line" of defense sort of speak in maintaining the "youthful look" of the kingdom. They get paid next to nothing and if they try to escape or get out of line. They will be executed right on the spot, and if they have a family. There families will be completely eradicated from the face of the earth.

Fighting Against the machine

There has been no slave rebellion. Which is kind of odd, considering the amount of reports on the harsh conditions these poor people have to face. Some formed underground movements, while others choose to except their life until death or release of service, which is rarely often.

You can say some sabotage is involved. On random occasions. Usually a granary is set on fire, or an animal pen is let loose. Some times the slaves even help out the enemy. But even then it was dangerous to cross your master. Especially with a lot to lose in the end.

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 4

It was dawn. And the sun was red, blood was spilled the night before. It was the blood of traitors, and old pervy men. Soldier's with the Oda insignia marched right on through the main gate. Meanwhile, outside the city gates, Eden reflected on just how far her family has come. "It has been this long?" she said to herself.

Many years ago. Before she became one of the Trinity Generals as most people call Takeda, Oda, and Uesugi. She was just a normal clan figurehead, representing her family. And it's interests. She had no husband, despite rumors and speculations. She was twenty-five years old when she first began her ambitions. Usually a woman of her age, would have to rise from the bottom and to the top she goes. She was in a man's world. Trying to prove to the man, that if a man can climb to the top, so can a woman. Soon female commanders, like Sophia Dryden, Morrigian Lafayette, the list goes on and on.

Eden Oda was on her horse, staring into the horizon, while looking above she sees her eagle, returning from scouting the region. "So, it's that simple". she said, as she smirks at the situation. "I would need to split the army into three, the cavalry would charge down the center, while my infantry flanks the enemy" she said to herself in a thinking state of mind, she then heard a haughty laugh behind her, It was a young Vorador, "What about the archers?" he said to her, Eden unfazed at the situation said to him in reply, "The archers will be useless it will be a foggy state soon" she said in a firm stance. Vorador was impressed by her response.

"Solider. Tell Montross, to take the infantry and proceed as planned" she commanded, the solider bowed and head off to rely the orders. Vorador and Eden smiled at each other, acknowledging just how far Eden has come. "Soon the world will remember your name" he said to her. Eden laughed and said, "I hope so. I am doing it for family and country after all" she unsheathed her rapier weapon while saying this, after giving the orders her forces slowing descended the mountains.

During this period. The barbarian issue became a huge problem for the economy, the constant invasion of trade routes, pillaging villages, the constant defense measures of these strategic areas. Important thing is, the country was in a minor debt crisis. If they can take out the Barbarian King. Then the problem will be over. Heck, they might get some new soldiers while they are at it."You'd really think this will be over soon?" said Vorador. Eden looked at him with a grim look and stated frankly, "The barbarian problem. Yes. The chaos, no." she said. the army in a matter of seconds collided at the barbarian main camp, just below the summit."Attack! Take the women, and child hostage!" commanded Eden. the Oda forces heavily outmatched the barbarians in terms of numbers and equipment, soon the camp fell. Everyone else except the men were spared and sent into slavery.

As Eden and Vorador survey the camp, two generals arrived to greet them. It was Montross and Ocato. Who at the time was a general in the armies of Drangleic before becoming a Chancellor of the courts. "Ah Madame Oda" said Ocato with resounding polite courtesy, "Commander Oda" Montross said to her while bowing in respect. "*sigh* Ocato. Montross. Report!" said Eden as she cleaned her weapon. "The Barbarian King isn't here" said Ocato, "We have scouted for miles. This isn't the main camp. It was diversion" said Montross.

Eden scoffed at first, and then laughed maniacally and said aloud, "Is that so?" as she turned towards her generals and smiled. She mounted her horse and told everyone to report back to their camp. "Oh and one more thing. Burn this camp to the ground" she commanded. By the end of the day, the camp itself was completely gone.