"What kingdom? Didn't our magnificent Federation conquer all of the continent or this half of the world? Glaciers, mountains, vast wilderness, volcanic ranges separate us from the rest of Calorn." Baldo interrogated Lostell a little. He pursed his lips in silence for a few seconds.
"What is that vast country those Nazdar invaders control as a Grevaskii?" He insisted pointing at a torn map.
"We, or they call it Ossus. We are avoiding those hired thugs. I don't want to be caught by the Heck Blade Skirmishers of Kingsbale. I have been on the run for three hundred fifty-five days going from one end of the continent to the next."
"Does it have anything to do with the three hundred five victims of the Four Harbour Serpents over five years ago?" Lostell asked looking at him across the table.
"Over five years ago. Just in the center of Nevora someone paid four hundred sixteen Sullebargers for an exorcism to be performed in Thrabeon City." Baldo answered Norren Lostell who was an Expedition Healer/Cleric targeted on the field ten years ago. Baldo was more of the Treasure Seeker these days. His original profession was a pilgrim to Mount Jeskai. He broke a 31,200 year old tradition of an Elder Monk of Jeskai Mountain. Every decade a new Monk was admitted into the flock. In Nevora Federation's northern block of Exun Liev-Avuntius individual or isolated Peaks, small mountain ranges became homes to a variety of groups. Cults, clans, brotherhoods, guilds, enclaves, covens, companies, fraternities established themselves in scores of mountains. He remembered the Jeskai Mountain itself had 389 Ogre Sentries act as warriors for defense.
"Should we meet with that Sergeant Fortos Streltov? He plans to pay 1,276 to three of those Symbiotic Elves who hold command over some assistants. He probably won't offer up that cute Dark Elf in the red sweater named Doujin-shez Sheinne due to her uses." Norren eyed the bald ex monk for asking.
"We can avoid him, but we do need a guide. She tends to the mantle top stool table with a deep-sea kraken octopus guarding a pirate skull shaped chest. Each cast from bronze. She does wear nicer clothing. Her hair can be in a double bun, a black flower pin. Ruffled or fur at the top with shoulders exposed, straps holding the black dress on her. Purple ball beads draped around her neck. She calls in Sakimichan or is it Samikichan?"
Breaking their meetings with outside Treasure Seekers made him look bad. Further north towards the mountains the pair of them could not find others to help them except the current ones. Over two miles away from a town held together by an Itaku trading post, Inns and Tavern Mixes, several Barracks, a score of farms lay a source of found treasure. A population of some 7,600 fenced itself in to allow protection while permitting growth, trade, some earnings from it. Being fenced in did not always mean they banned outsiders. Walls were for protection from bandits, remnants of hordes, unchecked packs of carnivores. Despite its location nomads, caravans, hamlets or groups pass through Dawnhart. Seated on top of a road that wraps around a ravine or crevice Dawnhart also associates itself with multiple religions. Forced to cut through Dawnhart plenty of Travelers, caravans, merchants, pilgrims bring in extra income and supplies. Lostell noted how a civic gardener citizen earns 421 Sullebargers a month. Among the fifteen Inns, Taverns in the county one is making it better than the rest. The Oakstreet Innkeeper Elf earns 405 Sullebarger a week.
Four hamlets and villages away some Dawnhart disciple warlock got paid to deal with a voyaging Satyr Druid. At a price of 473 Sullebargers they were tasked with blocking some smuggling. It became more of a sabotage of smuggling weapons to a nest of 2,000 Howling Mandrils. Hooting Mandrills were the name of most of these primates in other parts. Often having a membership of 2,030-2,200 ape horde. Sergeant Streltov possessed goals to travel to the other side of the globe. One the wonders of Calorn Anhost the Gnome's Giant Sword Tower in Jumar Khet Mountainous borders. One of many places he never heard of. Yet it would bring another accomplice closer to someone's homeland. Currently a Nazdar territory their homeland became lost to them. Volunteering as an accomplice was someone who became a Vortex Runner on the run for 355 days prior to their encounter. She always acted like they were running out of time. Stepping outside Lostell, Baldo left the cultist Cuirassier at the mercy of the ex-Pirate Belle Ranna. He turned around to spot the female on a couch. Red hair, one eye, purple black striped shirt did not say much for her image. Yet she did not care while she wore no trousers. Outside their hideout stood Amber Hox, a female monster girl from Syrianos with grayish skin, long lion like tail, red horns, red markings on limbs, neck accompanied by some scars. Most of those markings were covered by a medium sized gray, brown plaid coat. For decorative yet intimidating effect she sewn obsidian looking spikes jutting from the knees of her trousers, elbows of the coat, shoulders blades, ankles of her boots, sides of the coat. Her own tail came with a leathery sheath like warmer with spikes. Underneath the wintery coat she wore the tight fit trousers, and loose shirt.
Acting as the Vortex Runner's company, a mountain Troglodyte waited for them. Amber Hox and their Troglodyte flanked the door showing distrust towards each other. Neither of them saw any good to come from each other's company. Ignoring this situation Lostell and Baldo commanded for the Troglodyte to join them. Amber Hox was to stay put unless they failed to return for over a week. Her abilities to open vortex like portals were being tracked by authorities. Yet thanks to her 33 clues on an Aviary Mechanic were found. A 270 or so year old Dwarf who located this treasure, but never returned. Not long after their exit the trio headed towards the northern section. Most of the traffic came in the form of pedestrians, patrons, shoppers, barters, traders, consumers, wanderers, caravan staff stretching their legs.
When they reached the north gateway Lostell ordered for two beasts to ride. So, the Troglodyte would have to point the way to the treasure's location they kept with two steeds. For some reason both believed he had been there before. In the thickest wintery long coats, they pressed onward to Aningo Mountain. Not the friendliest of places, but the creatures go after humanoids when they are solo. Norren Lostell lightly pegged the beast forward while Svigzor directed them. As a small caravan like convoy with a pair of beasts they made it to an abandoned cabin. Tucked in the corner of a mountain base this cabin stood like a gateway to a mountain pass. Dismounting from the beasts they were greeted by a host of skeletons and a Treasure Keeper. Recently invented by wealthy Dwarf-Gnome Treasure collectors these automaton Treasure Keepers or Keepa99s guard stockpiles of treasures. Four shots with a revolver bounced off. It rolled over to them only to find a large rock projected into its mechanism from the side. A nice shot of a shock spell broke it. Dispatching this hostile construct rewarded them with a loot consisting of 1,444 Vlowlar coins. Vlowlars was an ancient currency was still exchangeable.
Armed with just Thunder30s, Onway revolvers, four flintlocks, crossbow, claws, tail, cutlass, staff, two dirks, a cane, a mallet the trio are cornered. Right after their victory someone else appeared. Leading a band of what had to be 209 was a female Dhampire who presented herself. Dressed in mostly black, purple that draped over her body like a custom shawl or coat. With the under layers clinging tightly against her body this Dhampir appeared more human. Thick black hair adorned with small skulls in hair netting like a cowl like crown one would call a headdress. Not giving then a name this Dhampire controlled Goblin Spawn, wretched hybrids, Dwarf-Goblin mutants, Gnome-Goblins, shorter Orc hybrid mutations. Certain they would die Lostell regretted leaving that cultist Cuirassier tied up. A gift to these vermin would be worth year's of wages. She was safe from such a fate while in their custody for the moment.
"Do they send out scouts in these parts?" he asked the others.
"Usually those Pious Wayfarers are used as scouts. Last time I checked close to two hundred, two hundred eighty-six became scouts other the years. It um depends on who is gathering ingredients for brewing beers."
"Could have brought the Sergeant along, but we would have to pay him or whoever else he brings."
A standoff arose between a trio of treasure hunters against a large band of Dhampire's lackies began. Once it commenced, a standoff has multiple outcomes. They can die at once, get captured while becoming prisoners or bribe their way out. Out of their blind spot the standoff received an extra participant. Each combatant would make a move once triggered in these stand offs or not. Underneath the feet of the lackies the ground gave way. Baldo recognized the spell as Despoil that ruined whatever the caster targets. Two hundred five as it seemed to be in this band fell to their deaths. Only a handful were left of the Dhampire group. Witnessing a massacre from a spell discouraged the Dhampire who watched the last ones go between fear and desperation betray her. One of them stabbed her multiple times. Lostell shot the attacker twice. Two fled for their lives, three fought each other. Only one dropped to their knees in submission. Whoever was left died by bullets, claws, daggers, blasted by arcane spells. Spells called Coasters, pinhooks, and disks took out seven. Spun around in a summer salt wheel fashion some of these targets were flung like rag dolls. Slammed to the ground the victims targeted with the pinhook spell struggled to get back up. It only made their fates lethal. Whoever was hit with the disk spells were sliced to pieces or set a blaze, burnt to a disgusting crisp.
"That Dhampire cost the lives of nearly five hundred eighty-eight Human Celestus Sanctifier Clerics roaming the Nevoran Federation. None of them either originate from or hail from any parts of the Nevoran Federation. Every single one of them came from a different place. Tariffs, tolls, bartering brought in a considerable amount of Sullebargers in profit..." The spellcaster rambled on to them as if they had known this as a wanted person. Being the source behind the source of those multiple spells a feminine looking hybrid with feline-Orc fangs, piglike nose, healthy face did not make for an intimidating figure. In their baggy clothes under a heavy coat, wool-linen mix shawl along with shaggy hair could not hide their appearance as a hybrid.
Ignoring the spellcaster, Baldo and Svigzor checked the corpses. Even though it seemed immoral to loot a corpse Lostell, Baldo and Svigzor looted them. Using an empty satchel, they packed it to the brim with coins, trinkets, small amulets, rings, pocket watches, rings, keys, various other items. Among these spawns the quartet found Estorasian short elf, dwarf like Aleon-Jurnese. Checking the attire Norren got glimpses of different sets or types of armor mixed together. Some were sewn together. Baldo loaded up the full satchel onto his own beast of burden/steed.
"Are you ready to ditch this area?" he raised his voice at them as the mountain winds started to pick up.
"What do we do with that Dhampire's-" their Troglodyte attempted to ask when the spellcaster opened a portal. Whoever they were was unclear to the trio of treasure hunters. What became clear moments later was the sole survivor became this spell caster's prisoner against their will.
"Off to the Duo Vampires of the Judicial Courts of Razogav in Nevora's Mevisky-Metrosky borders for them. They are not getting out of that one. Neither is the spellcaster." Lostell pointed out as he remounted.
"Which one though. Which duo, the Four hundred three-year-old duo with one thousand two hundred seventy inmates locked up under their belt? Some sources said it was fourteen hundred sixty-seven zombified inmates in a Rotting Legion-." Baldo asked referring to Vampire as a title in place of Judge, or commander, or leader.
"Let's get back to town. We might miss the caravans coming in." Lostell interjected before Baldo could really continue.
A trio Norren Baldo, Svigzor made their way back to town. On their way back to Dawnhart they passed a unit of 20 N.F. soldiers near a Skymarch Bloodletter Vampire's dwelling. Residing in their own lodgings these "Vampires" are not actual vampires but places as such due to skin tone. Pale blue, pale white Nevoran Elves with that skin tone only given titles as Vampire as if they are high officials, or lords or commanders. Skymarch Bloodletter officials or soldiers achieve that ranking among the Nevoran Federation military after decades of fighting. Also called Battle Specters these Bloodletters fight in blood lust mode. Playing a role as Vampire involved them drinking the blood of enemies or captured prisoners. Rumors spread that Vampires began lurking among them as a means of blending in. Due to the ages of some Nevoran Elves made it waste their time identifying real ones except for some markings or scars. Unless one found a way to check their teeth or got them speaking long enough then survive. Often times, but on occasions Orcs achieved this whenever they live longer than expected. Shuddering while his body stiffened Lostell pressured them to pass by quickly.
Upon their return they found the taverns alive with activity. Dawnhart residents gathered in the form of a crowd, clogging the street in front of two taverns. Across from the taverns Lostell spotted an alley wrapping around a Vault for ingredients or goods being stored. Appearing more like a Moat-Bailey crossed with jailhouse this vault had a few guards. Forced to press through the crowd the trio's path was made due to the size of the steeds or beasts they rode. Out of curiosity Norren gathered information on what happened that caused the crowd to emerge. A simple half orc half human with a stout short body that aged gave them the details. One con artist for a wannabe bard found themselves removed. In their tavern clothing this bard attempted to rob patrons while performing. His gaze went to a figure being carried towards the eastern part of town by angry patrons.
"Good let Emdis the Bard take his place. The thieving chirper...needs... "
"Don't you mean Charleton? At least Emdis won't turn charlady. Not even a Wind walker's cloak can save him."
"I bet the Red Tricorn Bounty Finders will nab him for 3,000." another crowd member boasted. Lostell recalled the fur lined the tricorn hat decorated in a wide ring, wavy gold lines stitched on.
Norren Lostell, Baldo overheard enough as the trio passed through. For all they knew the entire region knew about Pam and her Charleton for a partner was being removed. He also overheard she saw another. At times he witnessed her with a lover who frequented taverns while the scammer was out of town. Norren fought alongside the pirate warrior lover of Pam who was seen in the corner pouring over maps through the window. With a rather cute tavern keep dancing a little as she served him another round of ale. He acted as though nothing happened. Most people perceived this as oblivious. When really he did not actually care. His focus showed hints of discipline. Turning his gaze from the warrior towards Baldo he had a scheme in the works. Although they shared the same surname their appearances showed no resemblances. When they returned to their hideout the women resided around a fire. Their prisoner was still bound to the table. Norren unveiled his plan to join the Caravans. In his mind he recalled learning where they went. As a supply caravan worth 1,500 was moving ahead of schedule.
"Becoming spies is what we shall become, Norren." Baldo suggested. It felt more like something Norren himself with think up. Yet it got under his skin.
"Bugger you Lostell! That idea cost lives. Fourteen soldiers, female ones, were caught! All because of Blight Spell. A crippling Blight Spell that created a worse impact than he expected. Over three hundred fifty-six to deal with three thousand two hundred Manic Vandals."
That was one memory he did not want to relive. During their days together they attempted to gain status and rank. With a 306 member unit of Perishon City the Blade trainees succeeded around the Spell Blight's casting. Yet those trainees still worked on their soldiering. Over 286 skirmishers were sent in but pulled back. Baldo, Norren, a deceased associate Attoiko watched a gathering take place from a high altitude. He could not figure the numbers in his head as boring as that was. More than 462 or so gathered for strategic planning against the Kingdom of Thannon. Over the reckless strike of 434 lost souls against the enemy. This Blight Spell incident became their fault somehow as they were considered the only ones responsible. Being this far north gave each wannabe fugitive a little edge on the authorities.
Being reminded they were fugitives doused the idea he had for joining the caravan. Serving in the N.F. military did give them time to be observant inciting a spy position that ended with casualties. He did recall some successes in the southeast. Next to the Ishan zone rested the Emerald Occulate State. Beside this E.O.S. was Erisco the remnants of a larger state. Within the borders of Ishan was three new zones, former territories called Roamasia. Spying for the Federation he revealed the stirring of rebellion. This rally ended the lives of 277 Roamasian dissidents, 276 Frontline Rebels armed by surrounding free states. Looking at Baldo Lostell the bald one he could tell he thought of the same events.
"We go south." Baldo suggested folding his arms.
"South? South? You are Nevoran Feds. They will cut you to two pieces. Doreav is where we should go!" Hox argued butting into the conversation.
"Doreav takes us too close to Jeskai Peaks. Over a thousand Aziram Agents attacked two hundred twenty-three Jeskai Sage Monks. It resulted in a situation where some Captain to lead one thousand twenty-three squad men and knights to their deaths." Norren explained to her.
"What would you do if you were told Hazadan city is where we need to go?" the ex-pirate Belle Ranna offered as a suggestion. "Last time I was there like twenty officers commanding two hundred ninety to five hundred eighty each person."
"You would think it would be more personnel than that. Hazadan city is that Mountain City within the mountainous zone of Baz Revereth." Baldo put in, pushing the destination for the east.
Norren Lostell, being the age of 415 compared Baldo's 316 years, experienced a lot in his life. Having fought in twelve conflicts, murdered two oddballs, attacked/assaulted 10 Guardian Idols, choked a female elf mage, his life became deformed. Full of violence, theft, conning, venturing yet calm moments, Lostell knew he killed at least 1,243. Most of the killing was done on the battlefield. Baldo Lostell poached three to four creatures when it was not his profession. Not even permit to do so from the governing official, or offices. Somewhere in Kandria Onoss a Spinal Lizard own by twin elf sisters who run about four establishments often patroned by Orcs. Over 2,500 Sullebargers in coin were owed for its death. One Cristata was killed for its fur. About 1,173 still dug in the subterranean parts of the world. Labelled more of a beast than a race the Cristata have a certain fur on their watch list. Other poached animals included a horse for a Lancer. His crimes included thirteen assaults, made in the borders of several zones of the N.F. The last poach he made was a Grove Wedding Dire Duck. An animal that is not supposed to be poached unless it is for a wedding feast.
While thinking of Baz-Revereth, the group packed up their stuff. Norren knew a certain group called the Il-Dal Rogues that once controlled those mountains. Placed on a terrorist list rumors spread about this group. Most gossiped how they fooled the public into thinking it only had 294 or less members. As cutthroat as they were that threatening image which they posed vanished. He wasn't exactly there himself, but he read about that event. In some wordy pamphlets Norren read how 556 Setassan Battle Clerics made it out. More than 424 artillery pieces, Herakels Cannons, Hell Blaster Volley7s, Hailstorm Rocket Battery 89s, Auto Cannon 2014s, Vokku6s were dragged over. Taking precautions Norren Lostell cast a spell of illusion. On their way to the caravans that were heading east Norren summoned a prying eye orb to him. Illegal to own one that hasn't been permitted resulted in a penalty unless caught. His days in the military allowed him to have one in his possession. Kept it in his jacket packet he aimed to keep it a secret from the public view. During his time serving the Federation Commanding Officers relied on I.O. s to send out these orbs. Close to 305 of these were sent out in each front. With fortune smiling upon them they could bring back results it recorded. Used properly these could help end investigations or manhunts, or reduce conflicts by 449 days with extra eyes in the field.
Over the years Lostell grew worried about those floating spies turning them over. It drove him a little crazy as each year progressed with those authorities in pursuit of them. At a cafe Baldo Lostell, Amber Hox, Bell Ranna, Svigzor, their prisoner 'Piggly', Norren himself awaited a stagecoach. Finding an operational stagecoach in this area was a bit of a haggling gamble itself. Due its town size in the mountainous region Dawnhart wasn't exactly given the chance to have stagecoaches until recently. Getting access to stagecoaches was to keep the whole group satisfied. This female cultist cuirassier wasn't the only prioritized hostage. Five other beauties who figured out their pasts were in their custody. Intentions were to ship them off while intoxicated or knocked unconscious. Under the guise of a maid, secretary, a pilot's stewardess they made it as if those four moved on their own. Their names ran across his mind as he sat awaiting a stagecoach. Pyra Polly, a half demon Rogue assassin sent to track down some scum. Tombo Tifa the curvy light blue skinned Nevoran demon with horns dressed more like a secretary with a green ascot. Some loner red skinned sorceress, who could see through their conning, and schemes. Her staff was destroyed; book was taken away. Her own tail had to be injured a little. All he could think of was her astounding beauty. Ravishing in the clothing she wore this demon's bust size could not escape his mind.
Piggly's real name got lost in his mind until Bell Ranna reminded him. Olydia Clarionne-Cabe, a Lieutenant's Seamer of uniforms served a unit of 43. Traveling seamstress designer as her profession made this abduction to false recruitment easier to pull off. Should have known it was going to be you. Norren Lostell thought to himself. On board a large carriage that resemble a mobile inn on wheels. Not the only means of transportation, but it was one system the authorities rarely monitored. Inside they received three small rooms out of the nine that could fit on the oversized carriage. Driven by a team of eight dire skirjas, or spotted cow, the Sitting Hare's Rest made some stops. At one of these stops their group broke up.
Breaking up their group the Troglodyte named Zvigzor chose to leave. He planned this out for some time. Neither of the Lostells bothered to keep her from stepping off the stagecoach. Towards nine o'clock on a Dio evening the mobile inn arrived at Stylesrot Caravan Stop. Managed by a large team of 639 Elves with accommodations for 960, this caravan stop received a steady flow of traffic. Most of the Elves being slivers of sliver blonde, charcoal, copper haired types acted as Trackers, Guides, Leaders. Among Nevora's population these types of Elves were called Farros, Chandrelles, and Linsas. Some of them pulled off Ranger, Scout duty, Explorer, Hero, Sun Blades or Road Guards. Taking a share of the treasure that was looted from the dead, Svigzor left their troupe. Even though they were not actors the term troupe as a group somehow fit their act. Greeted by a lone female Ranger/Archer in a long coat made from animal hides mixed with linen they thought to add or hire her. Taking a good look at her Norren was reminded of another figure they once knew. Uneros the Tracker is what he thought of when looking at this particular female Ranger. She wore a metal armband on the left arm just like Uneros did before her untimely demise. His eyes spotted a bit of one underneath the sleeve she wore over it. Giving her name as Violet Arda "Umekas" this elf came with a companion of her own. Standing at five feet tall female human, her companion wore a red wide brimmed hat, red double-breasted coat, red knee-high boots. Under the coat a white shirt complete with an orange-gold ascot held together by a brooch. Long hair tied in a blue bow in a fish tail braid.
Lostell did not want to interact with this big shot tramp who called the shots. He brushed her aside to talk to Violet, not her. Since Svigzor was leaving this troupe, both Lostells wanted some compensation. Troglodytes as cooperative treasure seekers did not naturally fit the description of one. Yet Svigzor was one of those strange Troglodytes. Donning a mesh of studded leather, hardened leather, and chain armor mixed together another figure hollered at the coach from the flank. Svigzor did have leather armor, but it was covered over with a long shawl like cloak. In his mind Lostell wanted some lodgings or a stagecoach of their own.
"You can have Svigzor, but only if you procure a mobile transport. That should be sufficient." He Requested from the Elf who looked down her nose at him by just a little.
"Last month some caravans were hunted and trailed by a band of eight hundred forty-four Raider Demon Berserkers still prowling the zones of Nevora. That Caravan carried about three hundred twenty-six models an Aviation Pioneer inventor created over the years."
"What were these the models of?" Lostell heard himself ask.
"The Pickaxe Heads. Those PAH 88s. Criminal Ranger835s, and those Troublemakers still in production." the replied with less interest in the subject that he was.
Nodding his head to them Norren showed that he approved. Their own Federation started producing these mobile machines of war. None of them knew how to fly an aircraft except the aviators, or pilots. What he needed was a means of transportation to the eastern zone of Baz Revereth. Violet offered a vacant Merchant's Guild structure as compensation. It was more than what he expected to be given over. Four small rooms, a mix of different furniture in decent shape, dusty, dirty floors. One unclean cluttered kitchen, fireplace in the center in the form of a furnace. A perfect hideout with an underground cellar. Just a quick tour was all they needed before settling down. Leaving behind some extra clothing, coats, pieces of armor, cumbersome weapons they left it locked tight. They loaded the rest of their luggage on a caravan fourteen wagons, slow moving trucks, the bottom half of tanks with upper bodies taken off for civilian usage.
None of them kept track of the hours or days they traveled. Baz-Revereth tucked itself between the sea and the zones of Yien, Migoron, and the Zantos Jekrese Oil Fields. Mostly mountainous, Baz-Revereth still possess some flatland leading up to the sea from the foothills and bases of the mountains. Inhabited by Dwarves, Gnomes, civilized Goblins, some pockets of Elves, humans that densely populated the harbors Baz-Revereth became known for gem mining, iron ore, hunted leather, furs or wool from domesticated livestock. Wood also became part of the goods for trade materials exported from this region alongside obsidian glass. Coal, Silver, nickel, bronze were included as the miners kept going. Timber came from the surrounding territories, a quarter of the mountains, hills, and the flatland. It gave the zone a bit of income flowing into the pockets or money bags of residents. Lostell looked through the window of their transport to spy these mountains rising up as they approached them. From the road a traveler can still spot the settlements dotting the hills and mountains. Upon stopping at the southwestern part of the mountains of Urwid Zabed they found it surrounded by a sizeable military presence. At least two of the mountainous peaks were encircled. Raised up on platforms, sitting on hills, mobile constructed mounds, on wheels over 500 Elaborately decorated artillery cannons. Called a bunch of different names, in the different models or design these artillery pieces faced the mountains in preparation. Norren wasn't surprised to see military personnel prowling the area or stopping vehicles or travelers to check permits or trades.
When they were greeted by four, FPBGs, short for Federation Police Bureaucrat Grunts something felt odd to Lostell. Their appearances were no different than that of average blue skinned or tan skinned with red hair or bleach white hair of the Nevoran elves. Each held that cropped military style cut. A tightly dressed female elf demon approached them with the four trailing behind her. Their ranks were Lieutenants, and Sergeants following the lead of a higher rank. In their decorative yet plain jumpsuit double breasted uniforms they appeared different than the regular military. Most Nevoran Federation military uniforms possess a single-breasted buttons at a diagonal pattern. In a cadmium dyed uniform these PBG's uniforms differed from the Nevoran Federation's standard issued Derwent Gray-Shadow uniforms or the dark sand or tan shades. Other standards appeared light violet despite the modernizing warfare. The Demon Elf in her Carmine brown commander dress uniform over the deep cadmium uniform shirt waited for an opportune moment. Her red under clothing stuck out due to her lower legs being covered by those tight stockings they required them to wear. On her head rested the Captain's Cap with the Nevoran Federation's sun insignia. She allowed the quartet of lower ranks to do their procedure.
Lieutenants Marlov, Strelet, Sergeants Namin, and Nemoph requested five Sullebargers per visitors for entry. To show they had no affiliation with any rebels, terrorists, or Separatists was becoming difficult as time went on. To show loyalty each Sapien wore a collar around their neck or carried around a pass to hold onto for a week. Choosing the pass was proven safer and getting more available in larger settlements like Baz Revereth. Mount Eivju, Mount Dhuit, Mount Breso, had groups or tribes called the Toskeri, the Dhuit, the Noazi who clung to the base of the mountains. Most of them wore the modernized style clothing while keeping some hints of their tribal roots. According to the Demon Elf Hybrid, Captain Nookaz Tadownz these Toskeri, Dhuits, Noazi tribesmen, firewalkers, Bezkern Berserkers show uncontrollable anger or desires on enemies or visitors. Incidents in past reports involved tribesmen attempting to claim anyone who wore those collars. Men and women reported these events happening for several years. Under the lead of this Captain Tadownz they did not expect to be set free or let off the hook. Tadownz took them to a forwarding station made from an old tower where they received the passes. Norren Lostell considered the population of these mountains to be at 203,000 or more as they entered the gates of the two mountains covered with settlements.
Carrying all their luggage to a hostel Lostell's troupe made a little camp without the tent involved. Whichever hotel they were given had enough room to house two families. Under the supervision of five PBGs they overheard some news spill from their lips. Jekrese, a type of fuel mechanized vehicles, engines, automobiles, new locomotives, new ships run on or guzzle down to keep running was discovered in several new areas. Along the Iloran coasts, Eastmont, Soverden, Jendak, Levisky showed signs of possessing Jekrese oil. It would give them an edge over their enemies on the frontlines. Somehow their own Federation heard rumors or reports from frontlines such as Vimasdra, or Zekmar on the other side of Calorn. On those fronts over there mine layer trucks dropped mines in fields or narrow passes. Assassination attempt on some Queen they rarely hear about. These V.U.V.R. and their allies retreating or pulling out of invader held regions they made attempts to liberate. Umaelle, a zone within their Nevoran Federation recently witnessed a wedding between a Mage Guild Founding Mother's Daughter to a firearms handler, duelist, marksman-oriented family. Yet in the article about the Wedding they had to be informed or tuned in how many members the Guild had and the strength the weaponry family mustered. This Mage Guild was a membership of 314 spell casters, or arcane users. A strong membership for any Mage Guild. As for the Weapons Family an assorted small army came to their beckoning or call. Some 16 crossbowmen, 8 pikemen who could also wield halberds, or other polearms. Eleven swordsmen, 23 riflemen, 12 skirmishers, 14 Dragoons, 15 Lancers came under their command. In this marked or saved article the writer mentioned ownership of a gunsmith, blacksmith, stables, Baron's Stables, Town Watch with a platoon to command as well. Racing Tracks owned by the Apalach Family who married into the Weapons Master Family, the Longsuns. As for the Mage Family, the Ardmorez, they held ownership of a Castle Library, an Alchemist Guild with a small membership, a Weaver's Cottage-Workshop, and a small college.
Other news involved a policy of decommissioned automaton clockworks used for mining, and blacksmithing. Across their Nevoran Federation some 2,478 blacksmith clockworks became decommissioned leaving room for required labor to be refilled. Within the confines of the mountains 400 used automaton clockworks are decommissioned due to age and falling apart on the job. All of these were taken apart, disassembled upon orders to secure pieces for something else in production. Construction or assembly of Hubris' new wings of aircraft and equipment. From the mining operations they extracted 14,645 iron ore, 37,000 obsidian glass, only 2,400 gems per month out of the smallest mountain. For lumber close 260,000 brought in for rebuilding, repairs and construction of new buildings. From a variety of different sources more stories were collected for other articles pinned to the wall, or board outside the hostel or interior wall. As for leather or hides some 10,760 or pieces gathered from hunting, and double from livestock. Goats, Bears, Boars, red eyed fur devil trolls, manticores, were the main creatures they hunted. Plenty of wool from sheep was also sheered. Towards the west in another article, Theggs the Goblin-Gnome detailed an event or crime including a couple. One female human mage, her partner a Kuruk Berserker caused over 7,900 Sullebargers in damage. This included damaged door, broken window, demolished table, six fires started, one limb damaged another burned, four women drowned it their blood, three Houn Horses dead in Pantera City. Norren perused through the other articles before getting bored.
For 147 days in Baz-Revereth under different names the treasure hunting fugitives kept collecting materials for those projects. All over the small zone they collected pieces of metal, materials, screws, gears, cogs. Other pieces of metal materials from screws, gears, cogs, pipes, hinges. Other pieces of metals included discarded tools, rusted swords, helmets, spearheads found all over the regions. Even nails, metal shields, broken wheels, vehicles were gathered from the region. It became profitable as they found plenty of Sullebarger coins. During this scavenger hunt they found some competition. Sixteen groups scavenged pieces that could be used to construct a menacing weapon of some sorts. Norren could tell someone either had loose lips or these rivals were also spies or good eavesdroppers. Before Baz-Revereth became a zone where these Dwarves, Gnomes, and Goblins constructed a small force of demolition stompers some time ago. Norren heard rumors that it would take crews up to 470 days to construct one of these monstrosities.
In their encounters with these other rivals they learned these groups are left with scavenged crossbows, various blades, spears, old muskets, rifles, other discarded items. At a meeting they had to discuss what they found. A scavenger leader named Barnow, and ex-military intelligence officer mentioned the availability of under 3,000 Dragonslayer's Hand Ballista available. Compared to the ten thousand crossbows at their disposal the DHB was supreme. At another meeting another leader Manikos pointed out or hinted at another mountain. No one showed them these mountains possessed Rock Trolls in Reserve for a last resort defense. Close to 976 or more of these were chained up somewhere in reserve underground. Someone named Pelikan Face held a Chimera Revolver with three rotating barrels on their belt. At one point there were just a rare number of them available until now as 11,000 issued to higher ranks or lucky buy ins. Fooner the ex-reporter, former journalist who was exiled wielded a pair of over used Duchess Revolvers. Approximately 6,792 of these five shooter Duchess Revolvers were produced. One of these groups they kept meeting over the items scavenged had a pet companion Mandrill named Tabas who did not sit idle. During one meeting they found their scavenging and salvaging results smaller than the previous ones. Some Scavenger groups the commanding PBGs sent out died to monsters or feral tribes, or savage tribes in Zantos and the mountainous regions. No thanks to experiments with portals, or unseen gateways by Mages various monsters crawled into their realm. One in particular called the Gug that arrived through one of these portals. Described as some other worldly moss colored monster with a body beyond comprehension of how it exists came to their world. Based on the number of reports across the continent close to 2,118 were believed to be digging into the earth underground.
Sorting through their finds took time and space. Most of their finds over the course of the hundred and fifty days brought them to a recorded number of places. Over 181 well-constructed cottages, old inns, cabins, tower style homes scattered around the regions. Some of these tower style homes were built from renovated guard towers, the old towers of castles, and outposts. Some houses had archways so traffic can get through. A few of these were complexes of three homes. Looking down the list of locations the scavengers jotted down Norren noted some specific types of structures on the list. An abandoned Wheelwright, Post Master station, rundown Merchants shop, burnt down General Goods, and Carriage House were among the various structures they scavenged through. Some of these structures held different styles of roofs. Salt boxed roofs, Gable Roofs, Dormers, Pyramids were the main styles often used. Several of the Inns and Pubs here had a unique style compared to those of Vestrisia or other parts of Calorn.
On one of their missions or hunts they came across interesting settlements that showed how diverse the population became. One settlement stuck out among the ones they visited. Mostly an Orc settlement inhabited by more than just Orcs, half Orcs, some humans and elves lived among them chose to make peace between races. Notherd was first started by an outpost inn. Its watermill, bakery, huntress lodge, flanked the river that was cutting through the settlement. Most structures in general came with a balcony, a tower jutting from the roof, stone steps, the top level being larger than the bottom half. One ruined house was in the process of being renovated. In the lawn of an old frontiersman cabin a large brute orc in tribal hairstyle plays with a pair of Orc cubs on some rocks. Behind him lay a field with isolated trees among yellow tall grass, an Orc lean-to tent, and nomadic hut set up in the field.
One female called "Luxast" came up to them dressed in linen shirt over tattoos, a vest, denim trousers, a harness over the clothing full of tools. Studying the items and tools Norren eyed a pair of scissors, measuring tape, rolled up diagrams, a few utensils he barely recognized. Her side cropped style, shaggy top gave her a more interesting characteristic. While pressed for time they attempted to drive her away calmly. She told them a tale that was 2,539 years old that was about a duelist crossing a river of lust. Norren attempted to walk away but Ranna pulled him close. Under the bridge that went over the river of lust water spirits clambered up to draw a new victim into the water for them to drown. Ignoring the Orc as much as possible their ears except Ranna picked up the sound of an engine from a move automobile driving around the village. Under the impression this village was stuck in time they gathered up what they found to leave. It was really to avoid the narrating Orc who was attempting to mention the clothes the duelist wore that day.
Going back to their assigned Hostel in the mountains the Lostell Troupe found some scavengers missing. Norren saw pamphlets and fresh propaganda urging the people to rally against the invaders. North of their positions in Migaron beaches their militia and soldiers shot up 579 supply line air balloons, captured 25 Mad Ivan swashbucklers, a gang that was harassing the coast for years. Hoping to gain favor towards pards in case they were caught Norren chose to assist in gathering intel on enemy movements. Leaving what they gathered and kept in the hostel the Lostells took one new member along. Raised as a warrior in an Orc Family a dark-haired female war traveler called an Ovakkon. Member of a Pendant Tree clan she brought an ex-member of an explorer's guild based in Zaul-Zemat islands. Named Petikos Tamz this desert warrior donned two curved swords in a custom weapons harness, trousers, a new cloak that appeared more like a poncho wrap. In a quartet they raced to the coast touching a line of islands. Called the Marixigen Isles, those line of islands were home to 1,487 members of a Triple Diamon Tribes led by a fake Queen of the antlers.
What they discovered was something they did not want to come across in their lifetime. A lighthouse-beacon-tower animated by some animation spell to move on thick roots for limbs. Straight out of a nightmare this animated tower monster led a fleet of ships from the northeast. Using old wooden ships as a fleet of merchants a division of 35,000 Nazdar and Gantronese invaders landed. They came in force as if more came in from behind. Not sure if they wanted to stay or leave the troupe sent out their orb eye to record or watch this enemy force. Eventually they moved their spying operation further inland. Inside a safely located mysterious tower with a look out they watched 1,696 salty sea dogs, veterans, and sailors face the first wave of invaders. Sending the Ovakkon to report their discovery made security seem lacking. Along the Migaron coasts nothing but stoney landscape. Along the coasts of Baz-Revereth, southern Migaron, northern Yien a community of 13,000 mushroom witches settled there by force. Close to the center of things these Mushroom hatted witches had a mix of different inhabitants among them. With these communities was the more dominant bleach haired, blue, tan skinned Nevorans with 10,000 or more inhabiting. Three days passed as they watched an attempt to defend positions end in a massacre. Knowing the religions of Nevoran Federation's peoples Norren could tell some souls were condemned or shamed. If he were next to a priest he would hear how about 3,442 souls were bound to the fate of Casilin's web filled underworld in the afterlife. A shame that should have befallen 421 of those Goblin Mouse cat guardian escorts he despised. Standing at two or three feet tall those hairy goblins resembled cats, mice or a mix of both. Baldo Lostell included the 1,244 ballista teams who were stretched out. Each old siege engine was manned by a team of four or five. Adding the number of dead or casualties wasn't fun, but it gave an idea of what was lost. The stationed brigade of 2,100-3,000 old fashioned soldiers armed with L34 rifles, single shot rifles failed to hold a day later. It was due to their thin lines of defenses.
One week passing by gave witness to nearly half a million elves, half elves, humans fleeing their homes. It disheartened Norren to watch dreams, hopes of peaceful retirement or future careers dashed. As boring and tedious as it was the Lostell's quartet kept track of the forces these invaders encountered during their launched invasion of the Nevoran Federation. A second wave brought in 50,000 to reinforce the first wave. More communities were caught in the fighting due their invader's warpath agenda. Forced to suffer this invasion these communities were forced to fight. Along the Migaron coast they took out a commune style gang of 610 Pirates who fought them. A futile attempt to resist, but it was rumored to be an explosive end. In Baz Revereth's southern tip, Yien's northern tip, Yien community style settlements became wiped out or prisoners to the invaders. A loss of 5,000-10,000 households worth of people becoming prisoners. Aside from the homes being abandoned Norren thought of the halfling-Gnome styles houses, log cottages, river homes, personal farmsteads, and shanty style homes destroyed or seized. One community included the Coven of Hollow watched 269 of its members resist. None of the combatants went down peacefully against the invaders. Close to 443 to 856 monks found their own graves when encountering these invaders. The body count rose as the invaders kept going. Norren did not want to think of how close these invaders were at one point when a Dwarf Community fell in the invasion. In reports they managed to grab about 28 members of that community survived with tales of snake creatures coming at them. From this very spot of the abandoned tower they should have encountered more people as the coastal regions collapsed. All they really got was an Oni Scout they shot a few days ago. One of their scouts joined them for a few days before departing.
Only getting a name or rank from them, their group watched their own Nevoran Federation rally forces of meet this threat. Most of these forces scrambled to arrive in time. Over the course of twenty days several Divisions worth of personnel came by train, vehicle, beast, or horse. Believing clockwork constructs from the Dwarf-Gnome areas would do, the trick most forces held back. Whoever commanded this Nazdar/Gantronese invasion force held back their own forces in response. In fortified positions among the structures seized a sizeable division of invaders dug in. Counting on the inner conflict between these invaders, those V.U.V.R. , that Calornese Alliance their rivals increased their security. The Nevoran Federation did not expect them to invade their part of the world. They were sadly mistaken and caught off guard. Over 200,000 and counting would be expected to confront this threat. However, their Federation sent over 90,000 to face this threat. For eight to sixteen days their forces skirmished with lacking results towards the seventeenth day. All they saw was their counterattacks were of little threat to the expendable invaders. What did not help was the loss of the clockwork constructs on the frontlines, rain, light flooding, isolated monsters across the beachheads. More than a third of their own forces became expendable fodder. These invaders could carve another piece of Calorn for their empires. Yet it could become temporary in the future. Just failures, Laya bouts, the mage infantry made up 53,000 men in the counterattack. Watching that was a mix of pain and some relief.
Under the command of a fake leader a force of 46,500 Goblins marched ahead of the main counterattack. This fake leader happened to be some ex-Queen from Zeavin, a former land of the Zallic Nation. Old yet stunning in appearance this leader watched another failed counterattack. Using this as a way to reduce their ammunition they sent this wave armed with glaives, short swords, scimitars, line breaker blades, old style rifles, blunder busts, L34 carbines, shortened carbine51s, spears, SMG18s, junkyard weaponry. Somehow they made this fail look more like a draw. Bayonets, became spears when they came close to the enemy. Many pulled a fire at will behind others, moving shields, or obstacles delaying this fail by 49 hours in terms of workdays. Naga Lamia snake people gave them the worst time on the field. Their speed and agility proved difficult to fight in hand-to-hand combat. Crossbows, other firearms did their part against the snake people who took the poor souls down. Shooting at these snake people exposed them to sniper fire, machinegun fire. No one could really tell if anyone managed to hold their own against these Naga Lamias. Unless one kept their distance with a projectile weapon or were that skilled. Some lucky wretches managed to hold their own against those monsters like some tales depicted. When it came to slaying monsters. Norren felt impressed, but his hopes and heart sank as each lucky one only killed at least one or more. He did recall a tale of a hero who escaped becoming a meal to a certain Kaput Lake monster. Kaput Lake was known for monsters prowling its waters. Other heroes, or would be heroes died or suffered becoming a meal to an ivory skinned beast until Kalabarne. This beast was a mix of fleshy skeletal corpses bound together in flesh over them. With a set of seven limbs this beast's lethality became legend. According to the tale each limb appeared bony with no claws just two prongs to skewer its pray with. One long tongue that mimics pale women would emerge from a between a maw made from what appeared like broken ribcages. Its description made most shudder when hearing the tale.
Kalabarne vs the Kaput Corpse beast Nevorans called it. A tale the militant monks shared while setting defenses nearby. No bigger than a battalion of 1,200 these religious militia made defenses around four churches. Aided by a brigade of 2,100 fanatics they dug in to reinforce their Posis Heights. Other groups of fanatics that came prepared another position to hold. Over 5,318 handpicked, conscripted, or lured Decayed Solar blade Bazaar Warriors from Exun Avakan, Zarthan, Izavad joined these fanatics. From the northwest a band of 520 members of the Ruthless Knave Orcs joined their positions. Every other day these positions were attacked by the invaders. Other days their counterattacks became rather dull. At one-point Norren Lostell nearly fell asleep while watching their snail slow progress to advance. Dumping an edible bag of Lady Great Balloons, the bag itself was made from a mix of chewy grass used for weaving. Lady Great Balloons was a type of hard-shelled fruit shaped like hot air balloons. As hard as those Lady Great Balloons are, their interior contained juices, or jelly. He dumped most of the contents on his legs and seat while looking back up to see their slow-moving forces progress in a slow military maneuver. Some called that maneuver lady snail slow. As the smoke or dust clouds some mages created covered their advances. Mostly left in his seat the jelly filled nuts stayed there while he watched the enemy receive another wave. His trousers had to be changed due to the crunchy mess. It was late in the night when they arrived in force. Messy trousers would not be his concern once the invaders came to their location. If they managed to do that. Around the same few days it took their own countrymen started to rally in larger force. One division of 25,000 armored soldiers of Grados Vien led by two brothers of status. Sons of a steward who co governed with the Nevoran Federation's assigned official.
Despite the theatre size armor of four million who called themselves the Goddess' Army they still had trouble assembling extra forces. Most were guarding the borders of their neighbors, occupying seized lands. Mobilizing each unit of personnel in larger groupings took time. At night a brigade of 3,000 mounted Boar Cavalry made an assault. Norren was certain this was a form of out with the old in with the new in terms of upgrading their military. Barely touching base with high command this brigade sent itself on a one-way suicide charge. They missed the charge when a scout mentioned discovering a pirate city hideout discovered in the Migaron rocky coastline. Populated by 798,000 residents who were outlaws, pirates, ex pirates, stowaways, runaways, fugitives, thieves, criminals, poachers. None of the could get the name of the hidden city when another report came in about the charge. One young Zedirian with a fake prince title led this charge against the enemy. What did not help was two days passed by with nothing coming in about this charge. Half expecting the brigade to survive as prisoners or stranded wounded they let a few scouts wander towards the location. Glued to the enchanted mirror the pair of Lostells witnessed on ninety-seven of the Boar Cavalry return from a failed attempt. All he could think of was how badly this brigade failed in their mission. Without orders to do so. Another thought entered his mind as his eyes hunted for their leader. In his mind he thought of how they split forces up only to find the enemy force larger than anticipated by two armies.
Another division arrived with 60,000 troopers, heavy armored infantry, Orc collaborators, seriously experimented construct or cyborg hybrids. From the lips of a survivor of the last charge the enemy was still losing manpower. Mainly from skirmishes, their own charges. Two weeks later the invader found itself boxed in against the sea. Several attempts to chip away at their forces were made each hour. From the Uxane nations to the west 800 of those mysterious mercenaries arrived. News about some recently formed MLIS in Vestrisia on the rise escaped someone's lips. Among their enemies, a mercenary group was formed by outcasts, or experienced people. Calling themselves the Cathedral Souls veterans, assassins, adventurers, Hedge knights who might as well be in the wrong era. Other members included burglars, alchemists from fourteen countries sent 1,500 to participate. Yet those ran into the invaders' own collaborator mercenaries. Lostells overheard these decked out mercenaries in combat armor-fatigue mixed uniforms manifested. Armed with Nazdar weaponry mixed with their machine firearms, two brigades arrived on northern, southern shores. Rather than reinforce the remaining waves, these Grevaskii sent 3,000 of the Quiros Brigade, 1900 of the Auditorium Dance.
Their position had to be moved closer to the front lines. Something none of them were looking forward to experiencing. Within the confines of a hut style home for a retired journalist they set up an outpost. Similar to a Yurt or nomadic hut mixed with a round house style. Three and a half levels of floors with tunnels, nine chambers dug from an abandoned mine shaft. Used as a hide out for commandos the Lostell duo made this former mine shaft their own base. No one told us we would be in this circumstance here. Yet we chose to be here. Norren and his group had more to team up with. Joined by combat healer medic, Multi Troop Transport Pilot, a tame Gnoll the unusual types, a Tripod Camera personnel they watched a Narc of a police officer assert authority. Behind them approximately 1,041 police came over to comfort, maintain order among the populace and refugees. A superior Abbess entered their hideout to clear up the place or rearrange it to where the lodgings that suited her appeasement.
"I did not know the Boar Cavalry had more arriving. We could have just swindled them to take Izavad in the south. Honest to the Deities that is what they will do anyways. What I did not know was that thirteen thousand of those shock caltrops or whatever became a nuisance to those snake abominations. Those rebels will shout and jump with joy over this invasion. If they haven't already." She sputtered her thoughts in a disgusted tone.
The present narc here was some curvy female who covered herself in a dress uniform followed the abbess. Praying she would go away along with the superior abbess they ignored both women. A second female officer who had joined the abbess's assistant wrote notes down while reading them aloud. Norren allowed her voice to carry into his ears as he felt the need to hear something as it grew too quiet for his liking.
"...Eight hundred eighty-seven Cobra Naga Lamia hired to attack the coastal towns, dead or taken alive. Six thousand six hundred forty or more of so called Sagune Naga-Lamia Archers proven too lethal for some time on the field. Eight hundred sixty-six Onakek Ogres became troublesome until recently. Hard to take down-"
"We're writing, we're writing, we're writing! When you draw, they will say we're drawing, we're drawing, we're drawing. In a mocking tone no doubt!" This Hag of a Superior Abbess shouted, mocking the secondary police officer. Her face turned red as it inched closer to their face.
"More of our own have died on the field than we have wounded. I need to keep track of that. These invaders are ruthless unless more than one group kneels among captured prisoners with any wounded. Nothing has come up on other Gantronese mercenaries. As for your religious lamp shaped or Votive censor chain lamps. They give off a drug that smells like latrine through the distributed incense!"
"Well two thousand eight hundred thirty-seven Scepter-flail wielding nuns come to help those bimbo officers maintain order! Tending to the wounded, converting infidels to the Silver Moon of the Franjogue. As for the fake Queen of the Cold Blade is a ward to the Federation who will convert along with these lazy Laya bouts!"
Hearing this triggered Norren Lostell and Baldo Lostell. Religion was something neither Lostell could stand. Especially Baldo after his own history as a Monk. One of them picked up a chipped shovel-trowel on a long wood pole. The other grabbed a climbing dirt pick axe. Miners tend to invent their own tools for various uses. Not warning the rest of their group they killed the hag Abess. At least they thought they did as the hag struggled to get up after being knocked to the ground.
Underneath her nun style robe, badly kept baggy clothing she wore splint armor that allowed to withstand blows. Going for the head would have been preferred to take out the abbess. Officer Seras Heck was outside unable to bring in order. What they did not expect was for the secondary narc, ordinarily a suburb constable to start dancing to draw attention. Multiple members of their handpicked team dropped what they were doing. Gawping with drawn in expressions eight handpicked mane and women approached her. Frozen stiff she put herself in an open position. Paralyzed the officer stopped until they begged her to keep dancing. Neither of the Lostells were surprised since she was a bit of a tart. She proceeded to dance again catching their attention. What surprised everyone as this was how this narc befriended people. From the corner a third officer barged in to get a hold of this one. After shoving everyone aside she prevented her to dance even more. The Abess wasn't exactly thrilled, but left the chamber. Whoever this third officer was it did not help the atmosphere that was already set. Yet this one grinned as if she had seen a new opportunity. Their own team cheered when she posed to something to entertain them.
Stumped by the sudden change in atmosphere in the chamber the Lostells returned to their makeshift quarters. Inside they read a letter from Hox, and Ranna. In the letter the girls kept the hostel's hospitality positive for visitors as planned. Hox gained a new pet some stray cat too large to be a regular one. Their supervisor duped a few visitors into wearing the collars so they can keep using them. Several newcomers went missing in the mountains. Four mining accidents resulted in the deaths of tribal workers. An Orc had a wedding to a half elf with the whole wedding party dying their hair bleach white or red. Some journalist staff getting caught over miss typo somewhere. Their reading was interrupted when the tart of an assistant came in. She handed them a more important envelope in their hands. Ripping it open they acted as though she did not flash them while dancing before. Its content brought their attention to the invasion. It detailed the rest of the invading forces they managed to gather from another orb they used to watch with. Close to 548 half Nazdar hybrid soldiers estimated when it was really 732 casualties the revealed more landed than anticipated. Nine hundred forty-five Grevaskii were the first estimate. It was really over a thousand Grevaskii whose ranks were made up of mainly humans. This was a present to Norren Lostell who despised humans. He rarely trusted humans ever since his first few decades into life. Reading further removed some hatred for the humans of this world.
Among the ranks of the invading forces were beings labelled as bug men. Something he never thought possible a humanoid bug whose appearances came from nightmares made things more interesting. It really shed light on more evidence of life outside the sphere of Calorn. Just the wings on those creatures made their weapons scarier and deadlier. Norren overheard plenty of Nevorans crapped themselves on the battlefield. He did not know why until now. These winged bug men caused thousands of others to flee leaving entire villages at their mercy. About 1,796-2,375 of these are counted as dead. The rest of these creatures scattered or deserted the invaders. Entire units reported shooting these things down on the field. Norren skimmed through the list then read aloud in a shaky voice they estimated 2,504 storehouses built, lost, renovated, housing troops across the board north and south. Reading that drove his thoughts away from the nightmarish bug looking creatures the Nazdar brought over.
Lostell looked at Baldo thinking of the victims of these monsters. One massacre included 9,705 victims of the Nightfall Massacre at the border of Baz Revereth. The Massacre of 254 militia in Trebuchet Bushes, a community of 674 beardless hybrids who used the Dwarven Draught to even produce beards. There was also the 376 deaths of the Seguri burning by the Ordnance Lab Bilonge Butcher hybrids. Similar to mutants yet reborn in a lab with deformities from premature births. Those invaders lost 244 members.
Ignoring or acting as if the incident never happened, he pushed past the participants to get something done. Norren Lostell made his way to a control room where he learned about 3,000 cavalry and more arriving to help finish off these invaders. Some High Lord commanded 2,000 squabbled with a brigade of Demon Mutants. Another wave of invaders brought in 18,000 Kuruks and Beast men, 1,227 Yojimbo Zanmato clockwork constructs mimicking the appearance of a Samurai or Oriental Warrior. Skeletal humanoids as tall as 8 feet tall arrived bringing death in the southern parts of Migaron, and northern Baz-Revereth. When really these were just collaborators on stilts the invaders managed to subdue easily. Someone muttered these were part of a Chalice of Blood Oath made among the invaders. Most of them arrived by old fashioned boats, and were left to fight on. Four thousand lives were already taken by this group alone. Standing next to a quartet of female commanding officers who just arrived Lostell was at a loss for words. Each female officer stood taller than himself. They were shuffling through the envelopes he usually went through each week of this invasion. Believing his presence wasn't noticed Norren started to back out slowly. When attempted to turn Norren stubbed his toe tipping over something in the room. All four turned their heads. Forced to introduce himself as Captain Dunube, Barvos Dunube Norren prayed the rest would play along. As they were playing the spy for the Nevoran Federation.
One by one the female Commanding officers introduced themselves. Lieutenant Marlben in a coldly stylish uniform of white long coat with red interior, a stylish hat with plume donned her head. Part of the 1070 soldiers who arrived this Lieutenant stuck out with her own uniform. Lostell could tell she was one of those hero types or champions among personnel. Captain Fantasticz dressed more like a pirate compared to the rest, a fashionable one. She arrived with a force of 1,480 so called pirate duelists called the Four Black Hearts Battalion. Armed with a rapier she was part of a larger army on its way. Cavalry Sergeant Darlinz came with 8,600 members of the Vampiric Dire Horse regiment of equestrians in dusters over their uniforms. Most would don a cap, others a nice wide brimmed hat. Captain Alcidimi introduced herself with some bitterness to her voice. She was recently wed then cheated on around the time she arrived at this new front with 1,309 of 1,500 female elites in long coats, long brown hair knee high boots and enlisted caps on their heads. In their hair or dangling from the caps these beauties would wear a tassel to show they graduated. They knew the hair was usually red or bleach white, yet some Nevorans humans and elves had brown hair. They were a forward party that was coming in ahead of a 15,000 personnel division of Cavalry/Infantry mix. Commanding this division was a General Tatul Topaz who was mostly in command of 12,000 of these arriving reinforcements.
Norren has heard of these female units of Cavalry and Infantry/Cavalry Mix. These female cavalries would dismount then send horses or steeds stampeding into the enemy. Multiple members of one Cavalry unit passed by their room. Giving the female officers a quick salute then awkward bow Norren slipped out only to get a good look at the uniforms of one of the Cavalry that arrived. This 1,500 female Cavalry Brigade was usually armed with a rifles, revolvers, flintlocks, saber, lances, spears, cleavers, often war hammers, bowie knives, custody paddles. On their uniforms they wore a gold chain veil that would usually go over the face. Draped over the left or right breast the gold chain veil showed their membership in the formed 1084th Ocal-Ocartz Infantry-Cavalry Mixed Division. Attempting to slip into another room that was used as a refurbished protection hall Norren tended to stubbed toe. This is where he discovered they pulled other duties on the field at a home. Despite their temporary member ship 1,500 of this cavalry became more like caretakers, or nurses. The ones in red uniforms were called the Covartz Cavalry mixed in with the other members of the Ocal-Ocartz. One of them in a red uniform dress entered the room forcing him to sit down to see to the wound. Looking at her uniform he could tell it was suited for horseback riding.
Other members of the Ocal-Ocartz passed the doorway. Their long coats in a grayish color or brown color depending on the main function as Infantry or mainly Cavalry. Each of these had a set of stripes in place of the armband on the sleeves. Unlike the 1,500-3,000 red clothed beauties of the Covartz Cavalry the 12,000 Ocal-Ocartz pressed the counterattack against the invaders. Alongside remnants of the militia, first responders they put themselves in the heat of battle. While letting his own foot heal Norren watched as more of their own arrived to finish off the invaders. No one expected the Orcs to clear out the Battiel Region so effortlessly, a location of the moving battlefield. One thousand nine hundred Orcs under the leadership of an educated Orc attacked positions from the south. Over 4,600 members of the Wolf, Cluboz, Dark Orc Clans launched their own assault from Migaron. Hearing the details Norren stepped out of the room. Not that he was squeamish just wanted to get back to their goal of heading west. Their hide out was now a base for 12 members of the Ocartz female 1084th Divisions, 10 members of the Covartz Cavalry Brigade. Playing this spy and con game wasn't going to work with these personnel around them. It added more pressure and authority to the present police, and the religious groups. Ascending to the surface Norren exited the renovated mine and ruins. Their own forces set up shop in the form of a rather expansive tent city. In the shelter of tents or lean to shelters, Norren ran into some shops or workshops. A match shop, music den, key keeper, key smith, cork slicer, scavenger, trade post, mercantile shop, blacksmith, gunsmith really showed a city had formed around their hideout. Thanks to the 1084th it was likely that a new city was being built in the future.
Attempting to pass through the tent city caught the attention of nine or more female soldiers of the Covartz, and Ocalz. One by one they encircled Norren. Giving him names such as Ayaka, Namia, Marcille, Lucine, Noelle, Royster, Maddine, Autumn, Lesly the nine unveiled their own plan to him. It involved transporting a couple of what they call Tea sippers, and Wig Donners. A newly landed Aristocrat from Rune Crystal smuggler traveling with a Scarlette Mage. His job from them was to bring this couple to the river. A simple escort mission through their own territory did not sound difficult. In his own gut Norren felt something was off yet went with it anyways. Four days the nine female soldiers took their time gathering gear and equipment for him. It gave him time to think it over while performing his job. During that time, they got hints of informative details on the Charast or enemy forces. Through the lips of the fighters on the frontlines, they heard descriptions of what they faced. Each description that entered their ears made back hairs rise, goosebumps emerge. He was certain any photographer would be eager to display photos of a few of these specimens they heard about. Among the waves of invaders, he overheard the detail descriptions of ten thousand Cyborg Oni humanoids that marched on to the battlefield. Norren only caught some wording on the carnage, death, nightmarish experience anyone had once face to face with what was kept alive through cybernetics.
Stories about what he heard 2,383 or less Demon Mutants armed with a spear, shield with a spiked club entered the room. Some were described holding an upright turtle with no shells with a single horn making their way across the field on top of corpses, discarded weapons. What no one wanted to hear was that 10,000 of their Nevoran Federation's outcasts and exiles they banished were spotted among the invading ranks. Having that many exiles return like this scared them a little. Many of these knew the weaknesses of the Nevoran Federation. Many called them traitors or rebels, some of whom were also among the enemy ranks. None of them wanted to know that rebels from conquered regions were brought over light tanks, their own rebels whom they believed to have disappeared. Yet these were put in reserves for some reason that Norren could only guess than to act as enforcers of collaboration or submission. In his mind they were holding back 600 or more tanks, 3,000 gathered rebels from all over the conquered territories. Backed by 6,000 Grevaskii, a second large brigade of 6,000 of these cyborgs or clockwork humanoid mixes. These were mixed units who would likely or have already lost most of their soldiers in the fighting. Norren took a seat staring at the ground while preparing himself for another mission style gig. Those Naga Lamia aliens gave their forces a beating on the field well before reinforcements managed to arrive. From the lips of the Ocartz, and Ocalz he overheard their commanders were still worried about the tanks ordered for artillery strikes on those positions.
Within the confines of a large yurt sized tent, they laid out what wanted the two Lostells to use. Some of them recently found or drew a map of the area. He could only guess they made it themselves rather quickly. A Newly issued spyglass was shoved into his shirt, a new buttoned up plaid style from Vestrisia. Lucine procured a rolled-up tent for them to pitch when making camp. An axe for multiple uses in the field. Looking at it the axe looked more like a large cleaver blade or machete. Noelle threw in a sack of beans called Glutted Nut. Naturally grown crop that can fill a person's stomach for a few days. An elongated whip used for rope was wrapped around him. Norren took the camera from them preparing himself to lead two people to an awaiting rowboat. According to their plan this rowboat would lead them to the mountains. Between dawn and sunset, he made attempts to convince the rest to follow with this one. Other equipment included a compass, lock links, folded up cart, artificer pistol that acts more like a tranquilizer.
On a rainy day four of his new recruits joined them where they found the couple alongside the mine road. In their possession was a crown, prized shield, an amulet, chalice, decorative beast skull. Using a backpack they shoved all of this inside. On Crab Day and Snake Day they made their way to the river. Next to a cave entrance lay a boat waiting for any user. Just when they were about to load up the nine cavalry soldiers cornered them while on horseback. Out of the cave a team of seventeen members of the Ocartz Division exited. Poised to pounce on their prey they had a few police among their ranks. Norren, Baldo, Viggoz, a new accomplice did not expect any new members join them here. These Ocartz in their dark coat uniforms, tight fight long sleeved, or short sleeved under shirts wore an elite style cap with a familiar insignia. It was the blue sun of the Nevoran Federation's Flag. He pondered over the thought of changing it because of the V.U.V.R.'s flag hold a field of blue with several gold symbols. In the center of the blue sun emblem was an open lock with the key inside.
Norren closed his eyes knowing what was to come. All at once they arrested the con artist fugitive spies along with their accomplices. To him this could not have appeared more embarrassing. Caught in a scheme that he himself would concoct out his own brain. Unclear of where there would be any places for prison cells Norren believed they would execute him on the spot. Every crime he committed circled his mind like a swirling whirlpool in his brain. Stuck in his own thoughts Norren became idle as they started arresting members of his group. Two of the Ocartz handed him over to the custody of a Covartz Cavalry Officer named Carlynne Moonhusk. This particular beauty in the red dressed uniform turned them in.
Before their hearing and trial along with court martial they were locked up in a Caneg some roofless cabin or cottage with stiffened fabric for cover. For 36 days the Lostells awaited the start of their hearing, trial, and court martial all in order. Victory was assured thanks to the arrival of 700 D.A.G.T.s Daunting Armored Ground Tanks, extra forces pulled from borders with several neighbors. Counting on the guards for news he learned about more last reinforcements coming in to clean up the rest of the invaders. A brigade called the Onward Brigade contained 5,800 Elves, half elves who were joined by a few thousand members of a unit called the Stealth Assault Accepted, a mix of hybrids who accepted their fate on the field. Battlefield assassins whose goal was to stay in the field until the enemy is defeated. Behind them rode a unit of Dwarves mounted on Dire Goats as a cleanup unit of 600. While sitting there eavesdropping he heard the enemy somehow latched on. Although it was a brief hold out the enemy still received several thousand more Grevaskii while their ships were captured or sunk.
With his ears still eavesdropping he learned about a certain commander leading all these units while everyone else licked their wounds. Paid about 2,300 Sullebargers a month some Countess known as Max Mayad the Red White had the Accepted unit of the Woken Vikgard, the Onward Brigades' Iron De Mais to command in the field. He did not hear much else or see any of these personnel until the last day of his sentenced time. Onward Brigade Elves or members wore the standard uniform with pieces of armor attached. The Stealthy Assault personnel wore the old style leathery military jerkin uniform mixed with a studded look. Several of each escorted him to an intact manor where his hearing and trial would be held. It would seem all three would be held in the span of a week.
Before a court run by seven high ranking officers, a local judge each segment were run. Going over the crimes they already presented testimonies, and sentences laid out before him. Apparently, his spying being useful for them took away some of the sentencing. His punishment alongside the ones who collaborated with him involved scavenging, salvaging, bringing corpses off the battlefield. One hundred thirty to one thousand two hundred others collected corpses, weapons, armor, debris, canteens, flasks, goggles, gloves, other clothing, and vehicles. When handling the corpses they had to be careful. It was required to take armor, and helmets off the corpses of the enemy. While picking up the dead Norren got a good look at the enemy. Various Nazdar spawn with blood red skin, yellow birth marks. Some just had parts of the body either color. Other collaborators called Grevaskii were either humans, or elves. The Nazdar mainly had the bright or dark red skin with the yellowish spots. As for the Gantronese who possessed no noses, or smaller noses, black eyes, tentacles for limbs, or for just legs, or as extra limbs. Among the enemy's dead he found Orcs, Goblins, and the humanoid like Oni. After this job like punishment was finished he was going to have 137 years behind bars unless something else came up.
