Al-Dadoria: Advance then Defense

Part of a larger pirate crew of 446 Prosperous pirates this group entered the central portions of the Javexo-Perfagon Shields. Their mission was to collect up the 347 of their prizes, which they stashed away years ago. Hoping to make a deal with these Dark Elf Pirates Yatil's unit gave them the rifles and alien guns. They already possessed plenty of rifles, guns that were manufactured or salvaged from the battlefield. Four days later Vullanese forces send in a small force of 476 Piston Fist Cyclops Constructs to Javexo/Perfagon islands. Accompanied by 1,000 Cathar Elites, these large golem sized automatons went after the pirates and Al-Dadorians. This force drove away the pirates after a weeklong fight. Yatil recalls spotting a dozen of these automatons ransacking an Al-Dadorian encampment set up with towers that were demolished. He witnessed this from behind some overhanging moss, and through plenty of trees. Some of their own tanks arrived to take down these automatons. For these Dark Elf Pirates, it was mostly a fight to get away. Taking a number of automatons down using a variety of artillery they installed on their ships. Al-Dadorian managed to hold out against another wave they barely saw coming their away one night. 

To aid them their allies, the V.U.V.R. sends 225 Iron tread Crushers to help with the piston constructs. A ramming tank with machine guns mounted on top and the sides. These Vullanese constructs held together with the help from arcane spells moved slowly in the sand due to stumpy legs. Their Iron Tread Crushers could barely move once used twice as they needed to be cooled off. During the early days before the Castarian Wars these construct vehicles worked well in sieges. How someone found this many in good condition is a mystery. To hold any gains, or the Al-Dadorian islands the V.U.V.R. sent 382 Lancer Knight Cavalry who could fight in any terrain. These were under the command of some Lord known as Lord Henweir of Zedarkhaand. Another unit of Knights from Vestrisia arrived in a battalion of 303 who were yielded by some Baron Gryff of Castaria. From all over the V.U.V.R. 330 Goblin Scouts, 554 Clansmen from Castaria, Naatidra, Bisdolan. These soldiers arrived donning Kilts, Bagpipes, decorative bracers, tassets over uniforms, brooches on uniforms, cloak wraps, small bucklers, canvas cloak, leather, or metal headband to go with their modernized uniforms. Others wore a ring, or bracelet, pendants, hair rings, or hair bracelets hung around their necks as the military protocol requires cropped or bald heads. This extra force helped fend off a wave of Vullanese sympathizers in the east coast. City-states Vethai, and Emvadell's neutrality forced Vullanese forces to go around their designated zones. In the northern portion of Al-Dadoria the enemy managed to launch a ground invasion on some islands. Some 2,431 Al-Dadorians lost their lives, defending a city against Vullanese, and a brigade of Vidothrans. Among the Vidothrans 2,373 are taken out. On the western side of Al-Dadoria Gantronese held Galaia saw a sizeable force combined with Nymres became cumbersome to deploy at once. This information came from spies who likely died or barely escaped to VUVR territory. 

Fourteen months later V.U.V.R. forces made gains across the fronts. Half the Vullanese portion of the Javexo Shields either became abandoned by military forces, or seized by Al-Dadorians. Three years in this conflict Al-Dadoria managed to avoid being conquered or getting kicked out of the fight. Getting paranoid Al-Dadoria's councils gave orders from the Sheikh Pakromanos, military officials to attack Urgport, Agrana, Puirus Kingdom, Jagrov. Starting with air raids using 4,500 Sheik's Daggers, Whirling Golem Bombers, a portion of their own navy they hoped to wear down their defenses. Nazdar, Gantronese, Vullanese forces mainly focused on V.U.V.R. forces and their other allies. While sitting at a recently constructed barracks, Yatil read a letter from his friends. Detailing their own daily lives running the settlements he could tell Shetpo wrote portions of this letter. The rest of them signed their names, love symbols from the girls, friendship symbols and quotes. Inside the envelope he found a few photos of them happy to be in the photo. One of them had him in it with two kisses on there from the females of their group. Unsure if he would ever see them again Yatil held back tears. They were the only family he had and they loved him. His parents passed away, any siblings left for Gaskouth Ladai or Badraan. Left with a bit of wealth to his name he still found himself in the military. 

Setting the letter down next to a row of daggers he got off enemy combatants Yatil enchanted an axe for a member of their squad. On the table of his own section of the barracks he possessed a small chest full of coins, pocket watch, 3 helmets off Vullanese, Vidothrans, and an Vullanese aligned city-state. Five lightning caltrops lay on the corner of the table, a candle phone, medals and badges sat on the edge of the table. Yatil Secen as the Squad Mage reached the rank of Sergeant of Mages, Captain Geede Djonum's least favorite. Not the disappointing member, Yatil gained favor among the unit. To their company was a Vice Captain among 143 Ground Infantry, Mages, Footmen, Hashashim, marksmen, recruited adventurers, who became despised. Vice-Captain Davud Bayum held his rank like it was Captain. Whenever Captain Uzbeg or Major Igraham gave him orders for their squads. This light brown skinned Gaskouth-Baedur looking commanding officer donned a partial goatee with the mustache disconnected from the chin portion of the beard. His Jaw line and cheeks remained clean shaven. 

Captain Geede appeared in the doorway wearing the sand brown uniform, bandolier of bullets, daggers, V.U.V.R. issued boots. Everyone received a new pair from their allies along with new rifles with extra ammunition. Half expecting Captain Topaz to appear behind him Yatil got up to salute the Captain Geede. Topaz did not appear behind Djonum. Last month she was hit by shrapnel from a bombing raid by Vullanese Pale Hornets, and Vidothran False-Dove aircraft. Their own aircraft fighters, Sheikh's Dagger64s, drove those aircraft away. Every week the Sheik's Daggers aircraft engaged Vullanese Pale Hornets, Goruda44 Heavy Bombers, Vidothran False-Doves, Galaian Swift-Banshee4s, Cloaker-18s. Most dogfights ended in Al-Dadorian victories, stalemates or unsignificant defeats. Stalemates, and defeats forced their ground forces or Anti-Air vessels to step in. 

"Vullaense AAR ninety-fours are chewing up our bombers during our attempts at air raids on the Vullanese aligned city-states. Most of their aircraft are focused on their own islands." He informed Yatil. 

"Sir, what about the Vullanese forces?" Yatil asked him thinking that Geede was going to hit him or shut him up. 

"Most of Vullan's islands are falling to our Vestrisians buddies. Speaking of them, their own forces pushed further into Zekmar. Losses so fart included five thousand six hundred V.U.V.R. deaths, eight-thousand five hundred wounded, one hundred seventy-two missing in action. You can guess double the losses for the Gantronese invaders while the Zema Ilam lost double the amount of both. A lot of collateral damage, one hundred or more mountain camels lost, over fifty innocent Donkeys apparently lost to hungry Gantrons. Some two hundred twenty-three Heavy Guns are lost. We have a new enemy weapon to look out for floating castle ships." He paused then his eyes shifted a little then looked around. Although he was a commanding officer, he still showed he was humane. "Our friends, your colleagues who patrolled the other side of the Valde returned with some good photos multiple times like yours did. They, um, sank after a Mantle of Holy Fire stuffed in a personal trunk was triggered catching the ship on fire. What I don't want to tell you is that they washed ashore on the western islands. Near a nest of about seven hundred Rumblers. Those large reptiles similar to alligators. Good news and bad news. V.U.V.R. sent a battalion of their finest airborne, and a battalion of marines. Our Sultan's favorite Tank Commandant Samnos distributed the sixteen thousand Crawler Tanks to other fronts and coasts." 

"Let's hope the Zema Ilam don't back off like they did decades ago. Just the Muzad, and Ottante helped them along with the Borvadosi."

"Three hundred sixteen members of two units fell in an agreement against Vidothrans, Nymresians, and Nazdar Grevaskii. Yes, the invaders have their own slave soldiers like some Ottante states did. About four hundred eight of them died in the skirmish. Some eight hundred ninety-four are now our prisoners. Even the prisoners." Geede revealed to Yatil who realized the Vullanese were those among their ranks determined to fight to the death. 

"Which units of ours fought?" Yatil asked Geede then gave a normal. "Sir." 

"Those units involved are our very own Urban Beasts, and Canopy Beasts." Geede retorted. 

"Did we lose them?" another voice asked from the side. Arcane Reader, Private Ollaz sat in a tubular seat at a desk. Sort of thin, curly black hair with one curl completely white, smooth face stuck in its teens, amber eyes that shout how comprehensive Ollaz was as a Mage. His eye sockets only showed how tired he grew from the constant use of arcane spells. On Private Ollaz's desk sat an Arcana Counter. It was meant for measuring the defining amount of magic in people or an artifact. 

"No they got lost. Also, those Vullanese are not attacking after that one. Losing their False Elves, and Minor Orcs let their offensive forces diminished of manpower. Now they are officially on the defensive. We need you to head over to the western coast of our lovely islands in the Valde. All mages are requested there. Something big is coming." Geede stared Ollaz down a little before he started to make his way out of the barracks. 

"Even though we just attacked four city states aligned with Vullan?" Ollaz's pointed out even though it was a bad idea. They were not in bootcamp anymore, but the power and say of the commanders were iron grips. His point sounded more like a protest. 

"This is not an arranged game or match with rules Mage Private! V.U.V.R. naval forces will aid ours in holding them back! You will find my left boot up yours the next time you question this situation!" Djonum snapped at him. On the left shoulder the Mage Captain wore the Mage symbol for arcane beast control as an armband under the armband flag. The arcane symbol rested on the Al-Dadorian flag. 

"In other news mages the city-state of Naxnonoth was blown up from the inside. That is one less city-state we will have to worry about. Personally, I don't trust the ones who chose to be neutral or allied themselves with the V.U.V.R. Whatever those necromancers had planned it will never see the light of day. Pack your stuff we are shipping out to the southernmost island of our homeland." Geede mentioned to them as he left the barracks. 

Yatil's unit packed up what they could leaving just the furniture for the future garrison. One hundred fifty thousand turned to nearly three hundred thousand thanks to new recruits, volunteers, turncoats, and Vestrisians sent over. Packing up what he collected, Yatil left out two daggers, a retractable staff, and a modified blunderbuss that became a shotgun. Ten thousand to one hundred thousand of Al-Dadoria's military personnel shifted towards the western coasts of Al-Dadoria. This forced two and a half million people to hunker down in cellars, shelters or move deeper into the countryside. Yatil's own unit made their way to the southern island area of Emerald Rose, Elder Groab, south of the main island of Solithis west of the fourth island Kollarnis. Eight days and fifteen hours they waited for the invasion to commence. It left some extra time for move civilians to leave Al-Dadoria, and extra reinforcements to arrive. A division's worth of 15,000 Elves from the V.U.V.R., neutral states, Dark Elf refugee camps came to aid them. Many of these elves were older elves from age groups of 900 to 1,700 years of age. Yatil roomed with one at an old Corsair fortress on the island. Known as Gunnar of Dragor a Noble Knight/fighter/Black Coat/Master and Commander of Colossal Gator this elf spent centuries as a mentor. He somewhat got to know him for five days before their forces were pulled to the front. 

An amassed fleet of 856 vessels managed to carry a sizeable force of 232,600. According to Vestrisian fleets the enemy sent in another fleet of 146 ships of the poorest conditions as a decoy. What did not help was the fog, winds, reefs that trail from Al-Dadoria and Vollantrodha Island. Many of these reefs simply kept their U-boats from operating as well as keeping the enemy from encircling the island kingdom completely. Any U-boats able to maneuver targeted individual vessels. Among this fleet were 29 mega ships of the Gantronese and Nazdar. Although these invaders came from another plane of existence their ships could only stay in the air for certain period of time. It forced them to become floating metal fortresses. Gantronese ships were similar to arthropods with spikes jutting out like wings. Other Gantronese ships as seen in photographs held caterpillar shapes. Most of the vessels that were supposed to be frigates held the appearance of headless beetles. As for the Nazdar ships, these alien metal vessels were sword shaped, similar to spearheads. Al-Dadoria's own fleet found itself grounded or crippled due to the Aireal bombing raids they had to quell. Observing the photos from the comfort of their own concrete hovel Yatil's new assembled presumed it was safe until an alien bomber moved on to their position. Shot down by AA fire this lone Alien Bomber crashed into a shop known as Cat's Pottery next a boat shop. All he heard were seven gasping women with the same tattoo. Gunnar had a thing for women with tattoos who were either from Vestrisia or Ottante. This downed aircraft drew attention away from everything else. Rushing out to put out the fire they were met with news of the invasion commencing on the main island of Solithis. 

It was not just two hundred thousand, but 800,000 on the way once the first wave secured the western coast. Hearing that news Al-Dadoria went on red alert. Yatil's ears only picked up what the captains let out from their own lips as they moved on the front. Uncertain what the fate of Al-Dadoria would be he guess over half a million met this oncoming horde on the western coast while his comrades moved toward the northwest coast of the island they were on. Carrying a Vullanese rifle this Mage pressed towards the beach where they found their fellow defenders preparing a defense. Sheikh Dagger56s, Boathrin Zu 34s, VUVR Arrowhawk 500s, Dreamfires went after the invader's own aircraft. It may have been futile for whoever these invaders attacked first. As for the VUVR and Al-Dadorians technology was fortunate. As artillery pounded the landing craft while succumbing to bombardment from the ships Al-Dadorians, Vestrisians, and volunteers held the northern portion of the beach. Several days ended with the enemy seizing the central beaches. Close to 2,000 Kuruks, Gantronese, and Galaians took over two settlements while receiving reinforcements. This forced the defenders to back off any counter attacks. On day twelve a unit of 364 Kuruks attacked Al-Dadorian positions at the sound of a trumpet which gets shoved down a Kuruk's throat by a short handsome airborne. The same airborne unit he heard of rushed to meet this Kuruk group. From behind a tide worn rock formation Yatil witnessed this airborne trooper manage this feat. At first glance he believed this one airborne to be an elf or of elf heritage. Following this youth's unit to retake the settlements he heard this one became a Sergeant during the second year of the war. 

Four months passed with Al-Dadorians being pushed for a month then holding for two months. Around the same time news from other fronts mentioned the V.U.V.R. holding against the Nazdar and their collaborators along with more portions of Vullan falling. During celebrations Yatil overheard some attempts at an empire to the north, battles dragging into the lands west of Ottante. Dogfights continued with mixed results, VUVR fleets aided with smaller squadrons as they were used against the Gantronese advances to the south, under repair from fighting over Vullan, securing neutral states, and watching some Evusian Empire. Mainly held by tank power, infantry, aircraft, and the terrain Al-Dadoria managed to push this invasion force out. Their own fleets and air force gave up on the collaborating city-states who were likely to seek invasion. Six VUVR vessels lingered near Emerald Rose, and Kollarnis allowing more ground forces to land on Solithis. Certain the first wave was crippled Al-Dadoria's commanders sent them on a hunt for whoever was left while VUVR heavy bombers, and their own sank most of the enemy fleet that gathered. Moving along an island known as Tusai the Black Mage Island their mixed unit met a mix of invaders who came from other worlds. Gantronese forces brought in humanoids known as Oni, while attracting some unsavory humanoids. An entire month and a half were dedicated to kicking out the horde that invaded Al-Dadoria's islands. Somewhere during the invasion some humanoid race called Frogoons clad in armor switched sides. He only saw the corpses of these humanoids along with those of Goblins, Harpies, and reptilian humanoids. On the island next to the Black Mage one they discovered caches of 44 rusted Barswilic stilettos from Vidothra. Even though it was empty of invaders they still caught whiff of their presence including groups of the 6,161 crews they found after the battle. His eyes checked around each island they landed on then shot up to the skies in search of hostile planes as they hunted down the remnants of a shattered invasion force. 

Just as it was creeping into a fifth month Yatil's own unit searched an island that beyond Al-Dadoria's sphere. In a group of ten they landed on the beach knowing their own forces were starting to dwindle. It had more to do with a pandemic spreading from one of the attempts to invade their enemies. A poor decision yet they were lucky to have held off this invasion force. As large as it was it seemed rather rushed, and ill planned. Coming around a moss-covered rock formation surrounded by sand they found themselves ambushed by a pack of creature like humanoids. Large cephalopod headed humanoids with raven beaks, primate bodies, and snake tail for legs emerged from the sands. Not turning around quick enough Yatil was knocked to the ground hard. the air left his lungs while his squamates fought for their lives. He blacked out only to wake up on a bed. He had no recollection of how he got back to his own flat with some of his own friends sitting at a table. In pain he made himself sit up discovering he was bandaged up. Gunnar sat chatting with Shetpo he turned to check his own flat to find it decorated. Three Vullanese-Vidothran helmets rested on a folding table that could be transported. A Nazdar phone that appeared cordless. Meant for an office hut on the northern isles he received the four tubular seats. One Nazdar monitor screen intact for a prize, a yellow metal container mounted on his wall with the prized sniper rifle. Two staffs a red one and black one was mounted above this rifle. A mountable outdoor search light rested on his large table. A pilot's helmet and a thick standard one he got after killing a Grevaskii and enemy pilot with his spells. Yatil felt some hands touch him. Looking to see who it was he found a prized ivory bone bracelet on his wrist, and a Blarom bald Vullanese woman who apparently proved useful tending his comfort from his wounds. Allowing her to do her job Yatil spotted a link conveyer belt mounted on the ceiling for show. The radio was on with the announcer mentioning the last Vullanese Islands were close to falling. 

Coat of Arms for Vullanese Island of Yasolle

 One of the islands of Vullan that are mainly home to the gray skinned ogres, Zunia-Pucks, Zunia Satyrs, some Orcs, humans, Goblins, and fake elves. 

Al-Dadoria: Seek the Wilds

 Done with life as a civilian constantly under attack or witness to crimes, Yatil decided to report the attack. After that he chose to enlist in his mind. Five years ago, a beautician was murdered before his very eyes. Outside a blacksmith shop this beautician was stabbed over getting the wrong piece forged. Mainly over hair styles, manicures and treatments seemed extreme and crazy to murder someone. It was really over the amount of Eclipses the metal hairband cost to forge in terms of Eclipses. These Eclipses were the currency of Al-Dadoria. 

When he arrived at the recruiting station, Yatil revealed he was currently an arcane user. In full industrial military uniform of the standard V.U.V.R. style sat a fellow Al-Dadorian with a full beard, his hands clasped together. This very recruiter informed him of a special unit within the Al-Dadorian military forces. Yatil sat down to listen. This unit was a makeshift battalion of 600 which he set himself up to join. Around the same time Al-Dadoria rallied some 150,000 more to fight Vullan. News spread all over Al-Dadoria's islands as they were dragged into the Valde conflict. Vullan gave an inspiring charge in the form of an assault on some islands that keep getting mixed with Vullanese territories, and other city-states. North of Al-Dadoria this attack occurred over a grouping of islands and islands called the Javexo Shields. Just 229 islands are shared between Al-Dadoria, Vullan, and some other island city-states. Some notable ones were Aneron, Mabridge, Naxnonoth, and one called the "Crispy City." 

Just those islands were under attack by Vullanese forces. Yatil and 600 others played various roles while Al-Dadoria sent a small horde of different groups after the Vullanese. Other than 250,000 personnel Al-Dadoria's government managed to rally various groups, gangs, or clans from various island states. Groups such as the Nimble Blades from Khenra Isle brought in 414 members to fight alongside Al-Dadorians. From different military orders, and other states some 156 Militant Monks, 360 Fearless Halberdiers, 313 Dwarf Staunch Shield mates to join this fight. More personnel were transferred to other fronts. Despite the modernizing era, mechanized weaponry archers or bowmen still found their uses. One company of 266 Archers/Riflemen fortify Archer Parapet Walls alongside 397 others on some islands in the east coast of the Sultanate. About 515 members of the Underdark Lizard Explorer's Guild enlisted since no one could really explore anywhere else. Scavenging, and Salvaging being reduced lured 268 Salvage Scouts from Ottante, Zekmar regions. From the islands of Vullan 266 Frontline rebels joined the fight while 353 Ornery Island Goblins aid Al-Dadoria. That added almost 3,000 more defenders to the forces already engaging the Vullanese forces in the northern islands. 

 

Yatil's large unit of 600 underwent combat training with Vestrisians, and Al-Dadorians for three months. His own Flat was managed by Shetpo and Ensa who visited a few times to watch him toil in the training. One day during training his unit witnessed a convoy of camels being escorted by 700 Fearless Halberdiers of the Sultanate. Used as transportation of weaponry, and military equipment 1,620 Dromedary Camels, and 222 of the Solitary Camels often found in Ottante became necessary. The reason was to keep a steady stream of supplies in case fuel ran out in vehicles. Among such supplies included weapons, rations, ammunition, utensils, gear, kits, ingredients, cloth, and wool. T.M. 13 bolt action rifles, E-7 repeating rifles, 7mm submachine guns, Lever Rifles were likely among those weapons. As part of their training, they sent a small unit to the center of the country. Yatil's unit headed towards a lake in the central position of the main largest island. Just a squad of them took a cartographer over there to produce a map of this lake. Known as Lake Al-Sabbath this land locked body of water appeared fertile with foliage growing into the water. Their goal was to escort this cartographer in training to the lake and back. In the middle of the night, they were harassed by others only to find they could not get to their target. By morning everyone found the cartographer in a tree. 

 

Two weeks after their bootcamp training ended his unit was sent to the bordering islands of the Javexo Shields, and the 660 Perfagon Shields. What was their job in these waters? Patrolling the islands between Al-Dadoria, and Vullan while steering clear of Vidothra's islands. Using three row boats attached to fish Dhow-Brigs. Two Dhow Brigs acting as fishing boats depart from the southwestern coasts to meet them. On a grouping of twenty-one islands and islets they rendezvoused at a garrison of 124. Twenty of their own, 18 foreign volunteers, 39 VUVR personnel, 47 freebooters who used nine of the islands. Getting there took four days because of winding roads. Plus, the delays did not help. 

 

Adding 600 more to the defenders revived morale. Just on the Javexo Islands a force of 1,200 Al-Dadorians fended off a force of Vullanese zealots. Most of the attackers found themselves prisoners, wounded then prisoner, dead, stranded on islands, missing, or with their tails tucked between their legs in retreat. For weeks Al-Dadorian forces waited for a second round of attacks. Only skirmishes scattered along the islands happened every few days with mixed results. Ten days of fighting did not bode well for either side before it went down to just isolated skirmishes. Al-Dadoria did not field enough troops or personnel. Vullan did not have enough to spare and crush Al-Dadoria's smaller forces currently active. Coming up to these islands Yatil heard the names of some of them, Intense Cave, Nimel, Poppas. What their Brigs brought over to this rendezvous included 500 assorted submachineguns, 646 handguns, 900 carbines, bolt action rifles, 34 artillery pieces, 2 new rotating turrets to mount on any surface. Other weapons did include early versions of the anti-tank rocket launcher, Gloster 47 HMGs, 4-Hands shotguns, Gorine pistols, A-76 pistols. Ammunition for these guns came into the same crates already loaded into the magazines, cartridges, and drum magazines. 

 

Once everything was unloaded Yatil's own unit of 600 divided each other up into groups. For both Dhow-Brigs 68 were hand-picked to sail the two vessels. A total of thirty-eight days became the planned timetable or time frame for their patrol. Using sailed vessels would throw off the opposing side for a time. Being part of this crew as an arcane user made Yatil feel useful for some situations. Their Officer in command became Captain "Beautiful" Camilla Topaz had him help a photographer capture as much of the scenery, enemy ships, enemy positions as possible. Disguised as a neutrally aligned vessel they moved along Vullanese-Al-Dadorian isles while playing the part as a merchant ship. To avoid being sunk Topaz ordered the photographer Humbee Yackim to photograph as little as possible. 

 

For days they blended in while going through the Vullanese portion of the Javexo Shields. Yatil aided Humbee in photographing structures on the islands. As they progressed through the Javexo Shield islands they spotted 3 pill boxes, 4 building corners turned to machine gun/artillery positions, 3 artillery positions tucked behind a rock formation, 2 trucks, and 2 tanks. Each rested on some islands that also possess a few dwellings or settlements. One consisted of a fresh market store, woodland post office, small train station connecting islands, a diner, one small municipal building next to a fire station. Docked at some island settlement called Stonemarsh their vessel was loaded with goods intended for this one. Merchandise set for the very neutral state they disguised themselves as remained.  Here they heard an interesting set of conversations. Mainly at the docks this one sounded lengthy as it dragged into noon to dusk. This conversation was apparently public as there was a crowd gathered at the docks. Not something they wanted to see, but it was getting dark. It went more like a once sided argument with two or more involved with an audience. One of their own crew members recognized one of the voices as that of Frank the Fake Mobster. Lucky for them, it was on a Vullanese-Vidothran Vessel. For now, Vidothra and their Nazdar masters were neutral in this new Valde conflict. 

 

"Allow him to find someone or we start killing people off, got it." Mob Boss Frank blurted in a 

 

"Paint a better picture of him or they kill us all you stupid cunts." Pastor who just saw some nice

 

"Yes, I am hybrid, yes I am horny for that Zunia-Puck!" he shouted at the crowd while on board the Corvette called High Cobra, near the Destroyer Cosmic Snake, which they managed to slip behind. 

 

"Allow him to have what he wants in terms of a woman. This will only get worse." 

 

"How does it look-Sverx it. Who is he going to marry now, fat ogre?" 

 

Preferring not to listen anymore they attempted to block out this conversation or issue over a youth's desires. Certain he would find a mate at some point they the liars ignored their part of this night. Captain Topaz did not want these civilians to discover them as the youth's voice caught the crowd's attention. Some even started to break from the crowd shaking their heads in disappointment. She ordered the mages and arcane users to cast some spells. One used the confusion smell after clambering off the ship like a lizard while hiding behind some crates. Another cast the Isol Illusion spell to make it appear there was nothing behind the Corvette warship. Several spells of manipulation cast from a distance had to be performed from behind the crowd convincing more members to go home. One Mana Barrier was cast in front of the portside loading ramps to create an invisible wall. A stun bolt was used on a nosy member of the crowd who sauntered over to where they thought they saw sails. Levitation some came useful to hiding their vessel from this crowd who was started to break apart.

 

Once the coast was clear, the crowds were gone Topaz watched this youth linger after everyone else was gone around 1:00 am. Showing she had a heart of gold behind the scarred chest Topaz sent a recruiter over to him. She had a thing for staying on board ships. Some said it was her curves. Others because of her prosthetic left leg. Blackburn the Hashashin rogue aged 37 acted as the recruiter while the mages returned to the ship, running back like a pack of cats, lizards, and scared rats. Not caring at all what this looked like, Blackburn abducted this crying youth. Yatil could tell what went through their Captain's mind. If a community treats a person like this then why can't they exile them to another one. One they would feel appreciated in. 

 

Whatever their vessel had for a brig-prison was left wide open or unlocked. It was Topaz's way of showing they were not holding the youth prisoner. Calling himself "Nagev" the youth's real name was Tillahm Richbelly. He worked as a Drayman who delivered beers to the Stevedore longshore men, dock workers at some waterfronts on larger islands near Asnar. Mainly for two different alcohol brands, Heavy Lime Dragon, and Spotted Dragon. Hired by the settlement lord's chamberlain, a senior royal official in charge of managing a royal household, he delivered each brand of alcohol to the lord's mansion. At first it sounded boring for Tillahm until he mentioned how eleven voluptuous beauties would be stuffed by imps and goblins each month for entertainment. A forty-year tradition for the western islands done with intercourse in mind. They witnessed an event like this on an island near a neutral state while traveling with the Chamberlain. Other forms of entertainment did involve music, dances, some games, races, gambling, dueling. Topaz gave Tillham to the cook as an assistant after listening to his story knowing the one-eyed bull of a man needed help. 

 

Still taking photos of structures Yatil and Humbee managed to capture a photo of a rubber factory on an island close to Tillahm's former home island. One of 23 Barrowson Rubber factories all over Calorn this facility produced at most 899,775 or more pieces per factory. Not the highest turnout, but it did make the Barrowson family profits. Barrowson was not the only company producing rubber. One of three rubber producing companies safely outside the invader's influence and control. Conditions of factory workers were unknown, but the cog work automatons at work sped production up. 

 

Taking his mind away from factories Yatil looked through a mounted telescope. On an island closest to the city-state of Puirus Kingdom (west of Asnar), he spotted an abandoned old-style aircraft that crashed into the sands of that island. Continuing to take photos they caught a statue of some draconic sea beast. Carved into the rock this winged stone monster appeared menacing despite the buildup of seaweed, and sea life. Both could manage a long look after the second shot with the camera. From the northwest four planes flew overhead. Each appeared more like the Vidothran version of Vullan's own aircraft with smaller engines on the ends of the wings. None of these aircraft attacked their vessel proving the disguise was perfect. According to a sailor this meant the Vidothrans naval arrival. They were not wrong about that. Three Heavy AA transporters, fifteen various ships headed straight for the two sets of islands. Eager to avoid any attention Captain Topaz ordered for them to head straight for the neutral state of Aneron. Just east of Mabridge, and southeast of Naxnonoth this city state seemed perfect. 

 

Not sure what was going to happen, Topaz had the radio crew tap into all radio frequencies. Yatil and Humbee kept the civilian camera out. Their main Render 8-3 camera had to be rolled up in a sea resistant tarp, and netting with oar pieces in the mix. Attempting to play the part as a merchant ship Topaz allowed crates of gems, pearls, tobacco, cinnamon. In order to ward off the merchants attempting to load their goods on their vessel Topaz gave gifts. As part of the plan Al-Dadoria loaded the captain's cabin with treasures to give away. An expensive telephone, a sword of some Mollusk Deity, photo album of various beauties. One set of Arcanist Padding leather with studded portions. Some mysterious lamp with a trident with crescent cutting through it, a gold statue, gold scepter in a sack. A chest full of coins, necklaces, sate of pirate pitcher with a plate and goblets. One small gold chest full of coins, 2 other trunks full of treasure, some gold spiked shackles, a black arrow, and a gold horse breast collar. Eight of these were handed to merchants to buy them off. She signaled them to launch from Aneron's ports. Speeding her way back to Al-Dadoria Topaz did not leave the helm. 

 

At full speed they took a day and a half to reach the close nit settlements of Al-Dadoria's northern portion. Dock 1010 of Oppan Issechin, slammed between two port cities of Axemonkey, Cracked Jewel, possessed some resemblance of a port. A few pier docks, two shops, a kiosk, some former pirates hide out prison dock, old pirate lodge stronghold, sea plane at dock, privateer Schooner, modern yacht, 2 old style port dock with towers, and 9 row boats. Stepping off their ship after docking they are greeted by 62 dockworkers, 9 armed sailors, 5 constables, one port guard. A couple of fishermen ignored them, going about their daily catches. One by one or in groups their disguises were blown to their own countrymen who rather enjoyed the ruse. Topaz went up to the captain or leader of the sailors. 

 

A Lieutenant Bagcrab informed Topaz the positions in Javexo Shields were attacked by 5,000-7,000 Vullanese-Vidothrans, Vullanese aligned forces. Along Al-Dadorians eastern coasts Vullanese forces attacked at three locations. From the other sailors they heard that various humanoids launched their won attack against Al-Dadoria. Not given any more details, the crew went for the cafes to revive themselves with brewed coffee. Some ordered tea while the rest consumed coffee and wild beverages. Yatil went to a table outside the cafe to sit alone. It was nothing personal, he just wanted to be alone to get a good look at this port. One foreigner's pub made from 22 or more ships hold cover doors, four empty storage containers. At this pub a group of privateers, former pirates with tattoos, hung around getting drunk for fun. This group consisted of fifteen Dark Elves, half-goblins, half-elves, orcs, one half kuruk, and goblins who drank themselves to their own delight. 

 

One of the Orcs was seven foot tall dressed in the usual seaman's attire with a leathery seaworn vest. Yatil's gaze focused on him, which caught the Orcs’ attention. Not something he wanted this afternoon. One of the Dark Elves pointed that out to the others who called the Orc by his name encouraging him to approach Yatil. Known as Rojad Rojag Gorddell this Orc approached Yatil's table. He looked down as the Orc made his way to him. Appearing drunk, this Orc slurred his words then showed a necklace or amulet of bones. This action upset his fellow crewmembers, fifteen of whom lost their lives to this Orc alone. In the drunken Orc rage this Orc beat a dozen of Yatil's own unit into the hard surface of the port. Yatil could have sworn he soiled himself as he watched his fellow fighters get handed to them. Al-Dadoria's laws penalized take the lives of any women, children, elderly, crippled, mentally ill, or wounded. Self-defense killings were justified, especially in public. In private the defender may have to spend a week in prison, and one year at sea. Over greed then the offender, if in defense, would be required to live outside the borders of Al-Dadoria. In Rojad's case his self-defense, despite it being a drunken rage, was justified. More than one attacker or harasser caused confrontation thus attempting to gang up. Yatil could speak for himself, but kept his mouth shut when Captain Topaz got up. Topaz blew up in the Orc's face, but her face was level with his torso. She expected an explanation for his drunken manners. What she did not expect was to appease this Orc as an apology or she found herself shark bait. This Orc was drunk, but no excuse for her being forced to bathe on the beach part of the port. A Mage had to convince the privateers to leave them alone and leave one coin per death. Yatil and the remnants of Topaz's crew rested for three days. Those three days went by fast with them attempting to shake off the loss of colleagues and witnessing their captain be humiliated. As soon as the third day became the fourth, they found themselves on a train back to the northeast. Joined by 646 other Al-Dadorian personnel, and the privateers who killed their fellow crew. Something Topaz did not tolerate yet was forced to accept by superiors. Except the Orc was sent to another crew that was engaging Vullanese fleets as a sentence. 

 

Back at the front they discovered their colleagues took out 1,200 hooded zealots. fanatics, capturing 961 prisoners. They even sent 264 spawns to their deaths, 397 are sent into retreat. Slaves were found among the encampments on the Vullanese occupied islands. Al-Dadoria's 1,200 Kharal's Oscuran Crimsons found 576 slaves. 193 of whom came under their care, 332 fled and rest died in the fighting. Just 777 of the K.O.C.'s force still stood by the time Yanil arrived back at the islands. Gaining thirteen islands their brigade of 3,000 or more only had nine days before the Vullanese and their allies launched another assault. Over 5,000-7,000 Kuruks, Satyrs, Ogres, Vullanese, Vullan's allies, Nazdar Grevaskii volunteers backed by 1,800 half-demons from Syrianos. At the frontlines Yatil's fellow defenders fought off this wave across a few larger islands. Using modern weapons with melee weapons they fought off the first waves from the most well defended positions. Yet it pressed on despite the losses, forcing them to fend off attacks from their flanks. Some islands were used to ambush or harass the assaulting forces just to chip away at the enemy forces, which sort of grew. Their own defending forces grew in size while they still kept larger forces in reserve in case attacks came from the west north, and east. Watching the fight from behind Al-Dadorian lines Yatil sent off a few spells against ay break throughs in defenses. Shocking or burning those enemies helped take over four thousand enemies. Right behind him their own artillery sent a fiery cannonade bombarding several positions on other islands. Over an hour or two they bombarded the Vullanese positions forcing them and their allies to retreat. Several days passed before the weather disrupted movement with a light storm. Rain came down for three days straight on the Javexo, Perfagon Shields. This allowed Al-Dadoria's defenders of the southern Javexo Shields to scout the area. 

 

Aboard thirty-six vessels (motorboats, and skiffs) Al-Dadorians scoured the islands that saw the most fighting. Close to twenty-one-thirty-four islands came under their zone of operations. Tens of thousands of corpses littered those islands, floated around the shallows, by reefs along with gear, and weapons. Among the dead they found 443 Skoffos Island Kuruks from Yasolle. A total of 963 Canyon Clan Kuruks, 414 Vullanese, Vullanese aligned Pulse Trackers of various races. In terms of elites they found 356 Death Blow Kuruk Berserkers, 226 Hoplite Satyrs who acted blood crazed fighters, 374 Ogre Spawn, Orcs, Kuruk spawn, all with one eye. According to a veteran they were called Ill Tempered Cyclops due to having one eye. While rowing in shifts they found some of their own wounded, and their comrades who became prisoners. Most mentioned defiant Ogres who fought on. Their own scouts calculated 291 more among the dead combatants. 

 

Other combatants and humanoids found among the dead revealed different factions were involved other than those city-states aligned with Vullan. About 210 Stone Steppe Outcasts from Muskalla, 259 Insectoid-Imp-Demons called Chilleaz Skirge sent over by the Nazdar invaders. These onyx-colored insectoid humanoids possessed several sets of red bug eyes, maws, pincers, or fangs for mouths, arms like a grasshopper mixed with mantis and humanoid legs with spikes. Their appearances sent a shiver up and down the spine. Most of them looked away from these creatures. Setting foot on another island that was littered in corpses, weapons debris, scattered gear, helmets, limbs, blood spots, and entrails that dyed the sand in a darkish red color. Not the prettiest sights to be held even if the foliage caught their eye. Yatil spotted plenty of swords, bayonets, guns, unused grenades, daggers, clubs, maces, axes, machetes, spearheads, war picks, sickles, thirty-eight of which his own unit collected out of curiosity and awe. The swords he saw included rapiers, sabers, badelaires, scimitars, Yataghans, falcatas, Katanas, fist daggers, punch daggers, cleavers revealed a certain group found in Nymres, Gontrella, City-states such as Olia, Joshar, Kath Odrus, Midnight Duelists. Among the dead, or wounded combatants they found 271 of these duelists. Moving towards other islands their scouts found areas where their artillery bombarded. Between 538-1,078 Vullanese combatants died in the fiery cannonade bombardments. 

 

Among weapons, scattered gear, equipment, destroyed structures lay Vullanese Bishop Soldiers, Riphook Raiders, Dungeoneers, Sentinels, Ward Gate Keepers, Samurai sent by Gantronese, Cathars, Foot soldiers, Sergeant -at-Arms, mages, and skirmishers. Vullan did send others such as their own Paladins, bombers, death cultists, and acrobat assassins. When Topaz radioed Head Quarters, she was given some grim orders she had to share. For some corpse appraisers they brought over 302 corpses each day from this third important battle over Al-Dadoria. Several days went by with hardly any events that involved the Vullanese. Not buying the silence Al-Dadoria unleashed encampment keeper hounds that brought or dragged over 290-300 Vullanese hiding among the islands. Yatil's own unit returned to these islands to collect any weapons from seventy-one islands. Mainly out of interest they managed to convince their commanders to permit them to collect enemy weapons. Thirty-two other units made a similar trip to scavenge weapons, and loot what they can. In the skies a trio of their own Sheikh Dagger56s flew in air patrol patterns. Most of the air battles occurred closest to the north, and eastern coasts. Their end was mainly left with barely any air support. Confident in their air defenses while Vullan was focused on VUVR aircraft Yatil's own got a head start on some other islands. Their own finds included 89 intact rifles, Folteri Bolt action rifles, Windkisser23s, lever action rifles, 78 functioning pistols, 4 alien weapons from the Skirge corpses, which they stabbed or shot in case they got up. A dozen submachine guns, 23 various swords, 18 axes, 8 crossbows, hammers, wrenches, trinkets, 953 coins in Vullanese Currency. 

Moving deeper into two islands they found some interesting discoveries after lugging their own finds back to HQ then returning the location they raised their flag on. Just exploring these two islands connected by a broken bridge their platoon sized unit found five campsites with seven abandoned campfires each camp was encircled by eleven or more rock formations. Cluttered along the camps they found some wheels to wagons, wagon pieces, fence pieces, plenty of goblets, mugs, one or more plates, some storage chests, some kegs, barrels. Pales could be found made from different materials used for various purposes. Each camp had bowls scattered all over, and one cauldron tipped over. One spit with partially eaten meat still rested with the fire dead from the rain. Some of the camps possess some fine candle sticks showing that commanders resided there. Most of them had stools, others had a few fallen trees as seats. One of them had the finest looking table and chairs. A pitcher still rested on a barrel next to the table with fine chairs. On the table rested some keys, a leather coin purse, idol statue to the Vullanese deity. On the finest chair, which was wet they found a crown and a wet royal cape over the chair's back. Towards the back they found a horse at a trough where four saddles rested next to it. Behind this horse sat a now broken weapons rack that possessed two severed heads, and hair pieces. This show of brutality was a little off for the Vullanese. Looking around a little more after snagging the horse, which complained about being taken away they spotted five wolves prowling through the foliage. Three birds flew away from some branches as seven dogs, possibly hungry chased four pigs that ran amuck scaring or disturbing two snakes from the foliage. An Eagle flew from a tree towards the other side of the island. 

Not sure when their next meal would be Yatil's unit slaughtered the animals using their rifles. Certain this would appease any other scouting parties that found this island they gathered up what they found. While collecting up 7 swords, 14 daggers, 2 spears, sash with sheath holes, 3 lances, two shields, antique pistol, bullet proof cuirass vest, scaled armor, 3 axes, on bow, 3 flails, 4 banners, 3 flags, and trident one of them discovered a boat with paddles. Among the other finds included a hair piece for a bald member, a sailor's cap given to Yatil, a kitesail wing, another chest full of clothing and a skull. This chest, after being pried open also possessed a map, and contract decree. Loading up their own vessels they went back to see what they missed. Further exploring one island they found four cannons or artillery with a cannon crate, 14 cannon balls, free fire braziers that would be too heavy to bring all at once. One weathered dragon statue was found that had to be from old Perfagon Empire era. This statue became a home to a rabbit that ran back when it saw them. All these finds were not new to them except for another intriguing find, a group of pirates with what had to be civilians among them. Two swashbucklers, a hag witch, hunter-ranger, three bowmen, a Dwarf, Sorceress, one guard pirate, some bloated looking one, and what had to be a former knight gone pirate. 

 

 

Al-Dadoria Flag

 Located in the Valde Sea with member states of the VUVR to the south, Vullan's Isles to the northeast, Nazdar controlled Vidothra, and dozens of other island city-state Al-Dadoria is home to camels, traditions, mages, coffee, and other luxuries. Much of its landscape is suitable for growing some crops and coffee. Its main four islands are Solithis, Emerald Rose, Kollarnis, Elder Groab. They are four islands among thousands of islands under this flag. 

Al-Dadoria: Just Living

A show of confidence is all he needed, but what could he do to show he possessed this trait?  His own friends Shetpo, Meno, Kerdju, Nemdju, Hatasut, Ensa all encouraged him to show off his talent of animated or levitating objects into structures, or levitating vehicles, or illusion. That was something most arcane users knew how to do. He graduated the previous year. In the Carab Carbaretti Courtyard he sat among a full seating of 553 people. All of them seated to watch the Bond of Discipline. All of them seated to watch the Bond of Discipline. Also called the ritual or ceremony of graduation of 6 out of 264 pupils. These six graduating pupils had three orders to choose from. Yatil Secen noted the Void Wielders, which had 347 members. Each member practices Void spells of the Oblivion, the nonexistent powers, or subtractive spells. Another order called the Dronnith Order Healers who were 384 strong in membership. He was a member of the Arcane Caravan Vigil which held 437 members. 

He sat down next to a woman closest to his own age or older. Chloe Amata Al-Ebetee, a guest who was invited over by Master Arch Sage Haatim Al-Azad. Her own occupation as an Estate Agent sort of dwarfed his own profession as Runecrafter for the Arcane Caravan Vigil. Yatil barely got a word in about his order before a lesson before the ceremony begin. Lorehold apprentice Emil Nehpets gave a tale of history from their campus lore of how a summoned Inkling ruined a lesson, cancelling classes for the day. To the lore holder it was an enthusiastic one until the same thing happened again. The audience laughed and chuckled.

"Thank Cesvian he didn't choose a boring tale..." 

Yatil could not agree more with the person behind him. Even though it was only six pupils graduating it lasted for two hours. Several people nearly fell asleep due to their age, while some fell asleep due to a long day. Each of the graduating pupil performed a spell after their own brief speech to the audience.  Carab Carbaretti's nine mentors, sages, and masters gave their praises, advice along with encouragement to these pupils. One of them had their eyes find Yatil in the audience and gave him a cruel stare out of jest. Yatil attempted to stifle and chuckle and smile. Once it was over Yatil hopped to his feet almost stepping on a Dune Beetle that made its way through gaps. She saw that and walked away upset even though his foot missed it by a few inches. 

Observing there would be no following date Yatil went over to his friends who sat in the back. The six of them took him to the bazaar down the street. Yatil locked around the settlement he lived in, Odrimal-Gol. Al-Dadoria has 1,658 Islands under its banner and control. Most of these islands are unclaimed, and uninhabited. Al-Dadorians claimed to have built more than 463 or more settlements. It was likely most of those settlements rested on the largest islands of Al-Dadoria. Plenty of the smaller ones scattered across the south-central portions of Valde may have dwellings, lighthouses, guard towers. Meno mentioned that at least 470 assembly workers in each of the larger settlements. In his vest, slacks, buttoned up Kwufta, hard leather loafers Meno made himself look more like a modernized manager. His slick back hair with a suave front, and black mustache on olive skin set him apart. Behind Meno Yatil spotted a snake charmer with a Rope cobra uncoiling out of a bundled-up pile of ropes rather than an actual cobra snake. It almost looked as though the snake rested on Meno's shoulder. These assembly workers assembled vehicles for Al-Dadoria once the right parts came in. Al-Dadoria has 475 Runed Servitors in each of the largest cities. 

Using Runed servitors as plows, land tools one city experienced a bountiful harvest after 838 trees are plucked. Yes, it took away trees, yet it wasn't done with fire. Al-Dadoria was also home to craftsmen, mages, sailors, fishers, healers, sages, scribes, curators, rogues, and smugglers. Aside from others Al-Dadoria was also home to 507 Meteorites still being mined for minerals. Some formed the islands of Al-Dadoria's borders. As a member of the arcane cultures Yatil knew that 1,329 Whirl Wind Adept Djinn Spawn Monks who live nomadic lives, as wanderers, act as beggars, or reside as household masters. Arcane powers is what these humanoids possessed to teacher to use in their own way. In the islands, secluded areas of Al-Dadoria dwell these 408 Underworld Horny Hermits. Yatil wanted to mention or bring this up as he was scheduled to meet both types as assigned by Master Ul-Hassinn. 

Rune crafting was becoming required less and less as the decades since technology was introduced once invented. Working as a Rune Crafter involved etching or carving arcane symbols on to artifacts or buildings then enchanting them. This was a technique and service adventurers desired less or did not make demands for. It wasn't very often that Yatil get to use his Rune crafting Skills. Sure he was a healer, but this was also an arcane trade he learned. His other arcane skills would have to wait until her used them against a hostile who attacked him. 

Speaking to his friend Shetpo, he learned their arcane skills as a Legend Lore True mind along with Illusion. They placed recordings or memories in a special form of storage like record. Another friend from this college went into woodworking or carpentry in case their arcane skills were less valued. As for the rest of his friends their occupations were set to involve healing, which will bring them to the medical field. All they were chatting about were the various wounds, spinal, or limb injuries from a variety circumstances. One of them mentioned curing a disease that kept creeping back up. Yatil's mind went to the various professions his mentor laid out for him along with the attending to Hermits. One involved working at a racing track, a Hass Hashashin Guild, Mason's Guild, Master Thieves' Guild, a Theologian's Guild, and Explorer's Guild Head Quarters. 

Outside a Market trade post, a strange suspicious figure lurked behind some crates and barrels. Between the Bimaristan and Merchant's Exotic-Foreign shop this lone suspicious made their move the moment his eyes spotted them. Yatil thought it was just his eyes playing tricks on him due to lack of hydration. Within the perimeter of the shop a songbird seller suffered a blur of blades from this assailant. It scared a woman adorned in a resplendent baroque gown of rhythmic ebbs of the past with a hint of present style. On her should was a parrot that flew away startled. Her left hand dropped a feathered fan as she screamed dropping to the lowest part of shop's porch. Every other person within several blocks or earshot turned their heads in shock, fear, confusion. Dozens fled from the scene while other bystanders stopped to watch this assailant face swift justice. Some stern looking constable in A-Dadorian Kwufta shot up this figure with an older version of the Onway revolver. Their khaki brown colored Kwufta appeared more like a wrap shirt with a diagonal pattern of buttons from shoulder to hip. Its buttons were shaped like fangs, or teeth. Most of the Kwufta came in green, gold, orange, purple, and now blue. This Kwufta wearing constable wore regular modern trousers, military shoes. 

They looked to be thirty-four years of age, just old enough to be a father a few children by now. Known as Constable Nazim Bayoushi or the Sapphire Man he was one of the 534 Infantry Veterans who were accepted as constables to beef up security for Al-Dadoria. Yes it fielded its own army, but Al-Dadoria had a force of 12,210 during peace times. An army was something this island kingdom needed to beef up in case the Vullanese or Vidothrans attacked. This new conflict could stir up some rebellious groups into action. Such rebellious groups who often went against the government included the Brigher Speaker Rebel Clerics, Novice Occultists, Errant Doomsayer Rebels. If Yatil was correct about the news just two to ten years prior about these groups, some 274 hunted witnesses were forced to drag 262 others under the same table with them. 

It involved more than half a thousand people who became victims. This was only a statistic, a number to keep track of. Nazim summoned two others towards him. Yatil overheard Hatasut nuffled, revealed in a mock tone, how the groups had lower manpower compared to Al-Dadoria's forces. These Blighter Speaker Rebel Clerics had 229 Clerics in their group at one point. These Novice Occultists' membership included some 394 fanatics, zealots, crazed acolytes. Located in the southeastern islands of Vullan the Errant Doomsayer Rebels could only field 306 members. Knowing this information made someone a suspect to investigate. Acting fast Kerdju stuffed Hatasut's mouth with something to shut up him. In a group the seven friends got up to leave the area. None of them wanted to be around the site of a murder. Hoping to avoid the authorities they attempted to disappear in the crowd. 

Back home several days later Yatil made attempts to relax after what he just witnessed. Although he was attacked by thugs, bandits, or one of the rebels Yatil still felt a little shaken by this. This was something new. He switched on the radio, ate a small meal, read through the recommendations for positions. Hermit Argol Flamegazer of the Tranquil Cove on the Western Coasts met him at a coffee shop along the outskirts. For the Hermit, the Hermit's female half Dwarf Candle Keep's rifle, his heavily armored female Lotus Warrior's gear, Agol's rusty Twin Tuned Hammer needed new runes. He mistook this female half-dwarf for a male, and the Lotus Warrior did not appear pretty either. As for the other Hermit Yatil met him at some track for horses. This one wore a large grey cloak that covered them head to toe. For this one he gave him a jar with dividers for elixir ingredients. It wasn't until the next day did the authorities come to his adobe style Flat. On some invisible leashes were Hatasut and a member to a desert mage guild from Gaskouth Ladai. Resisting arrest or this round up the authorities were doing would land him in a cell. Closing the door Yatil joined them to the town square. In his mind this could get ugly as they assembled to the area. 

It could be worse he could be sent to Naxnonoth the necromancer island city-state. A high-ranking constable stood before them. He was among a variety of people gathered. He could only get a glance of who was among the people the authorities gathered. A female Kuruk-Orc who smoked with a rather large sake jug on her lap in a maroon style Kimono dress and martial arts band around her neck. A rather tall reddish skinned Goblin shaman next to a human Al-Dadorian. A fine dressed Dark Elf Bard with white hair who was clearly adopted. One follower of the Panther goddess in their distinct outfit that was often revealing during certain seasons. One Ogre with no ears, greyish skin, large feature, shaven head except for ponytail in back of head. Some fit looking female elf warriors from Lheobethe with clothing that revealed her abs, and muscles. Yatil could have sworn he saw her roaming around armed with a Bastard Sword on her back. Or did her place a rune symbol on her weapon at one point? His attention was ripped away as a high-ranking constable stood before the gathered people. One group of 277 witnesses felt like they were being arrested to the murder that happened last week and a half. 

"No one is going to jail. That I can assure you. Magistrate Skihli Kwarizmian has spoken with Emir Kilki Stercolm, and Sheikh Ston Pakramanas. One of them will bring this up to our Sultan Goemon Tse. That attack you just witnessed was made by an assassin who is some member of some ancient order. Who here has heard of the Order of Serpents, the Shrouded Venom, The Night?" this head constable or Chief Constable mentioned. "All you have? Good. What about Razdor's Bite?" 

None of the audience members raised their hands. This group was new to Yatil as well. Each of the groups he just mentioned along with the rebel groups they were familiar with, terrified some. All groups spread terror across the Valde Islands and coasts. As for this Razdor's Bite, Yatil had no clue who this group was. Were they being told keep quiet or something? Yes, that was the case. Their own authorities were telling them to keep quiet about this Razdor's Bite group. Chief Constable Fajal Twerbi of Honswordville commanded 336 members of that city's police force sought to keep this covered up as much as possible. On one condition, Twerbi required new recruits as the 336 current ones were the only active out of 1,100 constables who retired. Hon Swordville possessed a protective neighborhood watch reducing the risk of violence or theft in the central north of Al-Dadoria. 

Before letting them go, the constable requested to have new recruits to refill the ranks. News of war encouraged ten thousand to a hundred thousand youths to enlist. Disgruntled, disturbed, creeped out, bamboozled, outraged the assembled audience dispersed. Considering the option of new recruits, he thought of the unemployed single fit male living in his Flat, Aibel Illiv. A couple of days later he came to Chief Constable Twerbi who was accompanied by a high-ranking soldier, Staff Sergeant Watti Attal with Aibel in tow. At the town square a total number of 476 fresh faced recruits arrived to become constables or guards to Hon Swordville, and a few other surrounding settlements. 

Returning to his Flat Yatil concentrated on another runce rune craft for a scimitar a vacationing Camel-Kol bodyguard sent over. Another artifact, an Arcanist Padding that came in a wrapped paper package inside a suitcase. Some elaborate suit of armor made from silken fabric that shimmers with arcane energy. Its cuffs emitted a mystical blue flame that doesn't burn to the touch. As he checked the runes he wondered if this was bullet proof. Inside the Flat's common living room, he worked on this padded armor. These runes had to be replaced as these were quickly slapped on there in a sloppy fashion. Each type of rune he worked with had to be replaced or reenchanted every ten years as he expected from his training. What he did not expect was for a dagger to come flying past his ear. Just the way this dagger flew at him meant it was a Quick Draw Dagger arcane attack move. Getting up Yatil looked around the common area of the Flat finding a figure leaping out of the window. 

Alton of the Unicorn Clans (Mongol-Hun style)

 

Alton is a warrior in the Moto family of the Unicorn Clan. As a Bushi Alton is a member of a four man, scouting party sent on a task by the Khan. His scouting party rides to find more maps on the eastern lands. Alton is a skilled Bushi like his father before him, who died in a raid. His mother gives the young Bushi a quest to honor the spirit of his father. Alton must slay his Khan's enemies and those who dare insult his family. He must join with others who are on their own mission even with his scouting party. 

Last Kiss Near Grussia

 Nine to Ten hours or giurs, brought them to a large city along the borders between Grussia and Eoth. One what appeared to be a swamp the city rested on a massive lake for a large rice field. Set up exactly like a port this Eothan rice production and trade city of Chattoe sat on raised platforms. Very similar to a dock this city's sections and buildings were built raised up to avoid flooding. One swinging advertisement sign advertised a copy or play of the Skywhaler's Shot being mass printed and produced on stage. According to an Eoth Mamoa, a term for warrior, Chattoe was home to rice farmers, monks, rectors, curates, shamans, sages, weavers, arcane users, enchanters, some civilized Hags. The humanoid that emerged from who knows where, not the aging women. Calling herself Josho this Eothan also mentioned that 308 or so Tireless Missionaries residing inside a Cathedral University. 

Located near the Dirone style commercial docks the Cathedral sat where the tracks entered the city. Dirone style was a more eastern style with obtuse roofs with scale shaped shingles. Most of the structures are trapezoid from the foundation, base and top. Here this city possessed enough space for convoys to move around to load or unload. Noswal knew they held no time to waste. Rather than tour or snoop around he boarded the train that sat waiting. Cyrstallo followed him to their seats in a passenger car full of Eoth Soldiers, female soldiers. Crystallo had to tuck it in and keep his charm to himself during this whole endeavor, Vanned, Toyal, and the three Uxane joined them. When asked about the cat Toyal explained that cat liked to mooch off the neighboring households in the town. It was in good hands. Over an hour went by before they moved west on the tracks. Thanks to the Quadruple Alliance these nations created a working tunnel through the mountains. Noswal slept through much of the journey until they had to stop. Just a league inside Koriv, East Koriv, a couple of Sky ships landed on the tracks. Word spread like wildfire among them with assumptions these were pirates attempting to rob the train. 

This would appear difficult as the train carried 734 infantry, 6 Eoth Beetle Tanks, 2 V9 Explorer Jeeps, 2 missile/rocket trucks, a single Red Cat Anti-Infantry Armored Car (AIAC), Molose Troop Transport, Nazdar half-track either made in Grussia, or given to them by the invaders. Twelve tanks, three small bombers, ten aircraft, 10 artillery pieces shipped from the VUVR. From other allies came 12 tanks, 3 bombers, 10 aircraft, 11 different artillery pieces. Among captured vehicles included 9 bombers, 22 aircraft, 21 tanks, and 18 artillery pieces from the Vullanese Islands. Aside from the 734 infantry men aboard this train also carried the teams needed for the artillery, tanks, the pilots, 19 stars who chose to fight, 20 targeted individuals who chose to hit the front in order to avoid certain entanglements. There were also 20 or more elitists on board as well as half a score of foreign volunteers. Despite the possible aerial advantage these pirates did not have favorable odds. 

One hundred sixty-five pirates of the infamous Drake Roost crew of 350 barred them from reaching their destination. Taking note of the tank turrets, armed soldiers, armored train cars with turret guns these pirates moved their ships off the tracks. Noswal was certain some aircraft would come over to assist. He guessed most were called to the frontlines or in reserves. From one of the ships a bleach haired female pirate in the typical attire, but with modern knee-high boots approached the train as it started up again. Wielding a white flag of truce this crew member carried no weapons on her. Five Eothans met her then escorted her over to the highest-ranking commanding officer. Chief of War Claw-Tanner who did not have any patience for this hold up. In a clear tomboyish voice, she revealed they just sent a Trove Tracker in search of a Khopesh. The Honed Khopesh of ancient Khet. It was likely they ran them over. None of the Eothans were in the mood to discuss anything or search for a corpse on the train wheels. Each one trained their weapons on this pirate. Shrinking away this female pirate returned to her crew. 

Within minutes they were on the move again with the Sky Ships going south. Another hour passed into their journey to a city in Koriv called Omoi Dake. Omoi Dake intertwined with another city called Oikakete. Although the name Koriv did not fit the people it seemed to sit well with them. No one really bothered to change the name of East Koriv back to its original name while keeping the names of their cities. These cities were the final stops for the soldiers and the team hunting down the Storm Cloud Djinn. Only getting to know some of these other Eothans for a bit they gave them quick goodbyes. Vanned's next contact was an Arcane Investigator of a Malevolent Dwarf Noble Cog work Archivist. This Dwarf sat on a cog work looking wheelchair her long coat covered everything but her black shoes, and thick long pig tailed red hair. They both just came from an Expanded Anatomy lab near a large Armillary Sphere forged in different metals. She often helped as a volunteer with key cases for identifying damage done by arcane spells. Both Investigator and Dwarf Cog work Archivist took them on a brief tour of the city. One of their offices sat near a garrison of four stables for 300 Livecraft cavalry. Some used to be a set of stables to knights, a warlord, some old king, and parts were a scout style stable. 

While going through the central part of the city they witnessed a good chase from a street where Opium was sold. One Paired Tactician acting as a constable chased a goblin pilot to a Hollow Jungle Pleasure Garden. Crystallo was told to stay put with female Dwarf, Awkealsia Lightgut who only sat in her cog work wheelchair to reach higher shelves without using ladders. Noswal raced over to this Garden of Pleasure with Investigator named Jan Sao, and Vanned. Jan Sao appeared Oriental with heavy brow, fine cut hair that was in the Vestrisian, and cultural style without the long-braided hair. His own investigator uniform gave him authority in entering the private sector. Right before they entered a large slant eyed guard known as Hu Rong covered in tattoos gave them some pieces of cloth to cover their mouths and noses. 

This Garden of Pleasure was decorated with a type of plant that made one horny. Multiple orgies want on in each room of the Hollow Pleasure Garden. In of these rooms they found a Botanist, one who studied plants, the Goblin Pilot and the Tactician on top of someone. Each one of them showed Unholy hunger for a female mage dressed in an overlapping layered dress-robe that looked to be laced when closed. The pattern made it more like a tunic armor made from fabric. She seemed to be enjoying this intercourse due to the intoxication from the plants around the room. The only one they were after was the Goblin Pilot. Noswal grabbed the sweaty legs, while Vanned grabbed the arms. This Goblin kept thrusting until they pulled him off her. Still humping the air this Goblin Pilot known as Gerx Rozenk had to be tossed in a sack. 

Once they exited the Garden of Pleasure, Lightgut cranked up the engine to her own automobile which she had parked on the other side of the street. Gerx's intoxication required for him to be tossed and left in the sack then tossed in the trunk. Lightgut did not want him messing up her seats. At the intended speed the two cities allowed Lightgut brought them to apartment complex. Next to a trade merchant warehouse this three-building apartment complex belonged to their female Dwarf Companion. Here Gerx's longboat remained locked up inside the warehouse. Noswal suspected as much about the Goblin they chased down. Yet he did not expect for the acting constable to allow them to just abduct the passed-out Goblin. Lightgut had the Goblin brought to a guest apartment for visitors in case all the inns were full. This Goblin Pilot's own sky long boat was designed to move about ground and on water. What they did not expect was for a truck to roll up to the complex and warehouse. Three armed Uxane, and the Veteran Ranger himself hopped off as it stopped. 

"Have we found our Djinn yet?" Toyal asked them, using his long rifle as a staff to lean on. 

"West Koriv. You will find a figure wearing a fancy cloak under an ugly long ocat duster. Some bowler hat rests on their head." the female Dwarf revealed to them. She seemed eager to reduce the amount of time their hunt would go on. 

Awkwalsia left Gerx with the Investigator and a tenant of hers who approached them. Some lone traveling curator for divination in arcane history who didn't really give their name. They handed a couple of keys to the Dwarf who pocketed them in a pouch on her coat. Awkwalsia pulled out another set of keys to some locks. She unlocked the boat, which required extra help from the truck driver. Although they acted as a Chauffer hired to drive a private automobile they also acted as a tow truck. Pulling the craft out of the storage slot took time as they had to steer it. More tenants came over for a ride. Today was pay day for this drive who received 2.50 Eoth Eqenes per rider. Now they were paid to chauffer a Bleacher, clothes cleaner, a textile bleacher to work. The next passenger, a Limner, portrait painter brought six of their small portraits. Another passenger was a talkative Nymph with tattoos on her arms. Watching the truck drive away with a full load made Noswal sort of regret volunteering for this manhunt. 

Whoever was joining them on this adventuring manhunt climbed on the longboat. Larger than most boats this craft possessed a small cabin, and a shallow hull. In minutes it levitated off the trailer it rested on after the Dwarf cranked it up. Cautiously she drove the craft maneuvering it above ground. It acted as any vehicle on the road thanks to a steering wheel added. Following traffic out of the city they sped their way westward. Nothing but birds flew in the skies among them. Several other craft flew in the air like this one. Two brigantine sized sky ships, five longboats that levitated lower than most, ten aircraft that flew higher among the clouds. Half the aircraft appeared Calornese, the other half looked alien. Below they spotted a flock of 293 Supply Line Cranes. 

One sign that showed they were closer to Western Koriv. Unfortunately, those Supply Cranes were shot down by East Koriv Forces who seemed to ignore them or not notice their flight. Mainly armed with one-shot bolt-action rifles, breach loaders, Nazdar Invortus 93s, the Korivs fought another Koriv army under the invader's flag. He was certain those large Supply Cranes carried Gantronese weapons to the field. Hiding under the red cover he spotted sixteen sky ships were downed along the border. Out of the corner of his eye he could tell there were more along the borders showing the extent of this conflict. In his area he could see a downed Nazdar craft that was shot decades ago during one of the conflicts between the invading factions. His own companions spotted military forces and movement. Their Dwarf pilot steered them towards the ruins of a settlement. 

Hiding behind a temple mound, church, tower ruins, a street of destroyed buildings they observed the scene. Nine dead tanks, 27 active ones, 11 halftracks, armored cars, 357 or more soldiers engaged a larger force of 846 Korivan Gnolls, Goblins, humans, Gantronese spawn over five bases, a preserved sky ship Junk along the borders. Being near fighting did not bode well for their mission. Forced to hide they used an abandoned workshop as cover. Whoever won this skirmish-battle determined whether they could get to their destination. This Storm Cloud Djinn's whereabouts. Four days passed of them watching the whole region pass between hands six times. 

Right before they were discovered the East Koriv forces drove the Gantronese slaves away. Not before killing six collaborators to the Gantronese themselves. On the fourth day a nosy scout of East Koriv almost discovered them when a horde of hooded figures and West Korivans overran the East Koriv positions. Noswal figured over a thousand or two died taking those positions. What happened next only confused everyone. It made Crystallo soil himself when they witnessed an East Koriv get hacked and torn to pieces as their guts were torn out of them. Hooded figures bearing a symbol depicting that of the Djinn eye turned against the West Koriv troops. Most wore the dirt-colored uniforms that could blend in the current surroundings. Whereas some wore the Green, Red, Yellow Tang uniform tunics or shirts over the black trousers. Nothing on their heads except the bandanas, head bands, circlets donned their heads. Confident these cultists would be taken out easily they opened up their own line of fire from the windows and openings. More than a dozen or twenty of these cultists went down to their hail of gunfire. He did not see the others fall to the Uxane who exited the large hole in the wall. Vanned and Toyal took out at least ten more attackers. Crystallo was hit in the throat from a missed shot on one of their Uxane. Their Dwarf friend Lightgut charged with a maul at a trio of cultists. Her rage allowed her to take out several more as five of their own ditched them to their fate. Noswal held his own weapon and sat down next to the dying Crystallo. He held his hand as he watched their own companions take out more of these cultists. 

"Will you, will you please kill their fat friend and end this?" A voiced commanded from above them. 

Awkwalsia did not go down without out a fight. Yet the Mauler was beaten to the ground with clubs, and rifle butts. It was her last kiss as the last blow was to her face with a fist. What was he supposed to do? He may be an Orc but the last brains of the operation, a friend, someone he called family lay dying on rubble. Thinner than most Orcs Noswal did not appear the fighting type. Noswal went into a brief Orc rage tearing up at least one cultist who entered the building. He found himself surrounded with rifles trained on him. Noswal raised his arms while Vanned, and their Uxane colleagues pressed out of there. Six Cultists grabbed Vanned, beat him to the ground to subdue him before dragging him back over. Allowing the others to go spared them extra casualties. At least Toyal's cat would see its master again is all he could think. 

Noswal exited the ruins with his arms raised and head bowed low. Three cultists grabbed him, spun him around and forced his head to face the roof of the building. Vanned;s Djinn stood with a dozen of these cultists at their side. The hood hid most of their face except their chin. In seconds the cultists placed a sack or bag of some sort over Noswal's head. Four blows to the gut knocked him out after they placed the bag over his head. Unconscious Noswal could not tell where they were being taken. Time became unknown to him as they took them to West Koriv for all he knew. Roughly forced awake with a splash of liquid Noswal found himself beound next to Vanned. Bleeding from several places Vanned could not speak. The Orc's attention went to a figure wearing a colorful cloak of purple with gold symbols lining the edges. 

"Just outside Grussia you are." this Djinn announced, pointing out in a mocking serious tone. 

"What fate will befall you here?" They continued mocking. 

"Storm Cloud Djinn, Dahoj Thule, a wanted criminal according to Eoth and Grussia I see." the Djinn rubbed Vanned's scalp then caressed his chin. Dahoj's nails looked untrimmed but clean. 

"Sparing his life would not end the hunt. As for you Orc join my army of followers. Say add another to 1,516 or so?" the Djinn offered with a stretched-out hand. 

"Make it zero followers, Thule. Aliscar is done with your playing around." a woman's voice pierced the air from behind. Moments later Dahoj's followers were cut down by assassins, and henchmen dressed in all dark red. Most of his fled while the rest found themselves cut down. Dahoj looked outraged over this. Using his powers he took down a few the woman's henchmen. 

"Limnac the Witch! Or is it Aliscar's suckling slut?" Dohaj mocked forcing a grin across his face. 

"You are in no position of power to mock me Djinn. You failed to destroy an entire settlement." the female voice drew attention to a thing of beauty in a Kimono of red and white blooming flowers on it. Witch charcoal black hair this Limnac levitated towards the Djinn shoving her exposed cleavage into his face. Out of cruelty it seemed as she made no attempt at affection. She pulled the clothing away exposing them to the shaking Djinn. 

"Kiss them. It will be your last act on this planet." she commanded Dahoj giving him the cruelest smiles. 

In such pathetic motion the Djinn opened his mouth with his tongue out. Shaking he wrapped his mouth around her nipples then kissed both her breasts. Whoever this Limnac was she pulled out a pin from her own hair. As he kept kissing them with his tongue she shanked him in the neck several times. His dark blood splattered all over the witch's exposed self and face. Cleaning herself off she turned to Nosal and smiled. 

"Well Orc do you care to join?" she offered just like the Djinn did. 

Scared for his life Noswal joined this witch's side. 

That Last Kiss Near Grussia

What did he find? A valued prize worth a fortune. In this treasure trove Graham Ballas Paggap the half Orc told him about was a Spectral Steel Bar of sword length. This Orcish Vandal, Noswal Mas Garc held this artifact in his hands. Just the tale of a Malevolent Knight. No, a Novice Knight heard malevolent whispers from this item. A prize of an artifact this made sounded intriguing. Coming from Colville city-state, now part of Grussia, Noswal Garc estimated that he'd make 760, 748, or 794 with these other finds along with the spectral steel. Gathering what he found Noswal shoved the spectral steel, Arcane statue of an arcane slug monster with maw and five arms, alien armor, gold tusk pig standing up, earrings, long pipe and amulets into a duffel bag. Those would make him ten thousand or more. Each item or artifact were what he wanted to find aside from a pile of 2,340 coins. 

What he did not want to find was another figure standing behind him. Turning around with a full duffel bag Noswal found a group of female Ministrant-Clerics of Obligation at the doorway to the vault. Sixteen angry, disappointed rector-curates of a 250-member female congregation. These women were of different body types, ages, hair color, and races. Attempting to smile made it worse for the Vandal who just destroyed vases, empty urns, broke or damaged a door and some chicken coops. Right outside was his accomplice a terraformer mage who alters terrain was either apprehended or just gone from the scene. He could not help but picture him being arrested by some lovely women with curves. Their breasts pressing against his back while they pinned him to the ground. Yet that was not the case for his accomplice. One of the older ones threatened to beat him bloody just like his accomplice outside. On the borders, the no touch borders of the Eothan Mountains rested the temple he just vandalized and attempted to rob. North of their position lay the Grussian Mountain Ranges that bordered East Koriv. 

"Are we going to clean this up? Or will we continue to ruin everything in this temple?" the leader demanded with one eye widening more than the other. She may have been a robust looking one, but she appeared Elemani in terms of background with the Forsythan birthmark over her brow. A female who was part of that ancient warrior-monster slaying race was the last thing this Orc wanted to encounter. 

"Ladies." Another voice popped up from the flanks. 

Closing his Orc eyes Noswal barely caught a glimpse of the robed leader folding her arms in disgust. He did not want to be caught in this situation. Due to his carelessness of vandalism, he found himself caught in this situation when his intentions only involved stealing. Noswal's other accomplice Crystallo of Vunnace appeared out of a room carrying a chest full of coins that were spilling out on the floor. With a big grin on his face Crystallo lifted up the chest to his own chin gave it a kiss then blew the ladies several kisses. 

"Sorry temptations-" Crystallo was grabbed by the mouth to shut him up. Crystallo the wide faced thief had a weakness, women. A failed flirt with the women who often beat him to the ground or slapped him. Dressed up as some homeless monk Crystallo's disguise made things worse. It can already be guessed these women believed he stole the robes off a wandering monk. 

Forced to give up the act Crystallo dropped the chest. Most of the contents in the chest spilled out on the floor. Noswal dropped his own load on the floor knowing it was over for them. An alarm sounded just down the road, catching everyone's attention. All the female rector curates poured outside the temple grounds. Taking advantage of this situation Noswal and Crystallo slipped out leaving the terraformer mage at the mercy of the sixteen angry female clerics. As they exited through the side passages, they found a cliff face of the mountain that wrapped around a portion of the temple. Transformed into a prison that displayed all the cells in the open the cliff face showed little hope. A total of six hundred minimus containment spells held six hundred thirteen prisoners who were now skeletons or rotting corpses. 

Unsure if they should stay, the thieving duo raced out of the perimeter of the temple. A road running along the side of the mountains connected most institutes with certain settlements. To the north of the temple they just attempted to ransack lay a university dedicated to philosophy, alchemy, biology, eurythmy, calligraphy, and recently added, audiology. Not the most exciting subjects to study. Yet they learned a few things that were found useful. Known as Bagblack University this mountain institute rested on the ridge of a wide mountain's head. Whatever was going on in that institute or university created a mess. 

A mess that required a gathered force to deal with for some reason. From the southwest a Squad Captain Duos of Eoth Rallied over nine hundred militia, warriors, and Orcs. This force came up the switchbacks and the curvy roads heavily armed with a variety of weapons. Pupils ran amuck towards many places to hide. Crystallo nudged Noswal making him look over at the female clerics in tunics and robes. Eager to prevent their demise from catching up the thieving duo joined the gathered force towards the university. While marching in force to the university they overheard 283 pupils left a Traveling Philosopher as 406 or more walking corpses outnumber them. Clearing the undead from the whole university was the easy part thanks to some new weaponry. 

What was not easy was some Bitter Blade Jackal attacking anyone who was not the Philosophy Mage. They learned how to summon this humanoid using a Tome Spell from the past. Losing me to a seven-foot tall black or brown, grey hound looking humanoid shook them a little. Clad in ancient bronze scaled armor over a tunic. Over the exposed tunic rested the ancient Usekh collar of the sand or Obelisk Gods. Armed with a Khopesh, Xiphos blade, vials of explosive material on their belt, this Jackal was able to kill or take out forty-seven. No more than seventeen shots managed to bring down the large being. 

Clearing the rest of the University they found a few settlements northeast did not favor the use of arcane. Two villages expressed distrust in arcane users. A mob of 164 townsfolk gathered over this summoning, and that divination was being taught. Watching them approach the University from the road was another religious order. Residing in their own temple a group known as the Cloaked Sirens had one of their own 394 perform a summoning in the open. In mockery of the area's distrust of arcane summoning they held a lesson of Inkling summoning from an ink blotch. 

A member of the mob, a Timberland Guide with a veteran's side arm of two Orian pistols spotted them. Known as Vanned Corres this Timberland Guide recruited the pair of them for a quest in progress. Hired to investigate clues on some storm cloud Djinn known as Dahoj Thule. He did not want to admit the information was acquired by a torturer. Extracting from a nerve racked Spawn Binder Mage the whereabouts of the Djinn's few recent locations required inhumane methods. As cruel as it was this Spawn binder mage possessed 35 creatures that appeared otherworldly. Under his breath Vanned muttered something about these creatures not being native to this world with fur, some scales or exoskeleton on the back. This Binder Mage fell out of favor after a Blade of Eoth found herself banished during a sacred excavation that ended in failure. Noswal did not know what the creatures looked like, nor the other figures Vanned mentioned. He did get a look at what this Djinn looked like in a photograph. 

Leaving the region for the northwest, Vanned led the pair of ex thieves now volunteers to another town. Known as Nevole, this settlement of 1,200 inhabitants possessed two of the Djinn, Dahoj's previous whereabouts. One previous known location was a Furrier who prepared furs, and delt in furs who had three of the Spawn Binder's creatures in taxidermic. Only one of the dead stuffed creatures met the descriptions the Timberland Guide gave them. Earning their trust wasn't easy with this Furrier known as as-Ghoull. A week ago this az-Ghoull ran into some doppelganger from another old world they never knew about until now. Az-Ghoull's safe drawer was empty of his weekly income. Through his recollection that Djinn figure could be found in Gantronese-Nazdar territories in the Aleon continent for all he knew. 

"So, what can we do to gain your trust, Furrier?" Crystallo asked the male half-goblin in the loose apron over his clothing. 

Looking up from the stitching the fur together az-Ghoull gave him a wide-eyed expression. Noswal can call that one mean glare. His goblin face held birth marks that looked like splattered spots from mud. Yet his skin was more coffee brown making the birth marks appear light in color. His attire of a durable vest open to reveal a cotton laced shirt with diagonal stripes under the apron. Noswal checked out the wool pants az-Ghoull wore. 

His own attire included a harness wrapped around a black jacket, plain shirt, baggy trousers, and pair of stolen shoes. Crystallo's own attire was a priest's robe which covered a linen shirt, dark purple, black striped sweater, studded leather pants one would usually find on a rogue or footman from past centuries. Sure these are modernizing times with electricity spreading, light bulbs, radios, automobiles, phone lines. Some or most people chose to wear certain attire, blended the past with new styles of attire. Crystallo's shoes did not match his eyebrows wide face or thin mustache. 

"Deliver a package to the blacksmith. It is the one by the Tavern and temple on Swarden Street. Read the signs, if you are educated enough. Otherwise ask one of the locals." az-Ghoul handed them a package to deliver. Crystallo picked up the bundle of furs wrapped in newspaper pamphlets. 

Vanned allowed them to deliver this package for the Furrier. Nevole's structures were arranged in the shape of a triangle of some sorts. That did not matter for them in their task except for getting through the settlement. It was difficult to spot the Eothan traditional clothing as many wore modern or new style clothing of the new era. Some did wear the caps, others the beaded shoulder belt. Both of them bumped into a few Eothans who held appearances of an Uxane, and Ottante. Others held a Korive, or Aleonese feature. When they reached the blacksmith, they found a group waiting at the door. Showing the group, they had a package to deliver allowed them entry. 

Whoever ran the blacksmith shop did not keep it in the best shape within its interior. Piles of scrap metal, tools, pieces of armor, broken tools, screws, rusted blades, cogs, anvils, barrels littered the floor. Sadly this was just the entry hallway to other rooms of the blacksmith shop. Ine one of those rooms a female blacksmith crafted a pretty set of steel armor. It appeared more like a steel-clad spirit armor some would craft once all the pieces are finely forged. On a neatly cut paper read "Suntail Hawk". It had to be the name of this set of armor as it had a tail of scales similar to a Hawk's tail. As pretty, and curvy as this half elf female blacksmith appeared with her auburn hair. Her muscles and height made her too tall for Crystallo's comfort. Dropping the package on an empty stool at a bench the sleezy thief ran out of the blacksmith shop. Noswal took a glance at her body for a few seconds as she fixed up the armor before running out. He almost had to chasse the thief down. 

"Let's get back to Vanned. Before we wind up on some lost temple altar of sacrifice in Eoth country." Noswal urged his scaredy cat companion. He maybe an Orc, but that never meant he was stupid. He was educated by an elf who passed away when he turned thirteen. Now he was an ex-thief, volunteer recruit to a track on the hunt for a wanted Djinn. Back at the Furrier-Taxidermy workshop Vanned chatted with a dark curly haired famous bard of the Southern Aleon free regions, Shanen Twell. She wore a skintight jumpsuit made from a dire mountain leopard's hide. 

This singer-bard sat down and started shooing Vanned away. She was only flirting with him. In a playful town she announced her fame did not permit him the honor of chatting it up. He was not here to purchase anything today as well. For all she could tell he was wasting the Furrier's time, and mucking up her thoughts process on a new set of lyrics. She laughed then gave him a kiss on the side of the face. Vanned motioned for them to join him in leaving the Furrier. The Timberland Guide led them over to the northern edge of Nevole. At a mountain Mead hall, and a cabin lodge they met a Grussian-Eothan Ranger. Dressed in mixed military fatigue, tucked in flannel shirt, beast hide vest with pockets for shells, bullets, knives, sturdy boots on their feet. This Ranger appeared experienced in their profession. On the Ranger's head rested a cap with the short brim meant for wearing helmets. Noswal glanced at the cabin-lodge with just two stories in height. He guessed there had to be a kitchen, den, bedroom, a guest room, storage, bathrooms, study and lounge area. Outside on the porch sat a grandfather clock, butter churn turned into a patio table, garden chair, corner chair, and a gray cat on the corner chair. 

"This is Veteran Ranger Toyal Santagos of the Eoth-Grussian Mountain's Beteran 259th. No he is more Eothan than Grussian don't let his appearance fool you. Some say he is part Koriv like myself. He knows where that Djinn last went. Before we even head out. Who is hungry and who knows how to shoot?" Vanned introduced them to Toyal who shook hands with both. Noswal was not a horrible shot, but he was not a great marksman. As for Crystallo, he spent most of his life stealing, conning, scamming, manipulating, and cheating. So, any military experience was off the charts for his experience. Yet his nimble hands, charisma, and charm would do well. 

Santagos got up to enter his own cabin lodge to return with weapons, boots, and hand radios from the invaders. At forty-five years old this Eothan, possessed five different types of pistols, five rifles from the aliens, 3 Onway Revolvers, and holsters. Crystallo declined to take any of these weapons. He tried to pass himself off as a pacifist type of individual of peace during a time of violence. Yet his wording sounded more like a bad insult. 

"Suit yourself con-man." Toyal grunted distributing the weapons between himself, Noswal and Vanned. As any host would Toyal invited them inside his two-story lodge-cabin.  Sure, many would call it a cabin, but most cabins were small like a cottage, and one story high. Behind this humble abode Toyal had a meal cooking for more than one. 

Four large Tasr Blood Mountain Pesky Cats roasted over a spit. In the back of the lodge, they ate what they could of the chewy wild meat. Toyal already invited three Uxane adventurers to take the two roasted creatures that were not eaten to their barracks. Clad in Eoth military uniforms, Nazdar-Grevaskii tan fatigues the trio would only reveal a secret involvement with the aliens. Behind the rest of Calorn's back, four nations, Vunnace, Grussia, Eoth, and East Koriv felt forced to collaborate with the Nazdar. Mostly allied against the Gantronese these four independent states formed their own Quadruple Alliance. Only three had the protection of the mountains. None of them mentioned that alliance as they ate and drank together. A secret oath made between one another in case their allies hand personnel present. 

Getting to know these three Uxane in mountains brought access to free transportation. Although they were thieves their crimes were overlooked. Yet Vanned took note of that in log and about their current status. Free transportation in the mountains was a luxury military personnel possessed. In these parts of the Eoth-Grussian-Koriv mountains most settlements lay close. Close enough to walk, which pushed the motorized transportation requirements aside unless it was along the wider roads. Towards the east they made their way to a station where a small convoy awaited. 

"We'll have to head east in order to go west. This military convoy needed to head back to the factories in Grussia. Most of the roads are paths or under construction." Vanned pointed out. 

One road was blocked by a pile of dirt and rocks from a recent landslide. A convoy of six tanks, 2 jeeps, cargo truck, half-track, anti-infantry armored car AIAC moved towards the main roads. Right along the road they passed three stone-built houses, a winery, wineshop, a gray mare resting in the grass, mountain pyramid, a tavern, pottery shop, a church to an Eastern deity, two cabins, before reaching another mountain. Heading south the convoy was led by a driver who happened to be a Mystic of the Hidden Way who took down several hotshots before they left the area. 

As they snaked down the mountains to flat ground at the mountain base, their convoy cut through a settlement. Here they had to stop at a military base for a day. At this base the convoy met a weld fast wing smith who specialized in building aircraft. In the morning they brought them coffee. This paler Eothan just watched a hired blade trip over a Sanu Sanctuary Cat last night just before the convoy arrived. Laughter spread across the base in the mess hall for a moment or two. It was a funny story to share with the base full of personnel. The commanding officer, Mayeth Zehong exited her office, entering the mess hall. Everyone stood up falling silent as if the story was never told. A female Eothan of coffee skin complexion, short body with a curvy physique that could not hide under the fatigues she wore. Nothing was exposed just her shape could still be seen. Most of the fatigues Eoth possessed came from the invaders. Some were either Nazdar, or Gantronese. Just Noswall and Crystallo could not blend in well enough as personnel. 

"Just in thuggers, Rune Claw Bear unit seized and occupied a Bawdy House outside city limits in Assumarya. Only 688 left in that battalion." Mayeth reported with a half mock tone. It sounded amusing to the unit, a whore house being used as full cover in a combat zone. She gave them permission to relax with an at ease command. 

"Hey Chief Warrior Mayeth, do you remember that one Promising Dusk Mage Warlock? The one a Vunnace Shadow Knight commando found in that bombed out university?" an Eoth Mamoa (Sergeant) sitting next to a Mountain Scout brought up to their topic. 

"You mean that same Warlock who let loose a two headed zombie of an obsessive stitcher in the modern university, Sergeant Oggles?" She asked the Eothan Mamoa warrior with cropped hair. 

"Yes, Chief Warrior." the Eothan answered with embarrassment. He was obviously checking her out. 

"His or their pet paid a deadly visit to a lightning Mauler from Norvath. Some banishment was involved over a sparring mummy incident. I don't know how we came by that information." Zehong filled in the rest of the story. 

"Do we need to start over?" another Eoth asked her. 

"Load up bugs, and maggots the front is not going to move from Koriv by itself." Zehong barked at the unit of thirty-one Eoth Soldiers. She grabbed the Eoth soldier who asked if they needed to start over. With a nefarious smile she kissed the soldier who attempted to get away before she lightly smashed his face against the table then shoved into someone else's buttocks. It was only for fun making everyone else laugh. Noswal was certain they hopped that would be the last time she kissed them, as pretty as she was. 

In silence they road down to the furthest yet closest train station in Eoth. Noswal watch out the window of a half-track with Vanned driving this time. Their own convoy passed a testing ground for military vehicles. Telling the difference between vehicles was easy for him as he did serve for a single year. One lone Ramming Ironshell Bettle Armored Tank 1.35 rammed through a target. An old shed with a brick wall reinforcing it stood little chance against the Eoth tank. Noswal leaned back in his seat to sleep off as much of the long journey. His mind went to the number of thefts he committed wondering if there would be a last kiss for him that did not involve love, or lust.