The Dire Straits of Remnant
Vale: Vale is in ruins following Salem and Cinder’s pursuit of the Relic of Choice, as depicted in the RWBY Volume 9 Bonus Ending Animatic. The kingdom, once a beacon of hope with Beacon Academy at its heart, was devastated after the Fall of Beacon in Volume 3 and further destroyed by Salem’s subsequent attack. Many characters from Vale are either dead, missing, or scattered, with no clear indication of survivors like Glynda Goodwitch or others who might still be organizing resistance. The loss of Beacon Academy and the city’s infrastructure has left Vale defenseless against the Grimm, making recovery unlikely without significant external aid.
Atlas: Atlas was destroyed due to a combination of factors: Team RWBY’s idealism, Ironwood’s paranoia and authoritarian decisions, and Salem’s strategic manipulation. In Volume 8, Cinder’s attack, enabled by Salem, led to Atlas crashing into Mantle, obliterating the kingdom. While many citizens were evacuated to Vacuo using the Relic of Creation, the loss of Atlas Academy, the Schnee Dust Company, and the kingdom’s military infrastructure has left Remnant without its most technologically advanced stronghold. Salem secured the Relics of Creation and Knowledge, further tipping the scales in her favor. Ironwood and Watts perished in the fall, leaving Atlas a symbol of hubris and failure.
Mantle: Mantle, already neglected and economically disadvantaged compared to Atlas, was crushed when Atlas fell onto it in Volume 8’s “The Final Word.” The city, located on the continent of Solitas, was decimated, with thousands evacuated to Vacuo beforehand via the Relic of Creation’s pathway. However, those who remained faced certain destruction. Mantle’s downfall underscores the social and economic disparities that fueled unrest, with figures like Robyn Hill unable to prevent the catastrophe. The loss of Mantle further weakens Remnant’s defenses, as it was a key industrial hub.
Mistral: Mistral is in disarray following the events of Volume 5 and beyond. The betrayal of Headmaster Leonardo Lionheart, who facilitated the deaths of most of Mistral’s Huntsmen at the hands of Hazel and Tyrian, has left the kingdom critically underprotected. Haven Academy, meant to be a safe haven, was compromised, and the kingdom’s vast territory, riddled with a black market and criminal underworld, lacks the centralized strength to resist Grimm incursions. While Mistral’s standard military remains, it’s insufficient against Salem’s forces, and the kingdom teeters on the brink of collapse, with no significant recovery efforts noted post-Volume 9.
Menagerie: Menagerie’s status remains ambiguous, as it has been largely sidelined in the narrative since Volumes 4-5. As a Faunus homeland, it lacks the military or economic power of the main kingdoms and relies on militias rather than trained Huntsmen. There’s no evidence Salem prioritizes Menagerie, likely viewing it as insignificant due to its limited resources and lack of a Relic. However, its isolation might offer temporary safety, as seen in RWBY Volume 9: Beyond, which focuses on Vacuo without mentioning Menagerie’s involvement. The Faunus population, led by figures like Ghira Belladonna, may be organizing, but their plans and capacity to contribute to Remnant’s defense remain unclear.
Overall Outlook: With Vale and Atlas/Mantle destroyed, Mistral crippled, and Menagerie’s role uncertain, Vacuo stands as Remnant’s last major stronghold, as emphasized in Volume 9 and RWBY Volume 9: Beyond. The world has mobilized in Vacuo to face Salem, with Teams CFVY and SSSN active, and Amity Colosseum retrofitted as a battleship, suggesting a significant time has passed for preparations. However, Salem’s possession of two Relics and her intent to summon the Brother Gods—potentially to destroy Remnant—places the world in dire straits. Ruby’s Silver Eyes and the remaining Relics offer hope, but the gods’ unpredictable nature and Salem’s strategic advantage make the outcome uncertain. Viz Media’s acquisition of the RWBY IP offers potential for a Volume 10 to resolve these threads, but for now, Remnant’s future hangs by a thread
