Hunter's Edge lay on borders of the Blackmell Mountains. It rested on the foothills near the slopes. Just like an unwanted wart on a butt cheek it stuck out. As for him a small mole rested above his left buttocks. Residing in the heart of Gontrella his piece of shite cottage sat on a rough city style block. His friend were responsible for a painted propaganda against the Gontrellan Leader, some Chief of Warlords and local Lieutenant of the Watch. It was where they were to go as they were ratted out by Hunter's Edge locals. Events delayed their trip back. Two groups fought each other outside the settlement. One group of 428 Hostile Beast Kuruks fought 413 Raging Redcap Goblin Knights. A unit of 576 Cavalry Drill Masters move in to help a school of 299 Half-Elf Monks so they can deal with the two forces. Around that time one of their friends a pupil to a large university closest to the borders informed them this battle stirred a wild herd towards another village. It was while a cog work archivist construct helped with a cram session for 1,035 pupils who watched this herd of grazing glade hart antelope stampede. Alchemist Andylle Ingotz stood outside his own cottage in his tan collarless button up shirt over a white collarless slip-on tunic, trousers with side buttons, maroon outdoor loafers. Andylle's combed over hair showed signs of thickening since the last time he had it cut. Andylle's friend Lars Blackfire a fellow alchemist-artist from Geverine who also held years of experience as an acrobat due to pressure from family. That was before moving to Gontrella in 1833 AN.
Lars joined him in his white tunic shirt, leather trousers, leather hide apron. His long brown hair sort of met the same texture as his brownish skin color. A scar over his right eye made it clear that it was blind. Both heard the story about some Towering Wave Mystic between the coasts of Vodwania, and Gontrella. Part of some ancient race of the sea or waters this Mystic was more of a merfolk type humanoid. The types many sailors, and fishermen kept reporting. Every season, hunters, monster killers, adventurers, or knights hunted them down or chased them away. It sounded more interesting than what Andylle was hearing while outside his cottage door. In front of a newly constructed reinforced bank full of safes and vaults a tall female elf Blade Veteran chatted or argued in a blue decorative long coat with propped up collars, gold scarf wrap tunic under a vest made from layers of woven fiber overlapped by a bullet resistance material called Vakko. Only the dyed Vakko could be seen while the woven fibers made up the interior. Her trousers were similar to his own yet under horse riding trousers. As for boots, they were Nazdar issued boots meant for all terrain. Most of their Grevaskii wore this. The person arguing back appeared more human than dark elf in his adventuring outfit that fit over casual linen clothing.
"Which places were you not banned from?" the Vakko wearing elf continued.
"Banned from some local taverns across the central portions of Gontrella. The Woodsmen's Guild Pub, Earls Stables Tavern, Boat in the Statue over in Vorgo's Moat. Even the Skeleton's Headache banned me. Delias the Fat Cabana doesn't want me there anymore. Yet that obese Orc-Ogre-Goblin Spawn allows mini Bernes Fortowings and his mother to sit there. He is old enough to marry now, but girls seem to avoid him." The Dark elf unveiled to the Vakko wearing elf.
"Oh, so he cannot be seen with mom, because it is a turn off. Then he has to be nice to his mom in order to be kept away from the outcast label."
"You saw her yesterday and last week. Doesn't she tell you anything?" That sort of pissed her off. She stepped into his space almost touch his nose with his own. Roughly brushing past the Dark Elf the female elf blade marched angrily over to a group of five stumps often used as seats. Behind these stumps stood a patch of neatly trimmed trees, a vendor vegetable stand, an isolated shack near a shed to someone else's property.
"Are you going to watch those two argue? Come on Andylle help me fill these three potion bottles."
"Just came out for a breath of fresh air and a moment to my own thoughts Lars." He answered turning around to reenter the alchemy lab. His loafer shoes stepped on the dirt and the four tiles with cross designs then on the stone steps that took him to the interior. Inside their lab was messy with shattered glassware, vials, stools at bench-shelves, island table, cylinders, jugs, jars, beakers, retorts, calcinator, alembics, pestle and mortar, scales, oil lamps, abandoned mugs, glass funnels, glass flasks of different shapes and uses, distillers, furnace pieces, large pots filled the shelves. Similar instruments littered tables in two other rooms. Andylle, Lars and three others toiled for hours to create a universal solvent that involved filling up 721 vials. Meant to keep soldiers warm and hydrated while they are on patrol along the coasts and patrols. Andylle checked a window to see the pair sitting opposite each other.
Those were not the types of conversations Andylle and Lars wanted to hear. Especially when war broke out just last year. War was not glorious, glamours, or hospitable to either side. Yet it happened whenever opposing sides reached boiling points or someone offended another. Trespassing was another reason war happened. An army or intruder crosser over uninvited into another state armed. Yet immigrants, travelers, refugees, wanderers, merchants, entertainers became an exception. Even health workers such as doctors, nurses, apothecaries, healers were granted permission. A loud knock came at the door tearing their attention away from their work. Andylle answered the door leaving the other alchemist lab workers to their corking and sealing.
At the door he found seven Canal workers, nicknamed Canal Monitors due to their line of work. Andylle spoke to their leader who requested that a workshop assistant construct help them. One Canal Monitor or laborer mentioned a problem caused by a mutiny that started. Under the leadership of a single influential chill bringer mage 302 workers dropped their work. Two of their canals connecting the settlements of Promenth to Willowhill. A road connected those settlements to Westblade in the north of Vorgo's Moat, their current location. Truckloads of stones, boulders, bricks clogged the canals, and a bridge was destroyed. In one settlement a riot broke out during the canal mutiny. A total of 396 rioters and a ringleader became involved who were disgruntled over a shipment of goods coming in late.
Despite having roads connecting the bridges, traffic tended to drag a little. According to the canal workers parts of the canal were clogged using merchandise in other parts by shady strangers. Andylle road with them to see for himself. Inside he hoped none of those merchandise was one of the shipments they sent over to the front. One nice shipment of 600 bottles and flasks of a substance called stone-sponge. A crafted substance that acts as a cement filler that expands. At the site of the clogged portions, he learned that a goblin smuggler dumped the cargo leaving 426 intact bottles and flasks that required chiseled out.
"I see the substance works." He muttered to himself. This stone sponge they invented expanded when it came into contact with liquid. Bringing over the construct took time as it required loading onto a truck. It was not the only construct brought over to help. Well into the night some 874 laborers and contractors dug up the debris.
Sixty-four constructs moved back and forth bringing piles of debris to the mechanized wagon. Most bottles/vials made it whereas 137 of those were lost. Whoever managed the cargo or loading moved ahead with the deliveries. Whatever else had to be dug out were discarded or shipped back to storage. Andylle did not return to his piece of shite home until four in the morning after three days of hard labore. Lars and the others forced him to relax at their lodge in Hunter's Edge for seven days or so. With the radio on loud Andylle hoped to get some news of the V.U.V.R. encroaching on their borders. All he got were reports of skirmishes, raids made by Orcs, Goblins, Troglodytes, Gnolls, Kuruks isolated incidents such as crimes. A knock came at the door that turned into a loud banging jolted him awake. Andylle rushed to open the door. Instead of Lars or any of their associates a sprite pixie was at the door flapping their wings. These were Imp Harpy Spawn that looked like a red skinned goblin with bat like wings. Introducing themselves as Iggitte the Sprite-Pixie belonged to a merchant guild in the southwestern coast. This one came to this door with news.
"I see you be that Aclossen Aclhemist Andylle Ingots. Lars Blackifre sent me over here to warn you. A Vampire envoy met with ninety-two of them rioters, and mutineers. Terms were discussed but the main Vampire ordered 318 of them dropped in a merciless resolve. It was like some spell or something. No it is not a real Vampire just our title for governor." this winged goblin winked.
"Anything else, what happened to the Chill bringer?" Andylle asked gripping the door.
"Oh them, the Vampire of the region sent a Syncopate Assassin Mage after them. A female half-elf, or half demon 328 years of age or experience sent for 2,000 Black Gems in coins." This Imp answered Andylle's mind spun around changing his concerns over the Chill Bringer who started the problem. The Vampire reminded him of his own crime of propaganda.
"I don't care about that. Was there anything else. Are Lars and I off the hook about the propaganda?" He demanded forcing the subject away from the leaders.
"What propaganda?" This winged creature asked with a wink and nod, flapping their wings to stay in the air. It became the code or phrase that meant you are off the hook. "Say what goes on around the borders? We've heard nothing for nine to ten days straight."
Rolling his eyes Andylle mentioned what he heard over the radio. The region's Vampire, literal tittle of governor oversaw a Burning Prophet's execution with malicious intent. Their crime was becoming a source for acting as a guiding force that inspire over 284 to charge against orders of their superiors. This was through sorcery which became restricted with certain rules. Six days ago, shipments of Invortus93s, Khet Rifles arrived at the border along with a portion of the shipment his alchemists made. Towards the north a group of 50 Ogre-Dwarves run into a Necromancer and five of their zombies near Thestlestand. In the south along the coast a dire fleet hoarder suffered a spectral binding near a church, Master Mason's Guild. Their attempted to get out with an arcane bolt caused a deadly volt charge that shot into the church outdoor meat locker shed. Whoever that fake freebooter was they impacted the job of a Church Curate of Monastery Stephen. It involved preserving the hides and meats of Highland Game Elk. A herd was targeted for sport and hunting for the town of Flokk.
"Somewhere in a Royal Observatory a Scholar of the stars with a thirst for knowledge suffered from a certain spell. It had something to do with a figure who lured him with hidden strings attack to this deal that ends in them suffering from strangling spores."
"Where is the figure then?" He asked.
"Who knows, probably gone to the Vestrisian side of things." In his mind he knew that sounded shady, V.U.V.R. officials letting in a sorcerer or mage that kills innocent civilians. Andylle realized it could be that this figure wanted to stop the scholar from discovering something. Why else kill a scholar of the stars.
"Iggit does anyone else know that I am here?" he asked the winged creature who just shrugged their shoulders. He took this as a no.
Taking advantage of no one else knowing he reduced the chances of discovery by leaving on a train. With his head bowed low as if a Vestrisian Dead Eye hunted his head. Acting as a dysfunctional deadbeat who owes money yet needs to meet a deadline he rode like a wanderer stowaway on the cargo cars. While riding in the cargo car with nine black and brown steeds Andylle found two mating inside. Something he did not to witness. Sleep did not come easy due to the noise of horses mating. When they were done a nude equestrian came around from another horse to hug both horses. Andylle shut his eyes tight expecting the female equestrian to get down under horse. Despite the wild night he still managed to sleep into the morning. Whatever the equestrian did with the horses he did not want to know.
One horse licked his face then snorted into it. Andylle sat up after hours of sleep on some straw, folded horse blankets. Another equestrian girl sauntered over to him with a smile on her face. Going for his pants this one attempted to take them off. Scared for some reason Andylle punched her in the eye. More scare of the others he scrambled up, grabbed his bag and jumped out. The train he stowed on stopped at what had to be the town of Bastionhelm, the center of armory, chainmail, leather tanners, blacksmiths, Armorers, and craftsman guilds.
By the train station he spotted Chapter Houses of Knights, a Public Bath, Castle Library, an Academy Guilds, some Great Museum, Opera House. Some structures between streets, others near condos, or condominium. In a quickened pace he moved past the tracks to a Tavern with a row of transportations in a garage that used to be a stable. This tavern sat behind the station. As he moved towards it, a red-haired elf-demon from Syrianos appeared from behind an alley between the station and Tavern. She folded her arms in a critique manner. Just the way she appeared in the Grevaskii fatigues that looked similar to the ones Nazdar soldiers wore. Only this one was grayish in color. She motioned for him to approach her. Andylle moved with his head bowed low still hiding his face. His whereabouts were supposed to be in Hunter's Edge. Looking at the ground Andylle thought what it would be like if he lived in the V.U.V.R. What would that be like for him? What would their men be like? Just the feeling of a man's body against his own aroused him. Lars was more of a friend, pal, colleague. Fat men did not appeal to him neither did certain activities with men. Just kissing, hugging, or playing games was all he wanted to do with other men.
Thoughts on men were disrupted when a creature emerged from an alley they passed. Both stopped in their tracks then turned their attention towards this creature. Often known as an Alley Reaper, this creature was the type that went for prey from alleys or from behind buildings. It was lurking behind a condominium behind the tavern they just passed. The storage structure by the condominium was made from brick with a double hipped roof. It extended a little in size and length creating the corner space to hide. Nothing, but a hooded cloak wrap mixed with a long coat covered this Alley Lurker from head to toe. Multiple belt buckles held this custom crafted clothing together. It approached them in a shuffle when another figure came dancing from around the end of the corner of the storage building.
Dressed in a gold tan tank top dress a curly blonde with pinkish skin tone danced towards them. She did not notice them until she almost bumped into the elf demon. Andylle thought she was a strumpet at first until he spotted the half-star hair clip. It represented coteis, women paid by the settlement to perform services. Services did include dancing, singing, calming massages, exercises, or motivation. Yet these women would often be used for other services. Strumpets were in the larger cities or the coasts of Gontrella, Vodwania, or Nymres. This one acted a little too quickly by pulling her straps down exposing herself then pulling the dress back up. Andylle backed away while the elf-demon gave her an intrigued expression. Her hands found parts of the cotei as they covered her face in embarrassment. Enjoying her a little the demon elf revealed her name be Lieutenant Cannis Azzoran. Both forgot the Lurker that made a motion to lash out grabbing their attention back to it.
Andylle was about to ditch the scene when twenty humanoids surrounded them. Similarly dressed as Cannis these humanoids wore outdoor vests, harnesses, bandoliers, bullet belts, holsters, blade sashes. Yet none of these humanoids possessed any weapons or bullets in them. Among these humanoids he only recognized the humans, half-orcs, half elves. Three of the other humanoids races which appeared wolf like, raven, or reptilian shrew in appearance. A barbarian looking figure in uniform among them seemed a little quaint. He marched up to the Lieutenant while the Alley Lurker attempted to get away. The Cotei readjusted herself before running away crying. Not caring at all about the cotei this barbarian looking Grevaskii motioned for Cannis to join them.
"Pay that Cotei a monthly sum then reports to the Drill School Barracks Trap." This barbarian looking figure barked at Cannis.
"Yes Captain Grumbar." Lieutenant Cannis answered in a small voice. Her attempted to hide her fear worked a little bit.
This Barbarian Captain pulled out a long dagger. He plunged the weapon into the Alley Lurker's back. Grumbar pulled back the hood to reveal a grotesque fish lipped, bald, earless head. Most Alley Lurker's looked like skeletal malnourished humanoids. Yet this one looked to be a hybrid of sea creature and whatever the other spouse was. Leaving the corpse for the Morgue collectors the twenty alien looking Grevaskii escorted Andylle and Lt. Cannis through the settlement. Gontrella was home to a population of 84 million humans, Goblins, half elves, Zunia Puck Satyrs, Orcs, half-Orcs. First made up of different states, kingdoms that were once villages or camps, Gontrella became a single unified Monarchy over time. Now it became a single state constitutional monarchy close to becoming a central authoritarianism. It demanded for five million to enlist to fight the V.U.V.R.
Calorn's year of 1841 A.N. came after the catastrophic stalemate they suffered at the hands of the Hexagonal Alliance. Suffering losses to Diron City, Dimcabul, Domoron Mountain City of Dwarves, Haldiron Mountains of the Elves, Vussayran Peaks Dynasty, Prolux Kingdom did take some of Gontrella's economy out. To the south Gontrella had Boathria, which was currently at war with their own Valde ally, Vullan. Other independent neighbors between Vullan, Gontrella, and Boathria such as Shecaster Isles, Tivine State, Defraysal did not help Gontrella's conflict against the Hexagonal Alliance. Around the same time as this Hexagonal conflict, they fought those three Island City-States. Virec Wren Vieth, or known as Vrec Wren Vieth, a neutral valley that has one city surrounded by enclaves, ranches, farmsteads, hovels, hamlets, and mountains became a key target. Fighting the eight or nine states incurred losses as high as 241,020 dead, loss of 17 ships, 200 million Black Gems, 518, 000 wounded, drugged, indisposed by disease.
As for the eleven states a total loss of 56,000 killed in action, 145,000 wounded. The conflict allowed Nazdar invaders to claim two of these island city-states Defraysal, and Tivine. V.U.V.R. forces entered the civilized parts of the Blackmell Mountains deterring attacks once made by wild Orcs, Goblins, Mountain Gnolls, Kuruks, Troglodytes. With Lieutenant Cannis, the 20 Grevaskii, 10 Gontrellans, Andylle met a Colonel, Major, and a team of other alchemists. Over six hundred Gontrellans ready for the border under the command of Colonel Graskin. According to the Colonel, Gontrella amassed a force to deal with the hags of the Blackmell hills. Not getting enough time to get acquainted with the other alchemists Andylle prepared more health potions and explosives. Faces were familiar, only a few names became recognizable. Harold, Bergman, or Heebner were the only names he recalled before they had to leave again.
The return to Hunter's Edge was brief as they rode to the borders of Gontrella and Blackmell city-states. Hollowme Spiral, one of the Hag Witch domains that did not help in the fighting against the Hexagonal Alliance. Neither did Muskalla for that matter. It was around that time Muskalla was still writhing over losing swaths of land Vimasdra, and southeastern Ossus. Each of the Hag Witches were responsible for parts of the skirmishes that went along the mountainous borders. Hallowme Spiral rested on a wide hill covered in foliage, surrounded by thirteen to fifteen mounds, hills of rock, earth, trees, and moss. This terrain encircled the old Hag settlement. Upon approaching Hallowme Spiral they found tall boulders, stacked rocks, stones, branches, hardened roots mingled to form a series of walls.
Andylle's unit arrived at the limits of the settlement where the road wrapped around its perimeter. Members of his unit knew who this Hag was, but refused to tell who it was. This included some Ex Master-Thief known as Blake Five Fingers who was snagged from getting hanged. Martial Artist Adept called Fume who was sentenced to serve as punishment for a brawl. An ex-swashbuckler, Prudence Disfigured Tattersall pressed into service from Trobbel Port in place of a death sentence over piracy. Two Goblins who were inmates over arson, and mass murder. An Orc named Cagon, a pair of Gnolls whose names he forgot. One local Champion Lutu from Marksville, an archer named Stev. Some Arch Druid called Nankil, one ram horned Kuruk called Arius were recruited from the borders between Muskalla and Gontrella. These selected Gontrellan soldiers made up a portion of the experienced veterans in combat who sort of buddied up to him. Run by some Hag Witch of the Moon Illith, Hallowme Spiral was made up of what looked to be 26 Hollowed Out Trees, two meeting halls, 8 cottages made from stone and brick. Two large cabins, 13 houses, a few refurbished temples. It also had a blacksmith, carpenter shop, a wood mill outside its walls, pottery craftsman, mason, small barn. Outside the main walled perimeter of the Hallowme houses two rings on hills merging into the main one. A dwarf temple carved from stone surrounded by five houses made from brick and logs. One roadhouse, village lodge, and small manor rested on a ring which had the road cutting through it. Within one of the rings Andylle some other sights and structures among the buildings. A training dummy at the ring with the temple, a scare crow near some sunflowers, and cornstalks, small field, birdhouse tower, large keg, a few spit fires, and over a dozen shred fires set up. Four horses at a trough close to a well where a donkey was being tended by a wandering friar. This friar was eyeing those who lived within the walls.
Inhabitants included a shepherd with twelve or more sheep, some goats herd by a blackwater dog while coming along the fence. A trio of boar hunters assisted by a peasant carried their kill on a long branch through a back entrance. One boar hunter held a hunting falcon that scared the peasant who was then made fun of by the apprentice trailing behind them. Some gaggle of geese herded by a goose herd raced through the area. One farm boy feeding two calves from a different farm. He is assisted by a female farmhand wearing traditional overall dress. Another female farmhand by the bard carried a pale while holding a pet pig on a leash. By the sunflowers and corn stalk, small farm-garden a third dark haired farmhand wielding a pick fork. In her other arm she carried a basket of corn. An apothecary Dwarf, shackled sorceress tackled a scarecrow in the farm patch. Near the farmed section a flower maid with a basket pranced around as if she was intoxicated on something. Peldo flowers was the first thing Andylle thought of when he saw her spin and prance. As they approached the Meeting Hall his unit did not have much use for him at the moment.
Andylle was let off the hook by the Captain and Major. Wandering around Andylle saw a little more of this Hag Witch run settlement. By one of the hollowed-out trees called Hallowmes a trio of militia had an apprentice climbing up a rope. By their Hallowme sat a large rabbit cage where two owls watched from the branches. Between the other trees, sheds, Andylle spotted a family of Lenai with a dancing bear. One played the tambourine; the father played the Shawm player while the daughter was the bear tamer. Four deer raced past the settlement further into the wilderness of Blackmell. He thought one of them looked similar to a large antlered camel without the hump. Checking out from the edge of the wall he spied two ducks or more in a pond likely preparing to migrate.
No one bothered him as he roamed around discovering more of the settlement in lower parts of hills. Plenty of trees scattered around with new trees sprouting out of them. At one of the wells Andylle found a billboard with news articles on it. Articles concern a Neolithid found in a tunnel outside a mining town no thanks to the Nazdar expeditions. Some Meenlock was discovered under a city close to Gontrella, Muskallan border. One of the kegs of ale may have 64 mugs left inside it. Ranger's Guile campsite of Bisdolan style was discovered by a Driver of the Dead near a font baptize of fortunes shrine along the foothills of Blackmell. One group of Contractors took advantage of some daughter over unpaid debts rather than murder the family or beat up the youngest member of the family that was not an infant or toddler. His eyes were about to read another article when they spotted a cauldron sitting on a chest stuck within the wall. Next to it sat a throne covered in overgrowth.
Andylle's attention was returned to the interior as two militia in wide brimmed hats rode through the fenced in settlement on horseback. Their movement drew his gaze towards the Meeting Hall in the northern part where he spotted the cow milker and her farm boy helpers. Summoned to over to this Meeting Hall where he briefly met this Hag Witch who is in control. Her own protection and militia included a Gontrellan Old Guard, 2 beast hunters, ranger, 2 ruffians, one bowman, pair of executioners, 4 Uxane, camping cannibal, lone wolf, a Gnoll, 2 riders. Among these lackey-henchmen she commanded 2 cannoneers who worked several or more cannons. Each came with half a score of cannonballs to fire at any attackers. This Hag Witch Matron possessed 6 wolves, 6 war dogs, vipers in a basket, 4 passels of pigs kept for eating. These pigs would be set out into the wilderness so they can hunt them down like boars, once they are fully grown. Others included 4 female pets, an eagle rogue from Ossus. One pair of fishermen who looked like they had seen horrors and were on their way out. Aside from the hunters, and farmhands she governed fifteen other commoners who flocked to her for protection. This Meetin Hall they just entered could host 160 people with little room left over. It was three stories deep into the hill. One barrel of ale, a cauldron of soup for each guest who entered. Hanging from the ceiling was a training dummy dressed up like their own monarch with daggers, and arrows littering it.
His unit were not the first to arrive to this Hag Witch's domain. They took seats as a female noble, an envoy from the Hexagonal Alliance brought six months' worth of food as a sign of good faith. While sitting down he spotted someone familiar among the envoy and ambassador troop. His own unit grabbed his attention as their commanders came up to this Hag Matron after the envoys sat back down. One of them mentioned a small castle manned by 26 soldiers loyal to their constitutional monarch Cen-Abalon. Another mentioned this Hag's other command of five half-Orc, nine Troglodytes, four Orcs who used the Dwarf Temple carved from stone. Her hag voice broke the silence.
"Just get the reinforcements to the front! Keep those other Hags in check! You got just what over a thousand Hag Militia for some five hundred tribesmen, sixteen hundred Gontrellans to handle? Now what would we do about seven hundred fifty Forsaken Dwarves, and Elves? Civilized societies cast them out. Towards the northeast we have five hundred forty-eight Coal Goblins go on strike and pick up arms." This Hag sounded more like she was giving the complaints and pleas.
"All are loyal to the Monarch." Major Kenos responded.
"That still didn't stop some groups from attacking me. Nor did it stop this phony gang war or tribal war outside Hunter's Edge. This V.U.V.R. has begun moving in further into Blackmell territory. Also there is an infiltrator operating in the eastern parts of Gontrella.-" she was cut off when a Satyr-Zunia Puck male rushed into the Meeting Hall.
"Matron Noel Blewcome I sp-spotted some two hundred or more V.U.V.R. war camp mastiff hounds near the border with handlers." the Satyr reported to the Matron as if she was the highest rank or the main governor.
"Stam the Satyr Grove Dancer, are there more coming?" She demanded.
"One unit of one hundred forty-three proven combatants of the V.U.V.R. were spotted south of the Mastiff positions. The first wave of units had not moved in twenty-two days." Stam answered backing away.
"Twenty-two days passed before they moved forward huh?"
Stam the Satyr was about to speak when some commotion outside drew their attention towards entrances. Andylle hid under the table as gunfire tore into the silence. Normally he was accustomed to this situation because of drugs getting in the hands of the easily addicted lunatics. This situation was different for him. As he peeked from under the table a group of sixty-six armed Gontrellans wearing blue n orange arm bands rushed inside. They wasted no time in taking down occupants of the Meeting Hall. Vestrisians were among them taking command of the group. In moments 17 of their own unit pounced on fellow Gontrellans joining these revealed traitors. Most of the soldiers, militia, and guards fell from this sudden assault. Inside the levels of the Meeting Hall a mix of gunfire, screams, shouts, furniture getting toppled over, glass or mugs shattering. Whoever was not a combatant made attempts to flee the building. Whether they were hit with bullets, tripped over furniture, or tripped over bodies it did not matter as some found themselves prisoners, hostages. Once everything quieted down the attackers o Hallowme Spiral started setting up their own base of operations. He got out from under the table with his hands up when he was commanded to do so. Lars stood before him armed with a pistol wearing civilian clothing with a V.U.V.R. flag as an armband.
Andylle's heart skipped a beat when he saw his own colleague and friend as a traitor. His body felt numb, paralyzed from the sudden shock of seeing his own pal betray a country a grew up in. All this time Lars was working with the enemy as the infiltrator. In his mind he hoped this was not true. He had to be dreaming right now. Reports about Kuruks and Gnolls attacking the first Vestrisian Units echoed in his mind as one of the turncoats reminded the others. Standing there stunned Andylle allowed other people to bind his hands behind his back. Apprehended in a section of the meeting Hall twelve Broags or Hag Servants, 18 Gontrellan soldiers and one Alchemist saw preparations for something. Whoever Lars worked with set up their operation quickly while forcing the prisoners to clear out the bodies. A cruel thing to do for those who were calling themselves liberators. At least they respected the corpses. R
Days went by during their captivity by these traitors and Vestrisians who monitored the frontlines. Andylle wondered if Diron City, Dimcabul,
Domoron Mountain City of Dwarves, Haldiron Mountain, Vussaryan Dynasty, or Prolux Kingdom were behind all this. As he worked as a working prisoner, he could hear conversations between themselves about the frontlines. One report involved 518 Kuruk Skull Cleavers, 330 members of the Bitter Bow Gnoll tribe, 712 Kuruk Abominations, 397 Stalking Predator Beasts assaulting V.U.V.R. positions. Along the Flurry of Horns Peaks, this assault came against 267 V.U.V.R. personnel, and three other units. South of Brushie Town the brigade called Massed Horde engaged some company sized VUVR units. One of those units called the Sand Steppe Outcasts estimated to have 210 members. Another unit of 390 V.U.V.R. personnel called themselves the Kiln Fiends took Utter Hill in the central east. Gontrellans retaliated by sending Dagger Drome Imps, Hazada Snare Soldiers, Celestian City Enforcer Clerics, Boggart Brute Goblins after the Vestrisians at the border. Losses included 588, 158, 285, 411 dead, 1153 wounded, 330 taken prisoner. Their own coasts suffered invasions such as unit of 300 Knights of the Tusk Order from Boathria arrived.
Mobilization was now in full progress between Gontrella, and Muskalla. There were other units being sent along with notable ones. Names of these units included the Masked Black Guards 387 of whom made it to the front quickly. A second notable one consisted of 666 Tribal Blade Berserkers from the borders, 313 Staunch Shield Mates moved towards the Boathrians who landed. Others included 325 Rage Throwers, 242 Dead Eye Rig Haulers from the western ports. Muskall sent over 386 Azirai Smoke Shapers who are originally from Talus. One of the radio people mentioned another unit of 314 Staunch Shield Mates arrived from Vodwania. One outsider unit of 433 Onakki Ogres are sent over by the Gantronese invaders.
Their location remained untouched for weeks, showing how much communication was lacking in this region. V.U.V.R. forces pressed further inland. This was forcing Gontrella to sent in its aircraft intended for the Boathrians which were a member state of the V.U.V.R. Andylle overheard that their own Apex Hawks aircraft started making sorties along the mountainous borders. While Gontrellan loyalists bombed the mountainous regions their location needed to be changed. Going further with their infiltration they pressed north. To them it appeared the best option right now. As the hills were left alone and the Hags were wiped out by loyalists. To the north of the Hag Hills there resided a Scientist who was wanted by the six Zhenrai Orders of Calorn. Known as Dr. Shelhoff this scientist was known to unveil up to 353 Entombed zombies along with 358 stitched assistant zombies. According to some witnesses he acted like a rambunctious mutt about it. How the infiltrators and the Vestrisians present managed to recruit him was big mystery. A scary one to those who know of his nightmarish exploits. None of his creations were ready to move on their own at the time of their arrival. These became deadweights already as more V.U.V.R. forces pressed their advance.
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