House Dovakson

House Dovakson was once a wealthy House of Fecuvia before the Gantronese invaded. Their House, along with numerous saw this coming, and chose to resist. For years they fought the invaders with what they had available before being forced to flee. For decades they resided in the area known as Koriv. When the Gantronese came after them they had made friends who were enemies of the Gantronese including the Nazdar Empire. Despite collaborating with beings from other worlds, and many technologically advanced factions the Dovaksons nearly face annihilation. The remaining members escaped to a hidden city. From there they gathered enough wealth and forged an army out of exiles, mercenaries, assassins, brutes, some gangs, and other beings from around the world. Among their ranks were some beings from other worlds. 

Commando Part 45

Brittany's body fell into the muddiest part of the field that lay next to a murky body of water. They would have retrieved her body if the night hadn't been hovering over their heads. Movement could be heard in the darkness forcing them to stay in the perimeter of the encampment. A few of the elves among their ranks spotted those groups lurking and prowling through the forest, and tall grass. Two of them spotted a small band of warriors who seemed oblivious as to where they were. Despite the advantage of seeing the groups coming it was hard to tell if they were goons, gunslingers, or any of the figures they were told would be coming. Except the tank would be more obvious, and the Uxane Natives were always a dead giveaway. However not many of them ventured this far beyond their own borders unless they are on a mission or at war. Maurice pressed one of the elves to tell him what these figures looked like. All they saw were figures wearing long cloaks, dusters, trench coats, and long coats. Each of these figures wore several styles of hats. It was all they could decipher in the dark night since a large rain cloud came over them. Rain poured down from this cloud above their heads. For much of the night, and the next day it rained on their encampment and no doubt the numerous figures as well. Much of their encampment rested on a slightly higher ground by the road, which still did not save them from the down pour. Maurice and his original companions made the attempt to retrieve Brittany’s body. They raced over to where her body landed, and found it was gone. Oraceth crouched down and studied the mud. In the rain, he spotted traces of something dragging her corpse into the murky waters. Whatever had taken her corpse had done so in the night.

            A few days passed with nothing happening with the figures. Maurice, and Segun sent out their cat steed riders. Out of the thirty cat steeds they sent out twelve to hunt and patrol the area. Maurice had to send Oraceth, and Taregan while Eyanosa had to stay behind. Neither food or supplies were running low. They had plenty for them to last a month. Within the hearts of those who went out had the urge to hunt something. For a whole day, they were gone and returned sometime in the night. Maurice required them to report to him and Segun first thing in the morning. His trusted Ranger Oraceth gave him news of a force gathering near trees of the swamps and jungle. He also brought news of another

group heading their way via the swamp. One of Segun's men informed them the long coated, and duster wearing figures ran into some monster of that lake they went around. Maurice shot him a surprised look. He never believed anyone who had been here would be dumb enough to go that way. A second rider reported there was another road that cut through the swamp making the entire company feel stupid. One of the other Uxane who came with Segun reported they had seen the groups they were informed about.

            This came as good and bad news. Both friend and foe were heading towards them. From one direction come the enemy who are gathering in force. Possible friends and allies coming in as a separate group from the southern direction. Maurice required an update on these heroes they heard about. These heroes were heading towards their area and would be here in a day or so. Segun dismissed his men and Maurice dismissed his own. He left Segun to contemplate what they had learned and went straight for Lieutenant Zomere who was addressing her own unit of Vestrisians. She noticed his approach and dismissed them. Maurice halted the soldiers before they even moved from their formation. Each one of them scowled, hissed insults, gritted teeth, sucked on their teeth, bit their lips, and closed their eyes. She gave Maurice the floor, who then informed the soldiers of their discoveries. It was a mixed reaction from all of them. Enemies and supposed allies were coming towards them. He could read their faces and knew there were questions they wanted answered, but those questions would have to wait. As the newly promoted Captain Maurice wanted them ready to face the threat in case it came to them earlier. He observed each one individually, and as a group. Private Bogrus, Sergeant Aluk Merrins, Private Gorbovich, Sergeant Coros, Corporal Emantis, Private Black-Red, Private, Voking, Private Noel Pennson, Corporal Gerin, Sergeant Tarlos, Lieutenant Zomere, Lieutenant Razif, and Private Azan Mogul stood in a line. He could have them form a column or any small formation. Maurice did not do that. Instead he ordered them to set out and gather wood in the south.

            Maurice returned to his own quarters in the encampment. At his tent Maurice tried to get in touch with Maphai again to see where Odeliah was. He spent several minutes trying to get in touch with his mercenary ally. Each time gave him no results. All he heard was static on the other side. He tried one more time to no avail. Maphai must be busy with some thing else. Thinking she must be busy with other things, Maurice gave up on contacting her for now. It felt hopeless to try again, yet he wanted to do it any way in the hopes that he could get through to her. Just hearing the static numerous times kept him from doing it again. He sat on his own raised sleeping cot pondering over the heroes that were supposed to meet them. The gathering enemies also crossed his mind. His imagination ran wild as he calculated how many were going after them. In his mind he calculated there would be at most six hundred or even a thousand of Caligari’s hired gunslingers, and goons going after them.

            For several moments he stared at the hand radio wondering if he would be able to communicate with Maphai. He hoped it would happen before the Caligari forces attacked. Even though it was not clear who these gathering forces were. Maurice had a feeling in his gut that they were the Caligari Syndicate. His train of thought was broken by Lieutenant Razif entering his tent. The Lieutenant saluted to his commanding officer. Maurice saluted back letting him speak. Fortifications were about to be constructed with help from Segun’s group. Two of the groups of heroes were not too far away. These groups were the knights, warriors, bowmen, radioman, and the tank crew. He asked how far away were these groups. Razif was about to answer when they heard gun shots outside the area. Both Vestrisians raced outside to see what was going on. Maurice barked out orders all over the encampment as he raced towards the edge of the encampment to find the source of the shooting.

            At the edge of the encampment he turned his head left and right in search of the source. To the west of their location a band of figures mounted on various steeds raced towards the encampment under fire. Sure, enough these figures were the warriors, knights, bowman and the radio man they heard about. Many gunslingers were in hot pursuit firing shots at them. In the back they could see the tank crew fighting off a band of these goons and gunslingers. Maurice shouted orders for his troops to race over and help these figures. He also heard Segun’s voice roar at his own mercenaries and their allies. A band of twenty soldiers mounted on the jumbo cats raced to the aid of the sixteen figures and the tank crew. Ten more figures raced out of the barrier wielding long rifles and snipers. Maurice watched his own troops and the mercenaries gallop towards the goons and gunslingers. He climbed on to the top of a sturdy shelter to watch their own mounted fighters flank the unsuspecting pursuers. His heart raced while watching the pursuers gun down a few of the figures who had made it this far to reach them. All sixteen of the knights, warriors, and bowmen pressed harder to reach the encampment. On the edges of the encampment ten of their own riflemen and sharpshooters fired from the tops of stands, and makeshift lookouts. Their targets were easy to pick out, because of the dusters, and long coats. Most of the pursuers chasing the sixteen warriors were decimated. It forced the rest to scatter, leaving their targets alone. In the background of this scene the tank fared better due to its armament and the number of figures that circled around it. Watching the pursuers be chased down and killed gave him relief. He counted just eight left who were also gunned down in return.

            The party of sixteen mounted figures turned into a larger party. No more than twenty-five mounted figures reached them encampment, Knights, Uxane warriors, Grussians, Bowmen, Eothans, other strange warriors, and a lone Vestrisian with a large radio on the side of his own mount. Maurice jumped down to greet the new arrivals. He introduced himself as Captain Maurice Viyamor. Whoever was the leader laughed with relief and took Maurice’s hand in a firm grasp.

Flag of Ivodra

Ivodra is an island nation that is neutral in the current conflict that is consuming Calorn. It is mostly an elf nation that has more of a constitutional monarchy with ties to the Tante Republic. 

Marauder's Flag

Christmas Alone?

On a dark Christmas Eve night nothing stirred inside his little cabin deep in the woods. He liked being in the woods, and surrounded by the wilderness. His cabin was miles and miles away from the nearest settlement. That was how he liked it living in a cabin alone with his bobcat for a pet. What he wanted most in life was solitude for some time. After years of battling naysayers, struggling to find a clear spot, and months of construction he finally had the cabin he wanted. The loner sat in his comfy armchair that he crafted himself. His rifle lay against the chair, unloaded and freshly cleaned. The bobcat he had as a pet slept by the fire.


Inside his own cabin he felt secure and safe. He had been through the woods his whole life. Nothing happened to him. His armament included various rifles, revolvers and knives. On this Christmas Even Night he the loner who wandered the woods outside of town had no stockings or gifts. His family was either long gone or dead to him. All over the walls he decorated the place with rifles, spears, antlers, heads of animals, and furs that he killed and collected over the years. In his slumber he dreamt of all the adventures he had, the hunts, and conflicts he fought in. Most did not know this, but many of his kills included creatures and humanoids from other worlds or dimensions. Many of these things were mutants and monsters from the stars.


In the midst of his dreams something knocked on his door. The sudden knocking stirred him awake. Being stirred from his slumber like this did not bode well with him. Disgruntled over being woken up this late he stood up and grabbed his rifle to use as a club or at least scare the idiot who knocked on his door. The knocking came again only louder. He stormed over to the door hearing the knocking grow louder into banging.


Frustrated and ready to shoot this idiot the lone swung open the door with such force he could have torn the door off. No one was at the door making him satisfied. To him it must have been some creature knocking around. The woods were old and full of wildlife. He went back to sleep on his chair. An hour later the knocking came again forcing him to get up again. Angry at being woken up again he loaded the rifle. Taking quick angry strides he kicked open door to find  no one there.


"I know you're out there you scumbags!" He yelled into the night. The loner slammed the door shut and went back to his slumber. Banging came again much louder this time. At the boiling point he fires two shots at the door.


"BUGGER OFF!" He roared.


Before he could even close his eyes the banging came again. His anger was now transforming into rage. Grabbing his revolvers he rushes outside leaving the door wide open. In every direction from his cabin he fires all twelve shots into the darkness of the night. Feeling like he had killed whoever was screwing with him the loner returned to his cabin slamming the door shut and locking it tight. As he went to his chair he stopped. In it was a strange figure looking directly at him. Its shape could be seen in the fire light. His bobcat ready to attack at any moment. Whatever this figure was it had several horns, a humanoid appearance and it appeared to be cloaked.


"It has been ten years and you are still at the hunt. Alone in these woods with no one else but a bobcat for company. A secret warrior such as yourself is not easy to find." The figure said glaring at him with four red eyes that glowed.


The loner was scared stiff as a statue to see this figure inside his own cabin. He was under the impression there was no one else here. None of the people he knew or lived nearby knew where he even was. Some how this figure had found him.


"Who are you?" He demanded.


"A kill you didn't complete. Do not say another word my friend for I shall not kill you." This figure he did not kill informed him. Whoever it was the figure pulled out a seed and dropped it on the floor. Whatever type of seed this was it melted through the floor boards. Moments later the floor shook and began to splinter in certain places. The whole cabin shook as the floor boards were torn apart by the emerging earth. In front of this loner corpses, arms, and heads came out of the earth. From the floor came spirits of angry looking souls came after him. Seeing corpses, and ghosts jut out of the ground scared him to the point of a heart attack. His heart beat harder than a drum. Sweat poured down his body. His hair was certainly white and his face horrified. Corpses, angry spirits and limbs of dead bodies grabbed him. Each limb dragged him down into the earth. His body felt torn and squeezed into the earth. There was nothing but a human sized hole in the ground. Whoever this figure was killed the bobcat and feasted on its flesh before settling down in his new chair. He uttered no words except.


"You thought had Christmas Alone?"


Merry Christmas

A Privateer Flag

One of many flags flown by privateers and pirates who sail under the command of the Vestrisian Union. Most either fly a skull among this field or other icons and symbols on the flag.

Flag of Ruhonthra

Commando Part 44

Whatever happened to those victims or sacrifices Maurice did not want to know. He did not really care for the gunslingers, goons, and cutthroat pirates who had caused so much commotion, and bloodshed inside Khasungai's walls. Following the Uxane warriors, and trail blazers the enlarged party pressed through the forests, and marsh the next day. Like a convoy the enlarged commando's company trekked through the forest, and marsh. Their path snaked around trees, puddles, patches of tall grass, fallen trees, strange totems, and rocks. Among the swamp-marsh and forest were nests of reptiles, and other carnivorous creatures that forced the large convoy to wrap around the large lake they meant to avoid. It took several days to move around the lake native woman warned Maurice and his company to stay clear of. Because of their new friends they could not avoid this route.

As they came to the end of this lake Maurice looked over his shoulder to see if anyone had followed them through the forests, and marshlands that encircled the lake. He kept his watchful eye on the trees allowing those behind him go onward to the road. For several minutes he scanned the trees in search of anyone coming after them. It did no matter whether it was savages, Khasungai Guards, goons, gunslingers, or even bounty hunters. They would have a full company to fight off if they wanted to get them. His attention was suddenly drawn away from the trees when Maphai's voice emerged over the hand radio. He picked it up and responded to her. She informed him there were mercenaries that belonged to her organization that should be in contact with the Vestrisians they found. He told her they had already found them and they had taken a longer route to Oceanrest var. The two leaders hung up allowing him to stir his mount to catch up with the rest of the convoy.

For the rest of the day they pressed for the road taking a route through the marshes. Dusk was now coming by the time they came upon the road between Khasungai and Oceanrest Var. Over Seventy warriors, mercenaries, and soldiers made camp next to the road leaving enough room for other travelers and convoys to move on the road. Their tents and fires must have appeared like an encampment crossed with a village. They set up the tents in a defense formation that resembled a half circle. Maurice got in contact with Maphai again while inside his own tent with Brittany on her side of the structure. The two leaders conversed over their current situation, which was improving thanks to the efforts of communication. A few more warriors and Vestrisian Soldiers arrived at the fort just this morning with a few families trying to run away from the Caligari Syndicate. Maphai warned Maurice there would be hundreds of Caligari goons, gunslingers and hired thugs heading towards them. They would not be after them because of what happened in Khasungai. Caligari has a few new targets. Small bands of heroes, and young warriors will be heading their way as well as Odeliah's crew. That lone radioman with the cat will also be heading towards them, but with a company of warriors, and knights for some reason. Maphai told him to hand over the radio to the leader of the mercenaries, and tell their enlarged force to stay put. Maurice got up and left his tent to find the leading mercenary. He searched the whole camp until he was informed where the leader was.

Maurice found the leader known as Segun at the edge of the encampment drinking from his flask. The orc turned to see him coming towards him and offered the flask. Segun had scars on his face and average skin texture of a brown orc. Maurice took the flask and drank its contents. It tasted very bitter and sour whatever this content was. The Lieutenant nearly spewed it out until turned sweet inside his own mouth. He swallowed it before continuing to speak with Maphai over the radio who had contacted his superior in the Sarcagos. Colonel Bryce was about to pack things up and head south with help from new allies. Maurice handed the radio over to Segun who seemed to change when hearing Maphai's voice who was apparently the head of the organization. Whatever she said to him the orc understood and stood at attention like a real soldier would do when under fire from a higher command. Segun switched off the hand radio when Maphai was speaking to him. The orc recalled hearing a band of sixteen warriors, knights, bowmen, Uxane, and a single adventurer are headed towards this road from Magesar. From Oramatra a few more bands and a tank crew should be heading for this area as a rendezvous point.

Maurice pressed the matter on these bands of heroes and this tank crew. Segun only knew of two other bands heading this way according to one of their spies who kept in contact every six days. One of the bands consists of exiled soldiers from Kilscar Orvain who are accompanied by several supposed knights. Segun scratched his chin trying to recall how many there were. Maurice urged him now to think too hard on that and numbers never really mattered. He left the Orc to his drinking to take a stroll around the camp keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding area using the moonlight as a means to spot oncoming convoys or travelers. He looked out at the area wondering how long these bands of so called heroes would take to get all the way here. He knew the Unknown Lands were vast, full of jungles, forests, marshlands, swamp lands, various tribes, savages, beasts, predators, and other nightmarish things that mostly needed to feast. When he saw there was no one coming down this road Maurice returned to his section of the encampment. He visited Eyanosa who was in a great deal of pain. The Tuxir was under the care of one of Zomere's troops. The two leaders spoke inside his tent with Brittany sauntering off somewhere with several of the foreign warriors. Zomere explained to Maurice that this Caligari Syndicate took hold over numerous settlements and has contacts in every city-state except one.

According to rumors there was one city-state that was hostile towards every person who entered its walls or even the surrounding area. That city-state lay within a hundred miles of Tsubib Pajibe. Zomere held a haunted gaze just telling him about this city. Many horrible tales and stories about this city-state could be heard in every civilized corner of this Unknown Lands. It is said there are flesh eating ghouls, vampires, cannibals and the living dead that dwell in its walls. She was about to continue but stopped herself. Zomere changed the subject to the reason they stopped here. Staying here and waiting for more to come to them was not to her liking. She found some interest as to how they got a pirate involved in this, but recalled their Vestrisian Republic hired such raiders to attack the Gantronese in the middle stages of this conflict. Yet inside these lands they fought a separate war against the gangs, tribes and the syndicate. As the two Vestrisians spoke Segun entered holding his own hand radio. His gaze was fixed upon Lieutenant Viyamor. Maurice took the radio and held it to his face and heard the voice of Colonel Bryce. He stood at attention when heard his voice. The Colonel congratulated him on his success in finding as many Vestrisians as possible. His superior officer sounded proud to have him under his command and promoted him to the rank of Captain.

Maurice was awestruck, rendered speechless for several moments before he found words to speak to his superior. Once he thanked the Colonel he listened to the Colonel's advice. He was to wait here at this spot until those bands reached their area. Once they were assembled moved as quickly as possible towards Oceanrest Var. Their pirate friend and other allies should be able to pick them up. From there they would go to the fort. Bryce advised patience and warned him that nearly six hundred of Caligari's goons would be heading straight for that area. He received word from the mercenaries he befriended. Once they returned to the fort send out word to other Vestrisians who may still be out there. In a low voice the Colonel informed the Commando there was an attack made by the Behemoth Brigade, Ruthless Horde and Gantronese servants from Mulzan. The attack was quelled with help from neighboring allies, but at a great cost. The bands of outlaws who aided them were wiped out completely particularly the Red Hearts. Any survivors joined their ranks as Vestrisian Volunteers. Among this tragedy the Omnir Raiders switched sides through the promise of fortunes made by a politician who ventured over here by plane. Bryce hung up leaving Maurice with the mixed news. Maurice repeated what was said receiving a salute from each one in the tent. He left them in the tent to talk with each if they so chose to. Maurice went in search for Brittany who was a member of the Red Hearts who were now deceased, and no longer existed. It took a few hours to find her since she was not in their tent. After asking around and searching numerous tents he finally found the last remaining Red Heart entertaining herself with knife throwing at the edge of the encampment. Whoever she had been with were finished with their business and she was alone.

Brittany stopped throwing knives giving him a casual greeting. She did not salute or even stand up despite his status as Lieutenant and Leader. Maurice looked at her with dire news on his lips. He wanted to give her the good news first but the bad news came out first. All of her fellow outlaws or most of them were wiped out and the Red Hearts Gang was no more. This hit her like a punched in the stomach. He paused regretting he even said anything about that. He was about to tell her the good news when she tossed a bottle at him out of anguish, and grief. Brittany pulled out her own firearm and sauntered off into the field. Maurice went after her but she turned around and pointed it at him telling him to back off. He did as she had various emotions mixed with a crazed anger in her eyes. Maurice backed away letting her walk further towards a lagoon that was not too far away. She took her time with long slow strides into the marshiest parts of the region. Maurice watched her for sometime before thinking about making the attempt to save her from this craze. She was part of his unit, a companion, and a partner that he did consider as more than a friend. He did not want her to be in this situation right now not while they were in the middle of a mission. Decisions began racing in his head as she just stood there in the marsh holding the pistol in her hand. Maurice had to snap her out of it now and get her stuff together. Right as he was about to act Brittany let out a scream and blew her own brains out.

A flag representing a martial arts brotherhood

Sketchy Driver Gloves

Bramwell Gideonson has a pair of leather driving gloves in his possession. His dearest mother gave the gloves to him one Christmas years ago. As classy as these gloves appeared on him there was something off and sketchy about them. Whenever he wears these gloves he has a tendency to hunt people down. For five years Bramwell had committed numerous acts of murder with the use of various items and in various ways. His next target was an old friend of his, Dan. Through out the entire semester in university he hunted down his Dan even though Bramwell liked the guy as a friend. Every time Bramwell finds a look alike he drives up to the person and kills them in a ferocious way. One day Bramwell finally finds Dan sitting at the smoking bench. When Bramwell drove up Dan looks up and smiles the biggest smile Bramwell had ever seen.


"Why hello there sir. How are you?" Dan said happily not even realizing who it was. Bramwell could hear his excited voice inside his head.


Bramwell pulled out a pistol and shoots Dan multiple times. Once the poor Dan was down Bramwell sped down the street to avoid the law. As he drove down the road Bramwell looks into the mirror of his car. He does not see himself, but someone else entirely.

Representation of Grevaskii Flag

The Grevaskii are an army of those who serve the Nazdar invaders. Members of any race or half Nazdar can join their ranks. It consists of any beings who support the rule of the Nazdar Empire in Calorn and other parts of their galactic empire.

What was in my Attic? Life Story?

There is something about my attic that I remember. Back when I was just growing up I remember my mom and dad telling us not to enter the attic. I grew up with two older siblings who were also told this. For nearly four years we were told not to go into that attic. One day remember seeing my mother enter the attic with a plate of food. She was talking to something or was it someone? Could it have been some creature that got lost and decided to reside in our house? Was it an ugly grotesque looking thing that no one wanted to see? What did it look like I asked myself at times when I remember it. There was something in my attic I know it.


Years later when I was eight, seven or nine years at the time I recall my sister and I went up to that attic. Her very words were "It's gone, it's no longer here." Whatever it was I doubt it left on its own. I remember rushing up the stairs and stabbing something. Well that could be a dream. Some time later I asked my mother if I could go into the attic. She always said no whenever I asked. There were times I would knock on it or unlocked it just to be a little shit. That very day I went up to that attic. I opened the door and found nothing was inside that attic. Nothing but old toys and boxed up things were in that attic.

Commando Part 43

Toberis led them through the alleys of the city to avoid the authorities. Since they knew what lurked in the dark shadows of the streets Maurice's party were uneasy. Their new friend's detours made them fear where he might lead them. Maurice could not help, but look up at the ceiling or up at the walls of each passage they went through. Some passages had creatures scurrying about such as rats, spiders, snakes, roaches, beetles, and other bugs. On the ceiling were bats that frightened easily in a couple of the passages. In at least one were the creatures that ate corpses lurking along the walls and in the ruins of flanking buildings. To Maurice it appeared that they would not find the Vestrisians this way until they came to a busy street nearly packed with people of Khasungai. With Toberis in the lead they entered the street through a hole in the wall of an abandoned building. Each of them were covered in webs, bat droppings, and had a few critters crawling all over them. Maurice held himself back from swatting Toberis.

Brittany was trying her best not to lose it as Hilastes had to hold her back from attacking Toberis. If she did their cover would be blown and the city guards would be on their tails. Wearing cloaks in a city like Khasungai would still draw attention if there were not others wearing similar cloaks like theirs. Toberis looked around as if searching for something or someone inside this particular street. He took his time making glances, studying certain individuals, and watching a few of them from where he stood. Maurice wanted to be covert about this and not draw attention, but failed to mention it before.

His focus rested on several figures who stuck out among a group of hooded figures. One of them looked in his direction forcing him to turn away to see more hooded figures among the crows. Seeing more cloaked figures gave him a sense of hope about their current situation with the Khasungai Guards. Even if the guards were looking for them they would have a difficult time figuring it out. In his mind Maurice was sure the guards were hunting them down because of what happened all over the streets of this city. Not long after his glance with one of the figures that stood out Toberis nudged Maurice and Hilastes. He pointed out one of the figures in a cloak Maurice recognized. Acting quickly they moved towards this figure who was loading a basket with some items.

None of them paid any attention to the others in the crowds as they pressed towards this one figure. More than a dozen hooded figures and others who were non Khasungai, basically outsiders, and foreigners, blocked their path. One of them in the middle quickly asked who they were. Maurice stepped forward revealing his name in Vestrisian. Each one of the hooded figures backed off save for the leader who approached him and his companions. Maurice realized it was non other than Lieutenant Zomere. He embraced the Lieutenant who embraced him back. She looked at him noticing something had gone horribly wrong. Not hesitating Maurice told her what happened and urged for her to get going

One of his men was hurt, and the remaining gangs were killed. Zomere turned and barked out some orders to the other hooded figures. These figures obeyed leaving her and the commando's party in the streets among the crowds of Khasungai. Zomere pulled him whispering in his ear. Maurice was to go back gather his party and leave this city. He and his unit were to meet her at the large head outside the city.

The Vestrisians parted ways as Maurice raced back into the passages through the city with his small party racing after him. He ignored all the creatures and dregs that lurked in the walls, and cracks. It did not take them long to reach their dwelling discovering the corpses were being eaten up and dragged away by the corpse eaters of Khasungai. Their presence drew no attention from the creatures, which allowed them to gather everything they needed for travel. Toberis and Minerva left them for their own dwelling. Hilastes loaded the wounded Eyanosa on his mount before they headed out of the temporary dwelling.

Out of the alley a former ally had led them to Maurice's party entered the streets wearing cloaks and their mounts covered in large blankets. They slogged through the streets of Khasungai trying not to appear too suspicious or draw attention. When they came to the gate the guards stopped them for a few moments just to study them for a few moments before letting them pass through. All eyes were on these covered, and cloaked figures leaving the city. Maurice could almost feel the glares and stares of the guards as he led his company out of the city. He had his company go at the same slow pace to avoid any more suspicions. It took them nearly an hour before they reached the large head.

At this large head were no more than fifty warriors waiting for someone. More than half of them had their own mounts loaded with belongings and several pack mules for hauling extra supplies. Maurice pulled back his hood to study these fifty figures who appeared to be made up of Uxane warriors, trackers, prowlers, Dark elves clothed in Gantronese uniforms and armor, several orcs, Grussians, Eothans, and various other humanoids who would easily be mistaken for bandits, and goons. He approached them with his hands raised as a sign that he meant no harm. The uniforms of the orcs, and humanoids caught his attention. Every one of these particular figures either wore the badges of Maphai's mercenary or the Nevoran Federation's Ex military exiles. Seeing this Maurice took out the radio Maphai gave him hoping they would believe him to be a friend. One of the orcs saw this and confronted him. He snatched the commando's hand attempting to real him in. Before the confrontation could progress Lieutenant Zomere and their two new friends butted in. The trio forced the orc to stand down. Confused the Lieutenant turned to Zomere demanding if these warriors were on their side. Zomere nodded yes to him and requested for the radio. Maurice handed it to her without much hesitation. She switched it on to get in contact with whoever she was trying to contact. Zomere took several tries before she got a signal. One of the Vestrisian's from the fort emerged over the radio. Zomere informed the Vestrisian they made contact with Lieutenant Maurice Viyamor before she was cut off and ordered to hand it over to the commando.

The Major's voice came on the radio ordering for the Lieutenants, and their new found allies to get a move onto Oceanrest Var. Two of their parties came under attack by Caligari's goons and gunslingers. A handful of their people died as well as the attackers. Several more Vestrisians did find the fort encouraging more structures to be built for garrisoning the fort. He did not give many details as to how many were killed. He informed the Lieutenants that each goon's corpse was sent to the Caligari Syndicate with help from neighboring tribes who often traded in that area. Taking the Major's commands obediently the Lieutenants barked out orders for their large party to move on down the road. Introductions would have to wait on the road. Somehow Maurice had a feeling in his gut that many of their new friends could die very soon. Zomere and Maurice looked at each other in the eyes. Maurice warned her what lay in the lake that flanked the road towards Oceanrest Var. She told him they would not be taking that route. Zomere offered him a cooperative share of power since they both held the rank of Lieutenant, which Maurice agreed to go with. He allowed Zomere command, which she immediately used to turn their entire convoy around back towards the city. Only they veered off the road into the woods. She had their Uxane lead the party on a trail blazing path through these trees that surrounded the city-state.

In the woods and jungle they found more corpses of Gantronese and other invaders hanging on trees, and rotting on the earth. Their weapons still lying on the ground, belts, and packs still partially full of supplies and ammunition. Numerous members of Zomere's contacts picked up the more useful weapons and grabbed whatever ammunition was left. His own unit did the same while he checked on Eyanosa every now and then. His Uxane friend and soldier was faring quite well for someone who was shot in the leg. Minerva's magic stopped the bleeding for a while but it came back in slow flows. They were forced to stop at the edges of the forest and swamp-marsh. Zomere requested one of their allies and a medic, private Gorbovich to tend to Eyanosa's wound. Not wanting the Tuxir's cries of pain to draw attention they put a piece of leather in his mouth and held him down. Private Gorbovich used his equipment to get the bullet out quickly even though it had been in his leg for hours. Maurice took a moment to check out the steeds of their new friends. Half the steeds were large cats like their own, some were beasts he had never seen that appeared like large lizards that could run on their haunches. The rest looked more like the creatures he saw Steele-Oakley and his own men ride to the fort with them. As he checked out the outlandish steeds something in the marshes caught his gaze. He ignored forcing his attention on the strange mounts his new allies rode. The orcs and humanoids heckled him over his curiosity. Mauric only smiled feeling like he made some new friends. Whatever caught his attention caught theirs as well. Hilastes and Amonif came to his side to see what the commotion was about.

On the other side of a series of body water that was mixture of a bog, lake, and a still river they saw a large grouping of tribesmen. Whether they were the ones Maphai spoke of he could not tell. These tribesmen were jumping, hollering, banging drums, wielding torches and screaming strange chants. In their captivity appeared to be a woman or two. Each one was bound in ropes and sticks in an uncomfortable position for mating. Ideas that these may be offerings of some kind of sacrifices entered his head. One of the orcs looked through a pair of binoculars. He chuckled before handing them over to Maurice and his Unseen Bears who immediately checked out the scene. Nine women, and more than a dozen men were held captive as some sacrifice. Maurice wanted to act quickly until he spotted tattoos of the Caligari syndicate, symbols of their gunslingers, and untrustworthy, cut throat pirates. Whatever fate was going to befall these souls Maurice did not care. For these were the ones responsible for the troubling violence caused in Khasungai. He watched for a while as the tribesmen carried their victims over to what looked like a flat surface of stone in the shape of a lily pad. Each sacrifice was placed on the lily pad like an offering would be placed at an altar of worship. The tribesmen beat their drums savagely while some made noises of a toad using wooded figures and carved wood. For an hour the ceremony lasted until something came out of the marshy waters. It was followed by another, and another toad, and frog looking creature larger than a fat human. Maurice put down the binoculars moments before this sacrifice began its first course or round of debauchery.