Vullanese Siren of Asnar Island

What did her green eyes spot on the beach? Wreckage of a small vessel some rogue used as a getaway. Among the items found in the wreckage she discovered a pirate's cutlass worth 520 or so in Vullanese currency, which a stalker stole from a female buccaneer. Her face lit up as the pair of them brought everything to their hostel inside Aram city weeks before the Vestrisian invasion commenced. No one else sat in the room with them as he put the radio on for music. Sauntering over to him she shook herself a little getting his attention. Instead of music the dramatized broadcasts of the Vestrisian invasion of Vullanese Islands filled the room. Authorities let loose a 1,161 Stitched wing skaab warrior battalion to delay VUVR forces. Whatever her new partner, the Vullanese Military Priest muttered something about the construction of 772 stitched manglers were underway as they heard about the VUVR invasion. She would rather he mutter words about her body and how arousing it looked to most males she encountered. Almost ignoring this he turned his attention to the radio broadcast that mentioned VUVR forces starting to press their attacks on other islands. Their leaders used 2,140 stone retrieval constructs as wall building units to barricade the streets. All 475 of Aram City's Armored Transports are to be commandeered. She went up to him pressing herself against his clothed body. 

"Can you make yourself stronger, and bigger? I overheard that close to 273 experience the warped physique spell to increase their strength, and size." She inquired to him raising both eyebrows. Her chine rested on his shoulder while beaming at him. 

"You remind of a pair of patrician vampires of the Markov family captured a trio of glamorous outlaws called the lipstick gang." 

"Ah that old tale. You are not a creep like those two were." She wrapped her arms around him. Pressing her nude body against him. Luring him to have intercourse proved easy as he shoved her on the bed. Giving him a smile, she allowed this Military Priest to fuck her before evening meal. 

Morning came with the news of  Vestrisians seizing one of Asnar's islands. Just because she wanted to mingle did not mean she was clueless about the outside world. Calling herself the Adaptive Snapjaw, Tammy Burnshaw was a singing Siren who enjoyed certain partners with either intelligence, talent, or higher office. She overheard from a Captain that a single unit of 180 Vullanese Band Alley Black Guards were stationed nearby. Total number of these Blackguards came up to 1,500. Strewn all over the main island and other islands of Asnar Vullanese authorities appeared alone in holding this island. That was weeks before Vestrisians launched an invasion of Asnar's southern islands. From Aram's position this Military Priest met with some other military leaders with her tagging alone. Believing her to be some clueless harlot this other leader revealed that 226 Reverse Engineers are given 346 Research assistants to modify or upgrade 370 Manor Skeletons. Would that even be enough for Aram's defenses? She doubted that, as her gut told her Vestrisia was aiming to defeat Vullan and her allies. That is what she gathered after hanging around military personnel at dens, and parties. 

Weeks went by as Vestrisians launched their invasion on Asnar itself. Pummeling Vullan's defenses was all the Vestrisians did as they pressed further into Vullanese territory. Nazdar, Grevaskii, and Vidothran leaders sent in aid which only delayed the inevitable defeat of Vullanese forces on Asnar. Ahead of the coming invasion of the western half of Asnar Vullanese leaders, and military commanders made plans. A single unit of Blade Juggler Mages are held back to harass any Vestrisians that enter the streets while main forces held for as long as possible. A few herds of 294 Tasseled Domedary camels led out of harm's way. One forged unit of shaman chain mages consisted of 277 plus the leader are deployed in alleys, and villages. A single firmament sage stays behind out of 331 on the Vullanese side. Out of 429 only one obsessive Astronomer remains on the main island. While lounging Tammy the Siren heard more units were being stationed to defend Aram City. Vullanese draft a total of 293 out of 310 Duel Craft Trainer Soldiers for Asnar's defenses. Pulling in more they managed to get 390 Hired Hexblades as mercenaries. Rallied a unit of 280 Fireproof Cavalry for attempted charges on certain flanks. Gathered 378 mobile Spear Spewers manned by Goblins to hold narrow passages alongside machineguns. 530 Prying blades are equipped to any scavengers they set loose. Just 374 Smitten Sword Masters with 407 apprentices are ordered to man defenses. 525 Gift Blade Prowlers are given orders to keep watch for enemy movements while 484 Eyeblight Assassins prepare themselves to ambush unsuspecting VUVR soldiers. 394 Ilango Horizon Agents, and 480 Dhend City Operatives are sent to the front while 267 Hexplates Golems are hidden in different settlements. A battalion of 361 Treasure Keeper Constructs are kept as city defenses. 347 Undercity Scavenger Black Ogres tamed then trained for combat. A total 507 Tyrant's Machines are set up as traps in the city's defenses. 

While following this Military Priest around Tammy met the firmament Sage, Research Assistant, Enhanced Surveillance, a Paired Tactician, an Astronomer willing to volunteer, a Tavern Scoundrel in a suit, and a Vault expert. In a room within a Master Theologian's Guild that appeared discreet about its meetings. Inside this very room of nothing but cushions, sofas, wooden carvings of scholars, several tables, and fire different stories were shared. Boredom started to overwhelm her, so she was forced to fake interest. She did not care to hear the Enhanced surveillance was previously occupied with a vivisection of a Great Hart Elk. Thousands inhabited this island. She held back a tear for the living creatures.  Their Scoundrel mentioned the menace or beast of the island Manace being a gluttonous slug. Something she did not want described in detail. He did anyways giving her a wink then laughed when she gave him a disgusted squint of the eyes. Giving a quick apology to her he tossed the floor to their tactician friend. Calling himself a Crusader he gave his name as Aron Bense. Becoming more acquainted this Bense said he knew of 300 hidden stockpiles scattered all over the island. Her own eyes closed asleep while listening when Bense got up to woo her a little. Looking into his eyes she could tell he had an idea. The way he grinned made her beam up at him. Now these stories were getting her excited somehow. Was it worth having this Bense as a partner. Her current companion the Military Priest kept looking over at her from his seat. From the lips of the Vault Expert 3 of Hierophant's chalices, 702 sky diamonds, enchanted heirloom mirror, Giant's Amulet became loot safe during the Vestrisian assault. More looted items include 510 prized short swords, 5 ancestral blades intact, 500 Simic Lockets, and Glassblower's puzzle knot that helped her uncover clues on some arcane map last year in the city of Exhaull. Her heart sank when news about a certain town she frequented. 

"What I overheard was that 836 carnallites took their revenge on masters or overseers once the V.U.V.R. forces approached our Vullanese held town." 

"If that is the case then our priests, and faithful inquisitors must bring out the True Faith Censors." 

"We don't have that much time Vestrisian forces are pressing their advance on a larger city of ours. Defenders can only expend one unit of 162 Burden of Guilt joins a unit of 324 Expendable Lackeys at the front outside that city." 

Was there any hope for this defense? She doubted that keeping that to herself. Vullan could fall within the next couple of years with help from their allies. Alone Vullan would have fallen within a year. She allowed this Bense to hump her a little not caring at all what it looked like. He humped for a few seconds before turning to his fellow Vullanese while holding both her legs. Bense's attention on her was ripped away by the Military Priest who mentioned some gang war that kept dragging on in the western coastal city of Razor Pearl. Only 90 available chronomaton are let loose on a gang war that keeps dragging on near the wharfs, and warehouses. According to the reports 344 members of one gang called the Harbor Bandits find themselves overcome. Casualties were misconstrued due to decapitations and mutilations. Tammy shot up from her position prepared to leave the room. What she did not want to hear about were details on body parts being cut up. It made her uncomfortable as goosebumps rose and her skin crawled a little. Taking her leave of the room she spotted a Pridemalkin feline near a window at the end of the second-floor hall. It was being rubbed on the head by Silent Observer known as Andre Arkenason. To her he was a breath of fresh air, and desirable with his hood covering the upper part of his face. All she could see were his lips and chin. Feeling alive she started to walk over to him when the door swung open, and her original companions filed out. Whatever she wanted to do would need to wait. Leaving with the group of men she made mental notes on who she wanted to have fun with. 

Days passed by as news went to the Military Priest's ears along with hers which hovered over his shoulder in bed. In a series of pamphlet notifications they learn about 564 True Faith Censors made on the Vullanese Asnir Islands used to weed out nonbelievers. A total of 1,532 people considered nonbelievers found themselves cast out. Where they went depended on the availability of transportation. Some flew, others managed to sail, some even went for Vestrisian lines. As refugees these outcast non-believers would spill vital intel to the Vestrisians. Asnar's arsenal of weapons they possessed 1,002 pairs of gauntlet torches. Only 521 are used in the fighting with mixed results. Some exploded on the users, others fried a couple of attackers, others malfunctioned or missed their targets. Several were dropped, while the rest found themselves in Vestrisian hands. Tammy knew it was only matter of time before the VUVR would come knocking on their doors at Aram City. When flipped through some more he found one that said nothing, but chaos was starting to kick in. Across the front defenders used 511 vials of Dragonfire tossing them with their hands. As desperate measures started to rise as options some figured to let loose 501 Toxic Scorpions as attempts to ward off Vestrisian advances. Vials exploded in the hands of wielders, some were dropped around a unit, others were hit with stray bullets or bombs from aircraft. As for the Scorpions many of the little buggers hid in the ruins attacking Vullanese defenders and Vestrisian invader. Another notification mentioned a single unit of 378 Deadeye Tormentors move past a fork in a road with 247 Grey Pelt Hunters from Gontrella in a successful counter push that would not last long. Out of the two units 281 of them take inventory leaving 370 Nightclubbers, and 124 Tavern Swindlers no modern weaponry to use against Vestrisian invader as the toll of Vestrisian invasion is felt by 372 of them. Most Nightclubbers, and Tavern Swindlers dropped their weapons as a sign of desertion. Amidst the chaos and short termed successes one city warned of destruction going on. Over 300 Manic Vandals armed with 308 Mattocks rush over with 379 Reckless Imps to demolish sacred relics. 

Weeks later their imminent requirement for evacuation commenced. Tammy found herself in the company of the astronomer, firmament Sage, the Surveillance, the Scoundrel, Vault Expert, tactician, and the research assistant. On board a treasure cruise called the Tide Water Minion she brought as many personal belongings as possible with her to save them from being looted. Getting herself ready she invited eight males into the rented-out room. Giving them a warm welcome, she allowed them to take turns with her as she chose to entertain and please them. Letting them do her as they pleased made for a tidy conclusion to her eyes as they were disgruntled over leaving their homes due to Vestrisian bombings. When they were done they left her on the bed exhausted from the activity. Closing her eyes Tammy felt herself pass out in her room with her belongings in the closet of the room. For what felt like hours Tammy lay on the bed believing their Cruise could return home in a week. Something stirred her awake. The room was dark as night had come and no lights were left on. Sitting up she turned on the light to find the Tavern Scoundrel using what looked like a 50-foot rope to help the Vault Expert take her Siren's Song Lyre. 

Leaving the Jungle

 "The Creed of Piety, one of what, 628 orders and factions scattered across our side of the world.” Raxhale pointed out looking at a book on the various Orders of Vestrisia. 

"It is a bit hectic, isn't it? All those factions that are orders, fraternities, sororities, brotherhoods, cults, guilds, covens, and cabals in one part of Calorn. Were there more than a thousand all over Calorn?" Eloso Dreath of Evusia brought forward with a hint of mockery in his voice. 

"More than fifteen hundred all over our planet. Yet half of those were wiped out by the invaders, and the Nevoran Federation." Colonel Raxhale replied to Eloso's mockery with a bit sincerity. He loved to laugh at times, tell funny stories, but not every moment of the day. Yet the Evusian Prince gave him a stir. The Evusian was not a Prince from tales, but more like a governing leader, or Baron of some land. 

"Are there any orders operating here?" Eloso asked the Alagen Colonel. Raxhale did not have all the answers, but he was certain the people of Oramatra had their own cults, clans, and bands of warriors one would be able to join after achieving something worth their time. The city-state itself was made up of five close nit cities that could be mistaken for one larger city. Its army proved effective against infantry for a few years until they were forced to give up. When it came time to round up more forces 288 Rogues of four different cities found themselves rounded up. Each one was pressed for answers according to reports. Once an agreement was made between Rogues and authorities an Emissary Rogue position was formed to represent any thieves, or local rogues who found themselves dragged in. 

Out of 150,000 and more coalition forces Alagen sent a force of over 4,000 while keeping their main forces in reserve. Lybris sent over 1,400 personnel, from Evusia ten thousand fighters were sent over, 5,600 soldiers came over from Nahem. Other countries joined or allowed their citizens to join the fight. Ruhonthra allowed 1,100 to volunteer to fight, 427 Rovantion volunteers arrived on their own large vessel. Whether they volunteered, were exiled, chose to avoid imprisonment 320 Tante, 310 Malvieth, 1,300 Ivodran soldiers, volunteers, criminals, over 2,000 Mezeen, and 7,000 from different nations in Nevoran all joined this fight. The bulk of this invasion force was mainly Vestrisian, since the other nations directed forces towards another front to the south. Plenty of unclaimed islands in the south became battlegrounds but had a tendency to disappear every ten years. 

"I am sure there are other orders present here in the continent of Jurax. These Unknown Lands were cut off by mountains and raging storms, which we are now able to push past. Our Vestrisian Allies are pressing their advances against the Vullanese and their allies. Yet rumors about some insurgency sparking along their northern borders keep entering the ears of my superiors." Raxhale replied. 

"From one of my men a ground of 279 locals showed a feat of Resistance towards the enemy near the front." Eloso mentioned taking a seat. He leaned over with his hands clasped, arms on his knees, and his mustache clearly graying with bits of blonde still there. Raxhale in his Vestrisian khaki uniform designed for this climate looked down at some books, and bottles on a desk as if he did not hear him. 

"Follow me Eloso." he commanded the Evusian who was clearly wearing the old style uniform that would make him sweat like a pig in the humidity. 

Exiting his office they passed a room where some True Faith Censor, and a Traveler's amulet was found. Knowing the origin was that of Vullanese he kept both items locked away incase he got a chance to speak with a Vestrisian ally. Having set up inside an abandoned palace Raxhale's fellow Alagen made nice with the Evusians while evicting the disgruntled Mezeen, and Redrin without much of a fight. Each one in a different short sleeved uniform designed for this climate stood up to salute. It appeared similar to a military office, and police station only within the walls of an older building. Various weapons were stored in the storage spaces, and three large rooms they found. He overheard an account to one of the other Colonels, and a Vestrisian Commander present. 

"....Magesar sends 439 Chief of the Scales to help in the front according to a Vestrisian unit commander, and Lybresan commander who are monitoring their end of the front..." a Secretary soldier read off the translation slip from the telegraph. 

Stepping outside of the palace they had to pass through a complex of connected villas and apartments of locals. In silence the pair of commanders brushed through the locals who either seemed pleased to see them, oblivious, or focused on their own tasks. Plenty of shaven or cropped youths smiled at them brandishing various rifles from all over the world. Some lost a few teeth, others gave them smiles with big teeth. T.M. 13s, L 34 rifles, E-7 repeating rifles, lever action, Windkisser23s, Wolf 10 shot repeaters, and various anti-personnel rifles. Raxhale thought he spotted plenty of old Evusian rifles from their war against Redrin. Some wielded anti-tank weapons as they chanted in their own language, death to the invader. Once they made it past the enthusiastic youth Raxhale, and Eloso found a way outside the city itself. Just outside they got to witness a total of 369 shell shaped houses being constructed. Digging into one of the local engineers they found out that 363 Goblin smith Rogues were drafted between cities along with carpenters, and masons. Watching the construction would take too much of their time. A Vestrisian Staff member of a General approached them with a clipboard of orders, shipments, and reinforcements coming for the entirety of the front. Whoever was in charge of this campaign on the Vestrisian's end summoned them to VUVR headquarters in the city. 

The Vestrisians used an old vineyard as a headquarters for their own large battalion stationed in Oramatra. Over a dozen city-states to station 150,000 personnel while the city-states allied with them managed to field a combined force of 256,000 modern military style personnel, and warriors. It would have been a million strong, but the constant fighting with the Gantronese left them somewhat limited. Uxane tribes who fought against the Gantronese invaders added about 650,000. One would think that would be enough, but the Gantronese came with their own supporters, and allies. Approaching the vineyard turned headquarters that was surrounded by nine or more tents, four huts, lean-tos, and some ruins turned to camouflaged depots, he spotted crates being delivered by a tank with forks. Forklifts were usually found at body shops, warehouses, large hardware stores, and loading bays at docks or train stations. Ten soldiers representing different nations guarded the several pallets of crates that were just delivered off a transport truck built for the jungles. Raxhale approached the crates of goods to get a look as the forklift rolled back to unload more goods. Getting one of the soldiers to pry it open was easy when your rank was Colonel. 

"I see your nosy asses found the 306 Prying Eyes artificer orbs brought over from ten different countries." someone caught his attention from his left flank. A tall Vestrisian Elf General with a clean shaven face, cropped hair, a part of his ear missing, the other with a hole in it, and a scar trailing from his mouth to jaw had three of his staff behind him. In combat fatigues this Elf showed some resemblance of an officer with his posture. "In my 1,219 years of life I have never seen a more nosy commanding officer." 

"Colonel Raxhale of Alagen Defense Forces." Raxhale saluted the higher rank. 

"General Maydeene Orym Kelleth, VUVR Expeditionary Forces. Both Field Marshall and Mysdran are located in Borvados. Don't worry about their whereabouts being discovered. A Zhenrai, and Forysthan are bodyguards." The Elf General saluted him in return. 

After making acquaintances with staff members of Kelleth's command Raxhale and Eloso had a cup of native juices made from crushed luxury beans, squeezed fruits from the surrounding vegetation. Mixed with shots of whiskey, cider ales meant to keep one cool in the heat. According to Kelleth a unit called the Veiled Shades unit arrived via the renegade freighter bring in 356 from the western portion of the frontlines to replace his own. Along the frontlines towards the eastern parts about 420 Coalition members getting pinned down to the earth by a group of hostile mages. Due to the mountainous terrain in the western flanks of this vas landscape the Gantronese could only send in troops from the north. According to one of Kelleth's staff 450 Efreeti sent to combat in order to counter the light flame throwers that were sent in up north. Once his second cup was consumed Raxhale left this meeting with news for his unit and Eloso's unit. Following orders from a Vestrisian did not bother him. What bothered was there were other allies involved and they were scattered all over. On the other side of the world was another continent known as Nevora who was barely doing much to aid them except the smaller nations neighboring the bigger empire sized one.  

His units of 850 Alagens, and 318 Evusians moved eastward where 224 personnel were ambushed on the road outside the perimeter of 514 Leagues of Plains up north. Coalition Commanders gave them three flak guns pulled by trucks, 4 heavy tanks, 4 light tanks, 2 amphibious assault troop vehicles, six anti-tanks, 2 half-tracks, 2 troop transports, and a single anti-infantry vehicle. Thanks to some locals they were able to play escort for a caravan towards the east. Escorting a caravan reduced the amount of marching to their destinations. Despite further expansion through the Unknown Lands they still found signs of attacks made by other tribes who managed to slip through their lines using the jungles, or swamps. Moving further towards Borvados at an eastern route they run across a unit of 390 Orc Hellraisers. Only this unit found themselves in a predicament after they engaged a unit of 330 Void Wielders from three collaborator city-states. Among the dead were Gantronese, their Gantron spawn, plenty of locals, thralls, and fellow coalition personnel. Just 312 of the Orc members were trapped in capture sphere along with some turncoats who switched sides. Among the wounded they found a pair of Gearsmith prodigy artificers who possessed the skills to free the Orcs from their sphere like prisons. The moment they were freed the Orcs were on the remaining attackers, who made up most of the wounded. Raxhale, Eloso, and their units go to witness a conviction of a Korivan mage who faked being a guide. These Orcs used to have a warband of locals fighting for them who either lay dead or left. Most of the Gantrons lay dead leaving 191 or so Gantrons to get punished after surrender. Looking up at the branches above them he noticed they were not the only ones who witnessed the conviction and punishments being thrown around. In the trees he spotted 400 or more Prickly Marmosets watching them. 

With the unit of Orcs ready to move the next day Raxhale's unit made their way towards the mountains near Borvados. For several days they cut through the paths of other city-states, tribes, clans, smaller kingdoms, who pointed the way towards some fields of 514 leagues in acres. On the way they come across some Rubble back Rhino found in the fields of Jurax or Unknown Lands. Watching them graze was peaceful as they cut through the tall yellowish grass, wheat, scattered trees, human shaped bushes. While pressing through they passed through Wahote Lands, a large group who resisted the Gantronese invasion alongside other tribes. Raxhale was certain they had a million natives on their side to face these alien invaders. Painting themselves with dark orange, blue, red symbols on skin, clothing, and weapons the Wahote made themselves distinct from other tribes with a head wrap with a tail. Appearing more Uxane in appearance some did show traits similar to Borvados, Ottante, and Zema Ilam. Meeting this tribe of nomadic lifestyle gave him a surreal feeling. Hearing about this group did fascinate him. In his mind the Uxane of Vestrisia came to mind only they wore modern clothing, and lived in their own style houses that appeared like wooden pavilion tents according to magazines and brochures. Among this particular group they found a handful of Khasungai fighters in their tall skinny hats under a turban. Some wore wrapped clothing around them. Just a long piece of fabric or something like it wrapped around their bodies to cover themselves. At first glance it appears as though are wearing a robe, or long tunic. Some decorated their wraps in claws, jewelry, brooches, Gantronese pins or medals, small daggers, or whatever they can attach to the fabric. Although they had a city closer to the coasts another city with the same name rested further inland to confuse their enemies. Observing these Khasungai he noticed their appearances matched Aleos-Jurnis slanted eyes, and the Mezeen. One of them was astride a camel, which seemed unfazed by the climate. 

Engaging in conversation the caravan leader, Tatol, spoke in Kicari language. A translator spoke to him mentioning they decided to recruit, press gang, conscripted, drafted 281 Dwarf Light Smiths to aid in producing weapons for this war against the Gantronese. More tribes were choosing to fight alongside the coalition forces next year. Yet the lizardmen, Gnolls, and other races may switch sides or fight both sides in the next couple of years. Keeping this in mind Raxhale ordered for them to press onward towards the mountains of Borvados, and Jurax. Getting closer to the end of the grasslands and towards the hills of Borvadosi mountains took a little longer than expected. Their route took them through some grizzly scenes, other villages, battle sites, destroyed Gantronese outposts, troop encampments, and abandoned settlements. One scene depicted 308 locals were caught in the crossfire in a burned town, which coalition forces fought over. Hundreds of combatants were involved just revealing how broken the frontlines were late in the second to third year of operations against the Gantronese. As this route took them north they came across scenes where coalition forces were caught in some arcane trap that needed to be dispelled. In his head he calculated 321 Dispels being used to free coalition personnel. Once they reached the mountainous borders of Borvados Raxhale noted to Eloso they likely passed ten abandoned settlements, and twenty-five or more military bases. 

Two days of rest is all they asked for as their local guides moved southward to a city called Motuh with goods to sell. He was able to get acquainted with the Borvadosi commanders, some soldiers, chiefs, and heads of clans. One notable figure was Chief Izze Nemix, a prominent figure who donned traditional Borvadosi clothing with the rings his cheek. Others included a General known as Bazzi, a Major Vikmen, female Clan Head Natoye. One soldier known as Pwame Tuzzaru wore the Vestrisian uniform under his combat fatigues of greenish color. After a few rounds of tea in small cups their command structure was arranged according to where the lost soldiers were located. His forces were given a cleaned out, prepared bastion on a few hills to call headquarters. Since Borvados was part of the VUVR they had peoples from other parts of the newly formed country. Elves from Geverine, Humans from Bisdolan, Geverine, Naaditra, Castaria, Dwarves from different mountains, and clansmen who appeared weighted down by the climate. Once they were set up Raxhale left a Major in command of half their forces while he and Eloso joined 354 shortcut seekers of Borvados move into positions along the broken front. Three days is what it took before they engaged hostile units near the frontlines with other units close by. Wearing Gantronese helmets with their fur and hide clothing and hoods pulled back. Armed with Gantronese rifles such as the Yekato Assault Rifles, Numei Katana rifles, various bolt action rifles 297 Gloom Stalkers charged their positions. Backed by 427 Lizardmen hear a Tormenting Voice that makes them look crazy, these Gloom Stalkers pressed their attacks.

"Could it get any noisier, and bloodier than this?" Raxhale asked himself as his unit returned fire on their attackers. 

Machines rattled, cracking sounds of discharging rifles rang all over them. Screams, shouts, and yelling in different languages filled the air at a patch of land where villages used to stand. He could have sworn the enemy came with more as his own units took on multiple waves that pushed their limits each time. Four hours of fighting resulted back and forth fighting. He watched several fall backwards from the shots they received from VUVR weapons. Some seemed to fall down limp, while a few stiffened up as they died. One side attacked the other then the other side counter attacked. Each side attempted to flank the other. Trading places was something that put a strain on each opponent. As more hostiles poured on to the battlefield hand-to-hand combat or close quarters erupted over rubble. Raxhale had to fight off several Lizardmen who used their claws as melee weapons. One scratched his face on the left. He had no doubt his own unit were dealt a blow to the face or limb. Stabbing a third in the neck he spotted one Gloom Stalker entering the battlefield armed with a Gantronese Nezero-64 Cannon that seemed to drag as they attempted to haul it onto the field. Taking aim with his own weapon he fired two rounds bringing the Gloom Stalker down. He paused as more of his own comrades jumped in to repel another wave that sent the hostiles packing for a temporary moment or two. More hostiles showed up bringing in at least 1100 more to be shot as the previous wave pulled back. Using what they had his own units and allies took out as many hostiles as possible. One hooded figure jumped at him armed with a pick axe. He fell back in response. One of his own shot up the hooded combatant. As it fell the hood fell back revealing it to be a Gantronese in disguise. Getting back up to regain a footing Raxhale witnessed reinforcements come to the rescue. It seemed like an annoying cliche from a book, but he knew where these forces were in the first place. One unit of 400 Hardened Berserkers raced from the northern flanks into the mass of approaching hostiles. From his left came a Captain Knight leading a unit of 306 on horseback acting as a cavalry to break the enemy. Machineguns on both sides either jammed or were broken in the fighting. 

"Send them packing my vermin so they won't come back!" A Berserker leader yelled as he smashed two hostiles into each other. Various melee weapons were used by the Berserkers whom Raxhale saw as bat shit crazy when a few more machineguns were brought up. 

In the confusion and chaos of the flanking maneuvers the enemy started to retreat forcing the newly placed machineguns to wait. Whoever led the cavalry took advantage and chased down as many hostiles as possible. It wasn't until the next morning did they get a good look at the aftermath and carnage the battle caused. Not the prettiest sight to behold, but it would have ended with their corpses decapitated or mutilated if their asses saw defeat. No one left this position for another week as they gathered or collected weapons, ammunition, helmets, loot, canteens, rations, weapon like tools, intact clothing or combat boots. Raxhale returned to base with most of his unit intact but wounded. While they were fighting Gantronese allies, and leaders Death Cultists attacked one unit of 192 Bastion Enforcers in the north on the mountains. Further away from the main Borvados borders 374 Borvadosi Canyone Lurkers are shot by some enemy who keeps hiding from them. A battalion of their 780 Summit Prowlers are sent in the mountains to hunt them down. While taking this all in Raxhale knew this campaign would require some more help. Coalition aircraft were doing what they could to take out bases, and convoys of enemy vehicles their reconnaissance planes located. However it seemed the Gantronese hosted more supporters among fellow Calornese and thralls from other worlds. Returning to his own quarters where Eloso awaited him he found a total of 618 Senate letters warning of different attacks, or court orders to oversee. While going through them with Eloso who chose to drink both discovered that 363 coalition members made a bad deal. It took more personnel away from their reliable source of forces in the regions. Inside his own mind Raxhale was certain the Gantronese were banging their own heads at the losses they suffered. 

Peeling Through the Jungle

 Rummaging through the various items Toyol could not shake the warning about the Goblin Balloon Brigade they were warned about. If they really worked for the Gantronese its unit was likely reduced. Since they engaged the VUVR and the Calornese coalition since 1841 those Goblins definitely started out with 3,000 or more. Gathering everything they could Toyol's unit returned to base a few units engaged hostile forces only to find themselves aided by the locals. Gantronese forces appeared to be dug in further inland, but still held a presence along an unevenly marked frontier in camps or outposts. Among the locals plenty of other races joined the fight against the Gantronese. Toyol's commanding officer appeared a little too nosy, and eavesdropped on a few high-ranking officers. This coalition received 306 Drow rebels to assist them towards the far western part of the front. Another group called the Gith, another humanoid race from some other plane or world of existence sent 441 rebels to join any locals against the Gantronese Empire. Still on the lookout for anything they missed Toyol's own unit found themselves inside group of clearings that appeared hand made. Taking cautious steps with Greenville, Wallace, Leethem, and Grimlock in the lead the unit kept their eyes peeled for hostiles. Next to him was a half-elf Corporal Ralowraek, held the profession of Prowler Apprentice, and Stabler before that. He kept his eyes on the trees as they proceeded with caution. A younger member of their unit some tall half-goblin known as Plizasb, a plasterer/painter who was sent over after seeking a change in his life, moved too far. Everyone screamed for him to get back in formation when ten bolts shot into him from above. 

Within the branches they spotted nearly four hundred Goblins hooked to the branches, releasing their balloon transports from the branches, or diving down to meet the Vestrisians. As a unit Toyol's fellow soldiers opened fire losing a few members, ending an attempted ambush on their battalion. Arrows, bolts, javelins, rocks rained down on the clearing hitting some Vestrisians. Hundreds of bullets shot into the tree branches above them killing 389 Goblin Balloonists. Whoever laid out this ambush was either a Gantronese planner, or a high-ranking Goblin Chief. Before the last attacking Goblin died from falling out of the trees, Toyol thought he glimpsed a black cat like creature. Whatever that creature was it looked to be the size of a horse. Knowing he was not in a position of rank Toyol shook it off. Three days passed as they made their way back to base. Back at base in the Oceanrest Var Toyol's unit did not get a chance to sort through any of what they found. Colonel Blintz ordered for them to attend some training courses or at least witness 313 recruits learn about pressure points, and practiced tactics from 74 Instructors. For the lot of them it was pretty boring. After resting for 48 hours they head out again towards the swamps near Oceanrest Var. His unit check on about 31 leagues of swamps nearby. A small amount of landmass compared to the estimated 1,761 Leagues. Heading out again to the swamps this time they found some cache of weapons just west of the small stretch of swamp near Oceanrest Var south of the 31 leagues they checked for hostiles. Forced to check the 31 leagues of swamp again Toyol's unit engage 533 Goblin Pikers, 402 Biomancy Experiments for a few hours until a friendly unit of 756 Magesar Skirmishers arrived on the scene. The very same Magesar unit who came in from the west thwarted a battalion of more than three hundred Gantronese. Toyol fired his weapon at a Biomancy experiment that looked more like an animated corpse with three arms, with animalistic claws, extra fangs, heavy set horse leg. It went down as a few more charged at him. One Knight rushed to cut them down with a machete they carried with them. Among the eight hundred members of Toyol's unit other knights, former Necromancers, Bards, martial arts adepts, rogues, archdruids, former Gladiators, assassins, mages, arcane users, ex swashbucklers, thugs, scouts, nobles, former guards, commoners, ex acolytes, champions, priests, monks, farmers, fishermen, bricklayers, and artisans who almost fainted during training at bootcamp. Most of them joined or enlisted between the ages of 17 and 38 spending one or two years of training. Some were even enlisted by their parents or guardians at the ages of 15 or 16. In order to fend off an encroaching enemy like the Nazdar and the Gantronese more personnel would be required. According to one of the Lieutenants most of the veterans and seasoned combatants fighting for the VUVR were at the frontlines of Vullan, Gontrella, Blackmel, Vimasdra, and Muskalla. 

This move against Gantronese forces allowed the various Byway couriers from the city of Tittania to move out. Several days later it turned out to be just a rumor to spread a bit more hope. Camping out further away from the swamps his unit was alone save for another unit. This one unit of 835 personnel was one of those mixed ones with Marines, Airborne, Infantry, Knights, Rangers, Spellblades. Some of them were nobles, and knights or a mix of both. Their experiences in the field overshadowed their own experiences. Another hour passed before another wave of Gantronese and their allies attacked from the jungles, and swamp areas. It became a move the Gantronese came to regret. Toyol was sent to scour the area for more hostiles or stragglers. Moving past the corpses his comrades shot the young soldier entered an abandoned encampment. Inside one of the tents he came across a Ghoul Caller Accomplice of some sorts. Seeing the Ghoul Caller Accomplice in their tattered robes wielding a shovel, and in shackles he took them prisoner. Whoever enslaved this Ghoul Caller Accomplice they removed their real named replacing it with Vabrik. Unconvinced this Vabrik knew much other than collecting corpses a Major came over to blow a hole through his head. Unsure if he should be upset or angry Toyol chose to stay quiet. 

After several skirmishes broke out over the course of a week they heard of some Mephatic Vapors being used against coalition forces. Wherever it was used the vapors took out 355 or so coalition forces. Forced to engage a hostile tribe known as the Megwith confederacy Toyol's unit and the mixed unit maned to push the front further. Everything looked the same with the trees, bushes, and branches acting like a wall they could pass through. Green, red, brown, violet leaves covered whatever hid inside the jungles. To Toyol it appeared like a broken labyrinth maze of dense jungle trees. Clearings, isolated villages, abandoned huts, outposts, camps, totems, shrines, decaying carcasses, easily startled animals, discarded weapons, broken down vehicles, old campfires, and downed aircraft added to the scenery for the past weeks of his deployment. Going through the abandoned Gantronese camps and camps of the Gantronese allies his unit discovered plenty of finds within the encampments. Within the tents, and makeshift huts Toyol's unit discovered 446 pieces of troll hide molded or turned to armor. Twenty sacks of grain, 22 barrel-canisters of fuel are gathered up. Rations, clothing, uniforms, fatigues, helmets, various weaponry, tools, duffle bags, crates of ammunition, harnesses of grenades, med kits were most of what they found. Past the encampments they run into a herd of brontodons, giant reptilian creatures with long necks, crowned heads, bulky bodies, long thick legs, strong tails. Plenty of these beasts were spotted in the jungles of this part of the world. 

Grabbing up what they could the unit paused before moving back to headquarters. Wallace placed a retractable flagpole in the ground to show they claimed this area. He pulled out a flag from under his uniform that was rolled up in a long sleeve. A green flag with a gold anchor, shield trident, star, and crown resting on a sword. Inside parallel black lines are a gold line and red line at a diagonal. It represented the Calornese Alliance that was formed between the nations fighting against the invaders. Once Wallace placed the flag on that pole, he pulled out another flag, the VUVR flag. The earlier version of the VUVR, a gold crown encircled by a moon, and laurel on a field of blue. It represented the Kingdoms, Republics, and the continent of Ottante that unified. By placing this flagpole with two flags on it his unit was conveying they controlled this region. Doing this in a clearing would only enrage the enemy and the locals. However, they had little choice than to claim this as their territory. Territory that would not be occupied for very long. Toyol overheard the plan was to push the Gantronese out, occupy the region then leave once the war was over or the area was deemed secured. Helping the Commanding Officer Wallace wasn't difficult. Just keeping the sweat out of his eyes was proving an impossible task unless he wore a bandana, or something meant to keep the sweat out his eyes. Not something complicated to find on him. Yet even that was soaked in sweat. Just the humidity of the jungle nearly took the breath away. Or was it the density of the jungle that got the best of them while they peeled through these jungles. 

Forced to move westward Toyol and his unit run into a solitary hut with a figure inside it. This hut blended in nicely with the environment. Nearly carved into the lower part of the thickest tree it was covered over with branches. Uncertain about the hut his unit moved around cautiously in a crouched position. Squinting his eyes Toyol thought he spotted more of these huts that blended in the jungle. He nudged a Lieutenant who would listen. Pointing out what he saw Toyol noticed he wasn't the only who saw that. His whole unit feel silent as they made an advance while attempting to encircle this hidden village. As silent as they were the jungle could not be kept quiet around them. Seven of his fellow soldiers moved towards the hut while everyone else kept their eyes peeled. Amidst the jungle noise of exotic birds, chirping, cawing, screeching, and some gurgling he could still hear himself breath. His ears felt as though his own nostrils were breathing right into them. All he could think about was who was watching their move. Sure they had a few other units close, but what worried him was what they could not see. Glancing around he imagined other hostiles hiding in the jungles. Two of the forward seven-man team fell to the ground on the tree roots. Darts flew from the windows, trees, and brush taking out a score of his unit. Most of the darts hit trees, the ground, roots, a few boots with little effect, bounced off helmets, dug into the wooden parts of their weapons, sleeves of uniforms, or the shoulder parts without puncturing the skin. In retaliation his unit opened fire into the hut, and the area surrounding. it. Several more darts shot back in return with half the unit facing the source letting out a spray of lead into the jungle. 

Yanking on Toyol's sleeve Leethem ordered him to move forward with a larger team. Their seven chosen lay dead, or wounded riddled with darts puncturing their limbs, and body. Four medics rushed to them as Grimlock had Greenville round up thirty-two of their battalion to check on the newly discovered settlement. With their battalion's captain in command, they moved with caution with the rest of the unit watching their backs. Checking the settlement, they discovered what the captain called Guilt Grove Stalkers, a clan of jungle elves serving the Gantronese. It was unclear how large the band really was or if there were any still around. Counting the corpses they found 327 dead Guilt Grove Stalkers in their leaf tunics, greenish skin cover, bone headdresses. Among them they discovered a Ghoul Caller Accomplice, some hooded figure in old style clothing wielding a spade meant for killing and digging. Toyol's closest colleague checked what the Ghoul Caller Accomplice looked like. Pulling back the hood they found a stitched-up face, missing eye, crooked nose, drooping left lip, dirty skin, scars, pimples, bumps, and boils all over. Whoever this Accomplice was they were wanted by the Order of Defiance over corpse stealing according one of their Lieutenants. The Order of Defiance was another faction within Vestrisia with ancient origins. Its members refuse to obey specific laws while enforcing their own. Toyol barely got to know more when he was ordered to check on a shot up hut. Inside he found what appeared to be a lab full of shattered instruments, glassware, alchemist desk, flasks, vials, spell books, trinkets, potions, vessels, retorts, alembics, and a dead conjurer leaning on the desk. This Clever Conjurer was shot while searching through an index. Leaving the area with their dead and wounded Toyol's own unit returned to base. Upon their return they received news of new allies siding with them. A warband of 344 Gnolls turned against Gantronese forces after their pups are kidnapped as leverage. Another band of 393 Goblin rebels joined their VUVR forces after chieftain or shaman are killed. 

The New Undead Huntress

 It was already mid-November and October was long finished. Halloween or All Hallows Eve was through. Winter was setting in early on their planet. Adopting the calendar from a planet called Earth or the United Nations planet suited their needs. At least now they had set dates that made sense. Behind the backs of these Earthlings his home world and kingdom adopted this genius calendar. Wandering the campus of a small college in a valley, a tall, sombre, gloomy yet handsomely strong figure walked along the area called the villages of the campus. After visiting a certain handsome prince who appeared just like him, but the shortest of the Maronites. It is a name or label given to him and those who look like himself. This handsome little rogue who lived in his own dorm room happened to be more of a Myrmidon or Warrior Servant recently became a knight. While moving around Solomon Mansley "Cain" spotted a female student at her window. Squinting his eyes he noticed something familiar about her. Studying her for a few seconds he noticed she looked exactly like a certain Maronites' wife. Sir Denson, a War Baron to a kingdom that was once a Republic had a wife who looked just like this one little student. 

Uncertain if she was related or not, he gave Denson's wife a little call. Not caring who watching even if it was that student, he rested the holocron communicator on the ground. It took a few moments, but a life-sized blue specter version of her emitted from the device. After a few minutes of conversation half of which he did not want to have about leaving students alone Solomon learned that this one was not at all related to her. Bewildered by this he left Denson's wife alone. Her family members were all 6 feet tall or something. One intimidating sight for anyone under her height. However, on the field this wife of Denson's proved to be a powerful mage who incinerated buildings.  Taking another look at where the student was Solomon saw she was not in the window. When he looked back down, he found her with the most excited expression on her face. Those wide eyes, goofball happy mouth was also bouncing with delight. The first thing he thought was did she even have a key to reenter her dorm room. Whoever this little one was she was too excited to even care about the cold air. Stumped on what to do Solomon looked side to side making his large mane hair swing a little. 

At this moment he knew he was given no choice than to interact with this one. She grabbed him by the hand and escorts him inside. Entering an all-woman's dorm in this village was not his idea. Yet to his fortune the rest were sound asleep. Babbling on with excitement this Denson's wife look alike turned around to see his face. Unable to stop himself from smiling he knew right away she met that little rogue of a knight. The excitement turned to shock and awe. Immediately assuming he was his older brother she offered him tea. Solomon could not refuse a hot beverage. Ignoring whoever else was inside the dormitory den or common room Solomon sat on a chair wondering if the rogue did something to scare her or upset her. His focus was entirely on this one who gave him her name with the what the heck at the end. Introducing himself Solomon revealed to her that the rogue knight was not a relative, but a native born on this planet with a DNA that made him a warrior. Taken aback she asked all sorts of questions. Answering one as best he could he flipped off the RA who entered the building calling her a fat cow with glasses. As he spoke with the adorable big eyes listening the wife of Denson burst into the building. Not caring at all about the rules of the planet. With the rogue knight in tow. 

His monkey like tail stuck out of a hole in his leathery trouser like greaves. Knowing the little knight Solomon knew he preferred camouflage fatigues. Plopping him on the couch he blushed at the sight of Denson's little look alike. Solomon knew he could take full advantage and heckle the dickens out of him now. Yet that would have to wait. What needed to be done now was what to do with this one look alike. Denson got her to shut up however she almost teared up. Solomon's line of work or profession dealt with the living dead, undead, reanimated corpses or all manner of stitched creations. What Denon's wife suggested was to make this little doppelganger a female vampire slayer from another world. At first he refused the offer not wanting to put her in harm's way. Then he looked to the rogue who laid back on the couch with his feet propped up. Even he wasn't sure if she should join. She snapped at him claiming something along the lines of martial arts or fencing or whatever. The little knight waved those away revealing his own combat experience when he was in the airborne of the IGC. Giving him a disgruntled look, the girl threw a pillow at him accepting whatever offer they were giving. Nodding his head Solomon agreed to accept her under his wing. As some sort of apprentice Huntress this one would be hunting down the undead or zombified creatures on a seasonal time frame. 

Going through the Jungle

 He received the two letters from his aunt, Omgada Sanin, a town herbalist-apothecary supplier. Letabi Cirzo was an upcoming herbalist and wizard among his Dark Elf community. Mainly brown, dark tan, purple or blue in skin color Dark Elves of Calorn vary in terms of their culture, and appearances. Most of them became combatants, or contractors such as Warriors, bodyguards, rogues, assassins. Others entered the profession of blacksmithing, steed breeding, herding life stock, artisanship. Some like himself and his aunt become herbalists, healers, or alchemists. A thousand or so years ago he would find himself forced into a survivalist competition or a cruel means of weeding out the weak. For his herbalist career path, he had several orders to join. One of these orders was called the Healers of the United. Based in Geverine-Ezonel borders, this order was renowned for its involvement in the medical fields when it came to provided the herbs used to create pills or other medicines. 

Hundreds of Dark Elves were in the service of Lheobethe well before their peoples fled Gaia- Ghudran- Giadra. On a VUVR amphibious transport Toyol rode with his unit. It took him three years to get over here after a horrible incident. Herbs needed to be mixed without certain ingredients. Thanks to his aunt he was out of the humiliating alchemy school of Evusia. Ten years another would take his place, which was why this herbalist wizard left to join the VUVR. On board one of the VUVR amphibious transports Letabi Cirzo rode alongside a fellow half Dark Elf Lheobethan Toyol Yogosh who was kicked out of the Creed of Piety School in Lheobethe. In the back of their amphibious transport sat another half-dark elf named Exo Mindflayers. 

Placed in a unit of 882 the trio of half Dark Elves sort felt out of place here. Mostly humans, half elves, some orcs, and half goblins crammed into the boats made up their unit. Some spoke of their days working at a Factory Coffee House, a Ketchic Creek Bakery in Naatidra, or working at some barbeque restaurant which were a new type of public place. There were jabbering about scoops of ice cream, fudge, beer with a nice meal or sloppy burger. Large Sausage in slice bread washed down with ale, or mead. One Goblin went on about stuffed fat squirrel on a spit or kebob in the country. Toyol heard someone speak of a Vagabond miscreant grab some luscious melons on some serving girl before getting kicked out. Another mentioned some zombies or undead being still being spotted in downtown of their home city. An Orc who worked in Zethra then on Malvieth told the group about two ugly guys caught suckling on some Kimono babe's tits or something. Toyol thought he heard the Orc say he smashed the two men's heads in for doing that to a patron. 

Coming up on the coastal city-state of Oceanrest Var. their boats were greeted by screaming Seahawks, gulls, winged wretches in flocks. Orders were not to shoot at the birds but to wave or swat them away. Oceanrest Var rested on a small peninsula with warded walls surrounded by a dozen other settlements with Oramatra not too far way according to the maps. Even though they could have come from Borvados by land it would take longer. Rain season arrived this month. Most of the roads of Borvados would be flooded for weeks. Travelling by the sea was preferred as other city-states were involved in their coalition. Northwest of Oceanrest Var rested the city of Oramatra. The same went for other cities such as Khasungai, Kilscar Orvain. In his mind Toyol recalled Khasunghai was not too far from Kilscar Orvain while another city called Magesar sat east of Oceanrest Var. Travelers spoke a Bronze Sable Cat statue of Oramatra. It was sent to grant prolonged life to whoever touches the statue. Getting closer to the port city's docks they spot familiar structures from their side of the world. Five Evusian style castles among the outer walls of Oceanrest Var. Constructed from the materials available in the area these castles appeared more like two circular keeps that overlapped. Like two rings put together forming the shape of the number eight. No towers to be seen just a pair of keeps with thick walls connected. Despite the size of the structures, they blended in nicely with the walls and other structures of Oceanrest Var. However, the structures of Oceanrest Var appeared far different. Among the houses of Oceanrest Var Toyol spotted three Alagen Style houses. Multifaceted homes in the shape of a large gazebo or pavilion Once they reached the docks, they were greeted by fellow Vestrisians, Alagen Soldiers, Soldiers of Nahem, and Lybresan. One by one they climbed off the boat and onto the docks. Half the docks were made from wood while others were made from smoothed out stones in the sand bed or the large slabs that did not break when moved.

In various style fatigues of either green, tan, brown, or a mixture of the colors the coalition soldiers could be identified as Orcs, Goblins, Half-Elves, Half-Orcs, Humans, Forsythans, and some tame Gnolls stood among them. Most of them were armed with T.M. 13 bolt-action rifles, an early version of the E gas powered rifle, plenty of the E-7 repeat rifles, and the Carbines. It seemed strange for there to be no submachine guns in sight. Did they already lose them in the jungles of the Unknown Lands? As he stepped forward with his unit something moved in the waters. His gaze turned to the right to see some crocodile lurking underneath the docks. Lheobethe hosted plenty of these reptilian predators that only waited for their meal with patience. While growing up in Lheobethe in a Dark Elf refugee town Toyol knew of a nest of 433 crocodiles in one of the rivers. Here in the Unknown Lands, he would likely encounter more than 16,000 Lurking crocodiles. Toyol hoped he would sleep in a bunk high enough to avoid an encounter at night. One of the Half-Elves caught their attention. Colonel Xan Grimlock stood at 6 feet tall with broad shoulders, strong arms, powerful legs, pecks. In his uniform he appeared very intimidating. 

"Gantronese forces are still lurking in the areas north of our positions. Over a dozen cities chose to side with us. It is not clear how long they will be allies with us." Grimlock quickly addressed the newly arrived units. 

"That idea can also be applied to the tribes." one of the humans chimed in for the Colonel. 

"Thank you Major Clearague. Currently our coalition forces stationed 150,000-200,000. It is almost nothing compared to the Gantronese forces present. Other than Major Clearague these are Major Hortwith, Major Wallace, Captain Greenville, Captain Lethem, Captain Sir Klaus Steffan of Buhurt town. Before we send you into the jungle after a few days of rest the other settlements around Oceanrest Var are Dapesh, Urada, Shenmari, the others I cannot name at the moment. Let's settle you fuckers in for the night. Follow suit." Colonel Grimlock briefly filled in the new arrivals. 

Toyol and his unit followed the commanding officers further into the exterior boundaries of Oceanrest Var. Exhausted from their journey his unit appeared oblivious to their surroundings. In a mass herd of 882 newly arrived soldiers Toyol's unit was joining a force of 2,314 coalition personnel already present. Today they arrived with a force of 1,450 personnel who returned. Among their coalition they had others among their ranks. One large company of 348 volunteers from exiled Kilscar Orvain, Oramatra, Magesar, Oceanrest Var in dyed fatigues. Passing through Oceanrest Var his unit went around the markets through a few streets of mudbrick complexes, shell shaped homes, and workshops. Toyol never got a good look at the people as he was pushed to follow the rest. For four days their unit rested before moving out on patrol. Everything seemed normal until they reached what the Oceanrest Var peoples called their borders and outskirts. Marked by border poles connected by crisscrossing chain links, jagged smoothed sticks forming a face or symbol Oceanrest Var's boundaries had some Gantronese helmets on pikes or spears. 

In a smaller unit of 34 Toyol's larger unit split up to scout the area. Although their forces pushed the Gantronese away from the main city-states' borders bands of collaborators still prowled the area. Towards the middle of the patrol they found a unit of 441 armed warriors committed to honoring the fight against the Gantronese give chase to a unit of Goblins. Using the weapons the VUVR and Coalition gave them these warriors chase away 392 tunnelers who came from Kilscar Orvain's region. A long stretch from here, but that only meant collaborators still operated behind their lines. One of the veteran soldiers who returned with them, Sergeant Haizhe, told them the collaborators would often slip through their lines at night, or overrun positions held by volunteers. Although they did not go through the way they came their guides took through a checkpoint manned by a team of six warriors, and four coalition soldiers. For a few days they moved towards the front lines, which were not exactly well defined or marked in the Unknown Lands. According to Grimlock, Clearague, and their assigned commanding officer, a half-orc known as Colonel Blintz, their unit set out. With orders to prowl the area, collect any weapons, gear, equipment, ammunition on the ground from previous fights. Mainly jungle foliage, some unkept roads, marked tribal areas, abandoned outposts, villages with mixed allegiances, and neutral attitude. One of the villagers warned them of a Goblin Brigade in the area that works for the Gantronese. While searching for weapons, gear, equipment, and ammunition they found most of it were taken by the local tribes. Leaving them corpses, torn uniforms, helmets, used up magazines, straps, tin cans of rations, badges, banner poles, spades, utensils, dog tags, first aid kits, carabiners, broken rifles, canteens in various conditions, torn bandoliers these tribes took all the good stuff. Toyol realized going through these jungles and swamps would take some time in the year 1843. It would not belong before they entered the year of 1844. 

Zhenrai Flag

 

More than one order of Zhenrai exist on the planet known as Calorn. Warriors, Monks, Healers, Monster Hunters, Knights, Mediators, etc. the Zhenrai are a group who are able to summon powers from the spirits of ancestors or fallen warriors. Some orders focus on other professions or powers. 

Something else is born

 In August a woman who was either nine months or ten months pregnant had to get a baby out earlier than planned. Originally it was planned to be delivered some time in November. Something else was happening with the unborn baby at the time. Doctors checked what it was but could not really label it. Well, it was mostly put down as a buildup of bacteria that could kill both mother and child. Moving as cautiously and quickly the surgeons and doctors performed a C-Section to get the baby out. When the procedure was done, they discovered something else. This newborn out of a c-section was born with what appeared to be a monkey's tail. Knowing how having a tail would affect the infant's life the surgeons had the tail removed and sealed in a bag for concealment. Was this some heritage the family did not know about that suddenly emerged after thousands of years. Something was not right, but the doctors did what they could to keep the infant alive. For a child to be born with a tail meant something else was in its DNA. No one could place a finger on it. It was on the 11th of August 1989 the baby was born. It was not determined whether the child could live past a few months. While standing on the roof of the hospital built for these complex people he could not wonder if this child would be able to fight alongside his real people. 

Mockshah and Myrsanne

As he sat there with his female drinking companion at the Adventurer's Tavern, drinking commenced. Both drink one beer and the audience cheered. A second beer for both receives a second round of cheers followed by applauses. Beer number three results in cheers, applause, a few coins tossed or placed on the table. Their Fourth Beer saw more applause, cheers, coins, finer mugs to drink from. Drink number five turned into a spectacle as they drank from bigger mugs. It was not long before the pair of them were carried outside in the finest armchairs. Right outside the pair of them drank their sixth beer in larger mugs. One would believe that it would be from small keg sized mugs full of beer. Two wooden chests were placed on the flanks of the tables. Each filled up with coins, trinkets, and jewels. Some fine-looking women were sent to join them despite someone not receiving a date that very week. It hopefully would be for this very night and not a decade of their lives. As pretty as they were it would not be necessary to push them to look good for the pair of drinkers in competition. 

Once drink number seven came along the pair of them looked at each other with zeal in their eyes. All around them the crowd egged them on along with cheering. Some chanted their names as they went to the eighth drink of the night. Mockshah only allowed one of them beauties to stand next to him looking fine and desirable while improving his image for some reason. He viewed it was unnecessary and took away someone else's chance. Two other women in the audience could have stood by him for free or a lower price. While chugging his eighth beer he could not help but wonder if the opponent knew of how many hearts, they destroyed tonight their greed over the number of women standing by them. Not bothering to count the number of women Mockshah grabbed his ninth beer then proceeded to outdrink his opponent. Yes, he was getting drunk, but his victory was in sight. Her hands and eyes could not help themselves. Round number ten came up. His adversary was not ready this time. She swayed a few times, nearly passing out then jolting back up before she slammed her head on the table spilling the contents of drink number ten. Victorious this very night Mockshah forced each pretty face to find a lonely lad or man with no companion. If they did not, he would toss their ass into a chest and drown them. Staggering to get up Mockshah slowly made his way through the audience to find a dark-skinned woman who appeared dark brown in skin town. Black curly, flowing hair, red robed outfit fine features, and curves, a dark elf assassin named Mel waited for her victor. 

What can they do?

 Half of the Vullanese Islands just fell to the VUVR who appeared to be taking their sweet time. When Izvar, and Mothgar fell he knew it was pretty much over. Even though other countries joined the fight alongside the Vullanese Islands it was still a losing situation. Only Vimasdra appeared to push the Vestrisians back a few times. In 1842 the Vestrisians sunk most of Vullan's, and Gontrella's fleets just to pave the way for other points of their invasion plans. Thinking of all the islands they lost to the Vestrisians already gave him a headache. Outside his own villa like mansion, he watched from the interior perimeter of Thestlestand as some fifty Ogre-Dwarves run into a necromancer and their six cloaked undead. Infighting would only make the Vestrisian's invasion seem more like a cake walk. The amount of fighting it took to seize Mothgar, Izvar and other islands took a good chunk of needed forces. In his mind he doubted the Nazdar or Gantronese would even care to send forces to help them unless they became part of their empires. While seated in his chair he watched the argument between necromancer and leading Ogre turn into raised fists and threats. Clearly over the dire geese, and dire cows of Lasnile the confrontation needed to end quickly. Yet he was just a Tetarq mercenary sent over by the Nazdar. A reptilian shrew like humanoid, Contractor Brigadier Treqni Qul, arrived to Lasnile island along with a unit of mercenaries, and contractors. A unit of 394 mercenaries were sent along with 660 Nazdar soldiers, and 800 Grevaskii. They brought 19 heavy tanks, 251 combat vehicles, 8 large troop transports. Under the command of Seer-Colonel Lasdan, Chief Reaper Icash, the Nazdar and Grevaskii also brought over 93 cat folk fighters the Nazdar sent, one handsome pirate named Shelton. Shelton arrived with a crew of 114 pirates, a few triple cannons, extra sail mast for speed, his own banners, arsenal full of katana, rifles, ammunition, 12 wild monsters. They released Shelton's monsters after Vestrisians on an island close to Lasnile. These Vullanese had their own monsters, 392 monsters and spawn attacked advancing VUVR forces on that island. 

Lasnile was one of the last islands Vullan still held. To hold it their allies did send extra forces to bolster Lasnile's gathered forces. From twenty-eight different states a force of 3,655 Knights/Squires arrived. Gantronese Imperial Seers sent over 251 Oni-Slave warriors along with 700 Gantronese thrall or retainer samurai. In terms of privateers, or raiders, 280 Riphook raiders of Monteiro Isle near Vidothra, 840 pirates were hired to help a force of 360,000 Vullanese-Lasnile defenders. That included the humans, half-breeds, Ogres, Orcs, Goblins, non-humans, Gnolls, and heftier species able to fight. Everyone else were ordered to evacuate the islands of Lasnile. It was a large force to hold Lasnile, but it was doubted to hold up against the Vestrisians for very long. Islands between Lasnile, Mothgar, and Izvar either fell or capitulated. It would have made Lasnile's defensive forces number 400,000. Such losses could not be tolerated. 

Someone had to be on trial over the loses. In the middle of a courtroom in a more trapezoid shape he is watching a single female mage among a dozen others force themselves to step up. Nine high officials of the Vullanese courts sat behind a tall wide podium. Behind them sat the Maester of this island whose name he completely forgot. A female mage rested on her knees in shackles wearing a humiliating garment of some ugly color he cannot describe. According to a Knight who stood next to him it would usually be a tattered brown bag dress. This female mage had shortened brown hair with one white streak running along the left side of her head. She did not appear curvy, but plain except the lower parts showing how much she spent exercising. At first glance one would mistake her for a teenaged male. In moments their hearing-interrogation began with the main judge speaking. Her name was Vendell of Izvar. 

"None of us wanted to fight the Vestrisians. Mages, sorcerers, wizards, arcane users, were forced into combat roles. What we did was stall them for months on Mothgar. Paralyzing spells, sickness spells, illusion, conjuring were all used against them. We never wanted to kill!" Vendell of Izvar gave her account on Mothgar to Maesters. 

"How is it that you and other mages and arcane users are still alive?" the Maester demanded. His pear-shaped face had a thick chin that made him resemble a toad with long white hair. 

"We fled from the scene using teleportation after each engagement. Yes, it became cat a mouse chases." She answered. 

"So, you left every settlement on Mothgar and Izvar to fall into enemy hands." the Maestar proclaimed in an accusing voice. Yet his voice held a more authoritative tone with a slight gargle. 

"If you mean to accuse us of abandoning our posts, go ahead. This war is lost. Vestrisian Forces have already taken half of Vullanese forces. We can only fail intentionally and let the Vestrisians win." Vendell rebuked. 

"For failing to kill or hold the settlement You as a member shall be either beaten, tortured, skinned, burned, malnourished, mutilated, or violated." The Courts were not done with her. This was a hearing, so they had access to witnesses or proceeded to bring in loyal commanding officers or those of higher status. Getting bored of this he slipped out of the building. Whatever that was in terms of a trial or hearing it did not involve him. After all these were not his people, not his species. Yet it was his job to be here to defend or oversee the situation in Lasnile. What he was not going to tell these Vullanese was that his Nazdar employers planned to annex whatever the Vestrisians did not take over. Surely the Vestrisians just wanted a certain part of these islands, didn't they? Lasnile's defenses consisted of plenty of personnel, a mixture of anti-aircraft, several hundred tanks, various vehicles, a mishmash of aircraft, a shrinking navy, military constructs, and artillery. Treqni found himself heading to a tavern where he shared a drink with a single Woadi who mentioned a bar on an island within a lagoon. This Woadi went into battle lightly armored and lightly equipped. While at the tavern within their own booth they discussed the defenses for Lasnile. 

For militia Lasnile rallied 56,700 locals to be armed. That also included 330 Dungeoneers both veteran and active under the command of a Champion known as Giacibino the Bishop. Palace Sentinels all over Lasnile numbered about 2,388. Only 156 Gate Wardens were available for defense. As for mages or arcane users 278 lancer sorcerers, 297 Mages are pressed into service. In terms of infantry or military personnel he made attempts to praise 26,580 Vullanese Soldiers, 50,000 reservists, 1,363 Vidothran-Nymres troopers, 1,638 available veterans, 32,783 armed Cultists, 1,800 pilots, 41,800 artillery/anti-air crews, 10, 100 sailors, but it seemed doomed. Checking some other records, he kept in a log he noted more. A total of 574 Line Foot soldiers of fort Cristinne at the eastern edge. One brigade of six thousand Cathar Soldiers, another brigade of 6,000 Sergeant at Arms awaiting orders. From the fronts 284 scouts returned to mention the VUVR began other invasions across Vullan. In terms of movement a whole company of 331 useful Rogues already left after they were rounded up to remove relics. Plenty were pressed into service. More than 740 thieves pressed into service, 350 Market Guard constructs commandeered, 671 members of a Doomed Dissenters, and Travellers were forced in. Over 300 Monks were drugged into joining while 186 were forced to convert.  More than 320 artificers were pressed to create more military constructs. He pointed out the 330 or so tanks that looked like turtles would provide 1,650 available bodies. For a cavalry just 4,000 Cabal Paladin Knights. To create more cavalry, they rounded up 450 Camels and as many horses. The rest of the defenders for Lasnile were made up of city-guards, sheriffs, constables, and enforcers. Among these enforcers 329 Syndicates were given authority to run the capitol's streets. 

Realizing most of the island had to evacuate he noticed Lasnile had to send away plenty of useful skilled hands. Some three hundred two Weavers and their staff leave along with the workers, 393 Gremlin Goblins are moved around between the remaining islands. Vullan's Spikewheel Acrobats could only send 377. Many of these would be soldiers found themselves caught off by the Vestrisians in the field. He realized he would be forced to fight since he was a mercenary the Nazdar sent over. Accepting this fate he found himself going to the ports in the northern parts of the island. When he saw at least over 230 eels be caught for dinner his ears picked up the Vestrisians began their invasion. Starting to feel a sense of dread he looked up at the skies waiting for the air bombardment to start. Noticing it was not going to happen the Tet'arq raced to the frontlines in a cloak with a unit of 228 rallied Vullanese. Some high and mighty bloke called Koth Belledin the Hammer led this charge to meet the Vestrisians at a settlement called Oldreef. There two units of Vestrisians made their landing. One unit of 460 Vestrisian Horizon Seekers who climbed the cliffs. A second unit of 408 VUVR Mage Hunters. Koth had some tricks under his sleeve. Treqni witness some 200 Vullanese weapons receive a weapons surge. Unsure if this was going to prevail, he attempted to stop Koth who needed to wait for reinforcements. 

All gung-ho to push the first Vestrisians off Lasnile's soil Koth proceeded with this assault. The human kicked the alien mercenary away. All he could do was just watch the two hundred Vullanese become cannon fodder to machineguns. Upon hearing this news 1,032 Vullanese believe it was time to give up and sauntered over to the Vestrisians. As prisoners or turncoats no one could say. Yet it upset the Vullanese commanders who released 402 captured Lizard Threshers and set loose 447 raptor like creatures. It could not have been executed at a time when more Vestrisians were arriving near Predator's Bay in southeastern Lasnile. Several days later they see it only delayed the Vestrisians encouraging the Vullanese to send 335 of their Bomber Corps fanatics who only get mowed down unless they attacked at night. Behind them Dark Blade Agents saw 400 of their own sent to the front. As the Vestrisians landed more troops they learned the Dark Blade Agents chose to side with the Vestrisians. A few more days later the Vestrisians then choose to bomb their positions with a thousand aircraft in each wave that was met by Lasnile's pilots. Most of the pilots became prisoners, badly wounded, or went missing. Very few wound up dead or returned intact. Each of Vullan's special units, companies, or battalions attempted to push the Vestrisians out. Not many came back alive as each week saw another settlement fall to the Vestrisians. Nazdar forces did make bombing runs on Vestrisian positions, but those only slowed their advances. 

While on patrol with fellow Tet'arqs Treqni discovered a network of caves and tunnels leading to the underground. Inside those caverns beneath Lasnile's largest city a meeting of rebels was unveiled to disgruntled Vullanese defenders. While hiding he learned of when their next meeting was while their own artillery pounded Vestrisian positions well into the night. A good waste of ammunition unless they hit a target. Returning to his own quarters he warned the new Maester of a rebellion in the works by 266 rebels who were exiled. He kept this information to himself for a week until he was able to gather enough information. Lasnile's Maester ordered for 250 Death Cultists to cleanse the island of these traitors. Another 250 were sent to the front along with the thousands already starting to make some progress against the Vestrisians. Leading a few counter attacks and raids the Tetarq mercenary managed to liberate parts of the north. Thanks to the mages and constructs working with mercenaries Vullan saw most Vestrisians cleared off the island. Yet it only pushed the Vestrisians to use bombing runs and something else. A small band of warriors armed with swords entered the field. According the terrified Vullanese those warriors were called Zhenrai Knights. Descendants of an ancient warrior race these Zhenrai could summon certain warrior spirits or powers to make them powerful on the battlefield. Treqni witnessed one of these summon spirits out of thin air. Some would assume these were necromancers, except the spirits entered their body. Unsure if the Zhenrai could be taken down with a rifle or machinegun he had his own refrain just to observe. What happened next was horror. One lone Zhenrai made a bloody mess of a company of Vullanese defenders who screamed as their fates met a bloody end. He could only describe it as a blood fest. No one among the Vullanese entrenched unit survived. Treqni checked the very next morning to find decapitated bodies, entrails everywhere, and the barracks ruined. He could only ask himself. What could they do? 

More than Just a Taste: Another Gantronese Story

 Galaia fell in a rather nice bloodbath yet according to Echo Tribune holograms victory came at a cost. Ghudran, Galaia, and Giadra put up resistance against Imperial Gantronese forces. Dark Elves, Uxane, Gelru peoples, a few other races fought against their invading forces. Several submissive kingdoms, 48 other tribes from conquered territories aided their Gantronese forces. This was around the same time Gantronese forces engaged stubborn forces in Zekmar. Mulzan bent down to their will, offering its entire kingdom to the Gantronese Empire. Other kingdoms or city-states either fell quickly or became absorbed through submissive annexation. Along the borders of Mulzan, and the annexed parts of Zekmar a force was gathering. 

His very own army was assembling before his very eyes. Ten years ago, he would be the one gathering for another warlord or leader. A pair of independent contracting combat ready figures stood at his side. A single warlock of the "multiverse" known as Havbir Crucvecc. One contractor assassin who called herself Dualwield7. Her real name was Jadaem Masmafta of Rhes Tarim. Both were allowed under his command along with others as a start of his commanding army. Thirteen gunslingers from different nations under the leadership of Mesward, a half-goblin, joined his army. Sceo was more of a rank for any submissive races who sided with the Gantronese. Seventeen renegade Uxane slave owners signed or swore into his army dragging along twenty-three Awokanaks (slaves). Leading this group was Alose Folwark, a half Orc, half Orc half Uxane and her hunch back thrall named Girth. A solo pirate who once sailed aboard an Affite sky ship run by arcane electricity. Others made up the start of his own army. 

Consolidating their power wasn't difficult. Many of the humanoids here saw them as gods. From Koriv to the ends of Hadoras, Novad, Amkha, Zekmar, Giadra, Ghudran, and Galaia their empire spread. As a Gantronese lesser Daimyo, Enemeto Virax acquired more of these humanoids for an army. One platoon of 32 corrupted Elves belonging to a city-state called Lucere on the borders of Mulzan and the mountains. These corrupt beings brought twelve Ghouls on chain leashes. From the subterranean cities under Rhes Tarim hills, he received seventy-five Troglodytes armed with javelins and muskets. Half-Goblins of Novad, and Hadoras sent 304 of their own warriors, pile drivers, and chain twirlers. With these Goblins came 57 Gnomes held prisoners meant for fodder. Regions south of Mulzan hosted a variety of tribes, clans, city-states, nomads, enclaves, kingdoms, and monsters. Eighty-seven Lizard folk, 91 Orcs, 281 Mulzan Mage Ring Bullies, 788 Valley Dasher Cavalry from Koriv, Vorcadam, Gora Via Talus joined his army. In his mind he knew these were mostly sent or forced to join his army. 

Enomoto did not see much need to equip them. His superiors gave him a small force of 46 elite Gantronese, 400 kinetic carbine troopers to aid him. All these inferior beings came with their own weaponry and sets of armor. Rifle from different eras, axes, Kaft Spears, scimitars, Katana, halberd staffs, war scythes, javelins, cudgels, maces, war hammers, lances, bows, and cross bows. He noted other weapons and styles of armor before starting their expedition. It was technically an invasion, yet it was just him probing the area. A series of invasions would follow after his first expedition into the Unknown Lands. It had more to do with curiosity about these regions. Flanked by two large mountain ranges Jurax was to be home to many tribes, cultures, kingdoms, and city-states. Through the months of the 48 Uxane tribes they learned its name Jurax. Virax calculated 32,498 Uxane warriors who became retainers to serve the Gantronese Empire. Among the Dark Elves who submitted 12,156 chose to become thralls. From the underworlds of Mulzan's south they erected a base for 2,000 Guine-Chai Ogre underworld officers. None of those Dark Elves, Uxane, or Ogres would be under his command. His own empire was still at war with the Nazdar Empire. It required most of their forces. An expedition of 1,807 pressed deeper into Jurax lands. Meeting limited or no resistance Daimyo Virax annexed most of the foothills and grasslands. Thanks to the generosity of his superiors Virax received transportation vehicles. Hovercraft for land operations helped in his expedition. Even though they could scout the area using aircraft or reconnaissance machines, it seemed proper to do this. Most of the fields south of Mulzan territories remained unclaimed at the moment. Most of these Jurax groups barely possessed any vehicles to fight with. Just as he was about to begin, he received word there were more groups moving to explore the area. 

Virax and three others were chosen to fix the unclaimed regions. The other two raced for the Sarcagos Mountain rangers, a mountain range that jutted from the ones that trailed down from Mulzan's southwestern borders to the south. High Colonel Tunshi commanded 1,800 Gantronese warriors, soldiers, and retainers among Gantronese, Gantronese Spawn, and submissive non-Gantronese humanoids. Grand General Yangmo Buukai commanded a total of 16,000 Gantronese warriors, soldiers, and Gantron-spawn. With these two racing for the Sarcagos Mountains he saw an open door. Moving towards the east Virax came across some interesting nomadic factions. Calling themselves the Urada, Icashi, and the Dapesh, these nomadic groups provided 5,900 and more mounted warriors. Virax saw these nomadic groups as useful to expedition. Over a month passed with his efforts seeing mixed results. Over thirty-five tribes, cities, and kingdoms either submitted, or fell to his expedition. His army was reduced, but thanks to some reinforcements he was able to stabilize their gains. One independent village had a scorpion temple which he ordered destroyed in order forcefully subdue the village. As he moved deeper with the Sarcagos Mountains to the west, and the larger mountain ranges he came across a mix of terrains. Savanna, or fields of grass dotted by patches of jungle stretched from the southern tips of the Sarcagos Mountains to the Galacho Zoxo mountain ranges. While he camped out with his expedition forces Virax received reports about a Dwarf Kingdom offering 2,000 large pieces of iron ore. The discovery of a metal ore called Rhowhian that was the same as their own metal used for vehicles. It was actually orange-gold in appearance. Sending some scouts ahead of them astride cat like mountains Virax received reports of vast amounts of jungle going on for leagues. There was also some hint of ruins, swamps, larger reptilian beasts, Gnoll tribes, Lizard folk, and some murderous plant they would need to avoid. 

None of these convinced him to stop. Determination filled his veins as his blood boiled inside. Some obstacles he could subdue or swat out of his way. His expedition army did increase as the time progressed into three months. Gantronese flags would one day fly over every settlement once they consolidated their power this vast Jurax region. He had numerous ways to do this. What did not help was that his empire was still at war with the Nazdar Empire to the north and west. One of the ships, a smaller beetle shaped craft came to his location with a company of non-Gantrons, another small company of Gantronese Spawn, ammunition, extra weapons, and rations. The rest arrived with needed vehicles, willing Koriv Cavalry to man outposts. One of the beetle shaped ships came with large stowaway insects, which caused some damage, and fourteen deaths. Furious he sent one of the pilots back without a hand. It took another week before they found another settlement larger than a village. It was here where they started to face some resistance from Uxane tribes to the west. All it did was give this Gantronese a bitter taste in his mouth. 

Ten years later most of the Unknown Lands of Jurax became part of the Gantronese Empire. Yet they were met with resistance from city-states, Uxane tribes, VUVR forces, and their allies. Their wars with the Nazdar came to an end a few years before their empire came to the borders of a kingdom called Borvados. Having those wars end allowed them to move 1.1 million extra Gantronese to the regions called Jurax, to Zekmar, and other borders being threatened. While inside of the constructed castles meant for the Gantronese rulers he received some reports of the usual engagements. One of his subordinates mentioned some Black Dragon lurking in the vast marshes along with various other creatures. Plenty of Gnoll tribes, Lizard folk, Troglodytes, a few city-states, other aliens joined their invasion. It now became an occupation force that was being threatened by the VUVR, and their allied coalition. He knew the Dragon would take out a unit of Gantronese if they were inside its lair or territory. Virax ordered for them to either take care of that or leave it alone. Over a communications line in form of a phone Virax heard of something else. 

"My lord, there is this ship that is identical to one of ours." the subordinate mentioned. 

"What does it look like, Sceo?" He asked addressing the subordinated according to their rank. 

"A headless beetle of metal made from our own affite minerals. It appears to be a shipwreck in the jungles that was transformed into a house or something." the Sceo answered him. 

"Secure that ship. What is its condition?" Virax demanded hearing static come and go. 

"Overgrown, but we are not sure if someone is still living inside it." the Sceo responded. 

"Then shoot any nosy rats, sceo!" Virax hung up the phone piece then rubbed his forehead out of frustration. The Gantronese hold over the lands of Jurax could become limited unless some measures were taken. 

Hairy Boulder

 Denmark fell within weeks while Norway followed after. For the fatherland, for Adolf Hitler he fought to enrich Germany once again. In 1940 his comrades in the Wehrmacht achieved victory after victory against the Imperialist British Forces. Einrich Tannen and his unit drove out of Oslo, Norway. As the usual routine after seizing control over a territory the military patrolled the maintained roads. There were times they found old trails they were forced to traverse by foot. One time they had to camp out in order to scout a trail which they marked down with a sign using German and Norwegian warning signs. This time they drive straight for Mount Galdhoppigen. It took them time to drive over there, but it was worth it. In their Maultier half-track they made it to the base of Galdhoppigen. It was already the year 1941 at this moment. Most of Europe were under the banners of the Swastika. His squad leader did not see it was necessary to harass the locals so much. Yes they occupied their lands, but he saw them more as Germanic brethren. More Aryan alongside the Germans. Nine men in a squad included himself, Willi, Max, Nicolas, Eric, Paul, Kilian, Leo, and their leader Pascal got out to check out the base of this mountain. 

Looking up at this mountain Einrich felt an ominous suspicion rise inside of him. Though he felt more awe than fear at the sight of the highest mountain in northern Europe. Taking one step further towards the base of the mountains he spotted a large mass of moss on a boulder covered in melting snow. It looked more like a thick layer of trauerweide which collapsed in on itself. The way that tree stood made it obvious this was no tree. Curious he approached it a little further to check out this large hunk of moss with strands of long hair. Upon approaching it he caught whiff of a bad odor that entered his nostrils. Backing away he attempted not to wrench out his stomach empty. The wind blew a little steering the stench away from his nostrils. He received the sense of relief until he straightened himself. His comrades stood in a semicircle gawping in his direction. One of them gestured for him to rush their way. Einrich gave him a puzzled look then turned around. Behind this moss engulfed boulder stood three large stone like creatures covered in hair. One of them had two heads, another had a big nose. The third was hunched over the boulder tugging at an arm that appeared from the boulder. 

Did the Norwegian locals stifle a word about these creatures? Einrich blinked a few times then shook his head not sure if he wasn't just seeing this. Passing these off as just tall hairy Norwegians who did not understand orders of surrender Pascal barked at them with gusto. Nothing came out the creatures' mouths except a growl followed by a roar. Nicolas pulled out a Catholic Cross and started to pray quickly as if he was warding off evil. Whatever these creatures were these were not human? Were some Norse myths true? Einrich barely received any time to react when one of the creatures charged after Nicolas. The squad fired in response with little effect on the creature. Some of them fell back while the rest spread out. Nicolas was torn apart as the monster ripped off limbs and tore out his entrails. His head and chest were bitten off and crunched by the creature's jaws. Einrich could only hear the screams of his squad along with the deafening cracks of their weapons discharging. The beast did go down however the other two attack the squad with feral ferocity. Too scared to even comprehend part of himself fired automatically until he was out of ammunition. Seeing his squad get smashed into jelly, torn apart, and thrown like a doll Einrich made himself crawl his way to whatever he believed would be safe. As he crawled away from the base the mountain, he felt a jerk of his leg and he was up in the air only to come back down hard on the ground. 

Cydnam Border: Spell Book Obsession

 On the opposite side of the border a single sniper prepared a third shot at a group of backstabbing Vossan. His orders were clear, take out as many followers before the Nazdar arrive at the scene. Raising his head up from the scope the bald headed, scarred sniper pulled down his hood. His own race and species no longer mattered. For the past eleven life spans his body slowly healed after mutilated torture, and sustained injuries. Firs the injuries came after an accident involving a large bundle of timber that landed on him. Whoever was there declared him dead leaving his body at the hands of paramedics. To his misfortune the paramedics left him inside a corpse preparation room then put him next to the morgue of the hospital. 

While he lay on the gurney bandaged up something else came for him. A Hierophant, Research Assistant, Reverse Engineer, and some lackey saved plus captured him. An actual abduction is what he called the situation be called. He wasn't the only one, as Experiment 2013 he barely recalled his past life. About fifteen to twenty others were abducted for experiments around the same time as him. Once his wounds were healed, Experiment 2013 was done being whatever his labels were at the time. Undergoing a transformation from experiments he received his own military training. A high powered 954 sniper rifle is what he was given along with other weapons stashed away somewhere at home base. 

Taking another shot, Experiment 2013 was not alone. Experiment 1006, the gold tan rogue assassin attempted an attack on the Vossan cultists earlier. Attacking the Cydnams wasn't his concern nor the assassin's problem. His mission was going after a spell book that a Vossan witch held in her possession. Their main master, Simsus Noxim sent them to this blasted planet. Obsessed with this spell book their own master tied their own faction with the Nazdar forces here in a temporary alliance. Despite origins from the planet Pos their master possessed experiments, slaves, hired hands, guards, castles, various artifacts, warehouses full of antiques, weapons. Simsus could send an army here, but it was best to send a smaller force to avoid confrontations. In a team the two experiments arrived on this planer with others. A sentient dragon-bat called Cyborg 920, a sentient velociraptor humanoid, a reptilian and some other humanoids. Their reptilian companion was now a dismembered experiment formerly called Scales 1039. A result of an argument over the fate of two potato farmers they captured. 

Aside from this spell book Experiment 2013's team hunted down other artifacts. One large oceanic chalice style bowl, a crystal earth stone sphere stand that held strange powers. It was also known as a Spere. Another artifact was a crystal that can take out knowledge. Simsus had his sights set on other artifacts. Eager to find someone with knowledge he also hired a bachelor in history to do research. Mutant Experiment 2013 forgot his name. Since he was not here at the moment some of the team talked trash about the bachelor in history. The trash talk ended quickly whenever a rival came into the scene. Close to taking another shot Mutant 2013 thought he caught a glimpse of a brown skinned dark elf. Not the desirable curvy type most deviants he knew of pursued, or attempted buying in the underground market. This one appeared lean muscled, rather tall, black hair with white streaks in it. Yet he could not help if their scholarly friend was interested in a dark elf or brown skinned woman of desirable beauty. 

She would have been his next kill if a sense of fascination did not consume him. Whatever she was doing among the voluptuous beauty witch, known as Ometrienne the Auburn Occultist seemed suspicious. As he gazed at her something else caught his attention. Another group of alien experiments arrived on the scene at the borders.  Turning his gaze onto the next group he thought of the different rivals his Mastar Simsus had. These rivals were many, but he recalled the likes of Noeth Carl, Nobunagise, Rallal, Massonaz, Geeme the Shemale, and Xesti Murza. As these names came to mind he wondered if these rivals would come to this particular planet. Across the regions of thirty-three planets their Master searched for new test subjects for his experiments. Eppy 13, a nick name given to him by a female scientist, knew about 837 planets or moons his Master visited. It wouldn't have surprised him if Master Noxim was outlawed or banned from entering those planets. 

After crafting an army of experiments, Noxim's scientists managed to equip them with the means to survive or fight an all-out war. Each gear, equipment, tool, weapon, and piece used came from the 837 planets. Out of all these experiments just over fifty operational ones remained according to Eppy 2013. Just a team set out to retrieve this spell book that revealed some secrets to creating life. How Noxim was going to do that depended on the text, research, and availability of resources. Test subjects, or recently deceased could not be acquired easily. Using patients, or wounded whom he captured, his master created other experiments. Those were still alive and able bodied after a few more surgeries in prosthetics and wiring. His own body did not feel like his own after what Noxim did to him. His own gaze rested on this newly arrived group bearing a familiar symbol or logo. Their own logo of an eye between two spires. 

This group consisted of a mechanized lizard thing with shoulder guns with triggers, 83 Raptor lizard humanoids in full combat gear, 6 humanoid fighters, one humanoid bug of a bio experiment from a military scientist. Among them was an andromorphic cat-hound, and green skinned elf. Wondering if this group belonged to Noxim as well, Eppy ordered the Velociraptor hail them. In the Velosic language, Reptile 89 communicated through a hand radio. Experiment 2013 watched one of the Raptor humanoid pick up the communication. Most of them stopped then took cover. 

"Code coordinates 887, southeast of your position." Reptile 89 reported over the radio. His reptilian neck turned towards their direction. 

"We have company in bound. Friendlies coming over." Her voice carried over to the group. 

Eppy 2013 scanned the area using his scope and mechanical eye. Spotting seven other groups landing he prepared to defend their own group's positions. To the north he thought he spotted more movement. Yet it seemed too far away to really estimate their approach towards their location. He attempted to ignore the idea of Nazdar forces heading this way. Returning his focus back to the Vossan followers he saw more arrived. Four thousand paper backs or credits a month could not get him to fight an army. Other currencies such as Comet Rings, or Green Suns were his main income. Estimating the number of new followers in Eppy 2013 swore he counted over two hundred extra followers for the Auburn Occultist. They arrived in the thirty-three vehicles. These Vossan cultists gathered at their camp which became encircled by every vehicle they possessed. Desperate to hold off extermination or be wiped out the Vossan constructed a defensive perimeter with barricades between each vehicle. Switching his gaze to their own people Eppy 2013 witnessed their own faction heading towards them. A total of seven other groups spread out along the borders of what was once Vossan and a free state called Cydnam. 

Noeth Carl's group arrived with a Dragon humanoid wearing a three spiked helmet, an airship crewed by possibly 200, a loner freak flying another freighter carrying 267 Fomorian-Spawn, Primordial-Spawns armed equally to Nazdar Grevaskii. The next group appeared to belong to Rallal the Master who likely hired contractors for this job. Eppy recognized these contractors. One royal looking noble who was now an outcast from a palace. A mercenary group called Memore Company came with 100 personnel 20 tanks, 20 artillery pieces plus the crews. A single Tyranosaurus mutant with a spider droid as a companion. Both were armed with draconic lightning laser guns. Just one Rhino mutant with four arms, armed with six blasters in their belt, a four eyed tall burglar from a syndicate, an arch mage known as Noxone, an Orc equipped with alien armor and energy weaponry made up one small unit. Another unit of Red Tet'arqs, a reptilian shrew with fur came with a team of fourteen. The next unit consisted of seventeen Lairthos warrior-hunters. Wolf men hired from outcast colonies. Six transports freighters meant for carrying cargo, personnel, equipment, supplies, prisoners, and vehicles drifted away backwards after drop off. The last unit consisted of fourteen Playoi humanoids with the blue and stripes on the left side of their head, and other side shaven. It was the only way to identify them without the tower shields. 

Geeme the shemale arrived with a small force. Double checking the shemale's faction he noted Geeme just sent a small force to this planet. Likely to pull off a covert reconnaissance or a quick burglary, Geeme only had twenty-seven of her own being dropped off. Their ride, a triple plier shaped brig made a run for the skies.  Several aircraft chased after this one. From Noeth Carl's and Rallal's ships air fighters that went after Geeme's appeared nonstandard ones. In the shapes of beaks with folded bat wings or winged cat heads mixed with a pickaxe these fighter craft held the name of Vludauc Craft. Dependency and reliability appeared solid in the field. Yet it was a shame the Vludauci became extinct due to a forty-seven-year conflict. It was between the Nazdar, Gantronese, CSO, Order of the Beast, and three other factions spread across a section of two galaxies. Eppy 2013 studied the other rival groups that arrived in force. Geeme's small force bearing a fiery worm coiling in a spiral circle consisted of different species of various backgrounds. Three blemmies, a dark elf blade fighter, four-armed humanoid, were rat reaper, minotaur, bird humanoid doctor, a Goblinna machine gunner, crazed ogre, and fourteen cambion females. 

Nobunagise sent an army over. That would only attract attention from the Nazdar and locals. Hunkered down Eppy 2013's team welcomed their own group. Through the patches of woods, hills and brush the newly arrived Noxim forces made it. Still unnoticed by locals, their strength, they set up base. It wasn't until morning did Eppy see the borders liven up. Each rival faction set up camp in the form of a base. Some dug in, others pitched their tents. One of the most advanced factions used their own ships as a base. He could estimate a force of over nine thousand to ten thousand gathered at the borders. 

Behind him another argument started between fellow contractors. Turning around Eppy threw a rock at them. Just to get it across that they needed to knock it off Eppy went over to smack one of them. Rechecking the occultist camp he noticed their positions seemed spared. Were the other rival factions waiting for a better time to attack? Was it too early and they still needed to finish setting up camp? Was another faction on the way? Geeme's forces set up camp closest to the Cydnam borders. Bringing a small force of twenty-two of her own thugs, or lackeys. A platoon is all she could spare. It proved to be a shown flaw about her. Did she think this was going to be easy? From the Cydnam side of the border a large force of over twelve thousand infantry men, backed by a few other forces. Chances of getting that spell book looked slim. Yet the likely hood of the cultist leader being exterminated appeared high. 

Eppy watched over 12,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry, 250 tanks launch an assault that swallowed Geeme's unit. Certain the platoon was a goner Eppy turned to the other forces. Noeth Carl's forces came under bombing runs and harassment from 55 aircraft. The 268-man ground force scattered or suffered losses from the air attacks. His 200 hired sailors scrambled back to the airship under fire. Their freighter came under fire. It came down just as it started to launch back up. In an explosive inferno the freighter's debris hit the airship causing parts to catch fire. Two factions were down, or making a run for it. Whichever fighter craft attacked Geeme's ship found themselves struggling to launch from the ground. 

For some reason Eppy's heart sank as the airship's hopes of lift off faded when another bombshell hit it. A direct hit to the cockpit with the engines running sent it off course. All it could do was crash into the earth. Massonaz's forces, the Order of the Beast, Nobunagise's forces, Rallal's forces, and another remained. Four combined forces met the Cydnam forces while launching their own attack on the cultists. Only three of the factions met the Cydnam forces in the field. 

He could only describe it as a surprising betrayal. The last force to arrive called themselves the Iron Virus. Getting a better look Eppy noted a force of three thousand or so this Iron Virus sent. Believing it was best to wait for the fighting to die out, Eppy let his guard down. Watching these forces clash brought a mix of relief and dread. Massonaz and the Order of the Beast found themselves wiped out. Their forces were shrunk down to nothing. It seemed wasteful to bring a small sized force and believe in a quick mission here. Drawn into a battle meant death. Eppy was certain the Cydnam force the cultist fought earlier were more than relieved to watch this. Probably celebrating this sudden turn of events. Nobunagise's forces fared a little better as they were armored, a heavily armed. He could say the same about stragglers and smaller bands of survivors who rushed to Nobunagise. 

Eppy's own group showed signs of uneasy tension over this. Most wanted to join, others wanted to leave. Sure they can cleave or stay. Hed did not want their help at all. Nor did he seek their help. Yet did he need their help? Close to 80 % of his own group split up between those who sought to fight and those who desire to leave. Their encampment started to empty due to the issue over the battle going on. Instead of fighting over thirty-six went to fight Cydnam, thirty-three went to leave this planet. Left with two dozen of Simsus's people Eppy 2013 was put in charge of this mission. He knew heading out now was suicide. Waiting around could expose them to discovery. Fording across a river well behind them would bring their group to some woods. Doing a head count of what was left he counted twenty-six experiments and lackeys remaining. He made the twenty-seventh remaining. 

According to one of the survivors who attacked the fighting that became a massacre. One Velociraptorine named Orphun aka. SV 116 described the bloodshed as a quagmire between the rivals and Cydnam force. Very few of the combatants survived unscathed after the fighting ended. Most of the survivors lay on the ground wounded. All the vehicles were out of actions or left the scene. Rallal's forces only fielded three mercenary troopers, ten tank crew members and artillery crew members. Out of Nabunagise's retainers three cavalry warriors, 653 servants, and slaves survived. Each of them was taken into custody as a prisoner by Cydnam forces. A second wave of Cydnam troops came in. With help from the Iron Virus these Cydnam troops rounded up the wounded before leaving the battlefield attended by a platoon. Eppy checked the Occultist camp. Ometrienne's forces looked overrun. With what forces they had left aside from the deserters Eppy raced over to the Occultist camp at night. Using the night sky swallowed up by a thick cloud as cover he reached Ometrienne's camp. Most of her followers lay dead. A few jolted awake at the sound of footsteps on the ground. Eppy 2013 had no time to deal with their trauma. Approaching the Auburn Witch's main tent the experiment rummaged through the debris. He only found a box of jewels, other tomes, one different spell book that did not match the same description, and some treasured staffs. His mission ended in failure.