Writing Prompts and Junk

Prompt 12: The End of an Age

Artist: Disasters of the Empire by Herbie Wang

Tell the story of two empires. Once these two nations were at peace with each other, but something has happened to break the truce. Perhaps it was a growing fear of the other empires advancement that led to a preemptive strike. Maybe it was the ambitious actions of a foolish usurper who decided to take the first strike. What if they failed at this first strike believing their rivals inferior, yet they were expectant the entire time. Maybe someone is whispering lies in the ears of both Rulers in order to get these two kingdoms to go to war. What would be the reason behind this? Maybe a smaller or a hidden nation from across the see is playing the two kings, once friends and allies against each other. What would they have to gain other than new land and subjects to rule? Perhaps there is something or someone hidden in this continent that is of great importance.

There could be a secret society or cult with its own agenda, operating across both empires. This society might be trying to orchestrate the war to fulfill a dark prophecy or to bring about a new world order. You can introduce magical or mythical elements that play a role in the conflict. Maybe there are ancient dragons sleeping under one empire, and the war risks awakening them, or a magical barrier that once kept both empires safe is now at risk of failing.

Write the story from the perspectives of characters from both empires, showing how propaganda, misinformation, and cultural biases paint the other side as the enemy. This could provide a nuanced view of the conflict and challenge the reader's initial assumptions.

1.) "You were a fool think us so weak, King (Insert Name). You have shamed both our ancestors for your betrayal."

2.) "Milord, please. I suggest you rethink this. Why end 500 years of peace over some baseless accusations?

3.) "I make this decision with a heavy heart and hand."

4.) "You take my land and rob my people of their crops and you have the nerve to question what has provoked me?"

5.) "You are being lied too, old friend. None of my people have done what you've said. We have all the food we could ever want. Our lands are plenty and our yield is plenty. What good would it do to shed blood when we gain little from it."

6.) "Speak quickly. I do not have the patience for dallying. I've just killed my best friend and... I wish to ruminant in peace.

7.) The fires are spreading! We need more water!"

8.) "Please, brother. This madness is unbecoming. Tell me, truly. What ails you?"

9.) "They say the lord plots with sorcerers."

"What a load of shite. you wouldn't know a sorcerer if he warted yah dick."

10.) " I will not fight an unarmed man. Pick it up."

11.) The end comes for us all, brother.

12.) For us to win this war we needed to cut pieces of ourselves off. We needed to become people that we weren't.

13.) "I haven't forgiven you for what you've done." 

14.) "Listen to me! There's something else going on!"

15.) I grew up idolizing the war stories my grandfather told us. It was a different time then and it was not our time now. I wish I had listened then. I was not made for this.

16.) "Please, milord. Forgive him. He's just hungry, it's all. He didn't really mean anything by it."

17.) "I don't care about the war. I only care about magic!"

18.) The building crumbled around us. The youth ran while the Elders refused to leave. This was their home, and they would die in it. 

19.) "What could've been worth all this blood?"

"Gold, I'd reckon. Territory, maybe. More space to make food."

20.) Suddenly, all the magic fizzled out, plunging the caverns into darkness.

21.) "You married that thing? It's fucking animal!"

22.) The ___ raised his blade and snorted. Whether it was challenge or he was beckoning me forward I did not know.