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Post by modnardaystue on Jun 27, 2011 23:27:32 GMT -5
Scorpion in the Milk jar
Machucar was relieved to hear the Daimyo officially give him the lands near the passage into the Desert. He knew that he was going to send his camp followers to start setting up a permantant settlement and having them send the young men who were ready into the desert or their Final Test. Whether the Golden Horde would continue to fight or not, His people needed to start settling down and getting their lives back in order.
"Daimyo, I do not know if my people will want to continue. I'll need to discuss it in detail with the remaining Chiefs and Generals. We will base our decision on information we find on these 'Dark Elves'. I have sent my scouts and the Chiefs have sent theirs. If they do not return within a week then we will march with you until we destroy them and recover the remains of our men. We do not leave our brothers behind."
With that Machucar bowed respectively and led his Council out of the tent to meet in private at the Horde's camp. He set his guards and motioned the Chiefs into his tent.
"First things first, we are sending those of our people who do not wield spears to our new home on this side of the Pass. As for marching with the Daimyo, any thoughts at this time?"
The Chiefs paused for a moment to gather their thoughts and make sure they said what they needed to say with solid reasoning and defined arguments.
"I feel we should continue to march against the Dark Elves. I have talked with countless people who have said these creatures have necromancers who raise the dead to fight again. Additionaly they have no respect and no honor for the lands they conquer, they kill all leadership that disagrees with them slightly and put their own lackeys in charge." The young Chief Kizárólag of Clan Bakarrik said first.
"I disagree, we need to get our holds established in the land beyond the Pass and wait for the Daimyo to send for us. We just fought a major battle against him and turned out the losers in that battle, why should we willingly throw our men's lives away to help him hold this land he neerded to call for help to gain anyway?" Chief Sozinho of Clan Raiva bitterly spat.
"Machucar has the first point 100% correct, we need to send those who are not warriors to the new lands so they can start to get the Holds set up and send the young men out into the Desert for their Final Test. I also think the score of men he picked out to learn our ways should be sent along to learn more about the daily life of a Nomad. All they know about is war and there is much more to our way of life than warfare." The old Chief Cinza of Clan Sábio calmly stated after everybody else had spoken their piece.
As each of the three stated their position, various members of the Eleven Nomadic Clans showed their agreement, disagreement, or lack of caring. Machucar called the end of the meeting at that time so that everybody could think over the various options and opinions of the other Chiefs and await the scouts.
A few days later, two scouts stumbled into the camp, one of them was Machucar's best and the other was an apprentice to Chief Cinza's Scoutmaster. Before they died of exhaustion they told Machucar everything they knew about the Dark Elves' army, especially the necromancers. When Machucar said the Final rights for them he called the Chiefs together.
"We march with the Daimyo." He simply stated then went in search of the Daimyo to let him know.
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Jun 30, 2011 22:16:13 GMT -5
The Dark Chapters
- The axe fell sharply and the elf's head was quickly severed off the withering body's neck. Tumbling to the ground with a soft thud, the Dark Elf's head landed at the feat of a grizzly creature. Slowly bending over, Crishnik the Orc grabbed the head with his black skinned hands. His dark talon like fingernails dug into the flesh of the head. Giving a grin, sending his sharp and dark features into a sinister fashion, Crishnik kicked the head into the now roaring horde of Orcs, Goblins, half breeds and ogres. His sharp and wicked teeth exposed, Crishnik yelled out in his sharp voice.
"Their armor is NOTHING, their magic is NOTHING, their tactics are NOTHING compared to OUR MIGHT, OUR NUMBERS!!!! THEY ARE NOTHING!!!! We have shown them they are nothing! NOW! Like the dogs they are, they come begging! HAH! They ask for peace! HAH! They ask for unity! They ask for aid!!! WE are the chosen kin by the gods! They created us long before they broke away from their kin! WE ARE THE TRUE WARRIORS! Twice now we have crushed their advances!!! NOW it is OUR turn to advance on them! Let us see this General Bokiz in his own REALM! Let us march to his camp!!! Rally the worgs! Call the Dogs! Summon the Spiders! Mount the wagons and stomp your feat! WE MOVE!"
- The Dark Elven Advance into the savage foothills had come to a grinding halt. The dark creatures of the land held more power then expected. It was true, a traveler could pass through unnoticed. . . The Dark Elves, with their war machines and their numbers, were a great target on the great rolling hills. . . A glinting, shiny, fat target. . . They had expected resistance, but they had not expected the raiding tactics of the orcish bands. Little did they expect the hit and run tactics of the Goblins. . . Little did they expect the ground shaking charge of the ogre clans. Most of all, they did not expect the unity the dark creatures held between each other. . . They did not see the darker force driving Chief Chrishnik and the other Warlords. . . It was too late for the Dark Elven army when they finally saw the dark powers the orcs worshiped, unleashed on the battlefield.
- The lands of the Barons fell one right after the other to the Dark Elven sword. Death Bells rang all over the land and fleeing peasants became the norm. Soon, the North would have a true Empire that none could stand against.
- General Bokiz the Brute, general of the Savage Foot Hills Assault had to withdraw back to the ruins of Pontik. . . His Report to the High General, and later the King Himself, caused the biggest up-roar the dark elven courts have ever experience. . . The King Himself had done something not done in over one thousand years. . . He drew his infamous sword and called for his legendary dark armor. . . The King Himself put himself to the march.
Whispers and Shadows
- With his long golden hair blown in the wind, the noble elf could do nothing but smile. The waves crashed against his boat, causing the great vessel to slightly rise at a steady rate. Tielinith could not help himself but feel joy. . . He had left the kingdom, not since the great fall of the Jeweled City had him or his people left the great forest. . . But the joy quickly faded. . . The static air of magic danced around the Elf. . . He was not a great wizard by his people's standards, but his mastery was strong enough to feel the great and obvious dark forces stir. . . To the South he felt the Old and ancient power awaken, a power not felt since the great fall as well. To the north he felt the Cold Wrath that no other could creature but the Dark King himself could have, spark to life. It was then Tielinith understood why all the land was set afire by war. . . The Noble elf, nearly at once, understood why the Dark King was stirring. He knew at once he must make haste. . . The Southern lands must be warned. . .
Dark Stone and darker thoughts
- Borin could not help but notice how Empty the hills were. . . It was almost as if the land was swept clean of orcs. . . This gave the Dwarf a feeling of unease the whole trip to Segial, but upon seeing the great towers and keeps of Segial, he had put all doubt aside. - With a few broken teeth and a crippled arm, the guard understood finally the difference between a bearded-halfling and the son of a Dwarven Thane. The guard would note, never to confuse a Dwarf ever again for anything else. At once, the noble of the keep set to dwarves with fine meat, drink and shelter. . . At once he had sent word to the new ruler of his lands. . . The Shogun.
Of greed and Kings
- The Kingdom grew smaller and smaller every day. The Princeling King of Foltuk held ball and dance every night now, to help forget the slow and steady loss of his kingdom. . . His Generals, nearly whom all were dead or defeated at King's last blunder against Tzats the Horse Master, tried to keep smiles and pleasantries about them. . . But everyone knew, the kingdom was soon going to share the same fate as those before it. The King's words were sharp, at night, and his manners lost on the two Assassins. . . He needed a way out of this mess. . .
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Post by arathos on Jul 1, 2011 23:34:05 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
Word reached Otaru quickly of the dwarven envoys; riders were dispatched as soon as possible, and within a matter of days of reaching the first keep in Nakushita, the dwarf noble was found in the hall with his envoy by a messenger. The messenger knelt before him, flanked by soldiers. "The Shogun sends his greetings, Lord Dwarf. He is honored to welcome you to his land of Nakushita. He invites you, his most important guests, to please join him at his palace in Otaru, where you may be treated to the luxury and accommodations worthy of your arrival. We shall take you there as swiftly as can be managed should you accept."
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Jul 1, 2011 23:54:00 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
- The dwarf gave only a grunt and nodded his head. With a quick glance back to his companions, they understood the message as well. At once the dwarves stood up and set out with the envoy. The trip was slow, as the dwarves refused to go any faster then what their normal walking speed was. At times, even going so far as threatening the envoy with the idea of chopping off his legs at the knees.
- The slow trip saw no resistance other then its own slow pace. For the dwarves, it was peaceful, for the envoy and his guards. . . A nightmare. When the Dwarves arrived at the Shogun's hold, they expressed their dominance at once. The main Anvil of dwarves set up camp against the city walls, while the Hammer (the Officers) made way into the city. Pushing doors open and wandering through the halls and streets ten steps ahead of their own guides, the Dwarves raised hell in entrance alone. Having finally found the Shogun, after rudely searching through many a knight and maiden's room, the dwarves finally settled down. Borin, with his armor clearly showing him to be the leader, walked forward and introduced himself. Though, the Shogun couldn't help but feel, little respect carried on the dwarf's words.
- "I am Borin'djord, son of thane Borin'etord, of the Great halls of Kurak. I bring word from my father, and of the Mountain folk. . . The Dark Elves march to the South, the Orcs March to the North. Since they be jus' orclin's and long ear'dz' We be' find'n it righ' time'ta send them back to the spirit realm. In times of old they worked ta'gether. . . It will be no surprise to us if they do it again. So, we 200 Dwarves were sent'ta clear a problem. . . Are ye' with us. . . Or will tha' be a nay? If you follow my Horn, I promise ya' we won't let the nasty ones bite yer ankles. Haha."
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Post by reigneer on Jul 3, 2011 13:37:01 GMT -5
Of Greed and Kings
"My Lord," Sundered Heart interrupted his thoughts. "Your reign is young, and a.." he pauses "twist of fate.. has brought you to an inauspicious position. You ask us to move against this force to stop the dwindling of your city. What I require is the names of who is in charge. I've not been privy to such information. last known sighting might help as well. If the force is too large at this point for your armies to take even if they are disorganized, then you may want to undergo a.. tactical retreat.. if you will."
At this the young king stood "that is not an action worthy of nobility! Nor of a King!"
"No," Sundered Heart retorted, "The job of a GOOD king is to protect his people whether at the cost of his own standing or not. If the king is truly loved by the people he protects you will stay king regardless. Be a good king and make decisions for your people. I promise you, in the end it will further your own goals."
The young King was not swayed. "I am King here I will decide the course of action. You are under my command and hiring and you will do as ordered! Assassinate these commanders!"
"I am under no one's command. And I'm sure you know as well as I that our... accomplice... follows the coin. Sire if this plan fails and you don't retreat, then you will be a king no longer. You will be tortured until they are done with you and your people enslaved. And should I be the one to live, as I've such a knack for doing, I will sing of your failures for generations to come and you will go down as a failure. However should this fail, and we survive, I will sing ballads and odes of your ability to step down and do what is right for the country men you so love. To what do you say?"
Xen interrupted...
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Post by xenocide on Jul 3, 2011 13:38:46 GMT -5
Of greed and kings
Xen could see the king had no tolerance left. "my lord, may we speek to you in private?" Xen could feel the air in the room was getting darker every second. the nobles hated his kind, with good reason.
"follow" was the only command the king gave as he walked out of the hall.
Xen and Sundered Heart followed into a small chamber. the furnishings where quite simple- a table, and a map. "This is my remaining territory" the king points on the map. "This demon- Tzats- Kill him. kill him and as many minions of his as you can." "We start from the top then." Sundered Heart says. "And we work our way down." Xen replies. "You are dismissed. If you EVER do that again, I will be sure to have you beheaded. Pop up where there is a less chance of people you bloody fools!" "At your will, Princling" Xen says, walking out the door. With a flourish, Sundered Heart follows.
walking out the door and into the corridor, Xen motions for sundered heart to move closer. "I have a way to get us into tzats camp. It will be risky, but doable. I doubt we will have any problems. Tzats is heavily guarded and a fierce fighter in his own right. I've had a run-in or two with him before"
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Post by reigneer on Jul 3, 2011 14:03:13 GMT -5
Of Greed and Kings
"Doubt we'll have any problems??" Sundered Heart retorted, "Getting in, or out?" ' "Well in of course, Getting out is another story entirely."
"Lovely." Sundered Heart ended the thought.
They left through a series of passages and dimly lit hallways. It was easy to imagine attackers getting lost through such passages. So much so that Sundered Heart could not tell if they were being magically constructed while they walked, or it was simply that immense. Finally they were outside once more, maybe 2 hours, perhaps add a half hour, had passed since the performance, still a good deal of daylight in the sky.
"We are running out of time. I would suggest a meal, but we must keep it quite light. The last thing we want is to be bogged down. We want to leave today as soon as possible so that we may be ready and strike at the nightfall... Is that acceptable with you Xen?"
Xen nodded. "I've another addition 'though.." And Xen lead Sundered Heart to a medicine shop.
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Post by xenocide on Jul 3, 2011 14:26:38 GMT -5
Of Greed and Kings
Walking into the shop, the smell of drying herbs and candles immediately assaulted the senses. Hundreds of herbs hung from hooks all over the walls, vials of fluids all stood all over the place, and powdered minerals sat in barrels all around the place. in the center was an elderly man standing at a table, a vial in his hand. Looking through his magnifying glass and the vial, the two men walking towards him were oddly similar, yet completely different. "Sir Xen. It has been a while." "As to you, Lord Painkiller." "HUMPF! I told you not to call me that." The man says, putting down the vial. "Is that what I think it is?" Xen asks, motioning towards a piece of cloth covering a crate. "yes. Exactly as you requested. The new blade is far lighter and the handle is wrapped in a better material. The blade is still far too extravegant for my tastes. I dont know how you deal with a blade like this." "it takes practice and a skilled hand" xen says, going through the crate, testing the contents. the old man, putting on his glasses and unrolling parchment, he reads: "The new dagger, Fifteen vials of type one, Ten vials of type two, and two vials of type three come to 400 gold. Is there anything else, Xen?"
"Do you have any paints?" Sundered heart speaks up, walking around the shop, looking at the plants on the wall. "No, however, give me about five minutes and I can make some." "I see. Could you make me some paint as black as our friend here, enough to cover myself three times? and a powder to turn my hair as white as his, maybe four times worth?" "That would not be a problem." "How much would that be, sir?" "Place it on my bill" Xen says, tossing a bag of coins on the table. "Id like the same again of all the vials. and another dagger of the lighter variety." "I suppose I can get the materials. type three is getting harder to make with the war going on" "youll do fine." the dark elf retorts. The old man, finishing the paints and handing them to Sundered Heart, looks at Xen. "I know I will do fine, but what about you?" "I am of no import." "to yourself maybe, but to someone upstairs..." "Leave it." Xen says, walking out of the shop.
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Post by reigneer on Jul 3, 2011 14:40:53 GMT -5
Of Greed and Kings
Sundered Heart paused considering whether to address the Dark Elf of the conversation with the apothecary, but decided it was not relevant compared to everything else going on. In Sundered Heart's mind, if it was something he needed to know, he would find out soon enough. they were headed off toward tzat's camp.
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Post by arathos on Jul 3, 2011 21:31:54 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
When the dwarves arrived in Otaru, the Shogun had been planning to delay them with a feast and entertainment while he finished his plans with Machucar and his advisors. Now this short, hairy, rude creature was in his study, sitting down and his friends making themselves at home. So, he did what any Nihonjin of Tadati would do: he smiled.
"It is an honor to greet a noble of the ancient mountain people. We have been preparing to fight these elves; we welcome dwarven friendship in this matter. Are you hungry, master Dwarf? I have prepared a meal for us in my hall, where we may talk at greater length."
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Jul 3, 2011 21:51:47 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting sun
- The Dwarf Grinned, his fellow officers gave even bigger grins. . . With his tongue sticking out, the Dwarven leader spoke. "Let us feast!"
- As expected, the Dwarves were louder then any one else at the table, nosier then all note, and as messy as an ogre. The Dwarves, though a race who hold their homes a secret, were very talkative. Every minute a story of war or personal achievements echoed all over the halls. The Thane's Son spoke of Elves, talking about the wars of old that the founders of his Clan fought a thousand years ago. The Young Dwarf glowed with excitement, the idea of fighting his people's legendary enemy danced in his head.
The Dark Chapters
- The battled raged on, the Orcs and Elves cut at each other for an hour already. There was little strategy behind this battle, both sides locked in a deadly melee. The Orc Chief's and Chief Crishnik swarmed the Dark Elves in a crescent shape, to which the Elves formed a circle formation to defend from all angles.
- Bozat the Brute, letting his horse run wild, sliced madly from side to side. Orc after orc fell to the blade of Bozat. The Orcs knew the wrath of the Dark Elves, but they had not expected their strength and speed. The fight was even. . . Something had to be done in order to favor one side or the other. . .
- It was not long into Bozat's rampage when he saw the balance of battle change for the worse. . .
- A vortex, a tornado almost, of shadow and dark energy ripped through the ranks of the Dark Elves. Bozat watched the magnificent sight swirl and rage in the center of his army. Bozat saw the Vortex begin to compress, slowly and slowly get smaller. Bozat, with a look of horror written over his face, was blown from his horse by the vortex's implosion. Bits of armor, weapons, and body parts flew at all angles from the implosion. . . Bozat could only register one last thought before an orcish axe cleaved his skull down the center. . . "Warlock."
- The Orc threat pushed further on into Pontik, having taken the Border. . . They now wished to do the same the Dark Elves had done. . . After all, Crishnik liked the title of Emperor alot more then King.
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Post by arathos on Jul 3, 2011 22:21:39 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
The Shogun laughed at their stories and smiled as the feast went on into the night. Kukun held back his disgust while Chen nibbled apprehensively at some bread. The Thane let out a belch, then looked to the Shogun. "So lad, we've nay discussed the battle ahead. Ye would do wise ta follow a dwarf's lead" The Shogun nodded, and with an almost imperceptible jut of the chin, motioned to Thokk. The huge man-thing gulped down a double-sized pitcher of beer, and slammed the mug on the table, clattering the Thane's platter.
"First we drink!" Two more mugs were presented. Thokk grinned, and the Shogun leaned over to Kukun.
"Now, old friend, let Kaibutsu win his own war here"
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Jul 3, 2011 22:26:09 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
- The Dwarf, who ginned eyed the large man and gave out a hearty laugh before speaking. "I've been drinking since before I be a beardlin'! Ye' not get the better of me on this one! I'll show ya' how a DWARF drinks!"
- At once, the Dwarf began to double fist drinks down his throat. The drink didn't even touch the Dwarf's tongue as he tilted his hairy head back. Froth soon gave the dwarf a second beard.
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Post by arathos on Jul 3, 2011 23:37:14 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
The drinking competition was quickly the center of attention. Dwarves laughed and cheered on their noble, while the soldiers rallied around Thokk and roared for his victory. Mug after mug was brought forth, drained, and refilled.
Thokk had a massive body and the constitution of a statue, but even so he could not keep pace forever with the dwarf, who was a strong drinker even by the incredible standards of his people. After several hours, Thokk was slurring and holding his face up with his palm, slamming another mug down to the wood. The dwarf cackled as a mouthful of beer spilled out of his lips, wiping his beard with a loud belch as he regarded the monstrous man.
"Yer a righ' nasty one, manling. There's nae a lesser creature can keep pace wi' a dwarf in his prime. Get ye a right proper beard, we might even let ye sleep in our tents!" Laughter erupted from the dwarves. Thokk looked over at the Thane, and thumped his chest, letting out a loud burp of his own.
"You talk like a man, drink like a whale, but do you fight like a dwarf?" With that he balled up his fist and let a powerful right hook crack against the Thane's cheek. There was silence for a long, awful moment as the grim visages of the dwarves waited for their leader's answer. The Thane wiped a trickle of blood from his lip.
"Ye trying to tickle me, manling?" The mug in his stout hand shattered atop Thokk's skull, and the huge warrior slumped in his seat before toppling to the floor altogether. Raucous laughter erupted from both sides, and soon the tables were reformed so the feast could continue. It was a drunker and significantly more jovial dwarf that took his place beside the Shogun, pointing to the soldiers carrying Thokk off to his bed. "Mind that one, he'll have a right nice wake up when the sun finds 'im."
The Shogun smiled politely at the dwarf, and raised a glass to him. "Well done, master dwarf. Truly your people exceed even the stories about them. I would be honored to fight with you, but alas, our nation is torn by war and destruction. We are ill equipped to send more than a few hundred rabble. We must have better weapons and armor if we are to commit a reasonable number of soldiers to join your forces in battle." Here he paused; the bait gently wafted in the water while the bearded fish investigated.
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Jul 3, 2011 23:45:35 GMT -5
Chapters of the Rising Moon and Setting Sun
- The Dwarf roared with laughter once more. "JUS' like'a Manling! Ta' ask a dwarf for his gear! HAH! Aye, my dah' warned me o'dis. HAH! Aye, Manling, aye. . . We are well prepared to supply manlings with equipment. Even out shoddiest o' work is better then yur' best smithies! HAHA! But, me dah wants ta' hear how you are in battle first. Can't be given weapons'n'arm's away fur nothin'. Once ye' hold a victory over an Elven Banner, you can count the Full support o' me Dah, the Thane. We two-'undred or-so Beards are here with our Axes, hammers an'guns ta' give ya some support. We didn't bring any o' our bigger weapons, but after all. . . it is just some Dark Elves! HAHA!!!"
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