The year 1841 was approaching fast with one month left of the year 1840. Close to a year of this conflict saw their territories reduced, and islands taken. No one was certain what would happen now as some small victories fell into Vullanese hands around the same time of a bigger defeat. A good chunk of Izvari forces crumbled before the might of the Vestrisian forces. Even though the Vestrisians defeated them in the field their progress in seizing land was slowed down. Nothing was safe from being tossed into the front. Reinforcements sort of trickled in from the supporters of Vullan. At one point they managed to push them back a little. Thanks to various spells used on the Vestrisians, which did far more damage than expected, they held ground. Mogrot kept track of the spells used on the battlefield alongside Ionephus. Another figure aided them while Ionephus fed his own addiction for Cynate through intoxication by inhaling. He would be passed out in a dazed like trance whenever found. A drug addiction like this became more frequent due to this ongoing conflict. For six years his own master was addicted to it. Ionephus' increased addictions lead to Mistress Kelda Velvet-Rose being put in charge. Voluptuous in appearance she still presents herself as a proper, organized, and independent. Her own history was put under lockdown as it would encourage her to return to Vidothra. Kelda felt forced to play mother with Ionephus and the others at times. As a mage she possessed plenty of powers, which she inherited from a Mad Wizard from Vodwania. She helped the drug addiction, but not without giving harsh criticism. What got Ionephus out of this intoxicated state was some healing spell that removed the substance from the body. Mistress Velvet-Rose entered the meeting chamber with a list of spells successfully used against the Vestrisian forces. Demolish for buildings, cobble brute elemental used against ground forces and tanks. Wall of Runes meant to block halls, alleys, doorways, tunnels in the cities. Mogrot himself use demolish on a tower near a port city. Some fearful villager, shipwreck looter, Ogre Jail breaker rogue, Elvish warrior with horns, daybreak combatants, combat professor, Armory guard, mage skirmisher, soul mender, sand craft mage and rookie came out of the debris alive.
Another demolish spell was just used against a building that failed inspections, taking out a squad of Vestrisians. A mirror showing what happened depict this particular scene. He knew the spells worked, however extra forces, and defenses were still needed. Accord to a Vullanese Sergeant-At-Arms, about 515 spring-jaw traps were laid out. Toyol Sneads, a 29-year-old Izvari born with Galaian Dark Elf mixed in mumbled about setting those up. Mogrot detested him a little, this Galaian, since women like the tan skinned, bearded Sergeant-At-Arms. His eye caught a glimpse of a spring jaw trap being triggered by a Vestrisian Dwarf using a piece of metal pole. A m age skirmisher popped out of some pile of rubble casting a minimus containment on the Dwarf. They raced to the Aegis Automaton holding a tower shield. From that spot the skirmisher mage teleported themselves to one of the three Verdant Havens. Through the glass mirror Mogrot watched the automaton get destroyed by a tank round. One of the 35 engineers here, set up 325 of those in a section of Izvar Island. Ionephus held his gaze on a larger crystal ball, half the size of a globe. It showed a force of 295 Goblin Free Runners attacking Vestrisian forces in northern parts of Izvar's Primal Forest near Hex Rahn.
Under the leadership of a loyal Cathar Soldier the goblin's faced a company 267 Ex Orc Pirates fighting in the VUVR ranks. As usual Vullanese forces crumbled. Both watched the Vestrisians crush these Goblins with little casualties. In Izvari forests dwell beasts such as the Hunterbeast, three of which attacked the Orc company. These beasts tore into the ranks taking out 28 Orcs before they speared them using bayonets, and retractable. Ionephus broke a goblet b slamming it into the wall. From the flanks a unit of 172 mage skirmishers launched a defiant strike on the Orcs. Multiple types of spells flew at the Orcs just as a second unit of V.U.V.R. rushed in. Most of the Mage unit died to the gunfire. Only 26 made it out of that fight through teleporting. A mixture of small victories, and minor defeats scattered along the front was all they watched until evening.
Three days later Vullan-Izvari made another defiant strike against the Vestrisians pushing them back 1.9 leagues. Details on what happened were lost to Mogrot who was sent to the undercity of eighteen different cities. From these cities he recruited 347 scavenger Ogres to fight in Izvar. Mogrot dealth with a Key-Master Rogue hiding out. Leaving him disfigured on the face Mogrot also found a Merfolk Apothecary using wells as a way to get around. The ugly servant-mage made an attempt to recruit them, which was turned down. He returned after six days of recruiting and teleporting to find a Heavy Mattock in the hands of an Orc-Ogre returned from battle. Blood dripped from the blades of the mattock. The Ogre suffered five gunshots to the side and chest above the heart. All he could do was listen to what happened out there. He blind folded himself to avoid certain desires.
"Our forces received 271 Abzanr clan soldiers from northwest Zekmar, 347 guardian automatons, 319 creations of forbidden alchemy for the front, 162 Arolk Wielders of Guilt." A Praetor-General pointed out on a map where the forces were sent. That push alone with combined forces freed scores of settlements.
"Just a thousand extra feed to the maw of this conflict. Reports from arcane mages 337 confirmed disfigured combatants, 196 sailors taken by grip tide, 264 enemies taken out by summoned geists." Mistress Velvet-Rose rebuked a little.
"How many of those are dead?" Ionephus interjected.
"We don't know that. Our mages fled the scene." Selene replied. Another Mage of high status within their circle of command. Mogrot took a peek through his blind fold. His curiosity on who was speaking got the best of him. Her straight black hair draped over her exposed shoulders in the green armor style dress she wore.
"Once we are done in Izvar, have the surviving mages become lost in a forest labyrinth. The punishment would be death, but we received knowledge from 289 prisoners and captives. Vullan keeps receiving aid. Thanks to accumulated knowledge we know where to send extra reinforcements. Four hundred three Blast Kuruks, 280 Instant Copper coats, 273 Sorrow Knights, 214 Wandering Champions, Sentinel, 267 knights, 287 Battle Shield Horsemen, 378 Court Street Denizens, 438 Kite Sail Skirmishers will be added to reserves. Out of good faith we received inheritances of 336 deceased or unworthy heirs-" He was interrupted.
"Good, splendid we can perhaps pay for 374 contract killings. Maybe replace or repair the 357 defaced statues across Vullan's border islands. Do you mind if I also mention the 838 possible targets who suffered from Inferno Fist they cast on the Vestrisians? Also the 382 Demon's summoned to fight the V.U.V.R are keeping them busy." she disrupted him before leaving the meeting. Mogrot could hear her footfalls and clipping sounds of the shoes hitting the floor.
By the time year 1841 arrived with the springs months Izvar was a site for stalemate. At the slopes of Mount Raph's Cat Paw, danger was widespread for either force. Despite the advantage of higher ground their forces suffered losses at something else. Close to 421 perished at the hungry talons or fangs of large spiders, which included 86 Alchemists apprentices gone out to find ingredients. Spiders were not the only danger. Aside from the beasts specter shades unchecked lurked in the area. Up to 346 fell victim to the thirsting shades on both sides together. Once again Mogrot was sent out to the coastal cities. Even though the Vestrisians bombed their settlements the Vullanese barely yielded ground. He discovered more buccaneers work for neither side. A total of 413 buccaneers were captured along with Trove Trackers, 347 of their prizes, a spontaneous Artist Rogue, Scientist, incendiary, saboteur. When he returned to headquarters Mogrot found extra forces arrived. Some unit of 285 Bishop Soldiers from Lasnile, 277 militia, 397 sentinels, 372 automatons, 543 Goblin Trailblazers, 413 Rangers, and 381 Gontrellan Berserkers arrived to fight. Mogrot was certain there were more on the other islands. Yet they could not bring them all to Izvar at one time.
Promises of reinforcements came short during the second month as the Vestrisians hammered away. Since winter was ending and turning to spring. Slopes of Mount Cat Paw changed hands multiple times creating a stalemate. It became a headache for both sides. One week of a truce was settled with the slopes being neutral ground. When that week went by both sides went at it again. Ionephus lay on the couch watching the battles unfold and end with his care giver by his side. One of 312 clerics of healing sent over she looked like Mogrot's next fun time. Known as "Expedition Raptor" her real name was left unknown. Completely covered in a light blue robe with a hood, this care giver showed signs she was experimented on with forbidden alchemy before being released from the mad experiment. She healed his wounds for some hours ago. She was massaging him now. Mogrot approached their section of the chambers. It was curtained off into different sections with various colored curtains and shades. On the wall of their section was a male mage held to the wall by grasp of phantoms. Just 291 of those spell times were successfully sprung on VUVR forces. Next to this mage was a marble pedestal holding a transparent blue cube.
It floated inches above the top of the pedestal. The splendor caught his gaze and full attention. He moved to grab it when saw movement from the corner of his eye. Tearing his gaze away Mogrot spied the care giver wielding a dagger above the sleeping Ionephus. She was poised to bring some fierce retribution on his Master over something. Using arcane blast Mogrot pushed her away from Ionephus. She fell to the floor dropping the dagger. Mogrot pounced on her. He did what he normally did to those who attacked his master. Not wanting blood on his hands he slapped her several times then proceeded to ravage her as punishment. When he was finished the caregiver was tossed out, and sold to the Nazdar immediately the following day.
For the rest f 1841 Mogrot watched with his Master as this war spread across the map. Gontrella, Nymres, Argolith, Ossus, Galaia, Vidothra, Vodwania, Muskalla, Vimasdra, Ghudran and five allied city-states joined this fight. Gontrella full on joined this fight. Nyrmres began sending forces over the sea. Argolith pledged to fight alongside Vullan. Muskalla began raiding settlements along the Black Mel Mountains. Ossus started to ship weapons and troops over. However, the Vestrisians anticipated this move. In retaliation one million in reserves pressed the advance on Vimasdra, Muskalla, and Gontrella. All they could really do was hold onto whatever was left of Izvar Islands. About 166 successful Weapons Surges were used on the V.U.V.R. at a weekly basis. From the deserts 402 thresher red lizards were let loose on the advancing V.U.V.R. After that failed Izvar's desperate commanders sent 358 Night Market Guard constructs which would never be seen again. In terms of reinforcements from their allies Vullan received the slaves, inmates, crooks, captured thieves, rebels, pirates, the outcasts, cultists, the punished and any early volunteers. Combining the outlaws and inmates they received 1,558. As for rebels, cultists, outcasts, and the punished Vullan Izvar gained 1,743 extra combatants. The number of slaves being sent over included 251 Oni-Ogre slaves sent by Gantronese and 229 relic rogues sent to fight over the crime of stealing. Crooks included 586 corrupt Sergeant-At-Arms, and gambling scouts caught conning people. Volunteers from their allies were 287 soldiers, 318 Cathar Soldiers, 278 Cavalry, 687 hired samurai. These reinforcements arrived with 1,800 Grevaskii. Most of the forces their allies actually sent were either in Lasnille, Yasolle, or at the bottom of the sea due to bombers.
Each week resulted in a different turn out for either side. The Vullanese lost 967 soldiers, mages and a village to some unleashed werewolves. Another week the Vestrisians suffered a setback of several hundred dead, 327 were caught in capture spheres, 243 put to sleep, while several hundred became captured prisoners. To bombing runs they lost 286 alchemists along with thousands of personnel. Near one of Izvar's mountains they lost 421 scouts, patrols, and servants to spiders. A week after that they managed to clear several areas of the creepy creatures. In the process their reinforcements pressed the advance after 393 were assassinated at night. Most of the assassins did not return the day before. A month went by before anyone else made a move. Through attacks b nature and monsters, they lost 778 defenders. Such losses were replaced by the reserves who went up against 26,500 V.U.V.R. soldiers who were backed by another 31,000 at the front. Information came from prisoners or spies through Duress spells. Just nine of them fessed up immediately after throttling was imposed on them. Mogrot tasked with teleporting any prisoners back into Vestrisian hands in exchange for theirs. From the Vestrisians 664 prisoners and 386 who became lost were returned to the Vullanese. Out of goodwill 256 warhorses were given back along with 302 Indigenous smith artificers found in the settlements they seized.
Another month into 1841 saw parts of Izvar's Mountain slopes fell into enemy hands. It was the last month they would receive reinforcements for some time. Extra units came in from Vidothra and Gontrella. One unit of 400 Palace Soldiers, 195 smelt wardens, 327 Veteran Dungeoneers, 393 Gremlins sent for sabotage. Vullan clun to the mountains with what they had left in terms of defenders. Most of their air force went up against Al-Dadoria. It appeared lost until Vestrisia had to send forces to other fronts. Mogrot did not feel like this would lead to victory. He found his master in a different chamber with radios, cameras, radars, and what they had in terms of surveillance. Most of their defenders found themselves locked in a desperate bid to hold back the Vestrisians. He watched them all through orbs, crystal balls, and mirrors as they cast a multitude of spells on the advancing Vestrisians. After their main armies failed to hold the lines. Two years the Vestrisians ground down and chipped away at their defenses. Many of their mages and arcane users died in the fighting. About every month or week they watched their mages cast the same spells on the Vesrisians plus more. Mogrot kept track of the numbers as best he could. Ten to fifteen thousand or more mages cast a wide range of spells. Sleep spells took out 565 Vestrisians each week. Somehow they managed to accumulate knowledge from 204 Vestrisians.
Each one either suffered from the effects or passed out. From a few of them they gathered knowledge about some rebellions or uprisings, which meant nothing to the Maesters. Other spells used against the V.U.V.R. included frightful delusion that took out 311, and cost ten mage lives in the process. Capture Sphere spells kept them busy while trying to free 566 or more of their comrades while the Vullanese either cast other spells or fled. Spells such as Phantom grasp, containment, paralyzing grasp, pin to earth, mephitic vapors, nullify, crippling blight, cast into darkness, demon grasp, inferno fist, spell blast, doom seals, cobble brutes, were used against the Vestrisians. More brutal spells such as disfigure, searing spear, annihilating fire, necrobite in close quarters, spectral prison came into play on the battlefield. Together these spells took out 13,000-14,000 Vestrisians along with how many they lost to their defending Izvari soldiers. It grew difficult for these mages to cast these spells and hit the target then escape.
Spells such as the warded battlements, wall of runes, structural distortion along with the non-lethal ones slowed down the Vestrisian advances. In 1842 they lost the two mountains and pulled back to the last one on the island. Their efforts were in vain, but they did slow them down. Not caring about the feelings of the Artificers they robbed them of 303 bird assistants. Although a cruel act their methods forced information from the talking birds about 150,000 V.U.V.R. heading this way. After healing each bird assistant they released them and let the artificers decide to leave or stay. Izvari defenders did thank their allies with prizes for joining. Extra forces came into this fight over Izvar. From the last mountain they sent in those reinforcements. Entire companies formed a larger force than a battalion. Units of 335 bomber corps, 378 spike wheel acrobats, 301 Sergeants, 238 rallied troops, mages, 408 Hunters, 460 Horizon Warriors, 1,044 Cabal Paladins and a brigade of gunmen raced down the last slopes. That charge gave them time of delaying the Vestrisians a little more. Months passed before the V.U.V.R. advanced again on the last mountain. Plenty of casualties had to be cleaned up. About 337 disfigured, 138 bitten by necrobite, 228 cast into darkness aura had to be evacuated, 318 caught in spheres, and 307 suffered from paralyzing grasp among the Vestrisian casualties.
With the time they had due to the delay, they were allowed to evacuate 346 Wizard research assistants 308 artificers, 403 mage spell weavers. At the same time 286 Companion sword mages arrived to fight. To Mogrot this was a little late as the islands of Izvar were crawling with Vesrisians, and flying their blue banners. Izvar held on for a few more months. Necromancers sent 500 Zombie soldiers, and 400 raging biomancy boars to hold off a little longer. From Izvar they evacuated 709 workshop assistants during rainy days or in bad weather knowing the Vestrisian aircraft could not fly in that weather. Up to the last days of winter before year 1843 began they made a last attempt to hold off before the Nazdar forces arrived. What they sent was a company of slave soldiers and a few artificer mages. At the very last few cities they managed to pull off more capture spheres, paralyzing grasps, and other spells on the Vestrisians. Mage weavers managed to put at least 687 to sleep in their camps and shock another 846 with power surge traps. It wa all they could do before the end of 1842.
A nightmare ensued as fear gripped them on the normal morning of the thirteenth day of spring. Mogrot awoke to shouting, gunfire, screams, and explosions. Jolted awake he tried to hide and escape at the same time. When that failed he raced to his master who cast a darkness spell on a squad of Vestrisians. He could not believe it, the Vestrisians breached their defenses and were pouring into the last fortified cities. Hope for holding them off was now lost. Their uniforms appeared dirty with the blue arm band over their left arm, and helmets looked too modern with a custom shape. His own master held them off in the hall for a few minutes. One figure appeared in the Vestrisian khaki green uniform armed with a mace. A bombardment blast shook the building, throwing many off balance. Pieces came down in the hall. Rooms caved in from collapsed ceilings. Ionephus collapsed failing to cast disfigure on this target who stood firm. Mogrot watched the figure bludgeon Ionephus to death. Smashing his skull in, spilling blood and brains all over the stone floor. Some of the gold orange carpets were now stained in blood and covered in debris. Whoever they were this Vestrisian wore a Zhenrai brooch on the left side of the should blade of the uniform. Mogrot felt himself soil his pants. A Zhenrai Order was called in to fight in this war. The ugly servant, now masterless stood paralyzed with fear. The 12 Saint Fofures and the Vestrisian religion would replace the Vullanese one. It was all he could think of as the last buildings fell to the Vestrisians. In moments he was faced with a summoned spirit wielding an ancestral blade. His last moments witnessed a Lamia seducing and killing an infantryman before being shot up.
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