Possible Flag for the Calornese Alliance

After the two invaders claimed as much territory while fighting each other they missed dozens of nations. Some of these nations resisted conquest and managed to forge alliances with other nations and kingdoms. Under the noses of the invaders and through desperate attempts these nations got in contact with others who were still independent. Many would say they were overlooked, few claimed to be hard to conquer, others simply bribed the invaders to back off. Yet some would not admit to offering their neighbors as appeasement. Every nation that was free and independent forged one alliance with each other, and with the V.U.V.R. 

Commando Part 57

Inside the fort Tenno took Maurice, Maphai, Dubius, Colonel Bryce, and Captain Scias sat down. She looked at all her officers under her command, and allies. Tenno sighed and requested the report. Everyone turned to Maurice who then looked at them and turned to Odeliah. She reached inside a pocket and pulled out five photographs. The whole room was stunned at this. None of them knew this pirate had any access to anything like this. It did not surprise Maurice as much as it did the rest of them. Although they had those advances in terms of technology it still came as a surprise to the main leaders. Odeliah did not express it or show any interest outside her own mind during the days that they knew her. Yet that did not matter this very moment. Now it was the time for them to plan and an attack on the Caligari Syndicate. She handed him the photos which he took from her hands. He in turn handed them over to the studious commanding officers. Both jumped in an eager aspiration to collect these.

            Tenno snatched up the photos to observe them with Bryce. After careful analysis the two commanders made a forced decision. If the Gantronese had made allies of these Caligari Syndicate gangsters, then they had to act fast. Bryce looked at Maurice saying their own allies had arrived from the Sarcagos. That force alone consisted of 1167 allies of the Sarcagos. She blindly laid the photos down on the desk. Bryce gave them the number of personnel which included 114 Grussians, 171 Eothans, 540 Dwarfs from the two kingdoms, 84 Uxane Renegades from the Uwaux, Tuxir tribes, 71 individual warriors, outlaws, fighters, rangers, bowmen, adventurers, and 187 Gargoyle members being dragged along. Their own combined forces of exiled soldiers, vestrisians, mercenaries, warriors, Uxane, and knights made up a small brigade of 2000-2100.

            Odeliah brought with her three hundred pirates all together. According to their allies the Exiled Army Brigadier- General Gilhorn and Maphai, they received and additional six hundred thirty-two exiled soldiers, and mercenaries. Each of those forces needed a week to rest. In the mean time they would need to prepare a defense. In his head he calculated the would have approximately 39,00 or more soldiers and warriors. Including the pirates that would make it 4,200 or so. Yet the IBOIS brought the 200. Tenno and Bryce dismissed them letting them go. Maurice grabbed all his belongings and went straight for his quarters. Inside the officers/Captains’ quarters he discovered Agent Dina.

            She laid on his bed in a black dress that covered much of her front, hips, thighs, and back end. Her side boobs were clearly seen as she had a large bust, which her garment failed to conceal. Seeing her in this dress made him aroused. Maurice Viyamor dropped all of his gear, equipment and weapons. Taking his time he approached the bed kicking the door closed. She grabbed him by the shirt and proceeded to strip him of his clothes. One button at a time she took off his shirt, and pants showing him the smell never bothered her.

            Once her was nude she dragged him over to the showers. There she stripped for him and they made love while cleaning his entire body. Dina scrubbed his back while they kissed. He washed his front as he mounted her. This went on for an hour with the showers running. By the time they had him cleaned was when Director Riggs needed her. The round man stood at the entrance waiting for her. Both dried off and Dina led Maurice to a section with dividers. Here she had clothes laid out for them. A proper Vestrisian uniform for a Captain, and a blue secretary’s outfit.

            When they dressed in their clothes Dina kissed him goodbye for now. She followed her boss out to the IBOIS part of the fort. Maurice left the showers for his own room. At his room he collected his dirty sweat soaked clothes and placed them in the waste basket. That was not before he searched them for the dog tags and other belongings. He carefully laid each item on the desk he was given. On the table he had dog tags of two countrymen, and IDs of a crew member, and a mercenary. An ID card and a bracelet with a name on it. He studied each one before picking up the dog tags. Holding these dog tags Maurice turned off the light then left the room.

            As Captain of his own unit it was his responsibility to deliver the dog tags instead of the corpses. That would depend on the death of the soldiers and the environment they died in. Whether the corpse was eaten, destroyed, decayed, or lost in any way the dog tags was all that was required in the casket. All dead soldiers needed to be buried or cremated according to customs of the family. He returned to Tennos office where she spoke with Brigadier-General Gilhorn, Mercenary Leader Dovakson, whose rank was Freelance Marshal, and the Director with Dina at his side. Seeing that Tenno was busy he chose to leave her alone. Maurice was about to head back to his room when Bryce called him into his office. The Captain entered the Colonel’s office, which was guarded by newly recruited guards from Owun’s band.

            Maurice took a seat in the office. Bryce stood at his desk as if hesitating to sit down. When the Colonel did he pulled out a pack of hand crafted cigarettes. He offered Maurice one who took it, eager to get rid of the pain of losing men. Placing the smoke in his mouth he dropped the dog tags on the desk, Bryce just looked at the dog tags. Each one puffed a few times before saying a word.

            When he tapped his cigarette into an ashtray, he mentioned the first days of the war. He trained to be an officer and received the rank of Lieutenant His rank was jumped up to Captain after witnessing his own Captain get decapitated by a large Gantronese soldier in Zekmar. Major was a rank he achieved two or three years after the rank of Captain. The two Vestrisians then called it a day. For the next three days the two Vestrisians met after preparations were finished. Each one took turns sharing war stories over a smoke and whatever drinks their pirate friends brought. When the end of a week came the assembled forces formed ranks before their leaders.

Festival of Masks

Every year there is an annual festival held in the outskirts of a city. In the outskirts lay an estate where aristocrats, singers, musicians, actors, playwrights, writers, authors, artists, and nobles meet. The festival is held during the most lukewarm part of the year. Everyone is supposed to dress up in their finest clothing along with a mask. It did not matter what type of mask it was along as it was not ugly or grotesque looking. Unique masks were allowed as long as they were creative. Some party goers made their own masks, whereas others bought theirs or had theirs crafted.

There is not escaping this requirement for this party of masks. Every party member must have a mask on in order for the festivities to presume once everyone arrives. On occasions the lower classes would be invited to this festival every few years to enjoy the company of the upper classes. Games, singing, dancing, and other activities took place during this festival that lasted for a few days. However every one must be unmasked by the one who is chosen to unmask every party member. It is found to be good fun to unmask a party member to see who it is behind the mask. Every day the festival goes on everyone must wear a mask when the party resumes the next day. In order to keep things interesting they all swap masks to confuse and surprise the person chosen for the unmasking. On more than one occasion the same person has been unmasked five times in a row. 

Punishments

Early afternoon one of the main town squares became a location for justice, and bringing in law to the area. For some time such events like this would bring in law and order in its wake. Oceanrest Var was not known for its mercy towards those who broke the law, repeatedly. The first time a crime is committed the one who committed it will be punished according to the crime. If one murdered they were either banished, given to savage tribes for sacrifice, or executed. However, those who raped were unmanned, sent into banishment until the child grew into adulthood, or had one limb cut off. Theft and trespassing were punished when it is done more than once if they are caught again. Every first time thief or burglar will be forced to give up what they stole, or give up a possession. Where ever they had lived would be given to someone else, and they would have to relocate or live with a person they knew. If they committed a second crime they would be sent to prison, or forced to work the most humiliating job as punishment. Burglary was punished by imprisonment, and forced to work outside the city walls among the dangers of the jungles. A third time was the last straw. Every thief, and burglar caught a third time were to be brought before a town square and executed with other criminals.

A group of ten thieves and burglars were brought before a crowd of angry citizens who through all sorts of objects their way. Boos, jeers, insults, hissing sounds, and growling came their way showing how angry the people were with those who broke the law. Murderers were dragged in behind them, saving their executions for last. It was so the people could shout at them, and throw stuff at them while they waited for their executions. Seven murderers were brought into the town square and all of them were given a bone necklace. Each piece was painted red, and all the murderers and something smeared all over their faces. When the criminals were all prepared to be punished the drummers began pounding on the drums, as a few spectators leapt out of the crowds screeching a song while dancing to the drums. It lasted for a few moments or more until the high priestess, and the herald of justice came to the town square. Behind them came the executioners wielding various tools of execution.

Nine executioners were handpicked among the warriors, and the soldiers of the city-state. All of them came up to the criminals, and pulled them over to a specific location in the space that was given. They were all spread out as if they were aligned with the stars or something. One by one they were executed starting with the thieves, and the one the priestess chose to die first. 

Flag of Vunnace

A small state that is mostly forested, Vunnace is home to a race of dark elves. Their skin color is not a dark as the ones with red eyes. Their race settled in this region long before the founding of her neighbors whom are currently within the borders of the two invaders. Not much is known of this group of elves except through her southern neighbors Grussia, and Eoth. The location of this elf state shows how much migrating occurred over the course of a few thousand years. Vunnace is currently ruled by a group of nobles. Before that they were ruled by a monarchy that was forced to abdicate twice. Despite its size Vunnace is able to hold off the Nazdar, and Gantronese through aid from Grussia, and Eoth. Mulzan is more of an old fashioned nation stuck in a time of spears, shields, and swords. After witnessing the might of the two empires it is unclear how long this small state can last in this conflict over Calorn. 

Warriors of a Princess

Through the mountain range that divided East Koriv from Grussia, and Eoth they searched to no avail. Each of these nations were at war with their “masters” whom they hardly consider worth their time despite their might. In vain they searched each state including the small state known as Vunnace. From Vunnace they came to Mulzan where they were forced to take the vast mountain range to a savage land. Following the trail of their princess no more than 34 Vorcadam Swordsman-Retainers found themselves in the city of Rednight Fangsir. Rednight Fangsir is a city of supposed vampires, which are more like humanoids who enjoy blood in many ways. For a whole month each one was forced to fight in what is called the “Fierce Games” where any captured warrior or soldier are forced to face the gladiators of the vast city. One by one each katana wielding warrior fought their opponent, and through strength, will, and prowess they defeated them. It was now the end of the “Fierce Games” all 34 Swordsman-Retainers stood in a circle surrounded by 530 Gladiators from the vampire city, and a few other cities. All around them stood the arena filled with roaring crowds and spectators. Over 40,000 spectators came to watch these gladiators fight these warriors. The gladiators were just now entering the arena from every gate, and tunnel. Thirty-four of Vorcadam’s finest warriors handpicked to be the princess’s retainers of an island kingdom that was unified around the time the invaders conquered the region. One of them looked over to one of the main balconies that was shaded. The warrior spotted a group of five figures dressed in loose, revealing garments with various dark colors. Among those figures stood the princess herself held hostage on a leash. It was not clear how long she had been here or when she came to be a slave. All these Retainers knew at this point was death was sure to follow at the sound of the gladiator horns.

When the horns sounded, and the leader of the city signaled for the games to begin all the gladiators and more charged at the smaller group of warriors. Every one of them braced for the bloodshed that was to come. Wielding their blades, they moved to meet these gladiators. Using every form of swords play, technique, and forms they took on this large wave of combatants. Blades met blade, wood, steel, handles, armor plating, flesh, shields, poles, and various heads. Clouds of dust and sand arouse from the fight that ensued in the arena. None of them could tell if they were making any progress as more gladiators poured in to slay them. It became a massacre of gladiators until multiple warriors were overwhelmed or stabbed with spears. Slowly the Vorcadam Warriors fell to the gladiators’ numbers and overwhelming force. Limbs were hacked off, ribs broken and smashed, faces cut up or crushed. Many of them were impaled with different spears, and pole weapons. The battle lasted for most of the day until dusk with crowds going wild. Bodies, blood, limbs, weapons, and guts cluttered the entire arena as these warriors moved around to help one another combat this overwhelming force. The corpses and movement almost formed the shape of a sun star. At dusk only, a handful of combatants were left each one exhausted and aching from fighting and constant swinging of their weapons. The Retainers were few at the end of the day. Five of them remained and they faced just six gladiators who were struggling to kill them. Each combatant slowly collapsed due to exhaustion. Some of them took the advantage of the collapsed opponent only to be cut down by another. Two of the Retainers took their own lives. One was beaten to death, and another died of his wounds. As for the gladiators they made their way to the last one who was still able to cut both down before falling on a few corpses. His robes, and armor did not protect him from the blades and sharp edges that stuck upward. Blood came out of his mouth, and body. He looked at a few of the sharp objects that pierced his body before looking over at the princess they had failed to return.

Part 56

 Back on board the pirate vessel Maurice's party settled down. They listened to the sounds of the ship's cannons firing and the sounds of the machine guns firing. They mourned their losses whether it was a crew member, shipmate, comrade, friend, colleague brother n arms, and countrymen. Among all the labels they were also considered companions. Maurice sat in his cabin with a melancholy feeling. He lost a few more of his own companions. Two of his own countrymen, and a couple of new allies. Their deaths hit hi hard. Losing men or troops under your command was never easy.

He spent much of the day in his cabin. Captain Scias Found him just to get him out of the room. She went through the same thing many times. The pirate captain pulled him up just to showing him something that he overlooked. Odeliah led him to the edge of the ship's stern. Her air ship sat hovering in the air. It was her vessel to control and fly whenever she pleased. At the stern she showed him where they were. He looked over the starboard stern. Odeliah did not go very far from where she picked them up. Below them was the jungle, and marsh. Stood the structure he spotted while counting the area.

It turned out to be some kind of palace. Next to it or behind this palace sat two large settlements. Past these larger settlements lay an entire encampment of Gantronese forces. Encircling this encampment were look outs, watchtowers and other smaller camps. Maurice was dumbfounded by this revelation to him. The pirate Captain gave him a very whatever expression. It said she had known about that ever since she picked them up. At first Maurice did not believer her. Yet it did not matter because they came to the end of their mission. Now it was time to head back to base.

He returned to his room and rested for the ride back to the fort. For three hours the ship flew over the Unknown Lands. During those three hours Maurice explained the interior of the ship. His own unit was sound asleep and resting. In the second deck he roamed around with the crew members hanging out. Just thirteen crew members were in the second deck. One group were in the midst of a drinking game where the loser had to do something embarrassing. Out of curiosity he watched a group heckle a human crew mate to lick each hand clean of rotten grub. A scene like this brought laughter to Maurice's heart and soul. He left them to continue their game.

The ship was started to make its drop to land. Odeliah's ship settled down in a space created just for airships. Everything that was on board except specific items and cargo was unloaded. All the passengers disembarked from the pirate vessel. Maurice and his party were not the only ones on board the ship. He got a glimpse of who they were. These people appeared to be nobles. From their walk, posture, and their traveling cloaks and dusters. Each one wore a very elegant and stylish piece of clothing underneath. He took a good look at them and saw pissed off expressions.

His attention was drawn away by his superiors. Colonel Bryce, Tenno, and Major Dubius approached him as one group. Captain Scias came to his side. He automatically turned his head. Behind him stood his unit at least the ones who still breathed. As Captain of his unit he had to report to his superiors. Tenno beckoned them forward to follow her. She led them to the fort's interior.

The Drasdal States

Made up of no more than nineteen to twenty states or factions the Drasdals States are not entirely unified. These states are more of their own independent nation, faction and kingdom with different governments. A few of them are under the boot heel of the Nazdar Empire. While they are not unified as one country they have recently banded together as one army to combat the Nazdar Invader. It is through their terrain, and various factions that the Nazdar have difficulty in conquering it entirely. Each state has its own secret, and ally. Some are allied with the Nevoran Federation, other nations, the Vestrisian Union, and mysterious visitors who seem to be in conflict with the Nazdar Empire. 

A ruthless, brutal game

The skull, hammer, dagger, gauntlet, bare hand, and the palm. These are six of the cards in a deck of a hundred other cards that have the usual heart, spade, diamond, ace, queen, king, jester, and the clover. Every card means something in this particular game. It is a game no child under the age of eighteen should play. It requires between two to eight other players to play this game. Be warned if one plays this game it will be the end of their life.

Five men on the borders of the frontlines sat in a trench during the quiet hours of the night. They were used to the shelling, and the bombardments their position received every day. Privates Gornav, Reen, Abovan, Orik, and Vikas sat down for a game of "Callous Cards" inside the circle crossway of the trenches. As members of the Drasdal States Long Gunner Frontline Trench Skirmishers they were the very first to go in during every assault, offensive, and counter attack. Hundreds of their own comrades and countrymen died in what they call Death's Ravine. It was the long strip of land between their trenches and the enemy trenches.

Orik pulled out the entire deck and shuffled the cards before passing them out. Each player received a maximum of five cards one of which they had to place face up. It was a different game because the players were not allowed to look at their hands. To reduce the number of deaths to one there was only one card with a skull on it that meant death. A pair of cards with a dagger if drawn that player had to be stabbed, but not fatally. There were a total of three cards with the hammer where if drawn that player would have to be hit with a hammer. Four cards with gauntlets, which meant if drawn that player would be hit with a buckle, a knuckle buster, or thick gloves. Five cards with a bare hand meant the player who drew that card has to be punched. Seven cards with an open palm usually meant that player had to be slapped across the face. The rest of them were normal cards, which usually meant nothing would happen to them.

Orik, Gornav, Abovan, Orik and Vikas played for a few minutes until one of them was struck, a second was slapped, and a few punches thrown here and there. It was a game that could kill a player if they were hit enough times. There was no mercy in this game, just the player receiving blow after blow until someone drew the Skull. After four or five rounds each player was bruised, bleeding, beaten to a pulp, and nearly unconscious. Abovan pulled out a card with a beaten, and bleeding hand that was shaking. He tossed it on the pile to reveal the skull itself. His heart sank at the sight of the skull. He knew all too well what this meant. A life had to be taken when playing this game. This time it was his life that needed to be taken. Whenever they play this game they almost never draw this card until the very last round or everyone is out of cards and it does not count unless everyone has two or more in a hand.

When a person draws this card they can go out on any way the group chooses. Some were beaten to death, others stabbed, some choked, some were even shot, there were occasions when they were given a blow to the head that was lethal. If the group chooses that person is to take their own life in this game. By suicide with their own life, going to a monster's den, jumping off a ledge, a bullet to the temple, picking a fight with a guard, or other dangerous persons, and one that many wish to avoid, drinking. A person is to drink themselves to death when the group chooses or that person chooses that way to die. 

Flag of the Island Fortress

There is no single nation claiming the island fortress as a part of their faction. It is its own faction and nation that exists. Its origins are still a mystery however the stones and foundation it was built with still stand, somehow. 

Island Fortress

His lantern swung from side to side on his pole as he made the rounds. It was his shift now at the base of the wall. Above him the stars were disappearing from view. A storm was brewing over them, which meant more rain and waves crashing on the sides of the fortress, the rocks at her base, and the beach that stretched outward and ran along the fortress. His boots stepped on the pebbles, small rocks, sand, shells, and other debris that would wash up. This fortress covered most of the island making it difficult for invaders, landing parties, and the patrols to keep a clear eye out for enemies. 

Despite the size of this fortress it had a small garrison, and had to rely on volunteers, and any available workers or unemployed from the neighboring isles of the Condor Confederacies. Those isles had a mixture of different races, and ethnic groups inhabiting a different island that was not inhabited by the natives. Every able bodied man or woman they rounded up for volunteer were known as the Night Watchmen. As a Night Watchman it was his job to guard the fort while on patrol. His feet found the least slickest portion of the stone bricks that were the foundation of this fortress. Rumors spread that this fortress was between six hundred to a thousand years old. It was crafted by some ancient mermaid folk for the seafaring elf kingdom of old according to the tales. 

Using his lantern he searched the area for better footing to avoid a slippery death. He was now on the fort's walkway that wrapped around the fortress. While he scanned the area the rain picked up soaking his cloak a little. The downpour did not hinder him since he was used to this sort of weather. For sixteen years it was his job as a Night Watchmen, carrying a pole lantern, armed with a rifle, curved short sword, and a dirk. Traditional Night Watchmen were armed with just a lantern and a halberd, wearing whatever clothes they had under a cloak. He chose to be a Night Watchmen as punishment for his naughty appetite for gorgeous women. It was not cannibalism, but more intimate with certain women with large breasts. There was one woman from a half elf town that was once a colony of Nevradit. She worked as a dressmaker, and sang at the pubs on other colonies. Her work did bring her wealth, fame, and plenty of suitors. Yet that also brought in stalkers and unwanted behavior from some men. Most of them she slept with or played with, or simply told them to bugger off. He however some how enticed her to come to him on many occasions. He could still feel her flesh in his grasp, her lips on his, and her own body against his after six years apart. Just the thought made him feel alive.

That feeling went away when he heard splashing sounds close by. Taken away from his thoughts and duty he went in search of the source. In his mind she dwelled with her large bust and gorgeous desired features. Trying to get his mind off her he searched for the source of the splashing despite the downpour and the waves crashing onto the walkway. His lantern did not shed much light on the area. It forced him to get closer and search for this source. As he came closer to the edge he spotted movement on the rocks below. Shedding light on this source he discovered it was a crab like creature nearly the size of a wagon. It reached up with its claws trying to nab him. The watchman stepped back and grabbed his rifle preparing to shoot this crab like creature. While he fumbled to cock the rifle he could stop thinking of the seamstress singer and her getting squeezed by the claws. After a few moments of struggled he fired a single shot in the creatures face forcing it to retreat back to the waters.

He stood on the walkway holding the rifle in both hands. His clothes were soaked with sweat and rain. The Night Watchman looked around finding nothing else stirring in the dark. He picked up his lantern pole and returned to his quarters. His shift was done for the week and would begin again the next week. In his mind he thought he would never leave this island fortress. Six years on this island would have revealed many discoveries and secrets, however the island still had many more secrets hiding beneath her surface. 

Commando Part 55

Getting out of the village through the grave yard was not easy. This graveyard was made up of towering stones and slabs used as gravestones. It was constructed in the form of a maze. Everyone had to dismount and lead their steeds through it. During the fight two of the reptilian mounts were hit by arrow fire. Behind them shooting and screams could be heard. Just as they were told they found the other path leading to the road. From here they mounted their steeds and took this path to the road. In full gallop Maurice and his seventeen-member party raced down this road. It took them through the jungle and into a less forested area. The road they had to take cut through the region.

            Maurice and his party stopped at the edge of the jungle. This region was a flatland that stretched over a few miles. It ended at the very beginning of a marsh with scattered trees dotting the landscape. This marsh stretched for miles like an ocean. At the very center of this marsh stood a structure sitting on what appeared to be an island rather than the end of the marsh. He could not tell what it looked like or how large it was. Maurice could still tell how far the structure was from their location. However, the road did not cut through the marshland. The road wrapped around the edges of the marshes like a snake. In one section he spotted parts of the road that went around some of the surrounding region.

            Maurice looked at the remaining members of his party. At his side stood the party of soldiers and warriors who chose to go with him. Their scouting mission was coming to an end, and the main mission’s end was just in sight. All they had to do was storm that headquarters and rescue the vestrisians held prisoner by this Caligari Syndicate. He addressed each one. Amonif, Hilastes, Eyanosa, Oraceth, Maphai, Vylinsis, Cagan, Ordoz, Trion, Omareth, Minerva, Toberis, Vincent, Fitz, Tylon, Nudd, and Demitry were all accounted for and present. Maurice included himself as accounted for. This scouting mission did not last very long as he had believed it would. At first, he thought it would take a few weeks to find the headquarters. He gripped the reigns of his cat steed preparing himself to plunge forward. Taking a good look at the marshes and the road he made up his mind. As much as he liked to go on the shorter route Maurice decided to go on the longer one. After what he experienced in the swamps and marshes of other parts Maurice had enough of the monsters of the Unknown Lands.

            He lightly kicked his mount to get it moving. Once he had his steed going on the road he beckoned for the others to follow him. Making his way on this road he led his party forward. This road had a modern appearance compared to the ones they had been on. Well into the night his party moved closer to the south while following the path of this road. Just as he observed it the road wrapped around the marshes on the drier and solid land mass. They did not stop to make camp until it was closer to midnight.

            Against a part of the jungle’s edge they set up camp. In a semicircle they had their tents facing the jungle itself. His party were in a satisfactory mood, yet they had to be wary of Caligari patrols. Right at the crack of dawn they jolted awake to the sound of fighting. Everyone rushed to get a weapon to defend themselves. Being behind enemy lines and hostile territory never resulted in positive outcomes.

            As a group they rushed over to the road in search of the source. Looking left and right they discovered the source further down the road. It was a fight between two groups, a group of native warriors versus a band of Caligari goons. In the middle of the road a band of 130 warriors engage 55 of Mommy Gluton’s goons. The goons were to large in number to be a patrol. They were most likely sent out to deal with them. Not even thinking about Maurice got in contact with their pirate friend. Maphai contacted their headquarters.

            He spoke with his ally, Captain Odeliah Scias while watching this battle. The two sides fought on the road itself regardless of possible travelers. Despite the disadvantage in numbers these goods still had superior firepower on their side. Superior firepower and weapons had its advantages in the field, yet in an ambush it had little to no impact on the outcome. This band of goons was attacked from the jungle and from the flanking marsh.

            Whichever tribe this group belonged to must have planned this ahead of time. In his mind he speculated these tribesmen or Uxane had been watching the patrol movements on this very road. They also bid their time before striking. This ambush caught most of the goons off guard. A few of them took out some of the native attackers while the rest suffered the full blow of the ambush. It had transformed into a skirmish due to the firepower in the hands of the goons. However, the numbers of the natives and the element of surprise brought them a victory. Seven of these goons raced back down the road to escape. Maurice gave Odeliah the full story and where located after detailing what just happened before his own eyes. He put away his radio after she was done to witness the natives strip the goons of valuables. In a victorious attitude they raced back into the jungle shouting, giving out battle cries, and loud boasts.

            Maphai handed her radio to Maurice when she was done speaking to their commanders. On the other side of the communication he spoke to Bryce, and Tenno. He told them what happened and where the Caligari Syndicate headquarters stood near the marsh. Over the radio he urged his superiors to move fast. When he was done he handed the radio back to Maphai. He looked down the road seeing a larger force heading their way. From above he thought he heard the engines of an airship landing. Odeliah must have stuck close to their rear in case they needed a lift sooner. He watched the ship land on the road in the largest clearing it could find. Maurice had his party break camp and race towards Odeliah’s ship. He followed them while keeping an eye on the large cloud and army heading towards them. Several cannons fired a few warning rounds at this group to keep them at bay. It allowed a little bit of time for Maurice’s party to gather up their camp and start for the ship.

Flag of the Atuux

Although they are another nation of Uxane without a prominent city like the Waikun the Atuux are still civilized in their own way. They are close neighbors to a few other tribes and deal in trade, weaving, herding livestock, and some hunting. As a nation they have defined themselves and even mingled with another called the Mikani

Strange Visitors of Boston

Boston, Massachusetts March 5 1770 a mob of colonists, and British Soldiers clashed outside the Customs House. The clash resulted in the deaths of five colonists within that crowd and mob. It was dubbed the Boston Massacre painting a nasty picture of the already loathed British Soldiers occupying the city. Moments after the conflict ended in bloodshed the crowd and mob dispersed running away from the Customs House. However the five members of that crowd were not the only ones hit with musket fire. Another individual carried her partner in crime through the streets of Boston. She had his arm over her should and tried her best to carry him through the alley away from the aftermath. Both of them wore heavy long cloaks and dusters over their combat armor.

These two were not from Boston, Europe or from Earth at all. Seasoned veteran, warrior, and recently promoted Guardian of Midgard Arika Coep had her first partner in crime Sir Godfrick Visimar, an experienced Guardian and a warrior-hunter. Both Guardians were assigned to watch over this particular settlement while blending in and spying on the events going on. Their commander a Baron and Field Marshall was not too far from the outskirts of Boston. She searched for a way to get him out of this city even though he needed a doctor for the bullet that had pierced his armor. It was a lucky shot from one of those so called redcoat regulars. It was clear this world was still divided and had little to now knowledge of other worlds other than their own. At least from her perspective of things.

Arika was slowed by Sir Godfrick's weight and felt like she was going to collapse as she made her way through an alley to the edge of the city. She hoped no one saw her and that their fellow Guardians were within reach of them via radio. As she carried the Guardian Knight to the edge of the alley she heard footsteps behind her. She did not want to turn around to see who it was. In a desperate attempt she made another step, which found some ice. It made her slip and fall onto the ground with Godfrick's weight on top of her. For some reason tears and fear swelled up inside her. All hopes of remaining incognito were lost and they would most certainly be thrown in a cell, questioned, tortured, and likely executed by these primitive people.

More than half a dozen other feet came up to her and Godfrick. They lifted Godfrick up off of her and helped her up. In her mind she believed they were done for. Arika cried before these people and their soldiers who must have seen Godfrick fall. One of them showed compassion and wrapped her up in a blanket. Without much conversation they carried Godfrick, and escorted her over to their doctor. Once the cloaks and duster were off these people's minds were blown. What she expected did not happen. These people got to work and took off the armor and placed it to the side. Arika was offered a room, undressed by a few servants and house slaves who looked at her with confused and bewildered expressions. All of them asked who she was for some reason she did not answer right away. It was not until after her bath, and given clothes did she talk to a man of authority, and law. One of them was non other than John Adams, and another individual.

She revealed to this John Adams who she was and who Godfrick was as he scribbled all this down with ink and pen. Arika wished she had her own tablet to hand him so he could not waste time dipped the feathered pen into the ink so many times. John Adams found this to be strange and fascinating. When a British Officer entered the room she jumped out of fear and looked for an escape. Adams yelled for them to get out and leave their visitor alone. The next morning she awoke on a cot to find Godfrick on another bed appearing peaceful. In the room was a British Regular standing guard. He instructed her that she and her friend were to remain in this room until noon. The soldiers pointed at a table where they had been given breakfast and hot beverage waiting for them.

Adams reentered the room dismissing the soldier from his guard duty. He came in the room with their commander Baron Field Marshall Steffan Cobblestone. This handsome, large, strong faced commander did not look very pleased with her at all. With him came an older man with longer hair and a beaver cap. This man was in Pennsylvania how did he come here so quickly she asked herself. It hit her like a punched to the face. Her own people decided to bring Benjamin Franklin to see about these visitors. Because of the massacre that occurred in Boston their own existence would be overlooked and kept a secret from the printing papers and the public. 

Commando Part 54

Maurice and his twenty-one-member party sat on their cushions and seats wondering if they should do something. As though they were not celebrating anything the village sprang into action and cleaned the center. They urged their guests to hand over seats and cushions while they prepared to leave the village in case they were attacked. Maurice turned to Maphai and one of his Vestrisian companions. He ordered both to have their own unit prepare to leave and fight if they needed to. Maphai and Vincent did as he ordered them and urged their party to be ready to fight then leave. Most of the villagers ignored them while Tondrah and other village healers tended to the wounded runner. In moments Maurice went for his steed where he had left his weapons. His whole unit joined him and prepared to leave once they fought off whoever was attacking these Drow villages.

            With permission from the villagers Maurice’s unit drew up a line of defense within the village clearing. The pair of Nevradit companions Toberis and Minerva got in the way a little bit. Once they had a defense drawn out they heard gunshots, screaming, yelling, cries for help, and war cries. Scores of Drow civilians raced out of the jungle being chased by savage tribesmen. These tribesmen were covered in hide skins, tattered pieces of clothing, garments, and apparel painted brownish green colors, including other colors found among tribes. Many of them grew wild hair, had dreads, others were braided, and had shaved heads. They all wielded spears, machetes, war clubs, various knives, and weapons from other factions and parts of the world.

            In front of village and Maurice’s unit these tribesmen cut down the fleeing dark elves. Before they knew what happened flaming projectiles hit some of the huts and homes. Maurice ordered his unit to open fire on the attacking savages while avoiding any harm to the innocent. Many of the attackers fell from the first volley. Drow women and children raced passed them with more tribesmen giving chase. Multiple Drow Guardians came in to help hold the line. Arrows flew over their heads and into the rabble of tribesmen who began tearing the village apart. A few volleys of arrows slew a crowd of over 175 tribesmen. This forced the attackers back a little. It allowed a few families to leave the village for safety.

            In a column of four to five rows they stood their ground against the attackers. Another wave was pushed back yet it had larger numbers. Having a larger wave of attackers come at them brought them into close quarters melee combat. Every defender drew a melee weapon when the attackers came within striking distance. Maurice cut down a dozen of these warriors before trying to calculate how many of these attackers they had to face. Using his pole arm sword Maurice held his ground killing more than a small unit worth. He had companions on his flanks holding their own against larger numbers. Trion hacked at a few attackers and even bit one of them. This frightened the attackers making them wary of the canine-badger humanoid.

            His country men had little to no problem in this battle. Alongside each other Minerva and Toberis moved like snakes, striking down enemies left and right. He heard Eyanosa’s war cry and the roar of the two orcs. Behind them Maphai, Vylinsis, and Oraceth had their pistols out shooting any attackers who slipped through. Their Drow friends fared well against these attackers. Ordoz used his alien weapons to defeat scores of foes. Their new Drow friends also fought well against the attackers for a while.

            As the confrontation turned into a battle their numbers started to drop. His own unit had two or three Drow in between them at the height of the battle. Each of them slowly fells to overwhelming odds. They fell against the odds of six to one. The swift movements of these village guardians brought down ten attackers for every one of their own fallen. More warriors came pouring out of the jungles with other groups coming in from behind. This battle died down a little allowing the defenders to pull back further into the village. Nearly a thousand corpses littered the area. Most belonged to the attackers and more than half the defenders lay dead. The amount of bodies that lay in the path and parts of the village would make a wall.

            Maurice spotted a few of his own men laying among the dead. He turned his head left and right counting how many he had left. Just four of his own men were missing, Nanim the Drow mercenary, Managhan the Orc pirate, Sorrowmind, and Ryfan. Seventeen of his own men were left and less than half the villages guardians remained. Inside their perimeter stood more tribesmen, warriors and the other groups who came in from behind. These new comers consisted of thirty-four members of the syndicate, forty-five renegades from other tribes and eleven pirates. With another force of tribesmen, they arrived at the village. Without hesitation or warning these newcomers opened fire on both defenders and attackers. Their focus was on the guardians and the other tribesmen.

            Exhausted from the battle Maurice and his decreased party did what they could to limit how many Drow died. Their attempts were in vain as the new comers already raced past them as if their quarrel were with the Drow and not them. Whatever the new comers intended to do was clear yet it appeared to become setback. As they killed Drow and Tribesmen alike the tribesmen and some Uxane turned on them. Most of the village was set aflame and too many enemies raced past them to attack one another and the remaining villagers. Tondrah came out her hut that was in flames full of fury, and anguish at everything around her. She herself was inflames armed with a long knife cutting and slicing at whoever was nearest her. Maurice pulled out his pistol shooting at one of her assailant’s moments before she collapsed to the ground. Seeing this defense was a futile one Maurice ordered his own unit to race out of there with the steeds. He fought his way to the corpses, so he could collect the two dog tags from his fallen companions. Hilastes and Amonif joined him in pushing through the fight that was surrounded by homes and trees set a flame. When he made it to the corpses the area was now full of smoke from the flames forcing everyone to flee or suffer death by suffocation. The Captain coughed from the heavy smoke and the pain he felt at the loss of two countrymen. By the time he reached them he was almost on the ground breathing in the smoke. Hilastes pulled him up helping him collect the dog tags after digging through the corpses. When they had all four dog tags they fled the scene through the village graveyard.

Flag of Nevradit

Nevradit is a large nation that borders the Nazdar Empire on a large island continent that is the first to be invaded. With mountains along her eastern and southern borders, and dense forests along her western borders Nevradit is a difficult nation to invade from the ground. From the air was a different matter for the citizens of this large state. Nevradit is home to mostly half elves who came together to forge a new kingdom that was soon enlarged and added some Dwarf and Gnome factions. This nation resisted the Nazdar for a few years before collapsing to their superior forces. Although the Nazdar could have conquered them sooner the Nevradit made deals with the Nazdar and had secret friends.