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Messages - Dezza

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41
// This entry has been approved and contributed to by Pseudonym on behalf of Arkolio

Having spend almost a year traversing different regions of the world, questioning numerous sources and following multiple leads Leisa finds herself once more in Katherian. Keeping a low profile she again looks up old contacts in the Vine trying to get a handle on the source of the famines and those responsible for an intricate and subtle manipulation of places around the world to spread the plague and cause upset, difficulty and even distrust amongst those on the surface.

Eventually, having exhausted all prior leads above ground and credible ones from the Deep she can marginally trust she makes for a large winery on the outskirts of Katherian.

The Salvorre Family winery and College for Disadvantaged Children stands before her as she walks along the long gravelled road leading to the impressive manor house that dominates the estates. On the wide porch that covers the full length of the house a table setting is presented with white cloths and cushioned seats. Platters of fruits and sweet meats are arrayed on the table including several crystal decanters of water and wine.

A figure sits in one of the chairs dressed in a dark suit after the latest Katherian fashions and at sharp contrast to the start whiteness of the setting. A child with dark curly hair plays with a rocking horse on the porch and a woman of noble beauty stands beside him.

Leisa has time as she draws closer to note a number of guards at intervals around the property and several hidden ones as well before she draws up to the stairs leading to the expansive porch. She pauses and looks up as Arkolio stands lazily and swaggers to lean against one of the columns supporting the overhanging roof of the level above. A coin idly flips back and forth across the back of his knuckles.

"So you finally took me up on my offer?" His cheeky reference to the many times he has tried to lure Leisa into showing romantic affection for him yet again fails to make any impression on her. Nearby Arkolios wife barely even registers the comment, so used to his flippant ways.

As if remembering she is there Arkolio turns to her, "Hun, I've got business to attend to, take him out the back will you."

Lady Salvorre takes the boy by the hand and leads him through the huge doors into the manor house. Arkolio stands straighter and motions Leisa up to the porch and to a seat.

Leisa sits and carefully places a small bunch of grapes, a piece of cheese and a particular sweet meat onto a plate before her.

Arkolio once again flops down into a seat opposite her as a servant arrives to top up his glass before disappearing inside the house.

"So, you wanted this little meeting, you're lucky I was actually here, the Vaults profits are down and I've been back and forth over the last few months."

"You are aware of course of the food production problems associated with many lands around the world over the last year or so are you not?"

Arkolio sighs and places his glass down on the table. "Always straight to the point, dont you ever relax? I certainly do, lifes too short to waste it on serious work."

"Then you are aware of the incidences."

Arkolio grinned at her across the table, "I make it my business to know lots of things."

"My investigations have led me to believe that this is a worldwide coordinated event initiated by various factions and organisations predominantly based in the Deep. What I have gathered so far is that the Corathites, a Slaver group from the Deep, the Vine and some as yet unknown groups in Liwich and Morholt have benefitted from the situation. It has been increasingly difficult to determine any links as the more I dig the more secretive they become."

"What do you care? You dont do anything without a contract?" Arkolio flicked a coin into the air, his eyes watching its every turn before catching it again and then rolling it across his knuckles.

Leisa ignored the question and pressed on. "Many years ago you contracted me to accompany you to a place that we cannot name nor discuss where a person whom we are not allowed to mention dwells."

Arkolio suddenly became more guarded looking around to make sure none of the servants were in earshot. He sat forward in his seat and lowered his voice across the table and its contents. "Be very careful what you say from now on, remember the terms of your contract and what you swore to him."

"I have never failed to adhere to a contract, I will not fail now. This person needs to be made aware that someone in Katherian is benefitting from this, and that may tip the balance of power when events finally move to whatever destination they are progressing towards. I have as yet been unable to determine this specific outcome but I am slowly working towards it and hope to as yet determine the source and their intentions."

For several moments Arkolio sat forward in his chair the coin still in his thumb and forefinger. Eventually he slowly leaned back into his chair a thoughtful expression on his face. "Who hired you? Who is spending valuable coin to have one of the worlds best assasins trecking the globe searching for obscure clues?"

"I cannot tell you that."

"Why should I do this for you? Whats in it for me?"

"You get to be the one to bring the knowledge to this person and avoid a shift in the balance of power that they did not initiate."

"You presume a lot, what if your information is wrong and nothing ever happens, then I look like a laughing stock. No, I'm sorry but I need more assurances than that."

"What do you want?"

Arkolio's grin returned and he stretched, obviously enjoying the fact that someone needed his help.

"I want to know who hired you and I want two more...candidates, the same as last time."

Leisa's dark eyes flickered, a sure sign that Arkolio had annoyed her to some degree, enough to crack her usual emotionless exterior.

"That will take me some time to achieve."

Arkolio sipped his wine enjoying the moment before responding. "So will what you have asked of me, and I'm not about to expose myself to potential discreditment in that person's eyes, not after its taken me such a long time to establish this relationship. Those are my terms Liselle, take them or leave them."

Leisa placed a grape carefully into her mouth and chewed for a while before swallowing. "Very well, but I will hold you to account for this information as I have in the past. we each have too much to lose if the other dares act against them.

"Fair enough," Arkolio smiled amusedly, enjoying the game immensly.

"Nastor hired me to find the source of the plague, if possible to find a way to turn it around or at least discover how it is passed on and spread. If I can find those responsible he wants to know."

She paused for a moment watching Arkolio barely paying any attention then continued.

"What about your part?"

He looked up, "All in good time Leisa. I believe you owe me some new candidates. I can't go empty handed as you know, its not polite."

Leisa's eyes flickered again. "Very well, I shall return in two months with what you request."

"I look forward to seeing you again, really we must do this more often, brunch on the porch, it is a wonderful thing."

Realising she had been dismissed Leisa stood, took the bunch of grapes from her plate and calmly proceeded down the steps and back to the road heading out of the estate.

Behind her Arkolio chuckled as he watched her leave, "Never changes that one."

42
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: Increased military presence
« on: November 08, 2012, 03:50:22 am »
Across the border Raelian patrols continue to move about in full view of the outposts of Kuhl as if tempting them to try something. Even when they are requested by the authorities in Briardusk to diminish the patrols and bring them further back from the border as to not trigger an incident.

It is only by direct command of Sir Lance, Commander of Hilms armies that the Raelian leader finally pulls back from his patrols close to the Kuhl Hilm border.

43
Ask A Gamemaster / Re: Question regarding the military arm of faiths
« on: November 05, 2012, 08:47:12 pm »
Keep in mind too that a force of 2500 Rofireintes mobilised for a war setting can me made up of mixed troops sometimes. So it might be 500 Knights, 1500 footsoldiers and 500 faithful followers with some martial experience. After the conflict many of them return home and perhaps the 500 Knights and 1500 footsoldiers return to their various chapters and the like across the world.

Which is essentially what Dorgs pointing out.

44
Development Journals and Discussion / Re: Drnii Khuiedr Tyhuekyra
« on: November 02, 2012, 04:07:42 am »
I cannot believe how much has happened in the last few months since the attack on the Cathedral in Westerngate by Pyrtechonite agents. I found myself caught up in an intensive investigation into finding an ancient artifact that could bring an end to the Pyrtechonites curse that they had unleashed on the unknowing populace of Boyer.

It proved to be a very difficult journey by sea and then by land eventuating in the large mountain village of Highpass in Boyer. Sadly a good many of Boyers citizens fell to the curse before we were able to bring an end to the situation.

What we discovered was that a Pyrtechonite by the name of Calvin had activated a deadly curse and was intent on putting an end to any chances of the good forces stopping him by destroying the only chance we had to counter his own magic.

He would have been successful in his mission had not fate, or as I believe, Rofirein, had not stepped in. The group I travelled with and I had acquired the amulet we sought that could stop Calvin's plans. We assumed it was our mission to use it to destroy Calvin and end the curse but that is not how things eventuated. We failed to stop him and instead many of us fell on the field of battle just short of achieving our mission. We learnt later that Calvin himself tried to destroy the good amulet and succeeded in destroying himself. I cannot but think that this is what Rofirein had planned all along. Either way the final outcome was achieved, the contagion plaguing the land appears to have halted and is clearing up, the kobolds of Firesteep retreating back across Boyer and to their mountain fastholds on Molten Isle.

The Ancient Enemy has been quiet for some time before this assault, we will have to be more wary in future.

45
Character Development Quests (CDQ's) / Re: Dezza - Canislupis (WLDQ able)
« on: November 02, 2012, 03:54:01 am »
Updated again 02-11-12
Updated again 09-11-12

Ell CDQ (Completed)
Night CDQ (Completed)
Storod CDQ (Completed)
Aphel CDQ (Completed)
Sein Alinds CDQ (Completed)
 
Micus CDQ (On Hold)
 
Active:
Nihaer CDQ (Near completion)
Galathea Arnaduille (First week Jan 2013)

46
Rumour Has It / Re: Questions about the Rift
« on: October 29, 2012, 04:43:09 am »
Year (pending)

For several years after Storold Doesschla, also called the Protector of the Al'noth entered the Rift taking with him some of Layonara's greatest adventurers. Rumours persisted for some time of the demise of the expedition within the deep and dangerous dark places that are the Rift.

Over those years a few of the groups members suddenly appeared back in the world, returning quietly to their former roles without making much fuss or noise about where they had been or what had happened.

What they did speak of only served to heighten the mystery about the groups disappearance. When pressed as to the fate of the rest of the group those who had managed to return could only speak of horrors and trials beyond the realms of Layonara and none could say with any confidence that those still there were in fact alive.

Thus after two years of the notable absences many had given up hope they would return at all. By the time the third year had passed their names were barely upon the lips of any but the most ardent believers that they would one day return. One notable person with such hope was the Diet Member of Lor Angela Swann, whose partner the great Al'nothist Alantha Tsarran was still listed as one of those lost to the Pits on Storold's mad endeavour.

We say mad because the Lucindites declared his mission outside their approval and madness in its endeavours. But since when did a disagreement with the Lucindites ever stop Storold from doing anything?



But this has all changed in recent days as tremours rocked the range of mountains where the known entrance to the Rift outside Dalanthar lies. Residents of the city of Dalanthar raced out of their homes and businesses and lined the streets and surrounding lands to view the strange weather patterns that covered the mountain ranges. Lightning flickered in the depths of clouds tinged with all the colours of the rainbow.

As the lightning played over the multi hued clouds crowding over the mountains, the ground beneath them trembled and a wave of shimmering air swept down over the lands surrounding area. Those it touched felt their skin prickle and the hair rise on their bodies and many for the first time in their lives felt the delicate touch of Al'noth upon them.

As the Al'noth settled on the ground it ran in rivelets into the depths of the mountains, through paths and caverns long since having an absence of magic and filled them once more.


And when the display finally ended hours later many still watched and wondered at the events to suddenly find amongst them the long thought lost Storold, Protector of the Al'noth and those remaining companions who had survived the entire journey.

The mighty warrior Vrebel, also known as the Honoured Captain of Hilm, and famous for his role in the Wall of Iron in the Dragon wars in Hilm.

The skilled Elven Al'nothist Tralek, well known across the world for his willingness to aid any in the pursuit of all good things magical.

The Honoured Huntsmistress of Hilm, Jilseponie Kendall, also instrumental in the allied forces war against Shadrixkayls forces in Hilm prior to her departure from the realms of Layonara.

The famous Al'nothist Alantha Tsarran whose achievements in the world of Al'noth and her service to the surface races are well documented.

The dedicated Priestess Sala Stonehill, who, as Storold, has had her disagreements with the main body of the Faith but who has shown time and time again her loyalty to Lucinda and to the safekeeping of all she represents.



There were others that began the journey with them that did not make the entire journey and either returned by use of the stones to bind souls or else by long and arduous means via creatures of the Pits themselves.

Diet member Angela Swan, another whose deeds of service to her nation are held in great honour and esteem and also is amongst the most wealthy in all of Layonara.

The little known but highly skilled Al'nothist Xaltotun, at home in his native Belinara he has once again resumed his former life.

Also the well known crafter and powerful warrior, husband to Sala, Jake Stonehill. His stoic and generous personality well known to many in the world.


All of these names are suddenly on the lips again of everyone living in the region who witnessed the mysterious events that Storold was heard announcing heralded the return of Al'noth, once stolen by Drezneb from Layonara had finally been returned to its rightful place.

Few knew what to make of such announcements, many were too star struck by the appearance of such auspicious names within their city to recognise the import of Storolds announcement.


But word travels quickly, and in other regions of the world, the news of Storolds return and what he had achieved were spoken about, debated on, weighed and finally...measured.

47
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: A situation arises...
« on: October 14, 2012, 12:14:47 am »
In the aftermath and clean up from the battles to reclaim the front lines of the Principality the following were granted additional honours;

A roll of names of promotions follows and in them appear the following notable names:

Marion MacMurray (Promoted to the Seventh for bravery in the face of overwhelming odds by holding the line while wounded were transfered from her battlegroup)

William Leox (Acknowledgement and a Bravery award for standing firm in the face of insidious evil.)

Hector Bael (Acknowledgement and a Bravery award for providing cover to a unit separated from their main Battlegroup.)

Lady Eliza Karlgarl (Promotion to the Seventh and a Bravery award for leading a charge to save the lives of a number of Siphe Garra)

Princess Shey'kar Maillard (Promotion to the Seventh and acknowledgement for her skill and kill count of the enemy)

General Ni'tok of Nesar (Acknowledgement for his leadership of his cavalry and bravery in the face of mortal danger)

Lady Daniella Stormhaven (Acknowledgement of her Bravery and leadership against overwhelming odds, Promotion to Ambassador of the Principality and an Honourary position amongst the Firsts.)



Amongst those who were named in the lists the following received additional acknowledgments and civilian awards for bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.

The infamous Mercenary Steel
The Philanthopist Razeriem
The emminent Bard Andrew Reid
Hilm Huntmistress Jilseponie Kendall
Scout Ferrit Pandorn
Scout Sehky
The Mercenary Jetta


Once the ceremonies were over the familiar figure of Jaedon Siphe crossed the parade compound with Lady Daniella Stormhaven at his shoulder.

The Toranites who had served with the Garra for the last two years were rounded up and presented in parade formation.

Jaedon Siphe looked over them carefully then stopped a short distance in front of them.

"All of you have fulfilled your terms here with the Siphe Garra, you have given more than I could have asked for in your time here. When you arrived I saw mewling kittens. Now I see before me the makings of fine soldiers.

Your terms are over, I release you from the Garra should that be your wish."

He glances at Daniella a moment them moves to stand in front of Eighth Rank William Leox.

"Your term has ended soldier, I thank you for your dedication and service. You have already been reassigned. You are to report to Sir Lance in Sundance and coordinate with him the removal of the remnants of the Horde from southern Hilm."

Siphe then leans in very close to the young man and speaks several words softly leaving the young man slightly puzzled for a moment before his usual stoic resolution enters his face once more.

"Dismissed Soldier!"

He returns to Daniella's side and nods slightly to which Daniella looks at him questioningly but he says nothing further about the words he spoke to the young Toranite William.

"Dismissed all." He salutes them in the Garra fashion.

48
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: A situation arises...
« on: October 12, 2012, 04:38:25 am »
Hundreds of miles to the south of the ensuing battle between the Siphe Garra, their Toranite, Hilm and Rofireinite allies another conflict was already ongoing.


Captain's Vrebel and Kromlek, Major Griff, and the small force of Hilmites, Toranites and Voraxians pursued the enemy Horde as it made its relatively quick passage north. Their forces constantly nipped at the heels of the horde forcing them to dispatch numerous counter attack forces to their rear in an attempt to fend off the ferocious attacks by their determined pursuers.


Despite the Shaman of Grand leaving dead prisoners in the Hordes wake the allied host did what they could to harrass the enemy, as best they could. Hundreds fell to their incessant attacks, maybe thousands, but it was not enough to put any real dent in the tens of thousands within the giant carpet of non humans moving north.

That is until, purely by some miracle of fate, the allied forces discovered the prisoner transporter and a large cache of water supplies for the Horde and immediately launched an all out assault. Most of the prisoners were saved and all of the water stores with them destroyed.


The act finally stirred the Horde into action, the affront too much for even the Horde leaders to bear and slowly, inexorably the Horde reversed their direction and poured into the Roughland ravines where the allied forces had gathered and waited, the location the only source of water for at least a hundred miles, water the Horde now desperately needed.


What followed was a battle on the scale of the extraordinary. Several thousand against the Horde of tens of thousands. The front line was formed of a wall of dwarven Steel, the legendary Red Axes led by Major Griff, and behind them shoulder to shoulder Captain Vrebel with the combined Hilmites, and various allied soldiers who had come with them from Sundance.

For days a new river formed in the base of those ravines, a river of blood, as the Horde poured itself into the narrow ravines again and again trying to destroy the allied force that was to them the bee whose sting had finally enraged the massive beast.


When the sun rose on the fifth day of the fighting in the Ravine, those amongst the allied forces who remained alive finally gave ground and their resistance crumbled. The Shaman of Grand, Segemek and the Orcish Warleader Argemek, desperate to break the allied forces and get to water for their forces sent forth their best soldiers, the ones they had specifically reserved to send against the adventurers gathered in the North. These elites still suffered heavy losses but they got the result the Horde wanted.
 

Captain Vrebel was finally brought down by sheer weight of numbers and the combined power of the Hordes best. Once he fell, the last of the Red Axes died in a tight ring holding off thousands of attackers. Major Griffs last words before an orcish club smashed his skull was to shout his defiance to the bitter end and to praise Vorax. He knew that they had done the impossible, that their sacrifice would hold the Horde in the south and not let them join Shadrixkayls forces in the north and that ultimately it would mean the Siphe Principality would be saved and more than likely Hilm as well.



In years to follow the battle of the 'Wall of Iron' would be remembered, recorded and studied by leaders and warriors as a study of exceptional defensive tactics in the face of overwhelming odds. The location where it took place would be dedicated by Sir Lance and Lord Alexander as the 'Iron Gorge' in memory of those brave men and women who fought and died there.



But they are days to come. As the Horde finally broke through the last defenders what order held by the orcish leaders was lost as thirsty creatures broke for the spring fed oasis. What followed was a slaughter as the creautres of the Horde turned on themselves in desperation to get to the water and hold it. Thousands perished around the oasis causing the water to putrify for months afterwards before the Orcish leaders regained some measure of control but it was not enough to hold the Horde together and for the next few months Sir Lances soldiers out of Sundance launched forays and patrols across southern Hilm to drive the non humans back to the moutnains where they had come from. The last word from the Half orcish Shaman was that the horde would return one day and exact its vengeance.




Meanwhile in the North by the time the sacrifice made by the allied forces who made up the Wall of Iron was known several weeks of sporadic fighting occured along the southern border of the Siphe Principality as Shadrixkayl launched half hearted attacks at the remaining defenders.

Of the mighty dragon Ractrafiorez nothing was seen and by the second day of the Siphe Garra reclaiming their border defensive positions the Fire Giant allies announced they were leaving. They collected their fire stones and returned to the mountains.

Within a month of the Garra's offensive to reclaim their lands taken by Shadrixkayls forces the fighting had died down to the occassional skirmish at night and within two months even those attacked died completely. Slowly the mist began to evaporate from the Roughlands south of the Siphe Principality and for all intents and purposes the Siphe Garra began to believe they had won the battle. Certainly nothing came forward for the months that followed to dissuade them of that notion.

Several things had changed by the wars end though, Jaedon Siphe was almost always accompanied by the Lady Commander Daniella Stormhaven whose legend had grown amongst the Garra for her pivotal role in helping defeat Shadrixkayls curse, the mist that had covered the land, and her almost single handed slaying of a powerful Mist dragon that had killed so many of the defenders during the offensive that retook the front lines.

So too the other adventurers who had aided in the conflict were recognised for their efforts and granted free passage to and from the Siphe Principality lands for the rest of their lives.

At Daniella Stormhavens urging the Temple to Toran was completed in short measure and the Siphe Garra finally given permission by Jaedon Siphe to attend freely if they wanted to.

Thus was to begin a tough but new era for the Siphe Principality, the fledgling nation trying to establish itself in the aftermath of a long and bloody war against the Green Dragon Cult.

49
Development Journals and Discussion / Re: Drnii Khuiedr Tyhuekyra
« on: October 07, 2012, 02:37:29 am »
A single entry out of order as if the writer found a page to write on not realising there were several blank pages in between.

I as summoned into the mayors office again yesterday. This has been occuring on a regular basis as of late as my tenure draws closer to its finish. I was asked to submit some of the training documents for his perusal and later I found out that the Mayor and the senior officers in the city had had an inspection of the training facility and spoken with a number of the recruits and their senior personnel. Men and women I had personally trained for some time now to take over the training when I was done.

I was suprised to find in attendance with the Mayor one of the officers of the Military assigned to Westerngate. Lord Kel'tain was in charge of all the cities military affairs and had close ties to the Cathedral and the Mayors office. The mayor spoke very highly of my training regime to the Lord who then questioned me about my stint in the military in Tyr Song and what training I had received with the Rofireinites. The meeting went for some time and was quite thorough.

I was then asked to accompany Lord Kel'tain to another office. Here I was introduced to a Protector of the Code, General Keegan, an old retired officer also based in Westerngate and highly thought off in official circles. The retirned general explained some of his role to me and the importance of the code to the people of Dragonsong and closely aligned it was to the Rofireinites own dogma. We spent some time discussing the similarities in the two beliefs before he handed me an official looking document. When I red the contents I was humbled greatly. It seemed the Mayor had recommended me to the Protector based on my previous methodologies and instructions for the recruits in Westergate. The document was signed by the Dominus himself and granted me the honoured position of Instructor of the Code. The Protector then instructed me on what my duties would entail and my obligations under such a title. I was offered a more permanent position not to the Mayors office but to the service of Dragonsong itself through the office of the Code. When I spoke to one of the High Protectors at the Cathedral and also my new ssection commander in Westerngate they approved the role indefinitely. In fact the High Protector saw it a perfect way for the Rofireintes to repay the people of Dragonsong for their support of the faith. Rofireins ways and methods truly never cease to amaze me.

50
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: A situation arises...
« on: September 24, 2012, 10:29:03 pm »
// In the north new faces appeared amidst the Siphe Garra ranks as those who joined Steel to travel the Pits recovered enough to participate in engaging with Shadrixkayls forces near the Principality border. Huntsmistress Jil having transfered from Sundance to join Steels mission decided her skills were better served in the north and with her decision other scouts joined her, Sehky, Ferritt, and even a Wolfswood ranger, Aden. The famous bard Andrew Reid also lent his voice to the affair at Siphes main battlelines, as did mercaneries like Jetta Ravenlock and Arfur Dumas. Even famous Captain of the Beacons, Argali Trueaxe joined with Lady Commander Daniella Stormhaven on the front lines. Of Steel and Razeriem, little was seen, Steel had suffered a heavy injury in the battle to close the portal, and being Al'noth related, Razeriem was doing what he could to try and repair the injury that had rendered Steel's arm completely useless depsite its apparent health.  The final addition to the Siphe Garra ranks in the Principality was the arrival of Knight of the Wyrm Captain Gabrielle Millison with a thousand Rofireinite Cavalry from Hilm Castle. Not content to sit and let their Toranite brothers face Shadrixkayl alone the Knight Captain had decided to do something about it and rallied tose at Hilm Castle and brought them south to the Principality.



// In the week prior to this stage of the war in the North things were happening in the south.

Tired of waiting, Major Griff, true to his word broke camp early one morning and led his Voraxians westwards before angling north. His intention being to attack the Shadrixkayl cultists camp. Upon arrival however he found the camp barely attended and after a short, bloody battle the token force left in the camp had been wiped out and the camp taken. In searching the camp Griff discovered a hole that had been dug under cover of one of the tents by the Shadrixkayl cultists. The hole led to a series of extensive caves and tunnels under the surface of the Roughlands. Figuring them to be old demon tunnels Griff led his Voraxians into the tunnels.

No further word was heard of from Griffs force except a scout who returned to Vrebels position to reveal what they had found and what Griff's intentions had been.

With some of his best scouts now in the North with Siphes forces Vrebel made plans to go and join Griff, uon hearing what he had found, and leave the force overseeing the Horde under the command of the Hilmite Field Commander. Just as he gathered his pack and several veteran soldiers, including Captain Kromlek, who had a arrived mere hours before to lend a hand, dozens of horns sounded in the Hordes ranks. Cursing softly Vrebel and many others raced to the edge of their camp to watch as the Horde slowly and inexorably began to pack up camp and head northwards.

Vrebel was torn...to go and find Griffs dwarves in the demon tunnels underneath the Roughlands, or take his force north and harry the backside of the Horde. In the meantime he sent runners as fast as possible south to inform Sir Lance of the latest developments.

51
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: A situation arises...
« on: September 24, 2012, 10:04:34 pm »
// For those in the south, a quick recap of their situation as I think there are a few crossed wires.

1/ There are now approximately fifteen thousand mixed Hilm/Toran soldiers in Sundance that have built defences for the city, they are led by Sir Lance.

2/ Several days north of Sundance Vrebel and Griff have a smaller secondary force (2000 dwarves, 1500 Cavalry, 2500 Hilmite soldiers) that tried to break the prisoners free and found the enemy numbers just too vast.

3/ North of them, nestled neatly along the edge of the Dry Gorge is over fifty thousand creatures led by the Chief Warleader Argemek and the strange half orc shaman of Grand that had delighted in teasing Vrebels host by torturing the captives.

4/ The captives are not in caves. They are staked out on the ground in the middle of the enemy host on a flat piece of ground.

5/ A days march to the west of the enemy horde is another camp, this time made up of Shadrixkayl worshippers, they number a few thousand. The horde appears content to sit and wait. They are not threatening to move south towards Sundance or Vrebels force in any way.

6/ About a weeks forced march north of the Horde is the southernmost edge of the fog bank that protects Shaddy's forces. It used to reach halfway to the Horde but now does not.

7/ The fog bank extends to the borders of the Siphe Principality.

8/ 10 miles inside the border the Siphe Garra and their Toranite allies prepare to push south Shadrixkayls forces back to their border.

//Hopefully that clarifies things for people.

52
General Discussion / Re: A Big Happy Birthday to ED!!!
« on: September 24, 2012, 07:52:02 pm »
Happy Birthday oh wise Loremaster!

53
Development Journals and Discussion / Re: Drnii Khuiedr Tyhuekyra
« on: September 24, 2012, 05:23:15 pm »
It is light outside, just. I've been awake now for just over an hour. A terrifying dream assailed me in the night and as bad as it was I can only sense that He is sending me a warning, that this mission cannot fail. To prevent the outcome fortold in my dream I will go to any length the Dragon allows to accomplish it.

I just wish the path before us was not so cloudy, that we could see they way to step. Although, perhaps it is a test, to put my faith and trust in the one source I know to be true and let it lead me. I sense that we are making some progress but that the progress is somewhat hampered by the ulterior motives of those we travel with. I believe I can trust Naldin and Protector Aesthir, although I dont always agree with the later mentioned methods. The Huntsmistress I feel is also reliable and dependable. I am disappointed in the Toranite, Sir Hector. His mood swings and somewhat lacksidasical attitude at times gives me pause, I really could not say that if it came down to it he would support us in what needed to be done.

I have prayed several times now to clear my mind that what I did in the Pyrtechonite hideout was what was required of me. The sense that I got when I ended the life of the Pyrtechonite servant gave me some pause at the time. I am hoping in time that feeling will become more apparent. I do not regret what I did, I vowed to Rofirein himself that I would hunt down and destroy any and all followers of the Ancient enemy wherever they may be and i will undertake that mission faithfully.

So now we sit in Highpass, now an empty shell thanks to the efforts of the Pyrtechonites and plan our next move. We cannot hope to prevail against the Pyrtechonites directly without the Life's Tear, the amulet of power that will provide us a means of countering the curse they possess. Once we have that then we can act more directly. The dream was right in that, this assault by the Ancient Enemy on this world must end...and soon.

54
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: A situation arises...
« on: September 23, 2012, 04:38:13 am »
Several weeks pass during which time the Siphe Garra are once again beset by the forces of Shadrixkayl. Their relentless assaults come every night. The reinforcement by the Hilmite soldiers was good, the insertion of the additional members of the Shining Hand literally a godsend. Their power and skill in defeating the enemies facing them a huge bonus for the Siphe garra ranks.

Even so, their numbers were not enough to hold back the power of Shadrixkayls forces. Slowly but surely Jaedon Siphe and his beloved Garra were forced further and further back towards their mighty fort that as yet remained largely incomplete since the last battles fought to claim it.

Even the arrival of Lady Daniella Stormhaven a week into the fighting was not enough to stop the advance of the enemy, however, her glowing sword and bright nimbus whenever the enemy attacked at night became a rallying factor for the Toranites and the Garra alike and the Garra could not help but admit that without her guidance and her tempering of their Lord Commanders growing ill temper they would have been overrun far sooner and the Principality lost.

The Fire giants had taken their losses as well but a steady stream of reinforcements from the mountains had ensured they kept up their numbers.

By the end of the third week another division of Toranites arrived from Hilm and were promptly dispatched to Camp Oaxsama who were struggling to hold ground. More Hilmite soldiers also arrived in that week. Sir Lance and Lord Karlgarl together making the request for Hilm to support the Principality before Lord Alexander agreed.


And in all that time there was still no word from those who journeyed into the realms of the Pits in order to find a way to stop Shadrixkayls growing power. Hope was fading amongst the Garra, their beloved Lord was changing the longer he remained under Ractrafiorez's direct influence, the lands they had fought had to take were now being slowly stripped from them and soon their families would be threatened as well.

By the end of the fourth week the front lines of the Garra were within sight of the only partially reconstructed southern wall of Castle Siphe, the one Ractrafiorez tore to pieces during the war to capture the fort. Ironic now that the massive dragon fought alongside the same people to defend it. it was at this time that a strange event took place.

A battlegroup under the command of Third Rank Breemar found itself separated from the main bulk of the Garra during a clash with Shadrixkayls forces. Isolated and cut off the group formed a back to back stance and tried to move through the enemy back to the main Garra lines but found themselves unable to do so and were being slowly whittled away by the enemy surrounding them.

In the Garra lines a unit of Ninth nearest the isolated battlegroup, having lost their own leader formed together and initiated a brave drive to try and open a path for the battlegroup. One of their number, none other than Lady Eliza Karlgarl led the way and when others nearby saw what she was doing and why more joined them and the battlegroup were soon able to rejoin the main host and the fighting resumed. Third Rank Breamar, recognising the bravery of the small group and the leadership of the Lady Eliza gave her a field promotion on the spot to the Seventh and put her officially in charge of the unit she had led. Those with her were promoted to the Eighth.


Other stories of bravery filtered through also during the days of fighting but none as spectacular as the services the Dark Guards performed when they finally joined the Garra at Camp Oaxsama. Rumours after the fighting circulated that First Rank Nijau himself had left Camp Oaxsama when the fighting was in sight of the castles walls and ridden hard to Castle Siphe to confront Phalanx General Ni'tok directly and ordering him to send his Dark Guards South to enter the confrontation. Words must have been spoken but it was Nijau that won the battle and he returned to Camp Oaxsama with the entire regiment of the Dark Guards, General Ni'tok and the Princess Shey'kar, herself of the Ninth rank but having excluded herself from fighting with the Battlegroup she had been assigned too.

When the Dark Guards, the elite of the Nesarian cavalry, had charged into the enemy they ploughed a furrow deep into the enemy ranks. General Ni'tok had shown how he had the reputation of one of the best demon hunters in Belinara when he engaged with the enemy. None seemed able to touch him atop his huge black warhorse and he had killed any who came near him, bellowing constantly at the top of his voice and relishing in the pleasure of killing. Shey'kar had been no less formidable fighting close by the General's sides during most of the conflict, her skills with a blade impressive. The Dark Guards proved their worth and for several days Camp Oaxsama held ground over the enemy.

Then, as the enemy was within sight of the buildings of Fiorez City, of the walls of the Castle, of the barren but ploughed fields beyond those it all changed.

The fog bank that had so far protected and provided sustenance to the forces of Shadrixkayl suddenly thinned and the enemies attack faltered, they began to fall back under cover of the night and the combined defending forces were happy to let them do so. As commanders gathered to discuss the sudden fortune many began to think that just maybe Steel's mercenaries had been successful in their mission.

There were no further attacks over the next week and the forces had a chance to recoup, regain strength and to dig proper defences. Then word arrived that Steel, Razeriem and the mercenary forces had returned to the Castle and the word was that they had suffered heavy losses but succeeded in closing the portal sustaining Shadrixkayls power and providing him with a seemingly endless supply of soldiers to use in the fighting. The news was well received by all the defenders, even mroe so the news that many of the mercenaries that returned with Steel would join in the push to drive back Shadrixkayls forces.

But even with the loss of the portals power Shadrixkayls forces did eventually strike again, however this time the Garra and their allies managed to hold and even to gain some ground. The fighting ground to a halt several days later as the Garra retook the positions about 10 miles inside their original borders.

It was then word arrived that things had been happening in the south that were about to impact on the north. The fighting far from done the Garra and their allies dug in to await what was to come.

55
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: A situation arises...
« on: September 21, 2012, 10:53:12 pm »
Far to the south, even as the Siphe Garra retreated from their border positions the amies of Hilm faced another problem.

"Day beh temptin us, dey want teh foight an Oim 'appy teh give it to em," growled an angry Griff. Him and three other Red Axes faced Vrebel and one of the Hilm Cavalry's Field Commanders.

Vrebel sighed, "I know Major, I want to as well but we'll lose too many in saving the few. They want us to go out there and get massacred. I cant believe Im saying this but the Field Commander is right, its literally suicide."

"Bah, you're turnin into a soft headed pansy lad." Griff made a fist and showed it to Vrebel. "Deh can't do this, those scum of the earth need teh beh taught a lesson."

Frustrated himself Vrebel raised his voice, "Right, I know, just tell me where we can get another fifteen or twenty thousand soldiers and I'll lead the charge myself and we'll wipe them all out. Or are you telling me you can handle thirty odd thousand of the enemy by yourself?"

Griff grumbled and tugged at his beard angrily. "Well we nay beh sittin round dis place much longer. Well go after dem cultists ifn we ave teh alone."

The argument took place at the top of a bluff overlooking the series of ravines around the Dry Gorge that the Horde from the Orsgaunt mountains had taken over. An open space lay well behind enemy lines and in it many of the captives from over a week ago had been pegged out on the ground and left to die of exposure in the burning sun of the Roughlands. It was a deliberatly provocative gesture by the Orchish leaders of the Horde. Every day just on midday a half orc dressed in shamans robes and bearing a symbol of Grand would emerge and examine the bodies before turning his gaze to where he knew the allies forces would be watching him as if challenging them to come and stop him.

Even with the ten thousand soldiers arriving from Briardusk a few days earlier they had nowhere near enough numbers to mount a rescue.

56
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: A situation arises...
« on: September 21, 2012, 08:57:43 pm »
It seems by the time of Steel and Razeriem's arrival at Siphes Battlecamp rumours that the Lady Commander Daniella Stormhaven has left have circulated. Several of the Toranites stationed in various battlegroups are given a hard time with questions demanding why she had abandonded them at such a time. In the meantime Siphe is seen inspecting each battlegroups defensive positions, his measures are harsh if he is not pleased with what he sees.

Some of the men are heard making comments after his rounds that he does not appear to be himself of late.

However... several hours later Steel and Razeriem have been taken on a tour of the camp and its various defence structures. Raz, bored very quickly with the whole tour, instead heads to one of the fire giants glowing boulders to inspect that. It is here, just as the sun drops below the horizon that the warning of the attack comes first.

One minute Raz is joking with the two fire giant guards about what the boulder can do and the next a low thrumming sound is emmitted from the boulder and the red lines begin to glow a dull red. The giants swing into action, one charges off towards the closest guard tower while the other pulls covers off large stacks of boulders and spears.

Razeriem turns to gaze out over the rugged harshness of the Roughlands, the first spells on his lips. What he sees is a fog bank that spreads across the ground like a wave drawing closer and closer. Within its depths creatures move and surge forward.

The horns are sounded and Siphe Garra move to the defensive positions. Steel joining one particular section and casting a number of spells in preparation while trying to study the enemies approach to gain some measure of understanding of them.

The fog bank draws closer and surges up the ramparts in front of the defenses then grows higher and higher forming a solid wall of fog taller than the guard towers that seems to be trying to push forward. The dull red glow and low sound from the giants magical boulders grows and then there is a whump of sound and the shockwave hits the fog barrier causing it to dissipate. That done, it reveals hordes of clawed, toothed and fanged, winged and more types of unusual creatures not from Layonara. Interspersed with them are larger shadow like creatures with an odd draconic look about them.

Their protection gone they surge forward and into the waiting lines of the Siphe Garra. Brilliant explosions light up the night sky as Steel and Razeriem let loose, but these are short lived and before long Raz and Steel are forced to draw steel and engage with the enemy in hand to hand as their sheer weight of numbers overwhelms the defensive positions.

For long hours into the night the battle rages. Just after midnight the fighting pushed Steel and Razeriem together briefly, both weary, both bloody from numerous cuts and scraps but neither ready to give up the fight. Then the surge of the enemy pushes them apart again and once more they are fighting to save themselves and the lives of those around them.

In another section where Jaedon Siphes banner stands high above the battlefield the fighting is heaviest. The creatures seem intent on reaching the Sovereign Lord and ending his existence there and then. Siphe garra desperately throw their lives at the creatures assaulting them to defend their beloved leader. It seems that hundreds of the creatures perish for the loss of several Siphe garra, but its enough to slowly whittle down the defenders a few at a time. Even the Toranites, seen here and there go down under the onslaught and suddenly there is a breakthrough by the enemy and a massive surge pushes them through the Siphe Garra lines and into Siphes personal guards.

The Second and Third Ranked guards form a solid wall of steel against the surge into which steps Jaedon Siphe, his twin longblades dripping blood, and against all the force assaulting them, they advance. Swords whir in a swirling dance of death with Jaedon Siphes the deadliest. Any creature his weapons reach is killed instantly, each blow true. The best men and women the Siphe Garra have produced at his side and even they cannot match his speed, his grace and his deadly intensity.

In the face of incredible numbers they advance, cutting a deadly swathe through the enemies surge and then suddenly the attack falters. Reserve battle groups close in on the enemy flanks and collapse into them and the breach is closed. The Siphe Garra reform their ranks and hold their ground while the enemy recoils, adjusts and drives forward again.

Midmorning, the assaults intensity wanes but the enemy numbers do not. The Garra's third defensive lines are barely held. Steel struggles to raise his sword arm to fend off the claws and teeth and fangs of the creatures attacking them. Checking his pouch he notes the amount of healing potions he has gone through in the last few hours. Fresh Garra around him from battlegroups being rotated in and out of the battle give him a moments reprieve to flex cramping arm muscles. Suddenly out of the dimness of the battle Raz stumbles over to him out of breath and stands leaning on his rapier. His armour is coated in enemy blood and he shows signs of several nasty injuries that must have been recently healed by magic or potions. Raz notes that Steel is in much the same condition.

"Come with me to see the world huh? Have some fun you said!" Razeriem breathed in deeply trying to make the most of their moments respite.

Steels voice emerged amusedly from his dented and bloodied but all to familiar helm. "You were getting a little soft anyway."

"How much longer do you think they can keep this up?" Asked Razeriem.

"You mean how much longer can the Garra hold?"

"That too," replied Raz.

"According to Siphes plans he showed me when we got here if the enemy overrun this line everyone will fall back to a larger raving about ten miles inside the border and establish a new camp there. I saw a large creature pick up one of the fire giants glowing boulders an hour again and carry it off, I imagine the same has happened to the other one too. I think thats why the fog has returned, it seems to give the enemy strength. Siphe was right, we need to close that portal. It wouldnt matter how many forces he had, the enemy would eventually overwhelm him. Good note though, the Toranites seem to have some extra energy against the enemy, they would rather attack a Garra than a Toranite. For once in my life I think I'd be grateful to see a dozen divisions of Toranite infantry show up right about now."

Raz grinned at him through bloodied lips, "What? And spoil all our fun!"

"What was I thinking?" laughed Steel.  "Right, I'm rested, how about you?"

Raz straightened, "I was waiting for you old man."

Together they moved into the nearest line of fighting and renewed their assault.

An hour before dawn the sky began to lighten marginally the fog bank had thickened and moved right up to the back of the enemy forces seemingly giving them an endless supply of fortitude.

Runners appeared at Jaedon Siphes banner and the Sovereign Lord withdrew from yet another enemy surge at his position to speak with them.

"My Lord," said the Eight Rank runner. "Second Rank Kerin, Ashew and Kurn are overrun and their battlegroups wiped out or scattered amongst the enemy host, we've lost another four battlegroups over on the northern wing and the enemy hold the third line. If we dont move soon they are going to surround us.

Jaedon merely nodded, "Signal the retreat, we reassemble at Corral Ravine, send word to Camp Oaxsama that we have moved to the secondary staging site." As the runners nodded and raced off Jaedon sheathed his swords and stood face towards the Orsgaunt mountains for several moments. By he time he was done horns were sounding the retreat and the Garra, tired, exhausted, noses bloodied, remembered their training and formed small, highly mobile defensive units and left the battlefield to the enemy.

Jaedon Siphe moved to a large rock and quickly climbed it to get a better viewpoint. All he could see to the south was a fogbank filled with the enemy. Everywhere he looked to the left and right of him his people fought to disengage from the enemy. Something had to be done or many would die as they retreated. Jaedon once again looked skyward and this time he nodded slowly. Coming in low from the east, several dark shapes barely visible in the slowing rising light of the sun.

They started at the enemy line furthest east, Ractrafiorez came first unleashing torrents of fire onto the enemy forces, incinerating anything his breath touched. The other smaller shapes, themselves huge fire drakes added their fire and targeted the larger creatures with their deadly claws.

By the time Ractrafiorez reached Siphes position the enemy were falling back into the cover of the fogbank. Still he continued with the fire drakes until the Siphe Garra and their Toranite allies could break free and head north towards their next staging point. As they finished their straffing run the fog bank nearst them suddenly formed a long tendril like arm that reached out for the mighty dragon, instead it missed and latched onto one of the fire drakes and dragged it screaming into the fog bank where its screams abruptly ended.

As Ractrafiorez and the remaining Drakes climbed higher into the air and away from the fog bank Jaedon leapt down from the rock he had been standing on to his personal guard and turned his back on the enemy to move north.


****************************************************

Unbekownst to Jaedon Siphe, the same sort of battle was being fought further east by those at Camp Oaxsama, except there, the order to retreat had been given just after midnight by First Rank Nijau.

****************************************************

As daylight rose over both battlefields a huge fogbank extended along the south eastern edge of the Siphe Principality. Shadrixkayl's forces having taken the defensive positions and began removing the fire giants stones they had captured.

Long columns of weary Siphe Garra and their Toranite allies wended their way through the dusty paths of the Roughlands to where they would establish new camps and prepare once again to face the enemy.

The one good piece of news that Jaedon Siphe received on arriving at the new camp was that fifteen hundred Toranite heavy cavalry, many of them members of the Shining Hand, from Hilm castle were at the western border post asking permission to enter Principality lands and join the battle. They brought with them another 2500 Hilmite pikemen as well. An order that by this stage, Jaedon was pleased to give.

57
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: A situation arises...
« on: September 14, 2012, 06:02:10 am »
After days of preparation the armies of the Siphe Garra, made up of two main Battleforces, each comprising of several Battlelegions wended their way towards the southern borders of the Principality. Once there, in two main camps approximately a days march from each other they prepared their defences.

Their fire giant allies had already been busy in the weeks previously hauling huge boulders and rocks into place to create several raised defensive bluffs which would give archers and boulder throwers cover and stall the advance of any attacking forces.

Battleforce Oaxsama, named after the First Rank who led it, Nijau, Jaedon Siphes right hand man held the camp about a weeks march from the base of the Orsgaunt Mountains, while the other Battleforce was commanded by Jaedon Siphe with his recently appointed, primary advisor Lady Commander Daniella Stormhaven.

Within days the campsites were established just inside the border defences with Battlelegions taking turns to man the ramparts. Many took time to examine and wonder at the purpose of the glowing boulders the giants had put into place at intervals along the border. At night their dull red glow lit up over a small area and could be seen from far into the distance.

After a week in camp, all preparations were completed and drills were being run by those responsible to do so. All seemed calm, that is, until a night when there were no moons visible in the sky and the stars were hidden for the most part behind dark clouds. Soldiers on watch at Camp Oaxsama were startled into readiness as several fire giants shouted alarms and raced to the nearest glowing boulder to one side of their main defences. It had started to glow brighter, a dull angry red and emitted a low thrumming sound.

Horns were blown, men and women were roused from slumber in the deep of night, torches flared to life along the border defences as several thousand soldiers took up positions.

First Rank Nijau and his main advisors, including Lady Jillian of the Toranites took position centrally with a fire giant called Kirger that was in charge of the giants in this region. As they watched, tendrils of mist snaked into view across the barren lifeless ground of the Roughlands, spreading as far as the light from their torches could penetrate into the darkness. Nijau shouted an order and archers at intervals along the front lines lit flare arrows and launched them into the night sky. They drifted in long arcs out into the Roughlands to reveal masses of mist like shapes drifting towards them in vast numbers.

A gasp of disbelief followed by a quick prayer to Toran issued from Jillians stunned lips. Nijau seemed to regather his composure quickly and turned to those around him.

"Get word to the leaders of each Battlegroup immediately, they cannot let fear overtake them, they must hold the line no matter what is out there."

Jillian nodded to Nijau, "I'll make sure the Toranites who joined us are spread out at intervals to do what they can."

As people rushed to make ready Nijau could do nothing but watch as the mist built up and then steadily moved forward.

Not long after tense men and women watched the mist gather, thicker and thicker before them then suddenly rise up and surge forward like a wave. It reached as high as their defences and curled as if to smother them from above but just as it reached a point where it could come crashing down on them the dull throbbing sound from the glowing red boulders flared like a deep throated trumpet burst shattering the eerie quietness of the battlefield. The vibration of the sound caused the mist to break apart and dissolve just in time to reveal masses of creatures of all sorts of terrifying countenance that surged forward with a myriad of cries, shouts, roars and hisses.

They came at the ramparts, up and over, the soldiers fought with everything they had to defend their homeland. Here and there on the battlefield holy light glowed from the various Toranites supporting the Garra host. Once the Siphe Garra discovered that many of the enemies they faced still bled and could die they steadied recovered and began to hold their ground, retaking their former positions after several hours of fighting and slowly beginning to drive the enemy back. First Rank Nijau and Lady Jillian along with a battlegroup made up of a high number of Toranites and some of Nijau's best warriors moved up and down the line lending additional power to the fight as needed.

Several hours before dawn the creatures retreated along with the mist that had settled just outside the light range of the fire giants glowing boulders.

When morning came the worst of the stories from the nights battle was those of the Siphe Garra or any Toranites that were not killed by the enemy but instead were dragged screaming back into the mist laden Roughlands, their cries of horror the last thing their comrades could hear before they disappeared into the enemies clutches. Several archers sobbed as they recalled shooting arrows into friends who were carried off in the night rather than let the enemy have them.

The next night they came again, and the next night, each time they struck in another way, from another angle, testing, probing the Siphe Garra and Fire giant defences.  By the fifth night word had arrived from Jaedon Siphes camp that no attacks had been forthcoming against their section of the border and there had been no reports of any enemies being seen within Principality lands. Whereas at Battlegroup Oaxsama, Nijau did have to report the loss of at least a hundred soldiers who had been taken by the enemy alive, as well as a tally of over a hundred dead and the same amount wounded.




 ******************************************************


Meanwhile, a long way to the south in Sundance, dwarves began to arrive in small groups, strong and hardy servants of Vorax, called to join the Major by their various Generals around the world to put down the threat being made by the servants of Grand. Their timing welcomed warmly by all those present and most especially by Major Griff and Captain Vrebel who Sir lance had given full authority to in order to rescue the captured scouts held by the enemy horde.

By the time word reached Sundance of the first attacks against Camp Oaxsama Major Griff and Captain Vrebel were putting the last few details of their assault onto the table for Sir Lance to approve. Their plan relied heavily on the adventurers gathered to make a difference in the battle they expected to face. The fact that the enemy numbered in the tens of thousands didn't seem to faze them at all. In the end if was their confidence that allowed Sir Lance to give them the go ahead.

By the time Battlegroup Oaxsama faced their fifth night of combat a small force comprised of a several adventurers, a company of five hundred archers, a thousand Hilmite pikes, 200 mixed Toranite and Hilmite heavy cavalry and over fifteen hundred battle hardened dwarves marched to the north of Sundance. Their journey took over a week before they established a based camp several hours march from the Hordes last known location. Already Huntsmistress Jil and her scouts had taken down over two dozen orc and kobold scouts hiding in some of the multitudes of holes, caves and ravines in the Roughlands as they made their approach.

With a camp established Major Griff, Captain Vrebel and several others made their way forward to gain a better view of the enemies position. Within hours Jil had brought them to a craggy bluff that gave them an opportunity to take in the sheer size and spread of the enemy horde.

Griff whisteled through his teeth, "Dats a lot of boogers teh kill."

"I'll take the left side, you take the right," Vrebel joked as he used Jils viewing glass to get a better view of the terrain between them and the horde. Inside he felt excited at the battle ahead but a was admittedly nervous of the outcome now seeing the enemy hordes actual size. As powerful as he was, all it took was one lucky blow to end his part in the battle.

"Aye" Griff couldnt say much else as his gaze swept over what lay ahead. "What deh?" Griff suddenly pointed to something moving through the middle of the camp.

Vrebel shifted his view to look at the object and grunted. "So they've got a 30 foot tall stone collossus out there as well. I've taken them down before." Sure enough the massive stone construct was moving to the centre of the camp where the main tent was carrying something suspended from its hands which it lowered to the ground.

"Wait a minute," said Vrebel s he watched, "its got something. A..umm...oh *curse* its a cage, they've got more prisoners, Garra by the look of them. What are they doing this far south?" He watched as the cave was opened and a dozen Siphe garra and even a Toranite were dragged out of the cage and taken away into the larger tent. They didnt re-emerge. "This just got a whole lot harder." Muttered Vrebel.

"Nay different, we take em all out den." Griff answered. "First loight tomorrow, wit deh sun at our backs."


The next day dawned bright and warm, Jil returned to announce several kobolds near their position had been taken out and the time to go was now. The force set out with the dwarves to the front behind Vrebel and Griff. They stayed low as best they could working their way forward drawing ahead of the archers and the pikes and cavalry which were to provide reserve troops and hold their path open for them to flee back along.

As they reached the bluff from which they had spied on the enemy the day before they began to fan out and move towards the front line of the horde. Just were still a mile away from the edge of the enemy camp when an orc suddenly appeared out of a cleft in some rocks and attacked a dwarf. it was cut down within seconds until another one suddenly appeared from seemingly nowhere.

within the next few moments chaos and confusion reigned as orcs, goblins, kobolds and others popped up from various places in the ground, and more just kept coming. Vrebel and Griff became separated as the attackers slowed and stalled then had to turn back on themselves and face attackers emerging within their own ranks. Vrebel cut down at least a dozen of the non humans before suddenly something hit him hard in the back and made him stagger. Turning quickly he looked down at a boulder the size of his head that had just struck him in the back. Then within seconds the sky was full of them. Vrebel ducked for waht little cover their was just as a dwarf nearby had his head caved in by one of the incoming missiles. The cries of the wounded filled the air around him. The attack had ground to a halt the enemy was amongst them now and the horde didnt care sending their boulders slamming into enemy and ally alike.

Not far away Griff had come to the realisation that they were sitting ducks where they were and ordered a retreat as he killed an orc that came out of a hole behind one of his dwarven soldiers and was about to stab him in the back. He swiped another boulder coming for him out of the air with a heavy clang as it struck his axe then bellowed at those around him to back up and re-establish the formation out of range of the boulders so they could deal with the enemy amongst them first.

Several frustrating hours later they force under Vrebel and Griff withdrew to base camp, finally managing to deal with all the enemy that had infiltrated their ranks and caused such chaos.

"We need a new plan," Vrebel said simply as they tended to the wounded and dying.

58
Development Journals and Discussion / Re: Letters from Taur'en
« on: September 03, 2012, 01:55:49 am »
Protector Samantha Merritt
c/o Bydell Castle
Taur'en Kingdom, Alindor

Dear Samantha,

I apologise for the delay in writing to you and this letter will take some time getting to you due to where it has come from. You see while I was attending the Cathedral in Westerngate there was an attack on the precinct. It seems it was led by Pyrtechonite cultists in some mad suicidal rampage. Little harm was done, Praise the Gold, but myself and several others were seconded by the LoreKeeper himself, Gareth Lemont, to track down several vital implements that it seems the Pyrtechonites are seeking. The attack was apparently linked to this and to the plagues that have struck northern Boyer in recent months.

So you see this letter was written as I sit here sweltering beneath a desert palm just north of Audiria after over a month as sea. it may be some time before I return to Westerngate. There are several people travelling with us, we have already been attacked by several Pyrtechonite cultists trying to prevent us from moving forward in our mission with some nasty results.

For now we push on and pray to Rofirein to aid us in bringing these enemies of the Dragon to heel. My letters may be sporadic for a time but I wish you to know I will do everything in my power to see this threat ended and return to you in Westerngate when done.

As always,
May the Dragons scales protect you and shield you in your duty.
Yours in honour,
Maxamilian

59
Rumour Has It / Re: Castle Mask
« on: August 24, 2012, 10:04:59 pm »
The search for Saric lamont continues over several more weeks, scattered reports come in that the original adventurer and bounty hunter group have broken up and taken their own paths for various reasons.

Meanwhile reports of a group of riders harrassing those fleeing farms to the west of Golden come in and also accounts of people being captured and carried off by the group also surface as trickles of refugees seeking food and escape from the famine trickle into Golden and Castle Mask.

60
The Dragon Storm Campaign / Re: A situation arises...
« on: August 23, 2012, 03:08:59 am »
Castle Siphe:

The next twenty four hours at the castle see the place as a hive of activity as respective battle groups are mobilised and outfitted for war. Supplies are stockpiled and loaded onto as many carts and wagons as can be found, groups of armed Siphe Garra move through the city seizing anything they need for the fight to the south on Sovereign Lord Siphes orders. The first few merchants that protest, men who travelled from Hilm to trade with the Siphe Garra are promptly arrested, have their papers to trade in the Pincipality burned before them and are then escorted to the border and forbidden to return. The rest soon fall into line.


During that time rumours abound around the main castle and out into the city
...Jaedon Siphe is now part human, part dragon
...Daniella Stormhaven has agreed to bring Toran's armies to the battle
...Ractrafiorez has come to prove to the Siphe Garra he will protect them
...Jaedon Siphe has decided to marry the princess of Nesar so they can help fight Shadrixkayls minions.
...Jaedon Siphe has decided to marry the Lady Eliza of Hilm with the hope to one day assume Lord Alexanders role and control all of Hilm.
...Jaedon Siphe has sold his soul to the fire giant king
...Jaedon Siphe is hiring the infamous adventurers and notorious mercenary Steel and Razeriem to assassinate Shadrixkayl
...and more.

But what is known for certain is that the dangerous and highly trained forces of the Siphe Garra and their Fire Giant and Toranite allies are preparing to march south to war with the growing forces of Shadrixkayl that lie hiding beneath a vast cloud of Mist that seems to provide them with some protection.



Sundance:

A city full of fear, already almost a third of the populace have fled the city fearing another rampage through the city as happened when Kuhl invaded Hilm and the Myr'drachs killed without abandon on the city's streets.

Even the presence of Hilms emminent Commander, Sir Lance and some notable personages in Captain Vrebel, Huntswoman Jil and Major Griff of the Red Axes, just to name a few, not enough to stop the fear. The news that fifty to sixty thousand non humans could be marching on the city within days too much for many.

Word has it that Sir lance has already had word of some desertions from the army ranks. With the five thousand soldiers at his command Sir lance and those with him begin to arrange an intensive defensive strategy around the vital core of the city, deciding that with such few soldiers they cannot hold a large front against such an overwhelming force.

Sir lance has promised that within a few days another eight thousand soldiers from Briardusk will arrive as the ten thousand Raelites encamped outside the city have accepted the duty of protecting Briardusk and holding Kuhls growing forces at the border at bay.

Beyond that Lord Alexander has reluctantly committed another ten thousand soldiers to the field but only in support of defending Sundance. These are not expected to arrive for at least another week and a half.

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