Flag for the Uxane

The Uxane are the indigenous, and nomadic group of the eastern parts of the world. Many consider them to be the first of the human race that emerged on Calorn. Even though they are called by one name the Uxane are spread out across three continents particularly Vestrisia, and the vast land called the Unknown Lands. Relations with other races varied from tribe to tribe. Some assimilated well into the modernizing, and reforming world while others stuck to their ways. According to tales their blood is shared with the likes of Muskalla, dark skinned humans, and the tribes of the Unknown Lands. This flag represents all the Uxane who live within the borders of the Vestrisian Union. 

A short Irish Tale

On the shores of Ireland, a jolly little clurichaun laid on the grass with a large bottle of wine. It rested on his belly after drinking all night along the coasts of what is now called Cork. He watched seas carry what looked like a long ship towards his beloved green Eire. Among his neighbors he heard talks of men from sea coming to raid and pillage the human folk on this island, which they had shared since the dawn of the Celts. He began to hick up whilst getting up from his drunken stupor. This little clurichaun had stolen the wine as mischief from a party of some famed bard in the local area. Picking up the large bottle he made his way towards the shore to greet these so-called raiders from the north or Norsemen. In a drunken serpentine-ant pattern he finally made his way to the beach. It was right on time with the long ship coming ashore. Because of his drunken state the clurichaun could not count how many there were coming out of the ship. His mind assumed there were more than a thousand Norsemen raiders coming off that one ship. The clurichaun waddled up to the leading Norsemen who was a renowned, and infamous Viking raider known as Agnar Ulfrikspearson. Agnar looked down at this little creature and bellowed out a laugh. His laugh was so loud that it echoed all over the area. The little clurichaun was far too drunk to tell what was happening or even see the details of Agnar’s face. Agnar was a cruel raider and a devious Viking. He picked up the clurichaun and punts the little guy into the sea.

Commando Part 53

This Drow village appeared to have been here in the jungle for more than a century or two. Behind the village lay a graveyard where the deceased would be put to rest. As they followed Invah’s team of Drow fighters the entire village came out to see these outsiders. It seemed very strange for Drow to be hospitable towards outsiders due to their distrustful nature. However, these Drow seemed to have been exiled for their hospitable behavior. Their own Drow companions pointed that out quickly, since these people seemed more pleased to see them among outsiders. Nanim warned his own companions that there may be some hidden ruse behind the pleasant grins they were seeing.

            Many of the children with their purple blue complexions looked up at them in their hide skin shirts, woven tunics, trousers, and the gowns girls often wore within a tribe. Each clothing was dyed a dark purple, and green. The adults did not seem very pleased to see these outsiders. Some of them glared, others squinted their eyes suspiciously at them, others held a masked happy expression that showed their teeth wide eyes. A few of them looked at the returning guardians with puzzled looks and demanded why did they bring them here to their village. Maurice did count more than two hundred fifty members of this Drow community. Among them he concluded there were at least sixty more of these guardians protecting this Drow community. There was a mix of children, mothers, fathers, youth, young adults, adolescence, toddlers, and a handful of aged, or aging members of this village. Each adult and youth were armed with a curved dagger that seemed to be inherited from their ancestors. Most of the adults were armed with some type of melee weapon that was concealed by their long shawl. Each guardian either had a bow, or a rifle taken from somewhere. They also had short blades, makeshift machetes, and handcrafted weapons.

            Nanim, and Omareth introduced themselves when one of the guardians, and a few youths confronted him over his pirate outfit. The younger ones were about to strike him until one of the women yelled at them. She commanded them to back off and return to their homes. Four youths left the pirate Drow alone with the guardian. This guardian looked to be about eighteen or nineteen years old in appearance. He wore a red shawl cloak over his hide skin tribal outfit, and was armed with a bow, arrows, and a long dagger. His dark hair was tribal dreads style. This youth glared at Omareth pocking his finger at the pirate who simply swatted his arm away like it was nothing. Before the other guardians could react, the same woman who commanded marched up to the pair of Drow. She wore a headdress made from antlers, horns, which were decorated with feathers, flowers, and a few trinkets.

            She was known as the Village Priestess, and often called Leader Tondrah who has three children from two different men. Her first child who was now a guardian was fathered for five years by an explorer who came through these lands decades ago. She called out to the young guardian naming him as Gorfir. Gorfir did not budge or heed her words. He drew a knife and pointed it at Omareth’s chest. Maurice turned on the Drow pirate demanding if he had any history with these people. The dark elf pirate turned to him saying no, there was no history between him and the people of this Drow village. Leader Tondrah marched up to the guardian and grabbed him by the back of the neck and ear. She hissed in his ear that he was no longer a guardian, but a gatherer for the village.

            Demoting the young man brought him to heel. As he was no longer a guardian. He handed Leader Tondrah his bow, and arrows along with the rifle he was given. Once the former guardian returned to his own hut the Leader, and Priestess welcomed the new comers to their village. She informed Maurice about other villages full of Drow who were under the control of some faction called the Caligari. Their eyes widened with shock and awe. As leaders of their unit and party Maurice and Maphai urged Tondrah to tell them where the Caligari Syndicate was. Assuming the village did not hear them, Maurice asked if they had any ties to the Caligari Syndicate. It was a question Maurice had a bad feeling about inside his gut. Many the older members gasped appearing outraged and started to mutter, and babble among themselves. It could have caused a rabble of outraged words until Leader Tondrah raised her hand. She believed it was best to allow these outsiders inside their home even though they had no connections not did they trust them yet. An entire village had no other choice then to allow twenty-two strangers to take shelter in their village. Maurice and his party made camp along the edges of the village and the road. Their steeds were given a large makeshift shelter which took all day to complete.

            On the very next day the village prepared a feast for the outsiders as a sign of greeting and welcoming them to their village. In a semicircle in the clearing of the village the villagers and the arrivals feasted and watched ceremonious dance. While the rest of this unit watched Maurice took the opportunity to speak with the Leader and the Priestess of the village they called Isfa Alari. She mentioned there were ten or more Drow villages scattered around the region that is often known as Mikani Lands. She named a few villages such as Il Nhoserine, Ora Esari, Fama Nalore, and Asylon. Just two of those villages closest to the Caligari are under their control amongst two others while the rest came under attack from either the Caligari or other tribes in the area. Most of the Mikani left them alone save for exiles, renegades and those in league with the Syndicate. Often pirates would come and harass them whether they came from the Caligari or another rogue crew. Some how her people avoided the ravages and the trespassing of the invaders. This surprised Maurice as he asked her about those vehicles. Tondrah did recall witnessing the invader leave countless metal steeds, and their weapons behind. Most of the tribes took what they could salvage while the Mikani, and other savage tribes ambushed the invaders on their way back to the mountains. She told Maurice there was a long mountain range far to the west of Mikani Lands. As she described these mountains Maurice realized those mountains trailed from the edge of the continent marking the Unknown Lands and stretched as far north as Mulzan. He pulled out a map and showed it to her. The Leader made a surprised expression as if someone aroused her.

            The two leaders browsed the map in search of the cities he had been to. He showed her the countries that lay beyond the thick mountain range to the west, and where he had travelled. Tondrah hesitated for a moment then turned to the new acquaintance. She whispered in his ear saying that she would give him the location of the Caligari Syndicate if they promised not to reveal their location to the outside world. Maurice swore on behalf of his nations deities that he would not tell anyone about this village or any other. His mind seemed clouded when he said this, yet he felt as though some of his own men may have bigger mouths than they should. Discipline would have to come in the next morning as they progressed with the celebrations. To him it seemed quaint that a tribe would be so friendly yet untrusting of outsiders. Their pirate friends must have reminded their village of other pirates who attacked them and other Drow. As he watched the dancers and the drummers Tondrah told him of a road that lay behind the graveyard and wrapped around the village. It started on the other side of the village and lead straight to a fork in the jungle. They should take the one on the right where they would come across a marsh and other villages. She even said the Caligari had a few palaces along the edges of the marshes. Most of the roads, and paths lead to them and they rested on ancient pyramids.

            Tondrah brought out a pipe and shared it with Maurice who tried to smoke but ended up coughing. Whatever this substance was it was stronger than usual weed, and tobacco. He forced himself to take another puff when a Drow covered in bruises, and blood burst through the village. He was not dressed as this village tribe, but wore a long tunic made from hides and fabric. His entire head was shaven revealing a gash in his head. This bloodied and bruised Drow stopped in the middle of the dance circle scaring them away to the edges of the clearing. He pointed in the direction he had run yelling for them to flee and find safer ground. Whoever this poor soul was he had been running for some time and had fallen multiple times. He came with rumors that an attack was made by a marsh tribe. This frightened the villagers a little who appeared more like humans from a peaceful town rather than hardened and cruel Drow they were rumored to be according to stories he had heard.

            Tondrah stood and commanded the village to calm themselves and regain their senses. She offered the floor to the runner again who only collapsed onto the ground. Multiple members rushed up to his aid. They picked him up and brought him straight to Tondra’s own hut. She left Maurice on his seat and ordered for the village guardians to scout out the area for signs of oncoming raiders.

Another Vestrisian Flag

This flag represents the Expeditionary Forces of the Vestrisian Union. In between the two blue stripes is a mountain. It represents the obstacles all members of this force are willing to overcome when they serve their country. 

Stranded Horrors Part 1

“It has been three to four days since our last engagement with the Gantronese. There is no sign of them.” Elydark's voice shot up in the dimly lit room of the ship's map room.

            On the table he had maps, and charters of the area they were in. The battle for Ruhonthra was over, but at an excessive cost for victory. He had no doubts that the Gantronese were planning another invasion at some point. He glanced over the maps and a booklet of charts, which held to locations and information of many city-states. Thoughts of piracy entered his mind once more. In his head he schemed to return to those days. Plundering those cities and any vessels would bring in riches beyond a king's dreams. Jenere began locating these city-states as though his First Mate said nothing.

            “Once this conflict is over or our contract is over we will be back in the business of piracy.” Jenere boasted aloud while marking a city-state in the Gantronese known as Ston Par.

            “Captain, don't you need to rest? For three days you have not slept at all.” Elydark pointed out.

            Jenere looked up from his map. His eyes rested on his First Mate Elydark and his Second Mate who was also in the room. They stood side by side at the side of the table looking back at their own captain, silent as the crypt. His eyes met Elydark's gaze and locked their attention to him. The dark elf stared back looking straight into his eyes. His stare was not of love but demanded obedience when the time came.

            “First Mate I have no need for sleep during my days of grieving. We may be under contract, and in the employment of the VUVR...” Jenere said sternly to Elydark. Despite being restless he did sound tired. His gaze did not leave the First Mate. Moments later the rest of his officers entered the room. The two newly promoted officer’s swordsman Jogan Maidenson and gunner officer Stormin Mac entered last. All of his officers Elydark, Caric, Inaleth, Brucs, Koren the Maelstorm, Jogan and Mace stood in a line. He ordered for the lights to be turned on and the candles snuffed out. Jogan and Brucs did exactly as he had ordered them to do.

            “Glad to see you are all here. Being employed as privateers has given us a substantial sum. I do not believe we are being cheated, but as a pirate the temptations to raid, loot, and plunder ships at sea. For the past three days I have mapped out some-” Jenere was interrupted by a knock on the door. His attention went to the doorway where a Vestrisian sailor in an officer's uniform stood. This one Vestrisian was female, mostly human with a hint of elf and Forsythan. She had auburn hair in a short style with a lock hanging out. Her features were lean, fit, a small bust, strong legs, and a pretty serious face. Behind her stood a few other sailors who appeared to be green and a little scared to be aboard a pirate's vessel. Jenere wanted to smirk and smile at this scene. He knew in his mind that these sailors had heard the stories. It was written all over their faces and showed in their body language. Without a word Jenere straightened up and motioned for these sailors to enter.

            “Would you look at this my crew members, a few blue seal pups have been sent over to our ship.” Jenere mocked them showing that he was angry over the sudden interruption.

            “Go ahead, line up as your schools and academies taught you.” Which would only give the invaders easy targets. Jenere said in his head.

            Captain Omavern took a good look at six Vestrisian Sailors. Aside from the female Lieutenant there were four other Vestrisian Sailors with the ranks of crewman, seaman, and apprentice seaman. One was fat with glasses over his face, and looked like an overly pudgy boy in uniform. Another sailor stood nearly six feet tall, skinny, big nosed, and had a pointed chin. Next to him stood an unruly handsome lad who looked to be in his early twenties. The fourth one was nearly the short height. Being a certain height had its disadvantages, and advantages. Although this sailor stood shorter than his fellow crew mates he still held a serious, tough posture. He had a few scars from scrapes, and signs of fighting. Jenre felt the sense of recruiting this one into hi own crew.

            “What are your names and speak loudly?” He ordered them for it was his ship, his laws, and the code. The female officer stepped forward jutting her chest out.

            “Petty Officer Tenno.” the female sailor said. She turned to her fellow sailors who hesitated.

            “Oh, okay, I am crewman, no seaman Tenno.” The fat one said in a shaky voice.

            “Are you two related?” Jenere's Second Mate asked. Jenere shot him a killing look.

            “Ye-,y-, yes sir.” the fat one answered.

            “Apprentice Seaman Grantos.” the skinny one said saluting.

            “Apprentice Zhenez.” the unruly one replied with arms folded.

            “Crewman Guntherson.” the short said aloud in masculine voice.

            “And I am Ensign Teixu Arwaton. Forgive us Captain Omavern were were sent to give you a message from Admiral Kezef and Admiral Marshall Daysoul.” Ensign Arwaton began. “They have summoned you and the remaining privateers to speak with them.”

            “Look boy our Captain needs rest. He has not slept in four days!” Jogan snapped at them through gritted teeth. The newly promoted swordsman drew a dagger in a threatening way. His fierce gaze scared the souls of two of the sailors.

            “Calm down, steady yourself and sheath your weapon.” Jenere ordered the new swordsman who was to be his bodyguard. “Ensign Arwaton you and your fellow crew mates can go o the Admirals. Tell them I will see them in three days after I have rested.”

            “But Captain Zana is your leader. Both of you are summoned-” Jenere cut him off there before he could continue.

            “Three days! Once the time is up then come back to my ship. Before you leave let me tell you this. Knock on the door or let a ship have notice before you board!” Captain Omavern barked at the Vestrisians. He was livid over the sailors coming aboard without saying a word. Concerned and scared these pirates would actually kill them the Vestrisian sailors chose to leave the privateer vessel. Jenere's glare focused down on the backs of these sailors as they left the room.

            “Our meeting is over, for now. We will presume this talk of piracy later. You are all dismissed.” Captain Omavern said in an irritated voice. His officers left the room one at a time. The last one to leave was Brucs whom he wanted to speak to.

            “Brucs where is that pirate girl Cliff had with him?” Jenere asked feeling certain natural temptations rise up inside him. The urge to copulate with a woman increased since Sophine's death. Brucs turned around grinning a little.

            “I will fetch her and bring her to your room Captain.” Brucs replied trying not to laugh. He watched the Goblin leave the map room. In no hurry Jenere returned to the maps when he found a city-state slammed against the borders of Goravia-Talus and Eoth. He read the name aloud in a low voice.

            “Ambao.” The words rolled off the tongue quickly. His eyes scanned the map spotting two more city-states of the coasts of West Koriv and Fecuvia. Their names were Ganib, and Bhadur Mignear West Koriv. Jenere jotted the names down and placed markers on the map. He straightened his posture and left the map room. As Captain of his own ship he had free range of his own vessel. With an angry stride Jenere went straight for his quarters. As soon as he entered the room he threw his clothes off tossing them all over the room. Then Jenere paused realizing how childish it appeared to throw his clothes around yet he was far too pissed off to care. He climbed into his bed covering his lower half.

            Someone knocked on the door. The noise drew his attention to the door. For a split second he wanted to tell them to fuck off. Instead he allowed them to enter his room. He was certain it was Brucs and that pirate girl who apparently stuck around. Whoever she was her crew must have exiled her for doing Cliff.

            “You may enter.” Jenere said in a loud voice.

            The door opened slowly and the Zedirian pirate entered the room. This auburn-haired pirate noticed he was naked under the covers. She hesitated for a moment then closed the door behind her. Just looking at her aroused him. He gave her a dominating smile and motioned for this pirate girl to come forward. She sauntered over to his bed with her eyes fixed on what lay under the sheets. Whoever this Zedirian was she appeared very ravenous, and promiscuous.

            “What is your name?” Jenere said in a loud voice.

            “Shark Bait Abbynne.” She replied pulling the covers off him and proceeded oral activities. It felt good on his member as she used mouth and tongue swallowing him whole. Abbynne allowed him to ejaculate. She sat up and climbed onto hims letting him have his way. For an hour he enjoyed her in various positions until he was spent. Abbynne was worn out and fell asleep from exhaustion. Jenere thrust inside her a few more times then spurt on her. He laid back in the bad happy to get the urges out.

            Jenere woke up on his bed with Abbynne sprawled on the bed on the bed nude. Her buttocks was facing him, which he grabbed and fondled, squeezing both cheeks. They felt soft, warm, and squishy in his hands. His fingers dug in taking as much flesh between them. He got into position about to have his way when another knock came at the door.

            “What the sverx is it this time?” He roared at the door angry that his good time was interrupted. The roaring startled her awake. Jenere got off the bed and opened it. At the door was none other than Captain Caniir herself. He smiled and swung the door further open revealing he was naked.

            “For the sake of the mermaid goddess Lebanah put some clothes on!” Zana snapped at him. She covered her eyes, so she would not see his nudity.

            “What do you want Captain Admiral?” he asked her in a curious and agitated voice.

            “You were supposed to see the Admirals today!” She hissed at him.

            “They sent pups, sea pups aboard m-” She cut him off.

            “Sverx you too Omavern they will meet your ass in three days’ time!” She shouted at him. She turned around and left them at the door. Happy that he made her leave Omavern slammed the door to presume screwing Abbynne.

            When the three days went by Jenere dressed in a finer outfit. He wore the green coat and pants with the brown vest and his new sword dangled at his side. Wasting no time Jenere left the ship in a quick stride to find Zana at the end of the ship's loading/boarding ramps accompanied by several Vestrisian Admirals and a score of Captains. On the inside he felt stupid wearing a very fine looking outfit for this occasion. It did not take him long to realize the meeting would take place at his ship.

            “Hello there Admirals and Captains. I suppose you already know who I am, but I don't recognize any of your faces.” Jenere said to the group of officers.

            “Jenere this is Admiral Marshall Daysoul, Admiral Kezef, Admiral Blatt, Admiral Brykas, and Admiral Juthungi.” Captain Caniir quickly introduced the Admirals to the Pirate Captain.

            Jenere took a good look at these Admirals all of whom wore nearly identical officer uniforms. The only differences were the badges, medals, pins, and their faces. Admiral-Marshall Daysoul had a hard rectangular face covered in scares and donned a clan tattoo. Admiral Kezef had a round face with a black beard and light brown skin. Admiral Blatt was thin and inverted triangular baby face and blonde hair. Admiral Brykas was a half elf with brown hair and a small goatee. Admiral Juthungi appeared rough in the face with a tribal tattoo over his eye and no facial hair on his pale skin. The Captains either donned mustaches, goatees, or had no facial hair over black skin, brown, skin, tan skin, white skin, beige skin, ivory, chestnut brown, honey, and golden skin. He saw they were a mix of men and women who achieved the rank of Captain.

            “Captain Omavern you and Captain Caniir you are being tasked with searching some strange craft that are the size of forts. There is one standing in the ocean and another one just floating a drift to the south. We will send a small battalion of marines plus ten ships of privateers and pirates will join you.” Admiral-Marshall Daysoul said to the Captains. He then allowed Admiral Kefez to have the floor.

            “The pirates who defended the fort will also join you using the ships you captured. As for the fort island a coalition of troops will garrison her. Those troops will also scour and scavenge the after math while our fleet guards Ruhonthra's isles and the seas around them. A total of 310 Ruhonthran troops, 150 Alagen troops, 200 Lybesan troops, 400, Ivodra volunteers, and 500 Vestrisian soldiers and marines will be sent. Despite the request we want you to search those barges instead, but there are other craft sitting like ducks.” Kezef informed the pair of Captains.

            “That is your mission Captains. Head out whenever you are ready. Good luck and don't expect a very warm welcome.” Admiral-Marshall Daysoul warned the Captains. The entire group of Vestrisians left the two privateer Captains at the dock.

            “Shall we begin preparing to launch?” Jenere offered sounding curious yet sarcastic.

            Zana gave him an annoyed glare. She stormed off showing she was still angry that he made their employers wait a few days. Jenere only shrugged and turned around to see his whole crew watching him. His officers stood at the head of the entire crew. He was certain they heard what was said between him and the Vestrisian Admirals.

            “Gents get to work for we sail as soon as Captain Caniir is ready!” Jenere gave out the order to his crew who immediately sprang into action. As he walked up the ramp he continued to bark out commands for his crew to follow. He watched his crew race to their stations, put away tools, cover certain boats, uncover their guns, turn valves, pull up masts, man the engines, unhook the ship, weighing the anchor, locking away the cords, chain links, and securing any storage on deck.

            Jenere walked around the deck observing his crew as they prepared the ship for launch. In the back of his mind he was certain they had enough provisions, ammunition, and fuel for this mission. While his crew toiled aboard the ship Jenere kept glancing over at Zana’s vessel. She was certain they had enough provisions, ammunition, and fuel. While his crew toiled aboard the ship Jenere kept glancing over where Zana’s vessel was. She was allowing Vestrisian troops on board her vessel. He twirled around to see if there were any troops coming to board his ship. There were none heading to his ship. The gangway, and ship loading ramp were disconnected from the dock and put away.

            “The ship is ready to sail Captain!” Elydark said in his ear standing next to him giving him a salute.

            “So she is, but our friend Captain Caniir is not. Have Brucs, and Caric take charge of the crew. Meet up in the bridge.” He ordered his First Mate who sprang into action. He raced one direction and the captain walked in another direction. They did not go in opposite directions. Jenere made his way up to the structure in the center of the ship. He climbed the ladder to the second floor and climbed the stairs to the bridge area. That was when he noticed Zana’s ship began to launch. He saw it through the window just as he was about to enter the bridge. Her vessel began to move away from the dock. Jenere froze realizing she was ready to get on with this mission.

            “Are the engines ready? Is the ship prepared for sailing?” Jenere asked the crew inside the bridge, rushing inside.

            “Yes captain!” Inaleth answered.

            “Aye, Captain.” Another crew mate replied.

            He received a few answers from the rest of them as they began operating the ship. Each sail dropped down and propelling fans began spinning. Machine made wind blew into the sails. Slowly the Abomination drifted away from the dock. While moving further away from the port Jenere ordered for the ship to go at full speed. The Abomination found itself among various other classes and types of ships. Such classes and types included gunboats, metal sloops, vessels no larger than a frigate, and a few modern brigs. Many of them flew Vestrisian flags while the rest of their fleet belonged to those of Lybresan, Alagen, Nahem, Ruhonthra, Ivodra, and other volunteering privateers. Zana’s ship maneuvered around the debris that lay head of their path. Jenere took the wheel and maneuvered the Abomination towards Zana’s direction.

            For nearly an hour and a half Captain Omavern steered his vessel over to be parallel with Zana’s vessel. He had to move around some debris and paused for some ships to get through. Several ships flew the privateer flags, others flew their own flag under the Vestrisian of a blue field with a gold yellow anvil in the center with four objects crossed. A sword, wrench, pitch fork and a pick ax in yellow gold crossed behind the anvil. The pitch fork, and pick ax connected behind the anvil. Jenere watched several other vessels meant for boarding packed with soldiers. They headed straight for the floating debris that was the aftermath of the battle for Ruhonthra.

            Jenere and his crew increased the distance between the Abomination and the Ruhonthran Isles. He got closer to the Ego of Queens and noticed her flying certain colors on her flag. A flag with a blue crown flew over her mast. He looked at this wondering why he did not notice this before. Jenere returned all his attention to steering the ship along the edges of the debris. His ship came along side the Ego of Queens flying his own colors beside the Vestrisian Flag. More than a score of privateer vessels joined them. Jenere noticed they had similar flags of specific colors. All of them fielded red, blue, and black with an array of objects.

            Jenere returned his focus to sailing past the debris towards their destination. He handed the wheel over to Inaleth. Taking out his spyglass Jenere looked ahead of them. Through the glass he could see something in the distance past the debris. Whatever this was it held the shape of a rectangular prism barge. Not sure what this was, Jenere kept his eyes on it. Something flashed, shining light into his eyes. Forced to take the glass down Jenere checked out the debris. Smaller boats, and vessels searched the debris while the larger ships went ahead past the debris. He took his eyes off the scene of searching and scavenging the after math.

            For three hours the fleet of privateers and pirates made their way to this structure sitting in the ocean. It was midday when they arrived at the sitting structure. The barge stood on the water that was nearly larger than a fort. From looking at this barge he could tell this large craft could garrison a battalion. This large craft was armed with towers with turret guns on top, and machine gun window slits. Its hull had numerous slots and windows for machine guns, rifles, and heavier weaponry. Around this fort sized barge were other boats, and craft afloat. None of these vessels stirred or fired on them at their approach.

            “Captain, Captain Zana is on the radio.” The radio person said aloud to the Captain. She turned to face him with both hands on the head set. Jenere went over to the radio and picked the phone piece.

            “Good afternoon Captain Caniir, what is the plan from here?” he asked as if he interrupted a bullshit conversation.

            “We are to hold off on boarding that barge. Whereas all the troops with us will search her. If you’d like Jenere you and your crew can search the other ships.” Caniir replied to him in a devious voice at the end.

            “Our superiors said there would be ten more joining us, but I only see twenty ships.” Jenere pointed out.

            “They have troops who are tasked to investigate that barge. I was just contacted by the Admiral-Marshall who has instructed us to leave that job to the Lybresans, and the Alagens. They insisted that job be theirs and theirs alone.” Caniir said sounding annoyed.

            “What about the Ivodrans, Ruhonthans, and our Vestrisian Employer?” Jenere asked wondering what one thousand five hundred sixty soldiers could accomplish. He imagined it would be a swift victory considering the craft was empty. It appeared to be empty from the looks of it. He felt like they were being introduced to a fleet of ghost ships.

“The Ivodrans, Ruhonthrans, and our employers are busy searching the debris.” Caniir replied to him. “With the rest of the Lybresans, and Alagen troops of course. There are 41 Lybresans, no more than 25 Alagens, and 50 Vestrisians with us. I am sending ten of our ships to the side and cover our flanks.” Zana said finishing the conversation there.

            With the conversation over Jenere hung up the phone piece. He turned all his attention to the ships that joined them. Ten of the privateers began to break away. The other ten maneuvered to the motionless vessels. About nine vessels of industrial origins of the modernization in Calorn. Most of them were crafted by Gnomes, Dwarfs, and Goblins who were pressed into the work force. Their size were meant for the Gantronese or humanoid use. A ship that size could still be manned by smaller humanoids like the Gnomes, Goblins, and Dwarfs. The craftsmanship was recognizable from the way the sheets of metal were created. If one looked closely at the plating they would find specific markings on them. These markings showed who made these sheets.

            Jenere’s attention rested on the single vessel that floated closer to his own. For a brief second, he took his eyes off the target to see several boats make their way to the barge. He accepted the barge as their target and returned to his own. It was a long craft in the shape of an elongated spear with seed shaped structures on deck. Whatever this craft was it had minor defenses. Just three small turrets canons stood on the deck as this vessel’s armament. As they drew closer to the vessel Jenere could see it had several other armaments. For several moments he studied the ship that could hold up to a few hundred or more passengers and many tons. Whatever this ship was made for it floated on the water lifeless. Its purpose and function were still unknown, but it is clear nothing happened. Jenere searched for his First Mate, Second Mate, and officers. He only saw three of the officers he wanted. Second Mate, his swordsman, and officer stood at key parts of the bridge.

            “Morlen, Jogen, and Brucs assemble a boarding party consisted of raw recruits, and seasoned raiders. Prepare the ship to board, and ready to sink that vessel.” Jenere commanded the trio of officers. All three of them exited the bridge. He exited the bridge soon afterward. Outside the bridge Jenere climbed over the balcony and jumped down onto the deck. There he waited for his crew to assemble. He wasn’t sure of how they should board this craft. Should they head over by boat or grab all the grappling hooks to board the old-fashioned way. Waiting for all the raiders, and boarding parties to assemble.

            He took a good look at this vessel then at the others. No more than two small crafts full of boarding parties came up to the other vessels. Jenere stood at the port side watching this vessel. He heard footsteps behind him. Turning around Jenere saw ten of his best crew members with his second mate. Brucs came up to the group of assembled pirates and his captain.

            “Brucs have the boats ready. We will board this vessel.” He said pointing at the floating ship. The goblin did as he was commanded to do so. Two boarding craft were lowered. Jenere informed the First Mate that he was second in command. He turned to board the craft with his party. At a slow rowing pace Jenere and his ten pirates made their way to the ghost vessel. They came up to the broadside. From there they latched their boats using grappling hooks. One by one the pirate boarding party climbed on board this ghost ship.

            Jenere’s boats hit the metal floor of the deck bring the last the one to climb. To their surprise nothing happened, no one came out yet. He looked around at the empty deck. In a silent motion Jenere gestured for his party to follow him. In a small close nit group eleven pirates crept along the side of the ship’s interior. They searched the whole deck finding nothing before searching the structures. From the look of the ghost Jenere surmised the ship was abandoned not very long ago. It became clear this vessel was likely abandoned along with the small fleet of ships or the crews were hiding, and this was some form of trap. He led his party over to the smallest structure on the deck. Finding the door wasn’t difficult since the Gantronese copied their way of building doors. Jenere opened it to discover it was the ship’s tool storage where the equipment for the crew was stored. Not a soul was found inside.

            He slammed the door not caring who heard it. They checked the second structure, which turned out to be the bridge of the ship. It stood at two stories tall with windows and a staircase leading to the wheelhouse. Jenere climbed the stairs not trusting the door just under the stairs. Without hesitation Jenere went up to the door. He drew a pistol, fired one round shattering the glass and letting himself in. Inside the bridge and wheel house Jenere found it to be empty. He did find the alien technology the Gantronese used. Jenere snooped around discovering a spiral staircase leading up to the lower part of the bridge.

            Jenere descended the spiral stair case entering a dark corridor or chamber. He was a very fortunate man because of his race. Jenere’s elf eyes allowed him to see in the dark much like a cat does. He found another door at the bottom of the spiral stair case. The door had a strange tentacled monster painted on it. At a closer inspection he discovered it was red-brown like blood. The door itself was covered in the similar substance. Looking closer he found the door was left ajar. Under the belief there was nothing there Jenere pushed it open to discover a gruesome sight.

            The hallway was covered in a blanket of residue, filth, and piles of what appeared to be a mesh of guts, muck, and heaps of torn up flesh. Jenere slowly made his way into the hall. He scanned the sides while making his to the end of the hall. There were doors to rooms filled with the same things he saw in the hall. Inside these rooms he heard the crunching and munching sounds of creatures feasting and others licking up something. He did not bother seeking out what it was or what was going on. Following the sounds came roaring, growling then fighting.

            As stealthily as possible he made his way through the hall. To his dismay he did not find the door to the outside. Instead he found the end only led to other hallways. Jenere drew his other pistol before going any further. Curiosity was the driving force. He faced many dangers so why would he cower in the face of this? Leaving whatever creatures dwell in that hall behind, Jenere found two corridor hallways connected to the one he just left. Deciding, which one to take was not difficult. He could keep exploring alone and possible die. Jenere chose the one on the left. He went for this one hallway that had stairs leading down to the right and a door to the left next to the end. Jenere could almost hear voices on the other side. It must have been his party talking loudly. Knowing it was just his crew Jenere walked over to open the door. As he approached the door Jenere caught a gist of what the crew said.

            “…tales, and rumors speak of the gods, the old gods returning...even an ancient evil called Mervis...”

            “I once worshiped a goddess…years I…now I gave up on her. She went down hill in terms of fame across Evusia, Damis, and for some reason Lesdonia?”

            Jenere opened the door letting his party inside. All ten rushed inside noisily. He motioned for them to quiet down. They entered the vessel they believed was empty and abandoned. The noises from the hall emerged again. His own party drew weapons in response. Their focus went straight to the hall and the stairs.

            “What was that?” One of them asked wielding an axe.

            “Calm yourselves men. Those are creatures that I slipped past undetected. Avoid that hallway. We are going for those stairs.” He commanded them. Not a single word came out their mouths. In a packed group ten pirates followed their Captain down the steps trying their best to ignore the noises that came from the hall.

            With his elf eyes Jenere led them down to the second deck of this ghost vessel. Some of his party had elf blood, others orc blood and goblin blood. Some strange science or rumors of it say that elves, orcs, goblins, gnomes, dwarfs, and demonic humanoids came from the same ancestor. Even if that was true it was too early in the modernizing world to say so or even confirm it. A few of his party were humans, which forced them to wear goggles that allows the wearer to see in the dark.

            In the second deck they discovered what is called the tween deck of a ship. It was the deck that was located between the upper deck, and the cargo hold. The cargo hold was usually the third or fourth deck of a ship depending on the size of the vessel. In this deck they found what appeared to be the crew’s quarters occupying the side of the deck. Bunks, beds, and dividers tipped over and fallen took up the section along the wall. In the center was the ship second hatch bellow the first. The upper hatch must have been covered. In the lower tween deck the second hatch was just covered with a trap door. On the other side of the hatch were other rooms such as the laundry rooms, other crew accommodation’s, personal storage further down, and some lounge area blocked off by dividers.

            Jenere and his party explored this second deck a little more, discovering more evidence of what happened. Corpses, blood, limbs, and waste littered some parts of the tween deck. He recalled the noise he heard in the hall earlier. That was no secret anymore, those creatures were responsible for whatever happened to the crew. What he did not understand was that among the corpses there was not a single Gantronese.

            “Men take a moment before he ventures any further to the cargo hold. Did you see any Gantronese corpses?” Jenere asked his party.

            “No Captain.” One of them said scratching his head.

            “Nay.” Another replied to him. The rest just shook his head.

     

         Jenere said nothing, he pulled out his war pick while placing his pistol in its holster. In the lead of ten of his crew members Omavern made his way to the stairs that led to the cargo hold. At the bottom of the stairs lay a few more corpses. One of them looked to be breathing. They looked far too scarred and cut up to resemble a humanoid. This scarred figure looked up at the stairs. His face was too scratched up and covered in cuts that skin was hanging from his face. This poor soul reached out with his arm.

            “Captain, we should put this poor soul out of its misery.” One of his members muttered in his ear. Jenere kept his eyes on the scarred wretch. He took a deep breath and pulled out his pistol again. The pirate-privateer cautiously moved down to the wretched humanoid.          

            When he came down half way to the wretch something came out of the shadows. It launched itself after the poor wretch. Like a feral creature a ghoulish humanoid tore the wretch to pieces. Screams, and growling came from them followed by a spray of gunfire. Two of his own party members drew their guns and let loose a hail storm of bullets. Neither of them stopped until they emptied the chambers in their guns. The ghoul collapsed on the poor wretch’s corpse.

            He had his men stop at the middle of the stairs. Jenere listened, observing the two corpses. Movement, clanging on metal, and growling noises could be heard. From the same direction as the ghoul came a handful of other mutated humanoids. These things crawled like beasts. Jenere prepared himself for the onslaught.

Regional Flag of Gaskouth Ladai

Gaskouth Ladai is a member of the V.U.V.R. (The Vestrisian Union of the Vestrisian Republics). The large country of Gaskouth Ladai is home to various peoples such as the Muzad, and the Baedur Corsairs. It is also home to other groups known as the Anori and the Anomaths, who are indigenous peoples who live in shell shaped homes. This particular region is mainly desert with arid atmosphere, sand dunes as far as the sea itself, some cliff formations along the coasts. It borders the Gantronese regions of Nekmar former home of the Zema Ilam, and Dorntalla another region of the Zema Ilam. Gaskouth Ladai borders other members of the Vestrisian Union, such as Lheobethe an elf country full of jungles and elves who used to be enemies with the Corsairs and some tribes. To the south are Morgadra, and Kaniima. Right next to the vast desert region is Nevkamuu the main homeland of the Muzad. 

Commando Part 52

Maurice woke up to an assortment of snorting, grunting sounds, voices, a little heated discussion, and the mixed sounds of bear, and large beast with a trunk. He also heard voice speaking the Uxane language followed by those of his own countrymen, some of the pirates, and mercenaries. Maurice got out of his own tent to see his own party dealing with a traffic jam of some sorts. They had made camp along a section of another road that split into different directions. Trees, and bushes flanked both sides of this portion that trailed off the main road. Next to the main road lay a ranch built with a fencepost that had the resemblance of a palisade large enough to encircle a village. This ranch contained a herd of strange smooth scaly skinned four-legged creatures with three short horns, a frill, a large armored snout, long ears, bodies bigger than a horse, and stump like feet. Every one of these strange creatures had a blood red tail, forest green, and hazel wood tan skin. On the sides of these strange beasts were large yellow hands painted on them with a bird in the shape of the palm.

            His gaze was transfixed on the horns that had something on them when a group of Uxane approached him. Maurice straightened himself before these Uxane who wore vests over tunic like shirts. They addressed themselves as members of the Atuux tribes and demanded why their beasts attacked the ranch. Maurice looked over at the fence and saw it had been broken. There was a hole large enough for these large three horned beasts to get out of the ranch. He looked around at his camp and his own party in search of their Jumbo Cat Mounts. Some of their cat mounts remained in the vicinity, a couple of them prowled around to other ends of the clear path. The rest of them were being rallied back to the campsites by Oraceth, Eyanosa, and the other Uxane who joined them.

            Maphai must have told the local Uxane to back off and told them of their own mission. Whoever these Uxane were they appeared more concerned with their herd of three horned beasts. Sixteen of these Uxane rounded up six of these large beasts. It took them awhile to get them back towards the ranch fence. This gave Maphai enough time to explain to these Uxane who they were and why they were in their lands. While the Uxane made the attempt to gather their beasts Maurice’s own party rallied their own cat steeds and packed up the camp to continue down the road. As leader of his own party he was perceived as a nomadic clan leader and was given food. Through translation Maurice Viyamor learned these Uxane called themselves the Mikani-Atuux. They were a mixed tribe who lived among mainly Atuux members, which explained the ones who addressed themselves as the Atuux.

            Maphai mentioned the Caligari Syndicate causing these Uxane’s eyes to widen with fear and looked at Maurice’s party with comprehension. One of them appeared to have begged or asked Maphai not to go to those areas. She turned their requests down with harsher words than any chieftain or commander let alone a leader would muster. These Uxane Mikani-Atuux bid them a farewell, and to stay clear of the Caligari Lands if possible. When they left the party alone leading the last of the straggling three horned beasts Maphai turned to Maurice. She told them they were on their way to the Ibawee to save them from demons that came down from the mountains and the swamps to the west. Maurice found this to be hilarious and burst with laughter at how Maphai convinced them they would be going to aid another tribe in the Unknown Lands. All they had to do was follow the path to the road and search for some totems marking the path, some old buildings, and vehicles left by the invaders, and the signs they are nearing a marsh. Well past that marsh or on the edges of the marsh are the palaces of the Caligari Syndicate. There are many Uxane villages, and Drow villages who are under thumb and heel of Caligari Power. She advised that all of them wear a large blanked like a cloak or use the cloaks they have handy.

            In moments Maurice ordered his whole party that would make up a small platoon of soldiers. He rode ahead in the lead with Maphai saddled right next to him and pressed on down the path. All day they pressed further on the backs of steeds. This road was found next to another road, which was the one they had to take. The path wrapped its way around what appeared to be a small town. On this path they found themselves passing multiple villages, outposts, and a few smaller farms. The inhabitants watched them in awe and suspicions while their children waved hello and followed them at a distance until their parents called them back. It was at the crossroads marked by a large totem depicting reptiles, birds, and the three-horned creature that his party made camp. For them it was best to set up camp here rather than press on into the darkness of the night.

            Their campsite was made into the shape of an oval in a nice clear space of grass along the road. One big fire was made for them since they were able to build just one camp. Many of them got the idea it was possibly drawing the attention of multiple factions and the locals. While they sat around the fire with the more nocturnal members watching alongside the ones who could see in the dark. Not much happened during that night, which proved to be a good sign. It was also a bad omen if nothing happened the previous night then something could happen the very next day or the next night. For the entire day they pressed onward not saying a word to one another while keeping an eye out for any signs of hostiles. The road they had to take did bring them through more patches of foliage where they decided to gallop through. Maurice ordered them to gallop through these patches despite the possibility of bumping into caravans or locals travelling the road. Their steeds were able to dodge most of the large groups of people whereas some were knocked down only to be picked up by the riders with the slower reptilian steeds. Just as the Mikani said the road brought them to some abandoned buildings and vehicles left by the invaders. Some of them looked to be grown over with foliage, roots, and trees growing inside them. Next to the more cobbled portion of the road lay a field full of abandoned vehicles with overgrowth, vines, and roots covering them. Many of the vehicles looked rusted in and some were even used as homes by rodents, and other animals of the wilderness. Among these ruins and abandoned vehicles Maurice caught glimpses of some natives glaring at them, spying on them with great suspicions. Although their cloaks and blankets may hide their identity from the ones they wanted to avoid their disguises may have drawn some unwanted attention. While they passed what looked like an emptied out, rusting, and overgrown troop transport Maurice had them halt for a few moments.

            Seated on his large cat steed Maurice expected what would be the real Mikani to ambush them or intercept them. His entire party placed their hands over their weapons with their eyes on the jungles, and the brush. Maurice ordered for Eyanosa, Oraceth, Vylinsis, and Nudd to move up ahead of them while the rest stay low in this area. He also had the Orcs and their two sword wielding companions cover their rear. The rest of them formed an oval with their eyes on the jungle and the brush flanking the road. Because of their experiences with dangers in this part of the world Maurice’s entire party were used to having savages, monsters, and wildlife jump out or ambush them. With steeds such as the Jumbo cats not many of these creatures, or hostiles would go after them. For some time in the mid afternoon they waited for the team to return. Maurice and Maphai urged their own units to keep their eyes peeled and ready to combat any threats. Their pirate friends appeared a little too lax about this since their own Captain wasn’t present. Small chat came from the pirates and the mercenaries. Whispering and muttering came out of the mouths of his Vestrisians who immediately shut up when he cleared his throat. Maphai had the humanoid and the Orc circle around them for a few minutes to test the silence. Nothing came out of the jungle save for a few creatures scurrying about, a small herd of jungle deer, and a couple of feline predators minding their own business. These types of creatures never worried them since they were mere objects to the animals, and most shied away from contact with humans, and other beings. Maurice commented on a few things here and there, but only received a few eyebrows raised from Maphai. She smiled and started to laugh mentioning Dina’s outraged expression over Odeliah kissing him. This took Maurice by surprise making him sweat a little.

            Maurice was able to regain himself when their small scouting team returned to their position on the road. Eyanosa, Oraceth, Vylinsis, and Nudd returned to them with extra people. Surrounding them and trailing behind them appeared to be no more than a dozen Dark Elves or Drow as one would label them. Six males and six female Drow with the black and white hair of their race. These Drow wore tribal clothing under large shawl like cloaks. Each one wore either a purple, dark green, blue, light blue, and dark red shawl cloak with a unique design. Without a single word Nanim and Omareth let down their hoods. Each one spoke in their Dark Elf tongues only to be surprised these Dark Elves spoke more of a mixed language that was a cross between Drowish and Uxane. One of the leading Drow a female named Invah of exiled house Urlicson. She welcomed the commando’s entire party to their village. Seeing these Drow had come to them with the scouting party made things seem a little hostile yet did not force them to put their guard down. Maphai looked at Maurice with a look that urged him to comply. To her these Drow could prove useful in their mission to find the Caligari Syndicate. As leader Maurice made the decisions of his party and unit. His gaze met Invah’s red eyes who seemed more welcoming but still held a tense readiness to cut a head off if she was double crossed. Maurice nodded allowing the Drow to lead them to their settlement, which their scouts apparently came across.

            From what Maurice heard about Drow and their history of being prickly and hostile towards outsiders he expected them to fall into an ambush or a trap. He muttered into each party member’s ear that they should keep their guard up in case they were in league with the Caligari Syndicate or had something else in store. When he got to the Drow members they gave him a glare, and the ones who found it gave him a queer confused look. They held their tongue since he was the leader of this party. Following the six Drow brought them a village in the middle of the jungle with a wide clearing in the center for meetings, festivals, and other events the village would have. It was a village of no more than two hundred fifty something Drow who lived in an enclave of wooden houses and homes carved into thick large trees.

A Quiet Feast

Valentine’s Day in 1989 was spent in the Faryab region of Afghanistan. Senior Sergeant Pankov Larion Konstantinovich sat on a chair that was originally broken until someone fixed it using parts of another chair showing off their ingenuity and engineering skills. Skills his uncle called “handy and useful skills for life”. He was thirty-three years old now after growing up with stories of how his uncle and father fought against the Nazi Hordes that ravaged the motherland. Like them he grew up in the outskirts of Stalingrad. Pankov lit a cigarette from Cuba, a friendly place to any comrade of the Soviet Union. Today was their last day in this mountainous country full of peoples considered backwards, overly religious and in the way of Soviet Expansion.

He puffed a smoke from his mouth pondering how his own father made the push into the heartland of the Third Reich. His comrades compared their invasion of Afghanistan to that of Nazi Germany. Pankov saw no resemblance just another war to expand the ideals of Lenin and for the glory of the motherland. Tomorrow they were scheduled to leave Afghanistan for good. After nine years of fighting they lost more than fifteen thousand, and over thirty-five thousand wounded. That was nothing compared to the losses these Afghans and their Taliban fighters suffered.

For the Soviet Union this was a defeat. Nine years of occupation, and fighting ended in a defeat. That was no thanks to the Capitalist Americans and that one Senator named Charlie or Charles. He might as well have been Charles the II of Wall Street or of San Francisco. Pankov kept puffing on the cigarette until he had to get another and light it. His own team of soldiers resided in a newly built outpost that would surely be destroyed once they leave. Five men under his command, five comrades who will go home with him and their lives. He looked over to where the outpost sat. It had been quiet inside for some time. For a split second he wondered if they had been killed. If they were dead, then the Taliban would have killed him too. He got up to check on them. As he entered he found the room in complete ruin. Blood, and guts painted the walls, floor and the door. On the floor and the beds lay their torn open corpses. Each of his own men had been torn open and were being devoured by several feral looking women with long flowing hair that was now a mess, and long finger nails. Horrified Pankov raced out of the outpost and headed northward towards the border. He kept running to the north in the hopes he would reach the motherland. Behind him he heard screeching as if some ghost or banshee had been woken up. Pankov looked over his should to see four of those nightmarish women giving chase. Screaming Pankov then sprinted for the border of the Soviet Union. He ran well into the night to see the darkness of 3:00 am in the morning of February 15^th 1989 in what is called Turkmen SSR.

Flag of Waikun

A city-state founded by two Uxane tribes who banded together in the Unknown Lands, Waikun is home to the Gora Sone, and the Utsali. This city-state was the first to begin the resistance against corrupt outsiders, and the invaders. Waikun welcomes trade with any foreigners, and other city-states. It does not tolerate any outlaws, bandits, gangs or brigands causing trouble in the region. In recent years they have begun purging the region of corrupt foreigners, outlaws, gangs, and any remnants of the invaders. 

Commando Part 51

Maurice prepared himself for another day, and this scouting mission that he was about to undertake. In the quarters Odeliah gave him, Maurice studied a tribal map next to an incomplete one that had been found on a deceased explorer who was among the mercenaries. He did the calculations and pieced everything together inside his head. Maurice compared the two maps to each other. Pinpointing the location of the ancient cities, and the ones still standing was clear enough. However, finding the rivers, and the roads would prove difficult. Things change over the course of a millennia, centuries, decades, and a few years. Some of the cities on the older map were still around. Both maps did not show much of the vast regions between the Sarcagos and the more civilized regions. He located Waikun and another city called Rednight Fangsir. This city rested on the coasts of Gantronese territory. It lay within the mountain range that acted as a thick wall between the Unknown Lands and the Gantronese Empire. Rednight Fangsir caught his attention however it struck a bit of fear inside him. When he was about to ask Odeliah about this settlement they landed. The landing was not the smoothest landing, yet it did not cause much rocking on board.

            Odeliah confirmed they had arrived at Waikun. Maurice gathered his party of Twenty-two warriors, soldiers, and mercenaries at the main loading hatch of the ship. He had them gather their mounts, equipment and supplies for the scouting mission. With nothing else to check off their list and to do for preparations Maurice and his twenty-one-member party exited the pirate vessel. Odeliah landed in a field next to a road on the western side of Waikun. She must have chosen this location to keep them hidden from Waikun authorities, and spies lurking in the city. There were no doubts there were others watching them, and spies from the trees, and behind thick brush or tall grass. Just before they set off to the road Odeliah stopped them to provide information on the area.

            Waikun was a city-state home to the Gora Sone, and another Uxane tribe called the Utsali whom had their own set of towns along its limits. There was another Uxane nation called the Atuux who stretched from the southern edges of Waikun to the outskirts of Kilscar Orvain. A third tribe in the area who called themselves the Ibawee dwell along the coast and less swampy regions as far as Oramatra. To the west of everyone else were the Mikani, another Uxane tribe who were mixed in with other savage tribes, monsters, and Drow settlements. Maurice and his party would find them fighting among themselves, other tribes, and units of the Caligari Syndicate. All the other tribes they heard of and seen had other settlements closer to the more civilized regions, and the edges of the vast savage wilderness his countrymen slogged through.

            Captain Odeliah bid them farewell tossing him a hand radio to keep in touch while he and his party scouted the area. She boarded her vessel and left them next to the road leading up to Waikun. Her leaving them took away one from the party. As he had expected to happen groups of Uxane children raced out of the bushes, trees, and tall grass followed by adult members of the nation. Several Uxane armed with rifles in dyed and stitched up uniforms. All the children raced over to greet these foreigners, and Uxane looking warriors. Many of them chattered in their own languages that most of his party did not comprehend except a few of the mercenaries, Uxane members, and a few of his own countrymen. Their little hands touched uniforms, hilts, and some even approached their mounts. A few of the children received snorts, and licks from a couple of the cat steeds. Oraceth had to keep his own mount from laying down to let the children rub its fur. He looked down at the faces of the children who crowded around him and the rest of the party. Most of them hadn’t even mounted when they were intercepted by a large group of Uxane looking children. Party members such as Vylinsis, Odoz, their orcs, and Trion their canine companion got the most attention. Each humanoid was meddled with, fur rubbed like a house pet, wings tugged at, and entire body climbed. Trion growled causing some of the children to run away behind the adults. Many of them were wearing hide skins mixed with colorful pieces of fabric either woven or came from another part of the world and wound up here. Maurice counted sixty-one children looking up at them with smiles saying hello in their own tongues. The adult members, mainly women herded the children away from the strangers, and made way to the soldiers. Each one of them kept glancing at each of the Uxane, and the strange humanoids among them.

            Maphai spoke on behalf of the entire group as did a few of the Vestrisians who had been here. Although he did not understand a word, they said Maurice could tell they were explaining their story to these Uxane soldiers and guards. At the very mention of Caligari the children clung to each other, legs of those who could be mothers, aunts, or older siblings. Many of them even raced back in fear of hearing that name. Many of the non-warriors gasped, became afraid, and even stepped a few feet away from them. Some of the soldiers winced and glared at them while others held shocked faces of disbelief. Maurice could tell the Caligari Syndicate terrorized these people to death and brought fear into them. This nightmare needed to end, even if it opened the doorway to a new one. He confronted Maphai who was in mid-sentence, cutting her off. As the leader of their party, he demanded to know where they could find the Caligari Syndicate’s lair. Obeying his command, the mercenary spoke to one of the more renowned warriors who wore a sash with claws, and knives from other parts of the world showing he had fought against many enemies and slain numerous predators.

This one Uxane wore a plaid green shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a shirt dyed red, white, gold, and black. Both shirts were tucked in what appeared to be a kilt decorated in beads, and small carved bones. His hair was tied in a bunch of dreads, and braids kept up by a thick layer of bandanas. He had rib bones, claws, fang teeth, small antlers, and buckles in his hair and on his bandanas. On his nose he had a nose ring, and a few bone piercings over one eyebrow. The Waikun was armed with a Grussian issued Severance .88 bolt action rifle, a war club made from a monster’s jaw with some of the teeth knocked off. It hung from his kilt next to a decorated knife. For a fourth weapon he was also armed with a machete that could be used as a tool and a weapon. He introduced himself as Donewann Usti of the Dreadlock Clan. Donewann Uste pointed towards a path that trailed off the road that lead straight to a patch of thorn bushes. He explained to them that the thorns were often cut up to clear a path, and they must take this path to avoid the eyes of their enemy.

      Maphai took the lead alongside Maurice who took the large party towards the path Donewann told them to take. Mounted on their jumbo cats, and reptile looking mounts Maurice’s party made their way on the main road to reach the path. It was marked with a totem with three arms pointing in separate directions. They found it flanked by tall grass, a few trees, and a few bushes. Most of this path was just dirt cleared of any foliage, and marked with flat stones, and pieces of slab. Some of the path of smooth rocks and stones meshed together to make a pathway. As they came upon the thorn bushes they noticed it forged a tunnel over the path. In no hurry Maurice and his party entered the tunnel of thorns. As though there was a barrier in the shape of a snake like road the thorns made way to forge a clear path for anyone to travel through. At a closer look the thorns were trimmed and cut back to clear the way. Using what lanterns and flashlights that worked the troop of twenty-three tread through the tunnel following the path as closely as possible to avoid getting caught in the thorny walls. It took the large group a little longer than they thought it would. Darkness had already dropped down forcing them to go slower and search for the path while keeping their lights on the walls of thorns.

      After what felt like a few hours the entire party of twenty-two warriors, soldiers, pirates and mercenaries exited the tunnel of thorns. Outside the tunnel came into the open with night already fallen over the region. Those who had any form of light or night vision searched the area for a nice open space to make camp. For several minutes they searched in the dark and found a few suitable places. Each spot was marked with a light and lantern to allow enough light to get a few fires going. They had to split up the party according to their designated factions. One group were the Vestrisians, a second had Maurice’s company and the duo, another consisted of the pirates, and the last one consisted of the mercenaries. Split into four groups Maurice’s party slept for the rest of the night with two members of each group keeping watch. Their scouting mission would continue the very next morning.

     

Flag of Khazadgul

Although Dwarf nations and states have a king as their governing power. Khazadgul is a Dwarf nation that has an Oligarchy for a government. This involves a group of seventeen or less Dwarves in control over the entire nation, and its laws. Khazdagul has managed to industrialize itself enough to build weapons to defend their borders against invading armies. Their neighbors often fought them when their nation was ruled by a single Dictator until there was a coup and the Oligarchy was formed allowing nobles, military commanders, wealthy merchants, and some artisans to rule over Khazadgul. 

Flag of the Evusian Empire

Nearly the size of a continent itself the Evusian Empire covers the entire span of one large island south the V.U.V.R. It also stretches onto another island making it neighbors with the Meze Kingdom. Evusia has been at war with several different islands, kingdoms, and other states until the founding the Vestrisian Union. Her role as an empire is to maintain its rule over other peoples and to keep the invaders out her own shores. 

From Home to the Front

Din bohr settlement

The City of Bhur Todir, 1842

            At the smithy Dhognaer, also known as Dormuhk, hammered away on a piece he was working on all morning. He stood next to the red-hot furnace with the hearth behind him. On the sixth day of the week Dhognaer worked on a set of sickles, which were meant for a larger set of farming tools. Although the piece was made the normal size, the person buying it was a gnome. They were not those short fat ones with a thick beard and pointy red hats. These were beings that could resemble a child except their noses were a little bigger and each had side burns. While he hammered and shaped the sickle the rest of his coworkers entered. Dhognaer heard the voices of Ussem Striker, and Logdrud Longgrip who were under the same employer as Dormuhk was.

            “That was a fine piece of pig’s leg filled with mead and beer!” Ussem bellowed out loud causing Dormuhk to miss the red/orange sickle and hit his anvil.

            “Could you shut it!” Dhognaer yelled at him, but Ussem did not heed him.

            “There was also that huge bear Boddeath Runetoe hunted down.” Logdrud said acting oblivious to Dhognaer’s presence.

            He went back to work on his sickle, which was nearly done. A few more hours or a few more minutes and it would be done. Dhognaer tried to focus hard while the pair chatted with each other over some feast they attended. Focused on his sickle Dhognaer tried his best to block out the pair of coworkers of his. To him their employer and boss, Nevrok Jadeback should have fired them a longtime ago. Yet to Dhognaer’s misfortune he did not. Ussem, and Logdrud were not the worst coworkers un Din Bhor near the border city of Bhur Todir closer to the Lesdonian-Sercane borders. They did lack the strong discipline required for the best job. Jadeback had them work on horse shoes, crude hinges, handles, and pieces of chests.

            “Who was that girl, the uh, that blue haired one who was a mix of Dwarf and Gnome?” Ussem asked Logdrud in a rather confused voice.

            “I don’t recall….” Logdrud admitted as he rambled on about something else non-related to the usual talk. Ten minutes later Dhognaer found he was done with the sickle piece. He lifted the finished piece up with tongs and dipped it in the cooling water. Just as he was about to set it down someone knocked on the doorframe to their blacksmith workshop. Dhognaer turned his attention to the blacksmith entrance. At the doorway stood a Dwarf military officer and recruiter. He had a beard in the military style. The officer stepped further inside.

            “Good morning.” The officer said to them.

            “Morning to you as well, good sir.” Logdrud greeted the yellow bearded Dwarf.

            “Is staff Sergeant Dhognaer Wolfson here?” the military officer requested. Dhognaer’s coworker pointed directly at him. This officer approached him reaching for a pocket on his uniform coat. He pulled out what looked an old piece of summons with his name on it.

            “You are needed at the front. War has been declared.” He said to Dhognaer’s face.

            “With who, we’ve been at piece with the northern Kuruks for decades. Those confederation of White Ice Goblins haven’t bothered us in over twenty years! What about those Frost Elves in the farthest tundra filled regions?” Ussem asked him in a skeptical voice.

            “That war in the far east between the Vestrisian Republics, and the Vullanese Alliance and the invaders sailed over to our side of the world.” The officer said in a very agitated tone.

            None of them found any words to speak. Each dwarf stood in the blacksmith shop. Dhognaer snatched the summons from the officer’s hand almost expecting him to hit him. Opening the summons, he discovered he was being downgraded to the Frontline Rifle Rangers again. Ghastly and despicable Dwarfs could be found among the ranks of the Rangers.

            He let out a disappointed sigh and began to pack up what he needed to take. Dhognaer turned to say his farewells to his own coworkers, even though he sort of despised them. Both gave him a salute in the dwarfish fashion. It did not take very long for him to gather everything he brought with him. He followed the officer to the barracks built specifically for these rangers. There was no time to change his mind.

            Dhognaer entered the barracks. Inside were no more than twenty-eight other Frontline Rangers. Once he entered the barracks everyone inside turned to his direction. Just the way they all looked at him answered questions in his mind. He maneuvered himself towards the center where the lockers for the members were set up. Dhognaer found his own locker in the center on the second top row. It appeared to be aged compared to several of the others. He opened the locker and discovered his uniform lay in the locker still intact and clean. He immediately put it on despite the lack of privacy. Closing the locker door, the Dwarf ranger straightened his posture before the rest of the other rangers. The commanding officer entered the barracks drawing attention from Dhognaer.

            “I will make this quick. Our usual enemies are now under control, enslaved, eradicated, and forcefully misplaced. The new enemy are the invaders who swept across our world. They are called the Nazdar, and the Gantronese. Now rangers, board the train to the front up north. You are dismissed.” The commanding officer briefed to the unit before dismissing them to their homes.

            All the members exited the barracks. Dhognaer left for his own home. The Dwarf blacksmith lived alone these days. Most of his relatives were dead, or lived faraway. Some lived as far as Blubethan River Valley near the borders of their neighbors, the prickly Sercane Elves. Dhognaer returned to his house on Fortune Avenue. He passed his former love interests home and all his neighbors. Many of them were outside on a fine morning. Some greeted him with a mocking green, and joyful hellos. A few of them gave him salutes. This Dwarf had grown weary of each neighbor after she left. Ignoring and acting oblivious was he could do. When he reached his house Dhognaer checked everything and turned all his appliances off then left a note for the neighborhood house maids and the street owner.

            On the next day Dhognaer left Din bohr without a single word. In a huge hurry he raced over to the train station as fast as his stubby legs would allow. With the various branches of Khazadgul’s military he rode the train towards the borders in the north eastern parts. It was here their first battle in this war would begin. As soon as they stopped every Dwarf soldier, guard, veteran, raw recruit, and ranger available manned the entire length of the borders. More then one hundred sixty thousand Dwarves must have been marshalled to the front. In his own brigade of rangers Dhognaer Wolfson face a mixture of enemies. Entire units of orcs, kuruks, goblins, humans, lizard folk, dark elves, frost elves, demonoids, and a mixture of other strange races charged after their lines of defense. Behind all of these waves of enemies stood the invaders themselves.