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Post by V on May 7, 2008 3:29:36 GMT -5
Incense smoke twisted through the air. Smells of strong cinnamon, lavender, opium. "Ah, enter, traveler. Have you come far? Please, sit down. Have you been here often? No? Ah, traveler, Anea used to be such a beautiful place. Long ago, when I was a mere child, Anea was lush and green, why, even the rivers of sand, far north, once was orchards and estates. Then came a radical young Ayriian named Vorsar. Ah, he was quite... different. Before he was even grown, he was dominant. Before the third full moon, the Easterners and the newly formed Western nation worked hand in hand. They shared goals, intermarried, for a short while, they were unified into one land, known as Kaniak. On the eve of his twenty-first birth-anniversary, two moons before his marriage, did he raise an army from the deepest forests and caverns in all the south lands. When he did lead his armies forth, the high council had nothing to repel; Gold and promises weigh heavier than decrees and statues. By the end of Vorsar's crusades, Anea was split, back into two Kingdoms, along the River of Sand, and the Caldera Mountains. The Eastern kingdom, Harad, and the Western, Ayrii, are now constantly embroiled in a civil war, Westerners for total control over Anea, to claim the land for a new found deity, Easterners solely fight to unify the lands once again, however, to more great extent, they fight for their right to merely exist . As it stands, no one has won, but you must look elsewhere for anything who have not lost. The greed of the West has seen to that. The once great River Osgilian has but been drunken dry. Where our orchards once stood, only squat cornerstones of the old estates remain. Whole forests have been harvested to drive war machines. Aye, "Vorsar the Relentless", as he came to be called, truly is mad. But prayers still are said, though law forbids it. And they are heard by Shah Kadeem Chichor. The great leader of the Eastern lands still holds a hope for Anea, and he fights for his people. The feud has gone for generations. I don't believe anyone, save elders who's minds have not gone, like myself, but even then, no one's certain. Aye, echoed on the winds is songs of change, if one only learns to listen. Leaving so soon, stranger? Why, when our story is half over, and yours has but begun?"
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The Grand Hall, adorned with many fine ornates, including several gold aesthetics, crimson silk tapestry, and what else that may reside in such regal palace in the desert lands. The kingdom of the East consisted mostly, of these kind of people, however, a minority few would be those who resided in the Far East, which is now uninhabitable. In the Grand Hall, servants waited upon the plump man, adorned in such fine attire, that he was no doubt this great man, Shah Kadeem Chichor. Taking a seat upon his throne, the grand hall doors swung open, and a man dressed in light armor held a parcel. "A message, my King..." He simply said. "From the frontlines..." A nervous expression formed on the Shah's face, as he reached for the roll of parchment, and unrolled it. His brown eyes scanned the writing, and he placed a brown hand upon his black beard. "The Ayriians have taken the Fortress at our border...." He relayed to his servants on the messenger. His face now red with anger, the Shah squeezed the parchment. "Send me my finest Generals at once! I'm afraid my Fortress Captains cannot hold back these...these...barbarians from the West! But, this foolishness ends now..." The soldier left for a few minutes...but returned with several men...and one woman. The Shah stood tall. "My Generals. You have all been selected, for none of you, have ever returned without my banner raised in victory. Now, is the time we need to trait of you more than ever. Vorsar's armies now march into Harad'rim soil, harvesting our very resources even now. The captains at the fortresses have failed me, and I call upon your services to help take back what is ours, and protect our people, our homes...YOUR people, and YOUR homes." The Shah was very charismatic, and could easily inspire even the most stubborn of souls. "Serve me well, my Generals. Take your armies, CRUSH our foes. Today, we flatten them within our own lands, tomorrow, we crush them in theirs." He then proceeded to speak with each individual General. "General Daishi. Your men are famous for being the most cunning, and most swift. Which is why, you will fly my banner to the most South of our defenses. And keep it there..." He gave a similar speech to ever General, identifying a trait they could be proud of, and one they could improve...until he came to a final two; One man, one woman. He approached the male first. The male as dressed ornate armor; fine scale corslet, that gave off a gold sheen, adorned with garnet tunic. Plated armor covered the entire body, even head. His face was shielded by a brazen helmet, and mouth by a garnet veil pulled up to cover his lower face. Out the two holes in his helmet, the desert man listened to his King. "My General, General Kahyet. Your men are the most famous cavalry in my kingdom...and I don't mean just the ones who ride horses. No, the trumpeting of your mighty elephants, the Mumaks, strike fear into any Ayriian, and much to the sight of one of those fifty foot beast, one can even drop dead. Which is why, I am instructing you to march forth to our breach, Cavalry and Mumak in trail. Bring salvation to hose mercilessly slaughtered by those wretched Western barbarians." The Shah then looked left, to his final remaining General. "General Jia Min." He told her calmly. "My only female general...and even born from the most Far East of my Kingdom. You truly are a marvel. How one of your stature, a woman and an outlander, rises through my ranks...and even earns my respect." He placed a dark hand on the garnet leather pads on her shoulders. She too, was dressed in a similar fashion as General Kahyet, but she had no head covering, and the garnet veil was more like a muffler-scarf around the neck Black hair down to her upper back, hung loose and free, while slanted eyes stared at the regal man. "And you, your archers and rangers, are the most accurate and focused men I've ever laid my eyes on. You will march with General Kahyet to the breach, and rain your fury upon those who would defile the land of Harad!" All the generals briefed, the Shah walked off to his throne. "You have all been briefed...and when the time comes, I will ride with you into battle. And hopefully, Vorsar as well, will meet us on the fields. May Hora watch over us all." In unison, the Generals knelt before their king, before leaving to prepare for battle.
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Post by Turn 360 and walk away on May 7, 2008 21:12:38 GMT -5
"Aye, stranger, please, sit back down. You don't even yet know what awaits you beyond those doors. Out there, in the western lands, are some of the most beautiful caves and forests in all of Former Kaniak. So full of natural splendor. In the Caves of Anagra, and others scattered in the South lands, like terrible beasts. Great trolls of grey flesh and rotted bone roam. In the east borders like the Nоabul. Good-hearted and fiery-spirited. They are feathered bird-men, only slightly greater than yourself. They are a proud and arrogant people, and often quarrel between themselves. But if crisis is felt, all of them, stretching from Ybess in the gulf of the Churning Dragon sea in the far south to the Harriy in the northern Rivers of Sand, band together. Aye. If you stay here for more than a day, do stay in a Ybess village. The women of the village are as kind-hearted as any woman. "In the northern deserts a great city grew beneath the sand. Ma'hapа, insect-like, but possessing the mind and strength of man, thrive. The shells are bleached white, but flesh of mud brown, and claws of black iron. They tear travelers apart, as sport. As of yet, none of our men sent to communicate has made it back with his head. Nekahtрh, that is to say, Ape Men, live in the forests of the south. They are a diplomatic people, though, not hospitable.
*full bestiary may be created in the Info And Rules section, at**** ****Han's/my own will. Feel free to make your own creatures.***
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"Today is our day! Today is the day WE get OUR land back! Today is the day we fight! Not for Gold, nor for statues! Not for power, but for Pride! The foul stench of the scum beyond this border shall no longer perforate our crops and towns! Their putrid bodies shall NO LONGER defile our lands! "For too long, we have been shunned, LAUGHED AT! Oppressed, and conquered by the very dirt we sought to escape! My friends! The strength in my arm! The Body and Soul of Ayrii! I asked thee one request! I asked for time! In the time you granted me, I have cleansed our nation, Perfected it! I HAVE MADE OUR NATION THE GREATEST IN THE MODERN WORLD, AND BEYOND!" His head was shaven. His eyes, framed by heavy bags, were black as pitch, with little white at the corners. "Our enemies at home... they have been reeducated. By your hand! Our Nation" at this, his fist beat the corner of a stone pedestal, "by your hand deemed fit by Aythre, Is now ready to strike fear into the hearts of ALL WHO OPPOSE HER! WE ARE DOING A FAVOR FOR THIS WORLD BY LETTING IT INTO THE NEXT! Are we not? Those who stand, blocking the divine purpose of our subjection are no better than those unfit by Aythre! I ask one more thing, and it is to give me more time. Time enough to make this world fit for Her visit. My friends! Is this so much to ask?" He pulled a glove off his right hand. three fingers were missing. His crowd, adorned in the Blood and Amber of the Ayriian "God-Army", flew their banners. Brilliant amber, with a crimson 3-pointed star, and on top of it, an eye, jaundiced yellow, with a black gold slit pupil. Hung from wrought-iron javelins. "IT IS OURS! IT IS TIME TO TAKE IT!" He approached his greatest men. His army wasn't awarded medals; a red badge of courage was more meaningful. He had a few of his own; he had lost an eye it a throwing ax. His hand had been devastated by one of their infernal seige engines. Took most of his hand, and a leg. the first man, a length of cloth across his ear and brow, was talked with first. A blue vein pulsed in the Reheраn's temple. The Воеhguerra, War Master, breathed heavily. he had expended himself in the speech. "Tonight by the set of the moon, we shall lay siege to Rороa Rорbl. Once we achieve our foothold, this world shall be cleansed." He turned to the next man, black hair, cut long enough to cover his ears, baked brown skin. "You are to take your men and eliminate those damned Enbol in the Forests. they have been causing too much trouble to make their lives worth keeping. Do you understand, Mарwаn?" The field marshal snapped his clenched fist over his heart, bowed low, and marched off. Soon, war cries rang through the crowd. Each Reheраn was told his order. Each Reheраn laid waste to what they were told to. Or else a fate worse than death inhabits their best days.
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"Yes... yess... this will do nicely..." The speech done by the Воеhguerra of Ayrii broadcast into her eyes. She now saw a woman. Very attractive. The Ayrian crest lay, distorted, across her breast.
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Post by Jo on May 7, 2008 22:05:28 GMT -5
" On the borderline of the two great nations Harad, West is Ayrii was a metropolis of wonder. To all it was a haven. All species lived as one communal. But even in the most prosperous of places they were stricken with plagues of problems. If yer itching for cheap help then look no further then the undercity of Kamigawa. There lies slaves of all races, all genders. Beasts more dangerous than any man or woman. In the common quarters of the city is the great marketplace. Any natural and unnatural wonder may be purchased from here. Silk spun by the sisterhood of the Dancing Moons. Jewelry recovered from tombs of the ancients. Any desire, whatever whim you posses may be found in this mystic site. Love, death, lust. Emotions rule over all who enter. And destruction who dare to destroy which is not their's. On the highest level of the city lived the politicians, rulers of Kamigawa. Much of the noble folk lived on the Second tier. Many of these wealthy citizens were of the Fey races. Such as Nypmh's, Satires, Pixies, Nixies, and the distant cousins the Elves. On the third tier lived the merchant, the fourth tier commoners. Descending to the fifth tier we enter the Undercity. The blackest of all markets if you will. Finally as we descend past natural sunlight we find ourselves with the slaves on the sixth tier. ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ " Auntie will we ever see what is up above? You've been there. You have seen the light" little voices faltering to nothingness. Eyes wider then saucers, tears forming from them. Hope still lingered in their voices, but even as she stared in them she knew it was dying a slow death. " Yes my dears. The light is exactly as you heard of it". Even as these words left her mouth, the woman dared not repeat them infront of any others. It was forbidden to speak to slaves, especially those of kin. " Sleep now younglings. Listen to void of noise. Dwell on this and I must urge you to never reveal that I have come here. Or that I have spoken of forbidden subjects". She knew. She knew that they loved her more than their mother or father. To these innocent souls she was all they could not be. She was a hero not deserving of the title. She closed the door to room and into the next. It was all made from sandstone. Cheap in this area. Especially since it was within the cavern walls. The next room she came in was a living quarters, a kitchen and a bedroom combined together. " Sister. I love you, and remember one day I will come back. I will free you from your shackles. Please stay strong until that day. Do not release hope to the bitter sandstorms". " Bast I shall try to. I love you as well dear sister. Now leave before you are seen or worse yet arrested".
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Post by V on May 7, 2008 23:01:44 GMT -5
"Bring those banners! We'll fly the flag of Harad over the fortress before tonight." This of course, was just an inspiration speech, and they all knew it. Still, the veiled male General, Kahyet, ordered peasents and the like to tend to his cavlary and, three Mumaks that were coming along with the siege. The structures were in place, and archers on them, all that was left was to raise the garnet flag to the post. The flag of Harad was a mostly garnet flag, golden trimmed, with the insignia, being two crossed scimitars in the center of the sea of garnet, colored of the golden trim. The spiked spears, shields, and swords of Kahyet's cavalry were being passed around, as he raised his small legion. The plan was to take back the sieged fortress, and then, with the word from the General, fortify with more forces. So, this legion consisted of, at the most, two-hundred fifty men, adorned in gold plated armor, with garnet veils. The steed provided, a tan Arabian breed, bred to be swift and strong, were the choice of the Harad'rim cavalry. They would ride for a two day trip to resting point, before the final siege of the fortress. Had it only been the horses, it would not take long, but they also bring the wooden siege machines; ballistas and catapults, but also the Mumaks. The Mumaks alone would be enough to demoralize Vorsar's men, that they would be much to shocked to fight...or so Kahyet hoped.
"Quivers full! I want all of you to be ready for battle before the sun sets." The female General, Jia Min, was shouting amongst men in the armory. Looking out to the sun, it couldn't have been more than two hours before sunset. "We must march beside the great cavalry of Kahyet, looking as fearsome, yet ornate as his legion." Her legion would consist of two hundred, making the siege force a total of four-hundred fifty. Four hundred fifty souls bred to fight, Four hundred fifty spears to splinter in the bodies of the Western flesh. The mixed armies would siege, and take back what was theirs.
Sunset arrives, and the massive gates to the grand Capital of Sudentor, slowly lurch open. When agape, rides out a gold and garnet army on tan steeds, torches lighting the way. Behind them, a low bellowing and the shaking of earth, as three massive pachyderms lurch out, like the Overlords they were, slow and fearsome, trunks swinging lightly. The siege comes for Vorsar's men, and may they be ready when it arrives.
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Post by Turn 360 and walk away on May 7, 2008 23:40:34 GMT -5
Moon set upon Rороa Rорbl, the great fortress now flying the crimson and amber. Reheраn Kundeim, Neap (Leader) Graeceam and their troops, 319 after casualties, lay in waiting. Great bonfires burned at the front gates, fueled by the bodies of the dead and wounded Pariah, as most called the Easterners, and the putrid smoke blanketed the camp. the women were spared; they would be needed to keep the army at numbers. The children were spared; They were to be sold to the slave trade. They took shifts pounding at a drum of wood and tanned hide. it took 5 people to carry it. At the final shift of the night, as the drumming stopped and the men rested for tomorrow's Burning, came the what could only be described as "heart-breaking". The men couldn't get to sleep... someone didn't stop drumming. It didn't stop for anything, complaining from the camp, thrown rocks and wood. Neap Graeceam sat up. the broth hanging over the embers was reverberating. His eyes widened in terror. He ran to the drum, and beat wildly. "Harad'rim! Counter Assault!" The men scrambled for the tower walls. Their superior forging and sword-making would hold nothing to what was to come. Their siege comes, and with it, a proscription.
Something ramed at the great wooden door. Braced and latched. The men all prayed to Her.
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Ilona Vostocre stood at attention in front of the Воеhguerra's grand tent. the moon reached it's zenith; She tapped on a woman's shoulder and she took Ilona's place. Ilona took a sip from her canteen and headed away, towards the woods, bordering their marching path. Looking around she found a roll of rough parchment. When nature calls, you don't put her on hold. She couldn't shake the feeling of being watched... it followed her from the tent...
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Post by V on May 8, 2008 22:49:09 GMT -5
Through sand and over valleys, the gold and garnet rode, holding the banner high. For a day and a half, they crossed their lands to reach the breach, and exact their fury upon the infidels. Now that much time later, they rest at the final point before they make the assault at the night. Riders and ranger gathered around many fires, Mumaks resting their bodies, generals in quick collapsing tents to plan the assault. "We'll split our forces." The great Kahyet spoke to his colleague, a map of their land upon a box placed as a table. "Three entrances to this fortress, two small ones for conventional purposes, and a large one for siege weapons. We attack all three at once." He then pointed out one location with his dagger. "Jia Min, you will lead a brigade of 120 men, split of my cavalry and your rangers, to this entrance. The ram will be put in place for you to batter down the door." Then he put a dagger to another entrance. "I'll lead a troop of 120 men to this entrance, again, split amongst my cavalry and your rangers as well as a battering ram." The he pointed to the large siege entrance. "We'll order our best Captains to lead this assault, which will take the rest of our men, and two Mumaks. The final Mumak will assist us by standing in the area between yours and my entrance. The Barbarians will either be too busy fending us off, or the larger siege. Either way, their forces will be spread for too thin to be worth anything." Then he stabbed the dagger into the center of the map. "That is our plan, Jia Min. Inform your Captains and troops. We march after nightfalls."
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When that time came, the Mumaks would be marching first, to strike fear into the lookouts of the Ayriians, and even more demoralizing when the entire army saw the three grand beasts. An ensign bearing the banner, blew a horn, raising the moral of the garnet army even more. When at destination, the three groups split off for the siege. IT seemed the Ayriians were asleep at the time, and only know, were attempting to counter. Jia Min's force had already made it to the gate, when they heard the Ayriians put the ram up to block her from entry. A smirk, as she pointed the house shaped ram forward, which was quickly put into position. The iron ram's head was brought back far on the fulcrum, before being released, smashing into the yew door, making a nice crack in the door.
On the other side, Kahyet's forces seemed to have gotten most of the defenses, as enemy archers were actually shooting at them. In response, the cavalry tried to raised shields above themselves and mounts, while bowmen fired back. Arrows flew back and forth, claiming lives each way, until, the single Mumak assigned to assist them, came more to Kahyet's side. The archers on it's mounted fortress had a much better range to shot the grounded ones, and when they did, it was rain of fury, which claimed several of the Ayriian bowmen's lives. While they busied firing at the massive pachyderm, the ram was put into position, as it began it's repetitive strike on the door. This plan was going perfectly.
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The yew door on Jia Min's side had been cracked nearly all the way...until this one strike of the ram, made a great hole in the door. Her men could see the Ayriian soldier's holding the ram in place. And they immediately raised bows, as did Jia Min. "Fire at will!" she ordered, and released her arrow into the gaping hole, her ranger following suit. Arrows met chest and head of the Ayriians soldiers, until not enough wer ethere to support the weight of the ram to stop the door form opening. Another trumpet from a horn, as the battering ram was pulled back a final time, to blow this door right off the hinges. Already, her calvary had sword drawn, ready to ride in an trample the Ayriian footmen. Revenge would be bittersweet.
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Post by Turn 360 and walk away on May 8, 2008 23:23:01 GMT -5
One beat. Two. Three. Men fell from the walls. Other were thrown like ragdolls, as the doors gave way to the rams. An Ensign pushed his spear-headed banner, already bloodsoaked, into the hearts of the mortal scum. He soon was shot, and lay, convulsing, under the door. The Ayriians knew this was a lost battle. There was no way anyone could fight a Mumak. They had three. A tall man, pale and bloodsoaked, called for a single fight. Against the main door. That woman was still shooting his men. "All we need is time! Fight off the dirt, and rinse your hands in their blood! Once the Boehguerra arrives, the enemy will be slaughtered! Fight, brothers!" he grabbed a stout man, medium length hair and stoney-faced. "Run for our army. tell them to come this way at once!" The tall man drew his hatchet and threw it through to hole in the door. An archer caught the head it in his hand. The rest of the new commander's men pushed open the door wide enough for an offensive drive. he prayed, and gleaming steel drawn, surged forward.
The stout man had his orders. He was not happy about it, but they are orders after all. He flew up the ladder... only a few souls remained alive atop the battery. the lucky ones died. He threw one leg over the wall, then eased the other. True, it was a grueling climb, but there are no other ways out. And an order is just that: an order. Running... running... running... walking... crawling...
"PASS THE WORD! WE MUST TAKE IT BACK! WE'RE MOVING NORTH!" Vorsar bellowed from his post. Men blew horns, others screamed the quote up the line. A stout man had appeared, out of the darkness of the forests. He came bearing bad news. he was allowed to live, for the time being. Slowly, like a beast in sleep, the columns shifted. they were marching through the forest, at break-neck pace.
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Ahhhhh, yesss.... she will do very nicely... very nicely indeed... the time for waiting is passed. Af'farasss..... P'thololum.... Af'farasssss....
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Ilona had heard the horn... a breach into divine soil, from the very dirt she had hoped to beat back. Luck now, was on her side. She whipped here red hair and tied it into a tight bun. She withdrew her short sword and hacked through the underbrush. Now she knew she was being watched... she was sure of it. He head began to ache.... She pushed it from her mind. Someone was talking, but in some tongue she hasn't heard; again, she disregarded it. There is no time to fiddle with childlike daydreams.
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Post by Jo on May 9, 2008 1:18:36 GMT -5
Time has waxed and waned since the dawn of the new year. Only recently had Kamigawa been sieged and now belonged to the Harad nation. Now the once City of Splendors was under a new kind of leadership. But the great lady of Wealth and luck had smiled upon the city-state, they could govern themselves when the treaty was signed. Lately the Under-city had been won in a game of chance. By none other than the Fortune Favourite guild. Many wealthy and politically powerful merchants, rouges, mages, nobles and of course their council. Select men and woman who worship the Goddess Tyche. Yes. The city had not forgotten the ancient deities. Many were still revered after all this time. ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ The young woman narrowly escaped from the slave quarters. Many guards prowled around at night. To ensure that the "citizens" would stay in their sanctuaries. For safety reasons of course. The treacherous trek back to the common tier took some length of time. It was well into night fall. Any sane person would immediately be sleeping. She thanked Tyche for her graceful protection. And to her sister Beshaba ( the Goddess of Un-Luck) to not look in her direction. Bast was no longer alive. She died once she earned her freedom. Now she was known as Lestari. It was common practice for freed slaves to shed their former identities and form new ones. She gazed upon herself in the mirror once reaching her home. Such an odd coupling, her parents. Well a one time deal. Two beautiful slaves. A Nymph (her mother) and a human ( her father). She was specifically bred to become a dancer. More than competent in her art, the grace of her moving feet. Her lustrous hair swaying with her as the music beaten it melodies. Like her mother she too more physically attractive, but in so being so, that too held a curse of it's own. She once heard from an older gentle man about his thoughts of Nymphs. Well more like a common description between aristocrats. This being's beauty exceeds mere words; she is captivating and dangerous because of the motions she inspires. She has long, copper hair, perfect skin, large eyes, and long, swept-back ears.Lestari dared not look again in the mirror. She seen no beauty only ugliness. A monster in new clothing.
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Post by B on May 9, 2008 18:33:44 GMT -5
A horse drew up close to the Boehguerra. It looked weary and noises came from the tortured thing's stomach. The reason for the equines troubles are not only from the stomach issues but also from its heavy rider.
A knight sat on the back of the troubled horse. The armor the rider wore wasn't brilliant. It might've been a long time ago when the user washed it but now it is aged and rusted up with dirt and dried blood of many fallen enemies. The color was once a brilliant violet along with the helmet which covered every inch of the rider's face and the holes were so small that people who seen them would wonder how anyone would be able to see out of them. The armor was thick, all of it was, so thick that no man would dare attempt to fight as it'd be too heavy... for most fighters anyways. Dragging along the horse's behind was a white sash, the only clean thing besides the weapons; it was attached to the rider's waist, this made up for the lack of a mantle. As for weapons, the rider was equipped for being 6 warriors. On her back was a broadsword crossed with a small javelin, both being covered by a medium length shield with the Ayriian crest. At the left of her waist stood a standard sized sword with a blue crescent crest at the hilt and on the other end of her waist was two daggers crossed, not really something to use in a straight forward fight but they looked handy to throw.
The rider herself was a middle aged woman, in her mid-40s. She had short black hair that was disarrayed due to her lack of hygiene and due to the fact that she constantly wears her helmet and other armor. Judging from her partially slanted eyes it was sure that she was a foreigner at one point, her skin was pale but quite warm to the touch. She never talked to her allies, for when she did something they didn't like would come out of her mouth, however to the Boehguerra she was one of his most loyal assets for she believed that she owes her life to him. She was unstable in the head and joined up for the main reason of killing. She possessed amazing, if not inhuman skill, however her lack of leadership and disadvantage in highly open terrain denied her access to becoming an Ayriian general. Instead, the generals wanted to be sure the Boehguerra was well protected even if he could fight himself, if he falls the men would lose heart, so she was there to protect him and never left his side unless he specifically assigned her something. Despite her lack of good skill in open fields, when it came to the confines of a room, she was said to be undefeated, possessed, rumors were there about her saying that she's not human at all. However, she only has fought soldiers, never had she had the pleasure of fighting a general (Though she has killed a duke in her lifetime).
She silently followed the convoy of troops set out to aid the castle. She would not charge forth unless her master did. Even open fields weren't that much of a weakness...
Her real name wasn't said for so long that she gained a nickname, people called her "Skadi".
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Post by V on May 9, 2008 19:07:47 GMT -5
"Bring the ram back! One more should do it!" Jia Min shouted to them men inside the wooden housing. as the ram came back, four rangers with the Horadrem crossbow lined up beside the ram. All the bolts loaded, it was time bring the thing crashing down. The ram relased, and the doors swung open, revealing the men waiting for them on the otherside. The Horadrem crossbows unleeashed their large volleys in rapid fire; 48 crossbow bolts piercing the flesh of nearly every soldier standing there. "Move aside!" Shouted Jia Min, while the calvary rushed in with mounts, the grand tan steeds trampling any Ayriian footsoldier in it's path. Though some were impaled on spears, most trampled Western flesh beneath their hooves. Such an offensive drove the other defenders to this breach...leading the Kahyet's side less defended.
Soon, the door before him broke down as well, the cavalry rushing in. The number of the Ayriians were dropping like flies...but worse was to come, as the siege door started to buckle. On the otherside, the Mumaks had been pummeling at the heavy door for some time, and now...it was about to give way. A pachyderm trumpet, and a charge...the massive doors came crashing down. The rest of the Harad'rim flooded in like a torrent. The Ayriians had been all crushed...whether by horse hoof or elephant pad. There was but one thing left to do. In the center of the fortress, the flag was lowered, and replaced with the garnet flag of Harad. This was theres once again. The captures soldiers were forced to rebuild the gates that were destroyed, and were treated very poorly. On the wall, Jia Min wanted to make sure the enemy was dead...and only dead. With her foot, she would kick every body off, one by one. On the ground, there was stir amongst the bodies of Western men. General Kahyet went to confront it. It seemed the pale man, was able to survive the onslaught. As he gurgles out painful breaths, a spear with the standard of Harad was taken from his horse...and plunged into the chest of the dying man. "No Ayriian lives who stays." Was the saying Kahyet, Jia Min, Shah Chichor...everyone, lived by right now.
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Hours later...a lookout spots an oncoming army. "A counter attack already?" Kahyet was shocked...Jia min was as well. "They recovered so quickly. And now it us who are outnumbered." She added. Kahyet looked around at his force...and smiled at the sight of one of the Mumaks. It 's tusks had a broad barbed wire suspended between them, perfect for dispatching enemy charges. "Jia Min...come with me." He said, and grabbed her hand. Minutes later, mounted on the Mumak, with Jia Min's archers, the single giant Pachyderm left the fortress...closing the newly repaired gates behind them. Generals Kahyet and Jia Min were on the mobile fortress this time, so confident they were this attack would be repelled. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun coming up, they had better visibility of the enemy. All humans. None equipped to fight even a single one of these great beasts. This would almost be too easy. At first...it was a stare down...army and elephant. But soon, the metal boots of the marching army went up again. The Mumak lowered it's head, and let out a low bellow. Jia min and her archers strung bows and crossbows, while Kahyet stood beside the animal's "driver". With a single word, Kahyet released the slaughter. "Charge..." The driver pulled the ropes serving as the reigns, back, and the Mumak ran full speed at the army, barbed wire low to the ground. It caught dozens of soldiers with it, and swung it's huge tusks about. Jia min and the rangers fired down from wooden structure, having such an advantage from up here. Arrows hit and missed often, from both sides. The Ayriians were fighting back desperately, but even the superior forged swords were no match for the Mumak's thick hide. The archers were not great shots either, although, some hit a mark and claimed a few of the Harad'rim rangers, most arrows either buried themselves into the great hide, or the wooden structure. Either way, this army was ill-equipped to tackle a beast like this. It would be time for Vorsar to call upon his "secret arsenal."
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Post by Turn 360 and walk away on May 9, 2008 22:39:29 GMT -5
The men marched, and soon, they column was within sight of the stronghold. Vorsar's colors were not flying above the fort, rather, the colors of the lesser Harad. He payed no heed. "THESE DAMN FOOLS ARE DRUNK WITH THEIR IGNORANCE!" a tall man behind Vorsar bellowed. "Yes, and it is in their intoxication that victory shall be ours." Vorsar replied to the enraged soldier. The battery doors opened, and out of the great structure walked a great beast. It turned in the direction of the charging army. Vorsar faltered, as did his men, as the animal raised it's front feet, and came crashing down in a flurry of dust and stone. the mumak began it's charge. It was dragging it's head, so near the tusks were picking up rocks. They could see the bloodied wire, wrapped around them. The men ran, as did the generals, as did the Boehguerra. The carnage was that of nightmarish horror. The army was thrown, like ragdolls, left and right. Some were simply caught by the barbs of the horrible beast, waiting to die, by being crushed under it's massive feet. The tall man, clawing for leverage, was trying to keep his shredded entrails from falling out of his gaping gut.
All was quiet. Behind the trees. The beast would have no trouble knocking the trees over. This can't last long. So many of their men slaughtered. "They shall be carved unfit for a dog's eating." Каntah I. Vostocre, as her name-badge read, hissed. Her eyes were that of brimstone. Her blood ran black through a cut on her cheek.
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The great animal charged... Ilona sheathed her sword, and locked her sheath into place. Ornate silver inlaid to the handle. a small emerald three-pointed star sit at the hand guard. She ran soon as her most prized possessions were safe. She was, most probably, the first living thing to make it as far as the forest.
The voices... the voices... the voices...
They souded in her ears, all around her hunched body. They were louder, they were forceful... something was pushing on her chest. "Af'farasss..... P'thololum.... Af'farasssss.... Af'farasss..... P'thololum.... Af'farasssss.... Af'farasss..... P'thololum.... Af'farasssss!!"
She lost sight... a green blur resided above her... red ones ran around her, past her.... One threw his arm above him, beckoning her. It sounded like listening through water. She stretched out her hand. her legs were numb, she fell. Behind her, the great, gray blur continued moving towards her.... She tried to crawl. vision... black around the edges.... "can't...."
and then there was nothing.
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The stout man breathed in deeply... his helmet had been knocked off, he'll find another later. He ungloved his hand, and wiped his brow. He looked beyond his hidey-hole. The Boehguerra was behind the tree in front of his own. A woman approached him. She has a twisted smile.. her head was cocked... almost touching her shoulder. She opened her mouth. The smile never dissipated. She turned around , and faced the stout man. The Boehguerra followed. "... The key to your victory lies in your men." The Boehguerra looked puzzled, "how do you mean, underling?" She drew her dagger. An emerald star twinkled on it's hilt. A serpent of silver coiled up the handle. It had no guard; rather, the serpent's head slimmed to a blade, sharpened to a fine point. The Boehguerra drew is blade, however, the dagger was not destined for him. A glimmering sweep, and nothing.
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The soldier had drawn her weapon, and with a single swift strike, struck down her own own, one of his men! "I will deal justice the only way I know, woman! Death!" "Ah, please, friend. Let me continue." She knelt down, and tipped the stout man forward, allowing the blood to flow from his neck. She cupped her hands and collected some of the flow, and dumped it over her head. A deep sigh. She knelt at the corpse, her reddened lips mouthed something. it was inaudible. Looked like chanting. nothing happened. They could hear the mumak coming closer, rooting through trees for it's new prey. Vostocre cocked her head in the other direction, and pooled more blood in her palms. like paint, with her finger, she traced lines across his brow, down his nose, and in circles around his cheeks. The stout soldiers eyes shot open, and His eyes seemed to liquefy. Something was pushing out of his head. Just as soon, the dead man's head was no more. It disintegrated, in a fine red mist. in it's place, a huge green vortex that grew, two men wide. "BEHOLD, BOEHGUERRA! The Nightmares of Man have now become the reality of the Scum!"
Shadows emerged on the other side of the vortex... they were moving closer...closer... a hand, demonic in it's appearance, closed around the tree behind the portal.
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Post by V on May 10, 2008 0:36:51 GMT -5
The ensign blared the horn, while the entire enemy army fled. The Mumak was tearing this legion apart with utmost east. They were in pursuit now, having driven the barbarians into the forest. Right now, the trees were too thick to simply charge through, and would need to be moved away. The trunk and tusks began to work. At first, it seemed this was going to be water under the bridge...and this war would be over in short order. "They ran like the vermin they are!" One of the soldiers cheered, raising a fist into the air. "You see my shooting? I bet you I could hit a fly of a horses rearside from up here." another declared. As the Mumak continued it's deforesting, the two generals seemed pleased. "Perhaps this we can unite this country." Jia Min spoke to her colleague. "After all we are the finest the great Shah can offer." The male general nodded his head in agreement, watching the driver, keeping a close supervising eye. "Hora be damned if we let these monsters of men continue terrorizing the people. We shall liberate them...with these great creatures as a flicker of hope."
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Suddenly, the Mumak seemed to rear, and back up quickly. A flash of green in front of the beast. "What in the..." The next moment, black creatures flew from this..this green opening. They were about the size of normal men...but looked almost bird like. They flew at the fortress, swooping like birds of prey. Jia Min watched one take one of her archers by the shoulders, lifted him up in the air maybe twenty-five feet. And dropped him to the solid ground beside the Mumak. They intended to do this to everyone on the beast. They, the Harad'rim soldiers, were at first stunned by the sight of these winged demons...but now that they knew they wanted them dead, the men would longer stop and stare. Bows raised, they let arrows fly at these fragile flyers. Kahyet had no bow, but he wasn't going to be easily taken, as he proved, when one of these winged monsters came it for a swoop, but ended up being impaled on a spiked spear. Jia Min was busy saving her own hide, by firing at ones who were after her, her conventional bow much easier to reload and fire than a crossbow. She been able to hit quite a few. Some of her men weren't lucky, most were tossed over board, but one was brought up by two of those demons, and just ripped in half, his blood raining down on his comrades. They'd had enough. "Back to the keep!" Kahyet shouted to the driver. "We cannot stand this much longer!" The Mumak turned around and charged off back to the fortress, while Jia Min and her rangers shot down the winged creatures who were following, until they were all no more. The realization of what Vorsar was capeable of doing came clear here, and now..they weren't so sure about what they had said, which was not even ten minutes ago.
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At the keep, the garrison was working it's hardest to get the defenses operable in the remaining time frame. The three Mumaks were united once again, and filled with same amount of rangers. Rangers were also stationed on the walls, and longbowmen and longcrossbow men were stationed on the ground behind those walls. They would deliver a volley from this position, like a hidden barrage, at the Generals signal of course. Ballistas as well, were brought up to the walls, and put in position. The lookouts watched the enemy advance slowly for the fortress. The rams the occupying Ayriian forces were using to hold the doors shut were put into use, and were positioned up against the doors in an "X" shape, jamming the doors from opening or closing, unless they were forced open or removed. No men would be necessary to hold these in place...and they wanted as few casualties as possible. The Mumaks would be a great help in this big fight, for, no one they knew on the enemies side knew the weakness of these creatures. The garnet army was ready for this siege. Cavalry with spear, scimitars, and mounts, ready to trample whatever came through those doors. It was only a matter of time now. On the wall, Jia Min watched the army approach. "My Hora watch over us..." she said to herself. Beside her, Kahyet was staring at the flag. "If we must retreat...have the ensign take the flag down first. Our flag must never touch the dirt..."
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Post by B on May 10, 2008 1:05:59 GMT -5
Skadi's horse took a step forward when the girl came up with that crazed smile, but Skadi wasn't about to draw her weapon, even when Vorsar drew his. The girl looked dangerous, but that look isn't one that was about revenge or duty, it was of something that couldn't be understood. Suddenly the men next Vorsar was killed then the ritual took place. Skadi didn't flinch but looked on, amused, and she was a difficult person to amuse. The onslaught took place, it seems the tides turned again. She watched as they scurried back into the fortress, obviously waiting to ambush.
Skadi looked towards Vorsar. "Great master, they've fled." She spoke calmly, as she only does to him. "Most likely they're planning to ambush us, we should move on them and let them have their way. We can flush them out." Under her helmet, she was smiling. "The Mumaks are the real threat, however those fools stand in ignorance that the beasts are invulnerable. Flush out the Mumaks. I will take care of one, this should cause the enemy to fear us. Once they've found out they've relied too heavily on one card, we'll bring out the ace and they'll have no choice but to fold..." She said and turned away. "My life for you..." She said lowly and faithfully.
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Post by Turn 360 and walk away on May 10, 2008 2:18:07 GMT -5
out of the rift, first flew groups of winged creatures. At this, Vorsar stood, mouth agape. The archers that were terrorizing his men now stood inches from destruction. They flew off with some of the men, and simply dropped others. A pair opted to tear their victims limb from limb. A bloody sight. Vostocre said in an almost metallic voice, void of feeling, and echoed many times, "The true glory of Ayriian military, M'lord." The gateway enlarged, as the larger daemons poured. First out, A roughly man-sized one, though it could just as easily been not from this, or any, world. Smooth-shelled, yet fleshy. One of it's arms was not an arm at all, The living mass (you could see it squirming) shaped itself into a large mallet. mud-brown skin. "Ah, M'lord, The Anur'Ranst are a mighty soldier, though stubborn, and stupid. let them offend your enemy, while I pull strings." Vostocre whispered, as if amazed by it's beauty. Next, daemons up to Vorsar's waist, doubled-over, also mud brown, wth gaping, gnashing mouths and finger-like tentacles growing from it's back. It's flesh, too, molded to it's preferred weapon. Most of them opted for a hornbow, of sorts. "M'lord, they go as the Shei'Kabach. Smart, and agile. though weak, 30 of them could lay siege to a stronghold without food or rest." Vorsar nodded... 3 each, thus far, all in perfect formation. He ordered his survivors back in line. One of the Anur'Ranst shifted to a battle ax and shield.
Soon, more terrible creatures filled the ranks. Great, armored, spider-like attackers, led like untethered dogs by Vostocre. Great, old fauns of the wood. Ancient, and slow, but brilliant tactical planners. A monster, of 5 heads taller than Vorsar, crawled from the abyss. At first, Vorsar thought he saw a human, except... there were no eyes, nor sockets to put eyes into. peach-colored flesh stretched tightly over a skill, with but two holes where a nose should be, and a great mouth, opening nearly halfof it's head. The shortest fangs were half a palm long. It's fingernails were long and blackened. it, somehow, found it's way along the ranks, in line with the four others of his kind. "Aye... Nioa'Oea... Man-Eaters." the final one stepped from the vortex, and felt blindly, before finding Vostocre's body. It put it's hands up, Slits opened in the middle of his palm, half-hidden by it's long digits. Black spheres rolled around inside. Small, and shiny. It's flesh smelled of death and rot. It put it's arms in front of it, and walked, palm out, into the ranks. "the globes serve as eyes, and also as smaller mouths" rattled Vostocre. Last, came a creature Vostocre called "Nаt'Pnарх." It had the body of a man, though, His legs would have been filed down to small points. His hands would have been cut away, leaving only a bird-like claw, and his flesh would have been peeled away, leaving rippling, pus-ridden muscle visible. Under it's pointed calves, to it's bare knee, lay ornately-carved obsidian armors. A small break, then it continued up it''s thigh. It's chest was punched though, and you could see electric current running through it, up to it's other arm. On it's wrists was more obsidian armors, and a Guilded helmet cover it's entire face. It wielded a large, nightmarish spear and a long shield. It was at least 2 heads taller than Vorsar. seven came out, and the rift started waning. they headed to the front of the column and rose in the air, arched their back, and wailed a bone-chilling moan. Still more were comming out of the closing portal; his numbers were the same as they had been on the way here. Vorsar, with Vostocre by his side, Threw his arm forward, hand flat. The Shei'Kabach released their arrows, Blackening the twilight sky, and raining the arrows, made of their diseased flesh, upon the fortress. The men charged foreward, in the shade. The Fauns relayed everything, in whistles and breaths. Sounds one would hear in any forest.
He bit his thumb nail, and roared, before going with his "men".
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Post by V on May 10, 2008 22:34:45 GMT -5
Through a door in the rear of the fort, the three Mumak's departed. However, it didn't bring despair to the men, nor the generals. Perhaps they felt they were much too important to be lost. They'd take the siege up front without them. The sight of Vorsar's new "soldiers" made Kahyet give a quirked face, and Jia Min nearly gagged. The demons were hideous...all of them. And the garrison force, including the generals, feared them. Two kinds of fear play rolls in battle. The Mumaks are feared, for the enemy knows what they are capable of, and that is felt through most battles. However this fear they felt...was the worst fear, the fear of not knowing what these things were capable of. At this point, no one was even sure if these demons could die. Nonetheless, the garrison would fight back with everyone they had, and they had much to offer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The men watched the army advance. None of these demons seemed to have had weapons. Range would be the advantage here...or it seemed that way. Seemed that way, until the mud colored ones in their ranks reformed, and blackened the sky with projectiles. Simultaneously, Jia min and Kahyet's eyes went wide. "Shields up!!!" Called them both frantically. The wall of shield metal went up and these projectiles exploded in a mass of bile when they struck, and the smell was highly offensive. A few of the unlucky ones were hit by them. The bile seared through any exposed flesh it landed on, and the toxic fluid would enter the bloodstream, giving the poor man an agonizing feeling in his body, until it reached his heart to stop it. It was time to retaliate. To the longbowmen behind the wall, Jia Min gave gave the signal with her hand. "Volley!" she cried. "VOLLEY!" The men released long arrows from longbow and longcrossbow, and they flew over the wall arcing downward, piercing the new threat's front line. Several of the mud creatures exploded in a sickly yellow color, while many of the frontline, consisting of the Anur'Ranst demons, were struck and their purplish blue blood shot out in mist, before they perished. This was the morale boost they needed. "They can bleed..." Jia Min said quietly, picked up by Kahyet, and he added "If it bleeds, it can die...we will hold this fortress." But maybe, Kahyet was speaking too soon.
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Despite the constant barrage of arrows from the garrison, the new army of Vorsar still marched. The doors they would enter from were jammed with the wooden rams, and would hold up strong, especially since it seemed Vorsar's battering rams were not present, or more in the back. Suddenly, a trumpet blared...then another, and then a third. The smiles spread between the garrison. To the right of the demon army, a Mumak, to the left, a second, and behind them, the third. The men were not despaired by the departure of the Mumaks, because they knew this was what they were planning. All three stomped their front feet and lowered heads. Already it seemed the men of Vorsars army were about ready to run...but where to? Surrounded on three sides by great pachyderms, and the front by the Harad'rim garrison. This was the plan of Kahyet, box them in, and crush them at once. The drivers of the Mumaks tweaked the reigns, and the greats beasts charged...tusks and barbed wire low to the ground. A final gesture from Jia Min, and the cry of "Volley!", and the arrows blackened the sky from the front of the army, the shadows of the beasts from the remaining sides.
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