Bastion is a completely fictitious faction, imagined by Talek Do'Lorn (TDL), as an ICTC entry. It is not playable in-game. You are welcome to discuss Bastion with its author.

Intro | Story | Racial | Skills | Heroes | Creatures | Creatures Abilities | City Plan | Buildings | Magic Buildings | Dwellings

Bastion: A Chronological History

"Although declared present only after the Holy Griffin Empire accepted its existence, the nomadic eastern society was known to exist for many years. Dating back at the times when the Falcon Empire had been created, many tribes left for the eastern hills, rejecting the will of any self-proclaimed rulers. Following nomadic principles of life and inviolable faith in the Dragon of Air and Freedom, they roamed the land until a wave of newcomers brought heavy changes to their life, incorporating the nomads into the newfound society. Nevertheless, the secondary entitlement of the faction remains unaltered even as we live."

Torn the Sage,
Chronicles of Ashan

The Origins

28-40 YSD: Wars of Fire -- The first great Demon Incursion

The great wizard Sar-Elam, known as the "Seventh Dragon", sacrifices himself to end the wars and repel the demon incursion. Most of the Angels perish during these wars. The survivors take refuge in the Falcon Empire that is increasingly turned away from Sylath, the Dragon of Air, towards Elrath, the Dragon of Light.

48 YSD: The Falcon Empire becomes the "Holy" Falcon Empire

Emperor Brian Falcon gives absolute power to the Church of the Dragon of Light. The Human kingdom is renamed the "Holy Falcon Empire". Dissent grows among the citizens who resent being forced to abandon their faith in Sylath. Many will leave the Empire's territory Empire's territory to found the Free Cities of the East.

51-54 YSD: The Holy Civil War

Holy Falcon Empire declares war against all disbelievers and heretics who oppose to the faith in Dragon of Light. Worshippers of Sylath, believing in man's freedom and rather nomadic principles of life, decide to make themselves scarce and retreat from the Empire to the Empire to the eastern plains of Ranaar to find a new haven. First settlements appear in the steppes bordering the rocky ridges of the eastern mountains. Holy Falcon Empire continues to pursue, seeking destruction of the infidels. The outcasts, entitling themselves as "nomads", assemble a troop to erect their first wooden ramparts in the grasslands.

69 YSD: Birth of the Nomad Bastion

As the Holy Civil War comes to a halt, nomadic tribes devote themselves to erect a bastion situated around the first temple for the Dragon of Air. The bastion becomes the first safe haven for the handful of surviving nomads, symbolizing the birth of a new faction. Rejecting the recognition of "rebels" as rightful landlords of the steppes, Falcon Empire ceases the pursuit to establish an impenetrable castle of Stonehelm to the south to keep track of current situation at the borders. Therefore, situation at the borders is not settled and the battles wage on.

330 YSD: 1st Eclipse -- War of the Blood Moon

A total lunar eclipse provokes a massive rupture form the Demon Prison. The Demon Lords force their way out and raven across the Elven lands. Caught by surprise, they are rapidly overwhelmed. Called for assistance, the wizards of the Seven Cities send their forces into battle. Experimenting with demon blood, which they inoculate into human slaves and criminals. The monstrous Orcs are created as a result. Bolstered by the Orc shock troops, the Alliance defeats the Demons. The Demon Lords are cast down, and the surviving demons banished back to their hellish prison. In the wake of this second demon war, Orcs are re-settled in the Falcon Empire as well as the Seven Cities. They are not granted freedom, but instead serve as indentured troops.

467-504 YSD: The Orc Crusades

Orcish rebellion in the Seven Cities, which spreads to Haven. Rejecting their masters and the Dragon Gods, the Orcs declare themselves free. In the Falcon Empire, Crusades are declared against the Orcs – attempts to subjugate them and convert them back to dragon worship. The fighting is brutal, and the Orcs are relentlessly driven back. Eventually, the unrepentant survivors flee wherever they can, including the deserts of the south, the steppes of the north-east and the Barrier Islands of the east. A great storm sinks the Haven fleet that was prepared to follow the Orcs to their island refuge. The Falcon Emperor declares this a sign from the Dragons, and formally ends the Orcish Crusades.

506-522 YSD: The Silent War -- Annihilation of the Nomads

Believing this was a sign from Sylath, nomad shamen accept the orcs into their communities, hoping they would eradicate the Falcon Empire and would be willing to accept their laws and religion. Following the same beliefs and reports, Falcon Empire declares war against the worshippers of Sylath, due to beliefs that the rebellion and the terrible storm are his deeds, thus - against the nomad communities. Without any noticeable interference, Empire and the magi of the Seven Cities, raze their settlements to the ground, shattering their community to pieces and completely obliterating the Orcs within. Many nomads are forced into slavery, and solely the impassable mountain bastions remain.

Modern Ages

523-711 YSD: Years of Yearning -- Ascension of Nomads

Heavily wounded, nomadic tribes settle down in the remaining bastions and settlements. Massive reconstruction from the Silent War -- relatively peaceful times. Bastions, temples and settlements are erected from the corrupted soil of the ruins. Grieving and mourning for the pain and sorrow brought to the land, the elders declare that a bloody war shall ensue as long as the nomads shall not be left in peace. Nomads acquire newfound knowledge of how to achieve harmony with Sylath's free siblings, the free beings of the skies, as well as the creatures of the valleys. Due to Sylath being their idol, nomads master their tongue and befriend, tame the animals, thus being referred to as the "beastmasters" more and more often.

843 YSD: 4th Eclipse -- Falcon's Last Flight

The Demons storm the capital of the Falcon Empire and massacre the royal house. As soon as the demons are repelled, fighting breaks out as various nouble houses attempt to claim the throne. Duke Ivan of Griffin conquers the bloody crown. The Empire is renamed the "Holy Griffin Empire". Duke Ivan, fierce enemy of the nomad society, establishes a royal defensive troop to defend against the eastern threat.

876-892 YSD: Wars of the Blood

Holy Griffin Empire launches yet another Crusade against Nomads. Though weakened by the demons, the Griffins fail to accept the rising power of the East. The Griffins arm the royal troop to attack the nomadic steppes of Ranaar. The elders force themselves into a council to discuss the threat. A vast troop of elite cavalry storms the borders to repel against the invaders. Bloodshed and havoc spreads across the land. The Dwarven armies from Tor Myrdal quickly intercept and manage to stop the massacre. At a heavy cost and against all odds, Empire is forced into temporary peace with the nomads. Nomads, on the other hand, emerge victorious.

The Characters

Sylath

The Elemental Dragon of Air, supposed Dragon of Freedom (according to nomadic beliefs). Descendant of Asha, the Primordial Dragon of Order.

Sangroth Stormwielder

Officially unknown. According to inscriptions, the founder of the Free Cities of the East and the first Bastion.

Mar Basir, Cor Pathar and Lazarus

The elder shamen council who led to creation of the elite fighters' troop and to the victory of the Wars of the Blood. The co-founders of the realm of Ranaar.

Brian Falcon

King and founder of the Holy Falcon Empire. The executer of the first crusades against heretics. Enemy of the nomads and the remaining worshippers of Sylath.

Duke Ivan of Griffin

King and founder of the Holy Griffin Empire. Fiercest enemy of the nomads and the cult of Sylath, the Dragon of Air.

Cor Elor

Eldest nomad shaman to live on earth, currently - the headmaster of the great nomad council, sub-councillor of the Order of Windmasters.

Chayorr

Leader of the elite nomad troop, veteran of Wars of the Blood, chief of the borderguard. Elected as the leader of the fanatic tribe of Sylath's warriors.

Campaign

Though seemingly impenetrable, the Griffin Empire is breached by the demons. The unpredicted eclipse grips the community of wizards in panic, making them resort to terrible measures, leaving the borders of the Silver League near Heresh open. Lives of many are crippled, yet to no avail, as the war come to a halt, no faction being victorious... yet.

Nevertheles, Chayorr, along with his kinsmen, storms the eastern borders of Griffin Empire, hoping to avenge the Wizards and the Knights for disbelief and neglection. A bloody battle with an outcome that is yet to be predicted begins, incorporating the whole human community into battle.

Yet, not all the nomads are overzealous concerning their faith in Sylath. A great many of them, including Cor Elor, the eldest shaman, find fighting the easy way - vengeance, although vital, will not result in complete freedom. A way to subjugate the enemy, without altering the balance of freedom and power, is found via the lore of the ancient shamen. A powerful artifact resides in a place so pure, yet full of dangers, may it bring peace to the lands and restore the balance...

Meanwhile, from oldest inscriptions the prophecy of Sar-Shazzar comes to light, spreading panic among all the factions of Ashan, warning that danger lurks nearer than ever... Troubles far worse than all have ever imagined await the dawn...

Introductory Campaign

Ascension of the Nomads: Desire to Charge - Part 1


:: Reclaim the southern bastion of Hallethar.
:: Kill all stacks of Marksmen.
:: Get past the garrison of Griffin Empire.
:: Kayon must survive.

After deciding to invade Griffin Empire before any signs of counter-attack, Chayorr with his troop leaves for the borderguards to the west. A garrison is seen from the distance. Desperate to get reinforcements from nearby tribes, Chayorr sends one of his most loyal guards, Kayon to attack the garrison.

Chayorr (spyglass in his hand): Hush! They might see us! Curse those fools! Leaving our bastions empty like cowards!

Kayon: What's happening? How can we be even MORE silent...

Chayorr: Nightwings are not the most silent beings you know (sighs).

Nightwing: (unsettled)

Chayorr: Not now! Hush! Anyway, Hallethar is overtaken. The obelisk is on fire (grunts). We need reinforcements! And fast!

Besiegers: We are at your command!

Chayorr: Cut it out, lads. We must get some help from nearby settlements. This might be the only way to get past their borders. Kayon, I entrust you with this mission. Hopefully, you will get past the garrison. You absolutely must recapture the town!

Kayon: What must be done shall be done! Lads, follow me. (semi-whispering; to pegasus) Let's hold on! This might be a bumpy ride! Free like the wind!

Besiegers: For Sylath!

The introductory campaign, as with the original campaign, involves introduction to the gameplay (not overall, only the town): some common knowledge about nomadic creatures, dwellings and racial skill.

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Dearest and special thanks go to: Alcibiades for consulting and eager discussions on abilities, GenieLord for some help and support, and Daystar for creating the visuals for the Bastion. Other pictures are taken from various sites (hero portraits are screenshots from copyrighted Gothic 3 game by Piranha Bytes) - deepest appreciation and respect.