[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I'd really love to hear from my neighbors down south, Arcosephale. I've moved my few scouts west to Abysia, and have settled for a simple patrol by freebie militia. I haven't heard anything from there. I have no clue whether they are in the middle of war or are on their way to wishing for Armageddon. Or Cthulu.

In Ctisian news, I'm attempting to lay siege to a mountain citadel, while they lay siege to a northern fortress of mine. Bit of defense there, though hopefully few troops inside. My swarms of lesser undead should help me tear down those walls. Either way, I won't hang around there much longer. I need to push deep into Abysian lands. I don't want to make the mistake of losing the initiative twice. Still, this castle is critical, because there is a site producing Enchantresses. Two nature, one astral, isn't significant for me with my shamans, but letting Abysia get ahold of astral magicians will severely hinder my plans. As well, this mountain citadel is much better than what I could produce- I look forward to claiming it as my own.

Although they are vulnerable to much killing, Falchioneers are great counters to Burning Ones- their relatively low attack (8 per sword) is countered by the elites' defense of a paltry 5. Bit lacking in penetration, but they're the best mundane option I have available.

I must conquer Abysia before their mages bridge the research gap. The spell of Darkness is an incalculable advantage, even when I have to spend 4 gems a battle, and even if I don't have undead. Even my regular troops benefit, since it hurts Abysian elites and mages much more than it hurts me.

Earlier, I had a force of 1 Bane Lord, and 14 wights. I sacrificed this force, in order to ambush an army of Ctis. I had expected them to live, thanks to darkness, but had overlooked the precision of banishment. Still, killing an entire army, and leaving their fortress unguarded was well worth it.

In other news, I purchased the services of Obscuro, the Hidden Master. Who, for utterly inexplicable (or obscure) reasons, has earth boots and a frost brand that I'm unable to use... A fragile air two mage, with boots that boost earth magic he doesn't have... And a frikin sword. WTF?

Abysia is raining flaming death on my forces. Interestingly enough, I prophetized my bane lord and am using him to raise longdead skeletons (of ctis) while I'm laying siege. Only produced a measly 14 undead so far. But it should help counter the loss of 20 unidentified soldiers from this flaming nation.

The pretender of Abysia, and ninety troops are near my forces. Can I guess their intentions?