Mishaps and Dangers

"It is one thing to get drunk, and start to see things that are not really there. Depending on how drunk you get your mind and eyes will play tricks on you. Drinking this will cause hallucinations and for you see things right after the first drink." the bartender explained to the still young hot shot of a half elf female named Sadis Brenna Alizae.

"Hmph so what so special about that?" she arrogantly asked sitting at the bar in her red outing and dancing dress. It was more open in the back and had some of her side revealed. She never wore anything that revealed her cleavage and it would come up to her neck and wrap around it like a collar. Her legs were always revealed to show off how strong she was in that part of her body.

"Unlike you and your gang of friends it is unpredictable." the bartender said looking her in the eyes. She pursed her lips contemplating over what to say back. Sadis and her friends had been in a load of trouble with the city-guard multiple times. It would be a shame to see a good fighter like herself to be tossed in a cell while wearing a jumpsuit. Things were changing in the area, and fast. Men in dark blue uniforms patrolled the streets at night as law enforcement. Only these men were more like allies from the at Union of Republics they kept hearing about.

"Sadis you are a great fighter and a wonderful acrobat, and a beautiful dancer. Why not take it easy and keep yourself out of the "Dungeons"?" the bartender sincerely insisted.

"Who is my next opponent?" she asked almost ignoring the question.

"You still don't get it do you?" the bartender pointed out to her. She stubbornly scoffed at him.

"I want to know who my next opponent is! Henry tell me who is my next opponent?" she demanded.

Henry eyed her angrily, squinting his eyes, slowly shaking his head at her. Miss Alizae's gaze met his as he kept his glare on her. She always challenged someone to a non lethal fight, a dance off, a competition, and often accepted requests, or challenges. There were times she would be put on a blind date with a guy whom she spent time with, but ended up turning down. From the way they spoke she translated into them wanting intercourse with her and nothing serious. Whenever she accepted any challenge that never ended in bloodshed, but rarely ended with a bruise, black eye, or cut she wore her combat greaves, and boots. She left those at home tonight since there was no need this time.

"I will not tell you who your next opponent is, because I need to speak with that blonde haired moron you like to masquerade around and sing to the joy of every bar and tavern in all of Lornav. Your band of friends do bring delight and peace whenever you come on the stage! Stick to that!" Henry nearly shouted at her before attending to a new comer at the bar.

Sadis turned to take a good look at this new comer. He did not appear to be human or elf. He was clearly not from Derol an elf nation nor Dormany a human country. On his neck was a marking colored gold like a tattoo of some sort. She heard stories of a warrior race with strange birth marks on them that identified their race. Her elf mother, a former adventurer, wandered much of the area before meeting her father a rogue trapper with a previous occupation of soldiering, told her tales of such warriors of the far east in a land called Vattoram.

"Hey you, hey!" she tried to get his attention. The man paid no attention to her as he picked up his thick stout in his large duster.

"HEY I AM TALKING TO YOU!" she raised her voice to get his attention again. She ignored Henry's motion to stop and leave him alone. Sadis got off the bar stool and marched up to the thick haired man who and a handsome face with a few healed scars, a stubble beard, and an intimidating face. She blindly poked him twice trying to get his attention.

"Back off you TRAMP!" the mysterious man roared in her face.

Sadis had never been yelled at with such a ferocious voice before. This man, whoever he was did not want to be bothered let alone messed with. His body turned to her showing his uniform underneath. Dark blue with military style pockets, black belt, and a thin camouflage shirt for the wilderness beneath the uniform showed at the collar. Tears started to swell up in response. This had never happened to her either guys were happy to see her or way too nervous.

"I....I am s-s-s- sorry." Sadis stammered on her words trying to fight the tears and be tough, a rough butt kicking broad that took no nonsense and zero intercourse. Henry motioned for her to come to him at the end of the bar as she tried to recover from that. He held her hand checking to see if anyone else was watching or noticed. According to her line of work she could not afford to appear weak, or emotional like this.

"That guy, hey listen, that guy in the trench duster is one of those Expeditionary Elites from the VUVR. Depending on where they are from they are a mean bunch like the Dormany types, or those Lesdonians who keep coming here through Nevoran train tunnels. His name is Frank Homesaver, an officer in that branch from what I gathered from him." Henry whispered in her ear calming her down. Sadis could not control her tears she nearly burst into crying for a few moments until the door swung open with a bang. She wiped away the tears and got back to her seat.

 Two groups of men entered the bar. Five men wearing those same trench coats, and three of a rival group who always challenged her. She recognized all three of them. Sadis had names for them, smelly, ogling pig, and doofus pants. Every time she said those names during a challenge they broke. When they came within speaking distance she turned in their direction.

"Smelly fatso, Ogling Pig, Doofus Pants, do you three wanna a rematch after the eighth year in a row?" She mocked the trio who glared at her in disgust and humiliation. Sadis cackled turning around to get another drink.

The other group carried on their own conversation before their attention was drawn towards her. Sadis paid no heed to their approach. Henry snapped his fingers multiple times to get her attention again. He had to stop and attend to them.

"Ah hello there what can I do for fine gentlemen?" he asked them. Behind him was the chalkboard with a column of drinks, ales, mead, light beers, stouts, wines, whiskey, and other alcoholic drinks. Each one ordered a drink from this list and that list before going over to their own table to drink.

"That was a close one." Henry muttered cleaning the bar area.

"I wasn't talking to-" she was cut off by something thrown at her.

"Dangit Sargo just come up and challenge her or leave her alone!" Henrey hollered at the one she labeled Smelly. He appeared more pig like with a stout body and knuckles the size of rocks.

"It is fine Henry Smelly Fatso will get a clue! Their trainers Oh I mean mommies are not here ha ha!" she continued to mock the rival. In her early years they used to beat her easily until she worked on her technique, endurance, punching, and reflexes. Now it was an easy win. Despite his defeats Smelly Fatso was still paid just because he made people laugh.

For some reason this did not sit well with the new comers who eyed them as if to threaten them. She watched the five new comers who were about to get up until the birth marked man ordered them to stay out of before taking another sip. All five of them did. Sadis turned to approach the trio not caring if her breasts bounced or if they ogled her.

"Do you guys ever give up?" she asked them as Henry came over to get them drinks. None of them said a word forcing her to go back to her seat. She decided to keep an eye on the new arrivals. One of Henry's barmaids was grabbed in a flirty way. He laughed as she pulled away sticking her tongue out and receiving a kiss from him in a playful way.

"Oh those Vestrisians a mixed bunch they are, bulwark of peoples united against those invaders." the barmaid said in a carefree voice. She placed the glasses on the bar for cleaning.

"What is going on?" Sadis asked her. She leaned over with a scared expression.

"Didn't you hear on the radio? A war has started, and it has reached us. Our government and other nations decided not to stay out it." she said in a low voice.

The barmaid left to retrieve more empty glasses from the common area. Sadis looked at these Vestrisians with goosebumps allover her body. A war, a real conflict of a worldly measure has begun. Even though the invaders took lands surrounding them they had not bothered them yet. However tribes, clans, and kingdoms within their borders still waged war on each other. Hearing the invaders would be at war with them was horrifying. She froze to her seat for a few moments before the feeling went away and she went back to her Berry on the Rocks.

"Psst. psst. Sadis, hey Sadis!" she heard a rival try get her attention again. She ignored him making him get up to capture her attention. Sadis looked over her shoulder to watch him get up and go to her. It was Ogling pig, a muscular fighter with a pug like face. He stood up to throw a glass at her only it slipped from his hands and flew at the new comers. To everyone's horror the glass hit one of the Vestrisians in the back shoulder. The contents splashed most of the soldiers with beer. Five angry soldiers stood up and turned to the trio's direction. Each one looked like they were about to draw a weapon. Most of them didn't save for the one who was hit. Out of his trench coat he draw a dagger.

"Oh shoot I am very sorry sir. I was just trying to get her attention! Please don't kill me!" Ogling Pig begged shaking in the legs. Some of the soldiers urged the dagger wielding man to let it go. To the misfortune of Pig the man started to approach him.

Acting fast Sadis jumped from her seat and kicked the weapon from his hand. Her foot meet his hand and wrist knocking the weapon from his grasp. It shot straight up into the ceiling. She immediately made a battle ready stance. The soldier was a taken aback by this. He looked at her then his weapon. It appeared as if he was not hurt by the kick, but it did knock him to his senses. She heard another voice from across the room.

"Private Bullgose stand down leave those fighters alone we are at war with the Nazdar not the locals!" the voice ordered the soldier.

Obeying the order the Private named Bullgose returned to his table and drank with his fellow soldiers. Sadis darted for the trio and smacked Pig a couple of times. Her anger was clear in her eyes, and on her face. To her he was a family she liked to toy with and mock just for laughs. For him to put himself in this type of danger was suicide. If the authorities heard of this she might get locked away for life. She allowed them to finish drinking except for Pig whose eyes were on her chest. Sadis folded her arms to cover them with her arms to deter him from ogling.

"Outside all three of you!" she barked at them. "Especially you Pig!"

Sadis led the trio of rivals out of Henry's bar after paying for their drinks. They took the back way as Henry suggested and found the alley empty. She stretched a little bit and encouraged they do the same before another challenge.

"Look Sadis we are sorry. Okay that was way out of line!" Pig said speaking as if he was more than one person.

"Those guys were actual soldiers. They train to kill not to fight in rings, or matches!" she spat at him.

"Okay well we owe you one I guess." Pig replied his eyes were on her buttocks as she stretched.

"Just stay out of real danger, our way of fighting in these parts may bring trophies and money. From the way Henry said it all of us may get drafted for some real war fighting." she said as if educating a group of kids. Since the soldiers were here and the war was at their doorstep play time was over and they were no longer in the playgrounds, or tournaments.

City-state of Dos

Dos is a city-state founded a thousand years before the events of the two invaders. Sitting not too far from another city known as Liv, Dos has the same mountains and the same large river bordering her territory. The city is also defended by these barriers, however it also suffers attacks, sieges, and invasions from the vermin in the mountains, and the Muskallan Raiders. Liv shares a similar fate as Dos only it has a more diverse population of elves, humans, gnomes, Dwarves, half elves, forsythans, and other mixed races. Due to their location the city's population organized a militia, a ranger's unit, a night watchmen force, and their own legion of soldiers to defend the city-state. As a city that could field a size able army Dos has a celebration for those who have served their city well. It is a memorial day for all those who served including any outside help that fought on their behalf. 

Veldigron

“How are you my lord?” a cloaked figure asked as they approached a large glowing mass of elements, energy, and a mesh of a spectral star-sun. It rested on the crafted bowl of a throne in a temple that once belonged to a witch goddess from another era.

“Is that how you address me?” the glowing spectral star-sun hissed at the figure, showing they insulted the one being addressed.

“My apologies to your Supreme Primordial Deity!” the cloaked figure expressed his apology to the Supreme Primordial Celestial of Hate, Supremacy, and Dominance Narcorsai. He was also referred to as Hencarnome.

“Very well, rise my servant of the cosmos. Having no body allows me to see more of this universe. Tell me what fate has become of our nemesis Grogorne the creator god?” Narcosai requested from his servant of the cosmos Drogoz the Spy.

“After the cosmetic battle your last attack transformed him into a child!” Drogoz replied bowing on his knees before Narcosai.

“Goooodd, serves him right for claiming the whole creation as his own. He is not the only creator of the universe.”

“What is to be done about the Mighty Veldigron?” Drogoz asked, cowering before the Supreme Primordial. The temple of a faded witch goddess shook a little. It was clear Drogoz had angered his Master Narcosai.

“I told you not to mention that name!” Narcosai roared at Drogoz. “That beaked, flabby armed, bloated creature of a god has insulted my very existence!”

“Boarix, Voegius, Kevar, Anonis, Grex, Taokiol the Dragon, Zugal Demon, Merdo eyes on me. In your last encounter with the Divine Principalites was Veldigron with them?” Narcosai asked his eight strongest High Ranking Dominants.

 Boarix the Bull looking Primordial approached him. Merdora the Queen Legend of all his armies, which consisted various beings, grabbed Boarix’s arm. He pulled away from her and got on one knee. The others backed away a little expecting Narcosai to unleash his wrath on him. Each one watched in fear waiting for Narcosai to throw a ball of energy or fire at the Dominant kneeling before him. To the greater fortune he did not. Seven Dominants relaxed seeing the Supreme Primordial did not show his wrath.

“Veldigron was with them.” He answered his master.

“Is this why I only see eight of you when there should be fourteen. The other Divine Principalites, along with their Godites, Haplanes, and Guardians should be dead by now.” Narcossai pointed out to his eight Dominants who also had legions of their own followers, which were demons and spawn of another Primordial group who sought to create life. That life fell into the hands of Narcosai and his three Primordial siblings whose origins are unknown and mysterious.

“Veldigron proved to be too strong for us this time. Carcossa was flung far into the cosmos, some of his parts fell, forming new worlds. Vexx was destroyed, his body shattered into pieces. They float around the cosmos. Geo, Dune, and Odea fought us resulting in the creation of a planet’s landscapes, it was nothing but ocean before. Medriz made off with a new Goddess named Gezotz of Pleasure.” Voegius explained to Narcossai stepping up to kneel next to Boarix.

The Supreme Primordial Celestial sent them to battle against Veldigron and the other Divine Principalites. For a thousand years they fought alongside their hordes, legions and armies. Entire armies of demons, spawn, and vile minions clashed with the Godites, Haplanes, and Many other Guardians. Their battles spread allover the cosmos, bouncing back and forth between planets. On these planets certain races sprung up such as elves, dwarves, goblins, troglodytes, hooved humanoids, orcs and other creatures. Most of these races joined the fight while others went else where or hid.

Veldigron just stood his ground after facing each of Narcosai’s Dominants one after the other. His status among the Principalites was that of a Champion Fighter. Eleven Principalites arose from the creation of the universe and cosmos. Their leader Gorgone was also creator alongside Oddite the Mother. On some moons of another world they fought until both forces took the fight on that one. Veldigron crushed several of Narcosai’s Dominants such as Boarix, Kevar, and Voegius. The other Dominants were defeated by the other Principalities collectively. Zugal Demon was cut into tiny pieces crafting other demons. Merdora was punished by means of torture. The last three were imprisoned on other planets. Tao Kiol the Dragon found himself imprisoned on a moon where he gave birth to dragon eggs that hatched into the first dragons. As punishment Tao Kiol had to watch his descendants and their offspring be slain to near extinction.

Now Grex and Anonis were chained together. One only desired to kill, torture and maim female beings while the other despised intercourse. Both were forced to copulate giving birth to a whole new array of monsters, creatures, and the horned humanoids. On the world that is to be called Calorn Veldigron and Narcosai fought their last battle. The Supreme Primordial Celestial regenerated to his true form while Veldigron grew stronger from each victory. On Calorn they fought creating the mountains, lakes, and valleys of the world. All the water in those lakes and seas are their sweat and blood. Each High being tore each other apart, crushed bones, and battered senseless.

With all his remaining strength Veldigron struck the final blow. It shattered Narcossai to pieces. Those pieces fell all over Calorn’s surface and ocean. It created legends that his pieces would grant power to those who wielded it. Other legends speak of various monsters emerging from those pieces, while some believed those pieces forged strange shaped islands in the southern seas. Veldigron stumbled across the land realizing he finally defeated the greatest threat to the universe. His elder met him on the slopes of what would be later called the Blackmell Mountains. His elder looked like him however they were mistaken for him, his father, and often for a brother of his.

“Esue, everything that was violated by Narcossai has been avenged.” He said as he began to feel his body fall apart only to be replaced by new ones, which were wings. According to legend his arms transformed into the mountain wall that divides Calorn’s landmass. His body into a single solitary peak in the shape of a bird creature bowing its head. Thus, is the tale of Veldigron.

Just Two Catapults

Mighty as those warriors were, they stood no chance against this horde of humanoid vermin. An entire horde of vermin marched towards their next target. Their last siege saw more than half their strength diminished. A fortified town of humans, half-elves, and other mixed races held out for a week. That was nothing compared to a fort-city built along the thick river close to the Blackmell Mountains. To the south and north their allies were ransacking bigger game. Up ahead stood a small fort defending a village. One of their scouts reported seeing a garrison of sixty-one defenders. It was made up of Uxane warriors, two bowmen, a group of knights, a squad of soldiers, a small militia group, and three-night watchmen.

A small garrison that size was nothing compared to size of this horde. This horde was once over a hundred thousand strong. It numbers greatly dropped after three successful sieges. Whatever this horde called itself the force consisted of over 700 Goblins, 501 Gnolls, 220 Troglodytes (Lizardmen), 52 Uxane renegade warriors, 32 outlaw gunslingers, 11 brigands, 5 deserters, 8 Muskallan raiders, and a catapult crew of 11 men working 2 catapults. A force of over 1,500 that could still overrun a small settlements. However, this force needed to be careful after losing many. Most of their horde remained in the ransacked settlements and cities they've conquered for their own gains. One Goblin kept track of how large their numbers were, food, loot, supplies, and the dead. Those who were sick, wounded, or dying were either killed off or sent as the vanguard ahead of the army.

This army had five leaders who answered to another higher rank who advised caution going deeper into the area. To the dismay of orders they were given the Gnoll, Troglodyte, and Human leaders who insisted on pressing forward. In their eyes much looting, prizes, and glory was to be had in pushing forward with the main horde's advance. How many more cities, towns, or villages were they going to plunder, conquer, and enslave they did not know. Far behind them were the main horde reserves that were funded by a group of ministers, aristocrats, and nobility of a state that borders the mountains and the sea-channel. Since there were multiple leaders who controlled their own forces, they had to stop each day to plan the next move. As they marched closer to their target the horde was ordered to stop. Like a domino effect the horde began to stop. Once the whole force was stopped they gathered to make camp and set up the catapults in the center.

With the catapults in the center they found each one was within firing range of the target. Having the horde stop now may give them time to rest and recover their strength. Inside the main tent the leaders discussed how they would besiege this town and fort without losing very many fighters this time. Because the last two encounters saw nearly half their forces slaughtered, which were partially replenished with fresh recruits. Most of the artillery, and guns provided were destroyed, lost, or left with the main horde. Plenty of them had melee weapons, bows, arrows, crossbows, bolts, older rifles, and guns with some ammunition. For artillery all they had were just two catapults they needed to keep in good condition.
 As a horde overseer track-keeper this goblin got to sit in on one of the leaders. Troglodyte, and Gnoll leaders saw an opportunity to attack the small fort. "It only has less than a hundred men defending it!" they both argued multiple times. That argument was slapped down repeatedly by the Muskallans, and the Goblin Leaders. Each other leader gave a different arguement against the Troglodyte, and Gnoll. One suggested to lay siege and starve out the defenders. Another argument involved waiting for the rest of the horde and scare the defenders out. In the corner of the command tent sat the Uxane leader who smoked his pipe in silence. For an hour into the night the leaders argued  until they somehow came to an agreement. At dawn their forces were to dig in around the camp, send a rider to request reinforcements while the catapult fired on the defenders. Once the horde received rest they awoke to begin work on the fortifications and digging, an Uxane rider was sent out, and the pair of catapults began firing on the defenders. 

At the Bottom of the Hill Life

In my mind I intended to share some more stories from my days at Immanuel Baptist Christian School, at least that is what I figured out it was called. I thought it was just Emmanuel Christian School or simply Emmanuel. A small school in Clemons, North Carolina that did not last very long after I left for another school. That school's name I will not reveal just yet. Yet I shall give you a hint, it is named after the small town I am from that is currently become a large town or small city as of 2018. If I am wrong please correct me without being rude.

On with the story that I am about to reveal to whoever reads this. I was only there for two years, which may not have suited them very well or to their liking I suppose. At this school I was not always the brightest at some subjects, however I did prevail and succeed in passing. Every day we would go outside for recess, everyone's favorite part of the day no doubt. Some how I feel like I have written this one before. The sport we all played was soccer, sometimes baseball whenever it was just a few of us, or kickball at the baseball field on the school campus. Playing soccer was my favorite, I was not the best, however I did get the ball away from people a number of times. Now listen I was a small kid, skinny, but I was still quick and tough. At a game we all played someone kicked me down and accidentally kicked me like a soccer ball. I got up like it was nothing, yes I did.

The soccer field sat next to the science part of the school with the playground adjacent to it. There was a fence that walled us in, marking the property of the school. Past the soccer field was a hill. We all agreed not to kick the ball down that hill. Whenever that happened we would leave the ball there. Not many of us knew what was down there. I had the pleasure of going down that hill. Well running down that hill whilst chasing a ball. In the process of recovering the ball I picked it up but kept running and slammed into a thick patch of thorns that hung over the fence like roots, branches and vines.

At the age of 10 I did not even care. I marched back up that hill with the ball feeling like a pissed off champion and hero. Everyone looked freaked out seeing that I was covered in thorns. Sure enough the teachers saw me, took me to the nurse. Nothing was wrong except I got a few scared looks from other kids. To me it was not big deal. Most of the thorns came off my clothes by the time I got inside. Well whoever was the nurse or was with me took the thorns off me and made me put on new clothes. What baffled me was that the thorns never hurt. Was I bleeding or something? I guess not. 

Dearest Uncle

Dear Uncle Egus Bardsman

I must apologize for last month's unfortunate exploitative event at your manor. My old lover and former sweetheart Adeline Kitchingham have not seen me, and no one of our circle has, since I enlisted. Four long years in the unknown lands, I went missing in action. I will say this even though I have said it before, during my days in the expeditionary forces I felt lost and a little scared the whole time. My fellow soldiers and I faced the jungle and swamps as well as the Gantronese invaders. No soul has ever witnessed or experienced the horrors of the Unknown Lands.

Relief showed up after four years of surviving. You must thank Maurice Viyamor. There is not a single man or woman in all of free Vestrisia as good as him. Unless you count that Chiecra Gwynor I keep hearing about, or Zhenrai Knights. I am rather curious about who that Chiecra is.

Anyways uncle I am more than grateful for the home coming party. Seeing everyone again after being gone for so many years. I do hope the Raulinsons get their son out of that addiction. Give Countess Nina Blackthorne my congratulations on her second child. Godin has changed drastically. Most of the stores and shops have undergone transformations, new renovations, switched hands or had been torn down.

Godin was a wonderful city in its unique way. Visiting the nest brings back memories. My new home in Bayside Row Apartments of Eastern Edgeharbor, Ezonel has treated me fairly. The V.U.V.R. via V.A.V.R. has paid me well for the six years of service, 86,400 Eagles in all. While I was at the bank, I met a sweet Estati named Iocene Mirthgaze. She works as a teacher or Instructor at a boarding school and as a civics tutor.

Working as a Graveyard Keeper or Cemetery Caretaker did bring in reasonable income. However, I was drafted into Iocene's Boarding school's staff each week for lecturing students on anthropology of the tribes in the Unknown Lands. Someone suggested that I should become a Trainer. "A trainer in what?" I asked the person. The person was a coach of some fighting sport. I turned the suggestion down. Having been in the scariest and most dangerous place made me want to leave the soldiering life. Yet it has not killed the sense of adventure inside me. Please write back to me uncle.

Your loving nephew

Miles Giffordson

A Voice

On a port of Spain crowds gathered to watch a new expedition set of for this new world to explore and one day conquer. In the name of Philip II King of Spain, Panfilo de Narvaz is setting off to explore a peninsula of the New World. According to the accounts listed he is taking 600 men on this voyage to explore an area called Florida. One of these men is waving goodbye to his wife and children. The man is happy and sad at the same time. Tears come down his cheek.

"Pull yourself together Senior!" a fellow explorer who also volunteered to see the New World.

"You've heard the stories!" He snapped back in a kindly tone that was not intentionally rude.

The fellow explorer scoffed at this shaking his head. He left the man alone as he blew kisses to his wife and daughters. One of them tried to catch the kiss trying to hold back the tears. She looked away in an attempt to hide her face. He knew she did not want him to see her cry. Five ships of the Narvaez voyage slowly embarked from the ports with thousands of men, provisions and a duty to the Crown of Spain. As the ships sailed towards the Atlantic Ocean it grew dark. Each man who was not on watch duty descended to the lower decks to sleep. Every other man was Spanish, Italian Portuguese, and Greek. He was born in Leon, Spain and moved to the coast. There he was able to find work in the ports as a dockworker until he found this opportunity to see the New World for himself.

The voyages of Christopher Columbus encouraged Europe, at least those under Spanish rule to seek adventure and a new life. His head was full of images of what the savages looked like and Cuba. The islands that Columbus discovered appeared in his head. Although there were no paintings of these lands to view just imagining what they looked like was enough. In his head he pictured there were great beasts, or savages running around. Just the idea of facing the savages made him feel young again. It gave wonder as to how Ponce de Leon, or Pineda must have felt when they went on their voyages. While thinking of this he rolled over his hammock. It rocked him to sleep as the ship itself rocked. He did not know how long he slept, but it must have been midnight when something woke him up.

"Senior, senior." A voice emerged in his ear. He felt something poke him multiple times. He ignored it passing it off as a dream.

"Senior, senior." the voice came again, and someone poked him again.

"What is it?" he asked stirring awake.

"Senior you are in grave danger." the voice said.

"What?" he replied in shock.

He jumped out of the hammock with his eyes wide open. The entire ship was filled with a strange mist. All he could see was the mist and nothing else around him. He blinked several times. The Senior presumed he was in a dream, and started to go back to sleep. Something stopped him and tugged at his clothes. He swatted at whatever tugged at him, but there was nothing there.

"Come with me Senior, there is danger, danger!" the voice said sounding like it was panicking.

"Alright I will come with you." Senior replied to the voice in the mist.

"Follow me." the voice said. He felt a small hand grab his and escort him through the mist filled ship. Whoever was pulling him must have known where to go on this ship through the mist that now appeared more like smoke of a fire.

"It is a good thing you are taking me above deck." He said to the voice. "This ship is on fire, hurry let us get off this ship!"

In a hurry the man raced forward not caring about the mist. His legs found the steps to the upper deck and outside on the outer deck. Without hesitation he allowed the voice and figure guide him through the mist again.

"Come on we are almost there." the voice said to him.

"Of course, of course, I am coming." He blindly replied. Unable to see through the mist the man walked off the deck and into the ocean. When he opened his eyes he saw spirits of the dead come at him. Among the members of the Narvaez Expedition there was one less man who blindly walked off deck. 

Every Birthday is a new trinket

There is a tradition that involves trinkets, small items, little objects, even tools, jewelry, small weapons, or whatever you find in your pocket, and drawer. In this tradition those items are to go somewhere and left until they are picked up by someone else. An entire community of several towns and villages practice this tradition. On each member’s birthday they are to be taken to an island off the coast. It will often be a small island still large enough to hold people. When they are on that particular island they have to leave a trinket, or object behind. Then they take another item that was left by another member of the community. It must be the item or trinket the eldest member of their family hands them.

For a full year he held on to this trinket his great aunt handed him after sorting through the island that was littered with small items. He looked down at what he held in his hands. Erikan played with the long spearhead that was given to him on this fifteenth birthday. He had it attached to a necklace he wore around his neck. This spearhead was precious to him and it served him well. Everywhere he went he always had it on him even during rituals, or celebrations that called for all weapons to be left at home. Erikan used it for hunting, sometimes fighting off his foes, and in skirmishes with other enemies of his community. Their canoe made it to the shore of the island that was littered with all sorts of items and trinkets, from watches, diamonds, rubies, rings, bracelets, braces, armbands, various household items, knives, claws on necklaces, dolls, pens, locks, colored pebbles, pendants, old clocks, pieces of a game, large teeth from big monsters or animals, small instruments, keys, small toys, figurines, bones, cups, goblets, and mugs. There were plenty of items forged in a smithy and metal pieces from furniture that were decorated. His great aunt had to be lifted and cautiously carried off the craft. Just three of his family members joined him on this venture. Great Aunt Gratia, his cousin Bren the Ox, and his sister Linn were chosen to join Erikan on his birthday.

The four of them stepped further onto the island as a few other members of the community searched for new trinkets for those who had the same birthday as Erikan. He did not mind them being here this year, since he was a man now. Earlier years he would scowl at their presence because this day was his day too. At an early age he was a little selfish but grew out of it as his family placed responsibility and work on his shoulders. They kept passing several piles of items and trinkets until Gratia stopped them with a hand held up. She stretched her hand out to Erikan. Without question or hesitation, he slowly handed the spearhead to his Great Aunt. She slipped into a pile before beginning her search for a new trinket for him to prize. She took her time browsing and fumbling through several piles using hand and cane. For several moments Gratia disappeared until she returned from behind a few rocks, and mounds. In her hand was something for Erikan. Behind him stood his sister who covered his eyes to make it a surprise. He smiled and laughed at this because it brought back old memories. When Linn let go so he can see Erikan saw a large pendant dedicated to some deity he did not recognize.

Mother's Day

To every mother out there.





Happy Mother's Day 

The Tortoise God

Tortoise God Kunkaliim is considered the master, lord of the islands and sea, and the wise overseer of those who have passed on at sea. Although he is not god of the sea itself Kunkaliim is revered by all sailors of the southern seas as a force to be dealt with when the seas are in danger or when he is not prayed to after sailors are dead. This is how some believers explain earthquakes, and hurricanes that are also said to be caused by other gods of the sea. Being a Tortoise Kunkaliim is god of the creatures with shells and it is considered an insult when one does not pay homage to him when one such creature is killed or hunted. 

It is said Kunkaliim originated from a large island that had a mountain on it. When another deity breathed life into the large island Kunkaliim was born. All the islands in the southern seas were made by him, whether they are offspring, droppings, or drops of the sea that fell from him as he emerged to surface from time to time. He knows all the creatures of the seas, and watches over the fleets and all craft that sail on the sea. Because he has watched all the vessels explore the ocean Kunkaliim is well educated in every aspect of the ships. His shell has a city on top of it for all the dead to live in while he traverses the seas. 

An unusual Pirate Flag

While most people are used to pirate flags consisting the skull and bones, there are other images used on the flags of other pirates. This one resembles the pirate crew is ready to fight at any given time. 

Drafted for the aftermath

Although he was half human and half elf, Evas Ludove never cared for the humanoids on this planet called Calorn. However he did enjoy filming this world's landscapes, and its wildlife. To his fortune most of the wildlife migrated deeper in the woods or desolate areas. Its people were various and it confused him a little. He understood Gnomes living near Dwarfs, or Orcs sharing the same space as Goblins or other humanoids. Elves and Humans he believed would mix in well and often create civilization together. On this planet there must have been migrations all over each continent.

As a film producer Evas loved to travel and film everywhere he went. He grew up on the planet of Judares Vod one of the many planets under the rule of the Nazdar Empire. Life on that planet was modern, and futuristic. There was quite a bit of fast passed lifestyles, live in the now and worry later kind of mentality, and some aspects of country life outside the cities. Under Nazdar rule everyone was either a slave, Grevaskii, citizen, or a master. You had to be a citizen in order to avoid the draft, or a master to avoid becoming a Nazdar's worker or servant. His own ability to produce films put him in the right position to avoid these labels. Evas sat at a lobby in a newly constructed station in Estoras. It was located near the territory of Givachana, a funny name given to the area as an insult to the locals who did not yield so quickly. It was an area inhabited by a race of beings who mixed in with Elves, Humans, Dwarfs, Gnomes, and other humanoids. Their origins were mysterious yet would remain unsolved due the Nazdar ruthless ways of punishing those who resist their rule. Most of the other humanoids fell in line after this race fell.

He was also close to the front lines near a state called Miccado that was at war with the Nazdar Empire. For years this state along with five others managed to feign neutrality before catching the Nazdar off guard in 1843 and continued to do so until 1845. Portions of Estoras and Givachana lay in their hands. These nations and kingdoms included Miccado, Methar, Kinach, Medron, Vincani, and Gibarra. All these states banded together to harass Nazdar lines, and pushed a little too far over the course of four years. As one army they managed to hold out, however the offensive might proven their undoing. A few officers approached him.

"Are you Evas Lundove?" one of them asked him in the Nazdar accent.

"Yes, I am what do you-" he replied but was cut off.

"Get your crew and equipment and follow us." The leading Nazdar ordered.

"Yes right away." He replied. Evas gestured for his crew to pick up everything they brought and follow these Nazdar. He picked up his bags feeling nervous as he began to follow them.

The trio of Nazdar led them to one of the gates where a Wyvern transport was waiting to lift off. Evas and his crew did not look at any of the guards or soldiers marching or standing around. Not making eye contact with anyone they loaded the transport and took a seat where soldiers or airborne troops would usually sit. In moments the craft ascended from the ground and into the air. For nearly two hours they flew over the area. Inside the cargo hold and passenger section they could barely see due to the dim lighting. The ride was a little rocky for a few minutes and it only grew a little rockier as they landed. Evas heard the engines of the Nazdar craft, wheels rolling over the ground, tanks rolling through, and troops moving all over the place. All he could smell was the smell of something on fire, and ashes. There was also the scent of burning metal, and the fowl smell of death mixed in. When the landing was secure the doors slid open to reveal a city in smoldering ruin.

Evas got out of his seat, and exited the Wyvern in awestruck fear. All the buildings had been destroyed or burned to the ground. Bodies, rubble, and pieces of debris covered everything. Smoke rose from the ruin of his city. He did not know exactly where he was, but he realized he had been drafted for a purpose here at the front. Nothing was alive except the Nazdar and their Grevaskii running through the streets in search of survivors.

"Now film!" one of the Nazdar barked at him.

Without question the film producer grabbed a camera and began recording what he saw. Corpses of the dead cluttered the streets, buildings stood as nothing more than smoldering ruin. Ashes covered everything. Buildings had collapsed onto others. Vehicles and carts were nothing but ashes and debris. Evas was forced into a Nazdar vehicle that drove him and his crew further into the smoldering city. The smoke was still lingering causing some of them to cough and cover their mouths. The stench forces Evas to cover his nose a little while he tried to film everything he could. Not a single building remained unscathed, nor a single soul remained alive. He had never witnessed such horrors in his life. An entire city once neutral was now demolished by the Nazdar Might. Evas held back the tears and the fear as best he could. He feared the Nazdar would actually shoot him if he showed emotion.

"Keep filming Mrs. Ludove, I have some rewards for you. This is one of many cities of Miccado, Kinach, Methar, Vincani, Medron, and Gibarra that faced the wrath of the Nazdar Empire. Those who resist who betray the Nazdar shall face harsh punishments." He heard the officer say from behind him.

Evas kept on filming as they came to a mound of corpses and a street that appeared too impassable because of the amount of debris. He could not tell what race these people were because of the ash, and burning. Everything was ash colored, blackened, burnt, or covered in the dust from all the debris. Evas Ludove had been drafted to film the aftermath of the Nazdars' Wrath. 

Getting in Trouble Life

I might as well share this bit of history about this school I went to. Well at least from what recollect from my memory. You know how we all got into trouble with some form of authority whether it our parents, teachers, mentors, principals, coaches, tutors, and sometimes our bosses. Heck even with our older siblings who are in charge we will get into BIG trouble. I was almost always sent to the principals office at least once or twice a month. It was the Christian School that I got into real big trouble with for some number of reasons. There was one time that was a good reason for my little butt to be sent to the principal's office.

Here it goes, in the first grade I sort of an unchristian, or quirky kid. I don't even know what they labelled me as at that school. It was at the end of the lesson our teacher gave, and we got all excited about the lesson ending sooner. I got on the table and put my hand over my crotch and did a thrust at least once in celebration. At seven years old I learned not to do that early in life. It is definitely a good reason to send me to the principal for that. There are other reason I got sent to the principal's office. One reason is that I just could not concentrate enough for them. You would think I was an idiot kid. No, I had too much energy, and my attention span was not as grand as the other kids.

There are other reasons I got in trouble such as not doing homework yeah that is one reason. Another would be not doing what I am supposed to be doing in class, which is another reason for me to be in trouble. At the time I was just six, seven, and eight years old. Or was the early years of my days at school? Even though I went to church, and Sunday School this school required we learn the Bible stories. At this school we all had to sit in the the pews in the church and read from the Bibles in the pews. If I remember correctly, I believe there was one time I was supposed to read from a certain text in one of the Testaments. I did not do that, why, because I did not pay attention to what they wanted me to do. Nor did I seem to get what they wanted from me. I believe that is one reason I was sent to the principal's office. As the years progressed, I got better about those things.

I understand you had to learn the bible verses in Sunday School. However, I did not get the notion of grades in the bible? I think I was okay in other areas of school to some degree. It is strange to me, but helped me get through the principal thing was that a lady named Mrs. Rash loved me like a son. She would always wave and say hello to me. It always cheered me up. If I am not mistaken I believe it was her who always saved my skin. At the after school care I would often get into trouble with them as well. There was this one time while getting our snacks out. According to these Baptist people we were supposed to pray for our food. I did get the idea of praying before a meal, but I did not get the idea of having to pray in order to eat your food. So this one freaking time I just got out the snack and ate it. Man oh man did I get into trouble with the people there. (A few them sat on the steps and smoked as a friend of mine recalled). To be honest I don't think I was allowed outside after that one.

Another time that I got into trouble was well there are some things that I did that were not the best behavior. I didn't know any better, until someone got me to stop. Truth be told I erased those deeds from my mind until now. These acts included spanking other kids on the butt, which was funny at first until I did not stop. A caretaker got on me and I quit. (Really not proud of that so I'll be brief.) In my defense I just did not know any better until that very moment. As punishment I was told not to go outside. Another punishment was for me to stand on a line they had drawn on parts of the large room they had for us kids. Every time I got into trouble with them resulted in being placed on the line and told not to move unless I was told to do so.

Flag of the Castarian Empire

The Castarian Empire was founded several centuries before the current events on Calorn. It was built up on the backs of various peoples before it was contained by the four major kingdoms and nation. Castaria is a vast land full of fertile lands, forests, hills, some smaller mountains, and flatland. Most of its people are humans with a hint of other races mixed in. The economy is centered on agriculture, serfdom, indentured servants, various craftsmanship alongside industrialization in the main cities. At one point the Castarians cast aside their laborers, farmers, and serfs for slaves until the other nations rose up with their modernized weaponry. Castaria was brought down and government was overthrown by a revolution. During this time it is a member of the VUVR. 

A god of war in Chancellorsville

This Civil war had raged on for two years straight. Northern and Southern states at each other's throats in a war over state's rights and preservation of the United States. It started at the attack on Fort Sumter in April of 1861. That was an event that set off this American Civil War that tore this nation apart. In the field of Chancellorsville, Virginia the two sides were locked in a battle that would likely be one of many more before this war is over. Many believed the war would end in a few weeks with a Union victory on a whim. Both battles of Bull Run proved them wrong.

Private Gregory Bennett of Stonewall Jackson's Stonewall Brigade stood next to his brothers in arms as Jackson led them against the Union boys in blue. It was just yesterday their offensive against the Federalists began with the XI Corps of the Potomac were routed by Jackson's boys. Gregory felt proud of himself as he marched in line with his fellow southern gentlemen. Cannons fired, followed by musket and rifle fire. Both sides were locked in a struggle near Salem Church. One side attempting to defend itself against the Rebel counterattack, and the other facing a new threat to Lee's position.

"Go on boys them Northern rats will turn tail and run!" roared a commanding officer in the rear.

"You are Stonewall's boys! Show these Blue Boys how you defeated their friends!" an older rebel hollered. He received the rebel yells along with what sounded like Injun war cries.

His unit advanced forward towards the Union lines ready to smash into them. They stopped to exchange fire with these North boys. Gregory fired his rifle hitting a Union soldier in the chest. He quickly reloaded. Everything was loud all around him. Cannons firing, shells hitting the earth, explosions, rifles firing, yelling, shouting, commanders barking out commands, cries of the wounded, and the rebel yell. As he aimed his rifle to shoot two bullets hit him in the stomach. Gregory collapsed on the grass and passed out from the blow. The sounds of war faded away as the world around him grew dark. He had a dream about home and his family, even childhood friends who had died in the war earlier than he did were there. In his dream something dark and sinister looking killed everyone he knew. Each one died a gruesome death at the hands of what looked like a savage indian mixed with a demon of some sort.

Gregory jolted awake to find the battle had moved on with the Union running again, and the Rebels in pursuit. All around him were dead rebels and those dying from their wounds. Those who were alive were screaming for help or for someone who was not there. Gregory could not help them at all, because he too was wounded. He moved as much as his wound would allow him to wave at the rear men and those in the reserves to come help the wounded. As he waved an arm he heard the cries slowly fade away. This time the world became enshrouded in a smoky mist followed by a strange howl. A figure dressed as a Native American appeared through the mist. He bent down and took the souls from the dead like some kind of Grim Reaper. It did not matter to this figure who was dead or dying their souls were his now. Acting fast Gregory fired a shot at the figure hoping to kill it. His shot went through the Savage leaving it unscathed.

"I was worshiped by the Powhatan Tribes of these Lands. Powhatan are Algonquian peoples who had harmony here before the white man came. I am like a great spirit of war that comes when there is conflict. You whites call me Devil or is it Lucifer?" This native said to Gregory.

Gregory did not know what to make of this except make a run for it. All he could do was crawl in order to escape. Crawling would only rip his wound up even more. He lay on the ground soaked in sweat, blood, and fear as this Native Spirit approached him.

"Who who are you?" He asked the Native American.

"Powhatan call me Okeus or Okee. You are Gregory  Bennett of this Confederate States of America." Okeus said as if to mock him and his country that is rebellion.

"Your warfare is barbaric to us, yet ours was barbaric to you." Okeus pointed out as he bent over Gregory.

"I am the Lucifer and Devil according to your people's writings about me." he said getting closer and closer to Gregory's face. "Then I shall take your soul as does this Lucifer. Your Jesus Christ, and this Lucifer are not the only deities to walk this earth."

Okeus grabbed Gregory by throat and scalped him before dragging his spirit out of his corpse. In a firm grasp Okeus took Gregory's spirit to his realm or what was perceived as Heaven and Hell. Gregory recalled the tales of Odysseus and his ventures into the Underworld along with many of the heroes from Greek Mythology. He looked at Okeus realizing their gods were not the only ones. 

Rodent Humanoids For the Series?

Rodents are a group of different mammal species that exist in most continents. Most of them are viewed as pests and vermin that people prefer to be rid of. Such rodents include rats, mice, chipmunks, rabbits, hares and other small animals people find unwanted. Among such unwanted pests one will find other mammals that can cause trouble. Going deeper in the darkest, and uncharted places of the world are humanoid versions of these rodents. Humanoids that appear like rats, mice, and shrews exist in those places of the world. Their origins are somewhat mysterious even though they show signs of coming from another universe. Taking advantage of their mysterious existence these rodent humanoids avoid contact with other races. In the remote places of the planet they dwell these rodents will congregate, and breed to build new colonies. Entire colonies can be found in jungles, mountains, swamps, and underneath the earth.

Tales and rumors passed down from centuries past say those rodent people are responsible for the outbreaks of many plagues. Over two thousand years ago all the races of the world. As these plagues and epidemics spread, most peoples such as elves, dwarves, humans, and other inhabitants migrated. In masses the migrated to the safest places that remained unaffected. Once the plagues ended they all began to suspect and even trace some of the diseases to the rodent races. Many of these rodents hid while others suffered terrible massacres, and eliminations. Those who survived ended up in the remote places in the unknown and uncharted corners. For thousands of years they remained hidden until the invasions.

Forced out of hiding, these rodents were drafted into the armies of the two invaders. While the invaders pressed their conquest, they used the rodent humanoids as spies, and cannon fodder due to their numbers and ability to sneak around. None of the rodents sent to the front survived against modern weapons. The ones who became spies proved useful to both invaders. Others had proven their worth in other occupations.

This is only brainstorming of ideas.