Two worlds, both at war, filled with magic and those who wield it. On one hand, there are Five Great Armies, as a multitude of magical races fight for supremacy, and on the other hand, are the Crusades, a Holy War. Only one world can be peered into, as the other closes off for eternity (or until another time).
Ascension: The Five Armies
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Ascension: The Five Armies is a fantastical world with various races such as Elves, Orcs, Dwarves, Drow (Dark Elves), Centaurs, Giants, etc. all co-existing, warring, and interacting in various different ways. In this world, Elves are the oldest living race with Drow being next (created from a rift within the Elven race), followed by Dwarves, Humans, and finally Orcs. Other magical races also exist, but are not as compact and grouped together as the great five. This includes Giants, Goblins, Dragons, Fairies, and Sprites/Nymphs. There are even rumors of a Phoenix or two, and even some of the old gods still being around.
In Ascension: The Five Armies, each race has their own advantages and disadvantages when compared with one another, as well as their own separate alliances.
Elves, for instance, are the fastest and quickest of the races. Also, given their age, they tend to hold the most knowledge of the old world and things that come with it, such as magic. They specialize in enchantment and archery.
Drow, are more well-versed in dark magic that their Elven brethren, and hold more of an interest in the thralls of battle, opting for close combat and almost forgoing archery all-together. The Drow prefer to settle things with a show of strength and a bloody battle, while the Elves tend to go for a more subtle form of domination. The Drow and the Elves hate each other with a passion and will only work together under the direst of circumstances, even if they share the same problems at times.
Dwarves, specialize in building, creation, designing, and engineering different items, armor, and weapons. In battle they favor extreme strength over all else, allowing them to surprise the unknowing enemy who assumes them to be weak due to their small stature. They can also take a beating and keep fighting, often winning their battles in a come-from-behind victory. The Dwarves absolutely hate the Orcs, and dislike Elves due to Elves looking down on them. Their most favorable relationship is with the Humans.
Humans, are faster than Dwarves, stronger than Elves, and more civilized than Orcs. Adaptive and ambitious, Humans tend to play the middle ground, only aiding in conquests or battles, never really starting them or even putting an end to them. Humans have no specialty that isn't eclipsed by another race, but that balance allows them to survive and even flourish in almost any situation. Humans dislike the Drow and the Orcs and have a working relationship with the Dwarves, and a strained relationship with the Elves (who look down on them).
Orcs, are seen as 'the monsters of the civilized races' and 'the most civilized of the monster races'. Because of this stigma, Orcs are recognized as the least desirable opponent on the field of battle, however they are also thought to be…barbaric and stupid as a result. Despite this, Orcs actually do have a fairly civilized society that works, and often have displays of intelligence that surprise the other four races. This is the only reason they haven't been wiped out yet. The Orcs hate everyone except the Drow, who they dislike. The Drow feel the same way towards them.
Goblins, actually do have civilizations much like the above five races, but they lack the interconnectivity to truly make them united as a nation. Goblins are fast, almost as fast as Elves, and specialize in thievery and other criminal activities. They find them…entertaining.
Giants, exist in groups, but those groups are spread out with no rhyme or reason to them, and generally operate under a pack or tribe mentality. Giants are by far the physically strongest of the humanoid races, and arguably the strongest race period. They are difficult to hurt and anyone of any other race should avoid battle with them.
Dragons, the only contender against the Giants for the physically strongest race, and definite winner of the toughest, run in groups of one...with maybe some children. Dragons are solitary and territorial creatures and thus cannot coexist with one another, or any race that impedes upon their territory. Dragons are nearly impossible to hurt and can wipe out entire armies with little effort.
Fairies, definitely have societies, some believe a unified hive-mind of a society, but lack the above-ground presence of the great five races. Not much is known about 'the Fey' except for what is told in children's tales.
Sprites/Nymphs, are like a mix of Fairies and Dragons. Not in ability, but that they are solitary and territorial, and yet some would believe that they have a hive-minded, single society amongst them. They often deal with nature and will protect what is theirs until certain death, and sometimes beyond it.
Phoenixes, are rarely, if ever seen. The only thing known to fight a Dragon on even ground, there's not enough of them, or even enough proof of their existence, to label them as a great race.
Ascension: The Crusades
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In the world of Ascension: The Crusades, there are six main areas: England, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the Middle East. This is around the Crusades' time period and that is the main conflict, though it is not entirely historically accurate. England is the most powerful nation in the world, due to the descendants of Merlin and King Arthur bolstering their military. Italy is next, mostly due to being the mecca of Christianity and home of the Pope, and third place is a toss-up.
In this world, the Pope calls for the Crusades as the Turks wage war with France and declare an attack on their rival religion. This brings in the entire Middle East to the Turks' side, and England, Spain, Portugal, and Italy to France's. What results is a war for the ages.
Beyond religion, each area is separate in specialization.
England is a perfect mix of archery and ground soldiers, with the only magic users being Merlin's descendants. They have an influx of knight in comparison to the rest of the world.
France is 50% soldiers, with a heavy focus on archers, and 50% magic, with entire Orders and Circles of Wizards.
Spain is a country who completely rebukes magic and all it brings, looking upon Wizards with disgust.
Portugal is imbued in an internal war with their Muslim Conquerors, the Moors, and thus has an influx of mercenaries and hired swords with very little magic to speak of outside of the very enemies they look to defeat.
Italy is the mecca of religion and as such, has droves of holy knights and clerics, ready to do battle for their god.
The Middle East is a mixed bag of some soldiers, mostly mercenaries, and a lot of magic, some of it holy.
Uncharted Areas like The New World (not yet named), including what's known as present day Mexico and The United States of America are full of Natives who specialize in stealth and guerilla tactics. They are not involved in the war at all however and would be hesitant to join, even if one could speak their language.
So prepare for an epic, grand scale war of magic, soldiers, possibly dragons, and gods clashing in Ascension: Swords and Sorcery.
Ultimately, only one can be chosen. Which world is it?
[] Five Armies
[] The Crusades