It feels like an eternity since I last put pen to paper, since returning home to our Zone 974, I haven’t had much time to reflect on the success of the exploration in the Barren Lands, it didn’t take long for daily life to go back to normal with the weekly offerings to Lord Driver, hoping he protects our alliance Guardians of Driver aka GOD.
One Week Beforehand:
The alliance decided we would return to the Barren Lands in search of the rare ants, recently it has been preparation for the journey ahead.
Mid-Week: The Info Broker dropped off some intel today (I still don’t trust them pesky fairies), it looks like this exploration will be extremely hard, we will be fighting some tough enemies. THE alliance from Zone 997, have a lot of super soldiers you know the type the ones that buy all the latest enhancements, alongside them is El0 from Zone 961 and VAL also from Zone 997.
We got teamed up with VIE from Zone 952 and MON from Zone 991. Unfortunately, this is when the issues started. MON already fought with THE on a previous exploration and well they didn’t stand much of a chance against them, so they already given up before we even leave and they said they did not see the point of going, but that’s not how explorations work once your alliance agreed to go to the Barren Lands you are locked in for 17 days before you can vote to leave.
So for the next week, MON were constantly negative and complaining about how they didn’t want to go but it was too late we all had to face the journey ahead.
The days leading up to our departure were filled with frantic preparations and uneasy anticipation. The looming presence of rival alliances, armed to the teeth with the latest enhancements, cast a shadow of doubt over our expedition. Yet, despite the odds stacked against us, we steeled ourselves for the challenges ahead.
26th February 2024:
Today marks the beginning of an unimaginable journey.
With Lord Driver’s blessing, we stepped through the portal into the unforgiving expanse of the Barren Lands. The air crackled with anticipation, mingled with the acrid scent of scorched earth.
Our mission was clear: to battle other alliances in pursuit of the elusive ants hidden within this forsaken landscape. It was a quest fraught with danger and uncertainty, but the promise of rare ants fuelled our determination.
As we ventured deeper into the wasteland, the harsh sun beat down upon us as we started building towers and clearing the land of giant insects. Our alliance, a ragtag group of adventurers bound by a common goal got to work. Knowing each step brought us closer to the heart of the battleground, where the spoils of war awaited.
But even as we toiled to strengthen our position, the betrayal of MON cast a pall over our efforts. Their actions, blocking the gates of our ally VIE, threatened to tip the scales against us, turning what should have been a three-way battle into a lopsided conflict.
Yet, undeterred, we pressed onward, determined to overcome the obstacles in our path.
Week Two
We entered the northern clash area with a clear strategy in mind: to avoid engaging with THE and instead focus our efforts on confronting VAL and El0. We set a route to cross paths with VAL. On arrival we began to fight, at first it looked like the battle was in our favour but how naive we were, they swarmed us in an instant we were outnumbered by three to one. The battle was over quickly, we could not compete with their numbers, so we chose to retreat for the time being.
Mid-Week- We are still managing to avoid THE but now both VAL and El0 are upon us, I woke up to find some of my comrades already used all their troops trying to defend so I quickly jumped into the battle to try to defend, I put up a good fight but their numbers are too great and eventually I run out of troops.
The strength of VAL and El0 lay in their swarming tactic to overwhelm us. I sent a message out to the alliance saying we needed to fight together to save our troops and set a time for UTC18 this worked for most people to make a pushback together. In a climactic battle that tested the very limits of our endurance, we emerged victorious, driving back our foes and reclaiming lost ground. Though the scars of battle may linger, our spirits remained unbroken, fuelled by the flames of defiance burning within our hearts. We were left with hope.
Week Three
VIE’s decision to entertain MON’s demands to leave the Barren Land shook GOD’s morale, Yet, despite the blow to morale, we remained steadfast in our commitment to see the expedition through to its conclusion. Though the spectre of betrayal loomed large, we refused to yield to despair, clinging to the hope of securing the rare ants that had drawn us to this desolate land.
Meanwhile, tensions with THE alliance simmered beneath the surface, exacerbated by their frustration at being avoided. In a desperate bid to salvage their pride, they struck a deal with MON’s adversaries allowing them to farm MON for kills.
It has been a hard week to keep the alliance motivated active numbers are dropping. We just have to keep reminding everyone why we came on this exploration, for the chance to find the rare ants, that’s our ultimate goal.
Week Four
Our resolve has been tested like never before as dwindling resources and waning morale threatened to sap our strength. Yet, even in the face of exhaustion and adversity, we fought on with unwavering determination. Though our bodies may be weary and our spirits battered, the flames of defiance burning within our hearts remained unquenched.
As we prepare to return home, battered but unbowed, I am filled with a sense of pride for my comrades in arms. Though the journey may have been fraught with hardship and betrayal, we emerged stronger for the trials we endured. And though the spoils of war may elude us, the bonds forged in the crucible of conflict will endure, a testament to the resilience of the Guardians of Driver.
May the Lord Driver bless us and guide us safely home.
