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Post by arathos on Jun 5, 2011 18:49:33 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun/Scorpion in the Milk Jar
The Daimyo was prepared for speed when the time called for it. His army moved out as fast as possible, avoiding the heavy knights of Tol'leonith and maneuvering into position at the site where they seemed to inevitably meet nomadic marauders. Using the scrubs and trees in the area, the Daimyo hid his entire army in what appeared to be stands of trees, brushland, and more. Some trees had to be cut down and repositioned, others fashioned crudely from leaves on the ground and poles or cloth, but the effect from a distance was good enough to fool observers. Artillery and the two golems he had acquired were set up to watch over the plain before his army where the two forces would inevitably clash. Meanwhile, both Leu'tion and Machucar were given command of forces on the flanks. The plan was simple: catch their enemies in the middle of the battlefield, pound them into oblivion with artillery, then sweep in from the sides with cavalry raiders and have the massed infantry come cracking down like a hammer on their shelled center. It was, if all went as his scouts reported, an excellent plan to try and kill two birds with one stone.
One thing troubled him, though, and that was the Dark Elves. Their army was strong, their empire massive, and their necromancers capable of turning the charnel fields of war into recruiting grounds. He certainly would prefer not to slaughter the stout knights and warriors of Tol'leonith in his bid for conquest, if it could be avoided. Before the army moved out, he had prepared messages to be sent, in the hopes that he could avoid this entirely.
While his army raced forward as fast as it could, runners on foot arrived under banners of truce at the armies of Tol'leonith. They carried with them this message:
"Soldiers and knights of Tol'leonith, I come before you with news of dire importance. Pontik is fallen, and now is a part of the fell Dark Elf empire. These vicious, unholy sorcerers and slavers will come for us soon, only the wastelands of the orcs prevents their march. Those primitive savages, though fierce, cannot stem this tide of ruin. I know you were prepared to fight Fernan's army and thus stop his invasion, but he leads no longer. I, the Daimyo of the Army of the Wayward, now rule his lands and lead his soldiers. I do not wish to make war upon you at this hour, but plead with you to join me. I shall, if you accept, rush forward to defeat the invading nomads, and then together we shall fortify our lands and prepare to meet the coming elven menace with honor. This is no time for division or petty squabbles; alone we shall be slaughtered or enslaved. We must unite, and I humbly ask your friendship and cooperation that we may remain free men. Give your answer to my runner, and he will make haste to inform me. In a scant few days' time, the die will be cast. Again, think of your people and their homes, and let us unite to save this land from its enemies once and for all!"
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Jun 5, 2011 19:00:22 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun/Scorpion in the Milk Jar
- Urth, scratching his curly thick black beard, eyed the runner. The runner, who had seen many a savage in his time, was quick to admit this man looked the largest of them all. It wasn't a surprise when the Bear of a Leader stepped forward from his tent and eyed him, that unhuman features played across the man's face. The runner, a man of average height, only came up to the man's chest. . . But he could clearly see the half orc blood in the great man. "Yeah. . . We'll not kill the little Islander. . . Our business is with the orcs and with Nomads that dare cross our borders. . . When the time comes, I will crush the Dark Elves. . . My Knights have never been defeated, I doubt small Elves and petty undead could even scratch our war horses. . . Humph. . . Tell your master I will come, but it is HE who will aid ME! In the war against the Dark ones, HE will be the support. . . Make that clear. . . We will arrive in three days time and prepare our battle lines for the Coming Horde."
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Post by arathos on Jun 5, 2011 19:16:20 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun/Scorpion in the Milk Jar
The runners had cleverly stashed horses, allowing them a swift return to the Daimyo's pavilion. While Machucar drilled the soldiers in his people's tactics and their iron discipline, the Fox oversaw the preparations for the attack. The news thus met the Daimyo's tent without his two newest allies.
"Insolent mainland dog! We should crush them and be done with it! We shall see how proud and insulting he is when our cannons destroy his horses, and my katana cleaves his bearded head from his sagging shoulders!" Kukun, as was expected, was enraged by this arrogant reply, but the Daimyo simply waited while his friend wore himself ranting. Thokk finally snorted.
"Are you finished?"
"This is an insult, that we should be forced to fight not just with Fernan's verminous rapists and plunderers, but now this unworthy dog! His lands were on the verge of being crushed by our army, we could have left him to be slaughtered!"
"We will handle this one, in time," The Daimyo said, bringing silence to the tent. "Kaibutsu?" Thokk stepped forward, saluting the Daimyo in answer. "These great soldiers and knights, they respect only honor and strength. Honor we have shown, by coming to fight with him. Strength, you can show. You alone, as the most massive and ferocious of my men, can give this Urth a rival in strength of body. When he comes here, after the battle, you are to befriend him. Challenge him to some suitable test of strength. When you defeat him, be gracious in your victory and celebrate together. He will respect you, and by extension us. From this, we shall make him ours."
"Some men cannot be tamed," Velus began, and Varrius continued. "This man may never kneel before us, no matter how much he comes to respect our strength and prowess."
"No matter," the Daimyo shrugged. "When the Dark Elves come, he shall be given his wish, and will be thrown into the fray first. They can slay him, and we shall, as his former allies and close supporters, simply step in and lead the defense in his wake. All too easy. Patience, as always, my friends. Today we shall smile at this man, and agree to his terms. Tommorow he shall trust us, and lower his guard. After that, we shall take what we please, and either destroy him or humble him into servitude. Chen, please inform Machucar and Leu'tion that our battle plans must now take into account the fact we are allied with Tol'leonith. I'm sure the Northern Fox has some ideas; summon him at once to meet with me to refine our tactics."
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Jun 5, 2011 19:40:25 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising moon and Setting sun/Scorpion in the Milk jar
- The Northern Fox, with as much energy as a human could demonstrate, laid out a rough plan of attack. He also, with a grin the Fox is infamous for, introduced a new plan. Steel Wire to dismount and funnel the enemy as well as "kill zones" where the wire and Earthworks would funnel the calvary to be shot to bits by Cannon with grape shot, Musket men, Archers and Crossbowmen.
- Urth, true to his word, Arrived days later and formed his own battle line on a hill just 30 minutes walk away. The Half-orc and his Knights prepared their own defenses as soon the Horde would arrive. Scouts for both the Knights and for the Daimyo were not sure on whether it will be a day, or two before the Horde arrived. . . There was little time to prepare in either case.
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Post by arathos on Jun 5, 2011 20:12:08 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun/Scorpion in the Milk Jar
The steel wiring was designed to funnel the nomads straight into Urth's battle lines. The knight and his men would smash into the nomads head on, and the reduced frontage of the enemy would destroy their famed raid tactics, forcing them to fight a much heaver armed and armored enemy without the benefit of flank attacks or easy retreat. Cannons and ranged troops were positioned on either side of the funnel to hammer them as they were slowly squeezed in, and infantry would serve, for the moment, to guard the artillery and ranged troops and ensure that any enemies that made it outside the trap were quickly handled before they could reform. Machucar was held in reserve with the cavalry, and they were the final part of the trap: once the enemy met Urth in battle, Machucar was to swing in from behind with his horses, and seal the enemy within the trap, preventing a retreat. The infantry would then charge forward on the flanks, and the whole enemy force would be contained and annihilated. The fight would be bloody, but Machucar would have his revenge.
After the plans were made, the men raced to get everything repositioned and hidden; they had little time to prepare, but the Daimyo felt confident that he would win the day.
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Jun 5, 2011 20:39:18 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising moon and setting sun/Scorpion in the Milk jar
- The earthworks were dug, the wire set and the Knights armored and mounted. The battle lines of the joint forces were prepared. Thousands of men held their position, waiting in the grim silence. . . The reports had come and the commands had been given. . . The Nomad Horde has come.
- The Daimyo had his scouts report the numbers, he expected their to be a great horde. . . But he had not come to realize the true might the Horde was. This was not an army on the warpath, this was a whole nation devoted to their cause. . . Their battle lines were larger and greater then any before seen in the lands of Segial. . . The Daimyo could not help but raise a nervous brow at the distant lines of his Allies. The Fox with his force held the flank closest to Knight Chapters. The Knights themselves held the center ground, with the hill to their backs, ready to fight to the last. The numbers the Daimyo and his allies fielded soon became clear as the Daimyo looked at his army compared to the Horde. . . His army could barely be compared to a 10th' of the Nomad Horde. . .
- There were no rivers in this part of Segial, but there would soon be a river of blood. Soon the largest battle in known history since the ancient wars about to begin.
- Dorik Falas'hid raised his hand and called his army to a halt. He looked up and down his battle line with a wicked smirk. Drawing his saber he nodded to his personal guard of chieftains and clan leaders. . . With a drop of his sword and a flick of his wrist, the leader of the Nomad Horde gave the final order. . .
Charge.
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Post by arathos on Jun 5, 2011 22:42:14 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun/Scorpion in the Milk Jar
The Daimyo stood at the front of his battle lines, facing the Fox and his men. As the thundering of hooves was heard approaching, he reached down to the ground, picking up a simple twig from the grass. The very ground rumbled with their approach to the main battle line. The Daimyo licked his two index fingers, and gently tugged his earlobes, wetting them. He closed his eyes and gripped the twig, while the enemy grew closer. Behind him the orders were being given to ready the cannons for fire, and soon the thump of canister shot firing at the distant cavalry could be heard. He took a deep breath, and slowly let it out, snapping the twig in his hands in the process. The first rounds of cannon fire smashed into the cavalry ranks, but barely seemed to dent the massive line of horse riding nomads. Their barbaric shouts and war cries were loud enough to be heard over the rolling thunderstorm of hooves upon soil. The staccato percussion of cannons was heard again and again as the rows of cannons fired more and more solid cannonballs into their ranks.
The Daimyo opened his eyes and drew his katana. The cavalry were growing closer, and the orders were given to switch to grapeshot. Massive chunks were taken out of the barbarians, but it seemed every gap in their front was instantly replaced by more eager warriors. The men behind the Daimyo's infantry gripped their rifles and crossbows, readying to fire from behind the safety of their earthworks. Suddenly, the snapping of wire and the shouts of confused men could be heard. The cavalry were crashing into the wire, and those not fast enough to move inwards found themselves thrown from their mounts, killed or stunned in the process. The fire of rifles and the near-silent flight of bolts came next, and those mounted warriors not killed in the crash were picked off by the ranged soldiers on either side of the center. Everything was going well, and yet the enemy still seemed endless, their ranks as deep as they had been long.
Urth lowered the faceplate on his helm, and hoisted his lance. His men began riding at a steady pace, gradually moving into a full gallop. Their armor was black, absorbing the sun like a pitch shadow rather than shimmering in its light. Their horses thundered forward and behind them stout men-at-arms followed, in heavy armor and clutching their massive hammers they moved as fast as their weighty protection would allow. They were a solid black wedge, advancing to force their way deep into the enemy's lines.
The lightly armed and armored savage riders were still a force to be reckoned, though. As the knights crashed into their ranks, the momentum of their charge drove deep into the horde, but still their enemies swarmed forward, savagely chopping and stabbing their way through the chinks in their armor. With that, the cannons stopped their fire, and the last massed fire thundered into the flanks from the rifles and bows. The Daimyo gave the signal, and his men rushed forward to climb over the wire and earthworks to hit the barbarians in the flank. The Fox led his men forward in turn, and soon battle was joined.
....
Dorik looked about him, satisfied as he pulled his saber free from another of the heavily armored opponents before him. These soft southerners were too reliant on their armor; they were as children to him and his raiders. He looked about to take in the sight of his victory, and was stunned to see infantry crashing into his flanks. The enemy had rushed into his confused riders while they struggled with the traps waiting on the edges of his advance, and were cutting into his men. Many carried spears, and focused on bringing down his unarmored horses, then finishing the riders after they fell. Still, the advantage was his, and he knew what to do. He rode a bit back, signaling a portion of his men to turn about and join him. They would split and ride beyond the traps, and destroy these meddlesome infantry before finishing off the heavy knights. As he rode back he saw another sight he was unprepared for: cavalry rushing in to the rear of his army. The enemy was more clever than he expected. His blood briefly ran cold at the next thing he noticed; leading the charge was perhaps the one person on the world he had not wanted to see here today.
"Cowardly traitor!" Machucar bellowed, cutting his way towards Dorik. "The Horde is mine!"
....
Another rider was cut down, the Daimyo moving fluidly from one foe to the next. The sun had been high in the sky when the battle started, but now it seemed to be nearly ready to set. It was hard to tell, since the dust and grass kicked up by the melee was forming a dense, tan cloud that blocked out a clear view of the sun. The Horde was badly battered as the hours wore on, and their numbers were slowly but surely cut down, though the combined forces of the Daimyo and Tol'leonith were suffering as well. The enemy seemed inexhaustible, despite their crushing losses. The battle was grim, and threatened to go into the night...
((part 2 to come soon))
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Jun 12, 2011 6:35:27 GMT -5
The Dark Chapters
- As the war rages in the south, and battle over the fate of Segial is decided, the War machine of the Dark Elves turns even faster.
- Commander Tzats, with his Elite forces, laid siege to the lands of Foltuk. His calvary raids hold no challenge, the Princeling of Foltuk time after time fails to gain an advantage over the sly commander.
- Bokaz the brute, the most savage of the Generals, marches almost freely into the Savage lands. The bands of Orcs, though savage by nature, are nothing compared to the cruelty of Bokaz.
- General Kelissith himself takes the fruit of the Barony lands. . . Holding rank just under the High General himself, Kelissith took the easy conquest, going after the remaining human lands.
- The War machine of the Dark Elves marched on. . . Its forces spread over the 3 fronts. . . But the Elves were not alone on their war march.
Of Greed and Kings
- The Prince, now king of Foltuk, snarled at the reports. Time after time, he was disappointed by his scouts. . . Tzats, the Demon of the North, evaded his army completely. . . With each failed swing by his arm, the Dark Elven host was able to dodge and swing back at the Prince's weak spot. . . His out laying villages and towns. . . It was only a matter of time before Keeps and Forts saw dark steel . . . It was only a matter of time, in the Princes mind, that his own neck would feel Dark Steel.
Whispers and shadows
- The leaf gently fell, swaying side to side as it gently glided. The leaf, green with life, landed on the great rune stone in the center of the circle. A Host of Elves, each with features as sharp and majestic as only their species could have, sat in silence. It was not long before one stood up. His clothes and his crown declared him the oldest and the rightful leader. His voice was soft, but powerful. . . It carried, as if on the wind itself, across the forest glade. "It is settled. . . We shall call all of the great Houses and families. . . We will hold our borders for the time, but prepare to march. . . Send out the Emissaries. . . It is time for the Forest of Eluvita to hold council with the world once again. . . Soon our Dark Cousins will be on our doorstep. . . We cannot sit by and ignore this threat. . . Open the great Stone gate. . . Whisper the trees clear of the gate. . . We shall invite humanity to our Cities once again."
Dark Stone, Darker thoughts.
- The wind picked up and the snow drifted about the area. As if it was a flag, Borin'djord's long black beard began to flutter. With a respectful nod, and a raised hammer, the Dwarf nodded to Elder Thane in front of him. The ceremony was complete and the Hammer of Command was bestowed upon Borin'djord. His Anvil of 200 Dwarves, keeping with the ceremony, did an about face and started to March. Borin'djord, with one final glance to the Elder General, joined the column of Dwarves.
- Marching to the right of the Anvil, but kept in line with the center of the formation, Borin rolled the mission over in his head. He was to find the Lords of the Humans, then aid them against the Dark Elves. . . Borin could not help but laugh to himself. . . 200 Dwarven Warriors was overkill. . . After all, he thought to himself, he was only going to fight a few Dark Elves.
- Setting out, the Dwarven host marched across the foot hills of their mountains and the rolling hills of the Savage lands with ease. . . Their march would be extremely short, by dwarven standards. . . But the distance, to the Dwarves, was great. . . After all, none of the Dwarves have ever been to Segial before.
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Post by arathos on Jun 17, 2011 9:27:39 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
The battle had raged on, and now the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, the sky turning a murky orange through the mist of dirt and debris. The Horde had shrunk in size tremendously over the hours, and now both sides were nearing exhaustion as a whole day of melee took its toll on their constitutions. It seemed there was no end in sight; tired though they were, both sides knew the other would give them no quarter if they broke, so they stood their ground and fought for their very lives.
.....................................
A sharp crack sounded out, and Dorik fell into the dirt, spitting out a mouthful of blood and a couple teeth. His head spun, and he struggled to regain his footing, but all the world seemed a blur around him, and his legs refused to answer the orders of his mind. He heard footsteps approaching, and knew that his enemy was near, but still he struggled. He wearily made it onto his knees, and grabbed his sword only to feel a boot thump into his back, crashing him back into the ground. He sighed, his breath coming in shallow pants. Death was upon him, and after hours of combat with his rival, he was too tired, too battered to hold out any longer. He took a moment to muster all the strength that remained in his body when suddenly the world went black and he knew no more.
Aboved him, Machucar pulled his sword free from his opponent's back. Blood dripped onto the dust, and his mighty chest heaved as he caught his breath from the hours long struggle. Though a battle dragged on around them, in this part of the lines all eyes had focused on them; the victor had blood right to lead the entire Horde, and with Dorik usurped it was Machucar who gave the orders now.
............................
There was a tremendous commotion throughout the Horde's ranks, and the Daimyo stopped his advance, watching to see what would happen. Suddenly the riders began to retreat, withdrawing slowly and carefully away from his men. His soldiers cheered and began to press on, but the Daimyo swiftly gave the order to hold. He watched as gradually the order made its way through his lines, and over the course of the next hour, his own army and his ally's came to a halt while the Horde slowly backed away to its own place. He made his way towards the center where he found his commanders waiting for him. "The barbarian we protected has regained control of this vast tribe. Set up my pavillion; he agreed to meet us after he finishes meeting with his own chieftains and subordinates within the Horde." The men nodded, and the Daimyo took a moment to clean his sword, and reflect. Segial was essentially his; the proud knights of Tol'leonith had taken the brunt of the casualties in their frontal assault, and if their leaders still lived it would not be long before he could arrange their defeat. He began thinking on how to rebuild this nation, and strengthen it. Now that it was his land, he had to be ready for the coming storm. This barbarian horde was only the first challenge of many for him...
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
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Post by rlandis on Jun 18, 2011 8:03:20 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
- One. . . Two. . . Three. . . Four. . . One by one the looters counted. . . The Knights were known for their family heirlooms, but none of them could ever imagined what they actually looked like in person.
- The center field was filled with the dead, the Knights had all fallen to the last. The enemy had nearly broken the area the Knights held, but with the quick witted actions of the Northern Fox, the battle was saved on that part. Directing his own Artillery to the Knight's last stand, he made quick work of the enemy who was bogged down by the hills of dead bodies.
- Save for the looters and pickers, the battle field was lifeless and calm. The injured had long been removed or finished off, the horses taken or put down. . . The Knight Chapters were broken. . . But their banners still stood planted high. Knight and Squire both shared a resting place that day, as the savage nature of battle dished out equal death. Only the lucky squire or two, and the camp followers yet live from the Chapters. . . It was to be grim work, but the graves needed to be dug.
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Post by modnardaystue on Jun 18, 2011 23:01:23 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising moon and Setting sun/Scorpion in the Milk jar
When Machucar heard that the Daimyo planned to move swiftly he knew that he would spend the remainder of his time recovering in a saddle, again. A few days march away from their previous campsite, they came upon an area any Nomad would kill to own; an easily defendable thicket with hills far enough away that anybody with half a brain could easily turn into killing fields. After a few modifications to hide the artillery and golems, Machucar went walking through the camp to find the men he was going to train in his people's ways. The first man he sought was the guard from the night he killed Fernan. After he had told around a score of men to follow his lead, he took them deeper into the thicket to a field he prepared. He then turned to the men and spoke.
"I am Machucar; Chief of Clan Quiemar, True Leader of the Golden Horde, and el'Allein, Chief of None. I have made an agreement with the Daimyo, part of the agreement was I am to train part of this army in my people's ways. First you will learn your new weapons and armor. My people use anything that can also be used as a tool, the Spear for hunting, the Axe for woodworking, the Hammer for construction, the Bladespear for herding, the Knife for all its uses, and so on. Now is the time to throw away your sword or give it to somebody who thinks they need one. Your new armor will be made out of leather that you make. Each piece must be made by your hand and contain at least one piece of leather from an animal that eats meat. It will be dyed in Earthen tones so that you can blend into any terrain you find yourself in. The last thing will be a Portada, a headwrap with a piece hanging down to veil your face when you plan to kill somebody. Do not ask why my people do what they do, I will explain as you progress in your training. Now let's begin."
Machucar then proceded to give them as thorough of training with the spear as he could in the short time he had until the Horde reached the camp. Many of the men he was training started to make their armor in addition to learning their new weapons, but each man had learned to wrap their Portada and knew that they would be veiling their face when the Horde arrived.
Soon Machucar was summoned to the Daimyo's tent to discuss strategy. "Having those armored brutes will make things easier for our cavalry, speed and endurance win more often than brute strength do. If he wants to die before the battle have him look for me. I'll show him how poor of a choice he made becoming a knight." With that he left the tent, the plans had been made. This had become a waiting game.
All too soon the scouts came with reports that the Horde was coming for a battle. "To your places; show no mercy for mercy shall not be shown to you." Machucar told his score of initiates, they were nowhere near ready to fight against the Horde, but they were 100 times more prepared than the rest of the army.
Machucar stood at the head of the cavalry division he had drilled and made Captain thereof. He watched as the cannons tore through the front ranks of Nomads with heavy shot and then grape shot, he watched the Knights charge in a suicide against the ranks of the Horde. Then he saw him, Dorik was in the middle of his ranks like a coward. He paced waiting for his signal, and there it was, his time had come.
"Cowardly traitor!! The Horde is Mine!!" He bellowed between war cries, he charged at the head of his cavalry, keeping pace with the lightly armored horses.
As the day and battle raged on he lost one spear after another, soon he was on his last three. As he inched closer to Dorik he lost one, then two, and finally his third spear. His other weapons had been lost long before he was even through the second row of enemies. Soon he found himself in Dorik's presence and was completely unarmed, he hated what he had to do, but he grabbed a sabre from a dead Nomad Officer and stabbed Dorik through the back. "You have betrayed your ancestors and shamed the People whom you were supposed to lead. The horde now belongs to its rightful owner, Machucar." He spoke softly into the ear of his nemesis.
Machucar quickly cried his victory and every head turned towards him. The message spread like wildfire through the ranks of Nomads. Every officer came before Machucar to either swear fealty or ask for an honorable death at the hands of the new Chief of Chiefs. Every man that looked into the eyes of Machucar and asked for death was given a swift release to the Ancestral Realm. The ones who could not look him in the eyes had their hands broken, their armor stripped, the Portadas ripped from their heads, and were sent naked into the wilds in shame.
After his People were formed into ranks and the Women and Children were informed of the change, Machucar went to the agreed upon meeting with the Daimyo.
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Post by reigneer on Jun 27, 2011 17:44:19 GMT -5
Of Greed and Kings
Kas ducked into a nearby alley. Dawning the mask and outfit of Sundered Heart over his own tucked in clothing. Any places that it poked through looked purposefully done and part of his costume. He kindly asked for a few boxes from local shops who gladly slid them over to make a small stage. He bowed low in the direction of Xen as he made his way through the square. "Dark ones come, both over and under, and only in darkness may we split them asunder. Hearts full of light may lead us and prosper, but those of the dark, strike as we falter. There is reason to fear! And Fear, is good. Tells you, you live! and sharpens your instinct, but keep hold on your fear less you lose your reason. Train in your shield! Hone your sword For if I should fail, You'll be on your own. Do not be, as sheeps in a herd, But wolves in a pack striking WHEN struck."
Sundered Heart stepped down to a struck audience. While the silence could be cut with a knife, the message was delivered. Hopefully the populace would take it to heart. He walked to Xen.
"I hear you are wanting of my help. You have it. Take me where we must go and fill me in. We are quickly running out of time. Though I fear of how much help I will be."
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Post by arathos on Jun 27, 2011 18:16:42 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
The Daimyo nodded as Machucar entered, his trusted inner circle flanking him. "You have proven yourself most invaluable, mighty barbarian. With the proud knights defeated, the last true obstacle to my control of these lands is removed. We shall, of course, mourn the lost of such honorable allies and remember forever their great sacrifice, but the time for regrets must be later. I must work swiftly to protect my realm, for word has reached me that the foul Dark Elves come ever closer to our borders as they work their way through the endless orc hordes in the savage lands between us. I do not ask you to bring your war-weary tribe, what remains of it, to battle with us. Our agreement stands: you may retire to the lands I have given you, as well as your ancestral lands across the mountain pass. In due time, I shall send soldiers to build the fortress in that pass, but you and yours shall forever be granted freedom to move through it unmolested. If you wish to join us in fighting the enemies moving into my kingdom, I welcome your great strength and mighty spear. If not, then go peacefully, my friend. I will not call for you until great need requires it, and will be there to answer your call should you send it." With that, he bowed before his ally and awaited his reply.
Some days after Machucar and the Daimyo met in his tent, runners were sent out to the furthest reaches of Segial. The Knights of Tol'leonith had been defeated in battle against the terrible barbarian horde, though the cost had been terrible. The last great tribe of nomads were allies of the army led by this Daimyo, and now he held the fealty or direct control of all the cities and strongholds of Segial. The greatest city of the land was claimed as his capital and renamed "Otaru". Soldiers came bearing flags with a white edelweiss flower on a red field, and began stationing in cities and villages, and taking the names of every able-bodied young man. At least one per household was conscripted and sent to Otaru to train; the people were told that Dark Elves were marching through the wastes, and their new ruler would protect them by forming a grand army for the fight.
In the city of Otaru, the briefly-plundered keep was being rebuilt and repaired from its short occupation by the treacherous Fernan. In its hall the few remaining lords and rulers in Segial knelt before the Daimyo on his throne. They swore their fealty to the new ruler of the lands. One by one they went to him, offered their fealty and promise to serve in exchange for their rank and powers. When all had finished, Kukun stepped forward and called out, "Thus passes the old kingdom. Segial is no more. These lands are now the Nakushita Shogunate! Long live its ruler, the Nameless Shogun!"
"Long live Nakushita!" the nobles cried from bended knees before the throne, their voices echoed by the guards and the allies of the Daimyo who stood on either side of his throne. "Long live the Shogun!"
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Post by xenocide on Jun 27, 2011 18:25:09 GMT -5
Of Greed and Kings
Walking steadly away from the square (the townsfolk where no longer of the greatest disposition towards Xen, not that they had been to begin with) The two make their way out of town. once outside the town's walls, Xen speaks.
"I am employed by an individual that wants the dark elven forces to fall. I alone cannot do this. That is why I wish for your aid.
I am aware that my employer has several specific targets in mind, however I do not have the exact targets. I have, however, means to get us from this frontline town to the heart of Foltuk, where we will meet my employer- the princling- and discuss his targets. Are you opposed to long-distance magical travel?"
Sundered Heart merely shakes his head.
"good." Xen says, walking into the inn he had left only this morning. nodding to the innkeeper, Sundered Heart and himself walk to Xen's room. Set up in the center was a transportation circle, green and yellow crystals glowing around the edges with a pair of blue ones, slightly larger, in the center. checking that everything is in order, Xen motions for Sundered Heart to step into the circle.
"You have everything you would need, I would assume. This is only a temporary portal and noone will be able to trace us."
After a second of thought, Sundered Heart steps into the circle.
With some short incantations and hand gestures, the room starts to glow. "Capitol City of Foltuk, King's castle, Second Floor, Rear Ballroom." Xen says, and with that, they dissapear.
Meanwhile, in the room just mentioned
"Astounding ball sir." A waiter says, standing near the king of Foltuk. "hm? Oh, yes. Yes it is. Keeps the nearby nobles in high spirits, they are more likely to do as I say." The King returns. "And the queen is enjoying the time with the other nobles, as well, my lo-" the waiter is cut off as a cloud of smoke billows through the room. Standing in the center of the ballroom are Xen and Sundered Heart, slightly bewildered.
"Interesting...." The king muses "And now!" He says as he stands, "Some entertainment! This Dark Elf is known far and wide for his pinpoint acuracy." The king motions for a glass of wine. "watch!"
He throws the glass, but before its more than six inches from his hand, Xen whips out a dagger and hits the glass, covering the king in wine and glass peices.
The group of nobles cuckle, as the kings sputters. "And this man," he says, motioning to Sundered Heart, "Is one of the greatest...."
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Post by reigneer on Jun 27, 2011 20:24:08 GMT -5
Sundered Heart waits a moment, and upon realizing he won't continue takes a low bow. "I am known as Sundered Heart your majesty, I wouldnt say a good sword arm.. but ruthless none the less. And I am one of the greatest of Minstrels you will find. Though some would say I'm a bit of a Bard as well. I am a seeker of knowledge and a wealth of it myself. I lend my talents to you, your majesty."
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