Motuh City-State Flag

 

A city-state located along the bordering mountain ranges that cut Borvados off from the rest of the Unknown Lands. To the locals, and natives of these lands are called Jurux. Mostly a slave state, Motuh allows its slaves to wander outside. As long as they come back. There are times the slave masters will allow a slave of certain skills their freedom after a number of years of servitude. To those attempting to remove slavery all together this system is not good enough to free these souls. 

Motuh City year 1844 A.N.

 Whatever those Vestrisians were doing in the Iperantosi Islands was none of Motuh's (Moh-too) business. Yet it was nice to have one less state or nation under Gantronese control. City-States of Kilscar Orvain, Khasungai, Magesar, Oceanrest Var, Oramatra, and others retained their independence. Most of these city-states along the Unknown Lands coastal regions found it impossible to stay neutral. Attempting to stay neutral proved complicated for Motuh City. For one of many reasons, they opposed Gantronese oppressive, manipulative rule. Going against the alien aggressive invader gained Motuh some allies. However, those allies showed no interest in trading slaves with their city-state. Meze, Evusia most of Nevora traded slaves with Motuh City. For over four centuries Motuh's citizens traded slaves with scores of other nations outside of Aleon-Jurnis continents that sat next to Ottante, and Vestrisia. Aging to about 2,022 years old, Motuh City witnessed over 300 settlements, city-states rise then fall. The ones that still stood today made use of the ruins they found. 

Coffee beans, chickens, reptile pelts, cocoa beans, Ivory in terms of tusks, fangs, horns, gemstones, pipe weed, silver, gold, spices, sugar cane, coal, dye, iron mines, cotton, and slaves stood as the main trading resources for these city-states. There were other minerals in the area, but those were hard to come by due savage tribes, and monsters north of their borders. Inside his master's domed-conical manor a Gnome looked over what was coming through Motuh City. Often called Fortuna-Fuzzy, slave-scribe Hednac had the most time to get tasks done compared to most slaves. His Master Startmonde Moinne went on a rage over 96 Gnome slaves being torn and eaten by 463 Ghouls that went about unchecked. Motuh still had threats to deal with outside its borders to the west, north, and southwests. Fortuna overheard the V.U.V.R. were anti-slavery. That was something none of the Masters, Owners, or Slavers of Motuh wanted. His own Master would likely burn the house to the ground along with everyone in it rather than free them. It was a sad fate to be a slave. Hednac was not among the homeless, which would spell death to anyone. Just not right away depending on what happened or where they would end up. Hednac wasn't happy or grateful he was a slave, but he wasn't homeless either. Meals he did not have to pay for came under his nose from the other slaves of the household. 

Adjusting himself in his seat Hednac checked what would be coming through Motuh City. Weapons, soldiers, warriors, and volunteers were given access through the neutral city. Under his own breath he read out the list out loud to himself. Weapons were the first things he read. A load of 392 military guns, and ammunition to be shipped over to allies of the Calornese Alliance in the Unknown Lands. A team of five Order of the Beast Warriors volunteer to fight the Gantronese. There was not much description on what these volunteer warriors looked like other than alien, and beastly or hairy looking. Gauntlet wrist bands sent with those five warriors indicating they used the same type of weapons. A warship sent over to help in the western part of the Unknown Land's coastal regions. One Marlin Destroyer constructed in the shipyards of Lybresan, or Lybris, another name for Lybresan. Dire Venison meat was being shipped over in the quantities of 44,030 Ogrims. Just one Ogrim equaled 40 ingots in weight. Other alien humanoids were among the volunteers, and warriors coming through Motuh City. One squad of 14 Bird Humanoids which volunteered had the destination of Damis. Another team of five Samurai warriors from the O.B. headed for the front to help allies. 

Hednac paused to glance at the 33 Gold Globes an international currency with a strategy in mind stacked neatly. When his eyes returned to the lists, he thought he was reading something incorrectly. Blinking several times, he read to himself, 6 Skull Battle Fiends ready for the frontlines. What were Skull Battle Fiends? Where did they come from? Hednac started to sweat from his head as his eyes were wide while pouring over other lists. Another team of alien wolf men from the Order of the Beast were enroute to the frontlines. Other groups included 708 Goblins and Half Goblins being sent to the front with various explosive weapons. They were joined by 829 warriors from the four main city-states thought it was time they returned to the front. From Tante came a shipment of 33 weapons, a single box crate of ammo, 5 mines, 200 helmets, food rations, and building supplies. One shipment came from Meze included 3,600 rifles, pistols, machineguns, mortars, bayonets, grenades, helms, bullet vests, and radios. A separate shipment of 31 crates of ammunition was also included. As a sign of goodwill, the Calornese Allies sent a shipment of 240 gold bar ingots, 240 rubies, 240 crystals, 1,120 gems, and 5,878 coins of value. From the Redrin Republic came a shipment of 113 melee weapons, guns, armor and helmets meant for the frontlines. Another shipment of 75 submachine guns, Machine guns, and assault rifles arrived from Nevoran Federation. Just for the city of Motuh and the frontlines one shipment of 811 halberds, poleaxes, submachineguns, heavy machineguns, assault rifles, chest plates and rain ponchos. It was unclear who it was from, but it appeared accepted with gratitude. 

Below that shipment he found a list mentioning 100 unique monsters choosing to fight the Nazdar in Estoras. Dwarf Hero sent to Cydnam with 12 weapons of their choosing. A captured snake demon reaper vowed to protect Oceanrest Var just to save their skin. An airship captured by Vestrisian Forces with cloaking ability was also sent to the front. Shipment of 500 guns sent over to the Condor Islands, and Magesar. A single cat folk warrior the Vestrisians captured was also being sent to the Condor Islands. It was not alone, five Death Warriors sent over to Condor Isles as well. In terms of vehicles 40 heavy halftracks called Zedelets from the VUVR were undergoing shipment to Eoth, and Grussia. Also, from the VUVR another shipment of 1,290 T.M. 13 rifles, Repeaters, shotguns, smg28s, various pistols, shields, new bullet vests, helmets, grenades and bazookas. More groups of aliens were found with former affiliations with some faction called the CSO. One team of six CSO infantry who went turncoat are sent to over to Eoth. Some White Boar Mutant Monster is sent to help in Eoth, and Grussia. One trio of some alien Forest Blight Rangers from the O.B. are sent to the front in Kilscar Orvain. To Oramatra 52 former CSO and OB soldiers, fighters, and warriors are sent. Also, to Oramatra they sent over another shipment of 500 guns of all types, and models. Before Hednac could even add up all the aliens entering the front he saw 100 Dragon Soldiers of the CSO being sent to Magesar. 

Hednac flipped the page over to find more shipments going to Eoth, Damis, Oramatra, Magesar, Condor Isles, and Kilscar Orvain. One medium shipment of rifles, submachineguns, pistols, daggers, combat armor went to Eoth from the collection of allies. Over 60 Black Silver armored warriors sent to Oramatra at the frontlines. Somehow a team of five Blue Skinned Elf Archers were going to reinforce Eothan-Grussian positions. Hednac presumed these blue skins were aliens when the household dark elf maid came in the room to dust a little. This Gnome ignored her presence as best he could. On the list he spotted the order of an airship an inventor in Ivodra being sent and used by Damis in their fight to keep independence. Oramatran Lands were receiving a team of Death Warriors to fight at the front. Some female Rogue recruited by Ruhonthran politicians as an agent was also coming to this region. Straight to Damis through Motuh Hednac saw another shipment of guns, shields, helmets, anti-tank weapons along with ammunition. He wondered if these Calornese Allies had the ships to defend these shipments from the Nazdar and Gantronese. As funds close to 7875 gold globe coins were also sent to Damis. Evusia sent a shipment of 115 of their own firearms, grenades, and plenty of ammunition to Eoth. Another team of 4 aliens were sent here. About 4 Centaur like warmongers were sent to Kilscar Orvain. Team number ten in terms of alien groups had five Heavy Paladins sent to Oramatra as punishment by order that banished them after capture. Some device was destroyed right after that briefing according to the note. A pair of Beast Demonoids sent to the frontlines had some powers to them. An automaton Minotaur shipped to Iperantosi to help with security. Coming from Azul, some faraway faction came another shipment of various weapons and ammunition to Magesar. One Dwarf Hero was sent to fight in Oramatra by Azul as a sign they were committed to this war. Five Azul Gren Dwarfs are sent to Iperantosi to help with security. The VUVR had a system where they send some prisoners to war, but not all of them. One team of four Iron Orc Fugitives from some mountain range called the Blackmells are sent to fight the Gantronese near Kilscar Orvain. 

Tante also had a habit of sending prisoners to war or other places. One female elf wizard involved in fighting for Condor stays to advise Condor Officials. Although clansmen, barbarians and warriors were allowed to fight or join militaries some were considered too dangerous to be unleashed. From Vestrisia's New Vattoram prisons a Blood Barbarian was being smuggled to Iperantosi then sent off to the front. This Blood Barbarian wasn't the only dangerous fighter Vestrisia sent over.  A Deep Elf fighter was sent to Oramtra. They sent one Elf Warlock over to Kilscar Orvain. Some large muscular Fire Warrior from Ossus, held prisoner as a P.O.W. pledged fealty to Vestrisia was sent to Iperantosi to bring order. One Elf Warlock was sent over to Kilscar Orvain to join the frontlines. Speaking of outlaws these aliens of the O.B. and C.S.O. fielded a range of outlaws some of whom the Vestrisians captured. One team of five blue pirates of the Order of the Beast stayed in the platform seas as other alien factions squabbled over those islands. 

More aliens appeared to be sent over to the frontlines in the Unknown Lands that were now called Maddoz. A crazy rabbit humanoid was unleashed at the front. One whole clan of Mezeen, from the  Evusian side of island join the front. For some reason the VUVR sent an angry handsome gentleman and veteran who killed a thug at some roadside diner. Ove ten thousand tools along with a shipment of 13, 635 tents, helmets, flashlights, new hydration pack inventions, military caps, and canteens sat ready for shipment. Motuh's next door neighbor, Borvados sent a shipment of 25,500 blankets, one warrior noble with a pet panther, 24 Renegades, and 44 Dwarves from the mountains. More groups were sent to fight the Gantronese included 20 Vorcadam Samurai prisoners, 36 Nahemine tribesmen. More aliens those Vestrisians came across joined the thousands sent to fight the Gantronese Masters. One platoon of 25 former CSO armed/armored Creature Warriors of different races, 60 OB upright ghoul like humanoids joined, five Supreme Battle Elves, 6 Cyborgs join those battle elves, 4 stone browed Orcs, 5 Woad warriors joined this fight. Enemies of these alien factions were given little choice to fight the Gantronese. One fireteam of seven IGC troopers were being sent to Oramatra along with materials, and sets of some new armor prototype that may or may not work. 

Hednac stopped there for the moment. Those shipments were not the only ones coming in, but that would not be constant through Motuh City. In advance these Calornese Allies chose Oramatra as their go to destination. The Gnome slave rubbed his eyes and looked out the window adjacent to him. Past some stacks of books, bound up scrolls, a desk table, tall lamp, fine vase, he could see through the round window. On the opposite side of the Moinne household sat a modern Eastern Style Tavern called the Hobbit Lobbit. Just outside this Hobbit Lobbit sat an Orc Ogre half-breed in a bulky carpet sized poncho wrap tunic gambling with a lizard demon in loose fit clothing. For a few seconds Hednac watched them before he got bored watching from afar. To him defeating a cunning lizard folk was a doddle at gambling. In the underground world set up under the noses of Motuh's Masters, slaves would head to a firth. Within this narrow inlet of the sea hundreds of smarter slaves would gather under the pretense of retrieving gifts or supplies for the Master's Household. 

No one watched over him at the moment. His master appeared preoccupied with other matters and left the house. If Master Moinne did not give Hednac any further instructions before leaving or orders, he was sort of free to wander the city until Moinne returned home. However, it would depend on the Lady Moinne's mood and other tasks left unattended. Like all slaves of Motuh Hednac was required to return by nightfall or the next morning. It seemed a little lenient for Motuh's masters to allow this gathering. Some chose to lightly punish slaves whenever they did this after failing to return with something from there. Much of the Unknown Lands, or Jurux rested as home to hundreds of cultures, and scores of city-state. Pulling himself together Hednac headed for the door of his Master's home to leave. Before leaving the Gnome placed a shim board painted in an empty slot flanking the door. Pulling his hood on his poncho over his head Hednac went straight to this underground. 

Just about all races of Calorn are represented along with all walks of life could be found in this underground settlement. Although not really underground it still remained a bit of a mystery plus difficult to find at first. Entering the underground hideaway city, he heard all sorts of rumors. Hednac heard the Gantronese were receiving 2,682 guerillas from all over the Gantronese Empire rally to Unknown Lands. Such news would be worth noting and keeping track of. The little Gnome wandered around the shops and tents that formed most of the city against the walls of the mountains. It wasn't difficult to move around in some parts. As the newcomer would venture deeper, they would find the underground to be similar to a labyrinth. Whoever ran this underground relied heavily on the Uxane, and more tamed tribal members who were either banished or left the tribe. They weren't the only ones running this underground. Peoples from Oramatra, Oceanrest Var, and Khasungai could be found in running the place. Even Wahote tribesmen could be seen roaming about. In his mind he knew Wahote tribes stretched north of three city-states Oramatra, Oceanrest Var, and Khasungai. 

Getting comfortable he sought out a Wodd Wood Elf Wizard named Anorion the Reaperson. He was the type who would know a little more of what was going on beyond Motuh City. As a Wizard of some sorts Anorion chose to be neutral as his own faction. Living in his own temple carved into the mountain with its own colossus sitting on top Anorion surrounded himself with shocker lizards, and jungle squirrels. Jungle squirrels lived in trees all over the Unknown Lands and beyond its borders. Similar to cute pesky rodents these jungle squirrels are more colorful with green fur, and longer ears. Either sold as pets, or snacks these can also help gardeners or planters. As for the shocker lizards, a source of power for experiments, engines, and lights. Occasionally these vermin will cause power shutdowns in certain bases for both Vestrisian and Gantronese forces. It was good to keep these around to ward both armies off during the first phases of the war that came to Jurux. When he arrived at the Wizard's place Hednac ascended the spiral staircase around some tower that gave him a good view of Motuh city. As ancient as it was Motuh city still thrived with its twenty-seven spire temples meant to copy the mountains. Cylinder stone houses of different sizes and stories called Stoons could be made out among the huts, complexes, crude villas, and various oval shaped buildings used for non-living spaces. Motuh did have its farms, and livestock ranches. Those were mostly in the outskirts, or outside the city. Looking up at the Iron Colossus left there on the temple Hednac wondered how long it really took to forge each piece. One of  Anorion's thralls came to greet Hednac. Still wearing the same clothes he wore yesterday he felt a little underdressed compared to the colorfully dressed human thrall. Magenta dyed vest over a white laced shirt, purple baggy trousers, and yellow sandals this thrall made an appearance. 

Anorion's thrall escorted Hednac inside where more finely dressed thralls waited in line, ready to serve. Although he was a slave himself, Hednac had some privileges other slaves did not have. The elf wizard dyed his hair a greenish color while wearing robes that matched his trade, and powers. Greeting the Gnome like a friend he asked if he noticed any new slaves in the market. Perplexed by this Hednac gave him a wary look. The Wizard got up from his makeshift throne, which was a shell shaped sofa. Although he was not ruler over this area, Anorion still wielded power over a number of followers and thralls. The Gnome joined him for some wine to discuss the current war that dragged on. It started in the Valde Area and spread across the world. Most of the free city-states were against the Gantronese invaders whereas some chose not to mingle with the V.U.V.R. Up north along the mountains a force of 5,146 Borvadosi, and 2,867 Angry Dwarves attacked a caravan of slave traders. It brought joy to hear such news, yet it also felt a little unsettling. Hednac would not be replaced next year as planned. His service as a slave was nearly over. Not all slaves earned this treatment as many are skilled laborers who run the shops, and handle merchandise. Their knowledge must be passed on to other generations. For Hednac's trade, a few other scholars were just about to relieve him of his enslavement at a low price. These were going to be educated Dwarves who sought to travel southward from that region. Letting that sink in, he did not tell Anorion who scoffed at the idea of freeing those of lesser value. He took another sip of his wine when the temple shook. Their first thoughts went to an earthquake, but that did not occur often in these parts. Rushing outside the temple the inhabitants found the Iron Colossus awakened by something. This colossus moved slowly causing the ground to shake with each step. Anorion tried to control it only to realize he did not know such spells. Checking for the source while everyone else fled in terror Hednac spotted a female figure poised as if she was controlling a puppet. Her fingers twirled and twisted while facing this large, forged giant. Anorion spotted her to and threw a fire ball at her only to see it deflected back. In a revealing dress this female turned to face them with red hair. A risen Vampire Priestess of Power returned from her banishment or hibernation levitated above the earth. Hednac soiled himself realizing this day of revenge and come upon Motuh City. Whoever released her or woke her up wanted to remove this city at any costs. He could already hear the words emitting from everyone's lips, they have returned.