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Post by Andromitus on Jan 30, 2018 21:15:39 GMT -5
Liege Lord? Jhall took a moment to process what he'd just heard. what Overlander he did speak was what he learned from surface-traders, but this man’s accent was far different then that. He recognized some of the phrases like "crown" and “throne”, which the Traders used when referring to surfaceworld Authorities, and he could tell the man was a messenger of some kind, but there were too many words he didn’t recognize. Switching to Iedic he turned back to his commander,
“He says he’s a messenger from a place called ‘Veritious’. He comes from their Authority.”
“Ah so he’s a Diplomat. Did he say anything else?”
“E-erm, nothing I could understand, his accent makes it difficult.”
“Fine, tell him we’re going to escort him to a nearby settlement, he can relay his message there.”
Turning to the traveller, in somewhat broken Common-tongue with a heavy Asillic frontier-accent, Jhall attempted to convey the message;
“We will accompany you too our holding. You will speak your message there.”
Without waiting for a response, the group of Veiamarr began to make there way back toward Shzahkt; By the time the group reached the settlement midday heat was already streaming over the sun-backed rocks of the Asillic highlands. As they approached the outer fortifications of the settlements entrance came into view, curving outwardly around a large in-cropping of rock with Dominion Banners hanging from its outer towers. The group was greeted by Interior-Guardsmen, other Warrior-Caste Vvain soldiers, who gave them passage into the surface-entrance into the city. Past the walls the group marched up the long stone stairs leading toward the entrance into the underground before curving left toward a small outcropping of rock, characterized by a wide double-door made from a mix of metallic plates and vine-like fibrous material. Outside the structure were four soldiers, differing from the Guardsmen and the Group by their plate-armor, who after some deliberation, agreed to allow the Diplomat to enter alone.
Taking to his side, the Veritian was led into the the building by the Soldiers. It was probably unlike anything he’d seen before: The structure itself was carved directly into the rock, the stone walls all had a slight incline and stone tiles checkered the ground. Anything that wasn’t carved from or made of stone was constructed from either metal plating or similar fibrous material as the door. As he was led in past what appeared to be the central hall, he found himself in a large room with a wide circular table and a series of hallways curving off to the left and right. Three of the Soldiers halted, motioning for the diplomat to step no further forward, while one continued onward. Turning to him, one of the soldier spoke in a gruff, accented Common-tongue:
“You will be meeting a Scrawl, you will explain your message and they will either relay it to the proper authorities, or deem you worthy to properly relay it yourself. Upon her entry you will kneel, right leg forward and head bowed, and in motion with us will raise your head and stand.”
They stood there for a few moments more, the sheer rigidness of Asillic society quickly dawning on the Veritian, until the Soldier returned now accompanied by a woman. Like the rest of them she was Veiamarran, grey-blue skin with pale blue eyes and brown hair, and while nothing like the elves, her ears were elongated. She wore elegant garb, showing off her heightened status with formal, wide grey pants with open cuffs, a cut grey tunic, and a fanciful green-purple robe with stylized and accented stitching, its collar connected with an ornamental metal clasp engraved with a strange insignia.
As she entered, the guardsmen moved to kneel as they had instructed him, and all eyes were on the Diplomat.
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Post by Lex Caledonia on Jan 31, 2018 18:13:37 GMT -5
Following the Prime Minister, King Blair de Brus couldn't help yet again but being enraptured by the architecture of the parliament and its decorations. The Titenfiscans really were a nation of talented artists, he really should encourage artistry back home when he got the chance. Responding to Helena's remark on her capital, Blair sang the praises of Mündungshafen as they sat down. "I'm always swept off my feet when I come to your capital Helena, I wish some of my people had half the artistic ability as yours!"
Settling into the sofa, Blair couldn't help but notice the number of Kobolds included with the Squidspawn now interacting with his entourage, Crowley was introducing himself to a group of kobolds. "I see your talks with the various Kobold clans have been going well!" he said, turning his attention back to Helena. "I wish we had similar progress as you, our clans on the other hand have been problematic. Clan Drakon and Helvez have been at each other's throats for quite some time and aren't budging when it comes to diplomacy between the two of them, clans Maither and Xarbus on the other hand are very cooperative and are integrating with Lexidun society stupendously but it looks like a United Lexidun Kobold Clan is some time away still..." Blair sighed and rubbed his hands slightly, quickly posturing himself and smiling at the Prime Minister.
"But! That's a story for a later time. Lets get right into matter. No doubt you're aware of our colonisation of the Forgotten Isles?"
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Post by axeldonia on Feb 1, 2018 19:17:31 GMT -5
”Oh please, you flatter me.” Helena blushed and waved, smiling. “But yes, the integration went rather smooth once we got Gormgeal on our side. Being the largest clan, the three others were quick to follow.” She shifted a little in her seat, again looking out over the crowd. “But it has been far from painless. Righrean has fought every step of the way and they may very well still be planning something. To the matter at hand, however.” A nearby Squidpspawn was kind enough to fetch her a map, which she gave a quick scan to refresh her memory. “Right, the forgotten isles. Perhaps it time we rename them to something more homely?” She mused before continuing. “Anyhow, we’re fully willing to grant you full sovereignty on the condition that we are allowed to establish an embassy there and perhaps a trade port that abides by Titenfiscan law. Naturally, we will grant Lexidun traders visiting the port a number of favourable deals.”
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Post by Lex Caledonia on Feb 1, 2018 19:56:35 GMT -5
"I was just about to say, they're no longer the Forgotten Isles aye?" Blair laughed and brought out a small piece of parchment tucked away in the front pocket of his royal raiment. Scrawled across it were names proposed for the isles by Crowley and the Royal Census Department. He read out the following: "We've come up with some names of our own and we're still looking for an extra opinion on them. The North Star Isles, The Nolaberdies, The Northern Isles and finally The Myratnis Isles." He returned the piece of paper and brought his attention to the map in front of him. "My personal favourite is The Northern Isles, simple and strong in my opinion! Now yes, those are acceptable requests, you can indeed set up embassies and ports that may follow your law but I must clarify our ports will follow our own law as well. We likewise will also give your merchants and travellers positive arrangements that will allow our two nations to thrive with one another in the region. As well, I would also propose an open borders agreement on the isles, allowing for relaxed travel between our ports, no need for constant paper and identity checks."
The King removed his crown and ruffled his curly dark brown hair before placing it back upon himself. "We currently have a sizeable settlement, as I'm sure you're aware of too, on the island. We're going to officially recognise it as a city and have it be named after the Clan Chief on the island as is the tradition of all Lexidun cities, Nola. Chief Burke Nola is overseeing the colonisation effort and he'll be keen to cooperate with anyone you send over!" He leaned over a pointed at the isles, in particular the two largest islands side by side one another. "Our efforts will mainly focus on the Eastern Isle as it is solid ground with good soil for farming and construction, whilst the western isle is more marsh-like and filled with too many narrow lakes. I'd imagine you lot would do excellent in the Western island!" Blair gave a hearty chuckle and leaned back. "By Myratnis this is exciting, a new city! Lexidus has not been privy to such an ascension of a settlement in over a millennium!"
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Post by axeldonia on Feb 2, 2018 17:52:10 GMT -5
”I do prefer the North Star isles; it makes them seem more distinct.” She nodded at the mention of the western island, her head visibly filling up with ideas. “Indeed. The area would be excellent for farming crustaceans, not to mention all the amazing mud springs! That said, it would be prudent to ask if we could institute some form of local governance on the western island, seeing as it will mostl likely be majority Squidpawn and have a differing economic situation from the Lexidun parts of the isles. I’d propose some sort of council that has power over local matters, or maybe even a condominium. We'll have to appoint a commitee to figure out who exactly will lead the Squidspawn effort, but that''ll be done in no time.”
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Post by Lex Caledonia on Feb 2, 2018 19:20:14 GMT -5
Blair pondered for a moment. The North Star Isles did make the islands sound more distinct, it would also go down well with the northern cities due to their kinship with the North Star Sea. He'd have to discuss the matter further with Crowley. "Of course. Our governance on the isles would be glad to cooperate with yours on the western part of the island. A condominium would suit us both! Those emigrating and being born in the city of Nola would find themselves under the Nola Clan and find themselves electing a suitable person to cooperate with your effort." As he finished his last sentence, Blair felt a deep growl from the pit of his stomach. "Ah. I don't know about you Helena but I am starving! What have we in store for ourselves tonight?"
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Post by axeldonia on Feb 2, 2018 20:10:18 GMT -5
”Ah, of course!” Helena glanced over her shoulder and was greeted with the sight of a waving chef, a pleasant smell of food slowly filling the large hallway. “It seems your belly is right on time!”. She chuckled, folding up her things and heading over into the dining hall. It was comparatively much smaller but still retained human-sized proportions. The whole hall was clad with light brown oak with wide windows to take in the light from outside along with a large crystal chandelier evidently hung up specifically for the occasion along with the banners that draped each side of the wide entrance. Many of the guests had already taken their place along the table, but the food was just being put on the table. Notably, while the Lexiduns where sorted according to tradition, the Squidspawn seemed to have no sort of rank-based seating at all, with the minister of magic sitting next to the education minister at the far end of the table.
The table was decorated with candles in large gilded candlesticks emitting a warm orange glow, along with a long white tablecloth with gold embroidered along the edge. The plates where of course all ceramic painted in a pattern of wavy white-blue stripes. The traditional knives and spoons where of course present, along with an odd eating instrument that seemed like a miniaturized trident more than anything. The food itself was a mix of Lexidun and Titenfiscan food: There where large lobsters with fresh salad and drawn garlic-butter sauce, shrimp with eggs and mayonnaise, a pair of large, fat smoked salmons and more Lexidun foods like lamb filet, steak and of course, duck with a honey-balzamic glace.
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Post by Lex Caledonia on Feb 3, 2018 17:00:48 GMT -5
"Oh dear Myratnis above Crowley, they've got duck. Duck!" an excited Blair remarked to his Royal Steward as the royal steward sat down next to his king. Crowley resisted the urge to roll his eyes, he was of course among company, it would be unbecoming of him to show exacerbation on such an important diplomatic trip. Settling into the dining chair, he noticed Blair poured himself a glass of wine and began to stand up. Oh Goddess, he's doing a toast, thought Crowley.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, be they be Human, Squidspawn or Kobold. Lexidun or Titenfiscan. I want to offer my sincerest thanks for your attendance today and to our wonderful hosts. I wish to propose a toast! A toast to Titenfisca and Lexidus! May our friendship last and our co-prosperity be eternal. May our goddess above, the holy matron Myratnis, our Maither Kin'est guide us both. May our children grow old together, raising sword and shield not against one another but WITH one another against those who would threaten us. May changing times be kind to us and allow us to take the future head on, side by side. Finally, may our affluence be deep but our wine glasses even deeper!" roared King Blair de Brus as he hoisted his wine glass into the air.
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Post by Vista Major, MP on Feb 3, 2018 19:10:26 GMT -5
The High Chief,
The settlement efforts in this, the Arctic West, have been slow but effective. We have established posts in this frozen tundra, but we have had to brave conditions worst than those back home in Asakor. Our three settlements - Tordra here upon the inlands; Fraeor on the north shores; and Caltrus to Fraeor's southern counterpart - are surviving well, but we are finding that there are precious few sources of food in this land. We are living almost entirely on our provisions and whatever measly fish we find on the rivers or the coasts.
We ask that our party of six hundred each post be at least tripled as soon as possible. And with them there must be, first and foremost, supplies to continue our colonization. Following that, we will require more resources for invasion. We are a third the way to this kingdom of Fyllia, and we must start training if we are to have them bow to us in due time.
I and the other two Post Chiefs are in constant contact, but the weather is getting worse with each passing night. I believe that this may be our last communication until the Holy Mother casts calm air upon us again.
May you forever be blessed. ~Herar'tkne Aveio
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Post by Andromitus on Feb 3, 2018 21:34:38 GMT -5
7 Days prior Built into the rocky outcroppings of the scarcely populated low-hills of Asil, Shzahkt was built moving outward, the cavern entrance had been walled with two large doors blocking the entrance, a wide staircase leading down to the first outer gate and to the left toward a large tower. The stairs continued down from the first gate to the second and then out into the rocky lowlands of the Dominions Surface-Frontier border. It may seem insignificant compared to the vast and imperious Thaur cities of the underground, but Shzakht did provide a natural way for the Dominion to express her political wishes among the surface world populace through Trade of goods and precious metals, artifacts of relative commodity underground but of a unique rarity on the surface, and the occasional Raid against heretics along the border. Just below the earth, the city itself was carved directly from the rock and preexisting cave systems, beyond the surface entrance lay an initial marketplace which branched off into an assortment of barracks, other trading posts, caste housing, and the Tertiary gate leading down into the Underground. It would be here, just a week prior to the arrival of a strange surfaceworld Diplomat, that would see the most activity as word from Ixthenpijn reached the Settlement. The Kyasii Dominion was divided into 4 different major, and relatively unconnected, Rivers. Each of these Underriver Systems were governed over by their own Authorities. Ixthenpijn, Shzahkt, and numerous other Thaur in the Southern regions just before the uncolonized Frontiers, all laid within the Ahkmaur Underriver, and as such were subject to the power of the Ahkmaur Authority which managed and operated the general affairs between each of her Settlements and populations. It was this Authority that called for the diversion of Military personnel and equipment to Ixthenpijn and had ordered the closure of the Western Gate. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The crack of stone shattered the general sounds of barter and trade as the Tertiary Gate slowly lifted. Just inside the Shzahkt Settlement stood several rows of Soldier-Caste, almost 400 in all, from both the Vvain and Hanzain Orders. The first stood as common foot soldiers, but the Hanzain were different. Equipped with some of the Dominions best armor and Alchemic weaponry, these soldiers were bred for combat against one enemy in particular. Monsters and Magic. Upon seeing the Hanzain form ranks among them, murmurs began to spread throughout the Settlement and the other Soldier Caste. Why is the Authority demanding such high-caste warriors? What’s happened? Has Ixthenpijn been evacuated? “Was there a breach?” That one caught him. Kosa attempted to hide his anxiousness from the Lower-Caste Soldiers. A Hanzain soldier had to act with a sense of authority, to provide a sense of security to those around them. But him and the rest in his Battlegroup had no idea what they were getting themselves into, and if some were already considering a breach, then he could only assume the worst. Why else would the Authority call for all of Shzahkt’s Hanzein-Order Caste’s? He couldn’t finish his thoughts as the order to begin the march down set all of them in motion. Hundreds of heavily armed Veimarran Soldiers began the long half-mile trek into the underground. The path itself was rather wide, generally trapezoidal in shape. In essence a long squat path illuminated by occasional beacons, with a general decline down into the reaches of the underground, the floor roughened and carved into occasional steps and assorted stone pillars built into the cavern walls to provide stability. On several occasions the incline would drop into a long and steep stairway down. The group travelled this way for what seemed like a small eternity before the stilted air, continuously warmed by the light and number of bodies, began to cool rapidly. The normal orange glow of fire giving general way into the soft blue, green, and purple hues of the Asillic Thaur. The Cavern began to widen before finally opening onto a wide path carved from the clifface overlooking Ixthenpijn. From here the Cavern was enormous, his view of the Western gate blocked by several rocky pillars reaching from the floor to the ceiling. The Blue-green glow of the Underrivers painting a glittering web across the floor, the mosses and vegetation illuminating the cavern covering everything from the ceiling to the ground on which he stood. The soft luminescent glow only broken by the fiery orange of the Asillic Urbanates and minor Settlements. No matter how many times he saw it the view of the Ahkmaur As they ventured out into the Thaur, Zinex’s, a circular, fleshy organism that used its body to suction itself to most any surface, jumped out of their way, gliding through the thick cavern air too more suitable feeding grounds. Sharp whistling cut through the general silence as Hanzain and Vvain-Commanders began to blow small copper whistles which were meant to irritate and deafen most of the larger organisms that had been pushed out of the farmland below. They had enough to deal with without facing off against the undergrounds bestial minions. As they continued on, Kosa’s eyes began readjusting to the lowlight environment they’d been born for, and the red glisten of torchlight began to sparkle out over the underrivers. Boats, hundreds of them. Identifiable as military from their builds, packs probably filled with thousands of men were all heading down the streams and tributaries toward the Western Gate. “They’re pulling troops from other Fronts?” • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Of all the cities in Ixthenpijn, the capitol of Jodenhaur had to be the largest. It was a modern marvel of Architecture, a foundation built on a shallow basin near the center of the Thaur, large pipes cut deep into the earth to pump heat through the cavern floor. Winding metal pipes made the centers and interiors of the cities buildings feel like trees as they pushed heat in, out, and around the city. Since the evacuation of the southern Farming regions, Ahnsei found herself among the other Farmer and assorted Worker Caste’s being streamed into the Capital City. The Soft natural hues transitioning into the harsh orange of fire and torchlight. Soldier-Caste leading them told city official where they were from and were then directed toward a large building near the outer rim of the city. By this point hundreds, maybe thousands, of people were streaming through the streets of Jodenhaur as they moved passed the outer Districts. Her group finally found itself in one a large rectangular building, its walls all with a slight internal incline and all carved with ornate symbology. The building was probably an empty storehouse or a repurposed forgery, either way it easily fit the swell of Farmers and Builders marching inward. Ahnsei was pushed to the back, slumping down near one of the four corners, she relished one of the few times she’d been able to sit that day. Muttering a slight prayer to herself, she eventually dozed off. Ironically, she awoke to the lack of voices; Sitting up groggily she heard a woman clear her throat through the silence. She couldn’t see where, but from the accent she could tell that the Woman was a Scribe-Caste, probably low-ranking given she was addressing Farmer’s; “From the information i’ve been told everyone here should be from the Southern Farming Region, yes?” There was a moment of silence before several “yes’s” and grunts of approval moved around the crowd, “That’s good, I’m sorry to say but there’s not much I can tell you. You were evacuated to allow Legionarres to properly transit around the Thaur, and to properly fortify your region. We hope to move you back there as soon as possible. Until then you will receive word later for work you can perform while in the City, food will be distributed, and you shall sleep, in this building.” There were slight murmurs, “Why’d they close the gates.” a lone voice called out. “I don’t believe that is something you need to know. Have Faith, you will be told what you need to know.” • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • As the cycle went on, Anshei found herself wandering the city. Her night-cycle had yet to technically end but she couldn’t bring herself to sleep, so she moved throughout the confines of the outer district. The smell of food, specifically meat, a rarity reserved for Soldier and Higher Caste’s, and spices did well to take her mind off of things. The City was incredibly different from the Farming Region, gone were the competing smells of vegetation, replaced with food, fire, and people. She found herself by a Temple, an octagonal building topped with a squat dome, its 8 sides playing host to large bronze plates letting air in and out of the building. Stepping inside she felt at least partially strange. Ahnsei usually found herself setting down for Prayer and Alms along the series of flat stones designated for the activity near her Housing Column or along the Riverside. Entering such a hallowed place was also usually only reserved for Holytide’s and times of Worship. But, as by doctrine of Faith, it’s doors were open to anyone who had time to enter. She continued inward, moving downstairs, now alone in a sea of people. Moving towards one of the corners, she took a thick ribbon of Stadaa from the food package the distributor had given her, and placed it in one of the burning altars. She couldn’t properly bow but she made do before raising her pressed hands over her head and down a slow bow. Already the smell of Alms began to waft through the room as people payed respects to the Faith, a calm silence only halted by the the hum of lowered voices.
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Post by axeldonia on Feb 4, 2018 15:36:45 GMT -5
The Titenfiscans at the table where taken by surprise at the gesture, sitting in quiet hesitation for a few seconds before joining in with the toast with a little hesitation. After sitting back down, Helena leaned over to De Brus with an apologetic smile. “We’re not very used to grandiose gestures like that. We Titenfiscans are usually more reserved, so your gesture was a little unexpected”. She then gently hit her glass a few times to get everyone’s attention, simply announcing that the dinner was finally begun. Whilst the Squidspawn ate fish, steak and other food in an ordinary manner, they picked up lobsters with their bare hands, using their sharp front teeth to pierce their shell with a loud crack to get at the contents inside.
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Post by Lex Caledonia on Feb 4, 2018 16:02:54 GMT -5
Crowley leaned in after Blair sat down. "Aye, well done Blair, I can practically feel the friendship in the air..." he drawled as a beaming Blair grabbed a heaping serving of duck.
"Crowley, what you fail to realise is that sometimes its the gesture that counts and not the reaction." The King dug in and was immediately awash with ecstasy, Titenfiscan cooks were no joke too. Crowley tucked into the shrimp and salmon, flinching at the loud noises the Titenfiscans were making, as Blair leaned to his left towards Helena. "Ah I know, you lot may be reserved but you certainly know how to show off! This food is astonishing!" De Brus continued to polish off whatever he placed on his plate, only stopping when Crowley was trying to grab his attention.
"My liege, have you discussed with the Prime Minister the other matter I recommended?" Blair, his mouth filled with prawns, raised an eyebrow at his steward before realising what he meant and affirmed with a shrimp filled grunt.
"Aye, aye. Helena, I also came here to discuss the other reasons for our colonisation of the isles." Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he angled his body to face her a little more and spoke in a more reserved manner. "Are you aware of the Polar Dominion of Asakor?"
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Post by axeldonia on Feb 4, 2018 16:19:34 GMT -5
”Hm. I have heard tales of it from returning merchants and adventurers, but I must admit that I have not studied it much beyond that.” Helena dipped a shrimp in some sauce before tossing it into her mouth, chewing it as the gears visibly turned in her head. “I do know it is not a realm filled with humans and share some likenesses to us, what with their tribes and confederal governance. They do not seem like something of large importance to us, so I am surpised you brought it up”. Many of the other guest at the table where already awash in conversation, so the exchanges of the King and Prime minister could resume as before with a comfortable degree of privacy.
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Post by Andromitus on Feb 4, 2018 16:30:40 GMT -5
Kosa and the rest in his Squadron, alongside the group of other soldiers coming down from Shzahkt, arrived by the Western gate a few hours after they’d entered onto the overpass looking down on the Thaur. By this point the Harbor at the foot of the gate was full of military boats. They were large and streamlined constructions with decks designed for a military-activity, the Ligkas Banner draped over the Bough and Stern. On either bank of the harbor just below the Gate lay two large, circular stone decks each filled with a swell of soldiers still arriving from within and outside of Ixthenpijn. They formed rank into a series of columns and groups, banners of the Ligkas Order raised assuredly over the crowds. Across the harbor in Yuln, an amassment of more soldiers pushed civilians away from the bank. From what he could tell from the assortment of voices, Kosa knew that secondary and tertiary groups, potentially twice to four times the size of this amassment, where gathering in the Southern and Eastern Farming regions to begin training and armament. Apparently the Ixthenpijn Authority had already evacuated the lower Caste’s too the larger Urbanates to make room for the mass of Soldiers now calling the Thaur home. Kosa’s group stopped below one of the Gate’s guard towers, a hush falling over the crowd around them as a seemingly short man in green and black garb, assorted with bronze metal plating and pins, walked out onto the balcony. A General. Moving swiftly to attention, out of the corner of his eye he saw similarly dressed men moving to address the soldiers on the opposing bank alongside those in Yuln. “Soldiers of the Dominion,” his voice boomed over the crowd, “I am General Ackatz ol-Aumör of the Third Ahkmaur Legion. Beyond our Gates, deep into the Frontier, our scouting and colonial parties came under threat from an outside force. An as of yet unknown enemy. The threat has yet to reach the outer Settlements, and Ixthenpijn is not under immediate duress.
However, we will not allow the Yrutan Hordes of the North to rampage through our lands, we will yield them no ground. You have trained under your Caste to defend our people from the Hordes of Men and Magic, from the Surface and below. I order you now, to investigate and annihilate this enemy. Our Dominion over the Frontier shall not be questionable. Never Surrender! Al-Azain Kyasii!”The Group returned the call, “Al-Azain Kyasii!”Over the next few hours the Hanzain Soldiers began to board several of the boats already in the Harbor. They were long constructions, metal spikes and arrow-holes built onto their sides to prevent boarding and anything from landing or wrapping itself around it. On board they found armaments: swords, crossbows, armor plating, and a variety of Alchemical salts, oils, vials, and acids meant to cut, burn, and overall destroy anything that got in their way. Hanzain soldier’s were a rather unique Caste within the Soldier hierarchy. Like others in the Soldier caste they were trained since birth to know their enemy and their teammates. They were experts in group psychology and had a vague understanding of Alchemistry. They were, of course, meant to be fighting the monsters streaming out from the Tabes. All this training and armament did come at a cost, the Dominion’s ability to maintain a prominent Warrior-Caste alone meant it needed a lot of resources to start with, let alone a caste specifically designed against a common enemy. In short, Hanzain were expensive, and to see this many in one place betrayed quite a lot about the mission ahead. By the time they’d boarded Kosa already had a good idea of his battlegroup. They’re were 50 men and women aboard his vessel, 15 other Hanzain alongside a variety of boatswain, commanders, and Vvain soldiers. The others he wasn’t worried about, but from the Hanzain he could already tell that a majority were on the younger side. They were, in comparison to himself and a few others on board, inexperienced which was a trait they couldn’t afford to get the better of them. Shortly after boarding their vessel, Kosa’s group was confronted by a lower-tier Commander, who informed them of the general battle strategy. Kosa and the other Hanzain were to board the first wave of boats entering the Frontier, where they will assess the threat and send scouts back to report. While beyond the gate they will purge the initial front lines of the enemy to the greatest extent and await reinforcements in the form of the Vvain Soldiers training in the Farming Regions. Other groups of Hanzain and Vvain Soldiers arriving will act similarly as a formal resistance against the external threat was dealt with. In essence, it was to be a Crusade. A Holy War. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • A horn call echoed over the harbor and Kosa could feel the paddles of his boat moving them to face the Gate. A sudden crack surprised him, and the sound of flowing water began to grow. Just like in their closing, the Gate was controlled generally through the manipulation of the flow of water, locks that had been previously loosened began to be pulled by the water, and the stone plates lining the base of the gate began to turn. Slowly at first, but the flow of outside water began to become more pronounced as the plates turned sideways to make lifting them easier and with the current. The boats shook as the first wave of rushing water reentered the bay, the water glowing in bioluminescence as it cascaded freely past the Gate and into the harbor. The torrent only began to grow as the plates slowly began to lift out of the water. A second horn call reverberated and his boat jerked forward against the current, pushing up the swelling harbor toward the slowly opening entrance. Falling into ranks the boats trudged up-stream towards the river entrance, already Kosa could see the outside walls contrasting with Asillic construction. Unlike the Thaur, there was no hint of orange flaming lighting the Rivers, just the pure blue, green, and purple of the luminescent underground biota. As the boats travelled upstream, torchlight was lowered and was replaced by the river light, flashing and glowing with each paddle stroke. Within a few hours they’d reached the final outer settlements, Ixaleft, and like the few others they’d passed it was built righting into the cavern walls, looping wires and bridges hung over the river in between the assortment of buildings and cavern entrances into the settlement. Disembarking for a bit to pick up the last of their supplies alongside any information on the threat ahead, which was very little, they were quick to continue onward. They’d been traveling upstream for several hours by that point, Kosa’d been able to grab a a few hours worth of sleep but one could only do so much under the threat of attack. He found himself just gazing over the side of the boat, technically keeping watch but in reality he was just observing the occasional fish swimming downstream. The ironic twist with glowing water is that no matter how much it illuminates the surface, its increasingly hard to see beneath the surface of blotchy water. Blotchy water? He stood up straight with a start to get a second look, and sure enough the once unabashedly bright river was spotted with black swirling voids. Others across the convoy of ships also started to notice the phenomena, dipping pollards and spears into the water to fish out the black, mossy substance. Mere seconds later the bright river cavern began to noticeably darken, relying only on the mosses and vegetation on the walls and hanging down from the ceiling. By this point everyone was awake, and on deck, scanning the ceiling, walls, and river for any sign of the threat; Drawing his sword and pulling one of the torches out from its holster, he moved over to the side of the boat, looking for something, anything to explain what was going on. The air grew cold as they pushed onward, a thin, white object floated past Kosa’s face. Soon the air was full of them, tiny white specks like spores choking the air; the boat shuttered as it and the paddles bumped into see rocks beneath the surface, getting caught on the black substance floating in the water. The blackened water glistened in the torchlight, heaps of the substance built up along the sides of the boat before being expelled back out into the river, lumping together like eels. Sheathing his sword, Kosa moved toward one of the Vvain nearest too him and relieved him of his spear, moving back to his position he scanned over the water and paused. Was it just the substance? What was… that! His spear plunged into the water catching something, the surface undulating and a high pitched scream rebounding across the cavern before the water exploded and a black tendril reached high into the air before coming crashing down on the deck of the ship, long toothy hooks sinking deep into the wood. Without thinking, Kosa pierced it with the spear again, looking the wooden rod into one of doorways, pinning the beast to the side of the boat, the portion falling off the ship getting caught on the metal spikes around the rim. Behind him similar organisms were laying siege to the rest of the convoy; drawing his sword he lunged forward, attempting to pierce it’s hide like he’d down with the spear. At first his sword was deflected off of it, but he eventually cut deep, the creatures innards clinging too his place like spider silk. A red glow suddenly engulfed the back of his vision, and as he turned he saw it; a tower of fire left from one of the other ships onto the river below, the monsters and blackened substance bursting into flames upon contact, the strange spores in the air quickly turning to ash amongst the immense heat. Several of the other Hanzain emerged from below deck, tossing vials of oil overboard which quickly expanded the inferno, the screams of the strange, Yrutan creatures became overwhelming as the river caught fire beneath them. How deep did this infestation go?
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Post by Lex Caledonia on Feb 4, 2018 16:45:33 GMT -5
"Aye well, there's an ulterior reason for us occupying the isles, this is so we can also garrison troops and station the Royal Navy there as well." Blair took a sip of wine, darting his gaze to an attentive Crowley and then back to Helena. "A while ago, we were made aware of some Asakor ships scouting west towards the Kingdom of Fyllia, a nation we do trade with. My steward believes they're planning to disrupt the region by asserting themselves towards the Fyllians. Whilst I believe the Alkin are merely colonising and expanding their borders with there being little evidence of a potential invasion, we've opted for a better safe than sorry approach if the rumours are true." Towards the end of his sentence, King Blair de Brus took one final swig of his wine and began pouring another.
Crowley took over at this point, leaning towards Helena as Blair occupied himself with refreshment. "Ms Helena. We believe that if the Asakor were to invade the Fyllians up north and claim enough territory, they could be a potential threat to both of our countries as they try to assert continued dominance in the region towards our own." The old steward, brushed back his balding white hair with his palm as he continued. "We've sent one of our best diplomats up north to try and contact the Alkin and see if she can assuage these rumours if they are untrue or raise a dialogue if they are true."
His cup filled to the brim with wine, Blair butted himself back into the conversation, with Crowley coolly withdrawing. Blair smiled. "Crowley likes to think the worst in things. I'm sure everything will be fine!" However, the smile faded from the King's face and a serious expression replaced it "What I'm asking however, one leader to another is this, if the rumours are true and the Dominion are aggressively expanding and they then point themselves down south. Will you stand with us?"
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