Zal-Oharad

 How in the hells did they lose the Iperantosi Isles? He thought to himself. No one should be able to defeat the Gantronese like that. In his mind Zal-Oharad tried to comprehend how the Vestrisians and their allies managed to take the Iperantosi Islands. The Iperantosi were closely allied to the Gantronese for various reasons. Today he caught whiff of something else. Now word came to him about V.U.V.R. forces and Calornese Coalition forces pressed from the south. Between north to south, he had nowhere else to go but west. Yet those areas belonged to some other faction called the C.S.O. or another calling itself the Order of the Beast. Bearing down on his position was likely a platoon or a company of troops according to himself. As long as none of them were Zhenrai Zal-Oharad, outlaw to Meze, was mostly safe. Playing with his small, pointed beard he wondered why information did not come to him sooner. He was left blind about these events. Crosello should have warned him. That half breed spawn had one job, keeping him informed about the Iperantosi and these platform islands. He wasn't involved there, but knew the conducts. 

Iperantosi ruling class and rulers permitted him to visit or probe their dealings with other city-states. Zal felt haunted by the sudden betrayal of the city-states the Iperantosi traded with. City-states of Oramatra, Oceanrest Var, Kilscar Orvain, Waikun, Rednight Fangsir, Carighil Ait, Anghai, ancient Hestapo, Old Morragaine, Nagabiro, Masat, Lahanor, Menwuhr, Dremmud, and Doclas. Tools of oppression were no doubt used in the propaganda by the Calornese allies. With his network of spies Zal-Oharad still felt awestruck and confused over independent states still clinging to life. He knew there were more than just the ones he became concerned over. Inside his eleven-story tower Zal-Oharad sat in his Den and living room listening to music played in the corner. His own personal musician, a Demon-Elf female played for him with her Viola. Named Senaath the illusionist, summoner, former Beautician, this Demon-Elf hybrid performed other tasks for him. She wore a tiered dress of silver over her own purple blue skin. His eyes wandered all over her body with some desires rising inside. Senaath's exposed lower legs, arms, neck, and face still aroused him. Zal-Oharad barely touched her since he already had a few concubines living with him or visited. She was more of a pleasure to be hold, and his personal servant of relaxation. Turning away from her to the metallic window he spotted a group of humanoids approaching his island from the southwest. 

Grabbing his looking glass, he counted more than fifty dinosaur humanoids with sail spines. Possessing the appearances of an upright reptilian these red, sand scaled humanoids spread out on the beach heading towards the towers. Checking these humanoids out in a concerned manner Zal noticed these sail spined reptiles wielded weapons. Most donned a helmet meant for their head's shape. In their hands he spotted halberds, blood shovels, spears, longswords, sabers, rapier, battle axes, crossbow like weapons, glaive, machetes and poleaxes. In his gut he assumed these humanoids were after him over something. As a wizard banned in Meze, outlawed in Nahem, he enjoyed conducting illegal experiments. Perhaps these humanoids were after him because of one of his many experiments Zal sent outward. Nonetheless he watched the band approach his island from another that was close enough to combine both islands into one. His thoughts ran straight to the multiple guards, retainers, hirelings, and henchmen under his command. Twelve war forged clerics, thieves, fighters, four bards, half elf cleric, Orc fighter, Mad Knight, Gantronese Trooper, Angry Trapper, three pirates, Retoriam Knight, three Mezeen outlaws, and his crab spider humanoid experiment. Just twenty-nine minions, one informant spy, eight Gnoll Hunters, one trusted Oni-Triclops with four arms kept twenty-three peasants, eighteen servants, twenty-seven slaves under Zal's control. Living inside a tower sixteen stories high, Zal-Oharad's dwelling stood with a village sized settlement of metal buildings. Out of boredom one day he counted how many buildings on the island he turned into his own dwelling. Ninety-seven metal hexagonal structures, twenty towers standing at three or four stories semi-encircled his main tower. Calling it Coercion's Paradise Zal-Oharad's dwelling dug itself on an island wedged against the borders of the so-called platform seas. Behind his few islands lay the Wall of Ruined Souls made from countless shipwrecks. Cut off from the eastern parts by this long wall of shipwrecks offered some limited defense. 

Still watching the band of fifty sail spined reptilians the wizard witnessed thirty-eight reptilians go down. His guards, hirelings, and henchmen had opened fire using the modern rifles he acquired from the Gantronese via the Iperantosi. About twenty-five or so still stood to return fire with a handful of crossbow wielders left. Zal-Oharad's heart skipped a beat as their bowmen returned fire. He could not afford to lose any of these retainers, guards, and hirelings. Now that the Vestrisians, and Calornese Alliance cut him off from the north. The only way to replace the lost henchmen now would mean convincing any attackers, or adventurers. Gripping the windowsill Zal watched another volley from his hirelings break the sail spined formation. Whoever was left routed from his island. Turning his attention away from the scene he observed the other islands to the west of his own. Towers made from metal alloys that seemed resistant to rust from rainwater, and the rising sea current at night. From his window he counted forty-eight of these alien towers that became either abandoned or homes of various people. Iperantosi made their homes inside hundreds of these types of structures south of their main islands. 

"Master, I bring news from the Gantronese. Plus, someone wishes to join your army." A too familiar voice creeped up from the opposite end of the room. 

Crosello stood in the doorway hiding behind the partially open door. The four-foot-tall cat looking humanoid with a slight hunch in his back peered from behind the opened door. Crosello appeared almond skinned with various bumps, warts, and scars on his body. He covered his body with a light blue tunic under a worn leathery sea fleece like shawl. Zal's eyes and ears revealed himself fully to his master. Studying him Zal could tell he just arrived on his hovercraft boat. The smell of the waters, and sands wafted off his body. It did not bother Zal just that he did not bother to clean himself up before coming to him. 

"Crosello, what is the news first?" He demanded from the half-breed. 

"Gantronese forces are on their way. They should be here in our location in eight or nine days." Crosello answered him with a slight bow. His Gantronese Noshima Cap covered his balding spot. Only the Gantronese symbol was missing on the cap these alien humanoids arrived with. 

"Under whose command? Wait never mind that who wants to join me?" Zal-Oharad asked his spy. 

"Waiting downstairs in the entry hall. My Master." Crosello replied. 

"Have your treat and gift." Zal said referring to another figure in the room. An Iperantosi female by the name of Farah sat in a chair waiting to be used. 

Leaving the spy to his gift for service the Wizard summoned Senaath to follow him down. Descending the tower Zal passed through five other levels before reaching the main entrance. Under his Den and Living Room lay the Kitchens, Dining Room, Mess Hall, Lounge Area, the Main Entrance, and the basement. In his Entrance level of the tower a female Drow waited for him. A pair of his guards stood by the entrance way blocking her way in. As a gesture of hospitality for those who waited there Zal set up a small comfy chair stool. The main entrance hall was decorated with tapestries, old wizard staffs, various weapons, looted furniture, intact vases, some portraits. Whoever this Drow was she wore a set of studded leathery armor, which did appear outdated in this era of machinery. Yet it looked somewhat modern in appearance. She may or may not possess the desirable body, but that is not why he wanted to hire her. When he approached, she stood up from her seat. Zal paid no attention to her body just her head. A single bleach colored braid wrapped around her neck. On her Shadow skin face this Drow or Dark Elf had a red tattoo depicting a curved dagger going across her nose and cheeks. 

Following through with his usual routine of recruitment, Zal demanded her name and business. Akos Karzos came to his islands in search of work. She was not alone apparently. One pirate ruffian Captain (Crimdellacrim) who commanded thirty-six pirates, four humanoid pilots, Clan Wolfman, Uxane Cloud Rider, Faun Archer, Oni-Orc Hybrid, a half-elf half orc necromancer, Green skinned Captain with a crew waiting on northern shore, and Berserker Fiend Spawn. Learning the names of these twelve other recruits to his small army would take time. Yet he did get the names of the pilots and Captains. Being the Host Zal felt obligated to show them around. When he began his tour, his main guards came forward with nineteen of the reptilians who wanted to join him. Adding more to the thirty-seven-man gang, Zal estimated one hundred four in his head until the Uxane, and Green Skinned Captain spoke up. The Uxane brought one hundred-twenty-three renegade, brigand, and Uxane prowlers. As for the Green Captain a crew of five-hundred-six manned a Juggernaut Steamship constructed from different ships. 

This gave Zal a small army, but it did not answer his question on how many he lost. On the next day he checked his own gang who forced some captured sailors, and pilots to fight the reptilians. A dozen pilots, and castaways found themselves near his island then made into human shields. Pleased by intact condition of his original gang Zal went ahead with plans of expanding to the other islands. Claiming twenty-eight towers, thirty-one islands, Zal's forces increased along with his personal domain. A total force of 1,103 were under his command. Thanks to some smuggled shipments from Crimdellacrim his forces wielded new rifles, and pistols that gave them the edge. Plus the pirates' Bark-Schooner with its eight main culverins, four breech loading swivel guns, gatling gun, and nine various machine guns outmatched the defenders. Seizing those islands granted him the slaves, and servants of the so called CSO, and Order of the Beast groups claiming parts of the platform seas. About two hundred or more servants, and slaves came under his control to manage the other islands as usual. This all occurred over the course of eight days during which more came to serve Zal-Oharad. A lone Warlock joined him to avoid the Calornese forces hunting him. Some man believed to write witchcraft and spells chose hiding out with him from Grussian Authorities. On the eighth day of his successes the Gantronese arrived. Under the command of a Daimyo's Officer Colonel Roshin Oppai Koijini a large team or unit of eighty soldiers, the small company made themselves at home on a tower island north of his position. Having arrived on a captured Sloop that once belonged to an elf faction that resisted Gantronese advances to little avail. 

Daimyo Colonel Oppai-Koijini entered Zal's main hall entrance with two Gantronese Guards, a female Oni bodyguard, a red skinned Oni, Orc Slave Warrior, and a gorgeous looking specimen of a Black Mage. Donning all back with cleavage exposed this Black Mage wore a control collar around her neck with the words "Gift from the Nazdar" on it. Zal found it strange for a Gantronese possess a humanoid as a certain pet or slave like this. Yet here Daimyo Captain Oppai-Koijini was with his military fatigues-uniform mix, his balding head, grown scar marks, slits where the nose would be, usual cap, and fleshy tentacle-tendril beard on his face. His large black soulless eyes fixed themselves on Zal-Oharad himself. Those eyes said the light gray-green skinned humanoid was not pleased at all or was holding a serious stature. 

"Iperantos is completely lost to those damned Calornese Coalition forces. My sources tell me the Vestrisians want to stop there for now. Once they have defeated our forces in the Unknown Lands, it is likely they will resume their campaign westward. Our Nazdar Allies are clinging on to territory in the north, but are failing miserably." Oppai-Koijini pointed out to him. Roshin's bodyguards stood firm while the Black Mage shifted uncomfortably while keeping her gaze away from everyone else in the room. 

"Islands in this Platform Seas have fallen to other factions. The Chaotic Surprise Oligarchy, Order of the Beast, some Intergalactic Coalition and a Toceanid Alliance have claimed most of the southern islands." Zal reported to the Gantronese Officer. He may have been a Lord or Overlord of this expanded domain, but that was still outranked even by a Gantronese Officer. He glanced over at his informants, Crosello, Captain Gadill the Green skinned turncoat to the CSO, and the wolfman Rolayne. All were quiet in the presence of the Gantronese. Each one held an expression that expected Oppai-Koijini to kill them. 

"The fate of Iperantosi will be the same fate as those islands and the Marfej Isles to west of here if we do not move quickly. Some islands of the Marfej have already been invaded, but by smaller forces than what we're about to face. A fleet of 956 Junk ships carrying two hundred eighty-six thousand eight hundred men are on their way. I do not know what size force we are facing, but your current army better be willing to kill their own." Oppai-Koijini pointed out like it was some sort of warning to Zal-Oharad. The Wizard did not want to anger his Gantronese Masters. Even though he was a powerful wizard the Gantronese were known to send someone who could deal with uncooperative figures with powers. He watched the Gantronese Officer grapple the Black Mage then fondled her in front of others. Roshin forced her to kiss him as his beard violated her in places. Without any words the Gantronese left Zal-Oharad for his new Head Quarters north of Zal's domain. 

To his surprise the Gantronese left him a few Nezero 64 Cannons on two wheels to use on the battlefield. Zal-Oharad's main henchman, Akos received a Katana forged from some mysterious alloy not known to Calorn. Due to her skills in the field, and commanding force he named his second in command. Both of them sat outside the tower over a meal fixed for them. In refurbished and restored chairs from wreckage the pair conversed over the oncoming campaign. She continued to lead smaller parties further south into what he called the unknown to their current maps. Akos confronted a mind controlling Wraith Figure lurking on another island southwest of his position. The Dark Elf did not look pleased despite her victory two days prior to this meal, and the loot she scored afterwards. 

"Despite claiming another island with a tower for yourself, treasures, along with his thralls you are disturbed by something. What is it?" Zal-Oharad asked her while adding the Ninja Spawn, Four Purple Goblinoids, thirty-Six Cultists, thirty-four Githyanki (Gold Skinned Astrals), twenty-one Skeletal Humanoids, five Snake Demons, three Lizardfolk, four Mousling thralls, two Molorcs, and dozen Dwarfs. She had to face an army of Wraith like figures, or more like humanoids dressed like them. 

"Crex, used to be a member of a Dark Elf Assassin Syndicate called Onyx Phantom or Madam Onyxas Syndicate. Before the invaders came down from the stars the Onyx Phantom's ranks fluctuated between one hundred thirty and one hundred fifty. We performed hits, assassinations, sabotage, burglary, and espionage for kingdoms. Membership only permitted Dark Elves or Drow for centuries. To expand our network the Syndicate allowed non-Drow membership. The likes of Crex, a half Drow half Illithid spawn joined the Syndicate with a sickening desire to raise the dead for assassinations. He and a grouping of outside followers captured various humanoids for experiments turned them into either zombified creatures or mutated them to resemble wraiths. When the Drow Councils found out that is the ones who maintained communication with the non-Drow societies his influence grew too strong. Yet with help from Zhenrai Knights we were able to eliminate most of his followers, fix most of the damage. Crex fled deep into the south. For many years I travelled Calorn on the hunt." Akos looked to be done telling her tail until he saw tears running down her cheeks. Zal was under the impression that Drow did not have emotions or at least banned certain emotions that would be seen as weak. 

"...I am sorry I KNOW I NEED TO BE TOUGH, BUT I DID THIS FOR ARYA STORMFOLD!!" she screamed aloud. Zal-Oharad placed a hand on her should casting a calming spell at a lower dose. It seemed to work. Akos pulled out a small book from underneath one of the pauldrons on her. She placed it down on the table. Zal studied this book for a moment. In purple lettering it was titled Assassin's Guidelines. Under the title in red or blood he could not tell Zal read RIP Arya Stormfold. In his mind he surmised this Arya Stormfold was not only a dear companion to Akos, but a victim of this Crex she just killed. 

"We should expect company in the next few days. If it is not the Diren, an aquatic tribe in these parts then it could very well be Calornese forces, those IGC, CSO, Order of the Beast or the backstabbing Toceanid Alliance. This newly forged army will need your strength." Zal-Oharad said feeling a little too fatherly and mentor like to his taste. 

"Are these Diren similar to merfolk in appearance?" she asked him. 

"Yes." is all that Zal could reply to her question before finishing his meal. 

A couple of days went by with more joining their army from the west, south, and north. Eleven Draconic Fighters arrived from the south to join him. One Harpy travelled from the north hauling herself from Vullan. Reports from the Harpy spelled disaster for the Vullanese Nation. Vestrisian forces overran various islands in the Valde Sea. From the west a white demon, eleven mad aliens, sixteen pirates, and three Gnolls came to join a horde to be a part of. To their surprise that horde fought under Gantronese control and command. Due to Koijini's pressure Zal's gathered army pressed the advance further south, and southwestward. Gaining or regaining lost islands they managed to acquire new recruits. A total of 565 former CSO and Order of the Beast flocked to their ranks. Advances for them looked positive with 2,807 CSO and OB forces killed, and 213 islands claimed. Getting slightly closer to where the Vestrisians first made an expedition they found landing forces of three or four factions decimated. Each faction came down to outmaneuver the other in a race to claim the southern half of the platform seas. Two days later their northern flank came under attack by a Vestrisian-Calornese assault. Iperantosi rebels led this assault with larger numbers as a sign of revenge on him alone. His experiments on Iperantosi finally enticed their desire for justice on him. Experiments such as necromancy, creating monstrosities he sent outward, creating antidote to poison, and venom. There were others he performed on unsuspecting castaway sailors who found their way to his tower for shelter. One he seemed to be perfecting was mind control, and manipulative loyalty. Zal-Oharad needed protection from anyone seeking to kill him over these experiments. Yet he gained an army that kept growing. 

A force of 363 Iperantosi Rebels, Vestrisians, and other Calornese arrived on a few light Destroyers. In their attempts to storm the beach of the first island these attackers were met with arrows, bolts, javelins, fireballs, darts, and some machine gun fire. This resulted in a defeat for the Calornese forces. About 245 killed, one hundred wounded or captured, and the rest fled back to the Destroyers. Both Destroyers gunned it out of there sending shells after them in case of pursuit. Koijini ordered for them not to go after them. Since they landed on Zal's islands, he went through the corpses and the captives. To his surprise most of these "Vestrisians" were mostly Iperantosi, angry Uxane, peoples from Kilscar Orvain, Condor Islands, Oceanrest Var, Diren Spawns, Oramatra, and Magesar in disguise. All the uniforms were taken from a cargo of equipment which held old style uniforms among newer ones. Zal guessed these things were noted as missing or gifted to these ant-Gantronese partisans. Looking at the weapons a Gantronese Captain, Otage Korso, a Gantronese-Oni hybrid discovered the weapons were mostly Gantronese guns. Yekato Assault Rifle, Numei Katana Rifles, PF 71s, Lament Types 87s, 68s, 333s, various pistols could be found among various melee weapons. Short swords, tomahawks, batons, maces, rusted crowbars, war clubs, daggers, machetes, pipes, war picks, and battle wrenches. Battle Wrenches were basically a foot long wrench with a hole at the end to swing on a finger, and elongated forks for blocking blows, breaking swords, bludgeoning, and puncturing in the field. It can also be used as a basic tool. Observing this new home-made weapon for himself Zal heard this weapon was mass produced using various metals. Taking ten captives out of the lot of captured prisoners Zal spent eight days experimenting on each poor soul until more Gantronese arrived. Seventy-nine newly recruited goons, and collaborators perished fighting the Vestrisian forces. More than two thousand wolfmen, rat folk, cat folk, primates, Goblinoids, Star elves, various humanoids, reptilians, Molorcs, lizard men, and thralls joined their gathering forces. A couple were eaten by four crocodiles at a platform.

Eight days later another Gantronese force arrives with fourteen Destroyers and frigates. Word about the two hundred thousand finally came to their ears. All 956 Junks launched an offensive to drive out their other invaders in the south. In his min Zal could only see two hundred eighty-six thousand eight hundred corpses. The Gantronese commander behind this force was a Daimyo who pulled 9850 warriors from Vorcadam, Gora-Via, Koriv and Mulzan to defend their western flanks. With little knowledge of how many of their adversaries remained Zal sought out Colonel Koijini. He found him in his own tower, a little bigger than Zal's in terms of width. Even from a distance, or inside it the place gave the appearance of a castle of metal. He found the Gantronese Colonel in one of the pleasure chambers on top of his Black Mage who did not enjoy having him inside her. Koijini was not the one having their way with a female humanoid. One of his best yet brutal Majors, Osagu Blue-Katana ferociously humped the face of a one-eyed whore. A purple skinned humanoid with the usual limbs. She had a tail, and two tendrils protruding from her back that wrapped around his legs. As much as Zal would love to get some action with his own servants, he had to refrain. Other matters needed to be observed closer, and discussed as allies. 

"What do you want Wizard? Can't you bother me another time?" Koijini asked with his own face buried in his partner's chest. 

"Our forces are engaging the other invaders to the south, am I correct about this?" He asked concerned for their flanks all around. 

"Do you mean the two hundred eighty thousand cannon fodder we sent to fight those CSO, Order of the Beasts, IGC, and Toceanid scum?" Koijini asked him, lifting his face up from the Black Mage's breast. 

"Yes, but the Calornese are to the north! Iperantosi is in their hands-" Koijini cut him off with a wave of his hand. 

"The Iperantosi do not trust the other Calornese nations outside our empire. Therefore, they had no interest in fighting us!" Koijini blindly spat out the very words of delusion. "Before I let you go, Wizard, our new scouts reported the IGC amassed a force to eliminate the Order of the Beast, and CSO. Their forces do have 6,127 personnel left. As for the CSO and Order of the Beast combined forces estimate at most six thousand alongside a force of three thousand Order of the Beast. It was reduced by a Gantronese force of five thousand. That force still clings to retaken islands. A loss of over half that force, twelve or more tanks, six aircraft, and twenty-nine of the smaller old craft will require reinforcing.”

Zal left the Gantronese, but not without receiving a Vorcademese Female DeathBringer to keep watch over him. For some reason Zal found himself in the thick of the fight. Leading two hundred heavily armed sailors, his own forces and plenty of turncoats. Around 896 Jurnisian Prisoners, 66 Playoi traitors, 20 Gantronese prisoners, 18 Draconic men, 19 wolf men, 41 cat folk, nine kitsune, eight Ratmen, two rhino mutants, and 24 Reptilians joined their forces. For days they engaged four enemy factions before a Gantronese Marauder Brig arrived from the northwest. Doing a reconnaissance Zal discovered they faced over two hundred seventy thousand enemies. These forces belonged to the CSO, Order of the Beast, IGC, and Toceanid Alliance. Only two were allied with each other, the Order of the Beast and the Chaotic Surprise Oligarchy. One month of fierce fighting ensued over three hundred forty-seven islands. Reinforcements arrived for all factions fighting over the platform seas. Weeks passed as the factions fought over supremacy against one another. Order of the Beast received 2,800 ground troops, 8 large tanks, twenty-five ships that were also seaborne. CSO reinforcements received 5,307 raiders, grunts, marauders, 15,234 slave warriors, 43,548 cannon fodder prisoners of war from other worlds, 12,142 wretched troops, and maggot ranked soldiers, and 614 ships, craft for combat. For the Inner Galactic Coalition, a total of 14,046 troopers, elites, pilots, scouters, and 72 extra aircraft came down to reinforce a scattered force. About thirty of those new aircraft crashed in the fighting. The Toceanids and Aquanne Hitto already fielded some 123,083 aquatic personnel. For this aquatic alliance only 46,436 warriors came to reinforce positions. Whatever battle they named this, it would be considered a chaotic quagmire of scattered fronts. Either it was a stalemate one place, overrun in other places, held in a different sector, or straight up back and forth between hands, there was no clear victor. None of the Gantronese ships were safe from melee combat except the ones hovering above them. One frigate only had nineteen survivors after a four-pronged attack from different factions. Some parts of the battle moved northward leaving an uncertain statistic. 

Having four or five enemy factions to deal with allowed the Gantronese to take no prisoners. As they moved southward despite losses Zal could have sworn, they came across islands the Vestrisians explored months ago. Numbers did not do the other invaders justice since the Gantronese and the IGC wielded modernized weaponry. Thanks to some Gnomes who defected his Gantronese Overlords sent out a unit of 540 droids, automaton war machines, twenty-nine iron golems, clockworks, crafted wtih brass, copper, iron, and other alloys. Giving everything, they possessed the five factions lost most of their forces, leaving very few troops to hold more than ten islands at a time. There was an influx of reinforcements that kept moving northward or westward only to run into each other or come across Gantronese reinforcements from the west. Most of the platform's seas fell silent leaving room to do some research for more experiments. On the furthest southeastern island tower Zal-Oharad found time to conduct an experiment he wanted to attempt for years. Soul mending, and crafting weapons from the souls gathered. Zal made attempts to copy the very weapons Zhenrai Knights would conjure up using spirits. One of his new servants called for him. He stopped working on his experiments and proceeded down to the entrance of the tower. The Wizard came down to the exterior part of the tower grounds greeted by guards, and a wealthy fat frogfolk in a fine suit of some sort. 

"Good afternoon, sir." The frogfolk began, bowing to the Wizard. "I was told your Gantronese masters treat their supporters fairly." 

"Only if you succeed while appeasing their good side." Zal-Oharad rebuked. The frogfolk ignored the rebuke. 

"Your masters seem to be in dire need of ships. I own several shipyards, and a junkyard from which the ships can be made or reinforced." The Frogfolk proceeded with the offer. He was clearly cutting to the chase since it was likely the humanoid would be shot by someone on either side. If he was part of either the Order of the Beast or the CSO, this one would be labelled as a traitor. 

"And by what name do you call yourself. You seemed to have forgotten an introduction." Zal-Oharad pointed out. 

"Master Blobbix is my name. I have come to serve a faction who would not fail to cleanse these southern parts of everyone else. There are other factions here in the southern platforms, hiding out." This humanoid introduced himself with a stretched-out hand. As quick as this offer was being accepted Zal-Oharad knew the Gantronese lost a number of fleets during this war. Gaining an extra supplier of weapons, and ships would help their war effort. 

"For the sake of my own skin, and anyone else's under their bootheel I accept this offer. So long as I do not catch a virus that creates flesh eating warts on my hands." Zal-Oharad replied taking the humanoids hand. It felt a little wet, flabby, and squishy to the touch. The bones on his hand were covered by layers of skin, fat, and extra tissue. 

Order of the Beast

 

Not the most pleasant organization or army in the universe. Comprised of various humanoids, beasts, sentient creatures the Order of the Beast became a thorn in various parts of multiple galaxies during their massive conquest of worlds. One would find wolf men, some catfolk, malicious Ogres, Orcs, Goblinoids, various hairy humanoids, Minotaurs, Oni, and perhaps vampires among their ranks. 

Khasungai

 

One of the dozens of independent city-states within the borders of the Unknown Lands, Khasungai holds some traditional systems. It still trades with the tribes, and the world beyond their borders. Khasungai chose to be neutral for years until the Vestrisians pushed them to choose between them and the Gantronese invaders. 

Dealing with Service

 "Your job is to serve not dictate opinions on people. By the way if we see your mother walking with you again girls will be forced to your door." His uncle reminded him from across the picnic table. 

"Alright. My profession as a town Veterinarian assistant is more important than some ex-girlfriend I keep running into. Uncle Egren for the past four years Jui Yin keeps showing up at places that I go! Every time I see her, she is with another male, or guy!" 

"It is a small district of Otris, Zanarad, Zedarkhaand. She is probably having a difficult time keeping a boyfriend. I am sure it is nothing to do with you, Orono boyo." Egren responded in his calm voice. 

"What are you saying it is nothing? She literally treats me like a child handing me some treat or kid's toy calling me lame kiddo!" Orono burst out rising from his chair. 

Egren only smiled and pulled him back down. Deep inside he hated Jui these days. She slept with others just before breaking up. His dream of becoming a Zoologist was shafted by one of her friends who cackled in his face when he was forced to become a Veterinarian Assistant. Orono almost dealt the same humiliating blow when she went in for a front desk position. Jui's friend got put in the awkward position as a field nurse or something of that manner when the war broke out with Vullan. Why were they even fighting again? Orono was certain Zegrav and Evusia were the last ones the VUVR would fight for some time. However, that peace would have never lasted long since two alien invaders consumed much of their world in a span of decades. He looked at Egren thinking he would live alone. Orono did his best keeping that to himself. Several more months went by as the Veterinarian accepted a new Assistant. Ousting Orono did not sit well until Dr. Creffers offered some lines of work he should pick up. Through guardian consent Orono Motanorr considered five professions for Orono to look at. First, he considered a Lighthouse keeper, because they lived an hour from sea. His second profession was once a Scribe due to his writing skills. The third involved a Brewing business in the countryside as one of ten Brewers. A fourth consideration was a Monk profession to get him away from unruly crowds. The fifth one dealt with food preparations. Thus, Food Worker came to mind, since Orono knew how to cook, and handle food. While he worked for a year at one job after another Orono sought out love. The only ones he found attracted to him were the Dark Elves, and Drow who moved in some time ago. From the kingdoms, or lands of Galaia and Ghudran about 128, 441 Dark Elf refugees fled to V.U.V.R territories. Most of the became maids, bodyguards, clerks, waiters, blacksmiths, crafters, bartenders, town guards, and beast trainers. Others would become soldiers, assassins, or rogues. Orono found one sweet female Dark Elf who worked as a part time maid to a wealthy Countess/Heiress to three Estates. For whatever fortunes hit him Orono found himself with three such Dark Elves who came in different heights, and body types. Anasca Dovnan, Phinimri Dragonslofter, and Uterth Thadostre were their names. Each were good with animals. After spending some time with him they encouraged Orono to become a Zoologist. Once the last recommendation job was over, he managed to get involved with a Zoologist who moved in, Dr. Alezandier Pelham. A whole new line of work came with this Zoologist profession. Orono memorized various animals such as the Yackdreth of the north, the usual animals found on farms, the streets, Blackmell Hounds also called Icklad Hounds there, and various dire animals. 

Sitting on the picnic table Orono poured over the various animals he had to memorize especially some of the mysterious beasts found in the Unknown Lands. Almost a year passed, and he was looking forward to achieving another step towards Zoologist. Just half a year later and he would find himself in the universities in New Vattoram then travel south to the Tante Isles after two years of studies. His uncle Egren found him there in his casual Vestrisian-Zedarkhaand green partial button-down shirt with the buttons trailing towards the left shoulder. Called a Moss Linen the shirt sort of draped over the belt loops of his black crafter's breeches. On his feet were the new relaxed buckled shoes. In his hands were the newspaper Orono already read through this morning due to boredom. Men and possibly women were dying over in Vullan's Islands in a war that started over a broken agreement in a century's old treaty. No Vullanese temples of servitude were to be built past a certain line drawn between them and Boathria. If a religion required mandatory servitude of women or men considered lesser then the Vullanese should stay on their side of the map. Otherwise just give up an outdated belief system and start over. Looking up at his uncle he noticed bad news was on his face. 

"Dr. Creffers is dead, taken by a stray bullet in Vullan." Egren told him in a somber expression that nearly broke into tears himself. 

"He was like a father to me. Well grandfather despite grandpa being alive. You are like my father and aunt Alivia became a mother to me after my parents died in that steam powered xebec tragedy." Orono said staring down at the pages of a Tiger Lizard, and Ocelot Cat. 

"Nearly two hundred people died. All because of a miscalculation on a reef." Egren recalled that tragedy from five years ago. 

Orono held back tears as best he could. His parents died a while back now Dr. Creffers who recommended him to people for work. Over two years of working with him plus the five jobs he recommended through contracts with the business owners. The three Dark Elf girls he sort of saw and went out with, arrived from the park's path that bordered Egren's backyard. Some five and a half acres of land made up the backyard alone with plenty of foliage. His three female companions came to his side seeing he was distraught over something. Egren looked very perplexed at seeing the three Dark Elves come to his side. Alivia just laughed then left for her own tasks on a fine day off work. It made Orono forget about the rest of the women he grew up with in Otris. Two more weeks went by with the three Dark Elves in his company, but the depressing feeling of losing Creffers still clung to him. Each of them took turns maintaining his uncle and aunt’s house, and Dr. Palham's office while he taught. Orono studied the behavior of some cats inside the Academy outside Otris. Classes were lengthy yet worth the effort he knew various animals. His curiosity caused him to delve into some almost banned bestiaries written by the ancient Forsythans that had to be translated then transcribed multiple times. One such bestiary rested next to him in the grass while he watched the cats chase each other then found other prey. One went after a Musky Lat, another a red chipmunk, and the last dove for a mouse in the grass. Predatory behavior of cats was interrupted by one of his female friends who hadn't seen him since last month approaching him. Dressed in a blue apron dress with the skirt in three layers of ruffles over an orange blouse, Weznongrid Woodwater held her reddish hair in poofy curls that bounced. Her hair wasn't the only one that bounced, which explained her wearing shirts meant for larger body types. Weznongrid's thick legs had gold stockings over them. Blue ankle boots covered her feet. With a big smile she, a half dwarf half human invited Orono to a wedding of her sister's. Mannitta Woodwater was getting married to a Dwarf Carpenter's Son. 

He expected her sister to get married soon, but what he did not expect was for Weznongrid to shove his face against her massive chest. For a few seconds he could not breathe because of her hug. The more people who came to her sister's wedding the merrier it would be. Going to the Dark Elf Apartment Complex Orono found his three companion-lovers left for other cities. Each one left a letter for him detailing their new line of work and new life in a different city. Anasca set off for Zethra to work at an Elf estate along the coast. Phinimri travelled to a southern city to begin her work at an inn near Encira City.  At the wedding he joined Mannitta's side of the family. Sitting next to her father, Gregor Grimfoot, Orono had Weznogrid locking arms with him. She appreciated Orono's presence at the wedding. He enjoyed the celebration of Mannitta's union with Durok Caskhood for some hours. During the dancing Orono thought he caught a glimpse of Jui with another man. He asked Weznongrid about that who told him to worry about that situation. When the wedding reception was over Orono rode with Weznongrid to his home on Coach Lane. A week passed by and Orono walked along Spearhead Avenue when he spotted Jui in an alley. Though he only caught a glimpse of her Orono saw she was wrapped around a different man getting it on. Whoever this was, they were about to become a pilot in the V.U.V.R. air force. Orono felt a surge of rage rise up inside. That was sole reason he left her. She kept messing around even when she was with him. When he made his way to Pelham's office Orono was struck horrific blow. Dr. Pelham informed him a women named Jui told him Orono skipped work yesterday when he was clearly outside caring for some animals brought over from Evusia. Orono stormed off too outraged to say anything. What was she trying to do? They were no longer together. Does she want his life to be in ruins through a cruel jest? When he got home Orono told his aunt and uncle what happened except the glimpse of fornication in the alley. He wanted to reveal that to them but could not get himself to do that. 

"That Bitch! I can't believe she is still sleeping around!" Orono slammed a fist on the porch table. It was first moment he could express his anger. 

 

"Orono she is getting married now! That was the past let go already." his aunt advised him. Orono wanted to tell them what he saw in the alley but could not bring himself to say anything about it. If word got out about what he saw there would be no end to the drama in sight. 

 

"Fine. Well, what can I do?" Orono asked inside his aunt's office in the tavern. 

 

"I don't know, but be patient. The right woman will come along." Aunt Alivia told him rubbing his neck.

 

"What happened to your friends, the Dark Elf girls?" Egren asked Orono, giving him a few winks. 

 

"They, um left for other cities." He answered. Looking up at his aunt and uncle Orono wondered if he should enlist in the military just to get away from all this drama. 

 

After a few weeks of helping his uncle then his aunt news about the Vullanese allies coming to their aid revealed an opportunity. The alien invaders were fully at war with the Vestrisian Union it was now the year 1843. Orono rushed over to a recruiting station that was next to the docks. At this desk sat a half elf, and an Elemani with an Orc bodyguard behind them in uniform. The half-elf, Lieutenant Datherson with a moustache asked Orono about his line of work. When he answered he was a Zoologist and worked with animals the Lieutenant suggested he go for a combat medic position. Orono was of age to decide if he joined or not. He knew some youth joined in the training camps or certain bootcamps at an earlier age. As for Orono, he was occupied with a different type of service to the newly formed Republic Unions. His own successes would still be recognized since the Union was formed as a defense against the alien invaders. Neither his aunt nor uncle could stop him. When the news came to their ears, they looked at him with astonishment. Egren and Alivia did have children, but they were already grown adults. Orono was a nephew yet still a son to them. Now they were losing him to this war. War was hell, but it happened often over the many millennia civilizations rose and fell on Calorn. After four months of bootcamp, and training Orono Motanorr found himself sent straight to Zekmar as a combat medic. In a unit of ninety-eight, Orono moved through the Zema Ilam city of Zelhinan. Forced to walk on foot they passed a group of children being taught different languages by a Vestrisian Elf in an officer's uniform. It was presumed she was once a schoolteacher from the way she stood. Some memories returned to him as they passed through the preserved parts of the large city. A whole day went by before they even reached the edge of the ruined parts of Zelhinan. 

 

When their unit and five other units reached the ruins, they were greeted by a battalion of Zema Ilam fighters, and a horde of Muzad warriors. Both groups had been fighting for years and they had just gotten off the front letting a battalion of Vestrisians fill in for them. Orono's unit was to be part of the reinforcements. Orono felt a little impressed. Only four months in the fighting in Zekmar and the aliens were not even close to taking this city. As they moved closer to the front the defenders, volunteers, soldiers, and livestock brought over were not the only ones inhabiting Zelhinan. In the more jungle like ruins a group of primate beings called Dire Mandrills. Orono read about these creatures along with ordinary Mandrills and Baboons. All three types could be found in parts of Ottante jungles, the Unknown Lands, Gora-Via, Borvados and Vorcadam. Knowing the behavior of these creatures Orono warned the rest of the unit how these primates acted towards outsiders. He made them sound like a pack or tribe of animals that protected their territory or simply intruded upon others. One Dire Mandril screamed at them from atop of a ruined house before being scared away by a single shot. Orono was glad the shot did not kill the creature. They were here to kill alien invaders, not animals. Knowing very little about these Gantronese he was about to face except for what he was told in training Orono braced himself for the front. Although they arrived with a force of twelve hundred, they still needed to rendezvous with another force at the edge of the city. No more than five hundred forty-four Foguir Elves and Humans, former natives to Rhes Tarim, were meeting them at some statue. Wondering what kind of statue, some of his own squad mates was asked some pretty dark elf warriors in revealing armor. Some of them were slapped, while others had a dagger pointed at them. Orono spotted one that looked just like Anasca only with white short hair. this encounter ended briefly as they were pushed along towards a statue depicting a female warrior mounted on a horse next to another statue that appeared destroyed. Not too far from them another group of uniformed figures approached them. Armed with T.M. 13s, Repeater Rifles, Onway Revolvers, submachinegun 28s, and Gantronese weapons. Each one wore the Vestrisian blue uniforms, showing their allegiance with the Vestrisian Republics. One thing did stick out to Orono. On their foreheads were coins pierced to the skin. Sort of taken aback by the appearances Orono wondered how many of these Foguir were left. 

 

Combining their forces, the Foguir and Vestrisians moved towards the front lines that were moving again. Outside the city ruins of Zelhinan Orono spotted a vehicle with overgrowth in the field. One of the Foguir told him it was an old speeder the Gantronese used in the field. They surmised it was one of the last ones the Gantronese used before being destroyed. Orono kept turned around to catch a last series of glances at the overgrown speeder with the turret still attached to it. He stopped when the red-brown speeder disappeared behind a hill as they kept moving closer to the front. Aircraft and bombers flew overhead returning to airbases for refueling, resupplying and repairs. Their engines drowned out the noise around them until a company of tanks joined the procession to the front on their flanks. Taking a deep breath Orono made it to the front after another day of movement. Artillery, machineguns, yelling, orders, shouting, tanks and other weapons firing along with explosions filled his ears. What a mess the front was. Bodies, downed vehicles, flames, ammunitions shells, downed tanks, crashed aircraft, helmets, and mud made a thick line across the field. Orono expected this, because his uncle warned him what he was getting into as well as other figures like Mannitta's brother, Borfwill, a tank driver. None of this was a pretty sight, and it could only get worse until one side submitted. His unti fired their weapons at an oncoming group of Gantronese soldiers who tried spreading out their forces to avoid being mowed down by machine guns. Orono joined in fearing he might be hit by the captain. Captain Sexy Tits was the nickname behind Captain Sadine Koriban's back. She urged them on until the Gantronese came within a stone's throw of them. Barely making up a squad this Gantonese unit still lunged at them. Orono shot one in the chest only to have the soldier fall on him. Knocking him to the mud the corpse gave him a good look at the Gantronese soldier. Appearing humanoid except a nose and ears these Gantronese had scars covering their light gray skin tone. Upon closer inspection he noticed those were not battle scars, and their eyes were black and double the size of the average humanoid on Calorn. 

 

Orono was helped up only to be pushed into a counteroffensive alongside tens of thousands of Vestrisians who fought here months before his arrival. Pressing against the dwindling Gantronese forces the counteroffensive drew closer to a series of settlements the Gantronese held. Even as the Gantronese pulled back the Vestrisians still faced snipers, and artillery barrages from certain points in the area. Forced to halt for a few hours the Vestrisians pounded the settlements to rubble with their tanks. In skies aircraft arrived to bomb or mow down the retreating Gantronese forces. Captain Koriban took the unit on a flanking maneuver that brought them to a town on a hill. With aid from two tanks, they managed to take control of it. Only the defenders were Gantronese themselves. Orono partook in this battle despite his job as a combat medic. He helped three of their wounded during the counterattack. Oron also tended to some enemy wounded, monkey humanoids the Gantronese either hired or dragged over here for their war of conquest. In the heat the battle over the town Orono made attempts to avoid heavier fighting by hiding in a group of buildings that were connected. In one he discovered a monkey humanoid marksman in one of the second-floor rooms. Forced to gun the humanoid down after it shot at him, Orono found a clockwork steam powered sniper rifle at its side. Claiming the weapon as his own, Private Orono Motanorr prepared himself to deal with a whole new type of service. He would be forcing himself to deal with taking life as well as saving them. 

 

Sket Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hag-Witch Tearwallow

 

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

Hunting the Hag of Iperantosi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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