Xuanye was a really impressive opponent. Though I do think that Abington was lucky in some respects. If not for server issues playing havoc with movements just outside Wayburg, I think the allied relief force come to save Kybcyell would have arrived in time to halt Abington's takeover. Kybcyell would still have been on very dangerous ground even so, but instead Kybcyell was all too easily snuffed out and as soon as that happened, no-one was quite as interested any more. There were easier pickings to be had elsewhere. The loss of Kybcyell so early on changed the whole dynamic very quickly.
Server issues? I don't recall any server issues. What I do recall is the allied relief force showing up right at the same time as Abington's army...But Kybcyell's Ruler hadn't managed to set up the right diplomacy, so all the allied forces put themselves under the command of Marshal Grand Poopah of Abington and joined the assault on the city, and were then slaughtered in the next turn's battle after Abington was inside the walls.
I have fond memories of how General Herumor(?) led an army across the continent to sack the city of Suville around that time, emphasising Darkan ability, slating everything about Abington and advertising Darka's services as mercenaries to the General's channel all the while. Couldn't really fault all the pompous bombast either. He delivered everything he said he would :-P
Heh. I got someone (can't remember who for the life of me) kicked off the Abington Military Council for that fiasco.
