War from the Mountains (IC, Lost Age, PT/FanT)

[Visperia (Ancient)]

Caius nodded at his escort and they reluctantly stood down as he joined the Bear Man. Ruttledge was an impressive specimen, as tall as Caius himself and much broader in shoulder and chest, as Humans tended to be. They began to walk down the ash-strewn street, Caius's fur cloak shedding the cold breeze.
"Tell, me friend." Caius said, after a few minutes, "Can you recall how Mondoru is familiar to you?"

[Honorisia]

Perisagarde

The general looked at the strange foreigner like he had grown a second head "While the rebels may fight for a cause, they can't possibly have the strength to challenge the Kingdom. While that is being said, the southern cities have completely severed their allegiance to the King. If they were to join the rebels then fortune may turn, but they will never join forces. The king's brother is one of the lords of those cities. Your second question deserves no answer, but I shall give you one regardless. The treasury is weak. Enough money remains to fund the army for several months, but if the conflict drags on then men will begin to desert. I have given you what you ask, now leave, leave and don't come back."

Kush

Ruttledge strode confidently alongside Caius "Mondoru, the name means nothing to me but it feels as if it is of great power. I have no idea who it is or what he does. It feels like the name of a childhood friend perhaps, one that has faded from memory. However I wanted to ask about that thing." As Ruttledge talked he pointed up to the airship above them. "I have so many questions about something like that. Perhaps it would be better for you to simply explain it."

[Numer]

Perisagarde

The general looked at the strange foreigner like he had grown a second head "While the rebels may fight for a cause, they can't possibly have the strength to challenge the Kingdom. While that is being said, the southern cities have completely severed their allegiance to the King. If they were to join the rebels then fortune may turn, but they will never join forces. The king's brother is one of the lords of those cities. Your second question deserves no answer, but I shall give you one regardless. The treasury is weak. Enough money remains to fund the army for several months, but if the conflict drags on then men will begin to desert. I have given you what you ask, now leave, leave and don't come back."

Perisagarde, Kalrush

"Thank you, and I apologize for the inconvenience," he looked to his hostage and spoke, "Treat your husband well. He saved your life today." Suddenly, he pushed the woman with great force into her husbands arms. Using the small distraction, Harnezzar ran to the window he came in from and swung himself out of the room.

Unfortunately, his landing was very loud. He crashed into the cloth top of a fruit-seller's stall, which broke his fall but also dismantled the poor vender's cart. The Kalran began to swear all sorts of obscenities, and two guards looked in Harnezzar's way. The spy was on his feet quickly and took off into an alley, the soldiers in hot pursuit. Harnezzar continued to sprint until he was once again in a crowded streetway, commoners looking at him curiously as the guards pushed them out of the way.

They would be upon him shortly, and the Numerian began to have trouble breathing as the chase dragged on, leaping through more stalls, pushing more pedestrians out of the way, and zigzagging from street to street. Finally he could see the city walls, and the stable outside them holding his horse. If only he could make it a few more yards...

"Halt!" yelled a heavily armored soldier as he and his men suddenly spread across the gap of the city gates, forming a shield wall to prevent the assassin's escape. Luckily he had one more trick up his sleeve. Harnezzar withdrew a coin purse filled with a strange powder, a fuse wrapped around the top of the purse. Lighting it as he approached the exit, he threw the coin purse toward the ominous soldiers prepared to kill or capture the Numerian.

It exploded not in a fiery, deadly blast, but in a great gust of dark smoke, causing the guards to cough and sneeze furiously as the spy ran into the black cloud. When the odd gas finally dissipated, the spy was gone, his horse missing from the stable as well. "Oddest thing I ever did see..." a stableboy muttered as a group of more worried-looking citizens nervously reentered the city gates after the incident.

---

Urvarys, Numer

"Lady Sarhisket, I am graced with your presence." Harnezzar said meekly, on one knee in front of the young woman sitting upon her father's throne. He knew of her reputation; she was only slightly above average in terms of looks, but was quite strong willed, and was as cunning as a cobra. Both contributed to her charisma at court, although now it was only her here in the palace, along with his master Hetcamun and the slaves.

"I thank you for your kindness, but please, out with your findings. Time is of the essence," she said loudly, hissing the word 'essence' with more than a bit of impatience.

"The government has the advantage in terms of troops, but many of the southern cities could be swayed to either side. Kalrush's treasury is in a fragile state as well, lasting only for a few more months. I had no word of Mondoru worship becoming widespread, but the government definitely doesn't support the god- they are devout in the worship of their sun-god, Ka."

"Who was your contact? That bit of information about the treasury doesn't sound like it came from a back-alley whore."

Harnezzar was startled that an upperclass woman would use such language, but he acted like he didn't hear it. "I...persuaded the king's military advisor to provide me with information. He had no idea who I was."

Sarhisket surprisingly smiled. "Impressive," she said, turning to Hetcamun, "Have this man promoted, and begin to summon troops. We will support the government."

Although Harnezzar was now beaming with pride, Hetcamun gave Sarhisket a shocked look. "My lady, pardon me, but I don't believe you have the authority to do that-"

"I am my father's regent, am I not? And last I knew, Numerian law permits Houses to wage independent wars with their own troops if they deem it necessary?"

"Yes but, without your father's permission? And you have to notify the Ensi! You-"

"We will notify them. I will have a slave deliver the information. After we have left. Now, do as I command; I am acting lugalesh, after all."

"This is ridiculous, in all my twenty years of service I have never seen such impudence..." Hetcamun muttered as he went off to summon the forces. Although he agreed with Sarhisket's motives, he thought she would've waited until her father returned from Sepris. Typical young folk these days, he thought, leaving the palace.

Sarhisket meanwhile wrote a letter and saw that it be delivered quickly to the king of Kalrush:

Most Esteemed King of Kalrush,

May the gods bless you in your righteous struggle against the rebels in your nation. I believe House Myathu of Urvarys, in holy Numer to the east, can help you. My advisors have watched your conflict for months, and think I can help. I ask that you accept my aid and in return we may work out a trade agreement and alliance. I shall arrive in your harbors in some weeks' time.

With the Grace of the Numerian Gods and Your Own,
Lady Sarhisket Myathu, Regent to Lugalesh Darimu Myathu of Urvarys

---

A week later, Sarhisket marched her army to Apesh and hired a fleet to take them to Kalrush. Throughout Numerian history many women had led armies, but nonetheless it was uncommon, and many regarded the campaign as doomed to fail. Yet others argued that Sarhisket's iron will would lead them to victory.

As her father and relatives feasted in Sepris, the young woman's slave arrived to bring them the news. Ensi Vashim had no objections, too joyful and preoccupied with his son's wedding, and Sarhisket's father, Lugalesh Darimu, acted merry and uncaring as well. But secretly, he was both angry and worried for Sarhisket. Many of the servants tending to his room in the massive palace of Sepris claimed they could here him praying to Serin and Numera every night, hoping the gods would protect what was once his little girl.

---

FORCES EN ROUTE TO PERISAGARDE:

30,000 Numerian Warriors
5,000 River Dancers
2,500 Seraphim
5,000 Eyes of Manthamen
2,500 Sentinels
500 War Elephants

Total: 45,000 Units

[Visperia (Ancient)]

"The Ignus Deus?" Caius smiled. "It is a spell-ship. Our best spell-weavers crafted the sails and the hull. That provides the lift" he wondered if Ruttledge understood the concept of lift, then realized that it was irrelevant anyways, "to keep the ship flying. The vertical sails mounted on the masts like an ordinary ship are a little more common-sense. They keep the ship moving forward in wind-currents, which we need to keep moving. The ship is steered through the manipulation of the sails. She is our only war vessel, although the wealthy magnates use spell ships to carry messages and light equipment between their mine-shafts in the high mountains."

[Deneager]

Outside Perisagarde

Didric was moving towards the city walls, and was just out of sight of any guards. The clanking of his armor was the only thing that revealed his presence. He was hoping that whoever if anyone found the ship would not try to find any survivors and come his way and if they did he would put them into his service by putting his mace into their body. Didric was not in any case man of stealth, but he had a way of making people not noticing him if he wished. The sun began to rise and Didric moved towards the city gates, were several guards confronted him.....

[Honorisia]

Ruttledge simply shook his head at the massive airship. "Magic. I've never seen it used this way before. The Order of Bellona was impressive to me, this is simply incredible. I must ask something of you, good prince. Could it be possible for you to spare any more troops. I know that you offered support of your wolf pack, but we are outnumbered by many thousands of troops. We simply need more men. Can you spare any?" A mountain of a man walked up to Ruttledge "We are ready to march for Sarees." Ruttledge turned to him, thanked him and sent him away. He looked back at Caius and said "Your ship would be a welcome sight in the skies over us as we march to war."

[Deneager]

Perisagarde
"Halt!" On the Guards yelled into the morning sky. Didric with his massive hulk of himself stopped in his place and looked through the visor of the helmet welded to his undead body, his darkened and eyes glowing a faint purple. "I must ask you, what business do you have to do in this city?"
"My business is my own information." Didric replied, with an intimating voice.
"I will have to ask you to leave your mace." The guard said. Didric just sat there in front of the two guards. "Drop mace or suffer the consequences." The Guard repeated.
"You think I will suffer?" Didric questioned.
"That is it. You are under arrest for violating Kalran law." The Guard said and drew is sword with his shield in a defensive position. Didric only gave out of gruesome attempt of a laugh which sounded like the mooning of a dying men mixed the laugh of an evil tyrant. He responded to be under arrest with a mace going into the skull of the first guard, and his ghost leaving the body and killing the other. This had drawn the attention of the other guards on duty, and he sent his Ghosts into the city and he quickly left the city, barely making it out before archers were shooting at him. Pathetic living, he thought to himself. They never do what you want them to do. He continued in his thoughts....

[Visperia (Ancient)]

"It will be more than a welcome sight." Caius said, "We can scout ahead for you, and the ship's ballistae can break even a heavily armored battle line. We have three hundred men total aboard the Ignus Deus, fifty Wolf-Pack, and a hundred Sea-Elf Marines, all elite troops. If you need them on the ground, they are yours."

[Numer]

Perisagarde, Kalrush

The great crimson sails of the Numerian fleet approached the harbor of Perisagarde in the early dawn, the bright sun painting the surrounding clouds different shades of orange, violet, and red. Within the armada of mercenary ships, the army of Sarhisket Myathu prepared for the coming conflict. If the civil war was to be won, it would cost Numerian steel and blood. And the men of Urvarys were ready to pay it.

Sarhisket, commander of the forces of Numer, stood atop the deck of the flagship, mesmerized by the foreign city before her. Above her deep blue silk dress, she wore a gleaming steel chain mail tunic, with ornately decorated steel shoulder guards depicting Numera, the goddess of beauty, on one side, and Raggesh, the god of war, on the other. At her belt was an equally decorated axe, it's deadly head intricately carved. A recurve shortbow and its quiver lied across her back. She was as ready for battle as any of her soldiers.

The Numerians had arrived.

[Visperia (Ancient)]

Hawk's Eyrie, Visperia
1 Week Prior
"As far as we know, the Numerian ships will arrive within a few days. Their allegiance is uncertain, but they are likely to tip the balance in favor of whatever side they choose. They are led by the Lady Sarhisket."
Marcellus glanced at the Phoenix Lord across the map-table, eyes clouded with worry. "If our operatives in Numer are at all reliable, she will likely favor the reigning King."
"And Caius' reports indicate that he has committed to the rebels cause, which I believe is wise. Not only should that people be liberated from an idolatrous tyrant, but Kalrush could be a very powerful ally if the Prince takes the throne."
"And so, my liege?" Marcellus cocked one gray-tinged eyebrow at the King. Achilleus chuckled. They were alone in the great Throne Room, with its swirling interlocking knotwork inlaid into the marble walls. This conversation was as private as he'd ever had, and he could afford to be frank.
"We cannot afford a war with Numer. Their navy is more powerful than even ours, and if they wished, they could make our trade with other nations a living hell. These companies arriving from the Kingdom of Man are already likely to challenge our trade in precious metals. No. Caius has gone in obedience to the vision, and until Kalrush presents a clearer threat, I cannot commit the muster, nor send the Red Axe out to the tribes. He is on his own."

[Honorisia]

Road to Sarees

"We should reach the city tomorrow sir." Ruttledge nodded, lost in the tomes he had found next to him in Kush. The soldier hesitated for a moment then left Ruttledge's presence. Bear-Man sighed and pounded his axe on the ground next to Ruttledge. "Wake up. It is not good for you to dwell on such mysteries." Ruttledge angrily huffed at the mountain of man "If the city does not surrender to our force then we need to know what we are up against. It reads here that the city's walls have a breach where the water and land meet. Its not large, but if we send a small team to infiltrate the city and open the gates before an assault then the city will most likely surrender. I hope it does not come to that, but if diplomacy should fail... Send someone to find Caius, I think it's time we shared this knowledge with him. Besides, this may be a job for the elves, they tend to be a bit more stealthy then us humans."

Kush

Oliyan stood on the main road through the city. Tears streaming down his fave as he beheld what remained of his city. He came to a stop in front of a ruined store front. The roof had caved in and the door was missing, but Oliyan remembered this place. Perise nudged Oliyan's side with her snout. "This is why we fight, because of the pain caused by the King's cruelty. It is not just for any one man to rule a whole nation. Promise me this little one, if we are victorious then you must change things. Change things so that power is shared among the people. I would not have you becoming corrupted by the power madness that has taken your father." Oliyan fell to his knees, still weeping, and spoke "I used to come here every day. The family that owned this shop was sweet on me. They always would give me an extra loaf of bread or a free cake. The daughter, her name was Jensine, she would smile and say good morning. I began to court her, and all seemed peaceful and well, despite the protests that I court a woman of noble birth. One day she agreed to walk with me. That was the day the King began burning homes. We were enjoying ourselves, the problems of the city were forgotten. Then we finished our walk, she was returning home with me by her side. It seemed like the world was perfect. The man I told you about, the one that the king burned, was her father. We rounded that corner and saw him being dragged from the shop. She screamed and ran to him, one of the soldier turned and hit her. She fell back and I picked her up. For all my supposed influence, the king refused to spare her father. He burned him while she watched. She couldn't handle it. She ran at the soldiers and they stopped her. They carried her away and... I wasn't strong enough for her."

Perise stared into Oliyan's back as he rose from the ground "It is not right. You shouldn't have had to be strong." Oliyan stood and yelled at the beast "You don't know what it's like. To hold the one you love in your arms and watch the life fade from their eyes, to feel their blood running across your arms. For her sake I must kill the King." "He is your father Oliyan." Oliyan looked up to the sun and said with finality "Not anymore. He stopped being my father when he killed Jensine's father. I won't forget the look on her face when... When I finally found her, they had wounded her so greatly that I knew she was going to die. That is where Ruttledge found me, holding her body, covered in the blood of my love."

[Dbrought]

"Dammed foreign magicians." Byrce whispered to Eric. "Of course he would want the leader of the fleet to approach him unarmed. Do me a favor friend. If I happen to rip his throat out with my bare hands, set fire to the rest of his fleet would you?"

"What? And let some of your men take the glory? The Magician might be already be infecting your mind friend. The real Bryce I knew would rip out that man's throat and eat his four ships whole should they not provide you a horn the size of the Blacktyde to quench your thirst. Though we both know, we are protected from that. - For Udan."

"For Udan."

Bryce made his way to the plank that had been extended from the sorcerer's ship to his own and stood upon it. Making an exaggerated point of it, Byrce swung the great double headed battle axe that had been strapped to his back into the side of his ship embedding it there followed up by him unsheathing his sword and plunging the point downwards through the plank and into his own ship connecting the two. A throwing axe, dagger, and three knives later Bryce made his way across the plank and two the sorcerer's ship. Standing at the top of the ship's railing and dropping down with thud befitting of a man Bryce's size, Bryce stared into the magician's eyes and with the most devilish of grins spoke.

"I am High Captain of Zelbae Bryce Laron, Son of Bruce Laron, Lord of Laronia, the icy shores of Udin Bay and the head of the Jormungdr River, Come to Kalrush in spite of her ailments to offer strength, friendship, and trade. Who be ye magician, and for what do ye stand for?"

[Honorisia]

The Ocean

The Sorcerer drew himself to full height at the sight of the Zelbaen man. Despite that, he was still noticeably shorter than the man. He felt humbled at the sight of the man, and the weapons embedded in the forward boarding plank. "I am Masifar, High Sorcerer of Kalrush, Advisor to King Oriyan, and Servant of the Sun. My King has bidden me to treat with you. Now I must ask of you, what do you mean by strength? Friendship and trade I understand, but strength? Does the fleet carry goods for trade? I notice far more men then should be in a trading fleet. Perhaps these men be your goods. Do you offer assistance through arms?"

[Dbrought]

The Ocean

"Your country's plight has not been unnoticed sorcerer. The Northlands have long paid close attention to the rumors and tidings of the South, and not long ago our sailors heard your kingdom's story and were intrigued. The Council that rules my homeland, and upon which my father sits deliberated, and have sent me and my fleet to you and your king. It is our hope, that you as your kings adviser and your king as ruler of this land, recognize that should you befriend my people, that the goods, arms and men on my ships would be beneficial to keeping your people safe and army capable of fighting this uprising. It is our offer of friendship now in one of your more trying times, that we hope in time will be repaid when your war is done, and our galleys flowing to a from your ports, overflowing both our coffers. And so I bring three thousand of my best men, in hopes that you and your lord king be wise and reasonable people, with whom we may be freely amicable."

[Deneager]

Forest-Flense, the Blade Master
Flense had been hunting Didric for almost three months. They had been hired to kill him, Flense and his group of ten. They were stealthily moving through the forest, with weapons drawn. His two archers had taken positions ahead of them, over looking a small trail. Didric was still a half mile away but you could hear the tale, tale sounds of his clanking armor. When he got in sight they were all in position but Didric had spotted the archers. "You fools. You can not defeat me!" Didric bellowed before charging the archers position. They tried to get out of the way but he got on of them and the attack carried the extra damage on the one archer into the other, making both of their bodies a bloody mess.


The archers ghosts appeared with weapons drawn and one of the ghosts pointed in the direction Flense and his group were hiding. Several arrows were fired but each missed its mark. Flense had his blade out. "There will be no escape for you this time, Didric. You raided my town and I was the man hired to kill you again." Flense said as a sly smile crossed his face. Didric released a laugh that sounded as evil as the devil may sound.
"You will have the same fate as your archers." Sophia, Derrick, and Vladimir went to deal with the ghosts and the other five sat and watched the duel between Flense and the undead Didric. Didric narrowly missed Flense but it gave the skilled man time to use his saber to attack hard and the once mighty Didric fell to the ground and Flense stabbed him through the eye hole. The ghosts disappeared and the body of Didric released a shock wave that made several tree fall and Flense get bruised quite badly.....

[Honorisia]

The Ocean

Masifar broke into a smile and spoke. "Well, you have me convinced. My king should see the wisdom in accepting your offer of assistance. One thing that you must be aware of is that I cannot grant exclusive trade rights to your nation. The Numerians have also offered assistance, and are in fact due to arrive any day. I hope you will allow me to guide your fleet into the harbour of Perisagarde. My king will want to speak with you before deciding whether to accept your assistance."

Sarees

The three delegates from the rebel host marched towards the main gate of the city. The delegates reached the gates. "Hail to thee, lord of Sarees. The commander of the free legions of Kalrush calls for a meeting. Tonight, when the sun has run its course and is setting on the horizon, Ruttledge will approach the city with his advisors. They will be prepared to discuss rebellion and revolution with the leaders of the city.

Perisagarde

The men rushed about the harbour preparing for the arrival of the Numerians. The king's standard flew over the docks, a dragon bolded onto a red background. The king himself sat on a chair elevated on a throne above the dock. On each side of him stood one of his generals. Guarding him was the Order of Ka. The elite soldiers of the kingdom were outfitted in heavy plate armour, and bore the insignia of the king. All 300 of them lined the docks, their swords sheathed and their shields strapped to their backs.

The king looked to the general on his left and spoke, "Send up a signal that this is where they should dock." Two mages behind the platform sent up bright green pillars of light. They shone in the sky above the harbour, a signal for miles around.

[Honorisia]

Sarees

The column of men approached the city. Three hundred Kalrans and Mountain Men marched in formation towards the main gate of the city. The colmun stopped two hundred meters from the walls and dispersed into three rows. The line shifted as each soldier drew their weapon. A defeaning shout that emitted from the lines, "Hail to the rightful rulers of Kalrush!" Three figures emerged from the formation. A horn sounded and the magically enhanced voice of Ruttledge boomed out over the city, "Hail, Lord Csath! My name is Ruttledge. I am the leader of the First Free Legion of Kalrush. I would politely ask that you join me in discussions of war, rebellion, and revolution. I promise that no harm will come to you while we speak, and if our talks do sour then we will allow you one day to evacuate your civilians before we siege your city."

The large wooden gates swung open and out marched six hundred soldiers. At the head of the column rode a man larger than any he had witnessed. He was even larger than the biggest of the Mountain Men. The man was adorned with nightstone armour that was carved to give his already intimidating form a demonic appearance. Across his back lay his massive sword, Nightbringer. The horse he rode atop was dressed in armour carved in the same fashion as his own. The gates swung closed and crashed with a resounding thud of wood crushing wood.

Ruttledge, Bear-Man and their advisors began the march towards the Sareesan lines. On the opposite side, Lord Csath and two of his advisors left their lines. The delegates met in the open field between the two battle lines. Lord Csath swung his leg over his massive mount's side and slid to the ground, still remaining as tall as Ruttledge was atop his own warhorse.

Lord Csath slowly, meticulously walked towards Ruttledge. He lifted the helmet from his head, to reveal a face torn and scarred by battles long forgotten. Csath spoke in a slow deep drawl, "I am Lord Ciruban Csath, ruler of Sarees, and commander of the forgotten army. Where is the supposed rightful king? Has he run like the coward he showed himself to be?"