Flag of Muskalla

 

Once a part of the Khasar-Sagran's vast territory of nomadic life this section of land north of Gontrella, west of the Blackmells held a different name. Allied to the Vullanese Islands, and Gontrella this newly formed nation may struggle to regain any territory back. Especially with the Nazdar invaders slapping Vimsdra as a large territory separating Ossus from the V.U.V.R. 

Muskalla: Borte of the Nomads

Was this a joke or something? The Boathrian Islands going against the Vullanese Alliance. Nymres, Gontrella, Muskalla, Ossus, Arqolith, Vidothra, Vodwania, Galaia, Vimasdra would crush the Boathrians she haughtily thought to herself. Seated on a rock like it was a stump, Borte Baggi kept believing in victory for the Vullanese. She opened one eye to see if anyone noticed her mocking smirk which went away as she did the breathing a stretching meditation. Getting back into her stretch, breathing meditation Borte and several others did this after consuming a booze that causes one to see things after the first glass full. Her hallucination involved ant men fighting lizard folk. The six-legged humanoid insect hallucination fought against the upright large reptiles with the long snouts, strong scaly tails that had muscular arms wielding weapons. One of the meditation participants mentioned their hallucination involved flocks of Atotolin on western islands even though there were no islands around them. Yet to the west of their location lay the coastal regions of the newly made country of Muskalla. Four main islands, two peninsulas made up the coastal region that met the two lakes they shared with Vimasdra, and Vodwania. Khesigan the lake that is home to four Sagran islands. One of them belongs to the invaders. As for the smaller lake north of Khesigan was named Dracon. 

Her own people the Khasar-Sagran once roamed the lands that are Vimasdra, Ossus, Muskalla, and Bisdolan as if it was theirs for eternity. Alien invasion, the Muskallan Conflict took away large swaths, no chunks of their lands. Millions of Khasar-Sagran felt the toll of this invasion of their lands. Forced to quit the nomadic herding life they became stationary horse breeders, ranchers, steed breeders, livestock herders, caravan guards, Caravan Leaders, mercenaries, guards-security. Others chose the lifestyle as goons, thugs, wanderers, scouts, trackers, burglars, highwaymen or bandits. Plenty found professions as equestrian instructors, stable hands, Weapons Handler, saddlers, Tanner, Sages, Harness Maker, Assassins. Few became Toll Keepers along the borders with Gontrella, and the V.U.V.R. Their old nomadic lifestyle had them in competition with Uxane tribes, Orc clans, Gnolls, hostile Lenai. 

Packed within a region of 425,000 leagues, ten million Khasar-Sagran have to call themselves Muskallans. This left them in competition with Troglodyte Tribes over mountains and hills along the Blackmell Mountains. Mostly consisting of humans, half-Orc, half-Goblin, hobgoblin they the Khasar Sagran, now Muskallan appeared more human with acorn shaped eyes. In meditation with others Borte shared three fires. One made from wood with no stones, two of them had rocks around them. Fish cooked over one of them, and a shell creature over the other. Among eight Khasar-Sagran practicing monks, Borte Baggi did the breathing, stretching meditation two more times. Opening her eyes Borte no longer saw the hallucinations or any illusions. What she saw was the old, paved road Gontrella made using and ancient technique. Sixty-five and more Yurts flanked this old road, which belonged to the Azirai Smoke Shapers, Kejutt Barbarians, Alliig Sorcerers, Borbo Trackers, Abajn Monk Warriors. Getting off the flattened rock Borte came close to bumping into a passing ox. A herd of 1,200 Kating Oxen bound for Bovine Vimasdra encircled their camps. Herded around in a numeral eight pattern these oxen wore long plumes. It was surprising how none of these Ox bumped into each other while making the pattern. 

Knowing parts of this old, paved cobblestone road reclaimed by overgrowth she paced a long a part of it. Somewhere this road branched out forming ways to other roads and paths. One of these led to a hut owned by a healing witch who makes potions. According to Ekk the Heavy Rider, one of those paths led to an empty cave. Bored of the meditation Borte did not care to proceed with the pacing back and forth. Going to her own Yurt Borte recalled the number of times they had to stop. Their Yurts acted as house tents that were easily dismantled for a nomadic life. Certain her two or three daggers, pair of fists, strong legs would do, Borte mounted one of her horses to check one of the paths in the road. 

Once mounted Borte witnessed one of the unsavory characters, Du Baxxi, become cast into darkness for making sexual jests at one of the more voluptuous female monks of their group. Sorceress light archer or Kagan, Zuthan was behind casting that spell so Du can learn to control himself. Getting a good chuckle at the crude scum's misery Borte rode out of their encampment for a path to explore. Her own Harrier Companion, a Great Leaper Hawk she named Chaon joined her. Swooping down from a gnarled tree within the camp's interior Chaon rested on her right pauldron. Wearing a set of three rings taken from an open grave. The origins of the rings had more to do with the deceased required to pay the angel of death. Vodwanian Isles was where she got them. After dealing with a merchant who legit violated a female noble alongside their peeping tom spy. Borte offered whatever was in their coin purses to replace the rings in the grave. Yet the female noble committed suicide by drowning herself. Shaking the story away she reminded herself of the payment for the job. 

Astride a gray spotted horse she rode along a partially paved dirt path. She passed through another layer of their encampment. Encircling the 72 Yurts were 233 tents meant for 208 laborers, bondmen, skilled slaves, 3 milk maids, 26 Flower Dancers, 22 Banner carriers, 6 extra Heavy Riders. Out of these 208 traveling bondmen, laborers, thirteen lost their lives. An unlucky number thirteen was. It became taboo to have that number of anything. Thirteen skilled slaves and bondmen became a meal for some Hill Howlers. Just their skulls remained untaken. On this overgrown cobble-paved road she saw one of their Heavy Lancers take out a Hill Howler. Accompanied by a Warlock of Past Ghosts this Lancer was one of the seventeen riders prowling the area in lighter armor over their tunic coats. Convinced she can handle the humanoid beasts she scoffed at the thought of one attacking her. Huge humanoids they were, beast like species, with broad, hulking shoulders, long powerful muscular arms, misshapen head dominated by a gaping tooth filled maw. Blackmell Mountains was home to plenty of that species along with the Gorga Peaks that separated this camp from the lakes. 

Most of the landscape of Muskalla was full of foothills, grasslands, scattered patches of flat plains, small patches of woods, scattered trees, bushes dotting the landscape. Although it seemed their nomadic lifestyle took over the landscape some spots showed fertility for agriculture. Wool, wheat, barley, potatoes, bamboo, berries, tamed Kimbal became the crops her people chose to farm. It gave them a source of agriculture. Passing through the grass, wheat, hills she found an abandoned Lenai house wagon. Checking it out she discovered it was ransacked, looted, vacant. Nothing valuable was found save for a small meditation puzzle. Collecting this up she pocketed it in a coat pocket then proceeded further down the path. At the of this old road, she came across the 'empty' cave she heard about. Entering this cave, she found it littered of bones of skeletons of some long-forgotten clan of goblins. Exploring it further she discovered it led to an old mine under the name of Tahala. 

Four levels deep underground, ten chambers, lost campsite, a subterranean lake, well carved out mine. Only things inhabiting this cave-mine were two feral goblins from some dead clan, a female adventuring goblin warrior, nests of reptiles. Whoever this female goblin was she was found slaying the pair of feral goblins in hard leather armor. Armed with a short sword this goblin had a tail and an earring in the left pointy ear. Two or more sentient humanoid creatures inhabited this underground mine. One sentient Hill Howler in an aging Chlamys-chiton tunic who seemed joyous to see her down here. Exhausted this goblin adventurer found herself trampled by the second living inhabitant. The other was a cristata mole folk, a blind molelike creature focused on mining minerals. Wearing an alchemist solidarity amulet on a leather string this sentient Hill Howler appeared clean of diseases somehow. Calling himself Iggett the sentient howler offered an ancient Vodwanian Hoplite shield, and a claw weapon. Remembering she had the meditation puzzle in a pocket she handed that over to this Iggett as a tradeoff. Iggett studied this artifact pricing it at a 318-500 Soul Coins. 

With the realization of losing out on 500 souls or soul coins, Borte grabbed this goblin by the tai. She marched out of the cave with a new shield on her back, the claw weapon at her hip, new goblin bondsman in tow. Her Hawk companion, Chaon caught a rodent while she was gone. She started tearing into it when Borter approached her mount. As she got to the mount five stegosauruses walked past this cave. It started them a little. Chaon flew away to a nearby tree. Chaon wasn't the type of Harrier Hawk to share her meal unless she had young hawk chicks to feed nearby. Not bothering to lean this Goblin's name the Practicing Monk Warrior tied to the saddle when the large reptile creatures moved away. Ignoring this Goblin's protests, and pleas she returned to camp. Everyone there were intrigued by her tale and captive bondman. Although this Goblin adventurer had a name they dubbed her Jeeves the bond goblin. 

Not even interested in her true name in front of the rest Borte tossed this goblin inside her Yurt. In her possession Borte had a Field Ox as a pack animal, four mounts, a bondman, hawk, five chickens to eat, harvest some eggs. Borte turned around to meet the leaders of their herded caravan, Korag, and Brakka the half-Orcs. They gave her news that came from a courier about Vestrisian, Ottante nations at war with the Vullanese islands. Borte felt shocked by this sudden news. Two continents full of nations against the Vullanese Alliance. Gontrella was losing ground, Vimasdra was invaded, some islands of Vullan already fell. Unsure if she could bear any more news she left for her own Yurt. Set up like most nomadic house-tents Yurts were a home for Khasar Sagran wanderers, nomads, warbands. Outside her own rested a crate of straw, small bale of hay. A street sign she took from a settlement in Ossus, another sign to a settlement her clan ransacked and looted. On her left side next to her Yurt sat a nice crystal formation that she thought was pretty. At the Yurt's entrance she hung an Uxane's foot, which she chopped off. Inside her Yurt she found various tools, weapons, furniture, her two bondmen. One chair, stools, a table, wood folding chair, cage crate, 2 barrels, a keg, drinking keg. Her Yurt was set up with some extra support including a support beam, pieces for a raft, wheels for the cart, cables to connect Ox woke. A ladder lay near the entrance. Next to the beam sat a trap door placed there to cover any obvious hole. 

Tools included push broom for cleaning, large net for fishing, 2 pitch forks, 2 large paddles, small cooking paddle, sledgehammer, long axe, chopping axe, tool axe, dismantling Yurt pole, hook poles. Each hung along a hide, wool, linen wall in their own loopholes. Her current bondman tended to her pliers, socket wrenches, long racket wrench, regular wrench in tool tray. A rope for mount, 2 saddles, whip, 2 bridles, 2 reins, 4 horse brushes, wooden rake hung on the section next to the tools. Useful items included 3 pails, a basket of carrots the bondman plucked, clay pot, gas can for liquid, tin mug, eating bowls, blue candle holder on the table. Borte did not travel without a torch holder, four lanterns, torch on stake, torch lamp on floor while another was on a beam illuminating more of the Yurt. For further decor she had a bongo drum, tribal totem staff, long wood Uxane Wolf Pipe, 2 award ribbon pins she took from an adventure. Three Uxane horned headdresses, Marion helm, crusader's helm, a plumed helm with a vizor, several Uxane shields, and clan shields. For weapons she possessed a katana, curved blade, 2 scimitars, cutlass, longsword, eagle warclub, a ballistae projectile used as a spear, 2 javelins. One staff learned against her bed which lay near the warmth of the small fires. Her own bondmen would sleep opposite her. Firearms included 4 pistols in holster ammo belts, hunting rifle, lever action rifle, 2 old Ossus rifles, 2 small cannons for prizes. She knew this would be listed set of items to keep up with, but she needed to. Among her possessions were five chests, small case full of treasures, clothing, and other equipment. 

She still wore the 2 cuff braces, 2 spurs, green preserved snake as necklace, riding gloves, bow in her hair, bandana on her head. Hanging on the beam she hung her modern cap, riding hat, silver cap. Several days later she forced the goblin bondman, and Lenai Bondman to pack up the Yurt for travel. More of their skilled bondsmen were lost to six members to some Reptilian Confederacies which spread across their world of Calorn. Ancient, mostly lost to civilization these reptilian confederacies consisted of 248 bands to make up the remnants of an elder empire. Some appeared similar to crocodiles, alligators, small blue eyed fat tailed lizards, draconic lizards with tails, others appeared more serpent with four limbs. Each of these reptilian humanoids rarely showed up near settlements. One of these slippery elusive humanoids died by a rifle shot once it was found. Unable to the find the rest their caravan pressed onward in a northern direction. Four days went by as they took the old, paved road to another well-kept road. 

Next stop was to an enclave named White Rex Nest. It was full of witches, mages, female warlocks who call themselves Arcane Wives. Consisting of more than a hundred structures that look like cottages, cabins, peasant stone houses. Each house was three stories tall. Borte heard mixed stories about these Arcane Wives dispersing enemies using divination to fool them with illusion. Ten towers guarded this enclave with a garrison 55 Serpent Dragon Warriors. Whether they were humans, Orcs, half goblins, Elves, half elves, half goblin, half orc. Serpent Dragons held a special alliance with these Arcane Wives, wealthy Lenai, other sorcerers. As their herd passed around the settlement's perimeter they eyed the guards in their scaled helmets. 

Locking eyes with one Borte was sure she would miss the site of Aragosh. Aragosh, a Khasar Sagran tent city surrounded by preserved carcasses or skeletons of dead colossal wyrms. Not their intended destination Aragosh was home to the worm clans among the Kasar-Sagran. Not the most intimidating sounding name, but the Worm Clans had their ways to scare or ward off enemies. Khasar Sagrani were known to eat everything for nutrients, except poisonous plants, bark, certain creatures. Some groups came to be called cannibals, others called them monsters, or monster cannibals. They were a people of mixed blood with necessary professions, skills, determination to survive and make themselves worth coin. When they passed a totem next to the road, they were semi greeted by a scene of an Uxane Druid tied to a tree like it was a crucifix. Some small band of these Worm Sagran members captured this one for sport. Their road steered them westward towards the city of Lucak the Mountain City. A Dwarf built settlement, Lucak rested on several peaks and hills high enough to act as a platform city in the sky. 

She overheard residents or citizens would pull around coops on wheels full of chickens, Harriers, Doves, Ravens, Monkeys, Parrots, Flying Squirrels to give or sell as gifts. Other creatures included ferrets, or large toads. Each type of pet gift was cared for or tended by a dark elf servant. Other rumors or tales say a Dwarf, Halfling, or human cared for these living gifts. Wealthy ones walked around with a bodyguard. Some of these bodyguards were dark elves, Orcs, half Orcs, Khasar Sagran, or Kuruks. This city of Lucak was not the city for them to stop at. Veering off the path they went to a shrine closest to the northern central part of Muskalla called Korgoth. Korgoth was where a cult of warlocks, monks, rogues, gather at night with thick hair. Skeletons of deceased death worms, large worm serpent like creatures left untouched are used as shrines there. Here in a gathering of ten thousand worshipers she met two others while conducting some business. 

First, she met a figure named Captain Val of Evusia who went awol after the war against Redrin went south. Eighty-one other Evusians joined him in leaving their empire. It is no surprise that these Southern Ottante-Vestrisians made it as far as Muskalla. At a well-constructed tavern, she sat with this Evusian Captain. Here she witnessed a halfling serve a large Orc who sat with a few others at the bar. Seated at a table she learned these Evusians were in Muskalla for merchandizing, mercenary work, caravan escorts, Tour Guides, bodyguard work. Just yesterday the lost a thousand Soul coins worth of equipment to a pair of metal eating shell like creatures with long fuzzy antennae or feelers. The second figure she met was a war mage who called herself Vorkol of the tattooed half breeds. A Dark Elf Sagran Mix with tan skin multiple tattoos. Black thin dreads in beads, a bandana over it, pirate style boots over their legs, leather greaves, leather cuirass with belly exposed, one belt with a sash, rapier at their hip. Pauldrons covered her shoulders arm braces covered their forearms. In her story she left a lover at a market in Gontrella. She made attempts to hide her guilt, but it did not work. It was obvious she left a lover somewhere. 

After hearing these tales from the two non-nomads she felt the urge to leave her homeland and see the world. Forty-five Khasar Sagran, Bards, Barbarians, Sorcerers, Rangers, Trackers, Scouts, Archers watched these rituals. Some of their own escort herders, Dren, and Baggi, the monks who meditated participated in the rituals. Borte watched these rituals go on into the night while drinking. She woke the next morning in her own Yurt. Next to her lay Vorkol, Lubash the Heavy Lancer Barbarian. Whatever she did the night before she would rather leave it alone. Kicking Lubash awake Borte made him seek sunrise meal in his own Yurt. She ate up half the portion of what the goblin gave her. Borte gave the rest to the bondman and goblin. Vorkol her guest gave the rest of her own to the bondmen. The dark elf looked out the entrance then made a disgusted expression, which made Borte laugh. 

"I did not realize these rituals involved eating worms." she blurted out in disapproval. 

"You are not one of them. That means you are not required to eat the creatures of the earth. Unless they are rodents, snakes, four legged beasts. I-" she was cut off by one of the caravan leaders named Yatal who summoned her. Getting up from the chair to join Yatal at their own death worm skeleton as a meeting place. Leaving Brakka, Emen, Tejj, Gorga, Murok, Tajab, Abbe, Kang, Scarg, Hagar to watch over their herd they received some news. According to a courier named Morgez the fast, ten thousand Sagran they stationed at the Blackmells were attacked. It appeared the mages, or witches got tired of the raids on various communities. Sleep spells were used on 317 of their own Sagran. Nullify spells were also used on nearly 210 targets. Two hundred seventeen Sagran became pinned to the earth by arcane forces. Lubash took out a cig he got from the traders scoffing at the news. Borte went up to him snatching the cig from his mouth after lighting it. Puffing it herself she shoved it in his face. 

"Would you like to end your pitiful life? Then choke on those cigs. Others want to live." 

"Borte relax those culprits are dealt with. Let's focus on our job." Keth the bearded one ordered her. "Now there is other news unless you add the continuing downfall of the Vullanese defenses." 

Four weeks dragged on with her involvement in this war as absent. Their job was done, a new companion joined her, a new bondman settling in. Her human bondman suffering a stab wound from a fight. She required a new one. Borte knew where to get another. In the southern central settlement of Zhem Deadlock some 458, 000 outlaws resided there as punishment. Between Vodwania, Gontrella, Argolith, Nymres, Vidothra, the Khasar Sagran, the Ossus States an agreement was made about captured outlaws. Any ex-pirates, highwaymen, thieves, burglars, assassins, outcasts, arsonists, rapists, murderers were sent to Zhem Deadlock to become bondsmen or herd laborers. Borte was in the market for a new one along with other members of their 46-member band. Paid a sum of 150 Souls per week earned her close to 1,000 Souls. Selling the dead bondman's belongings earned her 450 Souls. 

Among all these outlaws who were banned from killing each other this city hosted an assortment of useful trades. They were presented with blacksmiths, masons, furriers, cartographers, linguist translators, harness makers, skinners, maids, falconers, messengers, scabbard makers, animal groomers, and butchers to sort through. She just needed a new bondman, nothing special. What she got was a Reckless Scholar named Philupp. His story involved a Gilded sentinel of Vodwania becoming a part of a pirate's prize of 3470. Her hopes that he could be useful weren't exactly shattered, despite his thin physique. Dubbed the name Phipps the scholar was a little clumsy, yet he was a linguist, a cartographer, and animal groomer. That was enough for Borte. Borte, her companion Vorkol, the new bondman bumped into a tooth collector who earned over 437 souls a week. 

Called Scumbag Steve this tooth collector sought to get out of Zhem Deadlock. Hagar the brawling bard could use a tooth collector. As the arrangement was made, they heard about some gathering of 397 Leaders, Chiefs, High Warriors, Khans resulted in the deaths of two suspected spies. This meeting resulted in a pact, deaths two suspected spies, 3 Goblins found near a deflated blimp beaten into the earth. Each leader called for any Khasar-Sagran available to join the fight against this coalition of city-states, communities, and clans of the Blackmells Mountains. Eager to fight she chose to volunteer for her leader of caravans, herding livestock, Gaboss. This was a Khasar Sagran who commanded 800 in the semi nomad clan. Made up of individuals, lone wolves, small clans, gangs, families Gaboss' Horde acted as a company who escorts, guides, smuggles, guards, slays creatures, hunts down any vermin. 

Where were they supposed to meet their boss? On the southern end of the Vimasdran-Muskallan lake Dracon, close to a canal-dam leading to lake Khesigan rested their capitol of Azudem. Here in the city of serpents, serpent hair, snake goddess, 397 Khasar leaders along with trusted followers met. Two days in this city they met, agreeing to send force to the Blackmells. Borte joined 292 of her fellow Gaboss Sagrani who joined the other groups to form an army of 115,000 to reinforce the estimated 9,344 remaining fellow Khasar Sagrani. In their minds they knew to the world they were Muskallans. It was a large number, but more Muskallans were going to fight for Gontrella, and Vullan. Going east, Borte joined Karg, Braak, Lubash, and ten of their original herd's guiding band she made camp with 50,000 others. Stretched across ten leagues, or fifteen leagues 60,000 Khasar Sagran set up a few tent settlements with defenses quickly put up. 

All they heard were more reports of casualties on their side as the mages or communities took their dead from the field. Among these reports they heard their bondmen, or non Khasar Sagrani died while escaping, avenging masters, or grabbing the dead from the mountains. Three hundred ninety-six suffered from searing spears from these Mages. Annihilating fire spells claimed the lives of 358 Khasar-Sagran. Another 311 of their own get lost in a hidden labyrinth at the foot of the Blackmells. Fatal Fumes killed 182 of those who got lost. Whoever got out did the best head count before being thrown in a hole for retreating from a battle. Borte's unit of 3,000 pushed into the Blackmell's feet where they took out a force of 426 Mage Ring Subjugators who joined the V.U.V.R. She fired a round into the scattered mob of mage followers inside a clearing in the foothills. An aerial volley came down on them taking down 440 of their small brigade sized unit. Furious by this her unit hunted these hostile mages, their followers down until their leaders called them back. 

Suffering a blow at the hands of the Blackmell Dwellings they were forced to bring in 313 bombards as artillery. Gontrella, Vodwania, and Ossus gave them these along with caches of Long Barrel 7s, Invortus 93s, Wolf 10 repeater rifles, heavy machine guns of various styles. Some caches included handheld cannon blunder buses, grenade launchers, and a variety of different weapons for toys against their enemy. Three weeks went by with their new bombards, their own cannons setting fire to the feet of the Blackmells. Among their own forces they rallied 352 Archers-Marksmen to fortify a foothold in the south. One battalion of 788 Mounted Berserker Valley Lancers or Valley Riders to scour the northern flanks. Among their own sorcerers or arcane users, and allies, 339 Adept Mages helped them hunt down these Blackmell Mages. She could only assume the ones in White Rex Nest chose Muskalla as their new nation, breaking away from the Arcane Wives. Over 370 Adamat Willing Warriors back their own mages. Anothe unit helped them back the Mages alongside the fronts. Some 400 Kuruks of the Emberhorn Clans. Kor City, a settlement on their Muskallan island sent 360 due to the influence of a Thunderous Orator. From their own unit that barely suffered casualties, 480 Mounted Marksmen, Archers, Lancers went deeper into the mountains with spiteful motives against their enemy. Days went by before they returned successful. Borte overheard that 486 victims were sliced in twain, thousands more were slain. Three hundred of these Mountain Faerie Elf Miscreants were caught. She saw some in their white robe tunics, colorful chitons, blue robes, green trousers, green loose fit shirts. Most either had gold hair, or light brown hair. Most of these elves were sent to pits in the central peninsula to be fed to 231 starving blind wretches. It wasn't Khasar-Sagrani way. Whoever ran those pits were elusive, and tended to arm the hill howlers, or assist any of their own enemies who might as well be rebels to the country of Muskalla. Next year that practice was sent to end in 1842 as agreed by all Khasar-Sagrani. 

Forced to take a child among hundreds of orphans Borte gave it to a family of freed Borte she found close to their temporary tent settlements. The same fate could be said of all the orphans they came across. This was so they wouldn't have to feed them. Killing children, babies, pregnant women, the elderly was not a part of their warfare. As she rode through a path in the mountains one scout mentioned a luminous bond used on a sorcerer. It showed the Blackmell communities were started to split among themselves. She did know of the Gnolls, wild Goblins, Orcs, Troglodytes Kuruks that attacked villages quite often every other season. Some of these mountains were hope to Dwarves, Gnome-Elves, and other small folk who came under attack almost every season. One such community was of humans, Dwarves, Goblin mix who built a castle on the mountains. It appeared carved straight out of a peak. Towers, spires, had neatly laid down tiles. One part of its base formed a round keep with a conical roof. 

Showing some hint of defeat a baron sent a short cut seeker to direct Borte's unite to hideouts of the Mage's causing trouble. What did not help these submitting communities were Muskalla's new weapon, aircraft fighters, bombers. Circling above flew Swiftwing 033s, Gontrellan Hollow Darters. Paid 334 pieces of Mountain Dwarf Coin currency this half-goblin, half elf, led them to a tunnel system deeper into the Blackmells. Whatever path they took it narrowed it enough to a point where they almost went on foot. Deeper in these tunnels within the bowels of the Blackmells her assorted party found an underground city. Some parts were lit with natural chambers, a massive hall took up the center. Here and there steps were carved into the stones. Homes or shops were well dug out chambers in the walls. Some required rope ladders to get to. It appeared empty save one figure who decided to make contact with another plan on the largest flat surface among the upper levels. Against the wall a large white portal opened up. Borte's eyes widened at the sight as wind from the portal blew out any torches or lamps. From the portal spider-like constructs with square or cubic bronze bodies covered in runes marched out of this portal. She estimated close to 413 as they formed columns.

A couple of her own party dragged a hip fired mini cannon along with them. Not caring about the impact it would cause, or cave ins they loaded it rather quickly. She got down behind some stalagmites covering her ears tightly. Firing this weapon into the column the pair of Muskallans (Khasar Sagran) destroyed a portion of these constructs. Parts of the ceiling caved in as a result. Stalagmites crashed into the ground hitting more of the constructs. Unwilling to die the Khasar Sagran raced out of the underground city as it came down on the open portal. Certain their mission was complete Borte led the parties out of the Blackmells to their own cities of Yurts. Her own Yurt was somewhat alive with the bondmen grooming their animals. Vorkal petting Chaon on the head. Excited to see her again Chaon flew to her shoulder. Ordering the bondmen to take a break Borte checked her five chests. Inside were nine gold ore nuggets, a pile of gold Soul coins with jewelry mixed in, rubies, coin sacks partially filled with other currencies. One of them contain her megaphone, 2 binoculars, goggles, maps, and a waving cloth, clan banner. Inside the prettiest chest lay her purple dress, short black cape, toga wrap, poncho, wolf pelt cloak, short gold cape. She did possess other modern clothing to wear every other day. Grabbing one of the coin sacks she found just 32 Gontrellans currency worth of coins. Looking over at Vorkol, the bondmen she asked them. 

"Who wants to see 45 species of elephants in Ottante, and the blue obelisk of Morgadra?" 

Gontrella 1841-1842 An Audacious Infiltrator

Hunter's Edge lay on borders of the Blackmell Mountains. It rested on the foothills near the slopes. Just like an unwanted wart on a butt cheek it stuck out. As for him a small mole rested above his left buttocks. Residing in the heart of Gontrella his piece of shite cottage sat on a rough city style block. His friend were responsible for a painted propaganda against the Gontrellan Leader, some Chief of Warlords and local Lieutenant of the Watch. It was where they were to go as they were ratted out by Hunter's Edge locals. Events delayed their trip back. Two groups fought each other outside the settlement. One group of 428 Hostile Beast Kuruks fought 413 Raging Redcap Goblin Knights. A unit of 576 Cavalry Drill Masters move in to help a school of 299 Half-Elf Monks so they can deal with the two forces. Around that time one of their friends a pupil to a large university closest to the borders informed them this battle stirred a wild herd towards another village. It was while a cog work archivist construct helped with a cram session for 1,035 pupils who watched this herd of grazing glade hart antelope stampede. Alchemist Andylle Ingotz stood outside his own cottage in his tan collarless button up shirt over a white collarless slip-on tunic, trousers with side buttons, maroon outdoor loafers. Andylle's  combed over hair showed signs of thickening since the last time he had it cut. Andylle's friend Lars Blackfire a fellow alchemist-artist from Geverine who also held years of experience as an acrobat due to pressure from family. That was before moving to Gontrella in 1833 AN.  

Lars joined him in his white tunic shirt, leather trousers, leather hide apron. His long brown hair sort of met the same texture as his brownish skin color. A scar over his right eye made it clear that it was blind. Both heard the story about some Towering Wave Mystic between the coasts of Vodwania, and Gontrella. Part of some ancient race of the sea or waters this Mystic was more of a merfolk type humanoid. The types many sailors, and fishermen kept reporting. Every season, hunters, monster killers, adventurers, or knights hunted them down or chased them away. It sounded more interesting than what Andylle was hearing while outside his cottage door. In front of a newly constructed reinforced bank full of safes and vaults a tall female elf Blade Veteran chatted or argued in a blue decorative long coat with propped up collars, gold scarf wrap tunic under a vest made from layers of woven fiber overlapped by a bullet resistance material called Vakko. Only the dyed Vakko could be seen while the woven fibers made up the interior. Her trousers were similar to his own yet under horse riding trousers. As for boots, they were Nazdar issued boots meant for all terrain. Most of their Grevaskii wore this. The person arguing back appeared more human than dark elf in his adventuring outfit that fit over casual linen clothing. 

"Which places were you not banned from?" the Vakko wearing elf continued. 

"Banned from some local taverns across the central portions of Gontrella. The Woodsmen's Guild Pub, Earls Stables Tavern, Boat in the Statue over in Vorgo's Moat. Even the Skeleton's Headache banned me. Delias the Fat Cabana doesn't want me there anymore. Yet that obese Orc-Ogre-Goblin Spawn allows mini Bernes Fortowings and his mother to sit there. He is old enough to marry now, but girls seem to avoid him." The Dark elf unveiled to the Vakko wearing elf. 

"Oh, so he cannot be seen with mom, because it is a turn off. Then he has to be nice to his mom in order to be kept away from the outcast label." 

"You saw her yesterday and last week. Doesn't she tell you anything?" That sort of pissed her off. She stepped into his space almost touch his nose with his own. Roughly brushing past the Dark Elf the female elf blade marched angrily over to a group of five stumps often used as seats. Behind these stumps stood a patch of neatly trimmed trees, a vendor vegetable stand, an isolated shack near a shed to someone else's property. 

"Are you going to watch those two argue? Come on Andylle help me fill these three potion bottles." 

"Just came out for a breath of fresh air and a moment to my own thoughts Lars." He answered turning around to reenter the alchemy lab. His loafer shoes stepped on the dirt and the four tiles with cross designs then on the stone steps that took him to the interior. Inside their lab was messy with shattered glassware, vials, stools at bench-shelves, island table, cylinders, jugs, jars, beakers, retorts, calcinator, alembics, pestle and mortar, scales, oil lamps, abandoned mugs, glass funnels, glass flasks of different shapes and uses, distillers, furnace pieces, large pots filled the shelves. Similar instruments littered tables in two other rooms. Andylle, Lars and three others toiled for hours to create a universal solvent that involved filling up 721 vials. Meant to keep soldiers warm and hydrated while they are on patrol along the coasts and patrols. Andylle checked a window to see the pair sitting opposite each other. 

Those were not the types of conversations Andylle and Lars wanted to hear. Especially when war broke out just last year. War was not glorious, glamours, or hospitable to either side. Yet it happened whenever opposing sides reached boiling points or someone offended another. Trespassing was another reason war happened. An army or intruder crosser over uninvited into another state armed. Yet immigrants, travelers, refugees, wanderers, merchants, entertainers became an exception. Even health workers such as doctors, nurses, apothecaries, healers were granted permission. A loud knock came at the door tearing their attention away from their work. Andylle answered the door leaving the other alchemist lab workers to their corking and sealing. 

At the door he found seven Canal workers, nicknamed Canal Monitors due to their line of work. Andylle spoke to their leader who requested that a workshop assistant construct help them. One Canal Monitor or laborer mentioned a problem caused by a mutiny that started. Under the leadership of a single influential chill bringer mage 302 workers dropped their work. Two of their canals connecting the settlements of Promenth to Willowhill. A road connected those settlements to Westblade in the north of Vorgo's Moat, their current location. Truckloads of stones, boulders, bricks clogged the canals, and a bridge was destroyed. In one settlement a riot broke out during the canal mutiny. A total of 396 rioters and a ringleader became involved who were disgruntled over a shipment of goods coming in late. 

Despite having roads connecting the bridges, traffic tended to drag a little. According to the canal workers parts of the canal were clogged using merchandise in other parts by shady strangers. Andylle road with them to see for himself. Inside he hoped none of those merchandise was one of the shipments they sent over to the front. One nice shipment of 600 bottles and flasks of a substance called stone-sponge. A crafted substance that acts as a cement filler that expands. At the site of the clogged portions, he learned that a goblin smuggler dumped the cargo leaving 426 intact bottles and flasks that required chiseled out. 

"I see the substance works." He muttered to himself. This stone sponge they invented expanded when it came into contact with liquid. Bringing over the construct took time as it required loading onto a truck. It was not the only construct brought over to help. Well into the night some 874 laborers and contractors dug up the debris. 

Sixty-four constructs moved back and forth bringing piles of debris to the mechanized wagon. Most bottles/vials made it whereas 137 of those were lost. Whoever managed the cargo or loading moved ahead with the deliveries. Whatever else had to be dug out were discarded or shipped back to storage. Andylle did not return to his piece of shite home until four in the morning after three days of hard labore. Lars and the others forced him to relax at their lodge in Hunter's Edge for seven days or so. With the radio on loud Andylle hoped to get some news of the V.U.V.R. encroaching on their borders. All he got were reports of skirmishes, raids made by Orcs, Goblins, Troglodytes, Gnolls, Kuruks isolated incidents such as crimes. A knock came at the door that turned into a loud banging jolted him awake. Andylle rushed to open the door. Instead of Lars or any of their associates a sprite pixie was at the door flapping their wings. These were Imp Harpy Spawn that looked like a red skinned goblin with bat like wings. Introducing themselves as Iggitte the Sprite-Pixie belonged to a merchant guild in the southwestern coast. This one came to this door with news. 

"I see you be that Aclossen Alchemist Andylle Ingots. Lars Blackifre sent me over here to warn you. A Vampire envoy met with ninety-two of them rioters, and mutineers. Terms were discussed but the main Vampire ordered 318 of them dropped in a merciless resolve. It was like some spell or something. No it is not a real Vampire just our title for governor." this winged goblin winked. 

"Anything else, what happened to the Chill bringer?" Andylle asked gripping the door. 

"Oh them, the Vampire of the region sent a Syncopate Assassin Mage after them. A female half-elf, or half demon 328 years of age or experience sent for 2,000 Black Gems in coins." This Imp answered Andylle's mind spun around changing his concerns over the Chill Bringer who started the problem. The Vampire reminded him of his own crime of propaganda.

"I don't care about that. Was there anything else. Are Lars and I off the hook about the propaganda?" He demanded forcing the subject away from the leaders. 

"What propaganda?" This winged creature asked with a wink and nod, flapping their wings to stay in the air. It became the code or phrase that meant you are off the hook. "Say what goes on around the borders? We've heard nothing for nine to ten days straight." 

Rolling his eyes Andylle mentioned what he heard over the radio. The region's Vampire, literal tittle of governor oversaw a Burning Prophet's execution with malicious intent. Their crime was becoming a source for acting as a guiding force that inspire over 284 to charge against orders of their superiors. This was through sorcery which became restricted with certain rules. Six days ago, shipments of Invortus93s, Khet Rifles arrived at the border along with a portion of the shipment his alchemists made. Towards the north a group of 50 Ogre-Dwarves run into a Necromancer and five of their zombies near Thestlestand. In the south along the coast a dire fleet hoarder suffered a spectral binding near a church, Master Mason's Guild. Their attempted to get out with an arcane bolt caused a deadly volt charge that shot into the church outdoor meat locker shed. Whoever that fake freebooter was they impacted the job of a Church Curate of Monastery Stephen. It involved preserving the hides and meats of Highland Game Elk. A herd was targeted for sport and hunting for the town of Flokk. 

"Somewhere in a Royal Observatory a Scholar of the stars with a thirst for knowledge suffered from a certain spell. It had something to do with a figure who lured him with hidden strings attack to this deal that ends in them suffering from strangling spores." 

"Where is the figure then?" He asked. 

"Who knows, probably gone to the Vestrisian side of things." In his mind he knew that sounded shady, V.U.V.R. officials letting in a sorcerer or mage that kills innocent civilians. Andylle realized it could be that this figure wanted to stop the scholar from discovering something. Why else kill a scholar of the stars. 

"Iggit does anyone else know that I am here?" he asked the winged creature who just shrugged their shoulders. He took this as a no. 

Taking advantage of no one else knowing he reduced the chances of discovery by leaving on a train. With his head bowed low as if a Vestrisian Dead Eye hunted his head. Acting as a dysfunctional deadbeat who owes money yet needs to meet a deadline he rode like a wanderer stowaway on the cargo cars. While riding in the cargo car with nine black and brown steeds Andylle found two mating inside. Something he did not to witness. Sleep did not come easy due to the noise of horses mating. When they were done a nude equestrian came around from another horse to hug both horses. Andylle shut his eyes tight expecting the female equestrian to get down under horse. Despite the wild night he still managed to sleep into the morning. Whatever the equestrian did with the horses he did not want to know. 

One horse licked his face then snorted into it. Andylle sat up after hours of sleep on some straw, folded horse blankets. Another equestrian girl sauntered over to him with a smile on her face. Going for his pants this one attempted to take them off. Scared for some reason Andylle punched her in the eye. More scare of the others he scrambled up, grabbed his bag and jumped out. The train he stowed on stopped at what had to be the town of Bastionhelm, the center of armory, chainmail, leather tanners, blacksmiths, Armorers, and craftsman guilds. 

By the train station he spotted Chapter Houses of Knights, a Public Bath, Castle Library, an Academy Guilds, some Great Museum, Opera House. Some structures between streets, others near condos, or condominium. In a quickened pace he moved past the tracks to a Tavern with a row of transportations in a garage that used to be a stable. This tavern sat behind the station. As he moved towards it, a red-haired elf-demon from Syrianos appeared from behind an alley between the station and Tavern. She folded her arms in a critique manner. Just the way she appeared in the Grevaskii fatigues that looked similar to the ones Nazdar soldiers wore. Only this one was grayish in color. She motioned for him to approach her. Andylle moved with his head bowed low still hiding his face. His whereabouts were supposed to be in Hunter's Edge. Looking at the ground Andylle thought what it would be like if he lived in the V.U.V.R. What would that be like for him? What would their men be like? Just the feeling of a man's body against his own aroused him. Lars was more of a friend, pal, colleague. Fat men did not appeal to him neither did certain activities with men. Just kissing, hugging, or playing games was all he wanted to do with other men. 

Thoughts on men were disrupted when a creature emerged from an alley they passed. Both stopped in their tracks then turned their attention towards this creature. Often known as an Alley Reaper, this creature was the type that went for prey from alleys or from behind buildings. It was lurking behind a condominium behind the tavern they just passed. The storage structure by the condominium was made from brick with a double hipped roof. It extended a little in size and length creating the corner space to hide. Nothing, but a hooded cloak wrap mixed with a long coat covered this Alley Lurker from head to toe. Multiple belt buckles held this custom crafted clothing together. It approached them in a shuffle when another figure came dancing from around the end of the corner of the storage building. 

Dressed in a gold tan tank top dress a curly blonde with pinkish skin tone danced towards them. She did not notice them until she almost bumped into the elf demon. Andylle thought she was a strumpet at first until he spotted the half-star hair clip. It represented coteis, women paid by the settlement to perform services. Services did include dancing, singing, calming massages, exercises, or motivation. Yet these women would often be used for other services. Strumpets were in the larger cities or the coasts of Gontrella, Vodwania, or Nymres. This one acted a little too quickly by pulling her straps down exposing herself then pulling the dress back up. Andylle backed away while the elf-demon gave her an intrigued expression. Her hands found parts of the cotei as they covered her face in embarrassment. Enjoying her a little the demon elf revealed her name be Lieutenant Cannis Azzoran. Both forgot the Lurker that made a motion to lash out grabbing their attention back to it. 

Andylle was about to ditch the scene when twenty humanoids surrounded them. Similarly dressed as Cannis these humanoids wore outdoor vests, harnesses, bandoliers, bullet belts, holsters, blade sashes. Yet none of these humanoids possessed any weapons or bullets in them. Among these humanoids he only recognized the humans, half-orcs, half elves. Three of the other humanoids races which appeared wolf like, raven, or reptilian shrew in appearance. A barbarian looking figure in uniform among them seemed a little quaint. He marched up to the Lieutenant while the Alley Lurker attempted to get away. The Cotei readjusted herself before running away crying. Not caring at all about the cotei this barbarian looking Grevaskii motioned for Cannis to join them. 

"Pay that Cotei a monthly sum then reports to the Drill School Barracks Trap." This barbarian looking figure barked at Cannis. 

"Yes Captain Grumbar." Lieutenant Cannis answered in a small voice. Her attempted to hide her fear worked a little bit. 

This Barbarian Captain pulled out a long dagger. He plunged the weapon into the Alley Lurker's back. Grumbar pulled back the hood to reveal a grotesque fish lipped, bald, earless head. Most Alley Lurker's looked like skeletal malnourished humanoids. Yet this one looked to be a hybrid of sea creature and whatever the other spouse was. Leaving the corpse for the Morgue collectors the twenty alien looking Grevaskii escorted Andylle and Lt. Cannis through the settlement. Gontrella was home to a population of 84 million humans, Goblins, half elves, Zunia Puck Satyrs, Orcs, half-Orcs. First made up of different states, kingdoms that were once villages or camps, Gontrella became a single unified Monarchy over time. Now it became a single state constitutional monarchy close to becoming a central authoritarianism. It demanded for five million to enlist to fight the V.U.V.R. 

Calorn's year of 1841 A.N. came after the catastrophic stalemate they suffered at the hands of the Hexagonal Alliance. Suffering losses to Diron City, Dimcabul, Domoron Mountain City of Dwarves, Haldiron Mountains of the Elves, Vussayran Peaks Dynasty, Prolux Kingdom did take some of Gontrella's economy out. To the south Gontrella had Boathria, which was currently at war with their own Valde ally, Vullan. Other independent neighbors between Vullan, Gontrella, and Boathria such as Shecaster Isles, Tivine State, Defraysal did not help Gontrella's conflict against the Hexagonal Alliance. Around the same time as this Hexagonal conflict, they fought those three Island City-States. Virec Wren Vieth, or known as Vrec Wren Vieth, a neutral valley that has one city surrounded by enclaves, ranches, farmsteads, hovels, hamlets, and mountains became a key target. Fighting the eight or nine states incurred losses as high as 241,020 dead, loss of 17 ships, 200 million Black Gems, 518, 000 wounded, drugged, indisposed by disease. 

As for the eleven states a total loss of 56,000 killed in action, 145,000 wounded. The conflict allowed Nazdar invaders to claim two of these island city-states Defraysal, and Tivine. V.U.V.R. forces entered the civilized parts of the Blackmell Mountains deterring attacks once made by wild Orcs, Goblins, Mountain Gnolls, Kuruks, Troglodytes. With Lieutenant Cannis, the 20 Grevaskii, 10 Gontrellans, Andylle met a Colonel, Major, and a team of other alchemists. Over six hundred Gontrellans ready for the border under the command of Colonel Graskin. According to the Colonel, Gontrella amassed a force to deal with the hags of the Blackmell hills. Not getting enough time to get acquainted with the other alchemists Andylle prepared more health potions and explosives. Faces were familiar, only a few names became recognizable. Harold, Bergman, or Heebner were the only names he recalled before they had to leave again. 

The return to Hunter's Edge was brief as they rode to the borders of Gontrella and Blackmell city-states. Hollowme Spiral, one of the Hag Witch domains that did not help in the fighting against the Hexagonal Alliance. Neither did Muskalla for that matter. It was around that time Muskalla was still writhing over losing swaths of land Vimasdra, and southeastern Ossus. Each of the Hag Witches were responsible for parts of the skirmishes that went along the mountainous borders. Hallowme Spiral rested on a wide hill covered in foliage, surrounded by thirteen to fifteen mounds, hills of rock, earth, trees, and moss. This terrain encircled the old Hag settlement. Upon approaching Hallowme Spiral they found tall boulders, stacked rocks, stones, branches, hardened roots mingled to form a series of walls. 

Andylle's unit arrived at the limits of the settlement where the road wrapped around its perimeter. Members of his unit knew who this Hag was, but refused to tell who it was. This included some Ex Master-Thief known as Blake Five Fingers who was snagged from getting hanged. Martial Artist Adept called Fume who was sentenced to serve as punishment for a brawl. An ex-swashbuckler, Prudence Disfigured Tattersall pressed into service from Trobbel Port in place of a death sentence over piracy. Two Goblins who were inmates over arson, and mass murder. An Orc named Cagon, a pair of Gnolls whose names he forgot. One local Champion Lutu from Marksville, an archer named Stev. Some Arch Druid called Nankil, one ram horned Kuruk called Arius were recruited from the borders between Muskalla and Gontrella. These selected Gontrellan soldiers made up a portion of the experienced veterans in combat who sort of buddied up to him. Run by some Hag Witch of the Moon Illith, Hallowme Spiral was made up of what looked to be 26 Hollowed Out Trees, two meeting halls, 8 cottages made from stone and brick. Two large cabins, 13 houses, a few refurbished temples. It also had a blacksmith, carpenter shop, a wood mill outside its walls, pottery craftsman, mason, small barn. Outside the main walled perimeter of the Hallowme houses two rings on hills merging into the main one. A dwarf temple carved from stone surrounded by five houses made from brick and logs. One roadhouse, village lodge, and small manor rested on a ring which had the road cutting through it. Within one of the rings Andylle some other sights and structures among the buildings. A training dummy at the ring with the temple, a scare crow near some sunflowers, and cornstalks, small field, birdhouse tower, large keg, a few spit fires, and over a dozen shred fires set up. Four horses at a trough close to a well where a donkey was being tended by a wandering friar. This friar was eyeing those who lived within the walls. 

Inhabitants included a shepherd with twelve or more sheep, some goats herd by a blackwater dog while coming along the fence. A trio of boar hunters assisted by a peasant carried their kill on a long branch through a back entrance. One boar hunter held a hunting falcon that scared the peasant who was then made fun of by the apprentice trailing behind them. Some gaggle of geese herded by a goose herd raced through the area. One farm boy feeding two calves from a different farm. He is assisted by a female farmhand wearing traditional overall dress. Another female farmhand by the bard carried a pale while holding a pet pig on a leash. By the sunflowers and corn stalk, small farm-garden a third dark haired farmhand wielding a pick fork. In her other arm she carried a basket of corn. An apothecary Dwarf, shackled sorceress tackled a scarecrow in the farm patch. Near the farmed section a flower maid with a basket pranced around as if she was intoxicated on something. Peldo flowers was the first thing Andylle thought of when he saw her spin and prance. As they approached the Meeting Hall his unit did not have much use for him at the moment. 

Andylle was let off the hook by the Captain and Major. Wandering around Andylle saw a little more of this Hag Witch run settlement. By one of the hollowed-out trees called Hallowmes a trio of militia had an apprentice climbing up a rope. By their Hallowme sat a large rabbit cage where two owls watched from the branches. Between the other trees, sheds, Andylle spotted a family of Lenai with a dancing bear. One played the tambourine; the father played the Shawm player while the daughter was the bear tamer. Four deer raced past the settlement further into the wilderness of Blackmell. He thought one of them looked similar to a large antlered camel without the hump. Checking out from the edge of the wall he spied two ducks or more in a pond likely preparing to migrate. 

No one bothered him as he roamed around discovering more of the settlement in lower parts of hills. Plenty of trees scattered around with new trees sprouting out of them. At one of the wells Andylle found a billboard with news articles on it. Articles concern a Neolithid found in a tunnel outside a mining town no thanks to the Nazdar expeditions. Some Meenlock was discovered under a city close to Gontrella, Muskallan border. One of the kegs of ale may have 64 mugs left inside it. Ranger's Guile campsite of Bisdolan style was discovered by a Driver of the Dead near a font baptize of fortunes shrine along the foothills of Blackmell. One group of Contractors took advantage of some daughter over unpaid debts rather than murder the family or beat up the youngest member of the family that was not an infant or toddler. His eyes were about to read another article when they spotted a cauldron sitting on a chest stuck within the wall. Next to it sat a throne covered in overgrowth. 

Andylle's attention was returned to the interior as two militia in wide brimmed hats rode through the fenced in settlement on horseback. Their movement drew his gaze towards the Meeting Hall in the northern part where he spotted the cow milker and her farm boy helpers. Summoned to over to this Meeting Hall where he briefly met this Hag Witch who is in control. Her own protection and militia included a Gontrellan Old Guard, 2 beast hunters, ranger, 2 ruffians, one bowman, pair of executioners, 4 Uxane, camping cannibal, lone wolf, a Gnoll, 2 riders. Among these lackey-henchmen she commanded 2 cannoneers who worked several or more cannons. Each came with half a score of cannonballs to fire at any attackers. This Hag Witch Matron possessed 6 wolves, 6 war dogs, vipers in a basket, 4 passels of pigs kept for eating. These pigs would be set out into the wilderness so they can hunt them down like boars, once they are fully grown. Others included 4 female pets, an eagle rogue from Ossus. One pair of fishermen who looked like they had seen horrors and were on their way out. Aside from the hunters, and farmhands she governed fifteen other commoners who flocked to her for protection. This Meetin Hall they just entered could host 160 people with little room left over. It was three stories deep into the hill. One barrel of ale, a cauldron of soup for each guest who entered. Hanging from the ceiling was a training dummy dressed up like their own monarch with daggers, and arrows littering it. 

His unit were not the first to arrive to this Hag Witch's domain. They took seats as a female noble, an envoy from the Hexagonal Alliance brought six months' worth of food as a sign of good faith. While sitting down he spotted someone familiar among the envoy and ambassador troop. His own unit grabbed his attention as their commanders came up to this Hag Matron after the envoys sat back down. One of them mentioned a small castle manned by 26 soldiers loyal to their constitutional monarch Cen-Abalon. Another mentioned this Hag's other command of five half-Orc, nine Troglodytes, four Orcs who used the Dwarf Temple carved from stone. Her hag voice broke the silence. 

"Just get the reinforcements to the front! Keep those other Hags in check! You got just what over a thousand Hag Militia for some five hundred tribesmen, sixteen hundred Gontrellans to handle? Now what would we do about seven hundred fifty Forsaken Dwarves, and Elves? Civilized societies cast them out. Towards the northeast we have five hundred forty-eight Coal Goblins go on strike and pick up arms." This Hag sounded more like she was giving the complaints and pleas. 

"All are loyal to the Monarch." Major Kenos responded. 

"That still didn't stop some groups from attacking me. Nor did it stop this phony gang war or tribal war outside Hunter's Edge. This V.U.V.R. has begun moving in further into Blackmell territory. Also there is an infiltrator operating in the eastern parts of Gontrella.-" she was cut off when a Satyr-Zunia Puck male rushed into the Meeting Hall. 

"Matron Noel Blewcome I sp-spotted some two hundred or more V.U.V.R. war camp mastiff hounds near the border with handlers." the Satyr reported to the Matron as if she was the highest rank or the main governor. 

"Stam the Satyr Grove Dancer, are there more coming?" She demanded. 

"One unit of one hundred forty-three proven combatants of the V.U.V.R. were spotted south of the Mastiff positions. The first wave of units had not moved in twenty-two days." Stam answered backing away. 

"Twenty-two days passed before they moved forward huh?" 

Stam the Satyr was about to speak when some commotion outside drew their attention towards entrances. Andylle hid under the table as gunfire tore into the silence. Normally he was accustomed to this situation because of drugs getting in the hands of the easily addicted lunatics. This situation was different for him. As he peeked from under the table a group of sixty-six armed Gontrellans wearing blue n orange arm bands rushed inside. They wasted no time in taking down occupants of the Meeting Hall. Vestrisians were among them taking command of the group. In moments 17 of their own unit pounced on fellow Gontrellans joining these revealed traitors. Most of the soldiers, militia, and guards fell from this sudden assault. Inside the levels of the Meeting Hall a mix of gunfire, screams, shouts, furniture getting toppled over, glass or mugs shattering. Whoever was not a combatant made attempts to flee the building. Whether they were hit with bullets, tripped over furniture, or tripped over bodies it did not matter as some found themselves prisoners, hostages. Once everything quieted down the attackers o Hallowme Spiral started setting up their own base of operations. He got out from under the table with his hands up when he was commanded to do so. Lars stood before him armed with a pistol wearing civilian clothing with a V.U.V.R. flag as an armband. 

Andylle's heart skipped a beat when he saw his own colleague and friend as a traitor. His body felt numb, paralyzed from the sudden shock of seeing his own pal betray a country a grew up in. All this time Lars was working with the enemy as the infiltrator. In his mind he hoped this was not true. He had to be dreaming right now. Reports about Kuruks and Gnolls attacking the first Vestrisian Units echoed in his mind as one of the turncoats reminded the others. Standing there stunned Andylle allowed other people to bind his hands behind his back. Apprehended in a section of the meeting Hall twelve Broags or Hag Servants, 18 Gontrellan soldiers and one Alchemist saw preparations for something. Whoever Lars worked with set up their operation quickly while forcing the prisoners to clear out the bodies. A cruel thing to do for those who were calling themselves liberators. At least they respected the corpses. R

Days went by during their captivity by these traitors and Vestrisians who monitored the frontlines. Andylle wondered if Diron City, Dimcabul, Domoron Mountain City of Dwarves, Haldiron Mountain, Vussaryan Dynasty, or Prolux Kingdom were behind all this. As he worked as a working prisoner, he could hear conversations between themselves about the frontlines. One report involved 518 Kuruk Skull Cleavers, 330 members of the Bitter Bow Gnoll tribe, 712 Kuruk Abominations, 397 Stalking Predator Beasts assaulting V.U.V.R. positions. Along the Flurry of Horns Peaks, this assault came against 267 V.U.V.R. personnel, and three other units. South of Brushie Town the brigade called Massed Horde engaged some company sized VUVR units. One of those units called the Sand Steppe Outcasts estimated to have 210 members. Another unit of 390 V.U.V.R. personnel called themselves the Kiln Fiends took Utter Hill in the central east. Gontrellans retaliated by sending Dagger Drome Imps, Hazada Snare Soldiers, Celestian City Enforcer Clerics, Boggart Brute Goblins after the Vestrisians at the border. Losses included 588, 158, 285, 411 dead, 1153 wounded, 330 taken prisoner. Their own coasts suffered invasions such as unit of 300 Knights of the Tusk Order from Boathria arrived. 

Mobilization was now in full progress between Gontrella, and Muskalla. There were other units being sent along with notable ones. Names of these units included the Masked Black Guards 387 of whom made it to the front quickly. A second notable one consisted of 666 Tribal Blade Berserkers from the borders, 313 Staunch Shield Mates moved towards the Boathrians who landed. Others included 325 Rage Throwers, 242 Dead Eye Rig Haulers from the western ports. Muskall sent over 386 Azirai Smoke Shapers who are originally from Talus. One of the radio people mentioned another unit of 314 Staunch Shield Mates arrived from Vodwania. One outsider unit of 433 Onakki Ogres are sent over by the Gantronese invaders. 

Their location remained untouched for weeks, showing how much communication was lacking in this region. V.U.V.R. forces pressed further inland. This was forcing Gontrella to sent in its aircraft intended for the Boathrians which were a member state of the V.U.V.R. Andylle overheard that their own Apex Hawks aircraft started making sorties along the mountainous borders. While Gontrellan loyalists bombed the mountainous regions their location needed to be changed. Going further with their infiltration they pressed north. To them it appeared the best option right now. As the hills were left alone and the Hags were wiped out by loyalists. To the north of the Hag Hills there resided a Scientist who was wanted by the six Zhenrai Orders of Calorn. Known as Dr. Shelhoff this scientist was known to unveil up to 353 Entombed zombies along with 358 stitched assistant zombies. According to some witnesses he acted like a rambunctious mutt about it. How the infiltrators and the Vestrisians present managed to recruit him was big mystery. A scary one to those who know of his nightmarish exploits. None of his creations were ready to move on their own at the time of their arrival. These became deadweights already as more V.U.V.R. forces pressed their advance. 

Happy Flag Day

 

This is my own version of the United States Flag. Below is the actual flag of the United States of America. 

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.