Flag of the Exiled Factions

The Exiled Rebels is what these coalition of exiled factions call themselves. Ever since the first nations such as Miccado, Eoth, Grussia, and the Brevarian States have banded together in neutral states or allied states to forge an army to continue their fight against the two invaders. 

Commando Part 50

He stood in the room with all eyes staring at him as if he was crazy. All his fellow countrymen gawked at him, the Uxane squinted their eyes at him with suspicions of him being possessed, some of the exiled soldiers looked at him scared, a few raced out of the room. Each of the superior officers just looked at him saying just sit down with their eyes. Many of the mercenaries laughed enjoying this scene, Maphai rolled her eyes, a few of the pirates took interest as did the remaining knights. Bryce stared at him long and hard. Maurice knew his wounds had not healed entirely. Everyone could even the new arrivals. The wounds were gunshot wounds, but even that could slow you down, depending on where you were hit. If you were lucky the projectile did not hit the bone or a vital organ otherwise you would die, be severely wounded, or crippled. Colonel Bryce placed a hand on his shoulder urging him to sit down. He understood Maurice’s eagerness to kill those goons and to secure a path for any more countrymen.

A wave of realization swept over Maurice. He had been hot headed over the goons going after his countrymen. This drove him to stand up and demand permission to be granted to resume his mission. Although he could walk well enough, running and riding would have to wait a little longer. Bryce suggested Maurice to choose one of his men or soldiers to seek out the rest of the Vestrisians or at least send out word. Maurice pondered over this for a few moments. Dina entered the room with a glass of water. She paused wondering what just happened. One of the mercenaries told her trying not chuckle. The agent nearly hit him but chose to stay her hand. The IBOIS agent stormed over to the commando with the glass. Handing it over to him she begged him not to go as if she was a lover. The whole room were blown away by this. For the past few weeks the pair of them got to know each other a little more.

She hailed from Damis and had relatives in Cydnam. He gave her hints as to where he was from, and hardly spoke to her about his past since that was behind him now. While he had been struggling she had helped him along the way. Her organization was organized to combat the spread of the invaders, and those who collaborated with them inside most of the free nations of Calorn.

            Dina handed Maurice the glass of water then offered some for the Colonel as a sign of respect on behalf of her boss. Bryce declined relieving her of the task. He ordered all eyes to avert their attention from the scene. Maphai did the same as did Odeliah and the Knight leader. Maurice looked at the new leader who acted as Owun’s replacement while he healed from getting his leg cut off and getting slammed to the ground. He prayed for the Knight to have a full recovery. Many of the exiled soldiers still glanced over at him with some interest and others concern until an officer barked them out of the room. The room emptied save for the wounded, and those tending to them. With everyone’s eyes away from them and the room mostly emptied Bryce looked at Maurice requesting that he choose a strike team to go out and clear a path or intercept the goons. Maurice called for Eyanosa, Oraceth, Amonif, Hilastes, Vincent, Forgiir, and one of Zomere’s men. She was shot in the shoulder during the battle. Other warriors, and soldiers came up filling the room with extra bodies. They included the Zema Ilam, Grussians, and the exiled soldiers from former allies who fell to the invaders.

            Maurice studied these men, and women who stood before him. Each one stood straight in formation ready to volunteer for the task. He counted on Captain Zomere to take his place, but she was in another bed not too far from his own. In his mind he knew they could send out signals to other radios, however it would mean draw attention to the fort. The Caligari Syndicate was now allied with the invaders or perhaps a faction within the two empires. It would be a few more weeks before he could fully recover. He handpicked three groups of five to head out and intercept the goons Caligair kept sending. Maurice allowed the Colonel to select the Uxane, and the Eothans to head out in search of more Vestrisians and rally them to the fort. Once the groups and tasks were assigned each group raced out of the fort.

            A full week went by before another group of Vestrisians arrived with one of the parties sent out. One of the intercepting parties came back with reports of an ambush that was botched near Tsubib Pajibe. Their new pirate friends managed to follow them and aided them. Maurice and his superiors took this as a sign that the enemy was aware of their own mission. Several more groups came to the fort with similar reports and that each corpse was returned to the Caligari Syndicate. Two days after hearing the reports of the goons being sent back Sorrowmind’s own unit came to their fort. He was greeted with serious faces, and salutes since high ranking officers were present. They arrived with a few other Vestrisians they found closer to tribal village who were labelled as hairy demons by the locals. This made most of the soldiers laugh bringing some enjoyment to the grim atmosphere. Maurice forced himself to stand up and greet his countrymen who were extremely happy to see him. Sorrowmind patted him lightly on the arm that was hit before reporting to the higher ranks. He heard another group and come in from Dina when Sorrowmind left the room. She checked his wounds making him sit back down before doing anything else.

            By the time a few more days passed they rallied 65 more Vestrisians to the fort. With a full battalion that could turn into a small brigade the Vestrisians, Exiled forces, Uxane, and mercenaries gathered. Bryce and this mysterious figure stood before them. Maurice stood among his own unit of Unseen Bears, a Tuxir, and the Ranger who were all that was left of his unit. He only needed four to command, yet his rank as Captain required him to command a squad or a platoon of troops. Minerva, and Toberis stood next to them. Owun’s own men stood behind them, and Maphai had to stand further away since her mercenaries formed a grouping of their own that joined the Vestrisians. Segun was not hard to identify due to his appearance and height.

            Now that they had gathered a large force to take on the Caligari Syndicate it was time to check her defenses. The mysterious figure stepped to reveal themselves to the whole battalion of warriors, and soldiers. They pulled back their hood revealing themselves to be a woman. She appeared to be half Forsythan and half elf with a hint of human. Her identity was Colonel Brianna Tenno, the colonel who orchestrated all of this. She was the one who went the furthest into the Unknown Lands where she and her own units were attacked by the Caligari Syndicate and the Gantronese forces still lurking in the area. She explained to them what they should do now, and that their allies in the Sarcagos will arrive to aid them. All they had to do now was scout out the area past Waikun and Kilscar Orvain. Scouts were to find location of the Syndicate and come back with knowledge of where the Caligari Syndicate was.

            Maurice maneuvered his way to the front of the crowd of soldiers and warriors who made a path for him out of respect. All eyes were on him now, even the Colonels and the Majors. He claimed this task to be his mission. His small unit and others who were willing to join would head out to scout the area in search of the Caligari headquarters. Tenno looked like she was about to cry but kept her composure. Maphai, and her unit stepped up to the plate, Captain Odeliah handpicked herself and the crew members she travelled with stepped up, Toberis and Minerva chose to go with him. Sorrowmind and a few his own small unit of men chose to go as well. Even Vincent, and Fitz came up to join Maurice on this mission.

            Twenty-two warriors, Soldiers, pirates, and mercenaries stepped up to join Captain Maurice Viyamor. He observed his hand-picked team wondering how they would get to the headquarters without drawing attention. They did have these airships that could carry them over in the air, yet the Caligari could have Gantronese send aircraft to shoot them down. Bryce and Tenno ended the meeting dismissing their soldiers. Odeliah sent her pirates to work on their ships, Maphai dismissed her mercenaries sending half of them on patrol, Director Garrett Riggs, and Brigadier General Liluth Gilhorn ordered for their own people to disperse or head to their designated stations. Gilhorn brought a force of 632 exiled soldiers and warriors from their bases, whereas Director Riggs brought sixty-five of his own people who set up office in an empty bunker they found near the fort. They spent a few days clearing it out, forced to kill strange looking creatures, and cleaning it out. Just the idea of the invaders being involved forced the sky pirates, and their new allies with airships to be cautious with air travel.

            For a good portion of the day they packed up for another long journey and gathered the mounts they needed. Each member of Maurice’s party received either a Jumbo Cat for a mount or the strange reptile looking creatures. Odeliah offered her own ship as transportation to as far as Waikun. As leader of their assembled party Captain Maurice Viyamor thought it would be wise to take the road by mount. Dina came up to the assembled party hoping to get a word in with Maurice before he departed. He turned to her and nodded a hello feeling speechless and feelings build up inside. Odeliah smacked him to get his attention. She offered an alternative to Maurice’s idea to reach the Caligari Syndicate. His attention was ripped away from Dina who seemed a little outraged by this. She made a disgusted face and stormed off to her own quarters. Maurice turned to catch her attention, but Odeliah stopped him. She told him to board one of her ships, and that she would take them as far as twenty miles past Waikun. Without warning the pirate Captain gave him a full mouth kiss in full view of Dina who turned to glance back at him. Maurice did not know what to do than to restrain himself from hitting the pirate who would shoot him if he tried to punch her. Odeliah escorted him and his party aboard their ship. Their journey would not begin until the very next day. Maurice kept thinking of how mad and outraged Dina was. The only thing that kept him from thinking of her at this moment was his duty.

National Flag of Sercane

Sercane is an elf nation that has mixed reputation with its neighbors. With the Dwarves of Khazadgul to the north, the men, elves, and gnomes of Lesdonia to the west, and the large former Seth Empire of the Khets to the south, Sercane has a prickle hostile attitude. They did not go to very often with the Lesdonians, or the Dwarfs. There were other enemies to the south such as the Vednans, and a few enclaves of orcs and goblins. On their northern border were the Kuruks, and corrupt elves. When the invaders came to their borders they immediately banded together with their neighbors only to find themselves surrounded by the Nazdar Empire and those who support them.



This flag may change if I come up with something else. Let me know if this suits the country or if I need to change it.

mckeesm45@gmail.com

Flag of Sercane's Monarchy

The Monarchy of Sercane ruled the country known as Sercane for nearly half a millennia. Its ruling family the Havenwood or Havanswood had the elf country fly this flag since their reign. However, in recent years this densely forested, hill covered, and fertile elf nation became a constitutional monarchy when the late monarch whose name is not to be spoken of was overthrown. Sercane's neighbors the Dwarf Kingdom of Khazadgul, and the Lesdonian Nation offered the exiled king amnesty only to see him and his concubine murdered at their borders. 

Commando Part 49

Maurice laid there in the bed with a single nurse taking off his bandages. She tossed them in some metal bin. He felt some stinging, and pain return in certain places. There were muscles that were sore to the point of spasms and stiffness. A few of the wounds nearly bleed again, but the Nurse stopped them. Dina’s eyes were transfixed onto his just as his eyes were on hers. Neither of them blinked while the nurse put new bandages on his wounds. She carefully applied some type of healing cream and applied a drug to his wounds then wrapped up the wounds. Once she was done the nurse left the two alone.

Left alone in the same room this Dina, and Maurice could get their own eyes off each other. Dina slowly moved over to him, drawn in by some invisible power controlling her. Even Maurice did not control what she did, he couldn’t, he didn’t want to. Dina’s lips made kissing motions a few times as she sauntered over to his bed. In moments she pressed her lips on to his. The two softly kissed for a few minutes before she laid hands on parts that were not covered in bandages. She took care not to even press herself on to him. Dina, aka. International Lilly merely leaned over him to kiss him as if to make love. Whatever was happening without warning were two individuals falling in love or was it something naturally done when people are without a real lover for so long? They could not explain, Maurice didn’t want to he wanted to taste her lips and more. Using his free arm, the commando brushed her arm softly moving up to her neck and face. She did the same thing only her hands touched his chest while his free hand touched her side and stomach careful not to touch her chest without consent first.

      Someone burst into the door forcing them to break apart. Dina jumped back into her seat returning to the booklet and dog tags she left on the chair. At the door stood a few individuals, a Vestrisian in uniform bearing an officer’s badge, pins, cap, and donning a light brown handle bar mustache that did not go well with brown hair. Beside the Vestrisian officer stood a large round looking man in a fine suit. The round man resembled a pig mixed with a human stuffed in a fine dark green herringbone pattern suit over a white checkered shirt, black vest, and a matching tie ascot. His face looked reddish pink with graying hair. He had not facial hair, basically baby faced. Behind them stood another figure.  This figure stood a little taller than the Vestrisian and the fat pig of a man. Maurice’s gaze was drawn towards the taller figure who stood just about six feet tall with a healthy body. At a closer glance the figure was an elf with deep brown hair, a strong chin, human nose. This tall elf turned out to be a female wearing a uniform like the ones Automan and his exiled rebels wore. Maurice wondered if any of the rebels survived and how many were left. She pushed the two men out of the way a little, so she could enter the room.

      Whoever this woman was she was tall with curves that were defined even underneath her uniform. It appeared a little tight on her body. Her chest appeared developed according to the elf stereotype with a bigger bust. She stood decorated in medals, pins, and badges from Sercane, Nevradit well before its fall, and Cydnam. The Vestrisian stepped around her taking Maurice’s eyes away from her. He introduced himself as Major Palespear of the expeditionary forces. Palespear introduced the other two as Director aka. Boss Garrett Riggs, and Brigadier General Liluth Gilhorn. Major Palespear had the other nine Vestrisians based in Oceanrest Var, and sent the radio man along with some extra help. He briefed Maurice on the situation and that he should rest and wait for a few weeks. Colonel Bryce was beginning construction of another fort that will be connected to the Gantronese one. Their pirate allies were currently headed there. He let the other two explain who they were. Brigadier General Gilhorn repeated what the leader Automan said to him before the fighting began. Her rank was one of the highest ranks in the army of exiled rebels who are based in Ivodra, Malvieth, Alagen, Oramatra, Rovantia, Cydnam, Meze, Rovantia, Evusia, and the Nevoran Federation. She boasted their ranks swelled over half a million or more. The fat Boss gave her a skeptical look pointing out the invaders had far more than that. He merely pushed her to the side further introducing himself as the Director of an international secret service agency called IBOIS short for International Bureau of Operations for Intelligence and Security. The words flew over his head all he got was International, Operation and Security, since he was too distracted by two eye catching women in the room. Major Palespear ordered for him to pay attention.

Maurice straightened up and told his own story to the Brigadier General and Director Riggs. Major Palespear listened even though he already knew Maurice’s story. The commando started from his first days in the expeditionary forces, prowling through the jungles and swamps, how they were ambushed, the engagements, savage creatures, hostile tribes, and strange monsters in the trees. He went on to tell how he and thousands of others made their way to the Sarcogos where they made their home. The alliances they made with dwarfs and the Uxane nations. He explained in detail how they were able to get from the Sarcagos to the Gantronese fort. In detail he explained the allies, and friendships they made, and the new enemy, the Caligari Syndicate.

      When Maurice finished his long story Dina asked if he wanted a glass of water. Maurice nodded yes looking at her features with his eyes as if she was naked before him. The agent left, leaving him with the leaders who conversed with him while they were just now landing. He felt the ship rumbled and shake a little as if they were in an earthquake. It lasted for several minutes as the ship made its landing. A few minutes later the commando and every wounded were unloaded from the vessel first. In a hurry to get them off crews, soldiers, and available medical staff raced to bring the wounded over to the fort. In a bed Maurice lay there as they carried him over to the hospital rooms that were cleared for this occasion. He was placed in the same room as a few score of others who survived the battle. Once he was settled down Colonel Bryce and another figure stood next to him. This figure stood in the shadows while Bryce brought in a stool to sit next to him. His own commanding officer place a hand on his arm congratulating him on a job well down. Maurice saluted him and shook the Colonel’s hand before settling his back against the few pillows given to him for comfort.

Both Vestrisians discussed what was to happen right as the Majors entered the room. Dubius, and Palespear saluted Captain Maurice Viyamor. They each stood next to the Colonel who began to inform Maurice of their plans, and the construction of another part of this fort. Maurice did not see the extension of the fort. According to the radioman, and a few others willing to cooperate there were more Vestrisians out there, and some allies willing to fight alongside them. This sounded good for them, because if the Caligari had allies such as the Invaders then they could help the invaders retake this entire land or the more civilized parts then launch attacks into Borvados. Maurice recalled Sorrowmind and told his superiors where they could find him. Every commanding officer looked at him with wide eyes. Bryce ordered Maurice to rest while they sent out word to the remaining Vestrisians who are still wandering about. Due to his wounds Maurice chose to stay and rest leaving the job to someone else. The commanding officers left him in his bed to address other wounded warriors, and soldiers who took part in the battle. With nothing else to do Maurice rested and let his wounds heal.

      Maurice lay in his bed for nearly a week before he was pushed to get out of bed to walk and regain his strength. It took a few hours of his day to get moving just to keep his legs moving. A few medics and Dina, Maurice was able to walk around the fort to witness a few other structures rise. Parts of the fort were extended. New layers of walls, new barracks, and other useful structures. It was beginning to look like a town mixed with a fort and palisade. Maurice was not the only one being dragged out of bed for daily exercise. Over a platoon’s worth of so called patients made the effort to get out of bed and walk with the help from crutches, canes, comrades. While they made the struggle to heal they saw fresh faces enter the fort. Most of these fresh faces were Vestrisians who heard to call or were found in other cities such as Magesar and some they could not pronounce well. Accompanying them were the parties sent out to find them and lead them to the fort. For the past several days these new arrivals came streaming in groups of four, five, and six under the supervision of Uxane, Maphai’s Mercenaries, and Oraceth. After a few days they managed to gather thirty men. Maurice was just getting his cast off when word of goons attacking each part sent out to the cities. It had been a few weeks since they started to send out word, yet they failed to keep their movements from the ears and eyes of the enemy. Maurice stood up from a chair demanding permission from Bryce and the Majors to go out there and find the rest of the Vestrisians.

Religious Flag of Vullan

The Vullanese worshipped a certain deity, which is more of a false deity to disguise another worshiped in the under ground of many nations to the west. However many have flocked to the Vullanese Teachings. Here are the symbols depicted in the flag. On top is the sunlight and starlight that shines on the followers. In the center the branches represent the spread of its religion, and the bowl represents the offerings the religion provides to those who convert and follow. 

Flag of Lesdonia

Here is the flag for Lesdonia. I couldn't help but go ahead and post this after another. It is not for views, but to share what came to mind when I was thinking about the Lesdonians. There is a description of some in the Jenere Omavern stories. It does resemble flags of the Scandinavian countries. That is the result of creating the flag for this country. I will work on a description for the Lesdonian culture in the future.

Lesdonia's Defiance

Lesdonia’s Defiance

(At the borders of Lesdonia, Sercane and Vednan, 1843)

            Rain storms pounded the camps repeatedly with heavy downpours of rain. It was enough flood the area. However, the camps were situated on higher ground. It had been two weeks since the army moved from its location near the southern borders of their beloved Lesdonia. General Veilan sat on a stool in his tent looking over a map of the area. Next to this map sat a note with symbols instead of letters. His eyes scanned the map searching for a better route for his own men to cross the rivers that bordered Lesdonia, Vednan, and Sercane. This map showed the entire landscape of what used to be the Brevarian Kingdoms.

            Years ago, before the invaders conquered most of their neighbors, or annexed them, a vicious empire forced annexation onto the peaceful set of kingdoms. This act began a war over this issue. Those kingdoms were once rich states that prospered. Most of them were now part of Lesdonia, and Sercane while the rest were now under the bootheel of this invading force that calls itself the Nazdar Empire. Veilan is a commanding general for the forces of a totalitarian confederation of militarized states that included Lesdonia, Sercane, and the Dwarf state of Khazdgul. This collection of states once called themselves the Goriv Confederacies. They were often at war with the Vednan, and the Khets who used to call themselves the Seth Empire before the Nazdar. For decades they fought numerous wars against them over economic gains. Between their borders lay a mountain range full of minerals. This current war was different they had a new enemy this Nazdar Empire who came down from the skies with the clear message of conquest.

            Veilan sipped on a mug of hot cider while studying a map of old Brevaria and the smaller map of the area he was in. Rivers and small valleys covered this landscape from Sercane to Lesdonia. As he observed the map he located where their camp was on this map. Next to the maps sat a note with codes inscribed on them. The codes formed a message that revealed a route on the map. Some where there sat shallow depths on each river. The codes revealed the locations of every shallow depths his men could cross like a land bridge or fjord. Not only does he need to find every possible route, Veilan must locate certain routes hidden from view. Even the watchtowers could not see these routes despite being set up in between the rivers as a look out. Fiver rivers needed to be crossed while avoiding the watchtowers that had the Nazdar machine guns. Stationed in pairs of two or three the enemy watch towers covered the area behind the other pairs. Their locations were marked on the map to keep track of where they are.

            Veilan picked up the note and observed it. The code itself was made up of symbols from ancient rune texts of an ancient civilization. Each encoded symbol represented a month in each season. The dates of old festivals and gods of the season harvests formed the coded message that was the message in the encoded symbols. Using calendars, and record on the harvest gods Veilan began jotting down the dates of each old festivals, and the ordered number of the represented months. Each number deciphered from the symbols represented the third letter of harvests, gods, and the months of the year.

            He placed a thin sheet of paper over the encoded note. These symbols could still be seen through it. He wrote down each letter decoded over the symbol it deciphered from the code. In a matter of time Veilan saw a message unfold before his eyes. It revealed every route his men could take while crossing the rivers. Reading the message Veilan marked down all the routes suitable for the covert operation. On the map several routes were bellow a patch of trees whose branches stretched over both sides of the rivers. This worked well for the movement of Veilan’s troops. Veilan glanced at the routes marked on the map. He quickly picked out a set of routes on both sides of the map. When he was done General Veilan summoned his Colonels, and other commanding officers to discuss moving out ahead of schedule.

            “Sir, if we move out now how would our allies find us? It is crucial to our mission to stay put and let our allies find us.” One of his colonels pointed out to him.

            “By the time they arrive here, the only thing they’ll find are ruins of a camp and rotting corpses. These invaders and their Grevaskii pets’ patrols are very close in discovering our location.” Veilan argued. Another colonel spoke up to his critical General.

            “General sir, I don’t agree with my fellow officers. Your decision to move out now would leave the enemy confused and distraught. Have your found any other alternative routes?” He asked the General. Veilan pointed at the secret route on the map with a dagger.

            “Here is a route I found, deciphering this code I was given by local spy. Some of these routes are well hidden by brush and large stones in the river bed. This will give us the advantage to evade the eyes of the watch towers.” Veilan explained to them.

            He showed them the locations of every watch tower on the map. Another officer gave his own suggestion on the matter. He cleared his throat before speaking, drawing attention to the him. All eyes rested on him alone.

            “Concerning the watch towers, should our artillery take them our and make the crossing easier. Why aren’t we using the bridges east of us?” The colonel asked the whole tent.

            “Colonel MaNoy, destroying those towers now will not only set off an alarm, but within less than an hour an army will overrun us. Attempting to cross any bridges will result in staggering losses. Think of our casualties already and those of Sercane. Every bridge on those rivers are heavily guarded by hundreds of Vednan and Khet soldiers.” Veilan expressed, denouncing the idea.

            “However, our artillery will be useful once our forces reach the other side. After a day of crossing the artillery will open fire on the towers. Our troops should be dug in by the time they cross. By then they should be waiting for the enemy forces to converge on this position.” Veilan drew a line behind the last par of towers.

            “Gentlemen be sure to mark these routes on your maps, I have assigned each of you a route and task for this operation.” Veilan informed the officers.

            The meeting was adjourned, and the officers returned to their posts. They marshalled the men the very next morning. At dawn the men were aroused and marshalled to their stations and ranks. It was the perfect morning for the covert crossing. A great mist had emerged over the rivers, covering the area. This proved to be a good shield for their forces from the watchtowers’ view.

Commando Part 48

The objects in the sky appeared more like a blur in his vision. Maurice blinked a few times making his vision clearer. All he could hear was the ringing sound you got in the heat of battle and the shock of getting hit. His eyes focused on the objects that came down to the ground. They were large ships with the usual shapes of a sea going vessel. Maurice watched these vessels dropped down as the battle still went on around him. His allies, and soldiers started to retreat deeper in the encampment appearing cornered like rats. The Captain watched his own men leave him on the ground as the enemy came rushing in. He did not blame them since the enemy was coming in too fast to pick him up. Feeling one of his arms was unscathed Maurice grabbed a nearby dagger off an ally and stabbed a Nazdar in the foot. The invader collapsed scared half to death that a corpse came alive. He almost sat up to see a large wave of pirates rushing in from the flanks of the invaders. Behind the invaders he caught a glimpse of the remaining thugs, and hired guns turn on these invaders. It showed the amount of greed the hired guns had inside. The prized money was theirs, and they would go back to Caligari to lie, and take all credit.

            Every invader found themselves surrounded by multiple factions. Maurice looked around, turning his head as much as he could. Their encampment remained largely intact, yet filled with corpses. Most of their forces were standing or wounded. He spotted Minerva helping the wounded next to a mercenary tent. Toberis stood his ground not too far from Minerva awkwardly firing a rifle he picked up. Each shot he fired recoiled on him. The impact nearly caused the rifle to jump out of his hands. Maurice would have chuckled if the Nazdar he stabbed earlier hadn’t stirred. This invader went after him with a bludgeon weapon. He could barely leap after Maurice who shot him with the last bullets of his weapon. Another invader, a Gantronese pounced on him, knocked the weapon from his hand and grabbed Maurice by the throat. This invader did not care who was there or that they were losing. All Maurice saw was the invader’s ugly scared, grayish, strange face with no nose, and strange black eyes. He could see the invader’s teeth were like small razor-sharp teeth. He struggled to get this invader off who was no choking him to death on the bloodied, corpse covered, and muddy battlefield. In a battle over drawing breath vs the grip of this invader Maurice’s hands searched for a weapon or object he could use to get this invader off. His hands blindly felt for a weapon on the ground and on the bodies nearby. The world was started to get dark and his life starting to fade as this invader squeezed his neck, blocking air from flowing to his lungs. Even as his life was being taken away Maurice was certain one his men or allies would come rescue him.

            His eyes met the enemy’s gaze as his world grew dark. All he could do was attempt to shove this enemy off him. He reached out to poke one of this Gantronese’s eyes hoping the pain would loosen the grip. It did and the Gantronese started to lay off then went for the attack again. From behind Maurice came his two Unseen Bears Amonif and Hilastes who grabbed the Gantronese. They pulled him off their Captain. Amonif held the Gantronese while Hilastes rushed to see if his Captain was okay regardless of his wounds. Maurice took a huge breath of air now that his lungs could breathe in oxygen. Even though he could breathe the world was still growing dark in his eyesight. The last thing he saw before passing out was Amonif driving a large knife in the stomach of the Gantronese.

            Maurice jolted awake in a bed. He discovered he was in some gown and limbs bandaged up with only one arm free to move. Sweat came down his face and body as he sat up straight. Heavy breathing came soon after he woke up from his black out. He looked around to see where he was. Maurice Viyamor found he was in a small cabin like room in a bed that was attached to the floor, but with the swinging capability. His bed rocked a little when he moved. In the room was a light hanging from the ceiling, a bedside table, and a chair. In this chair sat a woman wearing a military uniform that got transformed into a secretary’s outfit. She held a booklet in her hand and a bunch of dog tags in the other hand. Next to her stood none other than Captain Odeliah. Maurice blinked twice making sure this wasn’t a dream. This woman had blonde hair and held gorgeous features about her. His pirate ally welcomed him back to the conscious world, and welcomed him to her own flying ship, the Flying Woe. It was the second largest ship of the Sovereign Corsair fleet of which she now commands 150 crew members. She did not mention the other two names of the ships, but reminded Maurice the Sovereign Corsairs had more than three hundred. She calculated no more than three hundred eight members of this crew of pirates. It was information he did not need to know, but she told him anyways because he was her guest. A guest who had no other choice than to listen to the Captain.

            Before he even asked who, this woman was he demanded to know where they were going, and how many of their forces survived the onslaught. Odeliah raised her chin at him. She looked at him down her nose as if saying you already know Captain Viyamor. It hit him in the face right there. Odeliah was taking them to the fort. How long he had been out he did not know, nor did he care to know. He asked her to let him in on what happened after he blacked out. Odeliah looked at him spilling the beans on the woman and her own crew. Most of his forces and allies remained alive, yet most of them were wounded. Eyanosa, Amonif, Hilastes, and Oraceth were alive. Taregan fought savagely to the last breath. The only thing that did him in was exhaustion, which the enemy took advantage of. Maurice sat in his bed contemplating over the men and women he lost on this mission. He started out with nearly a dozen or so. Their names spun through his mind, Silver Harpy Jode, Onyx Cougars Jenn, Loaket, Flede, Macon, Brittany, and now Taregan the most silent of the group. In his mind he made a mental note to remind himself to give Taregan of the Northern Uwaux a proper burial. Then the Jumbo Cats came to his mind. He asked about them, which drew a very puzzled expression from the blond-haired woman. Odeliah could not help but laugh at this secretary looking woman. Maurice could not help but join Odeliah in the laughter.

            A knock came at the door cutting the laughter short. Odeliah beckoned for the person to come in. Omareth entered the room with a nurse or someone who appeared to be a nurse. The Drow bowed a little showing he was pleased to see Maurice again. He put on a slight smile. Maurice nodded his head the Drow in turn. Whoever this nurse was she turned to the blonde woman who muttered a few orders. The bandages needed to come off and some medicine or healing cream needed to be applied before replacing the old ones. Odeliah nodded to Omareth who bowed then saluted before exiting. Just before she left the room Odeliah introduced the blond woman as Agent Dina Surrean aka. International Lilly. Both commando and agent looked at each other. Their eyes met each other’s as if some invisible power forced their gaze on each other. No one could explain it, yet it happened without warning.

Flag of the Nazdar Empire

Although the Nazdars have another flag, this flag is the main one flown over its empire in Calorn. 

A Spartacists' Fate

January of 1919 was a year of change for the face of Europe and her boundaries. Countries were cut up, or destroyed while others were born and reborn again. For Germany it became a beginning of a new era in the aftermath of a defeat in the Great War that lasted from 1914 to 1918. The Armistice was signed with a large amount of punishments laid upon the once proud German Empire. Several months after the armistice was signed in November of 1918 upheaval and parties started to rise. The communist party was one of many parties that squabbled in the streets all over Germany in the fight for control. In Berlin a coup was just attempted. Under the leadership of Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg the Spartacist group went against the current government of the Weimar Republic in the hopes of starting a revolution.

            “The bomb went off!” Hans yelled running down the street towards two others who wore the Spartacists badges.

            “Wait…what?” Leopold shouted in aghast.

            “Bombs away our revolution has started brother!” Hans said patting him on the cheek. Leopold looked at him with disbelief.

            “What did you do? HANZ what did you do?” Leopold screamed at him. The other two looked at them as if they were parents arguing.

            “Revolution of course!” Hans said smacking him in the chest twice playfully. Hans smiled a stupid smile and laughed.

            “You are crazy Luxemburg said not to attempt a coup!” Leopold growled.

            “Pfff that bitch doesn’t what she is talking about-“ Hans was cut off by the sounds of whistles and boots hitting the streets.

            “It’s the paramilitary and the Wehrmacht let’s get out of here!” one of the other Spartacists yelled out in fear and worry.

            A quartet of Spartacists raced down the alley towards another street where one of the others had a car waiting for them. Each one got inside the vehicle and started the engine. The front seat was full taken by a strange sack forcing the other three to cram inside the back of the vehicles.  Lukas pressed hard on the accelerator forcing the vehicle to race down the street. He turned around streets that were too small for multiple cars and kept going until he reached the end of Berlin. It was not through the main entrances or streets but through a neighborhood. Their ride drove on the grass winding around trees and bushes before he decided to get back to the main road.

            “Lukas where are you taking us Poland or to Bavaria? Ahhahahaha!” the other one said laughing at his driving. Eckhard laughed so hard that no sound came out of his mouth. It worried them for a bit until he started to cry of laughter.

            Lukas ignored him as he came back onto the dirt road that led out of the city. He drove on for some time until the vehicle ran out of gas. All of them got out of the vehicle finding themselves in a forest outside of Berlin’s boundaries and outskirts.   

            “Where are we?” Leopold asked looking at the trees around them.

            “No clue, Lukas where the heck did you take us?” Hans demanded from Lukas.

            Lukas ignored his question and went straight for the bag. He snatched it up and made his way into the forest. The other three looked at each other confused, puzzled and angry at him. Hans raced after him first.

            “HEY, Lukas, what the heck? Where are you off to?” he roared at the fellow Spartacist who appeared oblivious to his cry. Lukas looked over his shoulder to acknowledge his fellow party members.

            “I am off to give my offering to the old man they call the Rubezahl.” Lukas answered to his friends.

            “The Rubezahl does not exist Lukas you no longer a child quit believing in fairy tales!” Leopold screamed at his blind fellow party member.

            “He is a mountain spirit my comrade. Rebezahl may be a prankster, but he does reward us. Those who give him offerings according to the Krkonose Cult.” Lukas replied still in the blind stupor that he was in.

            “Bugger that Rubezahl old man spirit fuck! How can we get back to Berlin?” Erckhard yelled throwing an object at him.

            The leaves rustled violently as the trees started to moan and rock a little. Each one swayed back and forth as if they were about to move. Roots pulled themselves out of the ground like the trees were coming alive and discovering they had limbs. Out of the branches dropped a large figure with a long thick beard, grayish hair, and wearing medieval style clothing. This figure stood nine feet tall and bellowed at the sight of the Spartacists.

            “Who the Reich are you sir?” Leopold demanded pointing a finger at this tall figure. Erckhard and Hans stood next to him as if ready to attack or flee for their lives. Lukas dropped to his knees and bowed to this tall figure. He pushed the sack over to this tall medieval bearded figure.

            Whoever this figure may be even if he was Rubezahl, the male giant flicked a single finger causing lightning to come down and strike Leopold first. Leopold’s body burst into flame and collapsed onto the ground. He was nothing more than ash and smoke on the ground. The tall figure’s gaze then looked to Hans and Erckhard. Each Spartacist must have soiled themselves before this tall figure after witnessing a comrade burst into flame and ash. He did it again to Hans this time while growling something under his breath. Hans’ body exploded, blood flesh, and guts flew all over this place. Erckhard was covered in his own friend’s guts, and blood. He screamed hysterically out of blind fear and shock. In his mind this brought back the trenches and the shell shock he witnessed on the western front. Scared for his life he tried to flee, but this Rubezahl stopped him and impaled his body a branch high in a tree.  

Evusian Royal Flag

This is the Royal Flag of the Ruling Family of the Evusian Empire. It is in the main flag of the Empire, but it is flown over every ship of the Imperial Navy. All vessels that float within the naval fleet are required to fly these colors. 

Vullanese Alliance

This flag represents the alliance that exists between multiple nations that were once part of the Vullanese Empire. Such members include the Vullanese Islands aka. Vullanese Empire, Gontrella, Nymres, Muskalla, Arqolith, Ossus, Nazdar Vodwania, Vidothran Isles, and Galaia. 

Flag of Boathria

This flag flew over islands of Boathria that was the loyal side of the kingdom. Boathria fought to preserve the unity of the Boathrin Kingdom, but failed when the Vullanese Allies entered the conflict. It was due to their own alliances with other nations that the Boathrin Kingdom remained intact. 

A flag of the Boathrin Kingdom

This flag represents the alliance, unity between the Vestrisian Republics, and the Boathrin Kingdom. It flew below the Kingdom's main flag before the Kingdom chose to join the Union in 1845. 

Commando Part 47

Maurice held the phone piece feeling some hint of hope reemerge. They had just repelled a large force of gunslingers, goons, thugs, and hired guns who numbered over six-hundred. He wondered how many of their attackers were left. Losing that much of your force meant you probably spent too much time relying on cocky, overconfident, blind, and foolish brigands wielding guns. The Caligari Syndicate must have sent most of their forces after them while gathering all the goons, and gunslingers all over the region. Maurice was certain these hired hands of the Caligaris were either wiped out or had smaller numbers. He commanded for the rest of their soldiers and allies to gather around for a head count.

            They had seventy-seven men still standing to hold off any more attacks. With permission from Segun Maurice sent out their Jumbo Cat riders to scout out the area for any signs of their attackers. He then sent out parties to loot the corpses of the gunslingers, and goons for ammunition, new weapons, money, other supplies, and allowed them to take anything they saw valuable. The rest of their forces kept an eye for the parties and the scouts. With a tank and a fortified position in a marshy area he felt confident in repelling another attack. He prayed none of the locals or natives would come after them for trespassing onto their lands. For a few hours they waited for the parties to return during the next day. As they waited a force of 102 soldiers led by nine Uxane came up to their encampment from the west on the backs of bearing news. Seeing this large force riding military vehicles gave them more hope for survival, yet more questions.

            Maurice, Segun, and Owun met with their leader while their parties returned with many prizes, guns, ammo, and supplies. The leader was an exiled soldier from Miccado, a long-lost ally in this war against the invaders. He did not give his name, but a nick name dubbed Automan. His entire army consisted of exiled soldiers, outcasts, and members of the nations that were conquered by the invaders. This exiled army of rebels came to warn them the Caligari Syndicate has made a pact with a few high-ranking invaders. A force of 63 Nazdar troopers, 88 Gantronese, 95 hired thugs, 25 remaining Caligari hired guns, and a large force of supporters of the invaders was heading this way from the north. A force of Grussians should be here any moment with some sky pirates from Cydnam.

            All this news came as a mixture of good fortune, bad luck to them. Not only were they getting more allies, but the Caligari Syndicate was gaining friends among the invaders. Their new friends did not know the full story of how the Caligari Syndicate was able to get the Gantronese and the Nazdar on their side. How the Syndicate was able to get the empires on their side was not important right now. What was important was getting out of this area, and preparing to fight off the invaders. Automan ordered his troops to prepare defenses using the multiple vehicles they brought with them. Whoever these rebels are, they had half-tracks, tracked trucks, troop transporters, supply trucks, and various weapons from different factions including the Vestrisian Republics. These rebels also wielded weapons from all corners of the world. There were weapons from the other side of the world such as the Nevoran L-34 rifles, and these sub machine guns called Cobra 96’s.

            Automan’s small company formed a barrier around the encampment just as a small airship arrived that drew attention from everything else. It had the shape of a sea ship kept in the air by a bomb shaped balloon. This balloon kept the vessel afloat in the air, but what made this ship go forward was a set of sails, and a propeller system. Everyone watched the airship come down on the other side of the road. A force of thirty-two Grussians, and a crew of pirates who wore various uniforms from other factions. To their greater fortune none of them wore any Vestrisian uniforms, or those of the alliance against the invaders. Automan stepped up to greet these new comers. He briefed them on what was about to occur. Both pirates and Grussians rushed to grab what was needed to fend off the attacking forces. In a hurry the two new groups prepared a loose defense around the encampment alongside the rebels. The pirates left five of their crew members with machine guns, and small cannons to use against infantry and vehicles. Their defenses felt rushed, yet they had little time to prepare.

            Maurice looked at the Captain of this vessel, and recalled how many wounded soldiers they had. His eyes rested on the Captain who had on a long leather pirate duster over a green shirt, black vest, striped trousers, and boots from a Nazdar Trooper. To Maurice’s surprise this pirate captain was a female Drow known as Inaleth. Her hair was not white like most Drow, but dyed a brownish color. On her head she wore a wide high fan hat. There was something on it that appeared to be scratched off. He could not make out what it was. Whatever this symbol or icon was it did not matter now. Maurice returned his attention to the female Drow. She gave him a slight smile showing her teeth a little. Inaleth revealed they were once members of a well-known pirate who turned into a privateer for the Vestrisians. For years they sailed under their banners until something happened, and the crew went their separate ways. She and a few other crew members found themselves under the employ of the Caligari Syndicate, which paid well. For two years they raided, plundered, and harassed some cities in the mountains, and along the borders of the Gantronese Empire. It was a few weeks ago did they decide on a mutiny and join the Vestrisians again. That was all she said before letting Maurice explain what he wanted from her. He gave her the location of the Gantronese fort they were using as a base. There should be more Vestrisians, and their allies heading there now if they had not arrived already. As if asking permission from a teacher, Maurice requested for their wounded to be loaded onto her ship. She glanced at him, glanced at the wounded, and at her own ship. The pirate captain nodded her head and agreed only one condition. Maurice’s own military organization would have to give her a Vestrisian Uniform, and her crew any blades from their arsenal. In a heartbeat Maurice agreed to this, but warned her that his commanding officer Colonel Bryce may not agree just yet.

            Both Captains shook hands, and the wounded were loaded onto the pirate vessel. Every one of their fighters who were wounded had to be carried over to the ship via stretcher that the rebels had on hand. Nearly half an hour passed before they got all the wounded on board Inaleth’s vessel. Right as the last of the wounded were being loaded the enemy began their attack. No more than a small battalion’s worth of Nazdar troopers, Gantronese soldiers, thugs, gunslingers, goons, Grevaskii, and loyalists appeared out of the trees. Without hesitation both attacker and defender opened fire on each other.

            The exchange of fire became sporadic in the marshy field. In force the attackers made an advance that was soon forced back with aid from the airship and the tank. After the first wave was forced back the defenders rushed the pirates to leave the area. Captain Inaleth’s vessel, the Red Dagger, began its ascension under fire. It fired a few rounds in return destroying the earth, and the trees. Maurice had no doubt there were a few more casualties among the enemy. Within a short span of time the invaders, and hired guns sent in the thugs covered in black, all the Grevaskii and loyalists to attack the encampment. This second wave had the bulk of their forces. More than four hundred charged from their positions, shooting wildly at the defenders. Every personnel available fought to keep the line from crumbling. Their attackers managed to reach them for close combat, which they did engage. Up close the Grevaskii, and Loyalists looked more like half-starved creatures dragged over with many diseases. It was only a mercy to kill the wretches. Despite the advantage of machine guns, a tank, and a few cannon turrets the defenders still suffered a heavy blow. However, their losses were nothing compared to the enemy who managed to get barely a hundred men out of there. All day they returned fire with the invaders who crept up on them slowly gaining ground against the encampment. During this stretched out battle the defenders slowly began to dwindle whereas the invaders lost many of their own.

            In the late evening the invaders appeared to have given up when from the trees an anti-tank missile was launched. This projectile flew straight for the tank followed by a few more. One of the projectiles hit the tank forcing the crew to jump out. In reaction the defenders returned fire giving everything they had remaining. There was no stopping or letting down on the amount of fire they sent into the forests and grass of the marshy landscape. Here it did not matter how many anyone lost if the pirate allies arrived on behalf of Maurice Viyamor’s unit. He sent five shots into the ranks of a group of shadows. Several went down causing him to get drawn into the fight. Out of instinct he stood up and fired another round. Maurice picked up another revolver, and rifles as bullets went past him. Several skimmed his body. At this moment he did not care as he loaded the firearms. He fired a few more shots before he himself was hit in the side then the leg, and the arm. Maurice Viyamor fell backwards landing on a few corpses, and a defender still drawing breath. His gaze was clouded by the shock of getting hit numerous times. At first, he thought he could see the souls of the dead rising and bullets flying over him. Each one looked like a cloud of smoke, and the bullets speeding objects zipping through the air. Maurice did not black out, he simply watched the skies as a few large objects came down.

A Nautical Flag

A flag used for directing heavy sea traffic in the gap of Borvados. 

Flag of Eoth

Flag of Grussia

Commando Part 46

No more than a platoon’s worth of warriors, knights and Uxane entered the encampment with a radio man among them. At least twenty-three led by a cloaked knight wearing a badge with his own house sigil on. This leader gripped Maurice’s hand with a firm grasp. His hand felt like he had experienced the harshness of the unknown lands, and endured its dangers. Maurice had been in these Unknown Lands for years, yet he wondered if this knight had been here longer. Welcoming this knight and his own companions, Maurice introduced himself as Captain Maurice Viyamor. This knight who acted as leader was known as Sir Owun Downpelt, an exiled knight from Vunnace. He was originally from one of the islands of Iznar Kingdoms. Maurice recalled hearing about the Iznar Kingdoms. Those islands were allies to his nation alongside other nations such as Hradria, which has a hard pronunciation, and Ermentwa an elf kingdom. Those three stats allied themselves with the Gantronese to maintain their independence from the Nazdar. Maurice recalled these nations had flying ships that allowed them to slip past the blockades at night. That was years ago this was most likely the year 1847, and coming on to 1848. All three of those allies of theirs were now under the bootheel of the Nazdar Invaders. Thinking about that area also reminded him of the southern neighbors to these kingdoms, Vios and Luvahan. Each one of those allies are under Nazdar and Gantronese Control. The same could be said about most of their allies at this point in the war.

            Sir Owun’s own party came up to meet Maurice and his own allies, who seemed pleased to see some help had arrived. Maurice was introduced to twenty-four unfamiliar faces, and names. He hardly got half of the names down in his own head. All he was able to get out of the introductions were several names. There was also news of uprisings in certain parts of the world. He heard the names of a few locations, and a few occupations. Maurice quickly reviewed the names he had just heard while the platoon of newcomers met the rest of the encampment. All he got were Morgan, Liam, Sandos, Evrik, and Mervok. The radio man came up to him once he dismounted from his own mount. He stood at five feet seven or eight inches tall. His stature was skinny, but appeared to be able to survive the Unknown Lands. None of his credentials, uniform pieces, or boots were even on him. Only his cap with the Vestrisian insignia on it, the blue flag sewn onto a cloak, and his dog tags showed he was a Vestrisian. The radio man wore a Gantronese jumpsuit that had been torn up, and had parts replaced. This Vestrisian Radioman had three bags on him, one that carried the radio, another that appeared to be a large satchel, and another that was a travelling pack. Maurice introduced himself as Captain Viyamor. Realizing he was a Captain the Radioman saluted to Maurice, addressing himself as Private Bill Harris. Maurice saluted back then dismissed the Private. As the Private made his way past the commando a cat popped its head out of the bag. Harris stood before the newly promoted Captain with a nervous grin on his face.

            Maurice ordered for him to follow his captain to his own tent. Private Harris did as he was ordered and followed Maurice over to his tent. There Maurice briefed him on what was going on before allowing Harris to give his report. Private Harris had been in contact with multiple factions including Maphai’s and the Vestrisians in the Sarcagos who were on their way to an abandoned Gantronese fort. Maurice was about to question him on what happened to him when Lieutenant Razif came to the entrance of Viyamor’s tent. He came to report a few more members of the heroes were being carried in. Their new tank chased off a good portion of the goons, and gunslingers. It was now making its slow trudge towards the encampment. Maurice had Razif find a sleeping spot for Private Harris. The two Vestrisians left him in his tent with the empty cot that was once Brittany’s. He sat on the bed contemplating on when the enemy would attack their position. In his head he calculated how many troops they had now. At the start of this mission he started with a team of ten to eleven hand picked soldiers, warriors, and hired guns. He made friends with a group of five mercenaries part of a larger army. Found scores of dog tags, came across more Vestrisians, and forged an alliance with a pirate crew. They had a fort in their possession. Now they had over one hundred soldiers, warriors, adventurers, knights, and mercenaries, who were now being watched by a larger force. He stood up thinking about all of this at once. There was some thing about this Caligari Syndicate that said it needed to be destroyed.

            His eyes rested on the floor of his tent wondering how Eyanosa was faring with his wound. The Tuxir’s condition was starting to improve after a few days of resting. Maurice got up to search for the companions who joined him on this journey. Along that journey they lost multiple members of the original party. He found them at their own fire, which was close to his own tent. Amonif, Hilastes, Taregan, Oraceth, and Eyanosa in crutches made from an old rifle sat around a fire. His approach caught their attention drawing it away from the fire. Each one of them had a weary look on their faces, and in their eyes, he saw sorrow for the loss of Brittany of the Red Hearts. Maurice was their leader, and now he stood as their Captain. The Ranger, Tuxir, and Uwaux did not mind joining them as volunteer member of Viyamor’s unit. Brittany’s death must have taken a toll on them. He came up to them with some news about these heroes followed by the bad news. Their ranks swelled to over a hundred, and they had a tank with them. However, their enemies were most likely six hundred or more.

            Shouting and shooting emerged from the edges of the encampment. Many voices warned of the encampment coming under attack. Maurice and most of his companions sprang into action. They grabbed their weapons before rushing to the borders of their encampment. Maurice had his group spread out, the Vestrisians take position with him. He instructed the radioman to stick with Eyanosa who was place inside his tent with the radio man. At the edge of the encampment he found the mercenaries, warriors, Uxane, Knights and soldiers firing on a larger group of gunslingers, and goons. Hundreds of these goons and gunslingers advanced on all sides of the encampment. Almost every defender fought vigorously to push back the advance. Their attackers slowly made their way to the encampment through the grass, and around as much body of water as possible In a futile attempt to attack the encampment this army of the Caligari Syndicate, exposed themselves in the open. Maurice could tell there were at most five hundred coming after them. In the mud, thin patches of land, and terrain these goons, and gunslingers dropped like flies. This wet, muddy terrain gave the encampment defenders an advantage. On the road Maurice spotted a force of two hundred goons racing towards them, using the road. With a tank at hand the goons faced a hail of machinegun fire. Long, and short bursts from the machine gun, and the turrets shattered the large force forcing them back. Despite the advantage the defenders had their attackers still took out multiple defenders. Maurice did not count the dead just yet as another wave seemed to have emerged from the trees to push what remained of the first one to attack.

            For the rest of the day the defenders fought to hold back this other wave that crawled and returned fire. This forced the tank to roll along the road and open fire on the attackers’ flanks. With a tank at their disposal the defenders forced the second wave to retreat. At dawn they discovered their numbers were starting to decrease, nearly all the heroes were dead, most of the bowmen shot up, half the knights fallen, three Vestrisians wounded, and ten or more mercenaries killed. Maurice decided to mount his own jumbo cat and went out to check the aftermath of their attack. He was joined by Taregan, Oraceth, and Segun. The quartet scanned the perimeter to see how many enemies they had taken out during their battle. Each one made their body counts and returned to the encampment at full gallop. The total number of dead included 131 gunslingers, 192 hired hands, and 200 goons lay dead all around the surrounding area. Three leaders met at the center with the remnants of their combined forces. Harris had his radio and had the two Lieutenants riding him over contacting the headquarters and their new pirate ally. Harris made several attempts and got a signal with the headquarters. Through the headquarters they were connected to the pirate who answered. Maurice was given the phone piece. Odeliah sounded pleased to hear Maurice’s voice again. Both Captains spoke about their adventures before getting down to the reason Maurice called.

            Odeliah was still in Oceanrest Var gathering supplies for her airship, which she was about to launch at any hour. Maurice told her of their situation and where they currently were. She told him to stay put, and hold on for another day.  

To the Hole

Underneath the city was the sewer system and the ancient catacombs that intertwined. In one of the tunnels of the oldest parts of the catacombs lay a strange secret. This secret rested deeper in the earth, bellow the  catacombs. Such a secret was only known to those who dwell in the catacombs when it was first constructed. Now the secret was nothing more than myth. For centuries this secret lay hidden, and undiscovered. Whatever this secret was it was not known even to the current inhabitants of the catacombs.

Some rumors spread of there being a tunnel to the many hells. Others say of a secret passage to the underworld that fills the children's ears at bedtime when they are told scary stories. A few other tales insist this one secret may even lead to a gateway to another world. No one tried to see if these were true. There was not a single soul willing to check the catacombs in search of this secret. However, there were those children who would go missing, or runaway from home.

Little Nelson wandered through the tunnels of this ancient catacombs with his backpack on. He held his flashlight in his hands, and had a lantern dangling on his pack. Nelson wore his hiking boots, because they were the most enduring clothing item he could wear for this. For two years he searched for this secret that he heard about so much. On days he was off from school Nelson would get out of the house. From the house he would go into the streets in search of the entrances to the catacombs where he began his search for this secret. His boots hit the floor  of the catacombs as he leapt from a ledge to the lower level. As he illuminated the path before Nelson found strange markings on the floor. Out of curiosity he followed the markings further down the tunnel. 

Nelson followed the trail of markings that appeared more like runes, and ancient scripture. Not paying attention to the path ahead Nelson blindly kept following these strange runes until something caught his attention. He looked up from the runes, and saw a large hole in the floor. It held the shape of a swirling vortex made from bricks, stones, earth, and slabs. Some kind of energy and smoke emerged from the hole. Just the way it formed made it appear like the hole was moving. Nelson gazed at the hole when a voice caught him by surprise. 

"Are going inside that tunnel or are you going to return home?" The voice asked Nelson. 

He looked up and flashed his lights on whoever was speaking. On the other side of the hole crouched a large bony looking demon with rams horns on his head. His head was large and held an old man's face that did not age since he was fifty. This demonic looking being wore nothing but rags, and a tattered cloak over his hunched body. Behind this creature were other skinny, and bony looking figures. All of them were wrapped in cloth just like mummies. All of them had their gaze on Nelson as if expecting him to jump into the hole. 

Jenere Omavern's Former Flag

Flag of a Gnome Faction