Discarded Commando Part 45

Brittany's body fell into the muddiest part of the field that lay next to a murky body of water. They would have retrieved her body if the night hadn't been hovering over their heads. Movement could be heard in the darkness forcing them to stay in the perimeter of the encampment. A few of the elves among their ranks spotted those groups lurking and prowling through the forest, and tall grass. Two of them spotted a small band of warriors who seemed oblivious as to where they were. Despite the advantage of seeing the groups coming it was hard to tell if they were goons, gunslingers, or any of the figures they were told would be coming. Except the tank would be more obvious, and the Uxane Natives were always a dead giveaway. However not many of them ventured this far beyond their own borders unless they are on a mission or at war. Maurice pressed one of the elves to tell him what these figures looked like. All they saw were figures wearing long cloaks, dusters, trench coats, and long coats. Each of these figures wore several styles of hats. It was all they could decipher in the dark night since a large rain cloud came over them. Rain poured down from this cloud above their heads. For much of the night, and the next day it rained on their encampment and no doubt the numerous figures as well. Much of their encampment rested on a slightly higher ground by the road, which still did not save them from the down pour. Maurice and his original companions made the attempt to retrieve Brittany’s body. They raced over to where her body landed, and found it was gone. Oraceth crouched down and studied the mud. In the rain, he spotted traces of something dragging her corpse into the murky waters. Whatever had taken her corpse had done so in the night.

            A few days passed with nothing happening with the figures. Maurice, and Segun sent out their cat steed riders. Out of the thirty cat steeds they sent out twelve to hunt and patrol the area. Maurice had to send Oraceth, and Taregan while Eyanosa had to stay behind. Neither food or supplies were running low. They had plenty for them to last a month. Within the hearts of those who went out had the urge to hunt something. For a whole day, they were gone and returned sometime in the night. Maurice required them to report to him and Segun first thing in the morning. His trusted Ranger Oraceth gave him news of a force gathering near trees of the swamps and jungle. He also brought news of another

group heading their way via the swamp. One of Segun's men informed them the long coated, and duster wearing figures ran into some monster of that lake they went around. Maurice shot him a surprised look. He never believed anyone who had been here would be dumb enough to go that way. A second rider reported there was another road that cut through the swamp making the entire company feel stupid. One of the other Uxane who came with Segun reported they had seen the groups they were informed about.

            This came as good and bad news. Both friend and foe were heading towards them. From one direction come the enemy who are gathering in force. Possible friends and allies coming in as a separate group from the southern direction. Maurice required an update on these heroes they heard about. These heroes were heading towards their area and would be here in a day or so. Segun dismissed his men and Maurice dismissed his own. He left Segun to contemplate what they had learned and went straight for Lieutenant Zomere who was addressing her own unit of Vestrisians. She noticed his approach and dismissed them. Maurice halted the soldiers before they even moved from their formation. Each one of them scowled, hissed insults, gritted teeth, sucked on their teeth, bit their lips, and closed their eyes. She gave Maurice the floor, who then informed the soldiers of their discoveries. It was a mixed reaction from all of them. Enemies and supposed allies were coming towards them. He could read their faces and knew there were questions they wanted answered, but those questions would have to wait. As the newly promoted Captain Maurice wanted them ready to face the threat in case it came to them earlier. He observed each one individually, and as a group. Private Bogrus, Sergeant Aluk Merrins, Private Gorbovich, Sergeant Coros, Corporal Emantis, Private Black-Red, Private, Voking, Private Noel Pennson, Corporal Gerin, Sergeant Tarlos, Lieutenant Zomere, Lieutenant Razif, and Private Azan Mogul stood in a line. He could have them form a column or any small formation. Maurice did not do that. Instead he ordered them to set out and gather wood in the south.

            Maurice returned to his own quarters in the encampment. At his tent Maurice tried to get in touch with Maphai again to see where Odeliah was. He spent several minutes trying to get in touch with his mercenary ally. Each time gave him no results. All he heard was static on the other side. He tried one more time to no avail. Maphai must be busy with some thing else. Thinking she must be busy with other things, Maurice gave up on contacting her for now. It felt hopeless to try again, yet he wanted to do it any way in the hopes that he could get through to her. Just hearing the static numerous times kept him from doing it again. He sat on his own raised sleeping cot pondering over the heroes that were supposed to meet them. The gathering enemies also crossed his mind. His imagination ran wild as he calculated how many were going after them. In his mind he calculated there would be at most six hundred or even a thousand of Caligari’s hired gunslingers, and goons going after them.

            For several moments he stared at the hand radio wondering if he would be able to communicate with Maphai. He hoped it would happen before the Caligari forces attacked. Even though it was not clear who these gathering forces were. Maurice had a feeling in his gut that they were the Caligari Syndicate. His train of thought was broken by Lieutenant Razif entering his tent. The Lieutenant saluted to his commanding officer. Maurice saluted back letting him speak. Fortifications were about to be constructed with help from Segun’s group. Two of the groups of heroes were not too far away. These groups were the knights, warriors, bowmen, radioman, and the tank crew. He asked how far away were these groups. Razif was about to answer when they heard gun shots outside the area. Both Vestrisians raced outside to see what was going on. Maurice barked out orders all over the encampment as he raced towards the edge of the encampment to find the source of the shooting.

            At the edge of the encampment he turned his head left and right in search of the source. To the west of their location a band of figures mounted on various steeds raced towards the encampment under fire. Sure, enough these figures were the warriors, knights, bowman and the radio man they heard about. Many gunslingers were in hot pursuit firing shots at them. In the back they could see the tank crew fighting off a band of these goons and gunslingers. Maurice shouted orders for his troops to race over and help these figures. He also heard Segun’s voice roar at his own mercenaries and their allies. A band of twenty soldiers mounted on the jumbo cats raced to the aid of the sixteen figures and the tank crew. Ten more figures raced out of the barrier wielding long rifles and snipers. Maurice watched his own troops and the mercenaries gallop towards the goons and gunslingers. He climbed on to the top of a sturdy shelter to watch their own mounted fighters flank the unsuspecting pursuers. His heart raced while watching the pursuers gun down a few of the figures who had made it this far to reach them. All sixteen of the knights, warriors, and bowmen pressed harder to reach the encampment. On the edges of the encampment ten of their own riflemen and sharpshooters fired from the tops of stands, and makeshift lookouts. Their targets were easy to pick out, because of the dusters, and long coats. Most of the pursuers chasing the sixteen warriors were decimated. It forced the rest to scatter, leaving their targets alone. In the background of this scene the tank fared better due to its armament and the number of figures that circled around it. Watching the pursuers be chased down and killed gave him relief. He counted just eight left who were also gunned down in return.

            The party of sixteen mounted figures turned into a larger party. No more than twenty-five mounted figures reached them encampment, Knights, Uxane warriors, Grussians, Bowmen, Eothans, other strange warriors, and a lone Vestrisian with a large radio on the side of his own mount. Maurice jumped down to greet the new arrivals. He introduced himself as Captain Maurice Viyamor. Whoever was the leader laughed with relief and took Maurice’s hand in a firm grasp.

Flag of Ivodra

Ivodra is an island nation that is neutral in the current conflict that is consuming Calorn. It is mostly an elf nation that has more of a constitutional monarchy with ties to the Tante Republic. 

Marauder's Flag

Christmas Alone?

On a dark Christmas Eve night nothing stirred inside his little cabin deep in the woods. He liked being in the woods, and surrounded by the wilderness. His cabin was miles and miles away from the nearest settlement. That was how he liked it living in a cabin alone with his bobcat for a pet. What he wanted most in life was solitude for some time. After years of battling naysayers, struggling to find a clear spot, and months of construction he finally had the cabin he wanted. The loner sat in his comfy armchair that he crafted himself. His rifle lay against the chair, unloaded and freshly cleaned. The bobcat he had as a pet slept by the fire.


Inside his own cabin he felt secure and safe. He had been through the woods his whole life. Nothing happened to him. His armament included various rifles, revolvers and knives. On this Christmas Even Night he the loner who wandered the woods outside of town had no stockings or gifts. His family was either long gone or dead to him. All over the walls he decorated the place with rifles, spears, antlers, heads of animals, and furs that he killed and collected over the years. In his slumber he dreamt of all the adventures he had, the hunts, and conflicts he fought in. Most did not know this, but many of his kills included creatures and humanoids from other worlds or dimensions. Many of these things were mutants and monsters from the stars.


In the midst of his dreams something knocked on his door. The sudden knocking stirred him awake. Being stirred from his slumber like this did not bode well with him. Disgruntled over being woken up this late he stood up and grabbed his rifle to use as a club or at least scare the idiot who knocked on his door. The knocking came again only louder. He stormed over to the door hearing the knocking grow louder into banging.


Frustrated and ready to shoot this idiot the lone swung open the door with such force he could have torn the door off. No one was at the door making him satisfied. To him it must have been some creature knocking around. The woods were old and full of wildlife. He went back to sleep on his chair. An hour later the knocking came again forcing him to get up again. Angry at being woken up again he loaded the rifle. Taking quick angry strides he kicked open door to find  no one there.


"I know you're out there you scumbags!" He yelled into the night. The loner slammed the door shut and went back to his slumber. Banging came again much louder this time. At the boiling point he fires two shots at the door.


"BUGGER OFF!" He roared.


Before he could even close his eyes the banging came again. His anger was now transforming into rage. Grabbing his revolvers he rushes outside leaving the door wide open. In every direction from his cabin he fires all twelve shots into the darkness of the night. Feeling like he had killed whoever was screwing with him the loner returned to his cabin slamming the door shut and locking it tight. As he went to his chair he stopped. In it was a strange figure looking directly at him. Its shape could be seen in the fire light. His bobcat ready to attack at any moment. Whatever this figure was it had several horns, a humanoid appearance and it appeared to be cloaked.


"It has been ten years and you are still at the hunt. Alone in these woods with no one else but a bobcat for company. A secret warrior such as yourself is not easy to find." The figure said glaring at him with four red eyes that glowed.


The loner was scared stiff as a statue to see this figure inside his own cabin. He was under the impression there was no one else here. None of the people he knew or lived nearby knew where he even was. Some how this figure had found him.


"Who are you?" He demanded.


"A kill you didn't complete. Do not say another word my friend for I shall not kill you." This figure he did not kill informed him. Whoever it was the figure pulled out a seed and dropped it on the floor. Whatever type of seed this was it melted through the floor boards. Moments later the floor shook and began to splinter in certain places. The whole cabin shook as the floor boards were torn apart by the emerging earth. In front of this loner corpses, arms, and heads came out of the earth. From the floor came spirits of angry looking souls came after him. Seeing corpses, and ghosts jut out of the ground scared him to the point of a heart attack. His heart beat harder than a drum. Sweat poured down his body. His hair was certainly white and his face horrified. Corpses, angry spirits and limbs of dead bodies grabbed him. Each limb dragged him down into the earth. His body felt torn and squeezed into the earth. There was nothing but a human sized hole in the ground. Whoever this figure was killed the bobcat and feasted on its flesh before settling down in his new chair. He uttered no words except.


"You thought had Christmas Alone?"


Merry Christmas

A Privateer Flag

One of many flags flown by privateers and pirates who sail under the command of the Vestrisian Union. Most either fly a skull among this field or other icons and symbols on the flag.

Flag of Ruhonthra

Discarded Commando Part 44

Whatever happened to those victims or sacrifices Maurice did not want to know. He did not really care for the gunslingers, goons, and cutthroat pirates who had caused so much commotion, and bloodshed inside Khasungai's walls. Following the Uxane warriors, and trail blazers the enlarged party pressed through the forests, and marsh the next day. Like a convoy the enlarged commando's company trekked through the forest, and marsh. Their path snaked around trees, puddles, patches of tall grass, fallen trees, strange totems, and rocks. Among the swamp-marsh and forest were nests of reptiles, and other carnivorous creatures that forced the large convoy to wrap around the large lake they meant to avoid. It took several days to move around the lake native woman warned Maurice and his company to stay clear of. Because of their new friends they could not avoid this route.

As they came to the end of this lake Maurice looked over his shoulder to see if anyone had followed them through the forests, and marshlands that encircled the lake. He kept his watchful eye on the trees allowing those behind him go onward to the road. For several minutes he scanned the trees in search of anyone coming after them. It did no matter whether it was savages, Khasungai Guards, goons, gunslingers, or even bounty hunters. They would have a full company to fight off if they wanted to get them. His attention was suddenly drawn away from the trees when Maphai's voice emerged over the hand radio. He picked it up and responded to her. She informed him there were mercenaries that belonged to her organization that should be in contact with the Vestrisians they found. He told her they had already found them and they had taken a longer route to Oceanrest var. The two leaders hung up allowing him to stir his mount to catch up with the rest of the convoy.

For the rest of the day they pressed for the road taking a route through the marshes. Dusk was now coming by the time they came upon the road between Khasungai and Oceanrest Var. Over Seventy warriors, mercenaries, and soldiers made camp next to the road leaving enough room for other travelers and convoys to move on the road. Their tents and fires must have appeared like an encampment crossed with a village. They set up the tents in a defense formation that resembled a half circle. Maurice got in contact with Maphai again while inside his own tent with Brittany on her side of the structure. The two leaders conversed over their current situation, which was improving thanks to the efforts of communication. A few more warriors and Vestrisian Soldiers arrived at the fort just this morning with a few families trying to run away from the Caligari Syndicate. Maphai warned Maurice there would be hundreds of Caligari goons, gunslingers and hired thugs heading towards them. They would not be after them because of what happened in Khasungai. Caligari has a few new targets. Small bands of heroes, and young warriors will be heading their way as well as Odeliah's crew. That lone radioman with the cat will also be heading towards them, but with a company of warriors, and knights for some reason. Maphai told him to hand over the radio to the leader of the mercenaries, and tell their enlarged force to stay put. Maurice got up and left his tent to find the leading mercenary. He searched the whole camp until he was informed where the leader was.

Maurice found the leader known as Segun at the edge of the encampment drinking from his flask. The orc turned to see him coming towards him and offered the flask. Segun had scars on his face and average skin texture of a brown orc. Maurice took the flask and drank its contents. It tasted very bitter and sour whatever this content was. The Lieutenant nearly spewed it out until turned sweet inside his own mouth. He swallowed it before continuing to speak with Maphai over the radio who had contacted his superior in the Sarcagos. Colonel Bryce was about to pack things up and head south with help from new allies. Maurice handed the radio over to Segun who seemed to change when hearing Maphai's voice who was apparently the head of the organization. Whatever she said to him the orc understood and stood at attention like a real soldier would do when under fire from a higher command. Segun switched off the hand radio when Maphai was speaking to him. The orc recalled hearing a band of sixteen warriors, knights, bowmen, Uxane, and a single adventurer are headed towards this road from Magesar. From Oramatra a few more bands and a tank crew should be heading for this area as a rendezvous point.

Maurice pressed the matter on these bands of heroes and this tank crew. Segun only knew of two other bands heading this way according to one of their spies who kept in contact every six days. One of the bands consists of exiled soldiers from Kilscar Orvain who are accompanied by several supposed knights. Segun scratched his chin trying to recall how many there were. Maurice urged him now to think too hard on that and numbers never really mattered. He left the Orc to his drinking to take a stroll around the camp keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding area using the moonlight as a means to spot oncoming convoys or travelers. He looked out at the area wondering how long these bands of so called heroes would take to get all the way here. He knew the Unknown Lands were vast, full of jungles, forests, marshlands, swamp lands, various tribes, savages, beasts, predators, and other nightmarish things that mostly needed to feast. When he saw there was no one coming down this road Maurice returned to his section of the encampment. He visited Eyanosa who was in a great deal of pain. The Tuxir was under the care of one of Zomere's troops. The two leaders spoke inside his tent with Brittany sauntering off somewhere with several of the foreign warriors. Zomere explained to Maurice that this Caligari Syndicate took hold over numerous settlements and has contacts in every city-state except one.

According to rumors there was one city-state that was hostile towards every person who entered its walls or even the surrounding area. That city-state lay within a hundred miles of Tsubib Pajibe. Zomere held a haunted gaze just telling him about this city. Many horrible tales and stories about this city-state could be heard in every civilized corner of this Unknown Lands. It is said there are flesh eating ghouls, vampires, cannibals and the living dead that dwell in its walls. She was about to continue but stopped herself. Zomere changed the subject to the reason they stopped here. Staying here and waiting for more to come to them was not to her liking. She found some interest as to how they got a pirate involved in this, but recalled their Vestrisian Republic hired such raiders to attack the Gantronese in the middle stages of this conflict. Yet inside these lands they fought a separate war against the gangs, tribes and the syndicate. As the two Vestrisians spoke Segun entered holding his own hand radio. His gaze was fixed upon Lieutenant Viyamor. Maurice took the radio and held it to his face and heard the voice of Colonel Bryce. He stood at attention when heard his voice. The Colonel congratulated him on his success in finding as many Vestrisians as possible. His superior officer sounded proud to have him under his command and promoted him to the rank of Captain.

Maurice was awestruck, rendered speechless for several moments before he found words to speak to his superior. Once he thanked the Colonel he listened to the Colonel's advice. He was to wait here at this spot until those bands reached their area. Once they were assembled moved as quickly as possible towards Oceanrest Var. Their pirate friend and other allies should be able to pick them up. From there they would go to the fort. Bryce advised patience and warned him that nearly six hundred of Caligari's goons would be heading straight for that area. He received word from the mercenaries he befriended. Once they returned to the fort send out word to other Vestrisians who may still be out there. In a low voice the Colonel informed the Commando there was an attack made by the Behemoth Brigade, Ruthless Horde and Gantronese servants from Mulzan. The attack was quelled with help from neighboring allies, but at a great cost. The bands of outlaws who aided them were wiped out completely particularly the Red Hearts. Any survivors joined their ranks as Vestrisian Volunteers. Among this tragedy the Omnir Raiders switched sides through the promise of fortunes made by a politician who ventured over here by plane. Bryce hung up leaving Maurice with the mixed news. Maurice repeated what was said receiving a salute from each one in the tent. He left them in the tent to talk with each if they so chose to. Maurice went in search for Brittany who was a member of the Red Hearts who were now deceased, and no longer existed. It took a few hours to find her since she was not in their tent. After asking around and searching numerous tents he finally found the last remaining Red Heart entertaining herself with knife throwing at the edge of the encampment. Whoever she had been with were finished with their business and she was alone.

Brittany stopped throwing knives giving him a casual greeting. She did not salute or even stand up despite his status as Lieutenant and Leader. Maurice looked at her with dire news on his lips. He wanted to give her the good news first but the bad news came out first. All of her fellow outlaws or most of them were wiped out and the Red Hearts Gang was no more. This hit her like a punched in the stomach. He paused regretting he even said anything about that. He was about to tell her the good news when she tossed a bottle at him out of anguish, and grief. Brittany pulled out her own firearm and sauntered off into the field. Maurice went after her but she turned around and pointed it at him telling him to back off. He did as she had various emotions mixed with a crazed anger in her eyes. Maurice backed away letting her walk further towards a lagoon that was not too far away. She took her time with long slow strides into the marshiest parts of the region. Maurice watched her for sometime before thinking about making the attempt to save her from this craze. She was part of his unit, a companion, and a partner that he did consider as more than a friend. He did not want her to be in this situation right now not while they were in the middle of a mission. Decisions began racing in his head as she just stood there in the marsh holding the pistol in her hand. Maurice had to snap her out of it now and get her stuff together. Right as he was about to act Brittany let out a scream and blew her own brains out.

A flag representing a martial arts brotherhood

Sketchy Driver Gloves

Bramwell Gideonson has a pair of leather driving gloves in his possession. His dearest mother gave the gloves to him one Christmas years ago. As classy as these gloves appeared on him there was something off and sketchy about them. Whenever he wears these gloves he has a tendency to hunt people down. For five years Bramwell had committed numerous acts of murder with the use of various items and in various ways. His next target was an old friend of his, Dan. Through out the entire semester in university he hunted down his Dan even though Bramwell liked the guy as a friend. Every time Bramwell finds a look alike he drives up to the person and kills them in a ferocious way. One day Bramwell finally finds Dan sitting at the smoking bench. When Bramwell drove up Dan looks up and smiles the biggest smile Bramwell had ever seen.


"Why hello there sir. How are you?" Dan said happily not even realizing who it was. Bramwell could hear his excited voice inside his head.


Bramwell pulled out a pistol and shoots Dan multiple times. Once the poor Dan was down Bramwell sped down the street to avoid the law. As he drove down the road Bramwell looks into the mirror of his car. He does not see himself, but someone else entirely.

Representation of Grevaskii Flag

The Grevaskii are an army of those who serve the Nazdar invaders. Members of any race or half Nazdar can join their ranks. It consists of any beings who support the rule of the Nazdar Empire in Calorn and other parts of their galactic empire.