461.122 // Loss of Vol Idol turns tide in Thanium
Above: Alliance Forces regroup after a massive push against Stenax lines in the Iverkal Range, Mossak
Camp Zatar – Kirstvel Bay, Mossak — The Thanium Alliance Defense Force (TADF) has confirmed the seizure of the “Stone Idol of Vol,” a revered Stenax artifact, in a special operation, the details of which are still classified. High Commander of the TADF Lagyanes Bendix, a Stenax himself, announced that the idol, which the Stenax believe to be an avatar of their god, Vol, is now in Alliance hands.
The loss of the idol is a major blow to the Stenax Empire, whose recent expansionist push is fueled by a zealous interpretation of their religious doctrines. Since the death of Emperor Hautrn, who sought peaceful reforms, militant leaders of the Covenant of Vol have claimed their conquests are divinely ordained. This religious fervor has driven the brutal Stenax advances on fronts across Mossak, Felucia, and Draukyz. Recent reports from the occupied planet Draukyz detail a horrifying and rapidly rising civilian death toll, a grim parallel of the Stenax Massacres four centuries ago.
In a press conference at Camp Zatar, Commander Bendix explained the critical impact of the idol’s seizure:
“Our cultural practices say we are only to use our wings when we are under the blessings of Vol. Without their Idol, the Stenax of the Empire will take this as a horrible omen… Tactically, this new advantage cannot be understated. The Stenax people, as a matter of honor, will need to swear off use of their wings until the Idol is returned.”
This tactical shift is already evident on the battlefield. Preliminary reports from the front lines confirm that Stenax soldiers are no longer using their wings in combat, a stunning development that removes a massive advantage the species holds over others.
While the fighting remains fierce, the loss of their primary symbol of divine favor has created a new sense of hope for Alliance forces. According to Bendix, the Stenax will likely intensify their efforts to reclaim the idol and Vol’s favor, but the strategic landscape of the war has been fundamentally altered.
“This is a massive win for the Alliance,” Bendix declared, “and we intend to capitalize on the new tactical landscape of the war.”
Andee Nevaro, Affiliated Press