Blagga

 The whole city was taken. He is surrounded by enemies of the Gantronese Empire. Over two-hundred seventy-nine rebels against Gantronese rule now encircled his hotel. He saw another force of 651 rebels surround the city hall. Azgolli city was lost. As an unattractive wizard that spelled bad news for him. Many locals in Azgolli would point fingers towards him if they haven't already ratted him out. Blagga heard the fighting intensify as Iperantosi rebels, and their allies took over the city on Gawnei Island. Desperate to preserve his work, legacy, excess, bloodline, Blagga summoned three Iperantosi Bathers, a pair of Healers, and the only female alchemist around for miles. 

Using a charm spell, and paralysis, Blagga immobilized each one. Once each one could not move Blagga prepared himself. Knowing they would be paralyzed for hours Blagga prepared himself to copulate. Quickly closed and locked the doors to his quarters. Closing his quarters off from the rest of the floor Blagga took advantage of the situation. One at a time the ugly wizard filled each Iperantosi woman with his own seed. It was after minutes of ravaging them while hearing gunshots go off below and outside. That was not all he ejaculated into their wombs. Portions of his own knowledge, powers and abilities entered with the seed. His aim was to have offspring who would carry on his work. 

Blagga raced out of the hotel through a secret passage in the walls. Just leaving those women there would keep the rebels occupied. Not stopping or slowing down the tattered shawl tunic wrapped Wizard made it out of the city. He forced himself through the Azgolli sewers to the southwest. These tunnels took him away from the invasion to a secluded cove. Getting out was what he expected from this. He avoided the rebels and their allies that took over Azgolli. What he did not expect was to find some army at this cove. A force of 1,423 blue skinned, pink skinned, red skinned, and tan skinned humanoid clones. Appearing as a copy of the same person these humanoids looked armed and ready to seize this whole island. 

Hoffee of Redrin Republic

 Under the main Iperantosi bridge sailed the V.U.V.R. made battleship, Dragon Prize. Captained by Navelius Swordlift, a half elf who ordered a Lieutenant to keep track of casualties from months long battle over these islands. He could have sworn more ships joined in this invasion of the Gantronese occupied Island nation. For Captain Swordlift, Lieutenant Hoffee checked on the casualties from the Iperantosi Invasion and Campaign. Since it was a military operation involving a coalition, records on casualties included of any coalition members. In total casualties rose up to thirty thousand personnel, rebels, volunteers, and exiles. Unsure of casualties on Vestrisian records Hoffee chose to check that later. For his home nation, Redrin Republic, casualties rose to one hundred sixty-one Redrin Guards, ten Veteran Grand Marines, two aircraft, six pilots. Under Redrin casualties he found casualties for Alagen, which went up to 751 killed in action and wounded. That included a loss of 6 tanks, 3 modified vehicles, thirteen light tanks, 17 planes, 900 wounded. For the island state of Lybris he typed up 979 personnel killed, 1,400 wounded. Vehicle losses consisted of eight tanks, nine aircraft, two half-tracks, and seven new gunships. Gunships were a new creation with a propellor on top. 

Meze lost seven hundred thirty-six personnel, one steel sloop, and three new tank walkers in action. Ivodra Isle suffered a loss of 3,541 personnel, soldiers, knights, troopers, grunts, and a single blue elf sniper. They lost eleven tanks, nine jeeps, three hundred seventy-three other vehicles, 61 aircraft, three small battleships, and four L.O.W.D.S.H.Ts. Rovantia lost 151 Peace Enforcers, one hundred seventy-one Jaguar Rifles, 5 tanks, 5 jeeps, 5 Armored Personnel Carrier prototypes. Their contribution may appear small, but it proved effective. Evusian Rulers begrudgingly handed troops to the cause. For them, casualties rose to a total loss of 1,546 personnel. These losses were elites, troopers, Knights, and star mages whose remaining comrades took an island and held firm. Tante, the multi-island Republic sent forces as well, revealing the neutral states could not stay out for long. Their losses concluded 427 personnel, 23 tanks, 9 armored cars, 25 Royal Ivory Troops, 5 aircraft, one battle frigate. Malvieth Island reported a loss of 419 Rangers, Clerics, Paladins, killed in action. More than 217 hovercrafts were lost in this campaign. 

Other nations were involved in this campaign due to a loose alliance called the Calornese Alliance. Nevoran Federation forces lost over 180 of their Shock Infantry, 4 paratroopers, an enchantress caught in the crossfire. Nations on the other side of the world such as Azul, and Zaul also sent their support. Hoffee typed up what was scribbled down in terms of those KIA. He would add the wounded, but that was a different category of casualties. Many wounded could get mixed with the deceased on paper. Zaul lost ten Marines, three steam walkers in the mud, 3 aircraft, all 6 of the mech tanks they sent, and six out of eight gunships.  There were also 25 troopers dead, 5 Death Lords, a Gun witch, and 2 war gentlemen. As for Azul 154 Dwarfs died in the first counterattack, and just three tanks lost out of thirteen. The other nations involved saw an inclusion of 2,164 KIA in grunts, and infantry. This included 60 engineers, 55 frontiersmen, 55 Spenos Marines, and 44 tanks. 

Looking down at a list of exiles and rebel factions, he took a sip of his now cold coffee. Iperantosi rebels lost between 4,191-5,740 willing combatants who either returned for vengeance or rose up against their overlords. Other Iperantosi exiles included 208 rebels, 27 Freedom Guards, ninety-one Iperantosi Freedom Archers. In terms of vehicles these determined rebels lost three Gantronese stolen gunships, five tanks, fifty-one jeeps, sixteen APCs. Syrianos Exiles joined in the hopes of drawing attention towards freeing their homeland. Some force of 363 Syrianosi died alongside more than twelve hundred half-demons. Vehicle losses included 55 aircraft, three automobiles brought for show, 144 modified cars, and 108 gunboats sunk at the front of the counterattack. Hoffee realized the remaining force of eighteen thousand would back away seeking help elsewhere. Could they afford this? Hoffee wasn't sure about that. it was not his call. Any of the Syrianos exiled forces could seek help from others such as the Nevoran Federation or the larger kingdoms on the other side of Calorn. 

Letting thousands of volunteers to fight wasn't his call either. Gaining volunteers was a nice gesture of non-soldiers aiding this operation. Yet the lack of or minimal training forced the soldiers to become babysitters. However, the whole lot they received had some combat experience. Thirty-three Tribal warriors from Oceanrest Var joined them, armed with Gantronese made rifles. One group called the Berserkers of Ossus went turncoat on the Nazdar then sent 80 of their own here. About seventy-five veterans from Alagen, and Lybris volunteered alongside 171 Nahemine Black Guards, 140 Meze Militia, 157 ex sentinels from Ivodra, 146 Nahemine cavalry, 109 crossbowmen from Ruhonthra, and 220 Meze Camel Riders. Volunteers also came from Evusia and Redrin seeking action and a sense of duty. Close to Seventy knights from Evusia, five hundred Bone Guards joined this fight over Iperantosi. From other places such as Nevora they received 83 swashbucklers avoiding execution, 168 Paladin from five different countries in Nevora, and about three hundred armed missionaries. 

Other groups of volunteers included 264 Zema Ilam, 128 Gladiators seeking greater glory, 161 local heroes and champions, 52 Enchanter Mages, 247 of a Warlord's men, 12 Brothers of some Ancient Order, 214 pirates they freed, 135 Iperantosi war priests who were freed or returned. Twenty-nine volunteer scouts taken prisoner, killed or drowned or went missing. As he finished typing the casualties Hoffee typed underneath the statistics "all combatants in these groups or units are KIA there deceased" as of 1844 late winter early spring. Hoffee ripped the last typed up page of the ay from the typewriter's carriage. Placing the paper with the other documents Lieutenant Hoffee got up from his desk. He carefully placed them in a folder before taking the Captain's Cabin. Hoffee knew some of these volunteers and personnel since childhood. It weighed his heart down just realizing they were gone. He was lucky none of the crew saw him weep at the captain's quarters as he set the folder down. 

Wandering the ship was more of his thing. Hoffee despised sitting down for long periods of time. He passed the likes of Saudari, Dawudin, Vygoon, Tulun, Ulrich, Greenworn, Miguell, Wolfgang, and Nasiim, some of the crew. Seaman, Seaman Apprentice, Petty Officer, Ensign, Engineer, Storage Keeper were their ranks and jobs aboard this ship of the Redrin Republic. Before they started to salute his rank, the group muttered something about cargo they unloaded yesterday. For those Iperantosi Rebels, their country gave them 373 Assault Rifles (early versions) for defense. Two find Patrol Motorboats to assemble went with this cargo. Three Heavy AA transporters were also gifted from Redrin. Those were not the only gift to the Iperantosi Rebels. 

Petty Officer Wolfgang mentioned an armored car from Evusia. Twenty-one working Nazdar tanks were the mix for these Iperantosi along with alien tank-treaded vehicles. As he moved through the ship, he recalled five stolen tanks being handed to these rebels. From his Captain's lips, Hoffee learned of other vehicles and weapons sent to Iperantosi Isles. Thousands of guns, Armored Vehicles from Nahem, construction equipment, 11 artillery pieces were also left for the Iperantosi's use. 

On board a battleship made in Vestrisian dock/shipyards of Castaria, Hoffee was one of the 662 crewmates. Captain Navelius Eve Swordlift commanded the same crew for nine years. Some retired over the course of those nine years, scores died in battle, a dozen were taken by disease, leaving them at 662 Redrin to sail a new gift from the V.U.V.R. The Dragon's Prize was a new addition to the Redrin Fleet. Able to house over nine hundred sailors the small Battleship was armed with four turrets with four barrels, 10 AA guns, 20 machineguns, 6 swivel, grappling hook guns. Between 610-700 fore arm's length, displacement of 33, 811 tons, sails at 33 knots. Hoffee made his way to the outer deck for a better view outside. Exiting a door at the base of the first double barrel turret, Hoffee came outside. 

Dragon's Prize slowly made her way past the bridge. The Lieutenant observed the surroundings. Islands could be seen to the south, west and east with more islands north of their position. He saw a hand full of ships sailing in the similar course as them. Hoffee could have sworn more ships joined them in the invasion more ships joined them in the invasion of the Iperantosi. Feeling the sea winds hit his face, Hoffee felt ready to explore these islands. Aside from 662 able bodied sailors this battleship still housed extra passengers. 

In case they entered close combat or needed landing parties the ship housed troops and armed personnel. One squad of 18 marines, 4 Evusian Rangers, 12 Evusian marines, 6 Redrin Elite troops, 7 Marines from Alagen, 12 Elite troops from Ruhonthra sent to help them along. Other military personnel included 4 scuba divers, 4 special force troopers from Rovantia, 3 marines from Malvieth, one marksman, 15 Spec troopers, marines, and soldiers from Meze. Three individuals joined the ship's passengers. One military marine biological chemical specialist from Lybris Isle, one Vestrisian trooper with Zhenrai I.D., and a female gunslinger. Noncombatant passengers included an alchemist, 3 Gnome mechanics, cameraman, Doomsday Weapons expert, scientist, female journalist with student, a marine biologist, Doctor, and a photographer. Redrin's Navy was small but managed to keep its independence. A total of 50 islands of the Redrin Republic are home to eight races. Mostly inhabited by homes Redrin is also home to Goblins, Elves, Gnomes, Orcs, Dwarves, Zunia-Pucks, Gnolls, who somehow lived in harmony. If it was harmony then it was a forced one due to common enemies, and the desire to have a free Redrin. Centuries ago, these races were either at war with one another all over Calorn, distrustful of outsiders, extremely hostile, very exclusive or full of dominance. Hoffee was certain those sentiments were millennia ago. 

Strolling along the portside Lieutenant Hoffee had one of the islands whose female inhabitants left in his view. Although temporary, the abduction of the settlement's women was resolved by the Vestrisians with outside aid and cooperation. Beyond the starboard side lay two islands a Vestrisians unit crossed to hunt down some Hag called Tearwallow. As he passed an AA shielded turret the name Tearwallow came to mind along with two crewmembers. In the shadows he spotted a pair of female crewmates. One female sat on her knees as the other one faced her rubbing her scalp. Seaman Gream was getting sucked on by recruit Mikka who sucked and slurped hungrily on Gream. Hoffee stopped to see if the sailors would acknowledge his presence. Personally, Hoffee held nothing against she males in the service. He just wished there was a way to get their stuff together. At times he would get aroused, but he forced himself to control certain urges. It seems that Petty Officer Gream failed to control her urges. The same could be said for Mikkah. Sure, she was a pretty petite curvy thing. Yet she had duties to attend to. Gream shoved herself down Mikkah's throat flexing her cheeks. 

"Are we enjoying the sunny weather offered by Iperantosi?" Hoffee asked scaring both women. One of them may have a whopper but that did not bolster her nerves enough from getting startled. Both straightened up at attention scrambling to readjust their uniforms. Recruit Mikkah swallowed and gulped down whatever filled her cheeks. She wiped away the sticky liquid dripping from her lips. 

"Petty Officer Gream tuck in your musket, properly or it gets rusty. You will get plenty of time to fool around once we return home." He commanded the Petty Officer who pulled herself together in the process of redressing herself. They were still female, but on this ship, he held the higher rank. "Recruit Mikkah go see the ship doctor at once. Pull yourself together for this mission. Now carry on working, Petty Officer Gream." 

Hoffee pressed on towards the bow the ship. He came across a Gnoll sailor called Kriak Pest bolt the Harpoonist of the ship. Another Gnoll sailor appeared into view. Seaman Gex Clayfangs, who looked more like an overgrown badger with a hyena mane, made quick conversation with Kriak. Both Gnolls straightened at attention saluting the Lieutenant as he passed them. Hoffee saluted back as he made his way to the bow. Several crew members were found cleaning, reassembling turrets, mounted machineguns, and reloading each weapon. A few anti-torpedo barrels, and magnet stars were checked upon and scrubbed clean. This ship did possess torpedoes, but those were few in terms of availability on board. 

Getting a better look at the sea to the west of the Iperantosi Isles Hoffee spied a few other vessels. Four other ships formed a fleet with the same class and design. None were as a big as a battleship. The Geosgaeno 125 type, a ship slightly smaller than a destroyer, acted as an escort and attack ship. Resembling the shape of a fat hipped brigantine, and snake head, the Geosgaena fought with 4 single barrel turrets, 5 AA guns, 7 torpedoes, 10 MGs, depth charges, and a single mortar. Crewed by 316-326 sailors each of these Geosgaeno 125s accompanying Dragon's Prize were named as follows Oswego, Baddeck, Halstar, Aquilon. 

Under the command of Redrin's Admiral Evoge sailed a sixth ship of the fleet called Blackpool. This one held different weaponry for armaments. No more than eighteen aircraft sat on the carrier's interior platform for protection. The Blackpool acted more like an escort carrier whose 18 Aclyone 625s went ahead of a fleet as a reconnaissance, and for preemptive strikes. A crew of 791 sailors, 36 pilots, 10 divers operated the workings of the carrier. Just looking at the ships reminded him of a few trinkets other sailors gave him. A skull pendant of onyx on black iron hung around his neck. One gift he received from a loner was a ring with powers. Another gift was a white gold illusionist wedding bracelet. It came from a Mage in Practice who said the ring lost its powers after remolding. Stuffed in some pocket Hoffee possessed a treasure map to some islands. 

He fingered two gold symbol pendants from Gora-Via when a hot air balloon started to pump on the carrier. Watching it was a spectacle since it was a newly modified one and mechanized. The sight for him ended as an Ensign approached him. In somewhat decorative dark pink uniform, once a two-year Warrant Officer, Edatim Evaltree seemed bored. Their sun browned skin tone still could not hide their boredom of this errand. Sent on behalf of the Captain, Evaltree retrieved the Lieutenant. Hoffee followed the newly promoted Ensign who became the valet errand officer for the captain. This Ensign looking out of the place in this uniform. The dark-skinned human with brown hair could pass for a Badraani or a Zegrav. Being taken to the bridge of the ship, Hoffee passed other crew members from fellow humans, to Orcs, Goblins, half elves, a few dark elves, half goblins, and Gnolls. All of them were in uniform working to keep the ship operational, and clean. It was a steel vessel, but the engines, propellers, and generators still needed some manual help. Out on deck the crews cleaned the arsenal, collected shells, removed duds, greased weapons, untangled ropes, kept creatures away from the hull, and reduced cloggage. Others kept the antenna working and protected from the sea birds. Their big guns also needed cleaning after use. Just two days ago their fleet engaged a Koriv style ironclad Esprizo Shark. Hiding out in one main island's lagoon this ironclad only startled them. It went after the Geosgaeno 125, Oswego only to be peppered with shells. To the crew it was a mercy killing as one of the castaways they picked up revealed they were starving and riddled with disease. 

At the ship's bridge they found Captain Swordlift, 9 other crewmembers navigating the ship. The bridge and pilot house were connected into a one room structure. A little easier to move around with plenty of room. The floor appeared rough with a new rubbery matt that covered most of the room. Having this matt helped reduced sliding during heavy rain fall or storms that came their way. Each crew member inside manned a station while Captain Swordlift sat in a stool chair, the captain's seat. Behind her sat three women bound, gagged, and lined up against the wall. 

"Lieutenant Hoffee, glad you can join us on the bridge. Have you completed the documents I gave you?" Captain Swordlift greeted him. His gaze did not leave the three bound women. 

"I'll ask you one more time. Who is your Master? Who do you work for?" Captain Swordlift demanded from the three captives. If this were some cliche comic, broadcast tale or play Swordlift would be a villainess according to some script. In her attire of a green doublet tunic over beige dyed khaki trousers, red dyed leather boots, she hardly looked the villainous part. At her hip hung a curved short sword. At her breast pocket she wore a pistol. 

One of the women, a Cyan tattooed, tan skinned elf tried to speak in their language. It sounded broken, but she uttered I.B.O.I.S., something he never heard of until now. Captain Swordlift attempted to verbally pry out a second elbowed her hard. A dark elf with white reddish in a set of explorer's jumpsuits hissed for her to shut it. The third one was a green skinned humanoid in a stolen Gantronese uniform that appeared to be two pieces. Each looked like a typical heroine in comic book series. Their Cyan tattooed friends wore a revealing jumpsuit due to rips, tears, and low zipper. One of her breasts nearly popped out. It would become a distraction quickly as it caused Hoffee's aroused state. He kept his urges under control. Swordlift was about to ask another question when Lieutenant in Training Former Baron's Son, Archie Grayskullkin appeared in the door. A tall auburn haired young man of twenty-three, Archie held a thin diamond faced with a lean body in the typical naval officer's light khaki uniform. His gaze transfixed on Captain Swordlift. 

"Captain, the Admiral found something just ahead of our fleet." Lieutenant Grayskullkin reporte with a straightened posture and salute to the higher rank. 

"How far away Lieutenant?" Swordlift commanded an answer from him. They young Lieutenant's eyes found the bound women. Wide eyed, amazed expression were slapped onto his face. 

"Lieutenant! How far away?" Swordlift demanded taking her eyes off the women. 

"An islet or so sixty-one to eighty-four leagues away, Captain Swordlift." Grayskullkin responded. 

"Thank you, Lieutenant in Training. Take these prisoners back to their quarters in the brig." Swordlift ordered him. "Lieutenant Hoffee gather a landing party and await further orders." 

"Yes Captain I will prepare two squads." Hoffee replied to his Captain. Leaving the ship bridge made him feel forced to give Archie over to the mercy of angry spies, or stowaways. It was not clear who these women were or what they were capable of. Hoffee moved towards the bow of the battleship again while the IBOIS revelation circled in his mind. 

Now on the starboard side of the Dragon's Prize he caught a better sight of the Geosgaeno 125 craft. Two Geosgaenos flanked their battleship while the carrier sailed ahead of the small Redrin Republic Fleet. Other ships were spotted with their fleet. Five other vessels joined Redrin's six ship fleet. One steel frigate from Lybris, a pair of destroyers from Vestrisia, a single sloop from Alagen, and a combat corvette from Tittania. Tittania was a city-state island close to the borders of the V.U.V.R. whose men serve in the land-based military while the women serve in the Navy. Its name did strike people as a referral to tits. That was due to the number of unmarried women serving in Tittania's new navy. He stopped at the bow seeing other ships sail past each other. Fisher boats, crabbers, ferries, coastguards on patrol, cargo ships bringing in tradeable goods, food, passengers, equipment, and weapons. 

Several sailors of his own crew laid about nearby only get barked at by Ensign Mortician McFelner. Although he hailed from an area that is now part of the V.U.V.R. McFelner signed on as a citizen of Redrin Republic. In his Celic clansman accent he barked at three sailors who were likely instructed by Petty Officer Sharpell to fix something. he mentioned a disease called "fisherman's Irritation". A disease known across the sea for eight centuries caused by prolonged exposure in certain parts of the southern oceans. Hoffee did not know which parts, but he heard that ten hours of exposure could attract bacteria that creates inflammation on the limbs. 

Not even bothering to check the Ensign's duties Hoffee returned below deck. Heading straight for the quarters Hoffee hoped to find any sailors available. Particularly the ones who knew how to shoot and fight in melee combat. He knew the leader of Redrin's Marine squad, Seer Lieutenant Maroon wanted to stretch his legs. In total, Lieutenant Maroon commanded twenty-four to forty under his command. Their Evusian neighbors sent them a dozen of their own Marines to command. Hoffee found at least a twenty-five-man platoon with the others who tagged along. Others were left behind to defend the ship. 

"Admiral Evoge has found an islet or more leagues from our current position." He informed the troops, marines, and Rangers on board. 

Seer Maroon, an Alagen Sergeant, Ruhonthran Rusher (Lieutenant/Captain) stoop up. All threeof them offered their units to commit to this mission for Admiral Egove. Hoffee was taken aback from gaining forty-two personnel for a landing party. Four hours passed before that were called to search the first islet. A party of forty-three armed themselves with a variety of weapons. Submachinegun18s from the V.U.V.R., E-6 repeaters, Onway revolvers, T.M. 13 rifles, 4 hand shotguns, Bakshin Carbines, Defiling Shade Rifles. These seven types of weapons served Redrin, Alagen, Ruhonthra, and Evusia well. Almost overstocking on ammo and necessary provisions Hoffee's platoon loaded the landing craft. Blow up craft that did not need pumping since air flowed inside through an opening served their needs. 

Hoffee looked up at the sky as they propelled towards their first islet, west of Iperantosi's main islands. First checking the map protected by two acrylic sheets that can be rolled up like paper, Hoffee found this islet. Although in Gantronese lettering he still translated in his mind. Known as Kisamajon this islet held the appearance of an eagle's talon. four other islands rested to the west with signs of ancient alien metal structures left behind. Its shape gave Kisamajon four handless arms. Since it was more of a talon shape Hoffee might as well say it possessed four claws. Looking up from the map he saw their progress towards this islet with others appearing in sight. Kisamajon had a few rocky parts, a dead crumbled down volcano, plenty of foliage, two arms mainly sand with rocks and trees. His gathered unit landed on the closest arm. A small hut and tent were set up by someone on this part of the islet. Two attempts for a fire could be seen between the structures. On the sandy beach arm lay a figure clad in dirty yellow clothes. When they drew closer Hoffee noticed it was an alien dressed as a city pimp. Unnecessary go between to get a companion for the night. 

Hoffee never trusted Pimps anywhere. Even if a woman chose to give her body to the night, she should not require a go between like a pimp. He heard pimp's offered protection, but who would keep the pimps in line. It did not matter here since that pimp lay lifeless. Checking the corpse, the Marines discovered this pimp was full of puncture, and stab wounds. Hoffee sent the Rangers with four Marines to check the rest of the islet. Half an hour went by before they returned with company. A pair of IGC troopers and three apprehended pirates joined them. The only reasons he recognized the IGC troopers was all thanks to V.U.V.R.s Admiral Kezef and an expedition that entered these southern islands. He saw plenty of photographs that were quickly produced. Pieces of their alien armor were missing. Very similar to armor on Calorn the IGC trooper's armor appeared green, tan, brown, sand, or camouflage in color. Some pieces went around forearms, arms, legs, and neck with a latch to keep it on. Only one still had their helmet on. A rounded helm with a barbuda style face guard. A thick orange glass like vizor went over the face. 

Their names were Corporal Gimma, and Private Lukkos. Part of an Intergalactic alliance force sent here. Lieutenant Hoffee was about to introduce an offer to them when another craft approached their position. A VUVR style patrol boat called the Hippocamp94 flying an Iperantosi Flag approached them. Manned by eighteen Iperantosi in old style VUVR uniforms the patrol boat hailed the allies. In a Phiox language the Iperantosi offered to take the IGC troopers and pirates off their hands. Both IGC insisted they stay with Hoffee's platoon. With little knowledge of these waters Hoffee accepted these two into his combined force. Leaving Kisamajon and the three pirates into Iperantosi Hands Hoffee contacted Captain Swordlift. She allowed Gimma, and Lukkos to join their party. Through Hofee's lips she learned of what happened, the dead pimp alien, and a dead woman from Gimma's own account. 

Captain Swordlift ordered for Hoffee to head for the next islet closest to Kisamajon. The rest of the fleet encircled part of the islets as Hoffee rode to his next target. Southwest of the Kisamajon lay the islet of Grambosi, which he only glanced at it on the map. Barely looking up from his map Hoffee got a look at this islet itself. Being in charge of this operation for Captain Swordlift, Lieutenant Hofee had 6 members stay while he led the rest on the islet. Slightly bigger or double the size of Kisamajon, Gambrosi held nineteen alien structures he glimpsed on the first islet. Sai to be built centuries ago in various shapes and sizes these metal structures showed signs of being rust resistant. This seemed strange for metal to behave like this. 

The first inhabitant of this islet to greet them was a beastly chunky draconic humanoid with a shell on its back with rock, earth like skin tone. It only threw a rock at them hitting Sergeant Phaner of the Alagen Marines in the stomach. Everyone else opened fire on the large beast. All the noise scared a dire warthog that died in the crossfire. One large elephant from Talus roamed this islet with shackles on its foot. It went the opposite direction. How it got here it was anyone's guess. Hoffee barely caught a glimpse of a certain symbol on its side when a piranha angler mutant, mantuary mutant, an upright reptilian humanoid with blades on arms, head, tail end, and a golden horse mutant charged at them. Armed with guns Hoffee's unit opened fire on these four alien mutations. Just the mantuary appeared unprotected while the other three wore body armor that did protect most of the body. Bullets hit limbs, the earth, some structures, and unprotected heads. It put an end to the attempt on their lives. Hoffee could not say the party's nerves held together so easily inside. One of his own peed herself when the monsters attacked. So did an Alagen. Another tried controlling his shaky body. 

He sent both back to the craft only get a good look at a strange phoenix-parrot that flew away from the islet. On one of the dome shaped structures an orthoconoid mutant clung to the roof with its tentacles. It eyed them for a moment until a blue, white striped frog mutant hopped out of a different structure. It also eyed them with ferocity in its large amphibious eyes.  Gimma and Lukkos let loose a hail of gunfire on the amphibian mutant calling it a filthy Drogviek. Another group of mutants rushed out of five truncated cone structures. One black striped humanoid, a horned bear dog, Black demon, Black snake man, octopoid, crazy duck man, snake lady, minotaur, and red cat bring came after them as one. Whoever was watching or supposed to look out failed that task. Armed with staff mace, throwing axes, lance, javelins, gladius short blade, 6 daggers, halberd, hammer pick, old crusader sword, scimitar, and claws they appeared outmatched against firearms. That fact did not stop them from attacking any ways. One javelin nicked a marine in the leg, and an axe found its way in Lukkos' shoulder blade. Hoffee watched Private Paunchy tend to the wound despite the amount of protection Lukkos had. His eyes spotted the octopoid clinging to the roof. Grabbing his own rifle, he shot it off the roof before checking the rest of the islet. As for the rest of the attackers, their lives were cut short by the rest of the unit. 

Inside these structures that formed a small enclave is unit found a group of IGC troopers being held captive. Missing pieces of armor, signs of beatings on the prisoners could be seen. Gimma had to identify three Orbital Ranger Troopers, and two Lightning IGC troopers Hoffee left the IGC troopers to readjust themselves before returning to their war with the other invaders. Checking the rest of Gambrosi Hoffee found an Orc crocodile species on the beach, 7 dead IGC troopers, spell scrolls inside one structure, mage's robe of green, weapons, repair tools, armor, old bones of ancient being on display, mechanical grabbers, and a Mammoth Skull. Hoffee's platoon also discovered more inside but could finish the notes. An aircraft or warplane of some sort flew over the islet. Taking a good look at this flying craft Hoffee surmised it belonged to none of the factions he knew about. Resembling the shape of a neck ring worn by slaves or prisoners before slavery was outlawed a fourth time ten centuries ago. It appeared much thicker, prettier, in shape and designed with four sets of barrels. It fired from eight guns, one hole rested in its center, with an engine in the back this aircraft had a cockpit in front of the main engines. As it swooped towards them it opened fire a few times. Forced to drop to the ground they did not see it shot down by their own aircraft and AA guns. 

All they had time for was getting to the next islet called Condergo or at least prepare for the others. Captain Swordlift ordered them to stay put until the next morning. Hoffee set out with 40 men plus 3 able bodied IGC to Condergo. An islet directly west of Gambrosi called Conergo appeared larger and home to a jungle full of life. Ocelots, Tapirs, lizards, deer, various exotic birds, mutated eagle-hawks, annoying seagulls, alligators roaming around. With no hostiles found Hoffee's unit did find a base in the jungle. Thanks to Gimma's radio comm inside his helmet they found four Jungle Troopers of the IGC who took the islet twelve days ago. Somewhere locked up inside the base was an ancient Forsythan armor. It seemed like a discovery historians, archaeologists, and scientists would love to find. 

According to one of the camouflaged troopers the Order of the Beast, and some random elf knight went after this armor. Made from a different alloy no one could name this armor held a unique appearance This Forsythan armor held the symbol of a Wolf's paw encircled by an otter. Lieutenant Hoffee knew of a Zhenrai Order who would want this in their possession, especially those in the mainland of Vestrisia. Locking it back up he addressed Captain Swordlift about their discovery. Eager to get off this islet the four IGC Jungle troopers joined his unit to the closest four islets and island platform. Conderoga lay directly south of Condergo with a rocky shape of a letter e in capitol form. Just the same or more structures, foliage, wildlife. Three hair humanoids, a Centauric humanoid, and 6 armored rat folk were the only hostiles they cleared out. 

Dealing with the ten hostiles on Condergo they went on to Ongeroge, a hill mound sized islet. Behind this islet sat an anchored three masted brig. Whoever brought this over installed a propeller motor called a ship miron. Hoffee heard plenty of ships were modified since money could still be made using such old craft. As outdated as it seemed these vessels were used between islands or islands to mainland. Long distance trade required modern craft to cover more leagues in a short amount of time. Crewed by a mixture of Elves, Goblins, Orcs, Apemen, and various hybrids, this Brig carried illegal cargo. Illegal cargo included certain alcoholic brews, drugs that cause eyes to fall out, bleeding through pores, and body parts in strange liquid for preservation. Other cargo on board included spices, salts, wool, sugar, leather, silk, tools, antlers, tusks, and poisonous fruits used in makeup. Captain Swordlifthad no time to deal with all of that contraband aboard the oversized Brig. She sent Lieutenant Hoffee documents with a Free Calornese stamp that allowed them to sell the cargo in the free neutral ports. 

Returning to the mission at hand he discovered their Admiral commanded other units to occupy specific islets. The next islet for them was known as Chakwe held the shape of a flower according to the Gantronese map. His unit of now 47 landed on the island in a hesitant manner. Whatever the Vestrisians and IGC faced in these platform seas was likely worse than their current experience in this part of the world. Out of a patch of jungle five half-Ogre men attacked with makeshift weaponry. Two projectiles flew from an Ogre's thrust. One hit the ground as the second one hit a Marine in the side. In retaliation they fired on these Ogres who barely wore much protection. Looking back behind them Lieutenant Hoffee thought of the 416 Marines, soldiers, and volunteers occupying these islets. Were they up to the challenge of defending these islands from more aliens worse than their main Gantronese enemy? 

Chawkii was the next islet. An islet that appeared part of an arch which held numerous alien structures left there. With one less marine on board made the boats less crowded. Yet the way they were taken out was eye opening. Upon landing onto Chawkii they found a wandering knight locked in a confrontation with a Gold-Black spotted cat folk duelist. Their confrontation turned into a duel on the beach. Hoffee's unit chose to watch rather than intervene. An atmosphere of intrigue overwhelmed everyone else. Armed with a Fauchard the knight pressed the advance several times then dodged, parried, stepped aside, withdrew, side swiped an attempt at his flank. 

Someone asked for popcorn only realizing no one had it on hand. They all watched this wandering knight take down the cat folk duelist. Donned in a studded plated armorelette, chain link greaves, great helm, this Knight took what he wanted. Hoffee sort of recognized the style of this armorelette that was now rare during this modern era. It was difficult pinpointing where he first heard about it. He bowed his head to the party of marines, and Rangers then returned to his own place on Chawkii. Most of them cheered and applauded the Knight's victory. Once they finally set foot on the sands the island gave off an ominous feeling mixed with something positive about it. Several minutes or more walking along the beach brought them to a torpedo boat run aground. Whoever it belonged to it did not matter. It was an empty find except for a parasite filled Grogge boat. 

Lieutenant Hoffee ordered for the Grogge destroyed in a quick manner. With as little exposure as possible. One barrel was emptied then filled any dry materials they could burn. Using two poles they lifted the grogge up then dumped it into the flames. This action performed by them to get rid of the parasites caught the attention of a lone Forysthan Ranger. Although they saw male ones from Vestrisia or Grussia, this one appeared female. Long hair, long face, two scars on the chin, the smooth knobbed nose, tall yet a little curvy. She had more of a lean muscular built under the leathery, hide outfit mixed with a Gantronese fatigue uniform. 

"I am Erog Gore or Roga-Tori Dawnrage. One of probably multiple lone Forsythan Rangers who chose to come down here." She introduced herself to them. 

"Why are you here and what country are from?" Lieutenant Hoffee asked this lone Ranger. 

"I was sent here by my guild in Grussia-Eoth. Originally my home country is Vunnace. As three allied nations working together, they sent fifteen Rangers, Fifteen Uxane Prowlers, twenty-three knights, eleven Koriv Ascetics. We were searching for a certain relic until my expedition died out." She explained Lieutenant Hoffee. 

"Is that abandoned torpedo boat yours?" He asked the Lone Forsythan Ranger. 

"One of six vessels that were sent with us. Only one remains afloat." she answered Hoffee. 

"Then join us and we shall see you back home." Hoffee replied attempting to end the conversation. It seemed rude, but they were in a hurry. 

For the rest of the day Hoffee's mixed platoon returned to the torpedo boat to the waters. When they got it working the platoon went ahead to their next destinations. Islets called Dorgot, Jarpi, Gildan, and Agored were the last four islets Hoffee was sent to before returning. Dorgot appeared the largest of the four with enough jungle, a single mound, beaches, other vegetation. It sprawled with wildlife that stayed clear of a Gantronese outpost. One score of Gantronese graves were found nearby with helmets and skulls acting as tombstones. Occupying the abandoned outpost was some Angel Metatron Katana wielder. Hoffee had no time for their backstory he offered for them to join them or to stay put. Receiving their name as Seraph Manthing-Mouthing, Lieutenant Hoffee left them there with a warning about more coming. Jarpi did not hold much discernable shape. It did have a rockier volcanic surface. Several mounds hid a large village of some sort. Their first encounter was one eyed Dwarf Goblin Warrior taking down scores of corpses for burial. Known as Doratac Runesword, the Dwarf accepted their help in the burials. Much of Jarpi's land mass made for poor ground to bury much. Shallow graves covered in pebbles and small stones would have to do. 

Following Doratac the next morning Hoffee's unit learned of a few factions on the islet. An unknown faction of cultists dwelled in the circle of mounds, The White Stallion Empire from off world, and minor CSO presence. Getting to the mounds proved to be an uphill journey. Guarding the mounts were 120 of the cultists the Dwarf warned them about. Showing violent distrust these cultists attacked the newcomers. Ten of his men were wounded, bruised, two dead, and Doratac dead as well. They were not the only ones fighting this cult. Five Cataphracts of the White Stallion Empire, three blue lizard folks, a CSO metallic flesh Dissolver attacked these same cultists. From different flanks these other groups set out for suicidal vengeance. Pressing the advance on these cultists, Hoffee's unit wiped out a total of 157 robed cultists. His unit was the only force to survive this battle. In the center of the stone village stood a stargate like structure according to one dying Cataphract they tried reviving. Shaped like a triangle this stargate appeared operational. Several cultists rushed through a yellowish liquid before it shut down. It appeared wired up with a generator, and some control panel stands.

Gildan lay on the edge of the platform seas. One castaway pirate living with a cat was discovered. About the size of a dog, this feline had a large pistol cannon on its back. The castaway went a little crazy on them for a moment. He warned them of another wave of aliens coming. Forced to take him and the cat along Hoffee went to the islet Agored. On this foliage covered island they found a warlock from another world, some long blade boss of a dead guild, an onyx skinned Ogre with no ears, Sentient Black Drake, some Black Octopus being. Several armored troopers got themselves caught by these monsters days ago. Hoffee's unit came across a bit of a gang rape, devouring of male troopers, and torture. With the monsters focused on their victims his unit saved 6 female troopers from these beasts. It was not part of their plan, but it may gain more allies, or strengthen the alliance their Vestrisians already forged. Looking at the warlock he studied its facial features. No nose, just a long hole, purple-blue skin, no hair, wide forehead, spike like tendrils coming down its face like a mustache. Before heading home Hoffee's unit found seas creatures prowling the edge of the "platform seas". On another islet in the arch, they found a Tyrannodragonite that showed restraint upon their encounter. It showed more curiosity that hostility. The beastly reptile left them alone to return back to base. When Hoffee's party returned to base on the ship they found others come to tug at a destroyed ship that ran aground on a reef. Whole teams of divers, and scavengers rowed over to save what they could. Satisfied with their mission's success despite some setbacks, Hoffee returned to his own quarters with a new companion. Unfortunately, the pirate died during the fight with the monsters leaving Hoffee to take care of the feline friend. Naming it Guardian Hoffee went to the mirror to find he shaven his facial hair to a mustache. 

Sket Island

 Discovering this island was one island they passed while crossing the bridge infuriated the platoon and convoy. Captain Amberson, and Heilungson calmed them down. Jaxa noted to himself that they missed something while on the bridge. Some island they perceived as small actually extended past the bridge's western flank. Checking maps was useless since this island liked to disappear in the fog or after heavy rain. Not checking the maps or local ferrymen the leaders plotted a location for their landing. Their transport-ferry, called the Helpful Pig sailed along the island's southeastern coast. Most of Sket's land mass and coast were covered in forests, jungle, and swamps. It stretched further west and south with a few beaches visible. Jaxa kept his focus on the swamps and trees from the starboard side. Appearing like pillar sized roots standing in the water the trees formed a dense wall. Moss, vines, drooping moss, low hanging branches filled gaps between these already dense trees. Entirely focused on the trees he spotted skeletons attached or tied to the trees. Jaxa recognized some types of swamp trees. Gnarled granny legs, timber crowns, willows, various oaks, soggy elms, witches' fingers, Golden Cypress, and Yimdarks made up the trees on Sket's swamps. He could not get a better look at these trees or skeletons since they moved closer towards the beaches. 

All over the intended beach, another beach landing already commenced. Sket's southern shores appeared flanked by thirteen vessels of various classes. Most of these ships looked outdated, modified or stolen from somewhere. Through the eyes of the set up Calornese Alliance these thirteen ships and landing force were unauthorized to be here. Before the invasion of Iperantosi began they gathered enough personnel, volunteers, privateers, and mercenaries with a signed pact. No one else was to invade or create their own invasion in the midst of operations they already executed. It was a crafted pact to avoid unnecessary crossfire, or mistaking smaller groups as identified hostiles. Despite all of that some independent forces were already on the beach. Guessing the size of this force they estimated approximately seven-hundred or more figures landed on Sket's biggest beach. Other smaller beaches to the west hosted smaller landing parties One sortie landed further down the island. Barely making out the true size of the landing force, they watched another force counter from the trees. Lieutenant Tazzarru, Captain Amberson, and Tank Sergeant Gipp Gregors ordered their units to hold back. Even Sea Dodge held back on moving in further. Just holding back allowed them to relax a little. Watching the fight commence or continue they waited for a victor. Not caring about who won the ferry slowly sat back. All thirteen unaligned ships opened fire on Sket. 

From the west by south a pair of vessels sped their way from behind cover. One slightly damaged destroyer emerged from behind a bulge in the island. A patrol boat accompanied this destroyer. At first glance they believed these were Gantronese ships. Believing there was another Gantronese fleet heading their way the ferry started to reverse course. One crewmate checked the alignment through a looking glass. To their relief those were not part of any Gantronese fleet. Not anymore at least, as both flew a different flag. Depicting a black star on a field of black and red stripes the flag had the star resting in the center of a green circle. As the battle over the beaches dragged on the two ships opened fire on the thirteen vessels. Jaxa turned his attention towards the stern. Behind the ferry he spotted the same ironclad from the ferry port. He nodded his head in approval since the Iperantosi were taking up the fight once again. 

A fiery explosion ripped his attention away from the incoming ironclad. One of the thirteen ships blew up from several direct hits from the destroyer. Four of the vessels broke away from formation to engage the destroyer and patrol boat in retaliation. All four ships peppered the Hag's ships with little effect. It was hard to tell if any of the steam-sail hybrid craft did any damage. Some of them were elf ship shapes equipped with small rotating turrets steam powered engines. Others appeared custom crafted in a wide brig shape or resembling a sword fish. It seemed strange for the wood-steel ship hybrids to have turrets or to still be around. What was stranger was how this Hag possessed her own navy. Even if it was tiny compared to island nations or city-states. 

With five less ships in formation the other eight ships fired more rapidly. Jaxa watched the ships tear down trees with various rounds. He did not know which rounds were fired but could tell every few rounds resulted in a different form of destruction. On the beaches the unaligned landing force met stiffer resistance that seemed to throw itself at them. Their own vessel drifted with the sea currents at a slow beast's pace. While the parties fought over ground, hidden cannons exchanged fire with the eight remaining ships. Jaxa tried counting how many cannons this Hag-Witch managed to attain. Another ship went down as these unaffiliated forces went at it. Sadly, for the Hag's forces the patrol boat went down from concentrated fire. As it caught fire going down it exploded in a fiery blast. All he could think was What comes around goes around. He smiled for a bit until a vessel closer to them came under heavy fire from Sket's shores. In the Hag-Witch's arsenal he guessed about sixteen Gantronese Nezero-64 aka. "Ship builder's nightmare", or "Boat Killer", fired on the vessels closest to the coast. Except for their own ferry transport that made all attempts to stay clear of the battle. Jaxa recalled these Nezero-64 cannons were encountered in Dorntalla, and Zekmar. Appearing much like a steel cannon that can be mounted like a turret or deployed in the field as mobile artillery. The Gantronese Nezero-64 cannon emitted a blast of fire. One would think it was a flame thrower of some sort. All sixteen of this Hags Nezero-64s nailed a vessel holding the appearance of an elf dagger-saber. Although it had turrets of metal it still went down. 

Amberson did not want to sit idle and watch these unaffiliated forces die in vain. He rallied the mixed unit of soldiers, tank crewmen, and two Zhenrai. An abrupt stirring came over them with the urge to aid the beach landing. That is when the destroyer took down a second ship. Seeing the unaffiliated fleet get reduced was only the tipping point in this battle. Two of the smaller vessels began their retreat. Another vessel pulled back due to the heavy damage they sustained. from the left flank the Iperantosi Ironclad ship fired on the destroyer putting an end to its terror. Now that an opening was seen the ferryman gunned it towards the shore. In the water they spotted figures drowning or staying afloat. Whoever was left of the unaffiliated fleet bombarded areas where the Nezero-64s sat. Some hits caused explosions; others caused trees to fall on the cannon's locations. Rescuing some one hundred forty-three sailors, crew, and passengers the ferry prepared to drop their cargo off on the beach. Getting into place the Vestrisians got engines running when something else emerged. With a head resembling a turtle dragon mix, a large monster attacked one of the remaining vessels. It scared the rest of them away, leaving the landing forces to the mercy of the Hag's army. 

For some reason their own vessel did not stop. Jaxa believed they would be this monster's next meal. As it destroyed the first target the monster revealed itself to be some kind of Dragon Turtle the battle disturbed from its slumber. Whatever ship it targeted, that vessel became torn in three pieces. He was certain they would find no survivors. Just as he thought it couldn't get any worse, the Dragon Turtle had company. A metallic fish shaped machine emerged from the water. It had a few hatches open that let out a moaning cry. The sound attracted the Dragon Turtle, drawing its attention away from the rest of the unaffiliated ships. Whoever it was they were keen on rescuing both parties as they led the monster away. Using this as a brief distraction the destroyer fled the scene. 

Making this an opportune moment their tanks turned themselves into artillery turrets. Several machine guns opened fire on the beach. It was assumed the unaffiliated were done for. Even from the ferry they saw the battle hardly moved past the beach landings. None of them could tell who was left alive among the unaffiliated forces, and the Hag's forces. Approaching this beach looked easier since less Nezero-64s fired from the trees. Their landing was like a walk in the park. Only a park covered in blood-soaked sand and corpses. Weapons lay among the carnage. The vehicle ferry extended a ramp outward then lowered it on the beach. As usual the tanks went first followed by infantry. They tread cautiously wary of the costly battle that just occurred. Corpses of thirty-five pirates, forty-two armored Elves, twelve clansmen, twenty Dwarf Paladins/Clerics, one hundred Uxane, thirty-four volunteers, seventy-two Drow, 574 knights/men-at-arms, ten orcs and a sheriff made up one force of unaffiliated troops. As for the Hag's forces Dark Knights, 282 various mutated monsters, a Black Viper Blade of Waterdeep Heisten, over one hundred thirty lesser hags. Waterdeep Heisten lay along the coast east of Vorcadam as one of those city-states that chose the Gantronese as allies. Other humanoid-creatures included eight Gnolls, six lightly armored Orcs in torn leather, Seven Drow in mixed mismatched armor, eight uniformed Goblins, nine clothed skeleton-men, thirteen Ghouls, and five heavily armed Gantrons. Their tanks rolled over these corpses, weapons, helmets, pieces of armor, and debris from the battle. 

Behind the forward tanks Jaxa could barely make out the furthest beachhead. Trees still stood around the debris from the battle. Flames lingered as smoke continued rising. Odor from Burnt wood, smoldering flesh wafted into their nostrils. Enough to make on sick, the bad odors forced them to cover their faces with cloth. As they progressed it seemed unsettlingly quiet. To some it would appear everyone else in the unaligned force lay dead. Whoever though that was certainly wrong. Jaxa knew a few among them, but he was not going to give names out. A bolt shot from the trees smashing against the front tank. Shattering upon impact this bolt sent splinters everywhere. it did little to no damage to the ground troops. Those who moved in the center got startled. More bolts shot at them from the cover of trees. In retaliation their own tanks opened fire with their machine-guns in short bursts to long bursts. All foot units huddled against the back of the tanks while they lit up the beach again. Jaxa took a quick peek of what was shooting at them. Using a mirror he got a slight glimpse of seven scorpion-ballistae that managed to fire more bolts at them. 

Whoever manned those outdated weapons, barely stood a chance against the armored tanks. Amberson sent five his men to get the half-track, and Ant-Personnel Car. A couple of arrows found their way into a leg or dug itself into the sand behind them. Just another futile attempt to fend them off while other toys in this Hag's arsenal came to play. Somewhere from the flanks to catapults launched explosive projectiles. Each catapult missed their intended targets. Such weapons were not always accurate. While that did scare them it only gave away the catapult's locations. Amberson's men used the Armed Car to take care of the catapults no doubt reducing it to splinters. After their tanks said it was clear they were met by small cannons that barely did much. One soldier died, four were wounded. Joining the machine-guns this time the infantry took out seventeen cannoneers, the two bowmen, seven thralls manning the ballistae, teams of Goblins that operated the catapults. 

Upon entering the ruins and debris area, another group burst from the ground. Four Wereboars six Goblin-Hybrids, four lost frog-folk led by an Orange skinned Orc mounted on a large lizard beast, attacked them. Jaxa found himself on the line gunning down their fifteen attackers. Only the reptile mount remained alive. It snarled, snapped its jaw at them before disappearing into Sket's dense forest swamp. Captain Amberson took full charge of Jaxa's unit as Lieutenant Tazzarru was hit with debris shrapnel in the leg and arm. Taking approximately twenty-nine men by foot Captain Amberson left the rest of their units to defend the beach. Reaching the positions of the Nezero-64's their eyes rested on a few trails the destruction unveiled. Without hesitation Amberson led them into the second trail entrance with Fizban at his side. All the usual jungle noises rose up due to the guns falling silent. Breathing felt difficult while progressing deeper. Not because of the humidity or denseness, but the fact they were so close to hostiles hiding in the foliage. Taking turns being leader did not bode well with ten of the soldiers Amberson chose for this. Given little choice they pressed on. Jaxa made one attempt to urinate before rejoining the line. He barely touched his canteen of water. When he took a chug from his canteen, he found a crooked, misshapen, forcefully malformed creature nailed to a tree. Rotten, mutilated, and showing signs of burn marks the corpse almost blended in with the dark tree. Catching sight of other corpses Jaxa was not the only one to notice this. Private Sceo Alose also noticed the corpses nailed to the trees. 

Private Alose stood just around 5'9 with the fine demonized body most people crazily craved over. The type of body that mad men sweat around women. Her pretty square face held a scar from a claw weapon across the left cheek. He recalled her fighting on despite the cut in close quarters combat. Jaxa himself did receive a cut to the arm that barely took him out. It did tear his uniform sleeve. Everyone in Amberson's unit got one or more scars during this war. Referring to scars another scar was growing inside their heads. Just Private Alose's counting aloud became that interior scar. By the time the irritating counting of nailed corpses reach six hundred sixty-three she stopped. Passing the uncounted nailed corpses Jaxa and his unit heard war cries erupt in the jungle swamp around their location. They formed a circle in preparation for any attacks heading their way. On his side of their circle Jaxa spotted a Tiger Lizard prowling the tree branches. Although these scaled feline beasts had orange skin black stripes these Tiger Lizards had green-brown backs. The Borvadosi saw more than a pack in the branches. Keeping an eye on these Tigers, Jaxa counted at least eight, which he can see. Drawn to the smell of fresh blood the Tiger Lizard's stirred from the branches. In moments their numbers swelled to over twenty-seven. As the fighting continued the Tiger Lizards rushed towards the source. Several fellow Skain-Vestrisians pointed them out to the rest. 

More certain they needed to follow the trail of nailed corpses Captain Amberson took the platoon eastward. No one objected to this while they put the battle behind them. Acting as though there was little time to waste the unit pressed onward. Blindly following the path of nailed corpses, the unit found a hut being supported by over twenty-four stumps. Most of the path leading to the hut were planks similar to a dock with tree roots forming parts of the path. Surmising this was Hag's Hut the unit studied the hut. Appearing more akin to a lodge the hut consisted of three stories. Having more of a round shape with three layers, this hag's Hut had a crude thatched roof. Just outside on its porch stood a number of figures. Two female Goblin shamans with sagging bodies. It seemed that way at first glance until the shamans moved around to reveal they wore baggy dresses. Donning what looked like baggy bloated outfits the female Goblins edged close to the walls of the outside. They clearly saw the Vestrisians approaching first. Other creatures included a Minotaur pair, Gigas brute, Dragon Mutant, Lion Mutant, Chimera on a leash, Onocentaur half donkey, half human also called a Helf, some lethal looking Mage Knight Automaton, and a pair of Sea Demons in a mix of armor with clothes. 

Moldy Ethel Tearwallow's Gigas resembled a muscular Ogre mixed with a hornless Jinni. Her Sea Demons held the appearances of dogs, fishmen, and bug-eyed fish mixed in. Some wielded a War Malot, long axe, Katana-Scimitar, Xiphos blade, Crude Mace, Spiked club, Spears, Tridents. However, these weapons were rendered obsolete and useless against firearms at a distance. Taking aim, the platoon of Vestrisians made quick work of the armed humanoids and their Chimera pet. Using single shot mode, they all refocused fire on the automaton that shot a fireball at them in return fire. Returning fire on the metal being managed to break pieces off. It shot into the murky waters in front of the porch. From the left side a large head resembling a toad or frog emerged with those big eyes. Before anyone else could make it out a tongue shot out then wrapped itself around the automaton. It grappled the automaton then pulled it in. Scared out of their minds the female shaman rushed inside the lodge hut. A window on the second floor opened. A gnarled hand revealed itself to be wielding a pistol. No one recognized the weapon she held. Whatever weapon the gnarled hand wielded looked completely outlandish. With a gnarled finger she squeezed a trigger mechanism discharging three light blue energy shots their way. All three shots missed them only hitting the earth and destroyed some planks. One of Amberson's men, a Corporal Laven Toyol, took aim with their T.M. 13 rifle. Taking a few pop shots at the hand Toyol put an end to the brief shootout. Hitting the hand, they forced the Hag to drop the weapon, which shattered on impact with the wood porch. 

For a few moments they waited for another round of shooting to occur. When that did not happen, they rushed over to Tearwallow's Hut-Lodge. Breaking down the door they were greeted by some interesting trophies on the walls. Four mind flayer head mounted next to a crocodile head, Tiger Lizard head, and a stuffed Dire Toad.  Moving past the entry hall of trophies Amberson took six of the chosen unit. The rest would have to be outside on look out. Tearwallow's first floor consisted of seven rooms total. Her lounging/dining room, the kitchen, storage, forge, guest room, alchemy room, and experiment room. Inside the experiment room they discovered a captured succubus with her wings cut off. Tied to a chair, this succubus looked to be drugged, and somewhat well fed. Amberson ordered for her to be brought to camp quickly. Privates Folwork, and Wesward rushed out with the succubus in their care. Left with four men inside Amberson summoned two extras, a Corporal Albuin, and Private Alose to join them inside. Tearwallow's second story consisted of five and a half rooms. Two guest rooms used as cells, a messy study room, storage, and her own quarters. On this second floor they discovered seven maids, Welder from Tante Isle, three Dorntallan Alchemists, Plague Doctor, three miners, four missing deep-sea divers, a Goblin-Orc blacksmith, female engineer, Scholar, and a captured Iperantosi Fighter held prisoner. On the floor of her own quarters lay Tearwallow herself, stabbed several times. The Hag-Witch they hunted down lay dead in a pool of her own blood. Out of nowhere the scholar grabbed the engineer's breasts before the prisoners were sent down. She smiled when he kept making a grab for her. 

Jaxa was sent to check the upstairs, the third and final floor to the Hut-Lodge. A total of six pirates hid inside the third room, the Hag's treasure room. What better place for a pirate unless they were cornered. Two females, and four males appeared sick of Tearwallow's hold over them. However, they were locked in intercourse. Any ordinary citizen not depraved would call it gangrape. If he were writing this scene, it would be described as four holes filled by the males or simply forced sex. Neither female could speak as they were stuffed with meat, and their hind ends penetrated. Jaxa chose to end the intercourse. Pouring four shots into the group and ended the sexual intercourse one calls a gangrape in civilized areas. He fired all four shots as quickly as the mechanism allowed. The trigger could be fired when a fresh round was in the chamber after releasing the previous bullet. One bullet dug itself into a kidney, a second hit a rib cage, a third tore into a stomach, and the fourth went into the bladder area from the side. Four male pirates collapsed to the floor dead, dying, or wounded. Their victims dropped on their hands and knees. Both female pirates grabbed the bloodied daggers and finished the males off. Left with two female pirates in revealing outfits of a torn linen shirt of red, a green shirt, studded breeches, and leather greaves, he helped them up. One had olive skin with raven hair topped with a purple bandana, which did seem odd with the red shirt, and studded breeches. The other was a blonde half elf with a fine tan, donning a knitted hat to go with the green shirt, and leather greaves. 

Pirates always had a similar trademark or two to show their pirate status or profession as one. Either a skull was on their bodies, crossed bones, or crossed weapons. Pirates of Calorn will also have a tattoo or symbol on their clothing depicting the crew emblem that showed their membership to that crew or gang. In the case of these six pirates the skull was evident along with a Hammerhead shark. At a closer glance he saw the shark donned a tricorn hat. Jaxa caught sight of the clothing on the males. A sea vest with the new cargo pants, plaid shirt with breeches, sleeveless open doublet over torn sea pants, striped shirt with Lesdonian pants. Lesdonian pants would have nine yellow and black stripes. Jaxa returned his focus on the two female pirates. Learning their names as Beda the Riot, Nedra Peregrine Jaxa rushed them down the stairs so he could continue his search. He entered another room of the third floor, the upper laboratory. In his mins he knew more were hiding in this Hut Lodge. A hand went for his crotch as he stepped further inside. He heard the door close behind him in a light manner. A small feminine voice spoke up from below him. 

"Please shoot us Borvadosi, I mean Vestrisian. We seek a way out of Vestrisian imprisonment. Let our pleasuring change your mind." the little voice requested of him as the hand fondled him. Jaxa felt two hands undo his pants then proceeded pulling his manhood out. He looked down to see a pretty Goblin. In his mind she thought her ravenous but knew he could not guarantee anything. He was not the leader of the unit downstairs. 

Barely five feet tall this shaman Goblin held her crimson red hair in a flower bun. The other Goblin had greenish hair in the messy style. Both took turns eating his shaft without the biting or chewing. Lips and tongue slid up and down Jaxa's shaft for a good eight minutes as he blocked world out. One at a time the curvy short Goblin gals pleasured him as he grew harder as a result. Another four or five minutes passed and Jaxa found himself ejaculating. He did not mean to do that all over the female Goblins. Each of them smiled at him then each other over that. After lapping him up they cleaned up thoroughly. Both cleaned up quickly redoing his pants right as someone came banging on the door. 

"Hey um Borvadosi!" It was Captain Amberson who clearly forgot his name and rank. Jaxa did not really care about that. He was not in Amberson's actual unit. 

Letting that go he opened the door allowing the two Goblins fall into the captain's custody. Neither female Goblin wanted this, but they had no choice. Simultaneously the female Goblins let out curses, protests, insults, and grumbled over the situation. Jaxa to this chance to check the other rooms again. Tearwallow possessed a total of seventeen lava crystal eggs, the usual treasures, various weapons, armor pieces, many chests, staffs, exotic fruits in the treasure room. It looked to the point of cracking under the weight. Her other two rooms had vials on shelfs, Alembic, jars, Apparatus. retort, a bed, broken wardrobes, ruined tapestries, dressers, cruddy lamps, bookshelf, display of utensils, hats from other witches. One tapestry was that of a Tiger Lizard's skin. He would have caught a closer look at everything, but his presence was needed with the others. 

Racing down the stairs Jaxa found the unit outside herding the captives and prisoners away from the Hut-Lodge. No thanks to some heavy humanoid sized Frogs some parts of the path were destroyed. Planning to return Captain Amberson wrapped a V.U.V.R. flag to a porch peg. Forced to take an alternative route the combined unit made their way southwest. This route brought them to a stretched-out battle site. Coming upon the aftermath they found hundreds of combatants, creatures, and fifty-six giant frogs lying dead across portions of the marshy swamp. Presuming these were participants of the battle they heard earlier they felt forced to follow this trail of dead. 

Just the trail of dead led them to the beach on the western half of Sket. Many combatants included five hundred forty-five Serpent Dragon Knights, Warriors, Guards of Vishnael. Every Vishnaeli wore the scaled armor with the great helms on their heads. Most of the scales were either green or gold. Weapons of choice included swords, scimitars, broad axes, maces, weaponized kite shields, spears as well as halberds. Other combatants included one hundred and two Monk warriors clad in white or yellow-gold tunic-robes with a purple cape wrap draped over them. These combatants were armed with the many martial arts weapons found in Koriv, Gora-Via, Vorcadam such as Naginata, Dao, Daito, Nagamaki, Tetsubo, Tonfa, tekko, Ninjato, Jians, Monk Spades. Whichever group they originated from they fought ferociously, but with little protection. Their eyes spied a total of one hundred fifty-four Sea Demons laying among the dead. Similar to the ones they gunned down at Tearwallow's Hut. Even Drow could be found int he mixture of the dead numbering two hundred. Their white hair, black hair, dark studded leather armor with small plating were nearly identical. Yet their weapons consisted of Scimitars, sabres, Bows, Arrows, Daggers, Rapiers, Death Machetes, their own version of the flintlock pistols, War picks, spiked maces, crossbows, and scorpion chains. Close to eighty-four Goblins lay among the slain. Weapons of these included War Axes, Long Knives, Bayonets, Short swords, Spears, Bows, cleavers, curved blades, studded or spiked clubs. Whatever the battle was over it was unclear to them, but none appeared to have survived the stretched-out battle. 

On the ocean they spotted ten ships belonging to their V.U.V.R. and allies. Three Vestrisian Destroyers, one Battleship, an Evusian Destroyer, Alagen Sloop, Lybrisian Light Cruiser, two Nahemine Destroyers, and a Redrin small Battleship. All ten ships engaged five mixed vessels that stood no chance against their fire power. Painted green, and red the five ships became nothing more than target practice and sitting waterfowls that looked more like absurd match boxes mixed with an oval bowl. From the allied ships one hundred sixty-seven armed sailors, soldiers, and marines took the captives and prisoners off their hands. Amberson briefed the highest-ranking officer among the landing party, Second Mate Lieutenant Hoffee of Redrin. Hoffee stood at close to six feet in height, or bones height with auburn hair, handsome brow, jutting chin, tough guy nose, shaven face, hints of a healed scar, and a robust body underneath the greenish uniform. From Hoffee learned about some Iperantosi women were discovered in the hands some allied troops. These women were set to be returned somewhere in Iperantosi. Jaxa interjected about the taken women they were told about at the end of the main bridge. Despite his rank and interruption Jaxa managed to fill in a puzzle piece for the coalition fleet. With that bit of information revealed along with the village's location the combined unit returned to their own beach landing on Sket. Upon their return they discovered the unauthorized forces lost between seven-hundred twenty-three and eighteen hundred two, including a force of twelve winged elves from Syrianos, and eighteen free renegade Dark Elves with brown hair, and raven locks. As for the crews that survived the battle about four hundred sixty-nine of them got picked up. One small fleet of six ships arrived. Three Sloops, two destroyers, and a small aircraft carrier. Another force also landed on the beach. Greeted by two hundred twenty-four fellows Vestrisians, they also learned of a particular invasion force that landed on Calorn south of here. It was not a single faction, but multiple factions coming down to their planet. Apparently the Gantronese sent fifty thousand or more against several of these other invaders. 

Whoever was wounded among their combined unit were already brought on board one of the cargo ships that followed the small fleet. Five in total waited for them to reembark on the sea. At the request of Captain Amberson two hundred Vestrisians assisted in carrying plunder, loot, corpses, and weapons away from the Hut, and the sites. Sket possessed other buildings, but they were deeper in the forest. Jaxa caught glimpses of them while moving through the swamp. For each corpse they picked up they left an intentionally bent or dented bullet casing. Using pliers or clampers they made the dents or bents obvious to see. This was modern military fashion of marking the dead left on battle sites after burying the bodies. Leaving Sket at the hands of eight hundred thirty-four allied troops, forty-seven trusted Iperantosi Rebels, Jaxa's unit headed home. Their mission on the Iperantosi Islands was completed. 

Hag-Witch Tearwallow

 

Yes, the Hag mentioned in one of the stories of Jaxa has their own faction and flag. However, this Hag who made a deal with the Gantronese forged her miniature domain within the Iperantosi Islands. Its days as a faction became numbered upon the invasion of the Iperantosi State. Hag Tearwallow is a Hag Witch who lives on an island who has managed to gather a small army and following while taking Iperantosi as slaves or servants. 

Hunting the Hag of Iperantosi

 On the morning following the 38th day Jaxa's unit were briefed about something else. At first it sounded like there would be a 39th day to this battle. Exhausted, battle weary, dirty, bruised in parts, some tears to the uniform and fatigues made them appear used up. Some of their helmets were dinged up from the fighting and the number of times their helmets hit something hard. A few squad mates required replacement helmets. All their assumptions were turned down. From the very lips of Major Sedo Regios, a Zema Ilam who became a VUVR citizen then soldier, some witch caused trouble in the southern islands. Regios turned them back over to their commanding officer. 

"Unit, move it, restock on provisions, ammunition, prepare for another engagement." Lieutenant Tuzzarru barked out with a sneer on his face. He was now in charge of the squad. Captain Domongor went down with a torn leg to one of the Orc reptilian mounts. He jabbed a knife into its neck behind its head. The Orc Rider's corpse dangled from its side after being shot six times. With Jaxa's aid the Captain survived the battle with a torn leg. Now they were left in the hands of Lieutenant Tuzzarru who was angry inside over the deny of a promotion to Captain.

He checked his ammunition. Only twenty bullets were left on him. Following nine remaining members who could fight, Jaxa went to the ammunition depot. For the depot they used a metal Gantronese structure in the shape of a pentagonal prism. His weapon of choice, the E-7 repeater rifle fired the 3.5 dart fang bullet. Also called pinky rounds due its size the 3.5 dart fang is also fired from older model rifles. Other weapons such as T.M. 13 fired the 4 df rounds. There was also the 0.9 Claw Nail that was fired from machine guns or the 2-dart fang. Also called prongs, the 2-dart fang were fired by submachineguns. While they restocked another unit joined them inside the depot. A large platoon of forty-eight Infantry under the command of Captain George Amberson. Introducing themselves drained Tuzzarru's hopes of command. He would not be in charge of this mission. 

Knowing Lieutenant Tuzzarru appeared undermined the rest of the squad felt uneasy. Dressed in the typical VUVR infantry khaki green uniform "Pink Field" platoon held similar weapons as Jaxa's squad. He looked down at his own dirty uniform-fatigues. Ten pockets still intact even after two months of campaigning in Iperantosi. Ammon harness holding six magazines of twelve rounds each, combat knife, Onway revolver, four cylinder round holders for the revolver hung on each side. A traditional Borvadosi dagger hung at his side in it sheath. Jaxa had to use the forearm blade against multiple opponents on many occasions. In his pockets the Borvadosi possessed a compass, utility knife, can opener he picked up, flashlight, lighter, broken binoculars, three dice, pocket watch he looted, wet stone, acryll jewels, five rings, and gloves. Every other gear he needed were in his pack. Once the combined unit was ready they exit the depot single file. Outside they stepped out onto the ruined streets of an Iperantosi settlement. In the shape of a whirlpool, Tebiniman only possessed a fraction of the buildings that once stood. 

As the units progressed through the town they passed Marines, infantry, troops, modern knights, Rangers, sailors, and paratroopers. Passing five ruined stone walls, two irregular alien buildings they heard their objective. To the far south some sea hag called Moldy Ethel Tearwallow was suspected in the disappearances of fifteen children, thirty-seven women. Each one went missing during the invasion and counterattack. Captain Amberson topped it off with a brief story about an expedition speeding their way up north. From the south this expedition came to join this invasion. Jaxa took this in as they searched around for vehicles. Tebiniman still had four cottages, eleven taverns, eleven alien structures, two smithies, nine trapezoid structures, eighteen skirmish platforms, eighteen blacksmiths, tanners, armorers, five stables, fifteen right trapezoidal Corim homes, thirteen Koriv style houses, two water mills, four tattoo parlors, eight huts still standing. Among this an unfinished temple to some unknown god stood. Nine stockages still stood firm along with stone houses, five power generators remaining intact. As for the ruins Jaxa spotted thirty-six destroyed buildings, four stone walls, twelve brick stair cases, fourteen two story ruins used as storage or cover from rain. About forty-six Gantronese barricades still stood while everything else lay demolished. 

Within the vicinity of the settlement the found the only means transport were as seen when searching. Jaxa noted two Mud Cat Jeeps with the machine guns taken off to make room for extra passengers. One armored anti-infantry car. Six various tanks sitting idle while crew members slept around them in the makeshift garages. An armored half-track, two troop carrying trucks, a Gantronese hovercraft sat idle and available for use. Lined up in a row the vehicles appeared in suitable condition. In one of the stables he kept in mind of six or more horses, three mules plus a donkey were available. Other creatures roamed the settlement. Several large creatures with three horns called triceratops passed them pulling a large cargo wagon. Three other tri-horned beasts passed by as they prepared to leave for the south. Urged along by Iperantosi the triceratops beasts pulled a four wheeled baggage train. Somewhere Jaxa heard their wheels came in threes. Someone either failed to count, come at another age, or saw it on a different island. He was too busy fighting, moving, catching sleep in between engagements to notice. 

Jaxa joined his squad in the jeeps as the Amberson's platoon filled up the trucks, Half-tracks, anti-infantry Armored car or "Basilisk 5". Lieutenant Tazzarru gave Jaxa a glare that said he was driving. Driving or operating a vehicle during this age was becoming more common. Even he knew how to operate one. Thanks to his training in the V.U.V.R. military he could operate most vehicles. Automobiles, trucks, buses, and most vehicles could be operated with a key in the ignition. In some parts all the driver had to do was push in the wheel then twist or turn it to the left. While keeping the foot on the brakes or locked in place it would start up. 

Using both hands Jaxa twisted the wheel after pushing it in. The Mud Cat engines turned on almost in unison with the eleven other vehicles. Each started with a rumbling noise that became more of a growl then purr followed by a short buzz. Only seven tanks joined their convoy for the south despite the invitation to others. A pair of Dragon Mark II's, three Alagen Beaded Lizard light tanks, one bulky Snapping Turtle Tanks from Lybresan, an Evusian Cavalier Tank covered their flanks. The Gantronese hovercraft drove a little slower than they thought it would. Like a funeral procession the convoy eased their way out of the settlement. Iperantosi roads were in dire need of repair. Most were unfinished, gravel, or wooden. The rest were dirt roads that became muddy or full of artillery holes. On these roads allies, volunteers, Iperantosi crews fixed these roads, cleared debris, set up signs, installed barriers. Jaxa swore he took seven turns before heading south. on a dirt road. 

Not knowing the Iperantosi language Jaxa relied on the signs their allies erected in place. Being in the lead made him nervous. Their path ahead was flanked by trees, abandoned houses, destroyed structures. Iperantosi people could be seen wandering around, sitting, or standing along the road. Many of them fled the fighting. Those who remained appeared demoralized, traumatized, nearly starving. None of them wanted to keep fighting. Yet they collaborated with the Vestrisians and allies of a loose Calornese alliance. There were other allies and factions fighting the two alien invaders. According to stories and eyewitness accounts other invaders already arrived in the south. It would only be a matter of time before they began pushing outward or crumbled. On a road called G-7 or Ancestor's Pass they did come across seventeen tanks, eighty-six infantrymen, and ten marines. Well past them their convoy went on with smiles from all they heckling, fake jeers, and waves. Near the end of the road a band of Goblins encircled an overturned stagecoach. Their leading tank's machine gun opened fire on the band. Jaxa saw this band scatter with three members going down. Tazzarru ordered Jaxa to stop the jeep. A second tank's machine gun opened fire taking down a few other Goblins. Lieutenant Tazzarru drew his pistol and proceeded to fire on a larger figure that straightened themselves up. Standing at seven feet in height a Horned helmeted figure armed with an antler crafted weapon rose from his victim. Donning a barbuta helmet, chainmail and leather studded armor this figure led a band of seventeen Goblins, plus two half goblins. Riddled with bullets the band of twenty bandits lay dead, armed with melee weapons. Some of the goblins still clutched their weapons even while dead in the dirt. An Ankylosaurus in shackles and collar sat idle next to the wreck. It appeared miserable yet dangerous. Some of the bullets did hit it, but it seemed unfazed by that as it swung its tail back and forth. Jaxa approached the scene with caution. 

The stagecoach was not alone on this road. Three other large wagon carts full of merchandise, and luggage sat idle with no creatures to pull them. Getting closer they found the victims of this attack. Among the nine female victims they found five Scimitar belly dancers, a short wool merchant, four Elf Paladins, one lay dead, one Zenthal woman smoking, and donning a mask on the side named Black Megal. This troop of nineteen were led by an old woman. She appeared ancient under the shawl-hood called a whood, and appeared to view all men as boys still. Just the way she rudely addressed them got under their skin. Captain Amberson stepped forward asking for the whereabouts of the Hag Witch Ethel. No help with their overturned stagecoach would come from them unless they received information. Forced to bite her lip the Iperantosi crone told them to keep heading south through the marsh road. At the edge was a ferry meant to carry heavy equipment. Amberson took this with a smile then ordered the platoon to hold the coach back its wheels. He lent two tanks to escort and pull the convoy along. Their attackers sent the beasts running amuck into the surrounding countryside or killed them on the spot. It would be presumed the other creatures were long gone or dead by now. 

Leaving the caravan convoy in the hands of two tanks reduced their fire power. Together the tanks were manned by ten female tank operators. Jaxa proceeded to follow the road catching a glimpse of who they would be losing at the expense of the caravan's defense. Names such as Sydny, Live, Tori, Bells, Kenz, Ranae, Maddie, Niki, Alicia, and Skyler were crossed out by Tuzzarru. Daylight hours became Dusk on this dreary Idleday. Thanks to the jeep lights Jaxa spotted a few indigenous Uxane on a stroll in their decorative clothing while donning wide brim reed hat. A military jeep belonging to Lybris shot past them carrying six marines. Up ahead Jaxa spied a discarded rowboat on the shoulder of the road. It was an indication they were getting closer to the swampy areas of the island. Feeling like they were alone in this mission Jaxa kept a wary eye on the edge of the road. 

Forced to stop a few hours into the night their convoy found a Tavern along the dirt gravel road. Called the Blasphemous Clasher this tavern may appear alone on this road at first glance. At least ten ruined buildings closely knit together faced a windmill sitting opposite the tavern. Standing at two stories these ruined buildings made for good storage spaces. Searching these buildings they found this enclave of a hovel abandoned. Just as the Vestrisians settled in something outside caught their attention. Heading outside the combined unit shined their flashlights in every direction. In the dark night, and shadows of the jungle some creatures prowled around this area. Tuzzarru demanded to what those were as they circled the perimeter. Jaxa spotted one that held the appearance of a sleek skinned Eel with four limbs. It stood the same size as a jaguar he hunted from time to time back in Borvados. He someone call them Eel Hounds, or something of that nature. One good shot from behind them scared the creatures off. That very shot came from inside the Tavern. Fifty or more Vestrisians heard one of Amberson's troops jibe another soldier. 

"Nice shot, Corporal Radio Dorkus did you mean to miss?" they scoffed at the soldier who fired that round. 

Before more heckling or jibes could be thrown around Captain Amberson ordered them to rest. Six of his own men were assigned night watch duty. Although he was short compared to most who stood at 5'11 Amberson still posed as intimidating. None of Jaxa's unit nor the tank crews were required for night duty. In the following morning the convoy expedition ate on the move. Going along the road their convoy came across a port town controlled by a force of two hundred seventy-two Iperantosi rebels. They were not alone in occupying a liberated Pancakos. A pair of civilized Gnolls, Evusian Rogues, two Revenants from Vestrisia, two Mezeen fighters, one soldier, Condor Isle Spearman, an Uxane Prowler, Cellic Battlefield Assassin, Cellic Swordsman, twenty-four Warrior Priests, Dwarf Mercenary, and Mounted Knight led by a War Chief's son returned from exile. Armed with the older style rifles these free people managed to clear the settlement of Gantronese forces. Pancakos consisted of ten Tavern bars, three Breweries, six fisheries, one shipwright among the various houses that made up the town. 

Captain Amberson requested the whereabouts of the ferry to the south. No other Vestrisians appeared present except the combined units, and revenants with the grey phoenix tattoo. That sent an eerie feeling among them like a shock wave. Although the two Vestrisians were present they were supposed to be dead or left for dead. Any affiliation with peoples were severed. Yes, the Iperantosi have their freedom from the invaders. His own V.U.V.R. held no interests in taking over. When will the Gantronese invade again? Nothing was clear about Iperantosi's future. Would they become allies, or tun against them like they did to the Gantronese? It was clear the Gantronese were no longer on friendly terms with the Iperantosi. After all this is said and done would they join the Calornese Alliance or go neutral? Leading the Pancakos rebels was an exiled Warchief's son known as Wakanaten. Elected by the townsfolk, 448 of whom chose not to fight, offered directions if they helped Pancakos. 

Remnants of the Gantronese mercenaries and gathered servants still attacked this town of 1,247 homes, 18 temples, two lumber mills, sixteen stables, sixteen smithies, watermill windmill, washer house, cutter, Taverns, breweries, fisheries, shipwright of six vessels, and 117 buildings in ruins. Flanked by the sea, rock formation to the southwest, small swamp, and trees, Pancakos endured assaults over its gemstone deposits. Under the leadership of a brain headed alien in a fine jumpsuit eighty-four Nameless in Assassin-Raider gear, thirty-four large hairy goblinoids called Tessari, a Drow Wizard, a single Orc, thirty-eight brown skinned goblins, twenty-four Minotaurs, and one Ogre Archer harassed Pancakos for days. This was not the only group to attack this town. One townsfolk mentioned Ghouls shambling into town at night. Ever since the V.U.V.R. invasion these Ghouls arrived. All but two are dead or so they hoped to believe with little evidence. Forced to help these people, the Vestrisians set up defenses along the town's edges where attacks came from. It was around the day of their arrival the attacks began. Jaxa witnessed dead looking humanoids emerge from the swampy forest. Rather than two there were two hundred sixty-four Ghouls and zombies. With extra firepower the defenders mopped them down. 

As though the assailants worked with the Ghouls the other groups made their move. Close to eighty-four raging trolls, one hundred twenty armored men at arms, and the very same group they were warned about launched an all-out attack. Feeling spread thin, the defenders required any willing townsfolk to aid in the defense. As scary as these gangs were their numbers dropped due to machine-gun fire and well-placed sharpshooters. One large band of murderous Orcs attacked all forces losing three hundred ninety-two or something along those numbers. Upon their retreat the attacking groups bumped into canoe faring lizard folk. Letting the groups tear each other apart resulted in a single Lizard man to survive. it was taken in by the locals. On the next morning the Vestrisians left Pancakos down the path on better terms with the Pancakos populace. Lieutenant Tuzzarru studied the map while Jaxa followed the tank to what had to be a bridge made of metal. 

In their path sat another settlement with the road going through it to this bridge. None of these Iperantosi wanted to mess with them. How they shrank away or hid sent a message something happened involving one of their coalition members. Jaxa turned to Lieutenant Tuzzarru who gave a snide comment about these people. He went on for a few seconds before saying anything worth noting. 

"It seems like the Zhenrai spooked them." Tuzzarru pointed out. 

He was not wrong about the Iperantosi being spooked. Whoever was left in this settlement peeked through windows or doors in fear. Signs of the Gantronese presence before their eviction still remained visible. A village no smaller than two hundred- and six-cylinder dome roofed buildings flanked the bridgehead. A Gantronese hover speeder approached them. Two riders in the speeder hailed them with a wave. jaxa did not see where they came from. He slammed on the brakes. In clear view a pair of figures too happy to be military personnel rode a Gantronese speeder. Wearing Ivodran mud colored uniform fatigues was a pair of Zhenrai, a Knight, and a Monster Hunter who joined their convoy. The only names they gave were Heilungson, and Fizban. Two of the seventy-five Zhenrai that showed up to fight in Iperantosi Heilungson, and Fizban had a similar mission. Joining their convoy these Zhenrai led the way across two more bridges to an island not on their maps. Tuzzarru was too perplexed and irritated to bother with the map. Wherever this bridge led Jaxa wished it would stop passing islands. Five hours later brough them across three bridges. Each one appeared constructed from metal materials with a strange alien nature to them. Hardly any signs of rust could be seen. It was too alien to be a bridge constructed on this world. Jaxa kept following the path when he checked the fuel gauge. The arrow-hand showed the tank leaning towards empty. 

Jaxa slammed his foot down in frustration. For a secondary braking system, vehicles possessed a lever near the wheel. Pulling that lever down, he stopped the vehicle and the convoy. Tuzzarru hit him with an open hand on the head that also hit his shoulder. Everyone gave their protests, jabs, and insults at him. He was glad he wasn't a Drow or Dark Elf. Taking a deep breath, he pointed out the fuel dipping low in his jeep. It wasn't exactly his, but it was him who drove it. Getting the rest of the convoy to check their fuel except the leading tank and speeder wasn't difficult. Making sure he wouldn't be thrown over the bridge required negotiating until Amberson threw his rank against everyone. Pulling rank spared Jaxa, he was only Borvadosi, fellow Skain, or recent terms Homo Allius, or Homo Mortalis. 

Several more lapses(minutes) went by as the convoy checked their fuel and scrounged for any reserve cannisters. A total of seven fuel containers of Jekrese liquid became empty in their distribution among the convoy. Once fuel gauges read the tankards were filled up, the convoy moved on to the end of the third bridge. A small-town sized settlement of coupling nut shaped structures with socked cap roofs. Numbering 701-946 in terms of buildings this town called Alburah was missing women. According to the town Chief, Kella Wise-Voice, Bridge Warden, most of their women were taken by soldiers of the invading coalition. None of the Alburahnese appeared happy about that issue. In the other settlements most of the Iperantosi fled northward or westward. 

Kella looked at their flags and emblems with the gold anvil, crossed sword, wrench, pickaxe, and pitchfork running through it. No one in the V.U.V.R. military personnel were allowed to simply pick up civilians in that manner. If they were evacuating refugees, it wouldn't be much of an issue. Yet fraternizing or fooling around was limited or restricted. Amberson told the Chief they could do a near minimum about that until their mission was completed. Keeping a promise to return Alburah's women, the convoy moved towards the ferry station. It lay just down the extended island. Going down the path on the third day, the Calornese had to take some switchbacks where an abandoned Wizard's tower stood along the road. Believing the tower stood empty of life the convoy pressed onward. 

This island named Tewar held more foliage than buildings and teamed with wildlife. Exotic birds flew overhead, from trees, striped hairy pigs ran around, Ocelots prowled, strange green lizards scurried, a few stegosauri roamed along the road, deer feasted on leaves, Parrots, Macaws, monkeys, and land crabs as big as five-gallon kegs made up Telwar's wildlife. One of those crabs became a meal to the Zhenrai who went ahead of them. Upon a closer look at the shell, it was deciphered as a huge hermit crab. Smelling the cooking caused the convoy members to stop for a taste. Tuzzarru and Amberson made attempts to stop them when a heavily armored figure emerged from the foliage brush. Decked out in a splint-plated armor similar to Vian style armor, a Gantronese blocked the path. The armor possessed spikes, sword hilts, and a strange metal nature to the armor itself. In broken Phiox, a common language spoken in Calorn, this Gantronese provoked a fight. On their helmet rested a purple metal crest forming a forked tongue. Heilungson accepted this duel against the Gantronese samurai. Unsheathing a Bardiche the Zhenrai put the polearm weapon together. Two pieces which hung at his side connected through a twisting mechanism. In just a dirty uniform the Zhenrai faced a heavily armored opponent. Heilungson made a meditative gesture with his sword then prepared to fight. Three hours of fighting made the convoy sit in the dusk. Neither combatant gave up during their duel for three hours. Heilungson moved as much as he could in the hopes of exhausting the Gantronese. Further into dusk the Gantronese stepped on what he thought was a rock. A pair of claws burst from the sand-dirt. Revealed to be a crab the creature caused the Gantronese to slip up. Heilungson tripped his opponent to the ground then struck down with a killing blow. 

With the three-hour long fight over Amberson rallied the convoy back on course Pushed to drive into the night again Jaxa had the urge to force the ferryman to return them to base. At a slower pace with high lights on they crept along the road. Finally arriving at the ferry's location, they found a settlement of Murasaki Kishin. Topped with mammal, and reptilian skulls, the houses of Murasaki Kishin were metal mug shapes. Too dark to tell how many houses were, the night forced the convoy to follow the street. Whatever names these streets had they were illuminated by dimming or flickering lights. Discovering the ferry station-port they spotted four vessels at port. Only two ferries were available. One old three masted sloop, and an ironclad ship in the shape of an alligator, floated in port. None of the vessels showed signs of life. The streets however, showed some life. A dog sized wingless snake-dragon roamed the streets nearby. It looked fat in the middle, but strong in the limbs. Grinding sounds on gravel and dirt could be heard behind them. Turning around the convoy spotted three figures rowing a boat on land. Having enough of the insane shenanigans the Vestrisians went ahead to commandeer the ferry. 

While commandeering the ferry they disturbed the ferry man and his crew of four. Not messing around they forced this ferryman to the Hag's island hideout. Whoever this Hag was she was known to have a rogue island of her own according to the various locals. Until recent weeks she was permitting to abduct victims or servants every ten to twelve months. A fraction of the females that were sent or abducted returned pregnant. Any males that returned were nothing but skeletons. According to the ferry Captain, Sea Dodage aka. Chunky Dragon, the island's name was Sket. it was often surrounded by monsters and inhabited by various beasts this one Hag-Witch recruited. Throughout the night the ferry took the Calornese force towards this island. One Sea serpent needed to be killed for breakfast. Travelling a total span of four days brought them towards Sket island.