The Awakened Army of Hallandren

Lore & Background

The creation of this army relies on the principles of Awakening, where objects are given purpose and movement through the transfer of Breath. In Hallandren, statues depicting heroes or warriors were often crafted for public display. Vasher, centuries ago, utilized his mastery over Investiture to bypass the inert nature of these monuments, commanding them to rise and fight during the Manywar to defend Hallandren from the invading forces of Kharatun. This process requires immense skill, as the Awakener must hold enough Breath within themselves to sustain the animation while issuing commands. The army's deployment was an immediate response to a present-day crisis when Kharatun forces threatened to overrun Hallandren. Conventional resistance faltered, and the awakening of city statues provided an immediate numerical advantage without requiring recruitment or training. These constructs did not feel pain or fear, making them relentless combatants on the battlefield. However, their existence was tied directly to the will and Breath supply of Vasher. Ultimately, the Awakened Army symbolized the lengths Hallandren would go to preserve its sovereignty through the actions of a past generation of Awakeners. While effective in battle, the reliance on such magic carried significant costs regarding the consumption of Investiture. Once the Manywar was complete, the statues typically returned to their stone state, leaving no permanent garrison behind.

In Their Own Story

The dust settled over the plaza as the Kharatun vanguard halted, confused by the silence. Then came the sound of grinding stone. From the fountain's edge, a marble warrior twitched. Its eyes, once hollow carvings, flared with a soft violet light. Slowly, impossibly, it stepped forward, the heavy armor clinking without metal friction. Behind it, a dozen more statues rose from their pedestals, weapons drawn not by hands but by will. They did not breathe, yet they moved with purpose, standing between the invaders and the city gates.

Reader's Guide

The Awakened Army is best understood as a magical military resource rather than a traditional political faction. It consists of inanimate objects, primarily statues found within Hallandren's cities, that have been infused with life through the magic system of Awakening. Its primary goal was always defensive: to protect Hallandren from foreign aggression, specifically during the invasion by Kharatun forces. There were no ranks or promotions within the army itself, as the members were constructs following direct commands from their Awakener. The key figures associated with this force are Vasher and later Siri, who possessed the skill to command such power. The army's role in the conflict was decisive, providing overwhelming numbers when human soldiers could not hold the line. However, it remained a temporary solution, active only while the threat persisted.

Did You Know?

• The statues required no food or rest, making them ideal for prolonged sieges.
• Vasher was the primary force behind awakening the army centuries ago during the Manywar, not Siri during a later conflict.
• Each statue retained its original artistic design and weaponry during animation.
• The army was not used in the later conflict between Hallandren and Idris; it was a weapon of the Manywar against Kharatun.