Naxnonoth City-State

 "Necromancy at is finest." the princess pointed out to the fellow noble next to her. She leaned against the balcony that looked over the courtyard like street of the city. As daughter of Count Kurn Landtir Onyx Vothir, the princess of Naxnonoth, Nash Angelsin Onyx Vothir was tasked with observing experiments. From the balcony she watched a Dark Elf Aristocrat named Ofathir suffering from Tormenting Voice Spell deal with a walking corpse called Morte. It took every effort not to kill this walking corpse, which would be used in Naxnonoth's defense. Behind her in another room connected to a study one Crypt Creeper was in the process of completion. Using a snare pole Ofathir's thrall pulled the walking corpse away from him. Seeing Ofathir was safe Angelsin gestured for Ofathir to join her. 

"Get your ass up here. Snatch up that glycerin gun along with that Vullanese Windkisser23." She barked down at him ignoring the scene she created. Angelsin did not care who watched her. Her own dark violet dress did reveal a few windows for eye candy, but she was more uptight about intercourse. 

Ofathir took a few minutes to reach where she was with her left foot tapping. One eye wincing at him as he plopped himself on the chair in the study. To be fair with him she gave him two minutes to rest before kicking the chair to get him up. Angelsin moved towards the corridor where other labs were used to create more of the monstrosities her father used against invaders. With Ofathir at her heels she moved through the corridor as another walking corpse began its process of creation. Inside the main laboratory of the city-state the pair of nobles muttered to each other over the current threat of a Vestrisian invasion. Naxnonoth as an island city-state consisting of seventeen islands close together was mainly a Dark Elf City-state. thirty-four islets, and 42 reefs partially surround this city-state. One of the largest islets is where Naxnonoth authorities hold zombie crocodile dread maws, and zombified Hippo Behemoths are held. These were creations of a Dark Elf Scientist called Lazetop. Through the windows she spotted two of the largest islets next to the fortified island of Zago. She recalled the entrances to Lazetop's palace are guarded by a pair of zombie apes chained to the walls, or pillars. As they exited the laboratory she turned around to get a good look at the large structure that was once four buildings. One part was a solitary castle keep, another used to function as an asylum, a third used to be a manor, and the fourth functioned as an alchemist's lab. 

"It is rather a curious situation. Does the rest of the world know Naxnonoth creates its own army using the dead? It does explain our lack of proper cemeteries." She pointed out more to herself than to Ofathier. 

"Vullan would likely cease being allies with us. I do not know about other invaders, but Vullan's allies would perhaps stay close to us or abandon us." 

"Wrong, the world would stop trading with us and wipe us off the face of the maps." Angelsin felt like she had to correct him on this as she passed a skittering surveyor construct in the streets among the citizens of her father's city-state. Through his eyes they were really subjects to her mother's matriarchy until her death. Then her father transformed it into a twisted republic that made it look like they were voting when it was really the elders of each household who chose the council members while he took up the torch. Glaring at this skittering surveyor construct she was certain it was being used for peeping rather than actual observation or spying on invading troops. Ofathir kept eyeing the women some of who walked with their lovers, husbands, children, siblings, or friends. Apparel for Naxnonoth's citizen-subjects included modern style tunics, loose fit jumpsuits, slacks, well-crafted vests, buckled robes, v neck shirts of various designs. Other styles came from other parts with a hint of their own Dark Elf blend. Their choices in apparel came in colors of violet, black, crimson, red, some gold, dark blue, purple, dark green, burgundy, and light gray. Some clothing came with just laces lined up line buttons, others came with silver or gold buttons lining down or at an angle. Among the apparel they wore jewelry from all over the world. Others donned shawls of specific colors while others wore simple modern clothing made from cotton, or denim. It was both jeans, with a long-sleeved shirt, or the average trousers with a button-down shirt, fine suits, collarless shirts with buttons or laces. Hairstyles varied in their culture yet it appeared a mixture of modern styles and traditional. Closer to an alley she caught something in the corner of her eye. One Silver-Fox Darl Elf Slave is returned to owner along with a funeral longboat. It was more about servitude than enslavement, yet the Dark Elves of Naxnonoth did not own them for longer than a decade. It reminded her of a particular foreigner they knew. 

"Ofahir where is that scholarly wizard we know?" She asked looked at a tall dark elf male in a tailored dark blue suit. It would have considered treasonous if the color blue, the Vestrisian flag, was banned. Lucky for this handsome one it was not. 

"Igvurd is at the other Alchemist lab on the island of Zezan." Ofahir answered her as they passed a city guard in traditional style armor that made him appear like a dark elf vampire baron's suit of armor. 

"Let's go there then." She insisted rubbed her two fingers together. 

Memories returned to her that involved the young wizard. Beyond the eastern islands was a group of islands where some wreckages encircled an old city. Using her status she rounded up some lackeys to do her bidding. She decided to send someone to reap the sea graff after a ship malfunctioned near the shipwrecks on reefs to the eastern part of that isolated island. While waiting for the looter to return her father sent over a troop of soldiers who entered the ruins. They discover some species of frog beast found under catacombs of that old city. Only half the soldiers return with the lackey wounded. Mending touch is used by her chosen mage on their paid lackey. At these wrecks one verdant Automaton is sent after beasts that attacked while the rest returned to Naxnonoth. There she ensured the Lackey and Igvurd were rewarded with some obedient dark elves. As they approached the wizard's resident island, she recalled one of his rewards was pregnant with his seed. It made her smile as they came to the island of Zezan. 

Zezan was more of the island for education, studies, experiments, and learning trade. Finding this scholar was no trouble as he was not a Dark Elf, but a white half elf youth of sixteen years old. A brilliant mind, a little timid, crafty, adaptive, and quite an alchemist already. Without much of a word to his advisor, educator, or guardian she nabbed the youth who was one of 10,432 foreigners residing on the islands. Despite his frail appearance he still showed some strength since most of his time was spend picking up heavy equipment, and utensils. Having Igvurd around Angelsin could learn a bit more about alchemy than what her brethren or kin chose to teach her. Roaming around three of Naxnonoth's islands with the youthful scholar wizard she noticed some people missing. Each island would be teaming with people roaming the streets. Most of the missing would be reported to her. She saw hardly any postings of people going missing. Igvurd, and Ofahir took note of this on their pocket notepads. Angelsin would have those checked each time they wrote something down. She realized Naxnonoth could field an army of just twelve thousand or more. Yet that hardly gave this city-state much to defend 150,000 people half of whom were able to fight for this city-state using melee weaponry. In the lead she went to the most secluded parts of the islands. Using the paths underneath the connecting bridges that linked the islands. That also meant leaving the guarded perimeters of the inhabited areas though the paths that lead to the sewers, catacombs, cave systems, and undercities. Trailing a path that cut around the island using old dock ways she avoided those places. At each secluded place Angelsin spotted more than 273 Forsaken Drifter zombies used to prowl the coastal beasts of each part. 

Each one lumbered in the sand aimlessly or in a circle while moving around. Keeping their distance Angelsin could tell the clothing still clung to the rotting flesh. Rainfall did not help with this idea for a defensive weapon. Yet keeping them in this section of the island for long periods of the year was successful with well-placed fences or barricades. Knowing how the watchful guards felt about the living lingering around these "weapons" Angelsin led their small party away from the secluded area of the beach. On the third outer island known as Vurimu they come across a grave digger at a cemetery housing on the island's third islet called Eiroc. This grave digger looked to be half goblin and half human with the big ears chopped off. Pale pink skin was evident underneath the tattered overlapping layers of cloth that became their robe under a freshly given rain poncho. 

"You, Grave Digger of the Cemetary, what is your name?" Angelsin demanded from the goblin hybrid whose face was covered by the hood and a cloth covering its face. 

"Mykero Idurm lady master of the islands." this goblin hybrid responded addressing her as a higher up. 

"Mykero, have any new corpses come through your area?" She inquired from the goblin hybrid. 

"No, I have not seen any new corpses come through." Mykero replied bowing his head. "You could check the island of Onzoss." 

"The dungeons of Onzoss are full of dangers especially they dungeon crawlers." Igvurd mentioned in a comprehensive voice that made Angelsin's skin crawl. 

"Inside those dungeons are at least 370 Dungeon Crawlers in one level, 380ish on another level inside the very dungeons of Onzoss. If we are considering the number of dangers that lurk on that island there should be thousands of creatures dwelling those cavernous dungeons. If recall correctly close to 1,024 Naxnonoths committing Act of Treason were thrown into the pits, cells, the sea, and catacomb-dungeons of that island. Along with the islets we managed to transform into little prisons." Angelsin explained to the pair of them. She knew Ofahir was aware of what happened to those who committed treason. Yet as the daughter of the city-state's leader she thought it was best to give a reminder. 

Moving away towards the bridge to the next island where a third of the island became a runway, one portion became a residency while the rest of the island was left to be a natural cover. Most of the bridges were shielded by well-placed foliage to fool any prying eyes. While crossing the bridge they pass a wing crafter armed with a sniper rifle who just got a kill shot on a drifter that got loose. Not bothering to watch him she proceeds to pass through the island that houses some of the city-state's garrison. On this island she knew there were at least 825 Satyr Hoplites, 370 Bomber Corps soldiers, 200 War Wing siren soldiers, and their newly trained pilots. Her status allowed her to observe the various aircraft given to them by their neighbors. Her eyes squinted suspiciously at the foreign aircraft when an anti-infantry armored car rolled up to her. In Dark Elf Etupali writing read Iguanodon Mount. It was the name given to the vehicle as it acted as a small transport and attack vehicle. 

A Dark Elf Wizard with a small dragon-lizard perched on his shoulder stuck his head out of the driver's seat. Clearly dressed in uniform this Dark Elf had the arcane symbol tattooed over his right eye. Next to him sat a Lumengrid Sentinel Wizard from Vidothra whom the Nazdar sent with their lackeys. Behind them drove a Nazdar Vehicle, some halftrack that arrived with a smaller Nazdar ship that circled around their perimeter. Quick introductions were made as the trio entered the vehicle. Her own father sent for her to be brought to one of his own private manors where he kept his secrets locked away. Further towards the western part of the city-state the manor rested on its own smaller cliff like islet. At first it appeared like a prison turned into a manor on a secluded hill. Seated in the passenger seat Angelsin got a good view of her father's various defenses for his own personal manor. A steel-clad spirit of some banished Zhenrai Knight fought an armed twisted abomination zombie near the winding driveway. When they turned left she got a good look at a single fire blast cannon used on Nyxborn the Rollicker Satyr for annoying the Ox herd. Serves him right she thought. That vermin brought over some infectious host that caused wretched throng to be sent off a neutral island used to graze and breed oxen. Driving past this she could see nothing, but the grotesque trees wet from the deluge before they made it to the door. 

At dinner she witnessed her own father revealed their city-state's own garrison. In the presence of six family members, her sister Cichia Onyx Vothir (Minnhos), son in law Daco Yerdor Minnhos, younger brother Indre Somza Onyx Vother, younger sister Ikeah Avre Onyx Evno, Ikeah's husband Drobsin Erdo Evno, their aunt Pomobo Asosh Onyx Varvol, and his concubine Benekne Curlides-Stenn he boasted. To some Sage of Lat-Nam Isle, Vidothra he mentioned over fourteen thousand Dark Elves, 5,800 Satyrs, 1,200 humans, 2,800 Goblins, 883 Orcs in the garrison of Naxnonoth. This city-state's barracks also consisted of 2,364 Cloak Sirens. In her mind she recalled the barracks also included the sparring constructs, which were used for training. This Lat-Nam Sage offered 515 of his 1,173 constructs to be used as combatants. Her father took this offer with a gift of his own, a chest full of valued coins, and give servants to take back home. One to act as a maid, another as a punching bag, a third to cook for him, the fourth to accompany him, and the fifth as a playmate. Opposite Angelsin sat a Scatter Arc Gearsmith Prodigy Artificer, one of 22 who joined her father's ranks. Her own companions chimed in a few times about the various weapons the VUVR might use against their enemies. Count Kurn smiled slamming his napkin on the table. It made a bit of noise hitting the table. 

"Dark Elf Refugee Pilots will be serving these VUVR. Our own kind are being used against us in this conflict." He boasted aloud drawing attention of the entire table. "These refugees have become weapons to use in this current conflict against anyone who is not Vestrisian. It reminds of what many Vestrisians go through when they are given a choice between imprisonment or servitude, life of poverty or military profession. Somewhere deep those kingdoms 290 children of the Meadow Schools sentenced to the Black Coat training." 

"Shall we change the subject; the war has not even reached our shores. Nor will it come to Naxnonoth." Her eldest sister suggested putting down her spoon to show she was done with her own thick blood soup. It was not real blood, but juices, or contents of tomatoes, and another red fruit that was mashed together along with onions, garlic, and other herbs added. 

"Yes let's do that. Um father there are some people missing in the streets-." she attempted to address what she discovered. 

"Likely sick, stayed inside, on another part of the city-state, away, or at work." He cut her off throwing some explanations. Those did sound reasonable reasons for people to appear missing. Yet most Dark Elves work on a certain island. His concubine nestled her breasts on the table drawing his attention away. She rubbed them on the table while blowing him kisses. Curlides-Stenn gave her this fake "I am prettier than you" expression that was really a way of saying you can leave. Her other sister grabbed the whole bottle to herself. The eldest sank into her seat, and the rest of the family sat in horror. She could tell their thoughts rested on "Mother" Onyx Vothir. A High Priestess who held the peoples' hearts, interests, and awe was ditched for another. He got up to feel Curlides up in front of the table. 

Not sure if she wanted to watch Angelsin got up to storm away from the table. Angelsin's companions got up to join her as she led them towards the Manor study. As the one daughter who got involved in the defenses and overseeing necromancer results, Angelsin possessed keys to his studies, some military vaults, prisons, and dungeons. Pouring through some file cabinets, drawers, and a safe she found some letters with unfamiliar names on them. Plucking them up Angelsin read through the written letters that hinted at kidnappings, abductions, and a massive trap meant to infect their enemies around them. At first she could make sense of if until it hit her. She just found a clue about her father's plan for the city while noticing some people missing. Reading another letter, she discovered his plans on turning the entire population into zombies with the use of some drug they created in the labs with some necromancy involved. Love for her father drained from her as he planned to destroy her only home, Naxnonoth. She visited other places around the Valde Sea, Southern Islands south of Ottante, and Evusia. Stuffing the letters into her dress Angelsin returned to the table hoping to confront him. Everyone left except the guests, servants, chefs, and his concubine. One guest felt up Curlides while he spoke to a Gears Artificer in a suite, and a pin in the shape of a cog on his left breast. The other guest had a male half elf bent over the table as if he was about to violate the male. 

Seeing her father was focused on entertainment she took her leave for her own home in the southeastern part of the islands. A full week went by when word reached her about more hopeful lackeys joined him. A total of 351 Gears Renegades with radical idea join her father's ranks. It was right after she discovered another clue in the city in the center as well as the one on the southeastern part of the islands. One of his scientists, Dr Shelhoff a squat hunchback goblin-dwarf hybrid had his entombers at work near the least populated parts of the islands. She saw just 76 out of 277 of Dr. Selhoff's entomber zombies found fresh victims for her father's plan, the wretched of their thralls. Wondering if she could somehow foil his plans by adding something else to their defenses, she went to the training grounds of some military islands. After negotiating some deals, she managed to get 800 jousting dummies and one piston fist cyclops construct placed in the reserves of city defense. That did not work. Grabbing up the young wizard and other artificers she managed to convince them to side with her and end this necromancy. 

One full month went by as she made orders for 513 explosive apparatus's to be built. With alchemists, and artificers at her disposal she managed to make plenty of the explosive devices and others right as the Vestrisians began their bombing campaign of any collaborators to the invaders, and Vullanese allies. It forced all the civilian Dark Elves, and their thralls to evacuate their homes for Vidothra, and other neighboring city-states. It was one way to foil her father's plans, which she herself did not plan. A few more weeks went by with more of her father's zombie creations being destroyed by bombs, or shot by Nazdar Grevaskii sent to the island as reinforcements. While checking their garrison she noted to a Grevaskii commander that each non-Dark Elf fought in the stead of a Dark Elf of Naxnonoth. In her mind she hoped to leave this city before the bombs detonated upon her command. She gave it a couple of more days before packing up as if she was evacuating. Gathering the small troop she rallied Angelsin stole one of her brother's pleasure vessels and sailed towards the Vullanese Islands. With intensions of acting as a refugee or castaway she sailed around the city-state at night before giving the signal. 1,011 bombs go off on that island port city-state that she once called home. She watched Naxnonoth blow up in a fiery explosion that destroyed most of the cities. 

 

What they found

Crossing the line by invading the Vullanese Islands was what it felt like as they climbed into the vehicles. In her mind she knew they could face fierce retribution from the two alien invaders. Landing with a force of ten to seventeen thousand the Vestrisians sought to chook a main island off. Yes, it was closer to Vullanese turf, which technically brought them behind enemy lines along the sea borders. Part of a unit made up of different races, backgrounds, types of military personnel Private Jordan Rozback Kazzarie held the military job of combat engineer/mortar team. This job required digging trenches, constructing pill boxes, setting up machine gun nests, or defenses. Even foxholes were required to be dug by her and a team of others who were not pulling mortar team duty. Somehow her attempts failed while in training and her first weeks in this war. She did everything by the book, and what the instructor said by numbers. Choosing not to let this hinder her persistence and determined mindset Jordan rushed on the landing zone. Only this time she was not going the field as a combat engineer in construction. 

Landing on an area called the Sea Gate Oracle this female Orc's unit of 1,248 Orcs, Goblins, half-Orcs, half-Goblins witnessed what mages called Grasp of Phantoms used on their first landing parties. Only a few hundred targets at a time was all the Vullanese could pull off before retreating or finding a bullet in them. Five days ago they overheard the accounts of disturbing Forbidden Alchemy being done on humanoids. Taking this island was a priority. Behind their Orc, Goblin unit, a battalion of 309 Caregiving Clerics would land once the beach head was secured. As their boots hit the wet sand dozens to scores of her countrymen opened fire. Nothing could stop the VUVR from landing more units. Engaging hostiles combatants occupied 320 Borderland Rangers, 380 Highland Berserkers, and part of her own unit. Two hours went by in the fight over the beaches. To the east, their own forces assaulted Vullanese forces on the main island of Asnar. 

Putting all her focus on the island, Jordan raised her weapon, a mortar then placed it on the sand. While their vanguard units, and other waves of units pressed their assault, mortar teams deployed on the taken ground. Setting it up with three others would not be so difficult if they had a building as cover. A hollow metal pipe tube on a metal base with bipod mount and sight. This weapon fired or launched projectiles in an arch pattern where the shell hits the area of designated target. No more than twelve mortar teams landed on the beach sector with thousands of other personnel. Despite being in the back they still succumbed to gunfire or stray bullets. 

On their part of the landing Invasion Jordan's unit decimated 243 Vullanese Infantry, 638 humanoid combatants touched by Forbidden Alchemy, 376 Combat automatons. One hour later Jordan's own unit pushed forward at least a league and a half into the island. With her team she pushed forward following the second and first waves which now blended into one. Carrying the mortar she could see corpses among the blood, carnage, destruction, shot up sheds, guts spilled, bodies with bones exposed. A variety of stenches wafted into her Orc nostrils, blood, filth, shit, burnt wood, torched clothing, vomit, the insides of torn up corpses. Near some of the buildings used as defenses she found a few dozen dead Vullanese in the traditional military uniforms of orange and blue, or in modern military uniforms of tan, or grayish. Some had single breasted uniforms, padded leather armor called Arcane Padding, Nazdar fatigues, studded insulated armor, diagonal breasted, buckled, and laced. Each type of armor and uniform were now stained with blood, covered in bullet holes, punctured by debris. 

In the process of securing another part of the beach head she overheard their colleagues to the southern part engaged a sizeable force. Whatever the island defense consisted of were more than what they could chew. Her whole unit moved south, allowing another unit, a battalion to take their place. Ten days of fighting brought them to the flanks of entire companies and small battalions. About six or more units of 285 Bishop Soldiers, 397 Palace Sentinels, 277 militia, 420 hired Buccaneers, 346 Vullanese Thirsting Shades, 421 Chaine Web Mages, 400 Grevaskii that were sent over. Each day they gained or destroyed a structure. Hours of fighting with the only undervalued music was gunfire, artillery, and grenades creating a ballad. Along these coasts of Asnar's twelfth island, they captured more buildings. These captured buildings included a merchant bank, a Theologian's Master Guild, cannon foundry, Inn, Warehouse, 4 workhouses, a complex, Apothecary Guild, two noble homes, Tavern, a fountain, a large well, and merchant shop. Most of the fighting left 29 other homes shot up, 6 taverns shot up, captured and ruined. One shipwreck was seized along with a Manor by the beach. Nearly 116 houses, 10 shops, lay in ruin from the invasion. A bakery was captured, two intact watch towers became theirs to use, four cemeteries lay in their hands. Prisoners numbered 448, 261 of which were wounded while 87 of whom went turncoat. Among these prisoners VUVR Military Police found five arcane revolutionists in their half traditional half modern clothing styles. Both seemed unimportant yet one of them wielded accumulated knowledge of the invaders' inner circles. One trove tracker who went awol during the fighting to discover pirate prizes found themselves in a trap. A lone spontaneous arcane artist rogue who inspired sabotage got beaten to a bloody mess. It did not sit well with the commanding officers in charge of this invasion. What did not sit well with a neutral faction was the apprehension of 48 alchemist apprentices. The neutral state of Rudeene sent one small fleet of four ships, which only distracted the V.U.V.R. navy in the regional waters. After the confrontation was resolved they resumed operations. One full day of the confrontation delayed a possible takeover by a few days. 

When their forces pressed further they found more islands trailing from the island they just seized. Inside a street within the port settlement a Court Denizen suffered a spell blast and grasp spell from a Champion Monk. Both found themselves capture, arrested, taken prisoner as a result. Entering a less damaged street a small convoy what a turncoat mage called a cobble brute. First appearing like broken up portion of the street and raised heaps the arcane golem rose up to attack the convoy. It destroyed one vehicle while an Elite Skirmisher suffered some seal arcane spell that brought doom to the target. Going towards the other side they found themselves watching over prisoners of war, civilian clearing traps. On this island a total number of 3,441 or more civilians stayed behind, 761 of whom joined the VUVR forces. Within other parts of the streets 178 Elf Warriors sent over arrested 334 looters, their elites came across hundreds of spring jaw traps. Any remaining  Vullanese forces pulled back to a forest island trailing off the one they just invaded. Their forces would pursue, but a mob of 382 vandals defaced 357 statues and busts. It incurs Demon Grasp traps on most of them. Only eight vandals died, seventy-four severely wounded, and sixteen went missing. The rest of the vandals came under arrest while a brigade and a half of VUVR personnel pressed on the forest island. 

Known as Steveshair this island was covered in plenty of foliage that the trees appeared to line the beaches like a palisade. Easy to hide troops in this island became the main go to for the Vullanese. Their own navy would open fire on that island since the neutral fleet lingered and the Nazdar sent a small one to harass them. Returning their attention to Steveshair Isle Goblin free runners were seen racing towards the island using bridges, boats, rafts, and the shallowest parts. Just a couple of their own units went in. One battalion of 330 Hardy Veterans, and a company of 271 under the command of Major Abzon. Just as the combined units of 600 Orcs, Half Orcs moved in their Generals sent more available units. Her own unit spared, 259 of their own. Jordan Kazzarie found herself and ten other mortar team members moving in with their comrades. Inside this forest island they found a few labyrinths hidden inside Steveshair Isle. Narrowing the fighting down to this location their forces engaged a unit of 287 Goblins who called themselves Battershield Warriors, 260 Vullanese Troopers/Allied Knights called the Knights of Obligation, 158 Loyal Cathars backed by 263 Pirates of a Fleet Boarder the Vullanese managed to hire. 

From her position Jordan launched the shells down on the enemy positions. Cracking of rifle fire, rattling of machineguns, popping sounds of grenades, explosions from mortar rounds went in sync with fires that sprang up along with clouds of dust and dirt. Splinters hit as many objects, and personnel in their path. Fires started on the island from various sources including a few accounts of arcane inferno used by a mage who was shot up by a forward firing team. All the noise of war filled the air around this island as their fleet and aircraft engaged the Vullanese for a short period. Screams and gunfire entered her ears between explosions as she loaded one shell after the other. It was her duty yet it made heart sink as it dragged on. Yes she wanted to fight, but she prayed for a quick short war. What relieved was seeing zero civilian corpses among the dead as they cross to the end of Steveshair Isle. Along the way she carried the mortar that was still warm. The Orcish rage in her sort of kicked in, but she was able to maintain it as hardly any combatants were left on the island. Something else was seen on this island. She spotted a Geist of the Moors during a Burden of Guilt the Vullanese held for their dead before surrendering. A Geist of the Moors in Vestrisia/Valde Isles was a humanoid who acted as a fiend to travelers. 

At the end of Steveshair island they found more of these islands some of the prisoners spoke of. More islands to take is all she could think as they gathered their forces. Combining units of companies they fielded 475 to assault this island. Fortune smiled on the VUVR here as commanders pulled 370 sailors from four of six ships. With at most 845 soldiers and sailors they pressed on the next island called the Verdant Haven. Crossing over to this island each member of the invading force witnessed an attack by an estimate of 430 aerial attackers. Through binoculars their captains noted 438 skirmishers using kite gliders to pull off an attack on a destroyer. Several made their way to them due to wind currents. Her own unit opened fire on their ground forces. Each glider went down into the sea while one crashed into the sands near them. 

After interrogating the prisoner, they discovered elven islands forming archipelago. They just took two or three of them. As for the island of Verdant Haven shield automaton constructs defended it. Alongside Vullanese combat mages these constructs were set to be used to fight the VUVR advances. One of their own allies attempted to attack this archipelago. Sending a force of 1,300 this ally found their forces crushed by these constructs. That was last year when the Vullanese had a stronger force to face their smaller enemies. Now it was weakened with mages using whatever they had in terms of spells. One of their own Lieutenants raced ahead only to find themselves partially disfigured by a wave of sand and salt water that rose up to grab them. The work of a major is all they concluded as the mass of sand, foam and shells forced him down. It had to be a powerful grip to keep an Orc down. Some of their own riflemen found the culprit hiding behind some brush before getting shot then pummeled. Each rifleman found themselves hit with arcane blast meant for minimus containment from a handful of mages. 

Just a single mage raced back to the settlement that occupied this island. Three more were shot up while the last mage found surrendered scare out his mind. Revealing themselves as a Touched Soulmender known as Hadda Basilean they unveiled information to them. This Hadda flat out betrayed the Vullanese by revealing there are 33 other Mages defending two Verdant Havens with 278 Armory Guards, 11 combat professors, 276 pupils, 480 Guardian Automaton constructs and 470 Rusted Sentinels. Between the two Verdant Haven Islands, 800 priests, monks, acolytes, and associates run the islands that appeared as one. All the structures on the islands made the illusion of a castle or palace. 

Forced to press further into these islands they found most of the constructs mentioned falling apart as they moved towards the VUVR personnel. Taking out these constructs wasn't as difficult as they first believed. Most had rusted pieces, remained unrepaired from the last fight, or left with no fuel. Yet chasing the humanoid, and living combatants proved a little jolting as they appeared from doorways, alleys, corners, and narrow passages. Some even forced them to give chase in places. A bad idea when y coming against a raging Orc who charges like a bull or bear when triggered. Each of the noncombatants raised a white flag hoping to presume their daily tasks. According to one of cooperative priests who took charge of the constructs, these islands were once attacked by 1,120 attackers who coordinated a charge on them. This charge was halted with help from Rusted Sentinels. Her own commanding officer took note of this as they came across more rusted ones falling apart, jolting, jerking, wobbling with each movement. Claiming these islands in the name of the VUVR allowed them to find bridges to the rest of the islands. It seemed strange for the Vullanese to let these bridges be taken without destroying them. A hint the Vullanese were starting to give up on this fight. Being a part of the Asnar Islands sent mournful feelings towards their fate. She knew whose side she was on yet inside felt sorrow these Vullanese. Orders pushed them across the bridges to the remaining islands. More units arrived to help them speed up the takeover. One company of Rangers full of young faces made the first advance. Directly behind the two Verdant Haven Isles rested an island called Ahenakir. Larger than the Verdants Havens combined this one used to be a volcano that collapsed in on itself. Five villages and one town rested on this island of Ahanakir. 

Towards the center their units discovered some layer of night monster who was slain centuries ago. According to a local 350 or so Dusk Warriors avenged a victim of some night monster that came. A tale that intrigued the Vestrisian mind. Jordan pondered over the culture and lives these Vullanese lived. She thought she overheard that monsters from other planes of existence would come to these islands. However very little resistance was shown from the Vullanese side of this conflict in the Valde Sea. Due to the overwhelming force of the V.U.V.R. assault, this island was given up easily. Six settlements semi-full of the inhabitants. Ahenakr were surrounded by foliage, old ruins, wildlife, downed aircraft, altars, shrines, plenty of wells. Last thing they expected was for the remaining inhabitants to hoist V.U.V.R. colors. Hoping to keep the Vestrisians from watching them or apprehending them, 367 of these people pack up to evacuate. their unit's commanding officer, Major Balagog ordered from them to search these villages for any hidden tunnels, or caches. What they found was abandoned homes, cellars, and shops. One night they slept before pressing onto the next island. The name escaped her mind as it was brief and went past her own head. 

All this island was in this archipelago of islands seemed to be the designated park or pleasure garden-forest. Going through this island appeared easy, creating an eerie atmosphere around the Vestrisians. Too quiet for their comfort her unit sort of rushed to the next island. On the other side of this island sat a castle like city on two close nit islands.  More of a castle than one unleashed something from the gates. As a whole Orcs, half-Orcs, Goblins, half Goblins, half elves, humans, Zedirians wiped out two defiant strikes made on their advance to this castle. One defiant strike used 380 beasts clad in different types of armor mixed with different attire. Defiant strike number two fielded 370 mutations that belonged to a horror story. Some had tubes, metal staples, bolts, wires, alchemist experimentation showing and automaton limbs. Entering this castle, they found an Ogre Jail Breaker dealing with a fake werewolf after a wall of runes was demolished by a blast using an arcane shell in one of the mortars. Inside a chamber they found a Key Master Rogue gored by a tusk from an already stuffed trophy head. No doubt the work of the fake werewolf who now lay dead on the floor. 

Deeper into this castle island they found chambers leading to caverns underneath the castle. Inside was a series of tunnels, cavern, chambers and grottos. Here they came across an Apothecary Merfolk cleric aiding a Vullanese armed with Mattock. Wrapping up their wounds from a recent quarrel that ended badly this merfolk allowed themselves to become a prisoner to the VUVR personnel. While bringing the pair of prisoners up to the main chamber they heard a great deal about intended kill contracts placed on 293 targets using ill-gotten inheritance. Apparently, the entire archipelago was their goal in terms of ownership. Instead, they received enough money to buy a manor. It was not what they wanted in the first place. Yet as they brought them to the commanders being held prisoners was not wat they wanted either as they saw this archipelago fall into Vestrisian hands. 

Vullanese Siren of Asnar Island

What did her green eyes spot on the beach? Wreckage of a small vessel some rogue used as a getaway. Among the items found in the wreckage she discovered a pirate's cutlass worth 520 or so in Vullanese currency, which a stalker stole from a female buccaneer. Her face lit up as the pair of them brought everything to their hostel inside Aram city weeks before the Vestrisian invasion commenced. No one else sat in the room with them as he put the radio on for music. Sauntering over to him she shook herself a little getting his attention. Instead of music the dramatized broadcasts of the Vestrisian invasion of Vullanese Islands filled the room. Authorities let loose a 1,161 Stitched wing skaab warrior battalion to delay VUVR forces. Whatever her new partner, the Vullanese Military Priest muttered something about the construction of 772 stitched manglers were underway as they heard about the VUVR invasion. She would rather he mutter words about her body and how arousing it looked to most males she encountered. Almost ignoring this he turned his attention to the radio broadcast that mentioned VUVR forces starting to press their attacks on other islands. Their leaders used 2,140 stone retrieval constructs as wall building units to barricade the streets. All 475 of Aram City's Armored Transports are to be commandeered. She went up to him pressing herself against his clothed body. 

"Can you make yourself stronger, and bigger? I overheard that close to 273 experience the warped physique spell to increase their strength, and size." She inquired to him raising both eyebrows. Her chine rested on his shoulder while beaming at him. 

"You remind of a pair of patrician vampires of the Markov family captured a trio of glamorous outlaws called the lipstick gang." 

"Ah that old tale. You are not a creep like those two were." She wrapped her arms around him. Pressing her nude body against him. Luring him to have intercourse proved easy as he shoved her on the bed. Giving him a smile, she allowed this Military Priest to fuck her before evening meal. 

Morning came with the news of  Vestrisians seizing one of Asnar's islands. Just because she wanted to mingle did not mean she was clueless about the outside world. Calling herself the Adaptive Snapjaw, Tammy Burnshaw was a singing Siren who enjoyed certain partners with either intelligence, talent, or higher office. She overheard from a Captain that a single unit of 180 Vullanese Band Alley Black Guards were stationed nearby. Total number of these Blackguards came up to 1,500. Strewn all over the main island and other islands of Asnar Vullanese authorities appeared alone in holding this island. That was weeks before Vestrisians launched an invasion of Asnar's southern islands. From Aram's position this Military Priest met with some other military leaders with her tagging alone. Believing her to be some clueless harlot this other leader revealed that 226 Reverse Engineers are given 346 Research assistants to modify or upgrade 370 Manor Skeletons. Would that even be enough for Aram's defenses? She doubted that, as her gut told her Vestrisia was aiming to defeat Vullan and her allies. That is what she gathered after hanging around military personnel at dens, and parties. 

Weeks went by as Vestrisians launched their invasion on Asnar itself. Pummeling Vullan's defenses was all the Vestrisians did as they pressed further into Vullanese territory. Nazdar, Grevaskii, and Vidothran leaders sent in aid which only delayed the inevitable defeat of Vullanese forces on Asnar. Ahead of the coming invasion of the western half of Asnar Vullanese leaders, and military commanders made plans. A single unit of Blade Juggler Mages are held back to harass any Vestrisians that enter the streets while main forces held for as long as possible. A few herds of 294 Tasseled Domedary camels led out of harm's way. One forged unit of shaman chain mages consisted of 277 plus the leader are deployed in alleys, and villages. A single firmament sage stays behind out of 331 on the Vullanese side. Out of 429 only one obsessive Astronomer remains on the main island. While lounging Tammy the Siren heard more units were being stationed to defend Aram City. Vullanese draft a total of 293 out of 310 Duel Craft Trainer Soldiers for Asnar's defenses. Pulling in more they managed to get 390 Hired Hexblades as mercenaries. Rallied a unit of 280 Fireproof Cavalry for attempted charges on certain flanks. Gathered 378 mobile Spear Spewers manned by Goblins to hold narrow passages alongside machineguns. 530 Prying blades are equipped to any scavengers they set loose. Just 374 Smitten Sword Masters with 407 apprentices are ordered to man defenses. 525 Gift Blade Prowlers are given orders to keep watch for enemy movements while 484 Eyeblight Assassins prepare themselves to ambush unsuspecting VUVR soldiers. 394 Ilango Horizon Agents, and 480 Dhend City Operatives are sent to the front while 267 Hexplates Golems are hidden in different settlements. A battalion of 361 Treasure Keeper Constructs are kept as city defenses. 347 Undercity Scavenger Black Ogres tamed then trained for combat. A total 507 Tyrant's Machines are set up as traps in the city's defenses. 

While following this Military Priest around Tammy met the firmament Sage, Research Assistant, Enhanced Surveillance, a Paired Tactician, an Astronomer willing to volunteer, a Tavern Scoundrel in a suit, and a Vault expert. In a room within a Master Theologian's Guild that appeared discreet about its meetings. Inside this very room of nothing but cushions, sofas, wooden carvings of scholars, several tables, and fire different stories were shared. Boredom started to overwhelm her, so she was forced to fake interest. She did not care to hear the Enhanced surveillance was previously occupied with a vivisection of a Great Hart Elk. Thousands inhabited this island. She held back a tear for the living creatures.  Their Scoundrel mentioned the menace or beast of the island Manace being a gluttonous slug. Something she did not want described in detail. He did anyways giving her a wink then laughed when she gave him a disgusted squint of the eyes. Giving a quick apology to her he tossed the floor to their tactician friend. Calling himself a Crusader he gave his name as Aron Bense. Becoming more acquainted this Bense said he knew of 300 hidden stockpiles scattered all over the island. Her own eyes closed asleep while listening when Bense got up to woo her a little. Looking into his eyes she could tell he had an idea. The way he grinned made her beam up at him. Now these stories were getting her excited somehow. Was it worth having this Bense as a partner. Her current companion the Military Priest kept looking over at her from his seat. From the lips of the Vault Expert 3 of Hierophant's chalices, 702 sky diamonds, enchanted heirloom mirror, Giant's Amulet became loot safe during the Vestrisian assault. More looted items include 510 prized short swords, 5 ancestral blades intact, 500 Simic Lockets, and Glassblower's puzzle knot that helped her uncover clues on some arcane map last year in the city of Exhaull. Her heart sank when news about a certain town she frequented. 

"What I overheard was that 836 carnallites took their revenge on masters or overseers once the V.U.V.R. forces approached our Vullanese held town." 

"If that is the case then our priests, and faithful inquisitors must bring out the True Faith Censors." 

"We don't have that much time Vestrisian forces are pressing their advance on a larger city of ours. Defenders can only expend one unit of 162 Burden of Guilt joins a unit of 324 Expendable Lackeys at the front outside that city." 

Was there any hope for this defense? She doubted that keeping that to herself. Vullan could fall within the next couple of years with help from their allies. Alone Vullan would have fallen within a year. She allowed this Bense to hump her a little not caring at all what it looked like. He humped for a few seconds before turning to his fellow Vullanese while holding both her legs. Bense's attention on her was ripped away by the Military Priest who mentioned some gang war that kept dragging on in the western coastal city of Razor Pearl. Only 90 available chronomaton are let loose on a gang war that keeps dragging on near the wharfs, and warehouses. According to the reports 344 members of one gang called the Harbor Bandits find themselves overcome. Casualties were misconstrued due to decapitations and mutilations. Tammy shot up from her position prepared to leave the room. What she did not want to hear about were details on body parts being cut up. It made her uncomfortable as goosebumps rose and her skin crawled a little. Taking her leave of the room she spotted a Pridemalkin feline near a window at the end of the second-floor hall. It was being rubbed on the head by Silent Observer known as Andre Arkenason. To her he was a breath of fresh air, and desirable with his hood covering the upper part of his face. All she could see were his lips and chin. Feeling alive she started to walk over to him when the door swung open, and her original companions filed out. Whatever she wanted to do would need to wait. Leaving with the group of men she made mental notes on who she wanted to have fun with. 

Days passed by as news went to the Military Priest's ears along with hers which hovered over his shoulder in bed. In a series of pamphlet notifications they learn about 564 True Faith Censors made on the Vullanese Asnir Islands used to weed out nonbelievers. A total of 1,532 people considered nonbelievers found themselves cast out. Where they went depended on the availability of transportation. Some flew, others managed to sail, some even went for Vestrisian lines. As refugees these outcast non-believers would spill vital intel to the Vestrisians. Asnar's arsenal of weapons they possessed 1,002 pairs of gauntlet torches. Only 521 are used in the fighting with mixed results. Some exploded on the users, others fried a couple of attackers, others malfunctioned or missed their targets. Several were dropped, while the rest found themselves in Vestrisian hands. Tammy knew it was only matter of time before the VUVR would come knocking on their doors at Aram City. When flipped through some more he found one that said nothing, but chaos was starting to kick in. Across the front defenders used 511 vials of Dragonfire tossing them with their hands. As desperate measures started to rise as options some figured to let loose 501 Toxic Scorpions as attempts to ward off Vestrisian advances. Vials exploded in the hands of wielders, some were dropped around a unit, others were hit with stray bullets or bombs from aircraft. As for the Scorpions many of the little buggers hid in the ruins attacking Vullanese defenders and Vestrisian invader. Another notification mentioned a single unit of 378 Deadeye Tormentors move past a fork in a road with 247 Grey Pelt Hunters from Gontrella in a successful counter push that would not last long. Out of the two units 281 of them take inventory leaving 370 Nightclubbers, and 124 Tavern Swindlers no modern weaponry to use against Vestrisian invader as the toll of Vestrisian invasion is felt by 372 of them. Most Nightclubbers, and Tavern Swindlers dropped their weapons as a sign of desertion. Amidst the chaos and short termed successes one city warned of destruction going on. Over 300 Manic Vandals armed with 308 Mattocks rush over with 379 Reckless Imps to demolish sacred relics. 

Weeks later their imminent requirement for evacuation commenced. Tammy found herself in the company of the astronomer, firmament Sage, the Surveillance, the Scoundrel, Vault Expert, tactician, and the research assistant. On board a treasure cruise called the Tide Water Minion she brought as many personal belongings as possible with her to save them from being looted. Getting herself ready she invited eight males into the rented-out room. Giving them a warm welcome, she allowed them to take turns with her as she chose to entertain and please them. Letting them do her as they pleased made for a tidy conclusion to her eyes as they were disgruntled over leaving their homes due to Vestrisian bombings. When they were done they left her on the bed exhausted from the activity. Closing her eyes Tammy felt herself pass out in her room with her belongings in the closet of the room. For what felt like hours Tammy lay on the bed believing their Cruise could return home in a week. Something stirred her awake. The room was dark as night had come and no lights were left on. Sitting up she turned on the light to find the Tavern Scoundrel using what looked like a 50-foot rope to help the Vault Expert take her Siren's Song Lyre. 

Leaving the Jungle

 "The Creed of Piety, one of what, 628 orders and factions scattered across our side of the world.” Raxhale pointed out looking at a book on the various Orders of Vestrisia. 

"It is a bit hectic, isn't it? All those factions that are orders, fraternities, sororities, brotherhoods, cults, guilds, covens, and cabals in one part of Calorn. Were there more than a thousand all over Calorn?" Eloso Dreath of Evusia brought forward with a hint of mockery in his voice. 

"More than fifteen hundred all over our planet. Yet half of those were wiped out by the invaders, and the Nevoran Federation." Colonel Raxhale replied to Eloso's mockery with a bit sincerity. He loved to laugh at times, tell funny stories, but not every moment of the day. Yet the Evusian Prince gave him a stir. The Evusian was not a Prince from tales, but more like a governing leader, or Baron of some land. 

"Are there any orders operating here?" Eloso asked the Alagen Colonel. Raxhale did not have all the answers, but he was certain the people of Oramatra had their own cults, clans, and bands of warriors one would be able to join after achieving something worth their time. The city-state itself was made up of five close nit cities that could be mistaken for one larger city. Its army proved effective against infantry for a few years until they were forced to give up. When it came time to round up more forces 288 Rogues of four different cities found themselves rounded up. Each one was pressed for answers according to reports. Once an agreement was made between Rogues and authorities an Emissary Rogue position was formed to represent any thieves, or local rogues who found themselves dragged in. 

Out of 150,000 and more coalition forces Alagen sent a force of over 4,000 while keeping their main forces in reserve. Lybris sent over 1,400 personnel, from Evusia ten thousand fighters were sent over, 5,600 soldiers came over from Nahem. Other countries joined or allowed their citizens to join the fight. Ruhonthra allowed 1,100 to volunteer to fight, 427 Rovantion volunteers arrived on their own large vessel. Whether they volunteered, were exiled, chose to avoid imprisonment 320 Tante, 310 Malvieth, 1,300 Ivodran soldiers, volunteers, criminals, over 2,000 Mezeen, and 7,000 from different nations in Nevoran all joined this fight. The bulk of this invasion force was mainly Vestrisian, since the other nations directed forces towards another front to the south. Plenty of unclaimed islands in the south became battlegrounds but had a tendency to disappear every ten years. 

"I am sure there are other orders present here in the continent of Jurax. These Unknown Lands were cut off by mountains and raging storms, which we are now able to push past. Our Vestrisian Allies are pressing their advances against the Vullanese and their allies. Yet rumors about some insurgency sparking along their northern borders keep entering the ears of my superiors." Raxhale replied. 

"From one of my men a ground of 279 locals showed a feat of Resistance towards the enemy near the front." Eloso mentioned taking a seat. He leaned over with his hands clasped, arms on his knees, and his mustache clearly graying with bits of blonde still there. Raxhale in his Vestrisian khaki uniform designed for this climate looked down at some books, and bottles on a desk as if he did not hear him. 

"Follow me Eloso." he commanded the Evusian who was clearly wearing the old style uniform that would make him sweat like a pig in the humidity. 

Exiting his office they passed a room where some True Faith Censor, and a Traveler's amulet was found. Knowing the origin was that of Vullanese he kept both items locked away incase he got a chance to speak with a Vestrisian ally. Having set up inside an abandoned palace Raxhale's fellow Alagen made nice with the Evusians while evicting the disgruntled Mezeen, and Redrin without much of a fight. Each one in a different short sleeved uniform designed for this climate stood up to salute. It appeared similar to a military office, and police station only within the walls of an older building. Various weapons were stored in the storage spaces, and three large rooms they found. He overheard an account to one of the other Colonels, and a Vestrisian Commander present. 

"....Magesar sends 439 Chief of the Scales to help in the front according to a Vestrisian unit commander, and Lybresan commander who are monitoring their end of the front..." a Secretary soldier read off the translation slip from the telegraph. 

Stepping outside of the palace they had to pass through a complex of connected villas and apartments of locals. In silence the pair of commanders brushed through the locals who either seemed pleased to see them, oblivious, or focused on their own tasks. Plenty of shaven or cropped youths smiled at them brandishing various rifles from all over the world. Some lost a few teeth, others gave them smiles with big teeth. T.M. 13s, L 34 rifles, E-7 repeating rifles, lever action, Windkisser23s, Wolf 10 shot repeaters, and various anti-personnel rifles. Raxhale thought he spotted plenty of old Evusian rifles from their war against Redrin. Some wielded anti-tank weapons as they chanted in their own language, death to the invader. Once they made it past the enthusiastic youth Raxhale, and Eloso found a way outside the city itself. Just outside they got to witness a total of 369 shell shaped houses being constructed. Digging into one of the local engineers they found out that 363 Goblin smith Rogues were drafted between cities along with carpenters, and masons. Watching the construction would take too much of their time. A Vestrisian Staff member of a General approached them with a clipboard of orders, shipments, and reinforcements coming for the entirety of the front. Whoever was in charge of this campaign on the Vestrisian's end summoned them to VUVR headquarters in the city. 

The Vestrisians used an old vineyard as a headquarters for their own large battalion stationed in Oramatra. Over a dozen city-states to station 150,000 personnel while the city-states allied with them managed to field a combined force of 256,000 modern military style personnel, and warriors. It would have been a million strong, but the constant fighting with the Gantronese left them somewhat limited. Uxane tribes who fought against the Gantronese invaders added about 650,000. One would think that would be enough, but the Gantronese came with their own supporters, and allies. Approaching the vineyard turned headquarters that was surrounded by nine or more tents, four huts, lean-tos, and some ruins turned to camouflaged depots, he spotted crates being delivered by a tank with forks. Forklifts were usually found at body shops, warehouses, large hardware stores, and loading bays at docks or train stations. Ten soldiers representing different nations guarded the several pallets of crates that were just delivered off a transport truck built for the jungles. Raxhale approached the crates of goods to get a look as the forklift rolled back to unload more goods. Getting one of the soldiers to pry it open was easy when your rank was Colonel. 

"I see your nosy asses found the 306 Prying Eyes artificer orbs brought over from ten different countries." someone caught his attention from his left flank. A tall Vestrisian Elf General with a clean shaven face, cropped hair, a part of his ear missing, the other with a hole in it, and a scar trailing from his mouth to jaw had three of his staff behind him. In combat fatigues this Elf showed some resemblance of an officer with his posture. "In my 1,219 years of life I have never seen a more nosy commanding officer." 

"Colonel Raxhale of Alagen Defense Forces." Raxhale saluted the higher rank. 

"General Maydeene Orym Kelleth, VUVR Expeditionary Forces. Both Field Marshall and Mysdran are located in Borvados. Don't worry about their whereabouts being discovered. A Zhenrai, and Forysthan are bodyguards." The Elf General saluted him in return. 

After making acquaintances with staff members of Kelleth's command Raxhale and Eloso had a cup of native juices made from crushed luxury beans, squeezed fruits from the surrounding vegetation. Mixed with shots of whiskey, cider ales meant to keep one cool in the heat. According to Kelleth a unit called the Veiled Shades unit arrived via the renegade freighter bring in 356 from the western portion of the frontlines to replace his own. Along the frontlines towards the eastern parts about 420 Coalition members getting pinned down to the earth by a group of hostile mages. Due to the mountainous terrain in the western flanks of this vas landscape the Gantronese could only send in troops from the north. According to one of Kelleth's staff 450 Efreeti sent to combat in order to counter the light flame throwers that were sent in up north. Once his second cup was consumed Raxhale left this meeting with news for his unit and Eloso's unit. Following orders from a Vestrisian did not bother him. What bothered was there were other allies involved and they were scattered all over. On the other side of the world was another continent known as Nevora who was barely doing much to aid them except the smaller nations neighboring the bigger empire sized one.  

His units of 850 Alagens, and 318 Evusians moved eastward where 224 personnel were ambushed on the road outside the perimeter of 514 Leagues of Plains up north. Coalition Commanders gave them three flak guns pulled by trucks, 4 heavy tanks, 4 light tanks, 2 amphibious assault troop vehicles, six anti-tanks, 2 half-tracks, 2 troop transports, and a single anti-infantry vehicle. Thanks to some locals they were able to play escort for a caravan towards the east. Escorting a caravan reduced the amount of marching to their destinations. Despite further expansion through the Unknown Lands they still found signs of attacks made by other tribes who managed to slip through their lines using the jungles, or swamps. Moving further towards Borvados at an eastern route they run across a unit of 390 Orc Hellraisers. Only this unit found themselves in a predicament after they engaged a unit of 330 Void Wielders from three collaborator city-states. Among the dead were Gantronese, their Gantron spawn, plenty of locals, thralls, and fellow coalition personnel. Just 312 of the Orc members were trapped in capture sphere along with some turncoats who switched sides. Among the wounded they found a pair of Gearsmith prodigy artificers who possessed the skills to free the Orcs from their sphere like prisons. The moment they were freed the Orcs were on the remaining attackers, who made up most of the wounded. Raxhale, Eloso, and their units go to witness a conviction of a Korivan mage who faked being a guide. These Orcs used to have a warband of locals fighting for them who either lay dead or left. Most of the Gantrons lay dead leaving 191 or so Gantrons to get punished after surrender. Looking up at the branches above them he noticed they were not the only ones who witnessed the conviction and punishments being thrown around. In the trees he spotted 400 or more Prickly Marmosets watching them. 

With the unit of Orcs ready to move the next day Raxhale's unit made their way towards the mountains near Borvados. For several days they cut through the paths of other city-states, tribes, clans, smaller kingdoms, who pointed the way towards some fields of 514 leagues in acres. On the way they come across some Rubble back Rhino found in the fields of Jurax or Unknown Lands. Watching them graze was peaceful as they cut through the tall yellowish grass, wheat, scattered trees, human shaped bushes. While pressing through they passed through Wahote Lands, a large group who resisted the Gantronese invasion alongside other tribes. Raxhale was certain they had a million natives on their side to face these alien invaders. Painting themselves with dark orange, blue, red symbols on skin, clothing, and weapons the Wahote made themselves distinct from other tribes with a head wrap with a tail. Appearing more Uxane in appearance some did show traits similar to Borvados, Ottante, and Zema Ilam. Meeting this tribe of nomadic lifestyle gave him a surreal feeling. Hearing about this group did fascinate him. In his mind the Uxane of Vestrisia came to mind only they wore modern clothing, and lived in their own style houses that appeared like wooden pavilion tents according to magazines and brochures. Among this particular group they found a handful of Khasungai fighters in their tall skinny hats under a turban. Some wore wrapped clothing around them. Just a long piece of fabric or something like it wrapped around their bodies to cover themselves. At first glance it appears as though are wearing a robe, or long tunic. Some decorated their wraps in claws, jewelry, brooches, Gantronese pins or medals, small daggers, or whatever they can attach to the fabric. Although they had a city closer to the coasts another city with the same name rested further inland to confuse their enemies. Observing these Khasungai he noticed their appearances matched Aleos-Jurnis slanted eyes, and the Mezeen. One of them was astride a camel, which seemed unfazed by the climate. 

Engaging in conversation the caravan leader, Tatol, spoke in Kicari language. A translator spoke to him mentioning they decided to recruit, press gang, conscripted, drafted 281 Dwarf Light Smiths to aid in producing weapons for this war against the Gantronese. More tribes were choosing to fight alongside the coalition forces next year. Yet the lizardmen, Gnolls, and other races may switch sides or fight both sides in the next couple of years. Keeping this in mind Raxhale ordered for them to press onward towards the mountains of Borvados, and Jurax. Getting closer to the end of the grasslands and towards the hills of Borvadosi mountains took a little longer than expected. Their route took them through some grizzly scenes, other villages, battle sites, destroyed Gantronese outposts, troop encampments, and abandoned settlements. One scene depicted 308 locals were caught in the crossfire in a burned town, which coalition forces fought over. Hundreds of combatants were involved just revealing how broken the frontlines were late in the second to third year of operations against the Gantronese. As this route took them north they came across scenes where coalition forces were caught in some arcane trap that needed to be dispelled. In his head he calculated 321 Dispels being used to free coalition personnel. Once they reached the mountainous borders of Borvados Raxhale noted to Eloso they likely passed ten abandoned settlements, and twenty-five or more military bases. 

Two days of rest is all they asked for as their local guides moved southward to a city called Motuh with goods to sell. He was able to get acquainted with the Borvadosi commanders, some soldiers, chiefs, and heads of clans. One notable figure was Chief Izze Nemix, a prominent figure who donned traditional Borvadosi clothing with the rings his cheek. Others included a General known as Bazzi, a Major Vikmen, female Clan Head Natoye. One soldier known as Pwame Tuzzaru wore the Vestrisian uniform under his combat fatigues of greenish color. After a few rounds of tea in small cups their command structure was arranged according to where the lost soldiers were located. His forces were given a cleaned out, prepared bastion on a few hills to call headquarters. Since Borvados was part of the VUVR they had peoples from other parts of the newly formed country. Elves from Geverine, Humans from Bisdolan, Geverine, Naaditra, Castaria, Dwarves from different mountains, and clansmen who appeared weighted down by the climate. Once they were set up Raxhale left a Major in command of half their forces while he and Eloso joined 354 shortcut seekers of Borvados move into positions along the broken front. Three days is what it took before they engaged hostile units near the frontlines with other units close by. Wearing Gantronese helmets with their fur and hide clothing and hoods pulled back. Armed with Gantronese rifles such as the Yekato Assault Rifles, Numei Katana rifles, various bolt action rifles 297 Gloom Stalkers charged their positions. Backed by 427 Lizardmen hear a Tormenting Voice that makes them look crazy, these Gloom Stalkers pressed their attacks.

"Could it get any noisier, and bloodier than this?" Raxhale asked himself as his unit returned fire on their attackers. 

Machines rattled, cracking sounds of discharging rifles rang all over them. Screams, shouts, and yelling in different languages filled the air at a patch of land where villages used to stand. He could have sworn the enemy came with more as his own units took on multiple waves that pushed their limits each time. Four hours of fighting resulted back and forth fighting. He watched several fall backwards from the shots they received from VUVR weapons. Some seemed to fall down limp, while a few stiffened up as they died. One side attacked the other then the other side counter attacked. Each side attempted to flank the other. Trading places was something that put a strain on each opponent. As more hostiles poured on to the battlefield hand-to-hand combat or close quarters erupted over rubble. Raxhale had to fight off several Lizardmen who used their claws as melee weapons. One scratched his face on the left. He had no doubt his own unit were dealt a blow to the face or limb. Stabbing a third in the neck he spotted one Gloom Stalker entering the battlefield armed with a Gantronese Nezero-64 Cannon that seemed to drag as they attempted to haul it onto the field. Taking aim with his own weapon he fired two rounds bringing the Gloom Stalker down. He paused as more of his own comrades jumped in to repel another wave that sent the hostiles packing for a temporary moment or two. More hostiles showed up bringing in at least 1100 more to be shot as the previous wave pulled back. Using what they had his own units and allies took out as many hostiles as possible. One hooded figure jumped at him armed with a pick axe. He fell back in response. One of his own shot up the hooded combatant. As it fell the hood fell back revealing it to be a Gantronese in disguise. Getting back up to regain a footing Raxhale witnessed reinforcements come to the rescue. It seemed like an annoying cliche from a book, but he knew where these forces were in the first place. One unit of 400 Hardened Berserkers raced from the northern flanks into the mass of approaching hostiles. From his left came a Captain Knight leading a unit of 306 on horseback acting as a cavalry to break the enemy. Machineguns on both sides either jammed or were broken in the fighting. 

"Send them packing my vermin so they won't come back!" A Berserker leader yelled as he smashed two hostiles into each other. Various melee weapons were used by the Berserkers whom Raxhale saw as bat shit crazy when a few more machineguns were brought up. 

In the confusion and chaos of the flanking maneuvers the enemy started to retreat forcing the newly placed machineguns to wait. Whoever led the cavalry took advantage and chased down as many hostiles as possible. It wasn't until the next morning did they get a good look at the aftermath and carnage the battle caused. Not the prettiest sight to behold, but it would have ended with their corpses decapitated or mutilated if their asses saw defeat. No one left this position for another week as they gathered or collected weapons, ammunition, helmets, loot, canteens, rations, weapon like tools, intact clothing or combat boots. Raxhale returned to base with most of his unit intact but wounded. While they were fighting Gantronese allies, and leaders Death Cultists attacked one unit of 192 Bastion Enforcers in the north on the mountains. Further away from the main Borvados borders 374 Borvadosi Canyone Lurkers are shot by some enemy who keeps hiding from them. A battalion of their 780 Summit Prowlers are sent in the mountains to hunt them down. While taking this all in Raxhale knew this campaign would require some more help. Coalition aircraft were doing what they could to take out bases, and convoys of enemy vehicles their reconnaissance planes located. However it seemed the Gantronese hosted more supporters among fellow Calornese and thralls from other worlds. Returning to his own quarters where Eloso awaited him he found a total of 618 Senate letters warning of different attacks, or court orders to oversee. While going through them with Eloso who chose to drink both discovered that 363 coalition members made a bad deal. It took more personnel away from their reliable source of forces in the regions. Inside his own mind Raxhale was certain the Gantronese were banging their own heads at the losses they suffered. 

Peeling Through the Jungle

 Rummaging through the various items Toyol could not shake the warning about the Goblin Balloon Brigade they were warned about. If they really worked for the Gantronese its unit was likely reduced. Since they engaged the VUVR and the Calornese coalition since 1841 those Goblins definitely started out with 3,000 or more. Gathering everything they could Toyol's unit returned to base a few units engaged hostile forces only to find themselves aided by the locals. Gantronese forces appeared to be dug in further inland, but still held a presence along an unevenly marked frontier in camps or outposts. Among the locals plenty of other races joined the fight against the Gantronese. Toyol's commanding officer appeared a little too nosy, and eavesdropped on a few high-ranking officers. This coalition received 306 Drow rebels to assist them towards the far western part of the front. Another group called the Gith, another humanoid race from some other plane or world of existence sent 441 rebels to join any locals against the Gantronese Empire. Still on the lookout for anything they missed Toyol's own unit found themselves inside group of clearings that appeared hand made. Taking cautious steps with Greenville, Wallace, Leethem, and Grimlock in the lead the unit kept their eyes peeled for hostiles. Next to him was a half-elf Corporal Ralowraek, held the profession of Prowler Apprentice, and Stabler before that. He kept his eyes on the trees as they proceeded with caution. A younger member of their unit some tall half-goblin known as Plizasb, a plasterer/painter who was sent over after seeking a change in his life, moved too far. Everyone screamed for him to get back in formation when ten bolts shot into him from above. 

Within the branches they spotted nearly four hundred Goblins hooked to the branches, releasing their balloon transports from the branches, or diving down to meet the Vestrisians. As a unit Toyol's fellow soldiers opened fire losing a few members, ending an attempted ambush on their battalion. Arrows, bolts, javelins, rocks rained down on the clearing hitting some Vestrisians. Hundreds of bullets shot into the tree branches above them killing 389 Goblin Balloonists. Whoever laid out this ambush was either a Gantronese planner, or a high-ranking Goblin Chief. Before the last attacking Goblin died from falling out of the trees, Toyol thought he glimpsed a black cat like creature. Whatever that creature was it looked to be the size of a horse. Knowing he was not in a position of rank Toyol shook it off. Three days passed as they made their way back to base. Back at base in the Oceanrest Var Toyol's unit did not get a chance to sort through any of what they found. Colonel Blintz ordered for them to attend some training courses or at least witness 313 recruits learn about pressure points, and practiced tactics from 74 Instructors. For the lot of them it was pretty boring. After resting for 48 hours they head out again towards the swamps near Oceanrest Var. His unit check on about 31 leagues of swamps nearby. A small amount of landmass compared to the estimated 1,761 Leagues. Heading out again to the swamps this time they found some cache of weapons just west of the small stretch of swamp near Oceanrest Var south of the 31 leagues they checked for hostiles. Forced to check the 31 leagues of swamp again Toyol's unit engage 533 Goblin Pikers, 402 Biomancy Experiments for a few hours until a friendly unit of 756 Magesar Skirmishers arrived on the scene. The very same Magesar unit who came in from the west thwarted a battalion of more than three hundred Gantronese. Toyol fired his weapon at a Biomancy experiment that looked more like an animated corpse with three arms, with animalistic claws, extra fangs, heavy set horse leg. It went down as a few more charged at him. One Knight rushed to cut them down with a machete they carried with them. Among the eight hundred members of Toyol's unit other knights, former Necromancers, Bards, martial arts adepts, rogues, archdruids, former Gladiators, assassins, mages, arcane users, ex swashbucklers, thugs, scouts, nobles, former guards, commoners, ex acolytes, champions, priests, monks, farmers, fishermen, bricklayers, and artisans who almost fainted during training at bootcamp. Most of them joined or enlisted between the ages of 17 and 38 spending one or two years of training. Some were even enlisted by their parents or guardians at the ages of 15 or 16. In order to fend off an encroaching enemy like the Nazdar and the Gantronese more personnel would be required. According to one of the Lieutenants most of the veterans and seasoned combatants fighting for the VUVR were at the frontlines of Vullan, Gontrella, Blackmel, Vimasdra, and Muskalla. 

This move against Gantronese forces allowed the various Byway couriers from the city of Tittania to move out. Several days later it turned out to be just a rumor to spread a bit more hope. Camping out further away from the swamps his unit was alone save for another unit. This one unit of 835 personnel was one of those mixed ones with Marines, Airborne, Infantry, Knights, Rangers, Spellblades. Some of them were nobles, and knights or a mix of both. Their experiences in the field overshadowed their own experiences. Another hour passed before another wave of Gantronese and their allies attacked from the jungles, and swamp areas. It became a move the Gantronese came to regret. Toyol was sent to scour the area for more hostiles or stragglers. Moving past the corpses his comrades shot the young soldier entered an abandoned encampment. Inside one of the tents he came across a Ghoul Caller Accomplice of some sorts. Seeing the Ghoul Caller Accomplice in their tattered robes wielding a shovel, and in shackles he took them prisoner. Whoever enslaved this Ghoul Caller Accomplice they removed their real named replacing it with Vabrik. Unconvinced this Vabrik knew much other than collecting corpses a Major came over to blow a hole through his head. Unsure if he should be upset or angry Toyol chose to stay quiet. 

After several skirmishes broke out over the course of a week they heard of some Mephatic Vapors being used against coalition forces. Wherever it was used the vapors took out 355 or so coalition forces. Forced to engage a hostile tribe known as the Megwith confederacy Toyol's unit and the mixed unit maned to push the front further. Everything looked the same with the trees, bushes, and branches acting like a wall they could pass through. Green, red, brown, violet leaves covered whatever hid inside the jungles. To Toyol it appeared like a broken labyrinth maze of dense jungle trees. Clearings, isolated villages, abandoned huts, outposts, camps, totems, shrines, decaying carcasses, easily startled animals, discarded weapons, broken down vehicles, old campfires, and downed aircraft added to the scenery for the past weeks of his deployment. Going through the abandoned Gantronese camps and camps of the Gantronese allies his unit discovered plenty of finds within the encampments. Within the tents, and makeshift huts Toyol's unit discovered 446 pieces of troll hide molded or turned to armor. Twenty sacks of grain, 22 barrel-canisters of fuel are gathered up. Rations, clothing, uniforms, fatigues, helmets, various weaponry, tools, duffle bags, crates of ammunition, harnesses of grenades, med kits were most of what they found. Past the encampments they run into a herd of brontodons, giant reptilian creatures with long necks, crowned heads, bulky bodies, long thick legs, strong tails. Plenty of these beasts were spotted in the jungles of this part of the world. 

Grabbing up what they could the unit paused before moving back to headquarters. Wallace placed a retractable flagpole in the ground to show they claimed this area. He pulled out a flag from under his uniform that was rolled up in a long sleeve. A green flag with a gold anchor, shield trident, star, and crown resting on a sword. Inside parallel black lines are a gold line and red line at a diagonal. It represented the Calornese Alliance that was formed between the nations fighting against the invaders. Once Wallace placed the flag on that pole, he pulled out another flag, the VUVR flag. The earlier version of the VUVR, a gold crown encircled by a moon, and laurel on a field of blue. It represented the Kingdoms, Republics, and the continent of Ottante that unified. By placing this flagpole with two flags on it his unit was conveying they controlled this region. Doing this in a clearing would only enrage the enemy and the locals. However, they had little choice than to claim this as their territory. Territory that would not be occupied for very long. Toyol overheard the plan was to push the Gantronese out, occupy the region then leave once the war was over or the area was deemed secured. Helping the Commanding Officer Wallace wasn't difficult. Just keeping the sweat out of his eyes was proving an impossible task unless he wore a bandana, or something meant to keep the sweat out his eyes. Not something complicated to find on him. Yet even that was soaked in sweat. Just the humidity of the jungle nearly took the breath away. Or was it the density of the jungle that got the best of them while they peeled through these jungles. 

Forced to move westward Toyol and his unit run into a solitary hut with a figure inside it. This hut blended in nicely with the environment. Nearly carved into the lower part of the thickest tree it was covered over with branches. Uncertain about the hut his unit moved around cautiously in a crouched position. Squinting his eyes Toyol thought he spotted more of these huts that blended in the jungle. He nudged a Lieutenant who would listen. Pointing out what he saw Toyol noticed he wasn't the only who saw that. His whole unit feel silent as they made an advance while attempting to encircle this hidden village. As silent as they were the jungle could not be kept quiet around them. Seven of his fellow soldiers moved towards the hut while everyone else kept their eyes peeled. Amidst the jungle noise of exotic birds, chirping, cawing, screeching, and some gurgling he could still hear himself breath. His ears felt as though his own nostrils were breathing right into them. All he could think about was who was watching their move. Sure they had a few other units close, but what worried him was what they could not see. Glancing around he imagined other hostiles hiding in the jungles. Two of the forward seven-man team fell to the ground on the tree roots. Darts flew from the windows, trees, and brush taking out a score of his unit. Most of the darts hit trees, the ground, roots, a few boots with little effect, bounced off helmets, dug into the wooden parts of their weapons, sleeves of uniforms, or the shoulder parts without puncturing the skin. In retaliation his unit opened fire into the hut, and the area surrounding. it. Several more darts shot back in return with half the unit facing the source letting out a spray of lead into the jungle. 

Yanking on Toyol's sleeve Leethem ordered him to move forward with a larger team. Their seven chosen lay dead, or wounded riddled with darts puncturing their limbs, and body. Four medics rushed to them as Grimlock had Greenville round up thirty-two of their battalion to check on the newly discovered settlement. With their battalion's captain in command, they moved with caution with the rest of the unit watching their backs. Checking the settlement, they discovered what the captain called Guilt Grove Stalkers, a clan of jungle elves serving the Gantronese. It was unclear how large the band really was or if there were any still around. Counting the corpses they found 327 dead Guilt Grove Stalkers in their leaf tunics, greenish skin cover, bone headdresses. Among them they discovered a Ghoul Caller Accomplice, some hooded figure in old style clothing wielding a spade meant for killing and digging. Toyol's closest colleague checked what the Ghoul Caller Accomplice looked like. Pulling back the hood they found a stitched-up face, missing eye, crooked nose, drooping left lip, dirty skin, scars, pimples, bumps, and boils all over. Whoever this Accomplice was they were wanted by the Order of Defiance over corpse stealing according one of their Lieutenants. The Order of Defiance was another faction within Vestrisia with ancient origins. Its members refuse to obey specific laws while enforcing their own. Toyol barely got to know more when he was ordered to check on a shot up hut. Inside he found what appeared to be a lab full of shattered instruments, glassware, alchemist desk, flasks, vials, spell books, trinkets, potions, vessels, retorts, alembics, and a dead conjurer leaning on the desk. This Clever Conjurer was shot while searching through an index. Leaving the area with their dead and wounded Toyol's own unit returned to base. Upon their return they received news of new allies siding with them. A warband of 344 Gnolls turned against Gantronese forces after their pups are kidnapped as leverage. Another band of 393 Goblin rebels joined their VUVR forces after chieftain or shaman are killed. 

The New Undead Huntress

 It was already mid-November and October was long finished. Halloween or All Hallows Eve was through. Winter was setting in early on their planet. Adopting the calendar from a planet called Earth or the United Nations planet suited their needs. At least now they had set dates that made sense. Behind the backs of these Earthlings his home world and kingdom adopted this genius calendar. Wandering the campus of a small college in a valley, a tall, sombre, gloomy yet handsomely strong figure walked along the area called the villages of the campus. After visiting a certain handsome prince who appeared just like him, but the shortest of the Maronites. It is a name or label given to him and those who look like himself. This handsome little rogue who lived in his own dorm room happened to be more of a Myrmidon or Warrior Servant recently became a knight. While moving around Solomon Mansley "Cain" spotted a female student at her window. Squinting his eyes he noticed something familiar about her. Studying her for a few seconds he noticed she looked exactly like a certain Maronites' wife. Sir Denson, a War Baron to a kingdom that was once a Republic had a wife who looked just like this one little student. 

Uncertain if she was related or not, he gave Denson's wife a little call. Not caring who watching even if it was that student, he rested the holocron communicator on the ground. It took a few moments, but a life-sized blue specter version of her emitted from the device. After a few minutes of conversation half of which he did not want to have about leaving students alone Solomon learned that this one was not at all related to her. Bewildered by this he left Denson's wife alone. Her family members were all 6 feet tall or something. One intimidating sight for anyone under her height. However, on the field this wife of Denson's proved to be a powerful mage who incinerated buildings.  Taking another look at where the student was Solomon saw she was not in the window. When he looked back down, he found her with the most excited expression on her face. Those wide eyes, goofball happy mouth was also bouncing with delight. The first thing he thought was did she even have a key to reenter her dorm room. Whoever this little one was she was too excited to even care about the cold air. Stumped on what to do Solomon looked side to side making his large mane hair swing a little. 

At this moment he knew he was given no choice than to interact with this one. She grabbed him by the hand and escorts him inside. Entering an all-woman's dorm in this village was not his idea. Yet to his fortune the rest were sound asleep. Babbling on with excitement this Denson's wife look alike turned around to see his face. Unable to stop himself from smiling he knew right away she met that little rogue of a knight. The excitement turned to shock and awe. Immediately assuming he was his older brother she offered him tea. Solomon could not refuse a hot beverage. Ignoring whoever else was inside the dormitory den or common room Solomon sat on a chair wondering if the rogue did something to scare her or upset her. His focus was entirely on this one who gave him her name with the what the heck at the end. Introducing himself Solomon revealed to her that the rogue knight was not a relative, but a native born on this planet with a DNA that made him a warrior. Taken aback she asked all sorts of questions. Answering one as best he could he flipped off the RA who entered the building calling her a fat cow with glasses. As he spoke with the adorable big eyes listening the wife of Denson burst into the building. Not caring at all about the rules of the planet. With the rogue knight in tow. 

His monkey like tail stuck out of a hole in his leathery trouser like greaves. Knowing the little knight Solomon knew he preferred camouflage fatigues. Plopping him on the couch he blushed at the sight of Denson's little look alike. Solomon knew he could take full advantage and heckle the dickens out of him now. Yet that would have to wait. What needed to be done now was what to do with this one look alike. Denson got her to shut up however she almost teared up. Solomon's line of work or profession dealt with the living dead, undead, reanimated corpses or all manner of stitched creations. What Denon's wife suggested was to make this little doppelganger a female vampire slayer from another world. At first he refused the offer not wanting to put her in harm's way. Then he looked to the rogue who laid back on the couch with his feet propped up. Even he wasn't sure if she should join. She snapped at him claiming something along the lines of martial arts or fencing or whatever. The little knight waved those away revealing his own combat experience when he was in the airborne of the IGC. Giving him a disgruntled look, the girl threw a pillow at him accepting whatever offer they were giving. Nodding his head Solomon agreed to accept her under his wing. As some sort of apprentice Huntress this one would be hunting down the undead or zombified creatures on a seasonal time frame. 

Going through the Jungle

 He received the two letters from his aunt, Omgada Sanin, a town herbalist-apothecary supplier. Letabi Cirzo was an upcoming herbalist and wizard among his Dark Elf community. Mainly brown, dark tan, purple or blue in skin color Dark Elves of Calorn vary in terms of their culture, and appearances. Most of them became combatants, or contractors such as Warriors, bodyguards, rogues, assassins. Others entered the profession of blacksmithing, steed breeding, herding life stock, artisanship. Some like himself and his aunt become herbalists, healers, or alchemists. A thousand or so years ago he would find himself forced into a survivalist competition or a cruel means of weeding out the weak. For his herbalist career path, he had several orders to join. One of these orders was called the Healers of the United. Based in Geverine-Ezonel borders, this order was renowned for its involvement in the medical fields when it came to provided the herbs used to create pills or other medicines. 

Hundreds of Dark Elves were in the service of Lheobethe well before their peoples fled Gaia- Ghudran- Giadra. On a VUVR amphibious transport Toyol rode with his unit. It took him three years to get over here after a horrible incident. Herbs needed to be mixed without certain ingredients. Thanks to his aunt he was out of the humiliating alchemy school of Evusia. Ten years another would take his place, which was why this herbalist wizard left to join the VUVR. On board one of the VUVR amphibious transports Letabi Cirzo rode alongside a fellow half Dark Elf Lheobethan Toyol Yogosh who was kicked out of the Creed of Piety School in Lheobethe. In the back of their amphibious transport sat another half-dark elf named Exo Mindflayers. 

Placed in a unit of 882 the trio of half Dark Elves sort felt out of place here. Mostly humans, half elves, some orcs, and half goblins crammed into the boats made up their unit. Some spoke of their days working at a Factory Coffee House, a Ketchic Creek Bakery in Naatidra, or working at some barbeque restaurant which were a new type of public place. There were jabbering about scoops of ice cream, fudge, beer with a nice meal or sloppy burger. Large Sausage in slice bread washed down with ale, or mead. One Goblin went on about stuffed fat squirrel on a spit or kebob in the country. Toyol heard someone speak of a Vagabond miscreant grab some luscious melons on some serving girl before getting kicked out. Another mentioned some zombies or undead being still being spotted in downtown of their home city. An Orc who worked in Zethra then on Malvieth told the group about two ugly guys caught suckling on some Kimono babe's tits or something. Toyol thought he heard the Orc say he smashed the two men's heads in for doing that to a patron. 

Coming up on the coastal city-state of Oceanrest Var. their boats were greeted by screaming Seahawks, gulls, winged wretches in flocks. Orders were not to shoot at the birds but to wave or swat them away. Oceanrest Var rested on a small peninsula with warded walls surrounded by a dozen other settlements with Oramatra not too far way according to the maps. Even though they could have come from Borvados by land it would take longer. Rain season arrived this month. Most of the roads of Borvados would be flooded for weeks. Travelling by the sea was preferred as other city-states were involved in their coalition. Northwest of Oceanrest Var rested the city of Oramatra. The same went for other cities such as Khasungai, Kilscar Orvain. In his mind Toyol recalled Khasunghai was not too far from Kilscar Orvain while another city called Magesar sat east of Oceanrest Var. Travelers spoke a Bronze Sable Cat statue of Oramatra. It was sent to grant prolonged life to whoever touches the statue. Getting closer to the port city's docks they spot familiar structures from their side of the world. Five Evusian style castles among the outer walls of Oceanrest Var. Constructed from the materials available in the area these castles appeared more like two circular keeps that overlapped. Like two rings put together forming the shape of the number eight. No towers to be seen just a pair of keeps with thick walls connected. Despite the size of the structures, they blended in nicely with the walls and other structures of Oceanrest Var. However, the structures of Oceanrest Var appeared far different. Among the houses of Oceanrest Var Toyol spotted three Alagen Style houses. Multifaceted homes in the shape of a large gazebo or pavilion Once they reached the docks, they were greeted by fellow Vestrisians, Alagen Soldiers, Soldiers of Nahem, and Lybresan. One by one they climbed off the boat and onto the docks. Half the docks were made from wood while others were made from smoothed out stones in the sand bed or the large slabs that did not break when moved.

In various style fatigues of either green, tan, brown, or a mixture of the colors the coalition soldiers could be identified as Orcs, Goblins, Half-Elves, Half-Orcs, Humans, Forsythans, and some tame Gnolls stood among them. Most of them were armed with T.M. 13 bolt-action rifles, an early version of the E gas powered rifle, plenty of the E-7 repeat rifles, and the Carbines. It seemed strange for there to be no submachine guns in sight. Did they already lose them in the jungles of the Unknown Lands? As he stepped forward with his unit something moved in the waters. His gaze turned to the right to see some crocodile lurking underneath the docks. Lheobethe hosted plenty of these reptilian predators that only waited for their meal with patience. While growing up in Lheobethe in a Dark Elf refugee town Toyol knew of a nest of 433 crocodiles in one of the rivers. Here in the Unknown Lands, he would likely encounter more than 16,000 Lurking crocodiles. Toyol hoped he would sleep in a bunk high enough to avoid an encounter at night. One of the Half-Elves caught their attention. Colonel Xan Grimlock stood at 6 feet tall with broad shoulders, strong arms, powerful legs, pecks. In his uniform he appeared very intimidating. 

"Gantronese forces are still lurking in the areas north of our positions. Over a dozen cities chose to side with us. It is not clear how long they will be allies with us." Grimlock quickly addressed the newly arrived units. 

"That idea can also be applied to the tribes." one of the humans chimed in for the Colonel. 

"Thank you Major Clearague. Currently our coalition forces stationed 150,000-200,000. It is almost nothing compared to the Gantronese forces present. Other than Major Clearague these are Major Hortwith, Major Wallace, Captain Greenville, Captain Lethem, Captain Sir Klaus Steffan of Buhurt town. Before we send you into the jungle after a few days of rest the other settlements around Oceanrest Var are Dapesh, Urada, Shenmari, the others I cannot name at the moment. Let's settle you fuckers in for the night. Follow suit." Colonel Grimlock briefly filled in the new arrivals. 

Toyol and his unit followed the commanding officers further into the exterior boundaries of Oceanrest Var. Exhausted from their journey his unit appeared oblivious to their surroundings. In a mass herd of 882 newly arrived soldiers Toyol's unit was joining a force of 2,314 coalition personnel already present. Today they arrived with a force of 1,450 personnel who returned. Among their coalition they had others among their ranks. One large company of 348 volunteers from exiled Kilscar Orvain, Oramatra, Magesar, Oceanrest Var in dyed fatigues. Passing through Oceanrest Var his unit went around the markets through a few streets of mudbrick complexes, shell shaped homes, and workshops. Toyol never got a good look at the people as he was pushed to follow the rest. For four days their unit rested before moving out on patrol. Everything seemed normal until they reached what the Oceanrest Var peoples called their borders and outskirts. Marked by border poles connected by crisscrossing chain links, jagged smoothed sticks forming a face or symbol Oceanrest Var's boundaries had some Gantronese helmets on pikes or spears. 

In a smaller unit of 34 Toyol's larger unit split up to scout the area. Although their forces pushed the Gantronese away from the main city-states' borders bands of collaborators still prowled the area. Towards the middle of the patrol they found a unit of 441 armed warriors committed to honoring the fight against the Gantronese give chase to a unit of Goblins. Using the weapons the VUVR and Coalition gave them these warriors chase away 392 tunnelers who came from Kilscar Orvain's region. A long stretch from here, but that only meant collaborators still operated behind their lines. One of the veteran soldiers who returned with them, Sergeant Haizhe, told them the collaborators would often slip through their lines at night, or overrun positions held by volunteers. Although they did not go through the way they came their guides took through a checkpoint manned by a team of six warriors, and four coalition soldiers. For a few days they moved towards the front lines, which were not exactly well defined or marked in the Unknown Lands. According to Grimlock, Clearague, and their assigned commanding officer, a half-orc known as Colonel Blintz, their unit set out. With orders to prowl the area, collect any weapons, gear, equipment, ammunition on the ground from previous fights. Mainly jungle foliage, some unkept roads, marked tribal areas, abandoned outposts, villages with mixed allegiances, and neutral attitude. One of the villagers warned them of a Goblin Brigade in the area that works for the Gantronese. While searching for weapons, gear, equipment, and ammunition they found most of it were taken by the local tribes. Leaving them corpses, torn uniforms, helmets, used up magazines, straps, tin cans of rations, badges, banner poles, spades, utensils, dog tags, first aid kits, carabiners, broken rifles, canteens in various conditions, torn bandoliers these tribes took all the good stuff. Toyol realized going through these jungles and swamps would take some time in the year 1843. It would not belong before they entered the year of 1844.