Idvig's Choice

 Seven months into this war with the sacrilegious nonbelievers and Vullan's forces were already losing. How did his Vullan Country think it could win? "Idvig" Tiusai  Dexion could already hear the Vestrisians marching in triumphantly even though this city rested the furthest away from Mothgar's coast. Now living in the island city of Slyrim Mothgar, Tiusai thought of the 1,402,594 Vullanese Troops, militia, defenders, mages, fanatics, cultists, conscripts, devotees who enlisted. At this point their forces did lose a considerable amount, but rose nearly 3.5 million. Knowing the Vestrisian forces, their forces would likely swell to over five million or more. Due to this conflict 1,454,098 people moved away from the borders between Vullan and Boathria. Right along the borders of Boathria and Vullan, the Vestrisians deployed at least 2, 166 tanks. Thanks to the Gontrellans, Nymresians, Vidothrans, and Vodwanians they received tanks. Over 6,900 Gumberoo Tanks, C-95 Tempest, EW-0W Lurker from Vodwania, and Vullan's S-12 Hellion deployed along the frontlines of the border islands. 

He knew Mothgar was ill prepared for this war along with the rest of Vullan. Yet they showed over confidence in victory as nations came to side with them. Gontrella rested to their north, Nymres to the west, Muskalla sat north of Gontrella, Vidothra sat next door. Nations or kingdoms such as Vodwania, Ossus, and other allies flocked to Vullan's side. Yet even with all their strength combined, the Vestrisians would still find a way to victory. Taking a good look into a sapphire ring around his neck Idvig was given a vision. Within this vision Idvig realized all the cities and settlements of Mothgar would be under one banner of a single faction. Cities such as Angel Haven, Heartbay, Glimmerland, Crystalstall, Lightpeak, Diregade, Lagoonsheer, Irontide, Flatside, Lostport, Fargell, Oldyard, Shanshire, Eaglemoot, Dinhold, Glimmercoast, Direhost, Ghostgarde, Lostward, Beachdale, Rustpoint, Stagshell, Deershift, Puremouth, Silverburgh, Stormscar,  Silentmouth, Swiftfront, Dirtgate, Mithstall, Rosford, and Dogmere would all be in one country. Yet it would not be a country that satisfied him. V.U.V.R. laws made him squirm and feel tense. No slavery, no wards, no licensed ownership of slaves, servants, or laborers of any kind. 

All non-Vullanese, young women, weaker lands, and those forced out of families would be freed of submissive servitude required by the Vullanese Teachings. This is what the vision revealed to him once the Vestrisians took over. In order to express usefulness or keep the status among Vullan's followers one must become a servant of some sort. Most choose labor, military, housework, mercantile, dock work, retail, craftsmanship, and cooking. Plenty of non-believers are forced to take the enslaved service. he knew of 75 Dark Elves would be freed from sexual slavery if they were not sold to other places. Regardless of that transferal, 230, 000 Dark Elves would be freed all over Vullan after its defeat. Idvig browsed through some drawers attempting to take his mind off losing servants or property. Having nonbelievers, or abducting nonbelievers in a false recruitment or baptism led to this very conflict. While the Vestrisians fought the Castarians, Zegravine, and Evusians, Vullanese Priests set up shop along border towns on the Boathrian side of the divided islands. All those temples they built, or buildings they converted were destroyed. Each follower involved in abduction or enslavement were killed, arrested, executed, or sent to work in Castaria's north. In Vullanese culture all family households or houlds, received one or two slaves and one servant. It did not matter how poor they were. Just one slave or servant was given to them. 

On Slyrim Isle their forces only garrisoned twenty-three thousand (23,129), and a tiny fraction of the tanks Vullan received. Their only chance of victory would come if or when the Nazdar came to their aid. Despite the trade partnership with the Nazdar Vullan had, Idvig doubted the Nazdar would consider sending a full force. Only pockets or handfuls of soldiers or volunteers came to them. Knowing Vullan's swelling population of one hundred million could allow Vullan to field a large army, he felt sick to his gut. One fifth of that population included servants, slaves, peasants, attendants, retainers, and non-believers. Sure, it could field plenty, but it would only end up being cannon fodder like it has become. Taking a look outside Idvig Tiusai the window of his catrage style office-house. Appearing more like a cartridge shaped tower, the Vullanese catrage house did not possess the full shape of a bullet. When these were first built, catrage houses were not the only style houses built on Vullanese soil. Yet that depended on which island of Vullan. Through a circular window he spotted an aircraft flanking the runway they recently constructed. 

His catrage house stood among ten other catrage houses and other buildings in Slyrim's island space. From his third story window spotted 49 Cloaker 14 prototype dive bombers flanking this runway along with some hangars, and barracks. Within his view he had a fruit stand, bakery, tailor shop, potter workshop, housing complex, former guild hall, a port tavern, tool shop, blacksmith guild, butcher shop, an inn, renovated watch tower, trade store, sign for advertising shipwright, loan shark office with a billboard holding job postings. His attention went back to the airfield made from clearing a four-lane sized path in the ground. Several structures had to be demolished in order to make certain parts of the runway. On some of the streets with identical buildings with different signs Idvig spotted 56 automobiles. Something nearly a century old now, but still stuck to similar designs and engines. His eyes went to the Cloaker 14s with the shape of a winged beast that became mechanical in appearance. If they were creatures, their heads were missing, the tails made for flight, and a beak-fang shaped cockpit in place of the head. Coated in black and gray, these Cloaker 14 were dive bombers suitable for nighttime raids or air attacks. Idvig pondered over how these aircraft would fair at night against the Vestrisian forces still pushing through Vullanese territories. His mind went to Slyrim's ruling family, the Seaspires who also shared some power over the city with the Bonnelles family. Jointly in charge of this island city the Seaspires and the Bonnelles took responsibility for Slyrim's defenses. 

A burst of laughter interrupted his thoughts followed what he thought was gone last year or so ago. A statement or set of words he wished to never hear again in his life. Idvig wasn't exactly born in Slyrim, but the familiar voice and words were just too familiar. In a high-pitched voice mixed with a deeper monotone he heard the words. I pinch my nipple nippies for you and me! They repeated that phrase multiple times receiving a roar of laughter from the same person. Oh, how he wanted to end that annoying act for ever. Something hit Idvig, an idea to get rid of them. Acting fast he descended to the floor level of his catrage house and exited it. His house wasn't too far from port and some docks. Searching for the irritating pair Idvig raced to catch them while hearing the same phrase over and over. When he found them by a bar close to the firth in the island he grinned. Ensuring everyone who heard was attempting to avoid eye contact he rushed over to the light blue shirted figure pinching his own nipples. He grabbed the fool by the throat and plunged him into the water to drown him in it. Once he squeezed enough air out of the damned fool while forcing water down his throat Idvig unsheathed a long dagger and shoved it into the other irritant's throat. 

Leaving the pair of degenerates' corpses for the authorities to clean up Idvig passed a newly constructed Janitor's Guild. Was it really necessary to have such a guild formed? All they did was clean the floors, mopping, and sweeping. Many of them did keep the floors clean in the larger buildings. He moved down the street from the scene of his own crime. In his own defense they were degenerates disturbing the public peace of mind. Slyrim's defenses could not be put on hold over some crime. Either the criminal was forced to serve in the city defense, or banished quickly. For a moment Idvig stood idle, waiting for the authorities to arrest or forcefully recruit him. No one really knew when the Vestrisians were going to attack Slyrim. It was clear most of Mothgar was falling to them. When they did not approach him Tiusai moved around the city. His original home was not Slyrim nor anywhere on Mothgar. Yasolle, Vullan was his home. Although a member island of Vullan, Yasolle was one of seven main islands that did not share a border with Boathria. Mainly inhabited by Humans, Ogres, Goblins, and other humanoids, Yasolle was known for its half-Ogre population. Tiusai barely remembered growing up as a child. Either his childhood was traumatizing, or someone erased his memories. Idvig could only recall a certain memory of a High Priestess of a new cult encircled by nude aroused Ogre Hybrids. He was young then and was allowed to watch non-believers get punished. He passed an elaborately carved stone dome house near some Heavy Coastal Gun with clear view of the sea. Only two of these Heavy Coastal Guns were mounted on the island city. Slyrim was first built as a castle fortress which covered a fifth of the island. Bastion towers, solitary towers, walls, keeps, and portcullis still standing among the expanded city offered some defense. However, the bombers of today could make these walls obsolete. For over a millennia Slyrim stood as an impregnable fortress built by an ancient figure known as Kyriakos of Athosa. It became a rebel stronghold as an independent Slyrim until Horus the Wild took it over in the name of the Boathrin Kingdom. During the civil war a religious Warrior Monk known as Horacio Garcian seized the fortress from the inside. 

Those men died a long time ago. Simmone Bonnelles, and Ezkeal Seaspires jointly governed this island. Parts of Mothgar still remained in Vullan's hands. As he studied the Heavy Gun on the stone port Igvid watched three artillery crews prepare for use in a drill. It faced the eastern part of the Valde Ocean. He could only shake his head wondering if these crewmen would even survive the fight. From what he heard about Vestrisian tactics and strategy should scare the defenders of Slyrim. According to this Yasolleen Spell-Bladesman-Monk's Agents, the Vestrisians bombarded positions for three days then stormed in. After waves of bombers followed by a bombardment of artillery or from ships a brigade pressed in. Pressure from units made from Humans, Orcs, Half-Elves, Elves, Dwarves, Zedirians, half-Orcs, Goblins, half-goblins, Elemani, Estati, and other hybrids stirred fear into the ranks. It did not matter where it happened Vullan was fighting a losing war no matter how long it lasted. He moved around a four-story building to get a good look at a few islands that Slyrim did under its jurisdiction. One island held prisoners where 10 infamous pirates could be found locked up inside. Idvig did not believe that was wise to hold prisoners like that during a threat of invasion. Guarded by a company of Gladiator Knight animated armor, the island prison would not last against a bombing or bombardment. One or two of these islands held up part of a drilling rig for Jekrese, a liquid fuel used for running engines, and vehicles. A fourth island was one meant for intercourse. 

Mothgar was not the only member island to with an island of intercourse. Some members contained a dozen, while one was side to host a hundred. Out of the seven island states Yasolle held the most. Somewhere to the west, one member island shared these islands with other nations. Walking around the city's inner districts along the fortress wall, Idvig Tiusai grew intrigued by some thoughts. Among old and new buildings that stood above his tall feature, he yearned to attend one or two of the intercourse islands. Thinking there was nowhere to hide as everyone rushed for shelter, Idvig stood idle. Fear sort of gripped him as the war arrived at Slyrim from the air. 

All the anti-aircraft installed on Slyrim opened fire from positions on the coast and cement port docks. He could have sworn Slyrim possessed forty-two on the eastern side. On the western side of Slyrim the defenders only possessed forty. All around the city lay 345 machinegun nests, and positions. In the air their enemy swarmed towards Slyrim. Up to a thousand various aircraft went after the islands of Slyrim, Mothgar. Squinting his eyes Idvig recognized the Arrowhawk500s, Classic Boy Bomber I, the Boathrin Zu 34s among other new aircraft. Vullan and twenty other states fought to break away from the Boathrin Kingdom. Yet they did not keep their end of the treaty when it came to religions on respected borders. Vullan was paying dearly for that. Their forces in Adrath, Bosantra, Eusvame, were crushed. Idvig studied the aircraft again spying another type he recognized. It was no surprise to see Zu 34s in the mix. Boathrin Kingdom produced over twenty-thousands of these Zu 34s. He could not help wondering who was flying them. Were they piloted by aging aviators seeking revenge through volunteering? 

Other aircraft were included in this mix of aircraft. The other aircraft in the mix included Nighhail1s, and 2s. While Slyrim's Flak guns, only 80 in quantity, sent their loaded shells in the laid-out path their own aircraft started launching. Nearly 320 aircraft launched from Slyrim's airbases, island base, and intentionally grounded aircraft carrier. Another wave of 429 Vullanese/ally aircraft flew from the west in support. Idvig watched another wave of aircraft come in from the southeast to meet the Vullanese aircraft. One massive dog fight ensued in the skies above the Valde Ocean. Although it appeared one sided Idvig doubted the defenders would come out on top. 

He blinked a few times watching the aircraft exchange fire while attempting to outmaneuver the other. A few pair of arms grabbed him as the surviving bombers prepared to unload on them. Whoever grabbed him had to grapple him before taking him off the street. Tiusai's protests, curses, and outbursts could not rise above the bombs dropping, machine guns firing, acting as AA guns. he could barely hear himself as he was pulled to safety. One wall tower meant for a flanking defense became a cover from the bombs. A shelter, former city-guard barracks, flank defense tower, archer's cylinder, this tower stood one test of time. Could it endure even withstand a contemporary bomb dropped by an aircraft of war? The islands ground that made Slyrim shook repeatedly from the bombs pounding the island. Gathering storm, the VUVR bombers rocked Slyrim with their payload destroying the island. Inside this tower, Tiusai Slyrim's defenders modified the interior hold the structure against bombardment. 

Impact from Vestrisian bombs shook the ground, knocking off dust and dirt off the ceiling. Reinforced with concrete, stabilizer posts, anchoring poles, sandbags, crisscrossing rebars from Gontrella, Vodwanian, Galaia added to what already held up the tower. An extra chamber was dug into the earth leading to more tunnels underground. To Idvig's left rested a treasure chest trap meant to kill any looters. According to Rhoden Nailkaiser, Seaspire chose to hire a whole gunsmith guild, alchemists, sappers, and saboteurs in setting up such traps all over the island city. Using an old-style gunpowder that was dangerous to handle called Gukrum, Slyrim's defenders laid out traps all over Slyrim's cellars. One idea that could easily backfire in Idvig's mind. 

Slyrim's population of 212,900 evacuated weeks before this event came. Idvig's position as Spell-Bladesman-Monk was ensuring the security of Bonnelles. While an observant official would point out his absence at Bonnelles' side as faltering, he was prepared for this. Ahead of time Tiusai recruited an Evusian Knight equivalent, Minotaur, and Orc Assassin Nightblade to protect Bonnelles. More bombs fell on Slyrim as Idvig made his way through the tunnels led by a guard, and soldier. Barrels, crates, chests, sacks, tin jugs, trunks, footlockers full of supplies lined the tunnel walls along with other tunnels leading to other rooms and tunnel networks. Bonnelles and Seaspires already prepared to hold this island via guerilla warfare. Idvig wasn't sure if this was their doing or under the supervision of someone else. 

Moving deeper into these tunnels the bombings lessened as the VUVR's bombing run dragged into an hour. Idvig Tiusai expected more to come since their aircraft failed to stop Vestrisians. Vestrisia towered over Vullan in terms of might, weapons, population, economy, and political power in these waters. Doubting Vullan could survive any war now Idvig and his guides passed a chamber for cooking. An obese female baker threw a half-goblin out then proceeded to beat the hybrid up. Calling the Obese baker "Obsee" Idvig's guides brushed her out the way. Finally getting to where his guides wanted to take him they arrived at a greater chamber. Likely part of a network of catacombs, underground, and tunnels to such sewers the great chamber hosted Slyrim's leadership. At a table made from doors on short barrels fourteen figures of various ranks glowered over a map. He spotted Lord Governer Seaspire, High Baron Bonnelles, Captain of Water Markells, Penman Scholar Adossu, General of Weapons Qhogros Yras with nine other officials.  Rather tall in frame with light brown hair, long hexagonal face, signs of aging, Simmone possessed a fit body for one with authority. His nose appeared hawk like with one childhood scar. Simmone's eyes appeared observant, but weighed down but strong. A green frock tailcoat jacket with golden decorative patterns covered an elegant maroon, red vest.  The vest, being double breasted, could be seen under the jacket while covering an orange cotton shirt. His trousers matched the vest in color. Shorter than Bonnelles by half a forearm Seaspires held the look of a sailor and sea monster killer. His physique matched the name with big arms, robust chest, strong legs, heavy brow, strong jaw, scarred nose, one eye missing, and a hook for a hand. On his head rested a traditional bicorne with a hint of modernizing. Seaspires wore less finer clothing than Bonnelles. A Khaki uniform worn under a studded armor vest covered an undershirt. Standing next to Bonnelles was Penman-Scholar Ardossu the wimp. A thin looking fellow with an oblong face, dark hair, cooked nose, ugly brow, bony cheeks. On the left side of his nose rested a mole, and directly above his eye sat a grotesque wart. Ardossu wore the typical scholarly suit that was an upgrade from the student uniform. 

All the commanding officers wore almost identical uniforms. Khaki tan shirt, same-colored trousers, with jerkin vests of studs, or plates in the colors of blue and orange. Each commanding officer had their uniforms decorated with their medals, rank insignia, and status. As for the guards, all of them wore the new khaki uniforms. Each had the slanted button pattern with one breast pocket, and another near the hip. The trousers were the same khaki color. Boots on their feet made from leathery material unknown to their world. Only weapons they had on them were pistols, or revolvers. Approaching the makeshift table Idvig Tiusai noticed none of the bodyguards he assembled were present. Encircling the group of officials stood thirteen guards. That did not sit well with Tiusai. Bonnelles looked up to see Tiusai approaching them. He was about to greet Tiusai's approach when one of the guards broke from his position. This one guard attacked the group from behind the Generals. Wielding a small pistol this guard opened fire on the officials revealing he was an assassin. Everyone ducked down to avoid getting hit, but that proved futile. The four shots they fired hit General Yras in the hip, and stomach, another official was hit in the ribs. 

Two guards tackled the attacker to the ground. Idvig took the opportunity while everyone else kept crouched low in fear. Snatching up a medium piece of rebar laying on the ground. As the guards pressed the assassin to the ground he pounced. Using the rebar like a spear Tiusai stabbed this assassin through the neck. Just below the skull he punctured skin, veins, and vital cords to life. Blood flowed from the holes made by the blow Idvig inflicted. In a hurry, the leaders, commanders, guards, and other staff raced down the tunnel system. Their destination was the southwestern part of Slyrim Island. Idvig's thoughts went to his residence within the city. Forced to send his servants and rented wards away he had to request some neighbors to help around. Under the impression that his catrage house was destroyed in the bombing, he joined the leaders, wounded, and families at some ruins made into a shelter. It was at these ruins the leaders sent his assigned bodyguards. They were supposed to be at your side Bonnelles you damned fool. Idvig yelled in his own head. Inside one of the bigger rooms the leaders sat in a meeting. 

"We hide out here for a couple of days or weeks even. All the Vestrisians are going after is the main city." Seaspires assumed, blindly showing his overconfidence in their position. 

"Yes, but what of the Vullanese Fleet?" a colonel pointed out to the leading duo. Bonnelles, and Seaspires ignored that. With Yras injured, and one other official taken out, command went to them. 

"Defending Izvar, and other islands. Slyrim is on its own. However, our fleets are occupying their own." One other General pointed out. 

"Not even for a month. High Priest we need comfort." the Colonel Koloner ordered. 

"Treat our guests, bring some maid servants to soothe their pain." A Vullanese High Priest of the Crucible summoned for Shrine Maidens. Idvig wished he would just shut up after their arrival. A couple of days passed before Seaspires or the leaders said anything, except for the High Priest who prattled on. During those days it rained reducing the bombings. It helped give them sleep, but hardly put a dent in Vestrisian Plans. Patrol Ships came and went. Yet their progress was limited due to the threat of sea storms brewing, and choppy waters. Seaspires' and Bonnelles' family servants, wards of the commanders, made certain "costumes" or clothing to keep their minds off war. He sat in a stone chair among the leaders when nine shrine maidens, one Zunia-Puck Bard, a renowned celebrity from the Baedur Coasts of Gaskouth Ladai entered their room. Known as Abydos of Moransa this celebrity began strumming her instrument letting the Zunia-Puck join her. As the Maidens massaged and rubbed their muscles one of them spoke aloud of the city's casualties. 

"We lost 1,287 personnel to those bombings, Hundreds of volunteers. Just about 3,336 wounded, 231 went missing, only ten went absent with out leave on us." Colonel Koloner reported to the leaders of Slyrim Isle. His reddish hair grew a little, and a stubble appeared on his face. 

"That is just our forces within the city. We have extra forces to control the rest of Slyrim." Seaspires boasted waving off the report as nothing. Was he determined to hold this island? Most of Mothgar was falling to the V.U.V.R. forces. Idvig was surprised the Vestrisians did not bother demolishing the city with the guns of their ships. Were they reclaiming territory for the Monarchy of Boathrin? He tried thinking of that, but his thoughts were disrupted by the Zunia-Puck's annoying singing. 

"With what, militia numbering 650? One large gathering of 1,380 priests? A band of 120 skirmishers, 100 untrustworthy mercenaries? The Vestrisians will have this island surrounded if they's haven't already done so!" one staff officer stood up barking at them. His bark disrupted the music and scared the shrine maidens into a corner. 

Idvig grew fed up with this. If Slyrim was to fall, then let its fall be made into a blood bath. He stormed out of the room, exited the temple. Once he was a distance away, he reached for some pendant necklaces. His hand went for a small pendant around his neck. One of three around his neck allowed him to summon allies. Just because they did not possess the vehicles to fly among the stars did not mean it was possible. Due to constant political peace treaties and the invaders, arcane users like Idvig sought fighting or adventures elsewhere. Wizards, Sorcerers, mages, arcane users in deeper study or the cosmos discovered portals to other worlds. Before the invaders planets were referred to as outer planes. As for portals, in depended on where they were or if they created one. Some created portals that allowed access to fast traveling. It took them to other places beyond Calorn including Calorn's three moons. By twisting the pendant of a star horse, he opened one portal. Using the time handed to him by fate, and weather, Idvig traveled to the three moons of Samek, Mikka, and Miburtas. He managed to gather an army. From the moon Samek Idvig recruited 452 spike armored Malign-Iron Gnomes that stood a forearm taller than Calornese Gnomes. A force of 653 halfling mercenaries from Miburtas joined along with some from different colonies. Although these halflings joined from one moon there were halfling colonies on other moons. Somehow those moon kingdoms bought off both alien invaders. One lower ranking big mouth blurted how a state on the third moon made a bad deal. Tiusai got to smack him to shut him up. His show of dominance made it clear he was in charge of this army. Upon his return to the temple, he discovered a daughter of some Crucible Cult Guild on the ground outside the temple. She showed signs of an assault made on her. Idvig wasn't sure who it was as her speech was mushy and garbled from the blows to the face. The only target he sought after was Vestrisian.