I think like Dave, Yelmalio is not about war, is about persistence and resilience. The Light which survived against all odds. If you are under the dominion of an Empire which consort with chaos, try to pervert your culture, tax your goods, and have powerfull magic units that sweep you away from the battlefield... If I were a young man of that clan/tribe/country... Maybe Yelmalio gives me the answers I desperately need.
"When the wind stops,
When the earth and waters are quiet,
When the fires are ashes,
And the Crimson shadows grow strong...
The time has come for the Last of lights to Shine!
Come forth Yelmalio! Last light of Hope!"
Unknown poet, third age.