Silver Crusade (IC/Semi-Closed)

by **New Armarzia** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:44 pm

OOC: http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?ns=1&f=25&t=174904

The wind blew flurries of snow throughout the old, large fort. Many large tents surrounded the fort and many more soldiers were busy throughout the fort and tents. The sun was beginning to rise as activity among the fort was beginning to die down. A few carts were pulling into the large camp outside as soldiers moved to unload supplies from them. Most of the men throughout the camp wore scaled, metal armor built with fur in order to deep the men warm. The same men had images of a white deer painted upon their shields. Most of these men carried either spears or axes, but a small amount of them proudly carried swords at their sides. A much smaller group of soldiers that obviously were in charge of the others wore full plates of steel and wore surcoats depicting the white deer, every member of this group wore swords at their sides. A third group of soldiers seemed out of place and not apart of the other two groups. They wore studded, black fur armor and fur clocks around that. Most were armed with swords and bows.

A man in steel plate, Commander William Tarthan, flanked by two of the more common soldiers headed towards the main hall of the fort and entered through the great, double door. Inside of the hall, many of the soldiers stood at the walls at attention. Others tended to a large fire off to the right and two escorted a man in chains wearing different armor outside of the room. In the center was a large table where a number of men wearing steel plated armor and three wearing the black fur armor stood around. William approached the table as he heard one man wearing steel armor, but no helmet was speaking, "Most of our scouts haven't reported back yet and the few that have couldn't find anything of value as this blasted snow makes it damned near impossible to find anything. Why don't you send some of your blasted rangers to scout the area, aren't your people suppose to be good at this sorta thing?"

The oldest looking man in the black armor replied, "I will not risk losing my men to weather especially just to find information about them." The man pointed towards the soldier be dragged away by the Armarzian soldiers. "This land was suppose to be the land of the dead, lead by the dread queen and her horde of undead and whatever other abominations from the abyss she leads. Not human soldiers, I find hard to believe that all of our neighbors could fall to such a force."

The man in steel spoke again, "Commander Tarthan! What news do you have?"

The commander replied, "A caravan has just arrived with supplies, we should be able to hold here until we are reinforced with no worry of any lack of supplies, Lord Martan. Also we have received word from the Emperor and from your other two commanders."

Lord Martan spoke anxiously, "Well, out with it! What is it?"

"Commander Taric and Graves have set up camps a number of miles away on our Northern and Southern flanks and are waiting orders. The emperor is calling the Royal Legion to arms and has asked that we hold until the legion is able to rally with the Earl of Cassdithe to reinforce our forces. And the Lunarch refuses to support this war with the reasoning that their may be still be a chance at peace with these barbaric invaders. And without the Lunarch's support none of the Dukes are willing to join the fight which means only the Earl of Cassdithe, the Emperor, and the High Inquisitor are providing for this campaign," replied the Commander.

The head ranger said, "The legion would be a welcome sight and once the legion crosses the border I am sure many of the Dukes would be more willing to join our campaign. And if all we face are these pathetic soldiers we may not even need any of the Dukes to fight."

Lord Martan laughed, "You are probably right! But no matter, if the emperor wants us to hold than we shall hold. Just glad I do not have to be marching in this storm."

by **Segmentia** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 12:13 pm

The snow had stopped falling around the small town of Ash Holm, not before leaving a snow fall of about a foot deep. The towns sheriff and local militia leader trudged through the snow, toward a large tent set up on the edge of the Ash Holm forest. He was young for a person in such a position, so the snow did not slow him down to much. That and he was very excited. It wasn't every-day when someone in such a lowly position was summend to a war-council with some of the greatest generals in the Queendom.

As he got closer to the tent, he could make out many more black tents set up inside the forest, and just outside of it as well. So the rumors of a full legion being in the area were true. Apperantly they were going to hit back very hard against the New Armarzia invaders. As he continued to advance toward the tent, he wondered just who would be at the meeting. Maybe he would see the famed General Lividivus, possibly the greatest general in the Queendom. As he continued to imagine all the great names he would get to possibly see, he didn't realize how close to the tent he had gotten, until two tall female elves in black armor and cloaks stepped into front of him, swords at the ready.

"Whats your purpose here, human?" The one on the right said, saying the word 'human' with apperant disgust. The Queendom may have been one of the freeist places around, but racism was still around, like most other places. Slowly the sheriff took a note out of his pocket and handed it to the closest elf, who read it quickly. She turned to the one that had spoken before and nodded. They moved out of his way and gestured for him to continue. "Remain silent unless asked to speak." One of them said as he walked past. It was advice he was going to follow.

As he entered the tent, he could hear an argument rageing back and fourth. It seemed about to burst out of control when someone slammed their hand onto a large table in the center of the tent. He was willing to bet that it woulnd't normally get people to stop if someone else had done it, but once the sheriff saw who had slammed the table, it was clear to him why the argument died as fast as it did.

Standing at the head of the table was a massive werewolf, at least eight feet tall. General Bloodfang was a werewolf, and had been Ravadianas' right-hand for almost as long as she had been a queen, several hundred years. He commanded immense respect.

"Enough!" Bloodfang growled. "The fact is that these people invaded the lands of our Queen, and they must pay the price in blood. We have enough forces to deal with the current amount in our nation. Yet we must strike them soon, least they reinforce their position. I shall command our forces in this batt-" Bloodfang was cut off mis word by someone the sheriff had not seen when he had enetred.

"No, Bloodfang. I think I will take command of this battle personally." Queen Ravadiana said from her seat in near the back corner of the tent. The sheriffs heart stopped. The Queen herself was here, and he, a lowly commoner, was able to see her in the flesh. It was an immense honor. Ravadiana stood from her seat and walked to the table, standing taller then just about everyone in the tent.

"I will command the Legion here, and will deal with these aggresors in the following days. As for the rest of you, you will go and prepare your other Legions. I have no intention of allowing this little invasion to go unpunished. We will drive into New Armarzia and show them the proper way to invade a nation." Ravadiana said in a low but confident tone.

Some generals mumbled protests, others acknowledged their orders. Bloodfang growled lowly, a sign of being uncomfortable. "I do not like the idea of you putting yourself in danger, your majesty. Surely General Lividivus or myself would be better suited for this task." Bloodfang said, sounding defeated already.

"I know my way around a war, Bloodfang. Probably better then most of the people in this tent. It comes with being a several hundred year old queen whose strated plenty of wars. You of all people should know that. I could probably deal with them all on my own, with out any troops. Perhaps I will." Ravadiana said wit a smile. If any of the stories of about the Queen were true, then she could do just as she said. "Sheriff, how large of a militia force do you have under your command?" Ravadiana asked, looking right at the sheriff. The others at the table also turned to look at him. He felt his temperature rise, and he could tell that he was probably blusing.

"Ah...well, your majesty, if I were to, um, gather everyone from the farms and outlying villages, we could assemble a militia of about three hundred." He stammered.

The Queen nodded. "Good. Send out the orders to do so. We are going to trick these invaders into leaving their little fort to come out and face us. I feel that their commander wants to send good news back to his leaders, and what better news then another vicotry over barley ared and trained peasents. Once they leave their fort, however, the Legion troops will circle in behind them and cut them off. Then we will destroy them." She spoke her plan. Onbiously it would be much more in dpeth then that, but the over-all plan seemed good in the sheriffs mind. Other then the fact that he and his militia were basically going to be fodder.

The next day, the militia had been assembled, and the Legion troops were in hiding, ready to reveal them selves at the best moment. The queen ordered the militia forward and left to join her personel troops, who would rush in to help the militia, the sheriff had be reassured. So he marched his men to the last spot where the scouts had reported seeing the enemy. Hopefully they would come out, and the queens plan would go down without a problem.

by **New Armarzia** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 8:10 pm

Commander Tarthan walked into the hall again. The fort along with the entire camp was busy with activity as the soldiers depicting white deer prepared themselves to march, ready for combat. The entire camp along with the leadership knew that the enemy was spotted, but only Commander Tarthan and his scouts knew the details. He walked toward the table, with the head ranger and his Lord standing beside as usual. "Commander, so where does our enemy stand at?" asked Lord Martan.

"Scouts are reporting a sizable force of about two or three hundred soldiers to our West, poorly armed and we are assuming they are poorly trained as well. We will have at least an advantage of a hundred more soldiers than them who are better equipped and trained. I would suggest pressing the attack now before they are able to reinforce themselves with anymore soldiers," said the commander.

Lord Martan replied enthusiastically, "Than we shall press the attack. I want commander Taric to rendezvous with our forces where I will lead them against these peasants. But send word to Commander Graves to flank this enemy force from the North. Make sure they are not able to escape. And I am assuming you will be marching with us master ranger?"

"I will not, I shall hold my ground here as ordered by the emperor. We are to wait here for the Emperor's legion. Not abandon our only holding in the land to fight some peasants," replied the head ranger coldly.

"Twenty rangers cannot hold a fort against three hundred, you are only taking away from our force," the commander protested.

"No worries commander, the rangers can prepare a feast and clean the camp for our glorious return," said the lord cheerfully. The head ranger simply nodded and walked out of the hall. Within another hour Lord Martan and Commander Tarthan's two hundred soldiers marched out to meet Commander Taric's hundred soldiers while Commander Grave's marched a few miles to the north with another hundred to flank the enemy, all oblivious to the ambush awaiting them.

by **New Armarzia** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 4:22 am

by **Segmentia** » Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:15 pm

Unknown to the Armarzians (OOC: Is that the correct term?), their every movement was being watched by Atheonian scouts, and the Legion was movng to adapt after every report. Queen Ravadiana had split the Legion into groups, making them more manuverable, so hey could react to battle progression easier. She and her personal guard were waiting near the milita, to attack and destroy the main group of enemies. After each group was elemiated, the Legion would move on and lay siege to the fort these invaders had established in her nation. Judgeing by the number of enemies in the field, the garrison would be small.

The 300-strong militia frces moved into a clearing with a thick patch of forest to the left, whih is where Ravadiana and her personal guard were waiting. The ground was perfect for a battle, and no doubt the enemy commander would choose to attack here, where his force woul have the absolute advantae over the poorly armed and barley rained miltia. Now they just had to wait for the best moment to spring the trap.

by **Segmentia** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:18 pm

Bump for preservation.

by **New Armarzia** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 6:26 pm

Lord Martan sat on his horse as he led a force of two hundred men. Two of his commanders and their captains followed on horseback at the front of the army. The two hundred infantry marched forward and soon the enemy was spotted, mere peasants. Hardly armed and hardly prepared for the onslaught Lord Martan believed he was about to give the pathetic army that stood before him. "My lord, if we wait here Commander Graves's forces will be able to assist us from the Northern Flank," said Commander Taric.

A sense of glory washed over Lord Martan as he thought of the songs that would be sung in his name as his force won outnumbered, though he would spare the info about fighting peasants. "Prepare to charge Commander Taric, I want your forces to charge straight through the gut of their forces." Lord Martan turned his horse all the way around to face Commander Tarthan, "I want your forces to loop around and hit the SOuthern edge of their force, that way they will move North and Commander graves can cut them off if he ever he gets here. Move you fools, I would like to be back at the fort by supper." The two commanders rode quickly to organize their two halves of the army. Within a few minutes the professional army was split in two and slowly marching towards the peasants standing their ground. in a minute more all the Armarzian soldiers were sprinting to the enemy lines hoping for an easy victory, but not suspecting the ambush laying in wait just beyond the army in the woods.

Commander Graves's forces continued to march South, slowed down by weather and being in unfamiliar territory. One hundred infantry slowly moved to reinforce Lord Martan's army that was doomed. Commander graves continued at a steady pace, slowly marching his men to their doom in this foreign land...

by **Segmentia** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:30 am

Ravadiana smiled as she saw the enemy charge. Their commander was just wha she had expected, a glory hound. Any commander actually concerned about their troops would have sent out scouts. Well, it was their loss. She turned to one of the captains leading the part of the Legion that was supporting the militia. They were a mix of archers and heavy infantry. She waited for the Armarzians to get a little closer to the militia.

"Now." She said to the captain, who signaled the other troops. The archers fired a volly, many of the well aimed arrows hitting the first ranks of the chargeing enemy. Before the archers could even ready a second volly, the heavy infantry charged forward, most carrying bastard swords or battle axes Normally the snow would slow them down more then it was, but with their Queen watchig, they were eager to impress, and charged through the snow as if it weren't there. They closed on the enemy, the arcers manageing to loose to more vollys at the enemy before the two infantry forces crashed into each other. War was a bloody business and few things made that obvious then when two forces of infantry met in a field.

Rather then join the infantry in their battle, Ravandiana and her personal guard moved around the melee in progress, and moved to take out the commander of the ill-fated attack. Casting a glance a the battle, she noticed that the militia had moved in to help the heavy infantry, though they probably wouldn't do much. She and her guards caught sight of the enemy commander, and quickly closed in for the attack. It seemed he had sent most of his men into the attack, and only a few remained with him. Ravadiana and her guards were upon them in moments. Her guards were mostly elves, each having hundreds of years of experiance on their side. The commanders guards didn't stand a chance. The commander was trapped, his left leg being trapped under the weight of the horse he had been riding. Ravadiana made her way to him and crouched down. She withdrew one of the daggers she had and prepared to kill the man.

"Thank you. Your little invasion has given me the excuse I need to invade your nation." She sad to him before driving the dagger into his unprotected throat.

------

To the south, the enemy was also being engaged. Not by infantry or archers, but by a pack of werewolves. The beasts needed no weapons, as their claws and strength allowed them to smply rip throug all but the thickest of armor. Their speed allowed them to simply run past one of the enemy, and in he breif second they were near them, they could rip through their armor. Though werewolves preferred to pick a target and fight it in one place, rather then running around, something they considered a cowards tactic. And they weren't killing all of them, Queen Ravadiana had expressed to them that she wanted prisoners, so prisoners is what she would get.

Of course, the werewolves were not with out losses. The humans killed a few simply though sheer numbers. Fighting in the lightly forested area, the humans could corner a werewolf by a tree, and enough wounds would put them down. Some were simply surrounded, though a surrounded werewolf is an even more deadly foe. But the humans seemed to be surprised and confused by the onslaught. It seemed as though the had never faced a werewolf before, let alone a pack of them. So that was another advantage the wolves had.

------

The enemies in the north were the unluckiest of them all, for they had absolutley no chance to even hurt the force they would be fighting. Sylvanis the Blackscale watched her prey from quite a distance away. The terrain to the north was rocky and full of natural choke points, places easy for her to trap them from escape. She waited patiantly for several minutes, until the last of the enemy had passed through a tall pass through a large rock wall. With a few powerful flaps of her wings, the massive dragon was in the air, and quickly making her way toward her pray. They weren't expect a dragon to attack them, as they did not bother to look to the skies and failed to see her. They were quite surprised when she let out a mighty roar that echoed across the land. She landed heavily on the ground, between the enemey and their only escape route.

She was a fair dragon. If any of the little men in their useless armor managed to make it past her, and through the pass, the would be free to leave. Not that she planned on letting any of them escape. A long moment passed, neither the dragon nor the humans below her making a move. Finally, the humans charged forward, their desperation making them act stupidly. Had they been smart, they would have broken into smaller groups and made her hunt them down, giving at least a small chance for some to escape.

As it was, they charged right at her. She smiled. She also charged, a sight that caused several of the humans to falter in their advance. She stopped just before them, and they ran into the attack, their swords doing nothing against her scales. It wasn't even going to be a good fight. She swiped her right paw at them, her claws cutting men in two, ripping through their armor as if it were paper. The 'battle' lasted mere moments. The massive dragon surveyed the carnage. She heard the sound of falling rocks, and looking to her right, she saw five of the humans were almost at the pass. They must have been the smart ones. She brought her tail down on them, turning four of the humans into managled spots of red on the rocks. The last human stood, terrified and perhaps muttering a final prayer. But Sylvanis had another use for the lone survivor.

She turned and brought her muzzle right to the human, her large eyes staring right into his. Then she spoke, not normally. All dragons can speak directly into the minds of others. It was one of the only ways some dragons could communicate with others.

"You get to live human. You will serve as my messager. You will find the dragon they call Xivake, and you will tell her that Sylvanis will be coming home soon. Now go." Sylvanis 'spoke'.

The human nodded and scurried off down the pass, Sylvanis watching him go for quite some time.

by **New Armarzia** » Sun Apr 22, 2012 7:27 pm

All was quiet in the cold fortress. It seemed empty with the absence of the armies, just the rangers to tend the fort until the Lord is done getting his glory. The Master Ranger was in the hall standing over a large parchment. The land in Aetheon was mostly unknown to the Armarzians, and so a cartographer was making a map as the Armarzians advanced, which wasn't far. The Master Ranger stood silent and still as he watched the cartographer at work. The silence was broken and as a ranger opened the doors of the fort and entered, quickly walking towards the Master Ranger. "My lord, a soldier has arrived from Lord Martan's forces. He was under Commander Graves's command. He is waiting outside."

The Master Ranger said, "Alright, take me to him." The ranger walked towards the door with his superior following close behind. The Master Ranger exited the building to a now seemingly empty fortress. With the hundred soldiers gone and all the tents packed up, the place seemed deserted. In the middle of the courtyard a soldier was on his knees with two rangers standing beside him. The Master Ranger approached the frightened man whose hands were tied. The Master Ranger approached the soldier. The ranger down upon the frightened man and put his hand on his shoulder, "What happened soldier, what frightens you?"

The soldier looked up at the ranger, fear in his eyes. "A-A dragon. It...attacked us, killed everyone...but me. The dragon it, uh called itself Sylvanis. Said it wanted me to tell...Zyvak I think of its coming."

"Xivake," the Master Ranger corrected. He turned to the ranger that informed him of the soldier and said, "No doubt Lord Martan has fell. Prepare a message to send to the 'gate'. tell them Lord Martan's attack has failed, and that the rangers supporting have fell as well."

The ranger sighed and said, "Of course sir." The ranger knew the Master Ranger planned on fighting to the death to hold this fort as it was his command. The ranger quickly went to the stable to grab a horse to send the letter to the fortified gate within the tunnel under the mountains that guarded New Armarzia.

The Master Ranger watched motioned for one of the two men beside the soldier to follow him. He nodded to the other who drew his sword and decapitated the frightened and unsuspecting soldier. The Master Ranger said emotionlessly, "An Armarzian holds his ground." He turned to the ranger next to him and said, "Alert the rest of the rangers. We are to be attacked soon and we will hold this fort till the last of this enemy falls."

by **Firstaria** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:56 am

It was a cold foggy night in the Armazian sea, so thick that many sailors would remain into ports, scared to lose the direction and the way home in a simple blink. But usually this doesn't stop invasions, especially those ones.
This invader actually loves the fog covering them from the light of the moon and the various stars. the ten ships carrying specters arrived near the Valareean coast undetected...not that this was impossible, since the coast they decided to land was deserted. At few miles from the land, a huge ship came out of the sea, her phantom sail and her dark look impossible to confuse: the Vanguard, the flagship of the Valley of the Tempest, with many Specters on board and the Black Hand ready.

After a quick and undisturbed arrival of an army of 10.000 Specters, Crow stepped forward in the night and took a deep unnecessary breath, then said " Home sweet home...although this applies only to you Daniel ", with a smile on his face. The Emissary of Shadows, the leader of the Valley, was consulting a map. " Yeah, even if I never saw those lands, the map and the books speaks clearly. This was the island where a colony of my former past were. Several feet from this bay, in West direction, there was a prosperous city; however, this land was also attacked by the paladin order and cleanse, although the paladins were unable to settle here due to the war going on in the mainland. "
Rik stepped behind him, his face (what could be seen) looking puzzled " I don't get it, Daniel. Why the sudden nostalgia? ". At this, Daniel raised his eyes to the sky, and said " That was a 'Crow' question (Crow " Hey. "). It's not nostalgia, but more like easy victory. Although I don't know where or when I can perform the Claim ritual here, this was my former land. Doing a Claim will surely be way more simple once we figure out how to silence any possible objection to it. "

Then, Daniel folded the map and gave it to a Specter. " Crow, the honor is yours. " he said, and the archer pulled out of his mantle a Black Crystal shard; after waking around a bit, he found the best place for the center of the base and put the shard into the ground, only the tip going outside.
Slowly, the crystal began to grow, and the ground around it was getting drained of any life; the crystal also emitted a strange black fog that started to rise into the sky, in order to block the sun. Daniel stepped forward and said " Good, but this will not be our main base. As I said, several feet from there a dead city awaits us, with ruined walls to rebuild and a better settlement. Let's do a standard avampost setting here: Rik, I want 2 Dark Temples ready not far from the coast and a Pit on dry land, wet souls are not that good. Crow, build your War Lab near the coast, I want a fleet also if we need to siege a city. I'll take care of Obelisk and to build Torches all around the settlement! "

They all nodded, while with a movement Daniel sent the Vanguard to his sea tomb, to let the Dark Marble transport ship to land. It always sucks to not have a base where to call with magic the resources needed, but soon this would not be anymore a problem for Valareean.

by **Segmentia** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 3:58 pm

The battle had been an overwhelming victory. The surprise of attack had played a major part, but so had the arrogance of the enemy commander, who had not even bothered to scout the area before commiting his forces. The world would not mourn his passing. Not all of the enemy soldiers had been killed, and a collection of 43 prisoners had been taken and brought to the field where the main battle had been fought. They were put to work, diging graves for their dead. The Atheon militia were already diging graves for the Atheon dead.

Ravadiana surveyed the situation with mild amusement. Though it was unfortunante that some of her subjects had died, she was used to that by now. One did not forge an empire with out the spilling of a very large amount of blood. And she had formed quite a large empire. And thanks to these Armarzians, she was going to extend her borders even more. They had given her the excuse she had needed to launch an invasion of their stubborn little patch of land. Being an absolute monarch, people would think that she did not need a reason, which was true enough. But she liked to be justified when she went to war. It always helped in negotiations, if they ever came about.

But now there was a small fort to deal with. Ravadiana had left that to one of her most trusted servents, Nerisella Soundinghorn, one of the few Orcs in her personal guard. Nerisella had already moved her forces to surround to small fort, out of range for any weapons they might have. She had the prisoners marched toward the fort, under escort and with the white flag raised. In Atheon the white flag was a symbol of surrender or parley. The use of it in this situation was obvious.

Nerisella halted the group within shouting and hearing range of the fort. She had been instructed to offer the forces inside one chance to surrender and leave for their homes. She took a few more steps forward, her heavy armor not slowing her down a bit, even in the snow.

"I would have words with the commander of this fort. Let him come forward and speak face to face. Or if he is to cowardly to do that, we can just shout!" She called out, not seeing anyone on the walls, but knowing there were people inside.

by **New Armarzia** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:34 pm

The Master Ranger exited the fort alone within a few minutes. His black, fur clothing contrasting against the snow he stepped in. His sword was sheathed, but his left hand glowed with a red aura and it seemed as though red smoke rose from it. The Master Ranger approached the orc and stopped ten feet away. He said in a loud, but emotionless voice, "Cowardly? You outnumber my men, you surround my fort, yet you will still try to hide behind these prisoners." The elderly, but still strong ranger smiled and continued. "You have to have me approach your forces and leave this fort to satisfy your own safety. You are the coward you savage." The ranger emphasized the common stereotype made against orcs.

The ranger drew sword and pointed it towards the orc. "Now I will only offer this once. Release these men and leave with your soldier. If you do so, I can guarantee both you and your soldiers will be safe from a most gruesome death." The Ranger gave another smile as the red aura around his left hand brightened, the smile gave no hint towards bravery or insanity.

Uthore sat at the head of a large table. The table was filled with all manners of people. Nearly a hundred men and women adorned with armor, fur and many weapons crowded the table. Many women also crowded the hall, promising company to the stronger men of the table. The most apparent and impressive spectacle in the gargantuan room was a lady in an elegant dress who seemed to be out of place. She sat beside Uthore on his left while a number of other women who seemed to be apart of the culture sat at his right listening to his heroic tales. There seemed to be notice tot he messenger who urgently rushed into the hall full of drunk men and women. The messenger quickly made his way to Uthore where he handed over a sealed letter.

Uthore ended his tale for the women and read the letter. He passed it to the elegant lady and asked, "Does Sylvanis mean anything to you, Xivake?"

The lady read the letter and replied shortly with hatred, "Sylvanis is just a murderous beast."

Uthore gave a hearty laugh and said, "So are bears and wolves, but you do not hate them."

Xivake sighed and replied quietly, "She is a sibling that never needed to be born."

"Well, you are in luck, my lady. It seems your sister is giving us an opportunity to correct that mistake." Uthore got up from his chair and yelled over the roar of the crowd, "Tragoth! Assemble the council, it is time that the tribes show their strength once more..."

by **Segmentia** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:06 pm

Nerisella huffed a being called a savage. It was a common stereotype, but that didn't mean it was any less insulting.

"The only reason we are speaking is because my Queen gave me istructions to offer you and your men a sinlge chance to return to your own nation, the one to cowardly to formaly declare war against their enemies. And its only fair that both you and I are exposed to the possibility of death while speaking. So I will carry out my instructions. You and your men will leave this fort and return to your homes these prisoners will be released to you shoul you accept." Nerisella said before smiling.

"And if you refuse, their fates have been left to me, the 'savage'." She said the word with contempt. "And since you are weak enough to have resorted to such basic insults, I am not feeling to merciful. So know that if you refuse, these prisoners, your men, and you will all be dead before the next sun rise. Not that I would pefer anything else." She shifted her footing, ready to counter any attack the human might launch.

by **Firstaria** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:28 pm

The Valley forces had settled their base a moon ago, and as promised they were now marching towards the place where the ancient city was, where Daniel wanted to create his own main settlement for this invasion.
The expedition had only a bit of the Valley's force: the Black Hand, 1.200 sword Specters, 200 archer Specters, and 20 catapults maneuvered in total by 100 Specters (5 per catapult). It was fortunate that they didn't need supplies for the travel, being dead already, so they could move faster than expected.

However, the expedition had to sudden stop at an...expected obstacle. Well, more unexpected to be fair, but as Daniel admitted himself from the top of the hill he was now " Well, of course this island was not inhabited only by soldiers... "
Being so close to a mainland, Daniel expected resistance in his campaign, but not to find and harmless village before any fortress.
" Those doesn't look like they belong to a kingdom or a nation " said Rik " It's possible they are old natives, your old people? "

Daniel lowered his head, and then smirked " You said that well...old people. Crow, " but, to his surprise, Crow already ordered to the archers and the catapults to fire on the city and burn it on the ground. " I know you too well, Daniel. Want to leave some survivors? "
Daniel could laugh if he was human, so he said " Indeed, Crow. Leave at least ten of them, and let's burn everything that we find between us and the ancient city! I don't want an easy victory, I want a story that the bards will tell to remember everyone to fear the Valley of the Tempest! "

And so, the real attack begun....

by **New Armarzia** » Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:01 pm

The Master Ranger stood his ground and coldly said, "It seems that you are a tamed savage, and its not an insult, it is a title your race has done more than enough to deserve." The ranger was delighted in the agitated response from the orc he stood before. The ranger looked towards one of the prisoners and continued, " These men are already dead, they have failed New Armarzia, and if we were to surrender we would be dead too." The ranger stood for a moment, clenching his hand into a fist to stop the smoke from rising and than releasing it all into the air. Than the Master Ranger slashed at the ground knocking powdery snow into the air. "Let us see if you are a coward than." The ranger raised his sword and pointed it towards the orc, "No friends, no help, do you think you can manage that?" The ranger took a step forward and thrust his sword towards the orc.

The second-in-command of the rangers stood atop the wall of the fort. He watched as his leader slashed snow up into the air, a signal that fighting was to come. The man turned to the rangers standing along the wall near him. He grabbed a torch and began to walk from ranger to ranger, lighting an arrow for each one. "The fire within our hearts is strong. That is why we were chosen to serve as rangers for our Goddess. It is now your duty to put a fire in the enemies' heart with these arrows. Make them regret the day they decided to fight us off, make our Goddess smile." The ranger continued to walk down his strip of wall. All the men knew they were surrounded, but they did not show any fear, though it didn't they were not feeling it.

The Lunarch stood in a large, open room. The ceiling was black as shadows blocked any view of it. But the floor had an eery glow as hundred of candles upon the floor gave off their small lights. The man in the middle of this sea of flames stood perfectly still in his off-white robes, his eyes closed. He showed no sign of life other than for the fact that he was standing. He chose this old church as his place for meditation. Three years ago it used to be the capital of the entire Armarzian empire. The old council would meet here, a collection of a hundred priests from throughout New Armarzia. A council that ruled for a thousand years representing all forms of new Armarzian life. A council that could not agree upon anything for a thousand years, forcing New Armarzia to hide behind its wall of mountains in seclusion. To the Lunarch this building was a symbol of what was and what was to be. The new capital was the palace of Canthor Normack, the first and only emperor to rule New Armarzia. A reign that lasted only six months beginning three years ago. A wealthy man with unparalleled power began a civil war against the council. A nearly bloodless civil war that took form in three skirmishes fought only in the capital city. Canthor was able to raise an army with the support of nine wealthy men who were now nine wealthy dukes. But the Lunarch brought an end to that reign, and took power himself.

The Lunarch's thoughts were interrupted as he heard a pair of footsteps maneuvering through the maze created by the candles. His eyes opened and he turned to face the two figures. In front was a young lady with black hair with a very revealing dress on. Common clothing for priestess of Serra, especially the head priestess. They claimed less clothing showed how they needed little to defend themselves since their faith made up for it. The lunarch believed it was just a way for an all female order of priestess to get what they want more easily as the clothing seemed to be a distraction rather than a show of force, but men serving under he were no doubt happy and supportive of the dress code. Behind her was a man covered in silver knight's armor. Flames danced off his armor as he stood behind the head priestess. the priestess took a deep breath and said, "I have received reports that some force has invaded Valareean. Our settlement there is relying on reports from the natives so they do not know who it is. We suspect it to be Aetheon attempting to attack from the East, but we have no way for knowing for sure."

There was obvious irritation in the woman's voice, she was the head of her sect of the religion, but yet she had to report to him, leader of another sect. Two and a half years ago Emperor Canthor's choices began to show repercussions. Constant revolts rising as they refused to serve someone who would turn from the church and soon his ambitions awakened great evils. A mine he had built opened the way for a demonic force to rise from whatever hell they came from. The demons attacked rural towns, people lived in fear wandering if they were to be next. the church saw their chance to regain favor, beat the demons and drive them back to the holes they came from. The Lunarch offered that he would lead only his sect's forces against the demons. The priestess and the head inquisitor saw this has the perfect plan. The church would fight off the demons, but they did not have to risk their own sects' forces. And so the Lunarch fought for the demons with his army and his name became known throughout the land. The Lunarch became a hero instead of the entire church. And after the Lunarch secretly supplies the Northern tribes, they united and took lands from the dukes in the North. The Lunarch sent his forces to face Uthore in a staged battle and they made peace afterwords. To the people, the Lunarch saved the nation once more. Ventually the church began a second civil war and besieged the capital city. The people quickly supported the Lunarch, and thus the church. Canthor was beat and executed. The head priestess wished to set top the council once more, but he knew they were a failure. Instead he claimed absolute power. The priestess and head inquisitor felt betrayed and began to raise armies for a third civil war. But the Lunarch promise that all the dukes under the emperor's rule would retain their land under his rule. He even made Canthor's son the new emperor, though now the emperor only headed finances for the nation. The Lunarch won the war before it began and the priestess and inquisitor were forced to serve the Lunarch. She resented that he took power from the church every day she had to serve the Lunarch.

The Lunarch replied to her, "I will not commit my armies to a an island that isn't actually New Armarzia." He looked at the silver knight and an idea sprung into his head, "Your knight-commander will lead his templars to the island and secure the Western shore for this force. THey can organize the natives and find out what we are to face."

The priestess quickly began to protest, "What?! How can..." SHe sighed no her words were powerless, "As you command." The silver knight turned to leave the building and prepare his small force while he left the two alone.

by **Segmentia** » Mon Apr 30, 2012 3:33 pm

Nerisella smiled as the ranger thrut his sword at her. Most people thought orcs were slow, brutish creatures, but they could be quick when they needed. She side stepped the attack, and at the same time took the large double-headed axe she preffered as a weapon off her back. Before the ranger could bring about another attack, she was already swinging it toward his mid-body. A good hit would cleave him in half.

Seeing their commander attacked, the rest of the legion surrounding the fort attacked, thinking the invaders were trying to kill their commander. The many species in the Legion charged forward, ladders being carried by the largest of them, ready to climb and take the fight to those inside. The archers also started firing volly after volly of arrows. A few of the soldiers rushed to the aid if their commander. When they drew closer, they were surprised when Nerisella snarled at them. "No, this one is mine. Take the fort!" She commanded. Everyone knew better then to get between a Orc and their enemy, so the ran to join the siege.

The lack of a large number of sildiers in the fort allowed the Atheon soldiers to quickly get up on the walls, as the rangers could not stop every ladder. Now the fight switched mostly to close-quarters in the fort.

The ranger had landed a hit on Nerisellas' cheek, tough it wasn't too deep. "I'm going to enjoy mounting your head out side my tent. Its not every day someone is good enough to draw blood from me." She said, waiting to launch another attack.

by **Firstaria** » Sat May 05, 2012 3:37 am

The trip took more than expected, due to their constant stops to burn villages and plant dark crystals to acquire more bases and land...but now, in front of Daniel, there was the ruins of an ancient majestic city.

The city looked quite like a mess, completely ransacked by those who probably invaded it and the bandits or just people who couldn't resist, and stolen some precious marble or stones for their personal uses. The walls were in a pathetic condition, not even able to stop vegetation from invading what was behind them; inside, the few houses that could be recognized as 'buildings' had usually a section that feel or they were about to crumble. The streets were even worse, with several debris that destroyed the passage and with even holes every 5 or 6 steps; what once were important structures were now in a shape so bad that even the three Onikage failed to recognize several of them and their probable functions. At the center of the town, the palace was completely destroyed: with a giant hole in the middle of the roof, the building showed signs of time and pillage everywhere you could turn your head, inside and outside of it.

Crow was the fist to speak, as usual: " Well, seems that someone ripped us off, this is not the best place to live. Too bad we're dead. ". Daniel had to facepalm, why the pact didn't remove from the archer his bad sense of humor? He then took a look and gave orders:

" This place is in better shape that I've expected: First, we'll destroy the palace completely to make place for an huge dark crystals concentration, enough to give us the amount of power we need to start the real invasion.
Second, all the houses will be converted to Crypts, while the major building will be turned into Bone pits or Dark temples; let's also repair the street and pull an obelisk on every intersection, there are quite few around perfect for this job.
Third, we'll demolish the nord-ovest quarter to build a big War lab, where Crow will have all the space he need for finally pulling up some nice artillery or even something better.
Last, repair the walls our style. I think you know how: big, tall, and with a dark torch guard post every 20 steps, 6-7 for side. "

The specters nodded, and started the their work quite fast. Then Daniel turned to Rik: " I want you to return back and spawn takens from everywhere, to send them at south. Seeing their fellow ones as takens will play on the people morale, giving us enough time to finish the conversion of this city into a necropolis. "
Rik nodded and ran out, going east to reach the closer base. Then Daniel turned to Crow. " Any news from your eyes in the sky? " He loved his archer ability to speak with those crow creatures, it gained a valuable specie as ally the day che recruited him.

" They said there is a major city at north, nothing special enough to resist us, and we also cut them out with this occupation. Still no news from the near great continent, but it's clearly inhabited by humans. " He said, his eye closed to use the ones of his friends.

Daniel smiled, not because he could feel happy, but the satisfaction triggered some old memorized instinct to smile. " Good. We'll attack north, and secure the position. Then, before continuing, I want to know more about the main land...It would be interesting to find valuable allies.... "

While this was happening, everyone noticed a strange presence of crows in all Valareean and the Armazian coasts. Everyone took that as a bad omen of course...but if only they knew how bad this was...

by **New Armarzia** » Sun May 06, 2012 7:42 pm

The Master Ranger didn't respond to the remark, he was focusing, waiting for a time to strike. He threw a few more jabs with his swords that were easily deflecting. The Ranger knew he couldn't stand his ground and fight normally, one swing with that axe would knock him straight to the ground even if he attempted to block it with his sword or a shield. but the ranger had something else in his arsenal. The ranger waited for the orc to swing and quickly dropped tot he ground rolled so the axe would swing inches above him. The ranger was quick to get back up on his feet and jab his sword at the large orc which was easily knocked aside. The orc countered with another swing as was expected. the ranger brought up his red hand that turned black. The space between the two turned dark and vision became distorted as though waves of heat were rising. The axe went through the dark space, but did not come out the other side. The ranger took his chance, the black space disappeared and the axe reappeared. His hand flashed white and a bright light flooded from it. The ranger pushed his hand towards the orc's face, where he would take the soul for his own to offer up to his goddess for judgement and punishment, but he was relying on the stereotype of orc's slowness in order to keep his hand at her face for a few moments for the process to take effect.

---

Arthur, the ranger now leading the fort, stood atop the wall. The fighting was growing intense as slowly the enemy forces were able to get onto the wall at a quicker rate than they were dying. The rangers were skilled warriors, some of the best in New Armarzia, but they were not good enough to fight these odds. Arthur stood alongside a single ranger. Four others stood beside him at the start of the battle, but they gave their lives for New Armarzia. Arthur stood swinging at a soldier who let his guard down, the body falling off the wall. Due to the wall's length only two enemies could face Arthur and his ally at a time. But Arthur could see that not all the rangers on the wall were fairing so well. Others throughout the wall retreated to the ground beneath the wall where the enemy was able to easily surround them.

Arthur's observation of the wall cost him though. The soldier in front of him was able to mange a blow that he was too slow to block. Arthur fell to the ground and his sword slipped from his hands. He looked up to see the soldier preparing his final blow to end him, but as Arthur murmured a few words to his goddess he saw his companion tackle the soldier into the wall where the enemy soldier was tossed over. But with Arthur on the ground the ranger was quickly slain as four were now able to fight them. Arthur was quick to get up and was quick to realize his situation. WOuld not be able to slay anyone in a fight against four, so Arthur decided to take his life and one of their lives. An enemy thrust his sword at Arthur who stepped to the side, grabbed the arm and pulled with his entire body off the wall...

The two fell and hit the ground, the enemy cushioned Arthur, but not by much. He was in pain and something must have been broken. The other was unconscious and Arthur was quick to take out his dagger and slit the enemy's throat. He took a look at the scene now. The rangers lost, he saw a few on their knees, bound. Not sure if they were being executed or taken prisoner, but he was not given a chance to see. He was picked up and he quickly brought his dagger to the new enemy's throat. The enemy quickly fell, but so did Arthur who was unable to stand. He lied their, face in the dirt as he felt a blade now being rested on his neck...

by **Segmentia** » Sun May 06, 2012 8:31 pm

Nerisella dodged the humans attacks with relative ease, even for being clad in heavy armor. Everyone knew that to take down an Orc her size, it was best to attack with several peole, from many sides at the same time. This human had either never faced an Orc before, or simply thought very highly of himself. The one thing he had going for him was that magical artifact he had, though he did not seem to make much use of it. When the ranger went for her face, she smiled, even though the light from the magical item hurt her eyes quite a bit.

Taking one of her hands off her battle-axe, she brought it up and grabbed the humans arm incredibly quick. She applied some preassure and was soon satisfied as she head the crack of bone. She pushed the ranger to the ground, where he craddled his shattered arm. Naerisella delivered a kick to the humans stomach, which forced him to lay on his back, gasping for breath. Her rage at the humans insults still burning in her veins, she stomped in the rangers chest, breaking several of his ribs. She looked down at the man, a small amount of blood starting to trickle out if his mouth. With no othe words, she raised her battle-axe and severed the humans neck. She reached down and retrived her prize, the rangers head. She hoisted it in the air and let out a victory cry, the other Orcs joining her. One of the smaller orcs, genrally servents or slaves in Orc society, brought forward a spike, which Nerisella promtley topped off with the rangers head. She shoved the spike back to the small orc.

"Take it to my tent. Let us finish this battle!" She cried and raised her battle-axe, her and the other orcs charging into the fort. The fighting was basically over, something Nerisella found to be disappointing. She was used to being covered in the blood of her enemies by the time a battle was over, but now she had barley any. She huffed in disappointment, when she noticed one of her human soldiers about to kill one of the rangers. She jumped off the wall, landing on her feet just a few steps away from them. The human soldier jumped a bit, surprised by the massive orc landing so close.

"No. This on we take alive, as well as any others that surender. The queen wishes for me to learn what I can from them. And I have just the means to do it." She said with a grim smile. Her mother had shown her a way to get just about anyone to talk. Capture them and their friends, have one of them brought to your tent. If they didn't talk, her mother would have another prisoner brought in, where she would then cut off part of their body, usually an arm, and start eating it. Though her mother was much more barbaric then her, Nerisella had to admit, it worked every single time.

Hours later, Nerisella was sitting in her tent, thick furs covering the floor and walls. She summoned her clan-members to bring her the human she had 'saved'. A few minutes later, the human was roughly hauled in and placed on his knees before her. She stood up, using her already impressive height to look even more intimidating then usual. "Tell me, human, why have you invaded my beloved queens lands?" She growled.

---------

In the north lands of New Armarzia, the mountains that were home to the dragons, a secreat envoy from Queen Ravadiana was slowly winding its way through the narrow mountain paths. They had been sent to meet with Xinskarr, the mother of Sylvanis, and the leader of the dragons here. They were going to try and get the dragons on their side for the war. They would prove a highly valuable ally. It took some time, but they finally reached the cave-den Sylvanis had said was where she had been raised, and where her mother would be. They waited on the small area before the entrence, a landing area for dragons.

It wasn't long until a dragon showed it-self. The dragon matched the description Sylvanis had given them. Xinskarr was average size for a dragon, and she had a mix of red and silver scales, something that was uncommon. When she spoke, Xinskarr sounded tired and weary.

"And what have you come for? To claim my head, to gloat about the recent slaying of one of my sons? Speak, for I wish to return to my grief." Xinskarr said.

The lead delgate, an older elf, was the one to speak. "I am saddened by your loss, great one, but I come not to claim your head, nor to gloat. I come to offer your people a chance to regain their old lands, and to settle old scores. No doubt you know that war is coming, it may have even started by now. Queen Ravadiana has promised to return your peoples lands to you, if you help us in our war. Your daughter, Sylvanis the Black Scale also sends message. She will be visiting you soon." The elf took a moment to shift his position. It was rather cold on top of the mountain.

"No doubt you wish to take your time to think about the offer, maybe even discuss it with your daughter, who will probably be here soon. I understand this, but it is quite cold up here, and unless you wish us to turn to ice, we will retire further down the mountain, where we will set up a small camp. I will return every day to see if you have an answer. Fare well." The old elf said before leading his hourse down the mountain path, the rest of the party beind him. They set up camp about half-way down the mountain, inside a small cave where they had shelter from the wind. Now they just had to wait until they had their answer, before they could return home.

by **New Armarzia** » Fri May 11, 2012 8:23 pm

The ranger kneeled facing the orc who had fought his leader. He wanted to live, but he not going to be a slave and he did not expect mercy from this 'savage'. He was still in immense pain and tried his best not to show it. Arthur slowly brought a hand to his waist, but he could not feel his dagger, he must of dropped it or had it taken on his way here. The orc asked him a question, he began to think of an answer when he saw the head of his master on a pike within the tent. A fit of rage began to take him as he tried to get up and do whatever came to his mind first to the monster. His leg was still injured and couldn't raise his knee. He fell, but caught himself with his hands. He stared at the ground and took a few deep breaths. He looked up and said in anger, "We came to exterminate you damned savages and have our way with your 'beloved queen'." A smile ran across his lips at the insult, keeping true to the rangers' reputation of taunting and intimidation even in defeat.

----

Xivake stood in a clearing in a forest at the foot of a mountain. She now adorned a blue dress in cold as snow was blown in the wind. Behind her was Uthore, carrying two axes and wearing a number of furs, but the golden chain mail beneath was visible through holes in the fur. Two men stood beside Uthore, each wearing furs but no armor, they carried large spears that were barbed at the end. The three men stood in, ready for combat. In front of Xivake stood gargantuan, red dragon looking down upon her. The dragon spoke in a booming voice, "She means to have us enslaved by that dread queen, Xivake! If she was not going to side with them she would of killed the elven messengers. I know you do not live with us any longer, and some of us would kill you on sight. But our kind joining the queen is too large of a threat to ignore, a threat to my way of life and a threat to your friends' lives."

Xivake looked back to Uthore who nodded. He was reluctant to help a dragon besides Xivake, but an army of dragons along with the queen of Aetheon was a for that would possibly be too great for him to beat. Xivake turned back to the dragon and said, "We will do what we can to help you, this a threat that is too great to ignore."

The dragon did not give any motions to show approval, but he replied, "Than we must slay your mother, Xinskarr. WIth her death, the rest of our kind will not be able to trust this queen who's messengers come at the time of our leader's death. But we must do it now, before she officially declares her support to that queen if we hope to prevent this." Xivake understood the need for haste and quickly disrobed. She handed her dress to Uthore who in turn handed it to one of his men who was mesmerized by Xivake's body. But the appreciation turned to fear as he saw Xivake quickly form into a large, silver dragon. The three men climbed onto the backs of the two beasts as they took flight under the cover of snow to the top of the mountains.

They quickly arrived to the top of the mountain where Xinskarr liked to stay in seclusion as he life had brought many things to ponder about. And the group was about to bring another. Though Xinskarr was old, in no way was she weak with that age. She took notice of of the change in the air and soft sounds of thudding as her would-be assassins landed outside the cave. SHe exited to see the large red dragon standing beside a silver dragon. She notices some other movement, but payed no attention to it. "So, you bring Xivake with you. Well it is quite obvious what your attentions are, traitor..."

"You forced my hand, Xinskarr. You would sign us away to serve that queen who wishes to conquer this land," said the red dragon who than blasted fire at Xinskarr.

Xinskarr answered with fire of her own and the flames died out. "WIth her we will gain back our lands from these humans, become the great power we use to be long ago..."

Uthore stood in the snow, his white furs helping to conceal him and his men. They could all die with one blast of that fire, but all the two men had to do was place the barbed spears within the dragon. Uthore had his own weapon against the dragon, a tool that made him able to fight dragons alone, a skill thought to be impossible without dark arts or divinity. In exchange for making peace and staging a loss with the Lunarch, the Lunarch gave him golden chain mail that he claimed was the same armor fought by the Lunarch's god when he fought the dragons long ago. WHile Uhtore had no opinion on the origin of the equipment, he did not doubt the power of it. WIth it, the dragon's breath could not touch him, an ability that caught every dragon that he fought off-guard...

---

The fleet of ten ships approached the eastern shore of Valareean under a great sky. Each ship populated by a crew and a score of silver knights alongside a number crows that began to flock around the ships even above water. Most of the ships set up anchor off the shore as they approached because the dock could only house two ships. Knight-Commander Jerock Vasteele, head of the Silver Knights, Protector of the weak, Faithful to Serra; took a step off followed by two other men in similar armor. Waiting for them was two men in common scaled armor that was a trademark of the common soldier of New Armarzia, upon their shields were letter representing the company they worked for. "Knight-Commander, I am so glad you could arrive. I am David Welsh, captain of the watch at Fort Iron. Is this all the men?" asked the one of the men in scaled armor who was the superior.

"No captain, these are just the men station at the Imperial City, more will arrive as word is spread to them of this task." The Knight-Commander looked to the sky as the group walked towards the fort that had a number of tents set up beside it. "Are we to expect a storm captain? And who are these people set up by your fort."

"I doubt there will be a storm, the skies have grown dark and covered by clouds for some reason other than rain. ANd these people come here for refuge, running from whatever foe has invaded though this foe must be on the far side of the island. Other than these refugees, their is no sign of an enemy. Though a fort manned with only twenty men have a hard time keeping watch on the entire island," answered the captain who stepped into the fort where just a few men stood about, talking. Obviously relaxed on a duty that hardly saw anything.

"Well we will help with that, we need to prepare for this foe, whoever it is. ANd it seems the natives here fear them, we could use that to our advantage, we could organize them. And we will need to move East. It would not be wise to fight with the coast on our back. ANd we should do it soon, have this night to rest. Tomorrow we will gather resources and march East to prepare our defense." said the Knight-COmmander as he saw about twenty other knights enter the fort who were aboard his ship. He took a look along the walls and said in frustration, "And what is with these damned crows!"

by **Firstaria** » Mon May 14, 2012 6:12 am

New Armarzia wrote:The fleet of ten ships approached the eastern shore of Valareean under a great sky. Each ship populated by a crew and a score of silver knights alongside a number crows that began to flock around the ships even above water. Most of the ships set up anchor off the shore as they approached because the dock could only house two ships. Knight-Commander Jerock Vasteele, head of the Silver Knights, Protector of the weak, Faithful to Serra; took a step off followed by two other men in similar armor. Waiting for them was two men in common scaled armor that was a trademark of the common soldier of New Armarzia, upon their shields were letter representing the company they worked for. "Knight-Commander, I am so glad you could arrive. I am David Welsh, captain of the watch at Fort Iron. Is this all the men?" asked the one of the men in scaled armor who was the superior.

"No captain, these are just the men station at the Imperial City, more will arrive as word is spread to them of this task." The Knight-Commander looked to the sky as the group walked towards the fort that had a number of tents set up beside it. "Are we to expect a storm captain? And who are these people set up by your fort."

"I doubt there will be a storm, the skies have grown dark and covered by clouds for some reason other than rain. ANd these people come here for refuge, running from whatever foe has invaded though this foe must be on the far side of the island. Other than these refugees, their is no sign of an enemy. Though a fort manned with only twenty men have a hard time keeping watch on the entire island," answered the captain who stepped into the fort where just a few men stood about, talking. Obviously relaxed on a duty that hardly saw anything.

"Well we will help with that, we need to prepare for this foe, whoever it is. ANd it seems the natives here fear them, we could use that to our advantage, we could organize them. And we will need to move East. It would not be wise to fight with the coast on our back. ANd we should do it soon, have this night to rest. Tomorrow we will gather resources and march East to prepare our defense." said the Knight-Commander as he saw about twenty other knights enter the fort who were aboard his ship. He took a look along the walls and said in frustration, "And what is with these damned crows!"

The buildings were coming up quite nicely. Demolishing all the useless structures was easy for the Valley forces, especially the palace: Rik examined the ruins and found that half of the thing was standing up thanks to a single column; he was however proved wrong when the entire structure fell down after the magic explosion set to demolish it.
Now a giant dark crystal was growing where the center of the city was, and the walls seemed reborn under the light of the moon and the black marble used to reconstruct it.

" According to the books I found, this city was called Gretis. " Said Crow. He and Daniel were supervising the completion of the War Lab where the Great Mu will rise in few months. With such weak defenses spotted until now by his flying spies, Daniel was sure that the massive siege weapon would make him invincible on all Valareean and eased his Claim a lot. Until then, rams and catapults were still prepared in the other settlements, while the army grew with some good numbers now.
" Ruins of Regret....I like that name, let's call this place in this way from now on. " He said, then looked north " What about the city we found, the not so well defended one? " and Crow answered " Still not so well defended, 100 soldier at best. Filled with civilians however, likely to be the most important town of this part of the island. Our forces should have an easy victory, although the people will probably recognize us as undead and flee to the ports the moment we decide to strike. "
If Daniel could be happy, that was the moment " Good. Then we'll rally the troops tomorrow. We'll send 2.000 Takens to the east in order to scare the populations and make them interrupt communication with the main city. They will believe the people here got mad, looking at their spirited faces.
At the same time, 12.000 of our Specters will strike the town: 5.000 swords, 3.000 spikes, 1.500 axes, 2.000 archers, 500 mages and of course a good amount of rams and catapults to bring down the walls. We'll lead the attack togheter, the natives doesn't seems to have any sufficient force to attack Regret defenses in our absence, and we'll leave here the flames torches and 3.000 mixed troops to defend it. We are just at the second phase of this invasion, I believe the real battles are still to come... "

They rose up to abandon the place and prepare, but then a crow arrived from the sky to get on his owner shoulders. After two-three seconds, Crow said " It appears that the continent has dispatched some knights to investigate about the invasion. I don't see significant menaces, but their presence means the Valareeans will get reinforces during time. "
Daniel wished he could prove joy for the news " Then this war has finally begun, a new reason to make it haste to control the north part of the island in order to prepare a true army and get down with the business. Don't worry Crow, I don't know how much intense will be the war with the continent...but this island will be ours. "

by **Segmentia** » Fri May 18, 2012 4:46 pm

A swift blow to the face followed the rangers words, strong enough to draw blood and knock a few teeth loose. Nerisella was an orc, so she could handle anything thrown at her, weapon or insult. But she would not allow the person who halted the infightng between the orcs and allowed them to actually create a civilization be insulted. She delivered a kick to the rangers chest as he was on the ground, and was about to continue the assault when someone speaking caused her to stop.

"Well, I guess its true what they say about Orc hospitality." A deep voice practically boomed. Nerisella looked at the intruder to her tent, Marick the Black-bloods' large frame dominated the entrence, a human 'companion' at his side. Nerisella smiled. She and Marick went back a little ways, she having served under him in the Black Mountain campaign. Those were good times.

"What brings the mighty Black-blood to my humle little tent? Shouldn't you be at a whore house?" She said, stepping over the ranger to greet the demon. Not many peope would speak to a demon in such a way, but orcs didn't care one way or the other, and they were friends.

"So what has this whelp done to loose him some teeth?" Maruck asked.

Nerisella growled slightly. "Insulted the queen and invaded our land. By right, I should hae taken his head by now. But Ravadiana wants answers as to why these pests have invaded." She informed the demon. Marick laughed.

"You don't tempt a rat with poison, Nerisella. Let me handle this." He offered. Nerisella nodded. "I need to kill something anyway." She commented before exiting the tent.

Marick steppd over the ranger and sat down on one of the chairs in the tent. He looked at the pathetic form of the human, blood still dripping from his mouth. The demon nodded to his companion and she moved to help the ranger back to his knees, pressing herself quite close to the prisoner.

"Its never a good idea to anger an Orc, mortal. And before you try insulting me, its an even worse idea to anger a demon, as death would be a blessig to what I will put you throuh. But you seem like most other mortals, out for your own gain. No doubt you have the information my Mistress wants. I could get it from you through torture, or giving your soul to another demon, but I know what you want. Power, money, and women. Like all mortals." Marick proclaimed, gestureing to his companion, who pressed herself even closer to the ranger.

"I'll grant you these things, if you tell me everything." Marick promised.
---

Sylvanis flew in the skies above her first home, the place where she had been raised, and where her siblings had teased her ruthlessly for being diffrent. Even then, she had mostly good memories of the old mountains. She wasn't here to visit though. She was here to help secure a treaty with the dragons, who were lead by her mother, Xinskarr. It wasn't long before she was nearing her mothers home, but she immediatley saw that all was not well. Xinskarr seemed to be under attack by two other dragons. One she didn't recognize, but the other one she knew all too well. Xivake.

How dare she attack her own mother! Sylvanis felt her rage flare to a level she had never felt before. She loosed a mighty roar that echoed across the mountains, before swiftly flying down to help her mother. Most people would not think Sylvanis could be very fast, due to her large size, but she could be as quick as any other dragon when she needed. And seeing her mother attacked by her own daughter made her move quicker then she had in a long time.

The dragon she did not recognize seemed to distracted with Xinskarr, and Sylvanis managed to get pretty close before he reacted. Sylvanis used the unknown dragon as a landing pad, coming down on him with her full weight and hitting him with the full force of her stop. She heard bones snap, something that was difficult to do, even for other dragons. Though Sylvanis wasn't like most other dragons.

She quickley scrambled to her feet, slashing the dragon under her, ripping into his flesh even through his strong dragon scales. She quickley placed herself between her mother and the attackers. She growled, almost dareing them to advance again.

"How dare you attack your own mother, you worm?" She snarled at Xivake

by **New Armarzia** » Fri May 18, 2012 8:58 pm

Arthur spat out blood as he looked at the demon in fear. He had seen dark creatures in his time, but nothing as corrupted as this monstrosity. Although, its companion was quite the obvious, she did not look like she had good intentions, but her charm surpassed that doubt. His breath became short as he was helped to his knees by the beautiful lady. It didn't help keep him focused on the demon's words when she began to press her body against his own. His breath became rapid and his thoughts became jumbled, a mix of the demon's words and lust for the lady. He did manage to connect the words of his 'interrogator' after a moment of thought and he came up with a response. "Those words are empty to need, I need assurance that I will get an adequate amount of those items. Before you get your specifics I need to have specifics of my own to see if your bargain is worth me betraying my goddess..." He trailed off with the last words as he became mesmerized by the lady who continued to make him confused.

---

Xivake blasted her mother with her icy breath as the two soldiers ran up in their white furs. The other dragon blasted Xinskarr with a fiery breath as the two soldiers tossed their barbed spears at the great dragon. At this time Xivake heard a distant roar and disengaged from the fight. She looked to see what made the noise, but the snow being blown by the wind was too great to see clearly. Xivake saw her sibling arrive just as the great dragon landed on her allied friend. Her friend was either dead or beyond help, the two soldiers and Uthore quickly moved towards Xivake to face the two dragons.

Xivake soon answered Sylvanis, "I attack the one who banished me in order to save many more lives before you and your master come to ravage these lands you beast." Uthore climbed upon Xivake's back as she took to the sky with the other two soldiers in her claws. She hovered in the air as she waited for an action from the dragons. She knew she could not win against the two in a fight now and she would have to leave the moment any showed a sign of attack.

by **Segmentia** » Tue May 22, 2012 1:20 pm

Marick could almost smell the rangers lust for his companion. He didn't blame the mortal. Marick was a Greater Demon, and even he found it hard to control his lust when around his companion. She was actually a Minor Demon, working her way toward full demonhood one soul at a time. Some demons took souls through killing, others through shady deals that always seemed to turn out badly for the people who agreed to it. His companion aquired souls through many means. Death, rituals, and deals from weak willed mortals begging to spend a night in her bed.

And this human wanted to spend a night in her bed. Badly. Marick smiled and chuckled before leaning forward, getting closer to the humans face. "I know your desires human. You want my companion. Don't deny it, I can basically smell your lust. So I'll make you a deal. You tell me why you invaded these lands, and I'll let you have two days with my companion. She'll probably want your soul, but I can compensate you with gold. Enough gold that you don't have to work another day in your life. A fair trade for something as useless as a soul." Marick said, leaning back.

His companion had continued to hug the prisoner, pressing herself closer and closer. As Marick leaned back, she moved to be in front of the ranger, hugging him close, staring right into his eyes. She smiled sweatly and leaned in, whispering into his ear. "The soul is such a useless thing for a mortal. Surley two days with me is more then worth it?"

------

Sylvanis glared up at her 'sister' and the humans now clinging to her back. She bared her teeth and spread her wings, ready to give chase. Her mother moved in front of her slightly, looking at Sylvanis and shaking her head. Sylvanis huffed, but obeyed her mothers command not to attack. But Sylvanis was not done.

"Go ahead and run, coward. But know that we will meet again, and you will not so fortunante." She said to Xivake. She then turned to the humans. "You had best take yur familes and flee. I know your scent, and I will rip your familes to pieces before your eyes for daring to attack my mother. Then I'll leave you alive, so that you may wander the world knowing that you are the reason your familes suffered so." She threatened.

by **Firstaria** » Thu May 24, 2012 1:18 pm

It was a dark night when the assault commenced. Daniel wouldn't decide to attack in a better time.

The city of the north reminded so much of the Ruins of Regret: the way it was built, the giant palace, the long walls...there were differences, even a human could tell that, but the similitudes overnumbered them.
" It's clear that they copied the civilization that was before them...the one that was before the Valley. " Rik said, looking at the town walls from far away, near the position where the catapults were placed.
" Then, I see no reason to delay this attack...or better say, this reclaim of lands that I should already own. Let them fall. " Said Daniel, and the catapults fired their massive rocks.

The army of the Valley moved up, dragging the rams forward. The specters were divided in 3 units, forming 3 lines of melee, range and magic, the siege weaponry moving between them. Every 10 units in the front line, a Specter held up the banner of the Tempest, ready to bring fear with his black hand and his menacing darkness.
For now, Daniel and the black hand stayed behind with the catapults, believing that their effort would be wasted against such a little force.

Until that point, no a single face from the mysterious invader was seen, but now the town watch who survived the first rain of death could see the dark presence and easily confirm the stories and the worst fears...undead. An army of non-living creatures.

The siege has started, and the Valley of the Tempest was not know for leaving survivors....

Silver Crusade (IC/Semi-Closed)

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