Greed in Meze-Evusian borders

 It is still the year 1836 of the Calornese year, the Castarian Conflict is ending. Coming to a close this conflict only gave the unified Kingdoms, and Nations a new member to add to a new Union. Another conflict was brewing along with another. Zegrav began making moves to seize the Islands of Nochania or Nochadia. This disrupted much of the peace they made in Vestrisia. South of Zegrav and Ottante another one kept sparking with minor skirmishes. The Evusian Empire was going through a phase where it was attempting to keep the Islands of Redrin while pushing for expansion into the Meze Island. Not exactly what he planned to happen as the two alien invaders kept moving closer to their part of the planet. Calorn wasn't exactly united as one nation, which made it easier for the invaders to conquer large swaths of territory. However, both kept going at each other's throats. It delayed the takeover of various nations who immediately started to form an alliance with any free states. On his desk sat a book called The Sky Whaler's Sorted Shot. Maxim Senator, and Premviste Argrithe Greymir sat opposite her in a politician style suit with the new nation's flag pin on the collar, his own nation's flag on his left breast, and an ascot in place of a tie. A little old fashioned, but it seemed appropriate. 

Dressed in a violet autumn style dress with gold leaves dotting it, Beatrice Cunners held some Elvish ancestry along with human. Appearing more human in the ears, and nose she still felt more elf than most would. In scientific terms of new discoveries, she would be categorized as Homo Finitimus, a humanoid neighbor. In his main office rested in Forsym New Vattoram, but they were in Claymor, New Vattoram. Along the Eastern coast of the country Claymour sat next door the newly annexed Castarian member state. Just last year this city decided to purge the profane from bitter revelation. Some mysteries or horrors needed to be hidden. How Beatrice knew had everything to do with her own profession as a professional spy. Looking up at him she wanted to ask him about that a little more. 

"Mr. um, Mr. Greymir, Premviste Greymir what happened in Claymour city concerning the purge?" She asked believing her buttocks would be tossed out of a window. 

"The Claymour Purge the papers called it. Had more to do with clearing out a cult. You see in one of the towns outside Claymour. Willowhill was a town where some cult or covenant took over. Some enthralling victors of that town signed in blood to a covenant of blood. That, we could not allow to continue any further." Greymir answered looking over at a few desk items he possessed. Row of stamp labelers, card holder organizers, a mug used as a pen holder, envelope organizer, three small portraits, quill, inkwell, stapler, stack of coins of different currencies, and a few other books. His other desk sat adjacent to his back facing the window cluttered in papers, books, maps, and one small globe. Greymir's handsome gaze caught her attention. At first, she believed he was going to order her to undress, but he did not. 

"You are an Estati am I correct? And Estati with a profession as a spy." Argrithe pointed out to the half elf half human. 

"Yes sir." She answered tugging at a part of her collar then played with a top button. Beatrice shifted in her seat keeping her composure. Looking at him up and down Beatrice did not know what to really do. Her mind went to undoing her auburn hair bun, yet he still wore his wedding ring. 

"We need a spy to act as an informant along the borders between Evusia, and Meze. Naheme doesn't exactly have the military power to face both even with the other island states. So that option is off the table. You will head to Meze for me personally and inform me once a month what goes on. One of Meze's ambassadors mentioned a conflict between 13 families who act as their own factions. It also coincides with the situation between Evusia and Redrin Isle. In other words keep me posted, informed on the events along the border. Even if it is a stampede or some local murder. Actually, push those on the side those are more local." Greymir revealed her new mission before her very eyes. Beatrice felt honored she almost go up to kiss him but chose not to. 

"Can I do this? Yes, sir I will be your eyes and ears." Beatrice responded to the orders. She stood up to give him a military salute. Argrithe smiled and chuckled. 

"Save those salutes for my brother Antalace Greymir, the Furd, well the Commander in Chief of the VUVR military." 

He stood up with a stretched-out hand. Getting up Beatrice nearly fell forward when she stretched out her hand to shake his. Her own legs became stiff from sitting down so much. Beatrice was forced to wait outside the office door getting a chance to eavesdrop on her own leader as a hobby just to learn new events. Former Officer becomes a scientist during insurgency in Nevoran Federation who joined the Castarian hold out raiders. She recalled hearing a mortician preparing the deceased for funerals, 111 corpses in one day due to a raid that was repelled when cavalry were called over. Thanks to the genericity of the VUVR's leader, her boss, Beatrice received a ride from a Chauffer to the docks. As they rode in the back, she turned around to get a good look at the buildings she left behind for the port. One former Bawdy House, Blacksmith's Master Guild, apartment complex, tall bookstore, cafe, library, trade house, and college building could be seen disappearing behind an Abbey facing a mausoleum. When they arrived at the port and docks Beatrice was sent over to meet her contact, four Orcs preparing to sail south. Greymir got out with her to ensure she was able to get passage. At a complex with a three-story tavern, craft workshop built in Greymir had her wear an ugly long coat over her dress. His own appeared more like a cloak with sleeves added to it. Towards the back they found the Orcs in a blacksmith station. Exchanging quick words with the Grogash brothers they received a full duffel bag, passport with new identity, a short sword, Main Gauche, and pair of rapiers. Not questioning the contents of the duffel bag Beatrice grabbed whatever they gave her to use for this mission. A week passed before she was picked up again from the Thieves' Guild. Her Guild Mates bid her farewell promising to keep her own room the same as she left. Forced to enter a Merchant's Guild on the opposite side of where she met the Grogash brothers Beatrice met a Captain McKee of the Daring Milani, a freighter cargo ship that made a few stops before hitting Meze-Evusia. 

Nothing really happened to her on board this ship as she made her way between the land masses that made up Vestrisia Castaria, and the cliff rimmed continent of Soverden. It had another name, but it did not matter for this mission. While prowling the interior of the ship she ran into a Galvanic Alchemist who foresees animating a faerie in a lab as Reave soul is used to capture it in a used potion flask. Their Mortar & Pestle, Retor, Alembic, Calcinator, flasks, beaker, cylinders, funnels sat pinned to the shields drilled to the walls. A small cauldron rested by his cot. McKee's own crew consisted of thirty-four Goblins, Humans, Half-Orcs, one intelligent spotted Ogre, Troglodytes, half Goblins, and Zedirians. Daring Milani's journey or voyage through this extended strait of the Screaming Hawk started smooth for a day. Towards the end of the strait, they stopped at a port called Stormville. Here he picked up a few more supplies while dropping off booze for the Drayman to deliver. With help from the Stevedores, dock workers the Milani picked up a few new passengers. Grim Wanderer Goblin Warlock and Gilt Blade Prowlers encounter a jellyfish near a shipwreck just past the mouth of the strait. Both were after a witch's cauldron they found which, weighed them down after the encounter with that sea creature and some shipwreck dowser merfolk. Due to the encroaching war in Evusian Waters McKee hired a privateer ship. Some modern era steel sloop called the Razor Maw manned by 202 Orcs, Goblins, Humans, half breeds. Since they were stopped in order to get the privateer (pirates for hire) to prepare for the journey a few more passengers joined. A Wake Dance Shaman in a silk wrap dress with a gloom pangolin pet joined the prosperous pirates as fog emerged. 

Fog in the strait slowed them down by half a day. Beatrice moved around the ship with the privateer sloop in the corner of her eye. Not sure if she really trusted these pirates who claimed to be privateers. Arriving at the ports of Meze Evusia took a little longer than expected. Stopping at an island city called Ogrims, Meze where a goblin test pilot and a reckless wizard face an executioner's swing. A grotesque sight to witness as an event. At least she was able to move around a portion of the city to get some hints of what was going on. Ogrims was where the prisoners were taken either executed or sentenced to death they still lived on this island as their home and residence. While roaming around a Bimaristan, and Mason's guild she spotted a Djinn Wizard dragged over to a Town Guard structure. One of the locals was also watching the Djinn looking wizard being taken into custody. 

"...attempted some Titanic growth self..." 

"Bah! Some Monastery Lore Master they made. Guess we'll have to visit them in the cells for a bit of knowledge..." 

"Can they bring them out sooner?" a Mezeen-Evusian asked one of them. 

Beatrice returned to the freighter with some information, Meze was locking up Lore Masters. For what reason? To remove some knowledgeable threats who still speak of the past? Did Meze still have worshippers of the old ways, old gods still lingering among the population? In her own private cabin she wrote down what she noticed on the Mezeen held island. Arriving on the very borders of Evusia, and Meze made them nervous. Even the Sloop kept its distance while holding off any fire on the ships that came to check both vessels. Right as they were about to dock a patrol boat spotted a Satyr Rambler found to be totally lost as its craft is set adrift from the Evusian coast. Beatrice did not get to see what happened to it as she was sort of herded off the boat by McKee himself. Mezeen's culture required for all women to have a chaperone when going in certain parts of the cities. In the residential districts no one is required as well as the markets. In a Bazaar's Hookah Den Captain McKee introduced Beatrice to her new contact, accomplice, and "chaperone" for the borders of Meze and Evusia. Hai ben Doran the Adventuring Translator, Smuggler, and Storyteller. Four jobs for one person can make them rich. Just for extra cover up for her own duties they hired a juggler, acrobat, Animal Handler, Dancer, and Guard Chaperone in case they lose Hai Doran. 

With a few days to relax they resided in a refurbished Hashashin Guild. Out the window Beatrice watched a thief leap from building to building while guards gave chase. Anunbah, built close to the coast stretched further inland with buildings almost the same height of two or three stories to avoid any building collapses. While watching this she rested her chin on her folded arms while leaning over the shaded balcony. It poured down on the city itself making it difficult to get a good look at these running thieves. One of them took a mighty leap to lure a door keeper into the down pour that came. All it did was get the door keeper soaked at an inn. Beatrice muffled a laugh to keep her composure. Grown women not exactly forbidden from laughing at misfortunes from others. It was just seen as immature. Certain the show was over Beatrice returned to her own quarters where her own lamp was lit. Under the name of Yarom bat Elazar she sat down thinking of Captain McKee. She did not really get to say goodbye to him when he left. At the moment she had a duty to attend to now. Making attempts to shake off the handsome sea rogue's face from her thoughts she prepared herself to begin her mission. 

Although it already began on the island prison, she still chose to eavesdrop on a few areas here and there for a few days before they rounded up a small caravan of Camels. Not finding much in the main city she moved towards a town with her chaperone. There she learned of a Dusk Legion Zealot used demolish spell on Syncopated Bane Alley Blackguard causes unfriendly fire on trusty pack beast that gathered the 336 townsfolk. Something the authorities dealt with quickly yet locked away the Blackguard's things until she showed up at the prison cell to speak with this Vullanese. 

Getting ready to take everything found on the Vullanese Beatrice finds herself cornered by a grave scrabbler who seemed eager to copulate with her. Her own bodyguard emerged from behind him ready to kill the scrabbler until two grim looking physicians appeared. Both wearing casual suits these Physicians blindly revealed they needed a specimen to watch in intercourse. Knowing full well killing these two valuable members would attract unwanted attention from authorities her chaperone pulled her away. Giving them a smile they had her cover her own face leaving the Blackguard's equipment in the hands of Mezeen guards. Hoping the authorities would keep it locked up Beatrice and her chaperone returned to their temporary headquarters. When they returned Hai Doran warned them the physicists were part of some cult or guild that enjoys certain activities. Creeping her out Beatrice packed her things to leave earlier than expected. Getting a head start on this journey would lose their momentum on the Premviste's orders. No longer than a week before moving towards the south. It would look suspicious. Most would move quickly, but this needed to be treated as a residency not a hideout. 

Once a week passed by, they were on the move with a caravan of camels blending in with another who was headed towards another settlement. The next settlement of Grazed Helm rested right on the border between Meze and Evusia. Flanked by a Caravan Stop, Caravansary, Sultan Style Racing Track, Bimaristan, Imperial Wine Storage from the Vineyards of the main Island, ruins, a mine, Grazed Helm appeared to possess a mixed culture. She did not have time to look at the culture, or the buildings due to her need to blend in. Passing through the streets they passed a Public Bath, plenty of complexes, Temples, Villas, Chapter House, one Inn, a Tavern, Market, Kilns, various shops her group stopped at a cafe. There they found some accommodations underground. It was as if Argrithe had connections all over these two countries. Using her time wisely Beatrice set up her equipment according to instructions Greymir gave to her. Near the settlement of Grazed Helm, further south, another settlement was home to Assassin Guild, and some Order of Assassins. On the side of Meze these Assassins were a lethal threat to the stability of the borders. How she was going to even remove their threat without getting acknowledge by them felt like a feat. One day later Beatrice, her accomplices, and chaperone rode to that city where they learned of 736 Lurking Deadeye Assassins of Meze anticipate Dire Fleet Hoarder's movements. This Dire Fleet Hoarder Evusia hired possessed powers of a Battle Mage. When she got this all down, she sent it over to Greymir via the couriers to the mailing system. Whatever these Assassins plotted to do it would just end up chaotic. 

Upon their return to Grazed Helm her group found a few individuals fighting. A Bitter Blood Jackal engages one Death Bellowing Kuruk right outside a Guild House built from brick, wood, and a tent. Green with hints of Evusian and Mezeen patterns this tent appeared more like an oversized tapestry or quilt. Outside the settlement these two humanoids dueled with their respective weapons. A long Khopesh Blade for the Jackal who apparently belonged to a by gone era. Beatrice could have sworn these ancient humanoids of Ottante and gone extinct. As for the Kuruk, which appeared more like a half man half bull, a Bardiche. Yes, these were modernizing times, yet plenty of fighters still chose to fight with melee weapons in case their ammunition ran short, the gun jammed, or the weapon became too hot. Each one clashed on the dirt, and oasis that sat along the perimeter. Her own entourage and others gathered to watch this spectacle of the ages in Meze. Suspicious over what these two humanoids were doing in Meze Beatrice wrote this down while her own accomplice recorded this event. Another took photos as the two clashed. Whoever wanted to watch made a circle around to see these two locked in a duel. For several minutes these two fought while several onlookers found a mound in the sand to sit on. Beatrice wasn't sure if that was a rock or some mound of debris that dried up. Eyeing it she thought she saw it move as if breathing. Whatever this mound really was it burst out of the sand flinging the onlookers off it. And adaptive snap jaw of the desert moved from its disturbed slumber scared everyone away. Even Beatrice and her own group rushed away leaving the two dueling humanoids at the mercy of this large lizard beast's mercy. They felt it's impact of seismic stomp from its powerful tail. 

Several days later Beatrice moved further south with her small team to another location known as Honan. Surrounded by Oasis circles, Oasis crescents, small mountains, wells, Caravan stops northwest, south, and west this small city witnessed a Cavalry unit of 278 or more get called over. Located on the Evusia side Honan was likely guilty of harboring a group of rebels, terrorists, a band of nineteen knights, marksman, footmen. Gathering what she could while hidden Beatrice learned of a female noble of Evusia started to poison traitors within Honan's inner council. Half of the Evusian Honan Council vied to secede from Evusia to become part of Meze. Mainly due to their culture being close to the Mezeen. Yet she saw this as a threat according to some hints she gathered. However this noble woman was long gone since sixteen soldiers chose to help her. They gave her tickets to two liners to get her own followers off the island. They somehow acquired 13 vehicles to use from donors. Beatrice could tell this would lead to a larger conflict if Evusia found out others were involved. Redrin Island was already restless for Independence. With all the gathered notes from Honan she moved quickly to another location, Il-Tarvold. Here the region witnessed a feat of resistance by 270 locals against Mezeen troops. Even though it was on Mezeen soil Il-Tarvold apparently expressed new allegiances. About 70% of the village were wounded or killed due to the fighting. Over 70% of the Mezeen force found itself decimated. Snooping around at night she found signs that a donor funded this rebellion among the Mezeen village. It haunted her to realize someone was funding their demise. At least that is what she perceived. Looking at her map she noted no other settlements could be found in the south on the Mezeen side of the island. 

Feeling pressed for time the group made it along a road towards the Evusian border. Their cover was never exposed thanks to the exchange of caravan style clothing. From Mezeen to Evusian traders. She found other hints that a conflict was more than likely brewing. Clinging mists shielded the movement of 300 Heavy Infantry of some Evusian Unit her chaperone, guide called the Brindle Boar. This unit's focus was towards the south. Not sure if she wanted to be captured by Evusian forces Beatrice pressed for the south. Along the Evusian border they made their way towards a settlement where the charging rhino stampede of 397 or more caused by the release of a mire boa snake and hungry death hood cobra brought chaos to the populaces of Evusian settlers. Culprits were likely Mezeen or someone else. It drew the attention of some Hamlett Captain who was in a unit of 451 Coalition troops station in Evusian territory. More than ten flags from ten different nations flew in the wind indicating this was an invasion intended to stop Evusian aggression. Not seeing her own nation's flag Beatrice still felt inclined to send an ambitious warning using Greymir's ink stamp insignia. With hopes this would bring Evusian forces to heel with a swift victory for coalition Beatrice raced for the southernmost tip of the island. In order to get to the nearest settlement, she had to cross over to the Mezeen side of the island. 

The port settlement of Aceden garrisoned a force of 310 guards, 200 soldiers to defend its 2,500 inhabitants. An extra force was sent over and camped out. Approaching this settlement, she estimated 317 or more Line Infantry in their own encampment. Still keeping to her disguise, she managed to slip through the streets to a VUVR embassy. The usual type of staff worked there, Humans, Goblins, Half Elves, Orc Guards, Half Orc Guards performing their duty while the Minister of Trade and Head of Tribal Affairs sat at the main office. Both requested for the force of 320 to be sent over. Dressed in the Mezeen traditional garb Minister of Trade Gazim, and Head of Tribal Affairs Hanel El-Forgbelne stood up as she entered with the escort guard. 

"Afternoon Agent Beatrice, I am Minister of Trade Gazim. It has come to our attention that Greymir sent your here to secretly gather intel on the situation along the borders between our Meze and the Evusian Empire. War may be avoidable, yet it could cost Zegrav, and Evusia dearly should they engage in further aggressive behavior." Gazim addressed the spy. His mustache made him appear more relevant to the past under his Keffiyeh cap. 

"Do I need to turn in what I have found?" She asked feeling nervous. 

"No, you do not. Along the borders that cut this island apart mountains, and veins of minerals run through the earth. Two hard metals, Yatrum a metallic sand material that can scarcely be differentiated from hard dirt sand until it is in the sunlight, and Mephlum a sparkly metal that can be used to forge the plating needed to spot ships, or planes. Mainly the civilian or trade transports." Gazim answered while the El-Forgebelne figure stood silent as a lamb. Gazim's outfit fit more a Sheikh blended with some hint of modernizing with the goatee. 

"Should I reveal there are donors to some rebellions, and bands of renegades causing trouble?" Beatrice warned them. It was obvious this was over materials, and minerals. Someone wanted to tear both nations apart. She wanted to reveal 82 donors to cause despite Meze being a neutral country. 

"That would be most helpful. We can resolve that issue from here. Thank you, Agent Beatrice. Let us pay for your journey home. 

After weeks of travelling along the borders of Evusia-Meze Beatrice knew she needed the rest badly. One long bath is what she greatly needed since it healed her body and soul. A scorching hot one is what she preferred. Saying goodbye to her companions, and chaperone the spy gathered her things. Without hesitation she pressed for the port to the designated ship to find a smiling Captain McKee waiting to bring her home. 

Humanoid Myrmidon

 Although they vary in size, backgrounds, skin color, race, or planets Myrmidons can be complex. Most are dutiful, adventurous, courteous, brave, strong, smart, quick learners. Some are gifted with perfect detailed memory, others able to solve riddles or complex puzzles. Yet each one desires a companion or partner of some sort. If one becomes a Prince, Champion, King, or some leader it is required of them to find a mate. In their blood is a type of warrior who finds themself on the battlefield. Other times when on their home world or not on call they find something they are good at or acquire new skill sets in life. 

Deadly Alliance in the Unknown Lands

 Missing a chance to see a Spinx's Disciple felt like an act of treason. Just north of the city-state of Psubib Pajibe and southeast of the Sarcagosee Mountains a team of explorers acted as part of an expedition. Each one were the type who blended in with a coalition these Calornese formed against the two invaders. For them pushing further into Unknown Lands brought them closer to the Sarcagosee Mountains. This push also left the Borvadosi Mountains behind their lines. Gantronese forces possessed some advantage on them, the terrain, soldiers, secure supply lines, on goal in mind. Due to the various alliances they made with over a dozen nations the Calornese Alliance became at odds. Despite the goal of ousting the invaders each ally had their own agenda. Malvieth wanted to keep every route open to any city states allied to the invaders who did partake. Alagen, Nahem, and Meze did not agree with allowing Evusian troops to fight. Ivodra wanted to establish some trade within the city states. Evusia saw an opportunity to set up settlements for a growing population. Ruhonthra felt obligated to direct the newly freed states towards democracy or some form of Republic with diplomacy. Tante gave the impression of keeping weapons of the locals hands. Something most of the Allies looked down on. Letting the locals have weapons gave them plenty of allies. 

Some allies stuck to the V.U.V.R. goal of removing the invaders and liberation of their planet. Lybresan, Condor, Rovantia stuck to those goals. Redrin Republic did too, except they objected to Evusians being allowed to fight the enemy. Lybresan wanted access to the raw minerals and recourses in the ground. A few commanding officers showed concern for 511 coalition personnel closest to the Gantronese lines. Talking themselves into maintaining cover their expedition made effort's to blind in with the biggest faction. The V.U.V.R. officials saw through their bullshit nodded then slapped a volunteer arm band on them. Thanks to some Uxane members and Borvadosi plenty of locals helped. A tribe or clan of mounted warriors east of their positions gave them 227 mounted fighters for cavalry. Nearby tribes and Psubib Pajibe kindly 635 warriors. The most sophisticated, technological advanced civilizations here in the mountains were Dwarves, Gnomes, some goblins other than the invaders. A few human factions had access to using their technology to create airships to bring in trade at a faster pace. In the skies they can spot at most 258 ships almost forming their own cloud above the Sarcagosee Mountains.

 Hepross the Castarian Boyar laid down a rule among the personnel to focus on pushing back the Gantronese. At least attempt to drive them away is what he would do even with his own Cavalry of 340 conscripts. Feeling outnumbered the explorers made their damn best attempt to keep their identities from the local soldiers. By creating makeshift munitions for rocket launchers, mobile ballistae, modified Gantronese weaponry along with copies of V.U.V.R. firearms. What took them by surprise after hearing about the conflict that drug this planet into a global one were Vullanese in the volunteer ranks. Plenty of Vullanese joined the fight in the Unknown Lands. Using the name Pazuzun Woodrigde, Blue Algorad attempted to speak to one known as Peregrine Griffin the Golem Artisan. One of Griffin's own 18 Vullanese were just crushed somewhere towards the southeast. Their death was brought about through undying rage of a Colossal Dreadmaw Dinosaur. Unsure what happened to the monster lizard beast the Coalition forces left this creature to the Gantronese or the Gantronese to the monster. Blue Algorad was not surprised this was the case here in the unknown. He had been to various worlds covered in jungle and full of predatory beasts. 

What surprised him was a curvy by way courier and story seeker (reporter) to arrive in this section of the front. She came to anticipate the salvage count or damage done. With little information, data, results, or such this Courier found herself harassed by several coalition soldiers. In order to resolve the situation or bring the harassment to heel, someone had to be brought in. A Dark Steel Sentinel of VUVR Bisdolan half Orc was sent over to track down a specific target among the harassers. As the Bisdolan half Orc tracked down the harassing curs their commanders sent a pair of Zedirian adjudicator cat citizens over to a settlement of 505 locals. These locals appeared distrustful towards outsiders yet sent warriors to aid them. Gantronese forces made attempts to land near their lines using three scavenging scarabs that were shot down. Replacements or reinforcements arrived to fill in for their units. Another city-state known as Anishi, a Wahote settlement sent them one Wose-Wahote Pathfinder out of 190 members. It gave them a better scout to work with who moved around the northeastern flanks. Days later they reported news about some bewitching leechcraft created a zombie problem just southeast of Sarcagos. Zombies were a plague that kept everyone on their toes. Every few years or decade a breakout occurred somewhere in this world. The most it impacted at the sometime before it even ended were between 250,000-360,000 victims. 

Listening or eavesdropping closely Algorad overheard a few small hordes emerged from the northeast. Some forces grew according to survivors of villages that were hit. One battalion's worth of coalition troops moved a portion towards Fort Pardwell. Right outside the city-state of Anishi they barred the door to the foot while the citizens prepared for the horde of zombies. Just 260 locals, 72 coalition manned the wooden fort against a horde of the zombies they heard about. Caught in the mix of this Algorad and two of his own gripped their T.M. 13 bolt action rifles, E-7 rifles. Hours went bey before this horde arrived at the gates of each. None of them got a good look at these infected. All they heard were the growls, gargling, hissing, and faint screeching. From 188 archers a few showers of arrows killed off 887 infected while the rest wiped out the rest. 

Whatever caused this horde to form it appeared weaponized. Opening the gates felt like a bad idea, but they wipe out 808 of these infected using rifles, machineguns, submachineguns, bows, and repeater rifles. Some locals armed with PF-71's, Numei Katana rifles helped fend off a second or third wave of 1,600 or more infected. Hepross' unit and Uxane cavalry hunted down the rest for a few days straight. This zombie threat caused a stir among the population creating a mob 606 or more of unruly people. Forced to deal with this unruly mob a V.U.V.R. commanding officer found a Vullanese mage to weed out the ring leaders. Three days later the mage returned with strange news about the mob. It was really caused by some other worldly outburst over food. An alien took control over the population hoping to hide it. 

Other zombie hordes attacked other positions such as a hill manned by a unit of Elves, 20 Clansmen, 20 Uxane, 45 Goblins, 30 Dwarves, 36 Knights, 60 Landwers Troopers. One thousand or more infected attacked the hill followed by another wave. Hepross rode the second wave of infected down. Yet a unit of 316 Mulzaneen caught his attention. Loosing a few arrows in their direction the Mulzaneen lured them away. Giving chase Hepross took his whole force armed with rifles. Left with no cavalry a dozen scattered units making up three thousand faced a wave of Gantronese Spawn who were chased down by the local Uxane cavalry. All he really saw were hostiles coming after them under the Gantronese banners. Two days went by with waves of hostiles and infected coming after them. Hepross returned to their side, another unit of 340 coalition troops and warbands consisting of 3,800 native warriors arrived. His own expedition lost some members in the fighting. Burying them would have to wait until they managed to even collect them. Their own 340 coalition reinforcements were elves who occupied a hill for thirteen days. Gantronese retreated as expected after another loss. What was not expected was for 348 Goblin turncoats, 6,426 Space Dark Elves to turned against the invaders. 

Over the course of five days Calornese Coalition Officers conversed with these collaborators and outerplanar aliens who switched sides overseeing the elves on the hill. Out of the six-thousand seven hundred seventy-four about 1,242 stayed put, forming an uneasy alliance. One hundred of the highest ranking and willing left for the coalition Head Quarters. Two thousand chose to mount up on any steeds or mountable creatures they found. As one large cavalry brigade went their own way. Eight hundred twenty-three voted to join the Coalition forces wherever they went. Only twenty-five chose to form their own settlement. One thousand two hundred twenty-three requested to head for the coast. Their intentions were to become sailors on merchant ships or cargo ships. As for the remaining 1,361, they turned around to attack the Gantronese on their own. 

Another week passed by with the leaders choosing to move southeast. Once permission was granted and their whole force was replaced by 3,000 or more Uxane, tribesmen, Wahote. Moving about several thousand coalition forces out of town gained the interest of an Illustrious Female Historian who pursued glory elsewhere. Algorad kept his own expedition team close by as they entered regions bordering  Wahote territory. Two days left went by in their trek towards the southeast as they entered a couple of spider nests. Deep in the jungles away from the city-state of Anishi they found the webs in the branches. It only gave it away that there were large spiders dwelling inside these jungles. One nest consisted of about 361 Mammoth Spiders that rarely ate humans. Just the larger reptilian dinosaurs, beasts, or the ones they scurry around the branches or higher ground. Managing to avoid mealtime they came across a ravine in the forest jungle. Home to 137 netcaster spider nests, this ravine cunt into the earth and jungle. 

Past the ravine and into Wahote territory they made camp. Camped by a river called their hunters gathered some cold-water snappers, 443 Sun-Crowned hunters for breakfast. What did not help was their positions came under attack. However, the enemy's force was smaller than their own. One unit of 258 Hooded assassins from Mulzan, Rhes Tarim, Novadh, Giadra, and Koriv attack the coalition forces while a day away from the Aether's muck up. It became no surprise to them as Wahote scouts tipped them off while acting as hunters. Algorad shot up three of these assassins as they burst out of the brush. Various assassin in their own unique uniforms were wiped out in minutes. He could only feel some sense of humor. 

One full year passed as coalition, local forces and turncoats found the Gantronese hard pressed on the Wahote. Plenty of vehicle battles occurred tearing up the terrain. Skirmishes turned into shootouts then spread into battles. Gantronese forces amassed enough to overwhelm the Wahote, twelve small city-states north of their main positions. Most were southeast of the Sarcagos Mountain Range. Reports came from local scouts about the Gantronese centralizing their attacks on the Wahote regions. Calculating the full forces of the Wahote, twelve-city-states, various tribes, Gnolls, and lizardmen would take forever. One high ranking commanding officer, commander, staff officer estimated 860,000 of these locals or natives would have started to meet the Gantronese threat. 

No one knew what was really going at the front except for hints. Rounding up enough troops did not take long as 2,600 Mudcrab Jeeps, 414 military troop trucks, 1,037 various tanks and armored vehicles raced over. Roughly 26,000 Coalition troops were rushed to the Wahote country. Three months of two opposing forces grinding against each other across the field. Each side kept chipping away at each other. For some time both sides kept slaughtering one unit after the other on both ends. Not intending to backstab any plans of doing something else Coalition forces held back most of their forces. Uncertain they were going to be left off the hook Algorad took his expedition team to the highest-ranking officer available. A half elf with a cropped gold brown hair under a military cap. Shuttered violet eyes, set handsomely with their sockets upon a stern serious face that saw war for decades. A stubble could be seen on his face along with an old tattoo of a flag on his neck leaving signs of burdens from past unfortunate adventures. General Hollin-Holland stood tall with his big frame he received from warfare, training, fighting, brawling, and exercise. General Hollin-Holland lost his shite when Algorad made an attempt to talk to the Commading Officer. Although he blended in, wore a uniform, he forgot to salute/ In his mind he believed he could get shot or executed. 

"What the sverx are you doing approaching an officer, a commander without saluting!?" this General Holland roared in his face. 

"I am a volunteer, General Holland, Lieutenant Pazuzun Woodridge-" Algorad was cut off by this General. A few more of his own expedition came to his side as two large Orcs in uniforms stepped towards them. 

"Go ahead and tackle that horde! All two hundred forty-six thousand Wahote Confederacy peoples are wiped out!" Holland barked at them. Taking this as orders from a superior whom they could not escape anymore, Pazuzun raced towards the front as soon as they were ready. 

Moving in with the second wave Algorad spotted 26 Tusk Apes in action. These were bulldozers designed to push tanks that were downed. Past the outposts, some forward foxholes, scattered trenches, forward camps, defense posts, defense towers they came upon the carnage that tore up the jungle terrain in places. Corpses, broken weapons, shells, destroyed vehicles, limbs, discarded weapons, helmets, blood, exposed bones, screaming wounded, scattered fires, dead animals, and craters covered large portions of the terrain before him. It painted an ugly portrait of what went on in warfare. He was not opposed to kicking the invaders off of Calorn. Smoke rose from the flames, destroyed vehicles creating a wall of black fog. Moving along a made road his unit found themselves in the after math of the Wahote's annihilation. Villages lay in ruin all over Wahote country as they moved to eliminate any remaining Gantronese forces. Plenty of scattered forces could be found in caves, dugouts, shallow foxholes, natural trenches, the brush in units no bigger than a duo, fireteam, or a squad. A group attempted to form a platoon but were wiped out immediately by Gnoll tribes who attacked both forces. Algorad had to fight off one warband of 267 Gnoll Warriors who attacked a Coalition outpost. Taking out that many Gnolls did not resolve the problem. Although the Gnolls did attack the Gantronese they went after everyone else. Even the reptilian lizardmen took the opportunity to attack humans. While on patrol his unit found themselves ambushed by these reptilians armed with spears, and stone clubs. Their claws and teeth did just as much damage. One of his fellow coalition members had his stomach ripped open causing blood to splatter all over his face and uniform. Another found his throat ripped out. It forced them to retreat to a camp with several hundred coalition forces. 

Knowing how hostile these jungles were their commanding officers in HQ planned to pull them all out in a week or two. A week or two was not fast enough even with trained locals or Uxane coming in to help. Many of the Space Elves who helped or left came to their side simply to avoid the other collaborators north of the Sarcagos.  One small unit of Lamia harass each encampment they found. Yet even they were not spared from the hostilities of Gnolls and Lizardmen. It forced them to become allies with the coalition forces who were confused. Two days later they pulled back to Borvadosi borders where they needed to resupply and replenish units. Leaving the Gantronese remaining forces to the hostile terrain of the Unknown Lands. In a briefing they were warned of Green Hags dwelling the marshlands near Borvadosi borders with the Unknown Lands. this was something the Borvadosi delt with themselves sending their finest champions, and warriors. It was relieving to hear. What was not relieving was some hot shot businessman coming in to reveal crystals were found underneath tribal areas in the Unknown Lands. Instead heeding this business proposition one young Prince from one of the Coalition Nations shove a long pistol up his butt and left his ass on the table in pain. This young handsome Prince looked more experienced in war. He grabbed up as many personnel as he could before venturing back. A week passed before he was able to gather ten thousand coalition, outlaws, pirates, soldiers, knights, warriors, former Vullanese, and former enemies. Once that force was assembled heavily armed he pressed forward with what the Coalition allowed him to have. Not knowing which member this Prince was from Algorad went ahead in the hopes of getting to the Spinx in the Sarcagos. No one else joined them it was his expedition and his alone. Forced to fight various hostiles they made it to an old ruin where they set up camp. A warband of 248 reptilians assaulted their position the next night to push them out of their revered turf. Algorad position himself at a doorway to some ruined structure along the edge. Ready to defend this position he shot a few reptilians before a spear found its way into his throat. 

Flag of Diron City-Sate

 

Diron City-State, a small kingdom made of several cities and towns grouped into a single state. Wedged between the Blackmell Mountains, the sea, Gontrella, Diron is neighbors to other states along the mountain ranges. Known for its culinary arts, music, modelling, fashion, Diron is also known for its ports, ships, various trades. 

Happy Valentine's To Any Female Viewers

 

Dimir's Informant

Next to Tranquil Cove Diron City sits next to Gontrella with Blackmell Mountains on eastern flank. Known mostly for its culinary arts, arcane, taxidermy, and winery. Going through these streets wasn't difficult as they were created wide enough for two coaches or carriages to move through abreast. As an informant they had to keep their ears open enough for eavesdropping, eyes peeled for anything suspicious while digging their nose into business. One thing they found was a Goblin nether boss starting trouble with loathsome troll as bodyguard. Apparently, a pillar field ox stew they made was dubbed or judged unworthy of a restaurant's menu. Whoever the judge was they were scared to be throttled by a hooded brawler, which is why this mess came to be in the first place. 

 

In response to this threat the Goblin had the loathsome troll bodyguard, or someone impale a hired poisoner with an ancestral cutlass through sadistic obsession. Gawping, nosiness, wannabe looters, onlooking were finished by the time the corpse hauler became involved after this grizzly scene. Witnessed by Griss the Aether theorist the murder was outlined with chalk, but the blood on the cobbled street did not help. No one moved the corpse leaving the authorities to do their jobs. Only thing missing was the murderer and the murder weapon itself. Whoever was found with the weapon would be either tossed in prison or be interrogated. Being called over to investigate was a civil duty; a well-respected, upstanding citizen could perform alongside authorities if they had at least five years of a good record. Alas an Arcane Investigator was brought over to help them. It was his second time to do this however an export was summoned over. They were involved in some form of divination when they received the summons. In the presence of an Arcane Investigator who used their powers to solve crimes and mysteries felt overwhelming. 

 

Right after they checked the corpse the Investigator asked the witness who saw it happen from their balcony window while sitting down in their favorite armchair. Griss the Aether did not want them to know what they were up to inside their apartment revealed to the Investigator of another witness who was chased away from the scene by one of the Goblin's goons. Gossimun verified them as Pepper Diablos, a practicing Conjurer Magician who works as a seamstress. Going to her apartment had to wait until the next day. Sitting down in a separate room to the foyer lobby to the apartment complex was Pepper Diablos, and her attorney Tiag Altrame. The attorney appeared big in terms of physique like an ogre with human like appearances in a suit. Forced to take a seat with the Arcane Investigator taking the lead, Civil Investigator Cageson studied Pepper a little in her seat. Dressed in a handmade shawl over a wool dress with braided decorations, Pepper Diablos apparently brought her orange tiger cat for comfort. Around her neck was a Gwynor made watch. He favored wooden or metal clocks since he did not have to keep up with them. In his own home he had one with a morion cabasset on it as decoration. Pepper gave her testimony to the investigators as Arcane Investigator Artemis Fowlson became a guiding voice for this hunted witness who was apparently with a Tower Worker around the same time. 

 

"Thank you for your time, Ms. Diablos. Who is this Tower Worker you spoke of?" Fowlson got up to leave the witness to attend to her own apartment. 

 

"Tad Wiad, he lives on the floor above mine. He should have more information on who is who." She replied to Fowlson's question. Getting up from her own seat she revealed more of her outfit that made her figure look cozy and warm underneath. 

 

Cageson noticed other things on Diablos, a bracelet of small skulls on the right wrist showing she was a bit of an awkward youth at one point. A coin purse with magical looking eye of foresight hung from her neck. In her left hand she held a weird voodoo doll made for stress relief when squeezed. She did not show the most graceful of movements when exiting the room. Fowlson poked a little at Cageson wondering what he thought. All he could think of where the real culprit was now. Noting it was only 10:00 am the day after the crime Fowlson led them to Tad Wiad's floor. Climbing two sets of stair did not bother them unless they count the sleeping half goblin sprawled on the floor with a bottle in hand. Tad Wiad's own apartment appeared decorated with small cogs, broken tools, iron nails forming the number 838 just under his apartment number, 930. Hoping to have a brief chat with Tad Wiad Cageson rapped on the door. Fowlson did not like that one bit. He squinted his eyes at him. The door swung open revealing a half human, half goblin in brown worker's overalls with pockets, tears, holes. His expression said he was not completely here mentally. Tad seemed a little intoxicated on something. Fowlson quickly shook hands introducing himself, yet he had to make the half goblin raise his hand just to make it seem like he was there. Their mission here was to get information not to arrest him for intoxication in his own home. 

 

"How stoned are you, Tad Wiad?" Fowlson asked him. He looked into his eyes a little closer. Cageson took one good look at him. Checking his eyes for himself Cageson recognized the enlarged pupils. Side effects of a certain drug called Homose Mortalise that gives the user or addict extra time awake. He recalled some four abusers or addicts who were wide awake for 52 hours. 

 

"Why can't they find a good replacement or just a replacement? Or shut down the whole store, another leak was found." Tad Wiad blurted out dropping to his knees in despair. 

 

"Tad we are investigators Fowlson, and Cageson. We are looking for a culprit or suspect in the murder of a culinary judge last night. Do you know anyone the judge may have misjudged or incited a conflict?" Fowlson asked the Half Goblin who seemed to be getting a little more cooperative. 

 

"Yeah, um Nether Boss Nexx, his ah troll bodyguard Fugir can be found near the taxidermist, or the Grand Holk transformed into an inn. Or you can check the archivist, Gendarmes Steone. Do you need any more help from me?" Tad Wiad answered blinking a few times. His head turned to their left down the hall. 

 

"Don't worry they found plenty of help." Fowlson replied to Tad's question as if he was someone else speaking to Tad. He lightly pushed the half goblin back into his own apartment. Closing the door the Arcane Investigator noted to himself to check on this Homose Mortalise drug. 

 

Cageson followed the Arcane Investigator to the archivist Steone to get some addresses and locations. At a Modern University they found Steone overwhelmed with new archives to organize blaming his work on prosperous pirates who have a Buccaneer's Bravado going on. Cageson wrote that down as something to investigate after the discovery of drugs. He wasn't sure if Diablos was mentally well seeing someone like Tad Wiad. Yet it was her choice so he could not say anything. Fowlson took up the conversation with the archivist to find out where the suspects hid. While they conversed Cageson poked around the small archive. Rummaging through a mound of papers, notes, envelopes Cageson discovered what looked like a torch gauntlet that was usually found in Vullan. Either Steone aimed to burn the library or someplace to the ground or he was secretly a member of Vullan's Religious Order. Returning his focus to the conversation, he heard some bits and pieces of what he wanted to hear. 

 

"I don't know where you can really find the Nether Boss unless you check the restored, renovated bailey keep down by the western edge of Diron. It is good you are here Investigator a lawless broker has some crimes to check on. They or she became a trail thrall to more crimes..." he rambled on about something less interesting. What caught Cageson's own attention was the Elf Path Warden of Tajuru Hold close to the western edges of Diron. Certain they would find Fugir near the taxidermist, Georgen Blackburn, they go see an Elf Path Warden of Tajuru Hold.  Just past the western edges they found the Elf at a refurbished homestead where the taxidermy of a croconura, coastline chimera, Bone Picker bird, frilled sandwalla, silver raven, frenzied Arynx Cat Beast, Molder Beast, Rugged Highlands Rootwalla, and Gore Swine sat in the den/lobby of the Home Stead turned lodge. 

 

Not giving himself a name the Elf Warden pointed out the very person they were hunting down. Cageson looked at this figure seated with a Sanctuary Cat Owner known as O'mick. Realizing it was one of the culprits the pair of them were hunting down Cageson nudged Fowlson. From one of the salon rooms an Archaeomancer exited in a bathrobe, he clearly came by to unwind. As for the Cat Hovel Owner who leads a band of 175 or so they needed to be cautious with. Fowlson pointed a finger at the Archaeomancer who froze in fear at the sight of the two investigators. Unawares of the two investigators, Fugir continued his conversation over a shrine to the five deities in the Bymere Country. According to the more knowledgeable Elf Path Warden two colleagues of his Gunnar and Gabrielle went over to see this shrine. Not sure if the Elf Warden was going to rat them out or not, they approached both of them. Fowlson raised a hand to cast create image. Cageson witnessed a very attractive looking exotic dancer appear before the Elf and Orc. Distracting the pair of them, Fowlson was able to catch the pair of them unawares. Ordering Cageson to arrest the Orc named Fugir Fowlson kept the image going until the Orc was completely cuffed. Fugir barely struggled as he looked more drugged than lovesick with his tongue hanging out. The elf was left mesmerized as Fowlson undid the spell to help Cageson move the Orc out of the area. When Fugir snapped out of the delusion he appeared defanged in a mental way. Going along with whatever was actually happening the Elf Warden, Dunn Raleigh got dressed. 

 

"Do they need to cancel sports to make them miserable?" Dunn questioned more to himself as they returned to Diron City. 

 

In downtown Diron City Fugir was brought to a keep turned prison house next to a siege works transformed into something else. Part of the siege works and keep were semi protected by a wall. Apparently more for decoration this wall was surrounded by modernized brick buildings, a complex, a mustering hall turned house or shop, and mason's guild. The keep itself was surrounded by a fence with barbed wires, or spikes at the top. Cageson saw a Tanachorpe Elite Skirmisher of a wandering Uxane group encrust a Seer's lantern on the Rampart Wall to a Diron Town Guard or Watchers in the Mist, someone called Bizarine. With Fugir locked up it was now time to go after that Goblin Nether Boss. For ten days they investigated some other crimes while hunting for the Nether Boss. Forced to check the outskirts, borders, outposts, border constables, Cageson and Fowlson gave up. At a Tavern Cageson liked to visit just outside Diron to escape he heard about some incident that occurred near the docks of Dimcabul City along the eastern borders of Diron. While seating with border guards and soldiers, a Hamlet Captain brings up devious cover up about Pheres Street Band Centaurs show clear path to outnumber Defiant Ogres of 282 near the Massive Harbor the two cities shared. Part of one City-state Diron and Dimcabul shared a Shipyard, Trading Port, Dockyard, Drydock, Steam Drydock, Naval Hospital, Commercial Docks, Basin, Global Trade Menarr, Major Fishery. Both cities did possess their own Trading Port, local fishery, Fishing Fleets, Drydocks. Whatever it was about he did not really care. Yet he heard about the street Chandler lighting candles for a woman of loveliness. Chandlers were meat for making or selling candles in cities or towns. Cageson overheard a Constable Mage did them in with arcane magic. The use of arcane grip tide cleansed the gangs out of the city near the coast.

 

Forced to give up the chase on the Goblin Nether Boss Cageson befuddled a defiant salvager who witnessed a keening banshee at funeral rites for both sides of a family feud. Whoever this defiant salvager was they dug up another relative's grave using a terrain illusion spell. Knowing it was already resolved Cageson could not help but wonder if there were any members of a certain family who would attack the other. Cageson did not recall the other incidents, but he did recall a family member from both sides were tossed in jail. A Hecketto, and an A'vingier were tossed into the prison system. However both were sentenced to the Black Coats, and the VUVR military where both apparently mention a handsome soldier of foreign yet clansmen origins. Another day passed before he found another case to deal with. Closer to the sewers chain room/driftwood traps, a soul summoner summons/lures the drifting shade, which results in a required urgent exorcist on weld fast wing smith they brought over. For this one he brought over a guard, a scout, a priest, and an extra constable. Forced to open the solid wooden door to the sewers they went through the tunnels to find a one-way door to the portcullis that was wide open. Along the way they found some sewer blockage that needed tending to. A whole hour went by before the shade was exorcised out with some extraction spells. 

 

Six days later Cageson kept track of the cases round Diron. What he noticed as that some were either Vullanese sympathizers, Vullanese, Vidothrans, or Vodwanians who immigrated here, yet only a couple of Muskallans. One case involved a firmament sage going missing, which causes a soldier to raise alarm on geist snatching. It was one way to get at least 700 personnel involved to search for the missing female sage who was found at a campsite with some Gontrellans holding them hostage. This revelation would spark outrage among the population. At a meeting with the governor, district mayors, constables, high officials it was agreeing to send someone to investigate. One Timberland Guide and Blade instructor are sent on stealth mission along the borders between Diron and Gontrella. Seven days later both return to report 250 Battle Brawler Orcs fighting a unit of battlefield Soul stinger butchers from Vodwania, hired by the rebel outcasts. Others attacked the unit of Orc Brawlers bringing in 674 Dironee rebels. Just 216 to 538 that force survives according to the 98 remaining Orc Brawlers they ran into. Right along the outskirts was not where Diron's Governing Body wanted a skirmish or battle. At a third meeting each one reported something about 578 bombards being captured and used in the north. It only spelled worse fears of war with Gontrella. Someone discovered vials of dragon-fire being smuggled in using a vessel of Nescency along the coast. 

 

Casualties were unclear, hostile movements barely noted, weapons from Gontrella being used, illegal weapons being brought only meant war was inevitable. Mustering their strength Diron City, Dimcabul, Domoron Mountain City of Dwarves, Haldiron Mountain (Elf), Vussaryan Dynastic, Prolux Kingdom managed to rally 5,425 men, 4,500 Knights and Squires, some 14,000 Infantry. Somehow a Prince who was adopted into a royal family brought over a force of 788 various warriors, adventurers, Muskallans, Orcs, Rangers, Rogues, Berserker Clansmen, Uxane Prowlers, Knights, Marksmen, Assassins, Battle Mages, Highwaymen, Corsairs, and Buccaneers. Mustering the strength under 25,000 Diron City-State and four others felt uneasy facing the Gontrellans in the field. As greedy, corrupt, power hungry, deceiving as the Gontrellans can be their own military can be a hit or miss. Within the span of a few weeks, they managed to rally 30, 975 Skirmishers, Clansmen Raiders, lured Vagabonds, Prowlers, bribed outlaws according to the spies. Gontrella's own transportation system consisted of plenty of railways running through their country. Ahead of time the city-states saw 22, 957 leave, 8,262 make a pact to form a militia, 7,140 decided to relax and wait it out. Among them 944 became prisoners after 1,084 pistols, rifles, revolvers, and lever action rifles were found. 

 

Their assault came on the 13th of the eighth month of the year resulting in minor casualties in terms of deaths. Numbers of wounded sprang up to ten thousand for the combatants. Something the Gontrellans can afford unless the VUVR enter on the hexagon alliance's behalf. Cageson was forced to move his own unit towards abandoned encampments. Here a form battle wise valor was encouraged. Diron witnessed one of their own allies uses electrify spell for victory. Inside the encampments they discovered coins depicting cosmic deities, 3,070 Duffel bags full of military gear, and equipment. One unit found a wounded Ilithid scrivener who lost some abilities due to artillery shrapnel tearing up its body. Among the encampments they discovered 2,074 sets of Ice Style Armor. Nothing enchanted about them just the way the armor was forged appeared like ice. Four artillery pieces from Vodwania fell into their hands along with the ammunition. 

 

Cageson was brought to a keep sturdy enough to use as a prison housing for this wounded Ilithid. Unsure if this monster's wounds would still allow it to control his mind Cageson summoned Fowlson who sent over a rookie Arcane Mind Control Repeller to help. Under the protection of an oval shaped shield Cageson interrogated/interviewed this wounded Ilithid. In broken speech due to coughing fits this humanoid revealed that 23,180 become slaves as tribute and bribery to ward off the Gontrellans. Close to 84 servants are also handed over as means to ward off the Gontrellans, but it did not work. Writing this down Cageson thought of all the cases he dealt with this year. Connecting the dots in his head he thought of the 155,230 known indentured servants within the eastern confines of eastern realms/blocks of Gontrella. Twenty-three days went by before they received a word about the front lines. South of their location in the world the Valde Conflict was going on according to reports. During those days of zero action those who chose or were forced to stay formed their militia of 3,865. Just a quarter of the wounded were ready for more combat. Around this time a Palatine, Dom, and Archduke of three mountain states sent 1,500 Forest Keeper Longswords, 2,458 Elf War Druids, 2,008 Ogres of Numioh Mountain to reinforce the Hexagonal Alliance. Cageson was able to speak to their leaders along with an idle Colonel. On the Forest keepers he noticed their blades were made from Meltix or Meltic, a liquid-like metal that can be hardened in the right temperature. One week later the VUVR sent a force of 30,000 soldiers to boost the defenders. 

 

Several nights later Cageson decided to head towards the southeastern part of the coastline. Days ago, the Nazdar attacked with 128 of their own Flying Wraiths, 26 of which were shot down, and 8 of those down pilots died. That air attack was followed by an invasion by 1,473 Aquattic creatures called Aquanne Hitto who attacked both sides. Their own outposts were harassed by 490 or more Muskallans. His watch shift was given to someone else more experienced than himself. By the warehouse he found a group of figures, a few Vestrisian Guards, and a female figure in a light blue dress with a fur scarf made from a Faux Snow Panther. On her head rested a night blue knitted beret. Stepping closer to her position he noticed her seated in a retractable portable chair she brought with her. In his investigator long coat over a new modern style uniform for military volunteers Cageson gave a slight bow and nod. Vestrisia required one to give a slight bow and nod to any females of high status, high ranks, or positions within society. Calling her Senator Dimir, Cageson gave his own loyalties away in the presence of the night, the coast, and the Vestrisian Guards she brought. Reaching out inside his left pocket Cageson made a move to hand her notes within an envelope on what he found. Just as his hand reached out with the envelope her own hand reached to grab it. From the west a voice from a loudspeaker filled the night. 

 

"Our time has come. For 300 hundred years we prepared. We grew stronger. While you rested in your cradle of power, believing your people were safe and protected." 

 

Monument of Kyrie

 New Starfish-Frog City looked like a golden opportunity to travel for a young handsome Half Dwarf, Part Human, Part Elf. Going with his tall friend and taller twin cousin he travelled to see a monument. The monument itself was not for a frog or starfish, but of a giant carved on the face of a tall rock formation. In order to get there, he had to travel a bit of distance. Through the mountains and valley in the middle of the mountain range his journey brought him to a cabin which his family owned. Two cats dwelled around this cabin. They were only there whenever humans were spotted visiting this cabin. For one night they stayed before moving forward. Earlier that week his father's friends celebrated this chance for him to make this journey. It was the first time in his life to see this monument. Sure, he went to other places, but this one was special. Only he, his friends, and family knew about his adventures around the borders of their state. Whoever comes back home from an adventure or two is granted permission to travel to New Starfish-Frog City Giant. Passing through the mountains they took a cat with them. Along the path they go to a vineyard where the trio shared a bottle of wine. Thankfully for them it was during the holidays otherwise they would be in trouble. Each holiday the youth in their teens can drink alcohol. Lucky for them they only had a single year or two before they turned twenty. While sitting down a pair of foreign Scholars from a university nearby passed by on their own journey. 

When they were done and well rested, they pressed onward with their cat companion. On the road they rested at Two Bear's Lodge where three female pilots serving their current independent state gave them some warm companionship. An encounter like this was kept secret within the walls of establishments. Saying their cute farewells to the lovely ladies they made their way to the next settlement. Another day passed in the journey before reaching this monument. Just sightseeing, the young traveler met a pirate who looked exactly like himself. Seeing this pirate was more of a prickly outlaw who seemed a little disinterested in tourists they sort of left him alone. Yet this pirate approached them but became a little jumpy with them. It was due to the drinking he did this morning. Taken aback the trio tried to make light of this encounter. Taking in the main monument's grandness the young traveler, his cousin, and friend wrote their names down along with their adventures. His adventures numbered three with a mysterious figure for a master whose name he was not allowed to reveal. Roaming around the city a little more they find the pirate again who appeared a little more sober than the last time. This pirate sailed an airship crewed by 79 cat folk, Five to six humans, a few fox-folk, and one lizard man. On board his ship was an adventuring archaeologist who beats up occultists while racing against them in finding artifacts. What this archaeologist found were two-star fighters that new rested in the cargo hold in multiple pieces. A group of pilgrims were mistaken for cultists due to their hooded robes. The archaeologist and his own team of seven confronted the group. Just to ease tensions some locals invited them over to attend a festival. 

Attending two games they joined the same foreign scholars who arrived with a third one via sky skiff. Once the sightseeing, games, attending a fair, and carnival was over the trio returned home. Thanks to their new pirate friend the journey back was made quicker. Making the trip shorter gave them less clothes to clean. At home he made furniture for a while. A day later he took a break to attend a championship being held in a stadium outside of town. It took them three events worth of games to get to the main event. Many called it the winter championship due to the cold season. They did not stay long as the Medieval style cooking carnival coming to town required extra time, and early start to prepare. Once those games were over staff started to prepare for the la Era de Alboroto commemorative carnival. It came once a year or every two years. 

That did not hinder their plans, but he was certain it would not hinder someone else's plan. As they left the young traveler hoped that did not happen. Just a couple of days passed by at home before they found themselves ordered to an academy. For three hours they sat in the audience to a rewards ceremony for students and apprentices. All he could feel was boredom during the event. His thoughts went to traveling, seeing more of the world around their state. Day dreaming about other places in this world made him doze a little. It was not long before he fell asleep. He did not feel himself slump sideways onto the old man next to him who also fell asleep during the rewards. Nobody noticed he was asleep until it was over. Nudged awake this young traveler got off the old man's shoulder who did not notice at all. A curvy voluptuous looking woman in a white dress that covered everything, but her limbs was the culprit. Standing adjacent to him her had faced him but her body faced the empty seat. With her hair in a cute bun she smiled at him with eyes and mouth. He never saw her before. 

She seemed new in town. Curious about who she was he got up to introduce himself, but she waved goodbye. Giving him a smile she helped the old man up. Before he could get a word in he was pulled over to attend a dinner. For seven of the graduating students, one of whom received an award a dinner was held. Dining at a restaurant called Three Bulls with an old friend from the school days at a temple of knowledge. The restaurant rested along a rive close to a waterfall. Here his friend regaled the others about their adventures outside their home state. One included the defeat of an evil wizard and his out worldly creature. Sadly, the story wasn't finished as they were cut off and shot down like deer riddled with arrows. 

Forced to keep quiet each threw in remaining pieces of the story in between bites as they pretty face, he saw got up to the highest level of the restaurant. Reserved for speeches, bands, singers, bards, small concerts, recitals, and recognizing achievements of others. A podium was set up for the speaker who congratulated someone on their achievements. Deep inside he felt a little undervalued as if his own dangerous journey did not mean squat to these people. Choosing to curb his tongue he watched. He saw this new pretty face present someone else with a reward. This was something separate from the academy. It was for a taller figure's ambition to become a renowned Limner, and their linguistic skills that helped win trade routes. Unsure if he wanted to watch this one claim this new figure of a woman, they young traveler got up to leave without a word. All he could think of was you had plenty of girls to choose from, why her? Exiting the restaurant did not bode well with his mom. However, he was lucky she did not pursue him or yell at him as it would cause a scene. Thar would have been embarrassing. 

Doubting he would find anyone else in this town he returned home. Isolating himself at home for a whole day he found a technology or device used to store data or information. Seeing it was no longer usable he set it aside to hand over to the museum. Still angry over the reward dinner the young traveler spent eight days at home. Hsi friends hung out with him after assembling furniture pieces delivered to him each week. Lucky for him he lived close to the beach meaning the restaurant and river rested on higher ground. No more than five days were spent walking on the beach each evening resulted in him seeing the usual families, male runners, old couples, but not a single woman on the beach. Did he arrive too late or did they all just leave? Disappointed by this he returned home not doing much else other than following a gold rule, and cooking for himself. Eight days of assembling delivered furniture, reading, following the rule of keeping calm when zero women are available for him somewhat changed his mood. 

Snow came and went for a single day extending his time at home another two days. All he had to do to keep himself occupied was read, solve mind puzzles, in door exercises, playing with a cat. Dabbling into some poetry turned on the radio since the screen he possessed was still broken from when the cat tipped it off the table. It kept his mind occupied from his own worries. If that pretty face was with other men, he did not want to think about that. Another part of the gold rule was if they find themselves believing a woman is copulating with other men just don't get mad at them. Especially when they are not their women. If he were to ever find out just don't even bother the woman about such things when she is in their life. To get his mind off that he found his gifted lute from an uncle who passed away to some swamp behemoth attacking a castle. While playing his gifted lute he spotted a deer outside his window. It only meant that this weather was some experiment someone dragged out. Deer were scarcely seen when it was winter. As the snow melted, he received a visitor. Someone came to offer him a job to check on two old houses twice a week. After an hour of discussing this with his mom he accepted the job. Four days later makes his way to the houses using a trail through the woods near the main town of Nagiflad. 

Not bothered at all by the eerie trail or the haunting conditions of the houses, Deven began working on the interior parts of the houses. Inside one of the houses he found some bestiary tome, melee weapons, a skeltanr skeleton, helmets, tree ghost, metal spit pike. A Fake spotted horse, some preserved stand for horse blankets, taxidermy calf cows, taxidermy owl on a stand, and taxidermy large striped, white feline jungle cat. Despite his love for cats this jungle predator scared him. During one adventure in the south, he was almost killed by one during an expedition with the temple. Closing the door to this one he went on to check on the other house. Greeted by small lizards that scattered to hiding places in cracks he entered this white brick made house. Discovering the second house became a brewery of some sorts. Sixteen days went by of him clearing out, sweeping, dusting, taking out broke pieces, and barrels. His own mother came by to share a beer with him. She brought over four letters for him. One revealed a personal invitation, the other was about business, the third detailed an order. As for the fourth it read about Dragon Order of Crusaders, inviting him to join them. 

Attending to his duties for a few more days Deven goes to a different place than Three Bulls. At the place called Wellerman he sat down with a red-haired female bard, and an olive-skinned male agent with long black hair, dressed up in a suit, or as finely dressed as the other two. Someone else was there to dine with his well-dressed self. That new pretty face joined them to hear about his adventures. Unhinged he explained how he encountered many dangers along fellow adventures. Deven even told them how he got out of some encounters. It wasn't hard getting the name of the pretty face from the rewards ceremony. Jennyne  the new constable came from a large city across the sea known as Forgehall. A colonial city to a seafaring culture of warriors that became modernized. She did not want anything to do with any form of relationships. To her it would get in the way of her job in this town. A Deby downer revelation to him the moment he heard it spill from his lips. Smiling at him Jennyne gives him a kiss on the cheek then pinches it a little. Blushing from this Deven turned away. He learned a bit more about her before the personal meeting was over. She was more of a dancer, swimmer, javelin thrower, equestrian, a viola master, former house maid who delights in spending time with groups of people. Just before they parted ways the red head asked for him to hang out with her in her mountain house. The male agent told him to let him know when his next adventure was, he would be waiting. Jennyne gives each of them a hug as they depart. One day passed as he fulfilled an order before heading to the houses Deven found another abandoned building. Checking the interior Deven found it empty save for the messy destruction left behind. 

Taking note of this find Deven spends the next day clearing that building out. A few of his own friends came to help him. While replacing the door they find pieces of geodes. Nine days went by as Deven cleaned out the rest of the rooms in the three buildings. He discovered another abandoned building, allowed his friends to cashed in the geodes they found as payment for helping him. Checking off the lists in the evening Deven found two owls eyeballing him. At his feet he found a lizard and frog sort of hiding in the weed like clovers. Sort of bored yet tired he watching the critters escape him into the other parts of the yard. A couple of days later he slowly headed towards the Turtle Archery Range where he riddled several targets with arrows. Being the last one to leave Deven is given the combination to lock up the Archery Range. One a workday he is given no furniture to assemble. It seemed strange to not have any furniture to assemble this week. Taking this as a day off Deven locked up the four abandoned buildings as planned. He handed the keys to the constables the very next day. Somehow, they knew about the business letter concerning another building. Just four constables enforced the law here in Nagiflad. Constables Elizcon, Ghrosy, Natmad, Lageir worked tirelessly to keep the peace and resolve issues in orderly manners. With a fifth constable on board, they seemed less strained. Since he gained favor from a member Deven was brought to the designated location the business letter mentioned. 

For two days he spent hours painting the lower exterior of the building, and setting up for the porch to be painted by his replacement. It was not because he did something wrong it was because the main town pointer Corlos wasn't available, yet he was. More time went by with a few more orders, the new temporary job to run the Archery Range every two weeks. An old friend visited Deven. A female colleague from his adventuring days. Known as Camdyrn, this female adventurer was lean muscled with blonde hair. Armed with a rapier, and a few other weapons this Camdyrn brough a combination to a treasure and a map. Knowing he needed a break Deven prepared for this next adventure. Letting the agent know they received an extra companion, the red headed bard. After preparing to set off for four days the quartet did invite his friend and cousin who declined the offer. With provisions ready, a cat companion, the right songs to sing or enjoy they set off on an eight-to-ten-day adventure. On this adventure they use a lodge as a base while exploring some ruins where preserved mummies rested. On these mummies they found five alien symbols that appear more like characters for words, meanings, and actions. This added another week to their journey as there were more sections of the ruins to explore. 

Returning home with a small amount of loot, more stories to tell, new friends each of them went back to their respective ways of life. Each planned to meet again each week at different taverns and restaurants. Eight days passed with another few orders to assemble tables, and chairs before meeting his friends again. Just in time to see a rainbow outside the tavern they drank at one weekend each were notified they were given some gifts at their own homes. Returning home he discovered five weapons at his house waiting for him. One handed black knight sword, Silver Sword for killing undead, decorative hand axe, a battle axe with a name. The axes resembled the ones seafaring warriors used in the ancient times. On the table rested a sword similar to the same ones that warriors used in that era. Delighted to see these gifts he checked each one out before eating his own made dinner. 

Putting them back in the sheathes Deven put them on a work bench he often used for interior projects. Another day passed before he received visitors. A pair of clansmen from the northern region arrived in kilts, and wool sweaters. These were the types of men who looked like him. At his door they offered him a chance to join them a quest to clear out a castle just outside the borders of his state. Lucky for him he had a few weeks off as scheduled this month. Someone else took up his assembling job while he was gone. Armed with three of the weapons given to him Deven was given some studded leather armor with small plates added to it. Covering his legs this brigandine armor felt comfortable thanks to padding mixed with the leather. If only his chainmail armor were intact, he would have brought that. It was damaged beyond repair. Replacing dozens of the small ringlets cost a fortune. The identical clansmen were called Bruthnol and Aud. Being twins they hailed from a family who were members of a clan known as Denn. One wore a full set of banded armor whereas the other donned a cross between ring mail and padded armor. 

Hand axe, the one-handed black sword, and silver sword were Deven's weapons of choice. Bastard sword, war pick, long dagger, single tonfa were Bruthnol's weapons. A Costencar custom forged Katana or Curved Blade, a Polearm, longbow & arrows, spiked buckle shield were Aud's weapons of choice. Going into the castle upon orders from his own Mayor, and state governor the Crusaders' mission was to clear all five sections of this castle. Known as Fleur Dos castle, this one came with three wooden extensions that appeared reinforced for defenses. Made from a mix of wood and stone Fleur Dos castle rested on a mound-hill encircled by an empty moat. The wooded parts were covered by stone balconies for defending archers to use. Each extension was encircled by a wall for defenses. Inside Castle Fleur Dos lurked a beast creature, one lone horse, an aging dog, some basic blade warlock, two headed turtle monster can be found in the underground catacombs according to a note. Found on a barrel this note was pinned to the wood with a dagger. Mainly empty in the outer courtyard Fleur Dos did not really feel empty. 

On the lookout for the targeted hostile, Deven, Aud, and Bruthnol formed a circle. Moving as one they slowly went through the lowest level first. Leaving their steeds outside with the entrance doors closed meant they trapped themselves, their horses, the dog with the hostile monsters. There was a portcullis, but it was shattered beyond repair. Finding most of the furniture intact the trio came across the dog who gave away the beast's hiding place near the storage in the barracks portion. Aud cut the beast to a few pieces leaving the turtle monster to Bruthnol leaving Deven at his side. The pair of them decided to go up to the other levels. With the halls lit by torches their path appeared clear yet cluttered with barrels, broken pieces, some junk, and box crates. Spider webs covered the walls, ceilings, unused rooms along with various decor from a bygone era. Inside the quarters of the lord or baron they found the Warlock next to an armchair. In their hands this warlock wielded a spell book of some sort. Spewing out spells or incantations quickly the warlock was enchanting the chair or attempting. All it did was reanimate the stuffed taxidermy pheasant, the drum table, the foot stool, and lantern. Doing that screwed the Warlock over as the objects attacked them. 

Whoever this warlock was they dropped the spell book while fighting off the animated objects. Fortunate for Deven, the warlock, and Aud, these objects did not have teeth. Intrigued by this the pair of them watched the warlock race around the room while being chased. It ended up being around the fur armchair for a few minutes until they tripped on the foot stool and fell on the chair itself. What happened next would scar a less experienced, or faint of heart. Any knowledgeable person would warn them to burn such an object. This armchair consumed the warlock whole. As their feet disappeared in the belly of the chair the animated objects dropped dead. Aud slowly approached the objects to ensure they were no longer enchanted. On the table a note was pinned to side of the table. Ripped it off Aud shared it with Deven. On it was a warning saying the chair eats anyone else, but the owner. 

With the quest complete Aud, and Deven met Bruthnol at the courtyard where they reopened the door. An extra horse, a dog, Deven's cat, a spell book bound with a belt, the trio took a road to a fort. Known as Fort Withall or Withal Fortress it was just a day's ride away. At this fort manned by a score or more Happy Ghost Soldiers awaited their reward for clearing out the castle. Aud whispered in Deven's ear that the Happy Ghost Soldiers were one elite unit of the Crusaders. Inside this foot the trio found their way to the headquarters. Withall's headquarters was where a tall blond female knight called a Saxxy Dame awaited at her desk. She was not in the mood to hear or see any visitors. Yet she took them into her office anyways. Seeing the young Deven she smiled and sat down with her legs spread open. Aud looked at Deven, while Bruthnol glared at her then insisted this would be quick. Her expression went from pleased to great disappointment. Called Belle this Saxxy Dame tossed a reward in a coin bag to them. Aud caught it in both hands. In a rude voice she urged them to leave. Outside the headquarters they split the reward of 8,550 Krana between them. Going through the maze or labyrinth like fort they decided to leave it a few gifts. A horse and the dog were left to the soldiers manning the fort. Just the three of them, Deven's Cat, their own steeds journeyed back home, taking five days. An automobile would have helped except the paths, and roads were too narrow and walled along the flanks. 

Deven could not keep a clamped lid on what he experienced. Aside from a third of the reward, Deven received a new dagger from Aud. His family drank with him, celebrating his successful mission with a Crusader's Order. Despite the dangers he faced Deven's family were still proud of him. His own cat Skrap was also unharmed since she stayed with the horses during the event. Six days later his birthday came along. In the state Wadhem of the Donos Republics it is customary to celebrate someone's birthday for three days straight. Each day the celebrant received a gift. On the first day he celebrated with family receiving a thick layered vest that can also attach sleeves. His second day Deven celebrated with friends who got him a belly dancer for his entertainment. One the third day the Crusaders he met sent a lovely majestic priestess of comfort with slick curves to pleasure him. For him it became the experience. Another adventure to add to his list of multiple adventures. 

Twenty-three days passed as his jobs at archery range, assembly orders moved to a workshop took up his time. He was requested to clear out a shed, and an old assassin's guild. What he found other than broke pieces of furniture included two helmets, a prized spear, ten swords, seventeen daggers, contracts, several garottes, crossbows, bolts, arrows darts, various books. Various pieces of armor scattered around 24.4 Krana's worth in coins, some jewelry, and watches. Some of it he kept to himself whereas the rest were given to authorities or to his friends. Around this time the state he lived in received the Crusaders in force who arrived with some sea faring raider mercenaries. Aud and Bruthnol found Deven at the workshop. Joining them again he turned the band of Crusaders to 63 who fought alongside 169. From the port near his hometown, they sailed southwest to relieve a defending force at a Dragon City. Not of dragon's themselves, but the Dragonites as in Dragon Worshipers. 

Some Dragon Tower with four Crystal Chambers came under siege then seized by 490 Jackals, 52 Mutant Beasts. The only capable force available were 12 Sky Pirates, and 37 Sea Pirates who found themselves overwhelmed. It was a boy's birthday at the time. For three days they fought to remove these invaders from the area. During the fighting Deven was injured in the line of duty. Hit in the head with a wooden club the young Devil Crusader was sent home earlier. Back home he spent several days allow himself to heal. Their own doctor or town apothecary warned him to stay out for a few weeks. Ignoring this advice on the seventh day Deven rode off feeling cute to a shire called the Enraged Dragon. he met some new people who sort of enjoyed his company, yet seemed a little envious towards him. After that he attempts to shrug it off by growing a mustache for a month. He visits the main city of their state to see about it after avoiding it for years. Deven spent three days going back and forth to the city with his cat, family and his adventuring friend, Camdryn's family. While they were they oversaw listings of which steer were being selected to herd out to the countryside. Before returning home the herd was pressed to move quickly. Somehow, they learned about a leader being fooled out of information during an invasion towards the east. Playing with the herd for a few days Deven and his companions returned home to relax.