World Wonder
The sun sets on Travian's golden age of development and expansion. The days grow short, much like the patience of countless warlords, each seeking to establish themselves as the king of kings.
So many campaigns, an endless list of battles among the lords of the known world and in the end what do any have to define them as unique among their brethren? Tales told around the campfire of battles won and lost have grown stale. Though none will regret their adventures, nor the friends they've made, far too many comrades have also fallen. The wizened veterans, when they find themselves lying in their beds gazing at the moon begin to question the purpose of it all. 'What have we done to honor those we have lost?'
We have all explored new lands, built alliances and crushed those who would stand in the way of our newly established kingdoms. Yet for all our accomplishments, the blood, sweat and tears of our people deserve to be known not only through all the land, but also throughout all history. Rulers come and go, nations rise and fall, but heroes of myth and legend never die. We owe it to ourselves, our allies, and our people, to rise up and claim that which is our birthright; immortality as the greatest ruler ever to conquer the lands of Travian!
Though many questioned how to ascend to such great heights, for better or worse, they did not have to wait long for an answer. The days have grown short and dark shadows have begun to lurk in the ancient forests and dales across the land. The ever present din of clashing swords and rallying cries has awoken a threat thought lost to the mists of time. It was inevitable that an age of expansion would encroach on the isolated realms of the Natar. The newly discovered border markers of their lands would give many an attacker just cause to turn back. For those brave souls who sought to make a name for themselves however, there could be no greater an opportunity, nor more dangerous a foe.
War councils have been convened, the trumpets sounded, a call to arms for one and all. Thousands of troops march forth from the garrisons under the banners of their lords with one common goal. The generals advance on the newly discovered cities of the ancient Nataran Empire searching for the key to all their dreams. Somewhere, defended by legions of the fiercest warriors and hidden in sacred vaults, the culmination of all Natar achievement lies waiting to be claimed. The lore of the ancients is finally within reach. Now is the time for the brave and the bold, to overcome formidable odds and claim the plans to create a world wonder!
(Story by Darian for the Natar Creative Writing Competition)
» continue
-------------------------------
Construction plans
Setting out from their capitols, the united armies of Romans, Teutons and Gauls were so confident in their might, intoxicated by dreams of power and glory. Yet oh, how the mighty have fallen! Many battle-hardened legions were struck down at the base of the impenetrable walls surrounding the Nataran cities. Wave upon wave of troops surged forward recklessly hurrying to their own graves, but after so many weeks of besieging the mighty fortresses, the tides of war began to turn.
The red light of dawn this day seemed to prophesize the bloodshed that would ensue. The acrid smoke of flaming pitch darkened the sky as catapults battered what remained of their outer defenses. Battle hardened sentries watched from the parapets as countless siege towers approached for the final assault. The Nataran defenses were finally overwhelmed and as the battle continued against pockets of resistance in the streets, the mighty commanders of the unified army entered the battered city in search of their prize.
Facing the central square, the awe-inspiring treasury stood holding the last secrets of their masters. Rams battered the doors and troops rushed to neutralize the final guardians of the spoils of war. The skills of the craftsmen who built this vault for the Natarans did not escape the generals as they cautiously approached the scroll-laden shelves within. At last, the plans to construct the legendary World Wonder were within their grasp, but their victory was short lived. The hum of horns could be heard in the distance. Rushing out of the building, all could see thousands of Nataran reinforcements moving to surround the city. The earth trembled under their uniform march, as did the hearts of those about to fall under their blades.
The Roman, Teuton and Gaul generals hurried to send messengers out to their people before escape became impossible. Even if they should fall this day, at least what they had learned would survive. Soon all would know the locations of the construction plans and how only attacks with their mightiest heroes could hope to take them. Any hoping to build their own Wonder would know not only how to destroy the Nataran treasuries, but also how to build one themselves to defend their stolen plans.
As the scouts raced to escape through the closing Nataran battle formation, a hush fell over the city. With grim determination the united generals attempted to secure the walls they had spent weeks reducing to rubble. ’How quickly the attacker can become the defender in this world’, thought one of them with a grin as he prepared to fight his final battle.
More information about the Natars and the construction plans can be found here.
» continue
(Story by Darian for the Natar Creative Writing Competition)
---------------------------------
Today, the sun rises not only on a new day, but on a new age! As a testament to the accomplishments of teamwork and determination, at [world_end_time] workers of the great city of [village_ww] completed the summit of the most wondrous creation to grace the world of Travian!
As [player_ww] ascended to the peak, followed by the generals of the [ally_ww] alliance, the entire world stretched out before them and for the first time they smiled with satisfaction. All tribes, city states and nations sent representatives to pay homage to the one whom through wit, diplomacy and military might, has finally united them all. Far below the summit of the great Wonder, the people cheer.
Among the most honored dignitaries present, [player_ew2] and [player_ew3] took their rightful places behind [player_ew1] as rulers of the second and third mightiest nations in the land.
Needing no introduction, [player_off1] was quickly recognized among the gathered crowds with whispers of awe and fear. Having developed a reputation for cunning tactics and ruthlessness on the battlefield [player_off1] was known as the most ruthless of attackers, their martial prowess would inspire legends in the age to come.
[player_def1] was met with cheers by those assembled as he followed the procession up to the top. A brilliant tactician and champion of the people, they were known far and wide as the greatest defender ever to hold a city.
Warriors, leaders, heroes, they stood together gazing over the world they have explored and conquered. Though the celebrations would end, the people would once again go back to their day to day lives, this day would live on in their memories forever.
We, the Travian-Team, hope that you have enjoyed your time with us, through the trails of defeat and the joys of victory. Thank you all for visiting our world and making it such a truly unique experience. We look forward to seeing you in the future when the Travian world will once again be in need of heroes such as yourselves!
Warmest regards to one and all,
The Travian-Team
(Not linked)
Originally Posted by John Doe
The sun was already rising, but still the workers of the metropolis [village_ww] kept on working to finish their prodigious monument. Around [world_end_time] am/pm a worker finished the greatest and most formidable building in Travian history since the downfall of the Natarian Empire.
