Massalia's Monster

During the Bronze Age  the Greeks from Rhodes founded the city-state of Massalia. Massalia is located in the southern part of Gallia. The city grew and flourished despite some enemies around the area. A team of Warriors patrolled an area known as Averni territory. They treaded carefully since some Gauls did not like trespassers or any foreigners coming onto their lands. Under the leadership of Agathon a team of Hoplites, Thorax Swordsmen, and Skirmishers were on their way back to the border.

At the border they were supposed to meet some Light Horse Cavalry who were to keep their flanks secure. Agathon had his unit stop near a high hill with a few trees on top. Here they made camp on top to keep a watchful eye out for rebels and those Gallic horsemen roaming the wild parts of the borders. On the hill Agathon sat on his stool with his unit around the fire. He contemplated the wilderness of this land which they had laying on the borders of Massalia. There were the violent Celto-Ligures, and Averni to the northwest, the Volcae to the west, and the Vocontii to the north. As a Captain of the Massaliot League Agathon felt it was his duty to keep the borders secure. This patrol went smoothly without any trouble save for a few arguments with farmers.

Even though he had patrolled these lands and fought against the various tribes Agathon still did not know much about these Gauls and Celts. These lands his ancestors came to in order to build a new colony for whichever Greek city state were still mysterious. He heard rumors of an island beyond the shores of this land, and to the far north tribes that dwell deep in dense forests that not even armies could withstand.

Agathon watched the fire die out as night grew darker and his men fell asleep. Long into the night he remained seated wondering what else were in these lands. His mission was to patrol the area yet the sense of adventure stirred inside him. Something in the dark caught his attention. Wary of the possible dangers he drew his sword ready to face whatever lurked in the dark.

"What do you want?" Agathon demanded.

"To be warm." answered a voice in the darkness.

"Then show yourself!" Agathon screamed at the top of his lungs.

"I cannot do that unless there is fire." the voice replied back.

"Men, men wake up we have an intruder!" He shouted trying to wake his men up. For some reason he did not hear anyone stir from their sleep.

"Your men cannot wake up Agathon." this voice said to him. It sounded like it was mocking him.

"Are you a Gaul?" He shouted.

"No, but I have been in these lands for many years. Long before these Gauls began their journey from the east." the voice said as though it was taunting him.

"What are you?" Agathon demanded.

"Give me warmth by the fire then you can see what I am." the voice replied.

Agathon dropped the sword and fumbled in the darkness to make the fire again. He could barely see a few burning pieces which he tried to use to burn grass, and smaller twigs with. Although he couldn't see his hands were able to find materials needed. After what seemed like an hour Agathon finally got the fire going. It started small then grew bigger as it became a campfire.

"There you have it a fire, warmth. Now tell who are you and what happened to my men?" Agathon demanded searching for his blade. His hand brushed against something sharp cutting his palm. He drew it to him holding it in pain. The Massalian Captain looked up at the flames. A tall cloaked figure stepped into the light of the flames. He saw its face or hood soaked in red blood and jaws full of teeth was munching on chunks of flesh. In its hands were limbs of a few men as it appeared, a leg, and an arm. Each limb dripped with blood as this figure grasped them. Agathon stared at it wide eyed and in horror. What was this creature in the fire light? His eyes studied it in horror noticing it had horns jutting out of the robes. The robed creature tossed a limb at him.

"There you go Agathon. That is what became of your men. My meal was delicious, and it always will be at night, and whilst the prey sleeps. Or do you call them victims?" The robed creature said starting to cackle at him.

"I....I ....you....you are one of those monsters I heard about as a child!" He screamed in fear of the creature. As a boy he heard stories of monsters in the hills who came out at night to feast on those you camped out near their territory.

"So what if I am? You are not going to be eaten count yourself lucky. However I thank you for the warm, warm fire. Ha ha ha ha ha!" The robed monster bellowed in a growling deep voice.

Agathon turned around and raced into the darkness. Fear gripped him so much that he lost his senses running off into the darkness. Agathon kept running around in circles, and zigzags only he could not see where he was going. In the dark he ran into something hard that knocked him unconscious. The impact with the hard object cracked his scalp open and made him bleed to death.

Privateer Flag

Flag for the Vestrisian Volunteer Branch

The Vestrisian Republic's Military organized a branch of forces for any persons seeking to join their ranks whether they are turncoats, volunteers, veterans returning to the warzone, or mercenaries. There is also room for any indigenous peoples such as the Uxane tribes, Muzad, Zema Ilam, and clansmen.  

Possible Flag for the Naemine Kingdom or Naem

The Forgotten God

Mexico was in the middle of a Revolution against President Porfirio Diaz. For thirty years Diaz reigned over Mexico like a dictator with firm control over the state. It was in 1910 when he decided to go for a seventh term as President of Mexico. That was his last term, because of the dissatisfaction with  his polices led to a revolution under the leadership of Francisco Madero. Madero led the Antireeleccionistas who were out to over throw Diaz. It is now the year 1914 another war has broken out in Europe and is spreading fast across the globe.


A neutral man named Miguel Andino who wanted nothing to do with this revolution or support Diaz. He enjoyed the outdoors regardless of his responsibilities and job. Although the revolution made Mexico a dangerous place he did not care. Each week after days of work he wandered the countryside outside of Mexico city. Miguel would go up to this mysterious mountains for the weekends. One trip up to the mountains was different for him yet he did not know it yet. While climbing the slope he came across a strange looking tomahawk. Thinking some Native left it there Miguel picked it up and began searching for the person who it belonged to. As he searched along the slope some voice called out to him.


"Miguel Andino you have something of mine." the voice said to him from behind. Miguel turned around to see no one there. He did here shooting going on forcing him to rush back home. When he returned home with the tomahawk Miguel sat down in his house still holding the tomahawk. He heard the voice once more.


"Miguel Andino you have something of mine." The hairs on the back of his head rose up, goose bumps covered his body, and Miguel jumped out of his chair.


"Who, who are you and how did you get into my house?" He demanded in a scared voice. He looked around the house seeing no one was there until a figure emerged from the shadow. This figure wore strange Aztec garb, but did not look human at all. He was in a squatting stance and had his arms on his hips. His head looked more a mask you'd see in a museum.


"I am the rain god Tlaloc. You are Miguel Andino the lazy shit who stole my weapon. That Tomahawk right there is mine. Hand it over purveyor." Tlaloc demanded stretching out a hand.


"And if I don't" Miguel asked gripping the weapon with two hands. He wasn't a violent person but this Tlaloc hombre had intruded his home and was demanding something he found fair a square. Miguel lived by a finder's keepers, you snooze you lose kind of lifestyle.


"Well your house will be flooded and you will drown only you are not welcome in my Paradise." Tlaloc stated with a big smile. This little figure who claimed to be Tlaloc the Rain God gestured with his fingers to hand over the Tomahawk. Miguel hesitated for a for moments before deciding to give this tomahawk to the strange creature.


"Okay if you are really who you say you are prove it, senior!" Miguel demanded.


"You people have forgotten?" Tlaloc shouted in disbelief.


"Forgotten what?" Miguel asked not understanding why he was asking such a question.


"Your people the Aztecs worshipped me and other gods for centuries before we went into hiding and slumber." This Tlaloc explained to Miguel.


"Wait, wait, you are a deity a god of the Aztec? That can't be that is too absurd this is a Catholic Nation." Miguel declared feeling more braver as each moment passed that his intruder did not kill him.


"Looks like I'll have to drown another non believer." Tlaloc said as he began to leave Miguel's house.


"Yeah that's right leave you tramp, bum, you , you loco bastard!" Miguel shouted after the Tlaloc character whom he believed was an insane person.


Tlaloc flicked his hand and rain started to drop from the ceiling. Miguel could not believe his own eyes was there a leak in the roof? It was not even raining how was this possible. He looked at the Tlaloc figure who stood with his arms folded with his gaze on him. What did this thing want now? Acting fast Miguel opened the windows and grabbed a cub and tried throwing the water outside.


"It has been six hundred years since we last spoke to the Aztecs, Mayans and all those peoples of what you call Mexico. You are a non believer and must perish for you insolence and stealing my tomahawk." Tlaloc flew past him causing the windows to shut with the rain still pouring down inside Miguel's house. Poor Miguel was left inside his own house to drown in the water that flooded his house.

Omnivore's Visit life

One summer my mother and I brought my grandmother up to our cabin in Little Switzerland. Not the country Switzerland, but and area in the Appalachian Mountains near Spruce Pine. It is within the counties McDowell, and Mitchell. I was only about seven or eight when we first began constructing this cabin. For much of my life I went up to this cabin with family, and I hope to come back one day with friends, girlfriend or a lover. Well on that summer day we had salmon for breakfast. It has been a  favorite dish of mine to have just about every season of the year. It was around ten or eleven in the morning some time after breakfast when I saw a black bear sitting in front of the screen door of the porch. Seeing a bear in the mountains came as no surprise, but to see one at your door step was a big one. For some reason we left the door open, and the screen door was closed. Not out of panic, but to point this out I mentioned there was a bear sitting at the foot of the screen door. Both my mother and grandma were all "well lookie there a black bear on our porch ha ha ha!" To them it seemed humorous to see a black bear on our porch. I did not know how long this bear had been sitting there. This black bear got up and climbed onto the porch railing. I watched with awe, and splendor as it moved around on the porch. Taking this chance I took two photos of it with my phone that I hope to share with anyone I tell this story to.


Apparently the scent of the salmon must have drawn it towards our cabin leading it to the porch. As I watched this bear wander the porch it went for the humming bird feeder. It licked up the water that was in it. My grandmother watched for a while until she decided to call the wildlife control to get it off the porch. In my mind it seemed unnecessary and it ended up being just that. This black bear eventually got down and left the cabin. Seeing nature like this should always be a good experience as long as you are inside and the wild animals are outside.

Flag of the Alagen Kingdom

Supper is Served

Thanksgiving came only once a year on November 23^rd. The very first Thanksgiving that is celebrated in the United States began in the year 1621. Its true origins come from the Pilgrims whom celebrated the day of thanksgiving as a day of prayer. When they came to the area known as Plymouth Rock they ran into the tribe called the Wampanoag. It was a tribe located along the coasts of the Massachusetts Bay. Thanksgiving that we know of today started after a successful harvest in autumn. Both Pilgrims and Wampanoag joined together in this feast we call Thanksgiving. Among all the stories, and tales told about what happened on Thanksgiving are passed down from generation to generation, but there was something that was kept secret.

On the very grounds of where the first Thanksgiving was held two large family trees came together. Brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, relatives, in laws and some black sheep gathered at this very spot one year after a family feud was just settled. Each family brought a variety of dishes such as cooked ham, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, green bean casseroles, Acorn squash, Gratin, butternut squash, various brussel sprout dishes, mashed potatoes, and of course the stuffed turkeys. Desserts included cookies, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cheesecake, and puddings. Every member gathered at the table to enjoy a nice bountiful feast on the very land the Wampanoag and Pilgrims feasted in harmony. Plates were filled to the brim with a variety of foods and a little dessert on the sides. Sitting all members of each family gorged upon the food on their plates while chatting and carrying on. The feast lasted for hours with seconds, and even thirds from the meals and desserts. All the children ran around the designated area playing tag, hide and go seek, and other games. As for the adults wine, beer, and even some whiskey was brought out to enjoy a fine late afternoon.

As the feasting came to a close so did the afternoon. Dusk was approaching fast and lights, lamps, as well as candles were lit to bring in some light. What they did not see were new guests in the woods. A swarm of small pukwudgies rushed into the grounds of the feast. Many tales were handed down within Wampanoag, and Algonquian tribes. Some said these small mythical creatures were mischievous, helpful and could be dangerous. Yet the descendants of the pilgrims saw the darker side of these pukwudgies. Sheer horror struck the entire family as the adults were jumped and brought down. Screaming and cries of help echoed in the woods as the unsuspecting family came under attack. Hundreds of pukwudgies clawed and devoured the family members piece by piece down to the bones. Flesh, skin, hair, organs, nails, and brains were feasted upon. Even the contents of what they digested were not left. When everyone but the children were eaten the pukwudgies rounded them up and carried them off into the woods. What the wampanoag did not tell the pilgrims was to respect the boundaries of these pukwudgies

Commando Part 41

Clenching his fists out of frustration Maurice commanded his party to head back before the executions began. He and his entire group shouldered their way back through the cluster of Khasungai. Ignoring glares, stares, shouting, shoving, and threats Maurice's party got through the markets when a group of hooded and cloaked figures stood in their path. Fed up with this type of encounter Maurice was about to attack. His hand went for his weapon when the one in the middle held out his hand. He spoke in Vestrisian with an Uxane accent. The Uxane sounding cloaked figure ordered for Maurice and his party to stand down. His commands were obeyed but they seemed more suspicious about their identities. This leading figure kept speaking and said they were to meet them back at their dwell after some business was finished. Whoever their leader was handed a note to Maurice who also told him to forget about the Khasungai girl. He informed Maurice to go back to their dwelling they will meet them there. The thirteen mysteriously cloaked figures left them with a few last words to get rid of the remaining gangs.

Maurice turned to his party feeling confused yet had a hunch they might be the Vestrisians they were looking for. Behind them he heard the crowd roar with approval as voices screamed and shouted. Scores of Khasungai rushed past them heading over to the scene of the executions. His party crossed a few bridges that brought them through a few sections of the city. As they progressed through the sections more Khasungai citizens passed them without even saying a word. When they crossed the fourth bridge a group of goons and gunslingers rushed over to block their path. There must have been twenty or more who chose to go after them.

He did not pay attention to what these men wore. Maurice whipped out his knife and threw it at the one in the middle. It struck the goon in the chest. Maurice's own party charged the goons and gunslingers. Some of them shot at the goons before they could even form up. Others such as Minerva, and Toberis ran them through. He did not see what his other companions did sine he was too busy taking out another goon. This engagement ended quickly despite the odds against them. Maurice paused to look around their surroundings. No one else was in sight except for a group of guards who came rushing up to their location. Maurice's party and new companions prepared for another confrontation with the guards this time. The Lieutenant and his eight companions expected the guards to fire them. Instead these guards rushed over to them. Leading them was an Uxane appearing guard who began to question them in his language. Minerva tried to talk to the guard into letting Maurice's party pass through. To no avail her words did not get through to them. Toberis attempted to talk them out of keeping them and move on. The guards just surrounded them showing distrust and suspicions. Most of them were armed with spears and rifles from the other nations outside their world. Both Nevradit half elves kept trying to convince the guards in letting them pass. After several minutes of arguing the two Nevradit nearly gave into the will of Khasungai. They would have to hand over their weapons.

Maurice felt powerless to stop these Khasungai who were about to grab their own weapons. All around them more goons and gunslingers came out of their hiding places armed with a variety of firearms. Maurice looked over heads and shoulders of the Khasungai. He did not get the right estimates, but he counted more than 39 gunslingers and goons. Their attackers opened fire on the unsuspecting Khasungai without warning. Numerous Khasungai guards dropped like flies at the bridge. The rest of them got down or dove for cover. Several guards fired back alongside the Lieutenant's party.

His companions and the Khasungai found themselves caught off guard by this sudden ambush. Each one returned fire against their attackers killing a few before getting back down. Inside this section of the city Maurice's party and a score of Khasunguai managed to engage their attacks in a shootout. Their flanks were partially surrounded leaving room for a possible escape and retreat. However, they did not attempt this or pull back. Each attacker had them pinned down. Maurice and his companions had to use bodies for cover. Firing back came seldom since these attackers kept up the heat on them. For several minutes they laid low behind cover dealing with the heavy fire. Maurice looked over a body to shoot at one of the attackers. His shot hit the goon but didn't kill him right away. He got down again with his back against the cover.

A large force of Khasungai warriors and soldiers rushed into the scene of the fight. He counted more than one hundred armed Khasungai coming to engage the troublemakers. In a single wave the Khasungai raced over to fight the goons and gunslingers. Maurice watched them rush past the corpses of the fallen. His still lay on the ground when one Khasungai received a few shots from a shotgun. Not one of the Khasungai noticed the party of warriors on the ground.

While the two groups were locked in a shootout inside the inner section of Khasungai Maurice found a chance to get out of the fire. Right in the thick of the fight Maurice commanded his party to get out of there. Obeying his orders his party of eight soldiers and warriors got up and made a run for the section closest to their dwelling. Under the noses of the Khasungai, Maurice's party fled to the southwest portion of the city.

They took a leftward turn to another bridge. It seemed like they were making a full U-turn to reach their destination. Wasting no time, commando and his party raced through the city. Rushing through the city was a quicker way to make it through the sections. In what felt like no time they made it to their dwelling. Here they found the thirteen cloaked figures standing at the entrance. Maurice and his party came to a stop to finally meet these figures. He ordered his unit to go grab whatever they brought and pack it up. All six of his party members went inside as he had ordered. Minerva and Toberis stood by him perplexed over who they were. Toberis requested for these figures to reveal themselves immediately. In unison the thirteen figures pulled back their hoods to show their faces. Maurice recognized the various Vestrisian facial groups and races such as the Castarians, Muzad, Zema Ilam exiles, Naatridans, Boathrin, and a few Forsythans. At least one of the Naatidrans were elvish in appearance.

Thirteen Vestrisians gave their names to the commando's party 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. Lieutenant Rosan Zomere explained why they were in Khasungai. He told her what happened to their until and where they began their mission to search for missing Vestrisians. Zomere mentioned the Vestrisians who traveled to some fort, which Maurice confirmed were already at the fort.

She wanted to get out today but that would have to wait for another day two since they would be gathering things up. Maurice pointed out they should have done so beforehand. He wasn't sure if there were more Vestrisians in the area. He shook hands with each Vestrisian giving them a pat on the shoulder. Some of them hit him lightly happy to see another Vestrisian again. Once he said his goodbyes to his countrymen, he turned to the duo who bid him goodbye. Maurice returned to their dwelling where he brought out his hand radio to contact Maphai. He attempted to contact he several times before giving up. It was not long before he heard her voice on the other end.

Maurice stood up nearly jumping in the air. He gave his report to her who must have handed it to a superior officer who addressed him as Lieutenant. The Lieutenant informed the Major of what was going on and their discoveries inside Khasungai. The Major asked him who did he find and how many were in Khasungai. He quickly named the Vestrisians giving their ranks. The Major cut him off saying a few more Vestrisians had come in. Maphai's voice returned over the radio. He asked if she had been in contact with Odeliah, their pirate friend. Odeliah had been in Oceanrest Var, Kilscar Orvain, and Oramatra picking up stragglers, and some Vestrisians. To him this was good news that was music to his ears. Good news like this was always welcome to his ears in this part of the world.

Commando Part 40

Whichever section of Khasungai they found themselves in was empty. The entire section appeared more of a courtyard turned into a city block only built with stones, rocks, timber, mud brick fences forming around several gardens. Several small structures too small to be houses and shaped like those pyramids. In these gardens Maurice could only tell the shadows and shapes of any plants trees or pretty flowers. Minerva dimmed her light a little. On the other side their eyes spotted movement near one of the pyramid shaped structures. Eluna took the lead grabbing Minerva by the arm show she was scared.

Gadruun's voice emerged at his side who shouted at the figures. The movement stopped near flames in the distance leaving only the flickering of the fires in the dark. Minerva insisted on making her light brighter to illuminate the path. Toberis muttered something to her. She snapped back at him with loud voice that caught the attention of the figures and shadows they did not notice. In the light of the fires they saw shadows heading towards the. Maurice's mind seemed to race trying to think of who these figures were. He drew his revolver, ready to shoot whomever or whatever was approaching his party. As the leader of his group he ordered his party to be ready for another conflict in the dark this time. The darkness covered everything in the area. What didn't help were clouds covering the moon. Minerva let loose a ball of light that shot out of her hand. This ball of light exploded illuminating everything in this large courtyard. In the light conjured by Minerva they could see various people in the vast section such as Khasungai guards, and some other figures who were hiding in the gardens. Minvera's light was so bright that it blinded those in the courtyard. Maurice squinted his eyes because of the bright light. He caught a glimpse of other figures.

They were actually ghouls that did in the darkness, a few others who appeared to be goons, and others were just drunk outlaws. He did not count the number of figures since his group were in a rush. Eluna tugged at their clothing trying to get them to leave this area. Gadruun snatched a torch up and led them to a path veering to the right. Maurice's party and the duo rushed to follow the two Khasungai towards a street. There they came upon an empty area much like a culdesac. It was only lit by brazers, and torches scattered along the edges of the street and a few in the center. Multiple guards stood at attention while a few patrolled the area. They slowed their pace to a walk attempting to appear unnoticed.

Five guards confronted the group stopping them in their tracks. Gadruum spoke for them in his own language. When he spoke the guards snapped at him and began to argue. Gadruun growled and yelled inciting conflict over an issue with this. He demanded to know something yet it was not given so lightly. After an exchange of a few words that sounded angry the guards let them on their way.

Gadruun led them back towards the markets, which were empty and silent save for patrols. From there they made it back to their new dwelling. At the new hideout they parted ways with Gadruun and Eluna. The two of left the new place for their own homes. Maurice's attention went straight for the corpses that were picked down to the bone. What remained of the goons were bones, and what must have been blood in puddles along with scattered pieces of flesh. He ignored this as did his own party and the duo who had their own lodgings else where. Maurice's party found their designated sleeping quarters and slept until dawn. Each one woke up to another day with two less gangs to worry about Maurice's party and their steeds feasted on breakfast when Gadruun, Minerva, and Toberis found them.

Not many words were exchanged between the groups. Everyone's mission was clear to one another. This time Maurice's party headed out in force leaving all the steeds cooped up in the most furthest room in the back. Toberis and Minerva led them all back to the markets where the merchants were just now setting up their products. For half the morning they searched for Eluna who was nowhere to be found. They tried looking for her stand, but it was not there.

Toberis and Minerva asked around where Eluna was. Some did not know where she was, others pointed them in other directions. A large woman wrapped in a cloth dress pointed towards a shrine to a deity. It had the statue of a reptilian creature flanked by totems depicting toads. Maurice and his enlarged party made their way towards the shrine next to the markets. Each one of them had to shoulder, squeeze and snake their way through the crowd, and pass multiple vendors. A few times they had to separate before reaching the end of the markets. Next to this shrine stood a pyramid painted green and blue. The area around the shrine was almost clear save for some guards, and prisoners bound in ropes. In single file these prisoners were brought forward from the right. Maurice's party stood at the very front of a crowd that started to gather. Displayed in front of the crowd and the shrine were twelve prisoners who were labeled as thieves, robbers, and a few murderers. These included criminals such as three Caligari goons, two pirates, and the rest of them were Khasungai citizens who committed crimes. Among them was Eluna who appeared to have been roughened, beaten, and humiliated.

A high priest and a few elderly looking leaders dressed in more elegant robes and tunics with feather capes approached them. One by one they sentenced each one to a different punishment depending on the crimes. Every thief was sentenced to dancing in fire coals. Murderers had been sentenced to either imprisonment, drowning, in the swamp, beheading, or fed to the monsters of the swamp. According to Toberis the latest of the two punishments go hand in hand. For Eluna she was to be dangled and sentenced to a year of enslavement to the ugliest member of Khasungai. Out of the crowd came this grotesque looking man in a wrapped shawl tunic over a loincloth. The grotesque man had warts, scars, bumps, crooked hunchback posture sauntered over to Eluna. He snatched up her bindings and dragged her away. Master and slave disappeared into the crowd. No one lifted a finger or took action to stop it from happening. Maurice felt betrayed by this act of judgment being passed. He believed the Khasungai would actually be able to help. Instead Gadruun must have given her away to the authorities.

Commando Part 39

The two parties greeted each other with the corpses at their feet. Maurice and his companions introduced themselves quickly to Toberis and Minerva. Even the pair of Khansungai introduced themselves quickly showing they were in a hurry. Maurice explained to them in his own language only they seemed to understand a little at first. They apologized saying were just learning to speak in Vestrisian Common. Both half elves hailed from Nevradit. He shared his mission with these two hoping to get more information on where the missing Vestrisians were. Minerva's face lit up hearing he was a Vestrisian soldier in search for countrymen gone missing. For they were also searching for Vestrisians.

Hope rose up inside Maurice yet he felt skeptical about these two who happened to be searching for his own countrymen. In his own mind he knew Nevradit was an ally of his nation, the Vestrisian Union of the Vestrisian Republics. That was until the Nazdar overran their defenses and took over all of Nevradit. He was surprised to see any one from Nevradit made it all the way here. His party and the duo seemed to have the same mission.

Eluna and Gadruun must have explained to these friends in their own language what they were doing. This rubbed them them wrong way causing them to back away a little. Maurice asked if there was something wrong in Gadruun's ear. The Khasungai muttered there was something off about about these two new friendly acquaintances of theirs. Another group of figures emerged from the ruins and buildings. Both Khasungai froze with fear at the sight of these figures emerging from out of holes, and doorways. Maurice, his companions, and two new friends formed a defensive circle around the Khasungai who stood there stiff as statues. As these figures drew closer their appearances became clear in the daylight. Humanoid or people that appeared ghoulish, grotesque, wart covered and wild haired, moved slowly towards their position.

Maurice drew a pistol hoping to scare them off or be forced to kill them. His party own party did the same except for Gadruun, Eluna, Toberis, Minerva. Gadruun grabbed his gun hand and pushed it down. He advised the Lieutenant commando not to shoot any of these creatures. For they would not go after them. Maurice did not trust his judgment, but refrained from pulling the trigger on these cannibals, and ghoulish creatures. He ordered his own companions to do the same while keeping a watchful eye on them. Each one hesitated but obeyed his orders. Even though they lowered their weapons the creatures still came.

Hilastes raised his own weapon ready to shoot them. Amonif snatched his weapons from his hands. The large Vestrisian grumbled at his countryman. Maurice did not have to worry about his other companion Taregan who stayed his hand. Darkness was now approaching with dusk turning into night. Whatever these things were they went straight for the corpses. The eight of them cautiously stepped away from the cannibals and flesh eaters who seemed to fight each other over the fresh corpses. Eluna led them to another alley which had some light flickering at the end of it. As they slipped away into what appeared to be a hall-like alley. Minerva twirled her hand with a slow motion of fingers. Some strange light appeared emanated in the palm of her hand. It shed some light on the way ahead of them.

This took the whole group by surprise whom asked her not to keep it shining for too long. Everyone did so except for Toberis who slipped his book into his travel garb. Eluna rushed up next to Minerva and Toberis while the rest followed them through this hall. Maurice found himself in the middle of the group with Amonif in front of him, Hilastes behind him and Gadruun taking the rear. Taregan tagged along at the commando's side keeping an eye on the cracks, holes, doorways, in the walls. He even kept an eye out for more goons who would try to ambush them here in this narrow space.

What felt like an hour only lasted for several minutes of pressing through the narrow alley. At the end they found the light was just a fire inside a section of a building used as shelter. It then twisted and turned into the appearance of a small maze until it led to another section of the city that was lit up with torch lights, and some resemblance of lamps on poles.

Possible Flag for Oceanrest Var