NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Only people that have signup here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=561137) may post here.
IC:

The world was in chaos. For centuries, all races inhabiting the continent and the islands had battled each other. Each race had an advantage and a disadvantage. The remaining humans withdrew to the safety of their fortress. Many fortresses were captured or being sieged by the races. In recent years, the war had calmed down, but then it was restarted after more border clashes. Massive areas of the continent was still uninhabited, but the races were fighting each other. It seemed like peace would never come to this world. How long would the fighting continue before any race decides to give up? It didn't seem like long now.

The Draconian leader Fantis walked down the street with his personal guard. The previous leader was successfully killed by the Dwarves. It was hard to find out exactly how did it. All Fantis knew that he was to expand his empire. Kill the numerous useless elves. His armies continued to lay siege to a human fortress just east to the Draconian empire. Very soon, the humans would collapse, and he would have another human fortress under his control.

Beelzebub looked over his kingdom, his son, Salpsan, at his side.
"My warriors!" he screemed to the masses "For to long have we tolerated the rule of other races! For to long have the weak been free from our rule! But the time of angels, elves and men has come to a close. Soon we will rule the world. This is the beginning of the demonic empire!"

Umbra sat quietly in his 'office,' a day like any other being a neutral demon. He had long stopped going to war with other races and had instead quieted down. His friend, Pyro, who had stood beside him for so many years did the same. The two friends set up kingdoms on the islands to the north and south of the main continent. Pyro ruled in the south, Umbra in the north, they both knew something was coming... but exactly what, who could tell?

Ulrik Ironside sat in his chair and brooded. Ever since becoming the Lord of the Esterndwarven he had become increasingly despondent. As he now held high office - at his fathers last request - he could not seek vengence agaisnt the Draconians, noar spend his time in the mines or workshops as he once had. Instead his day's were consumed with council meetings, such as now, where he was forced to listen for hours to the droning of the old Dwarf's who sat on it. Then, suprisingly, his heard something of intrest. While their relations with Elves were normal - mutual acceptance of the others existence, but nothing more - relations with the Draconians were souring. There was valuable seams of gold, silver and most importantly Meteroic Iron in their lands, all but un-exploited. The council had tried, aparntly, to negotiate for them. The Negotiations had failed. Perhaps, thought Ulrik, the was another way to aquire them. A way far more satisfying.

Durin was busy. He was supervising the production of a new weapon in the Dwarvnataarmara (National Dwarven Armory). This weapon, working on a different concept then ever seen in the Isledwarvs (Island Dwarves) kingdom, is called the Mernoll. The Mernoll is actually some sort of an improved musket. The design process was actually led by a human engineer, Olivero Winchest, who was bribed by the Dwarves. He agreed to expose the secrets of the repeating rifle to the Dwarves, and help them design a musket of their own.

Ofcourse, inside the ground it would be useless. Within the great mountains, where their kingdom lied, the Dwarven soldiers would still be equiped with the traditional weapons of crossbows and warhammers. However, the Onergrand Armia, the army above the ground, mostly consisting of guard posts on the mountains and the special Tarbattal, the surface professional war army, numbering a thousand Dwarves, divided into ten regiments. By Durin's plan, they would all be equiped with the new Mernoll musket.

Edit: Changed to musket.

"Where shall we attack first, father?" said Salpsan. Beelzebub imported the answer right into his son's brain, in case there were spies, listening to there conversation. The Elven terretory to the East is the closest. We shall gather our forces and take a part of thier territory. And also, there are two human cities within our empire. Get those humans who can fight and put them on the front line, the others can be slaves.
"Yes, father." said Salpsan and left the room.

Durin was busy. He was supervising the production of a new weapon in the Dwarvnataarmara (National Dwarf Armory). This weapon, working on a different concept then ever seen in the Isledwarvs (Island Dwarvs) kingdom, is called the Mernoll. The Mernoll is actually some sort of a lever-action, repeating rifle. The design process was actually led by a human engineer, Olivero Winchest, who was bribed by the Dwarves. He agreed to expose the secrets of the repeating rifle to the Dwarves, and help them design a gun of their own.

Ofcourse, inside the ground it would be useless. Within the great mountains, where their kingdom lied, the Dwarven soldiers would still be equiped with the traditional weapons of crossbows and warhammers. However, the Onergrand Armia, the army above the ground, mostly consisting of guard posts on the mountains and the special Tarbattal, the surface professional war army, numbering a thousand Dwarves, divided into ten regiments. By Durin's plan, they would all be equiped with the new Merfoll gun.

OOC: Read the OOC thread about weapons. You can have muskets and early cannons. Repeaters don't come until later.
IC:

Meanwhile, the Draconian army surrounding the human fortress nearby were destroying the walls with their firepower. Fireballs were thrown into the city, burning anyone nearby to death. The humans were powerless since their muskets were no good against the armor of a Draconian. Their cannons were slightly effective, they took down two Draconians before the Draconians disabled the cannons. The sky was dark with arrows and bullets from the humans. Draconians occasionally flew over the city, carrying large fireballs and dropping them onto the city.

Aeris was not having a good day. Reports had come in that demons to the west had planned to attack, then she got wind of fires started near the demon/elf border, and to top it off, two strangers had been caught and deemed untrustworthy and she had to deal with them. There's a real reason we refer to them as strangers. She thought when Joshua and Zena were brought to her. One had wings, the other had demonic features mixed with human and insisted on keeping on long sleeves and gloves even in the heat of the day. They claimed to be wanderers, not wanted anywhere. By the end of their interrogation, she'd decided to have them stick around for a while. If things worked out, maybe they could be of use. They had, after all, taken down a dozen of her most skilled warriors before being captured.

Salpsan had forced the humans to either join the military, or go into forced labor. It was hard at first, splitting families up so that the fathers could be warriors and the children slaves. He actually had to kill some of his human reletives. With every bad deed he preformed, a little more of his human self faded away.

Lee was wondering around as he came across another werewolf. The day was cool and Lee was hoping to see the leader in the room.

"The Humans are getting desperate laterly," said one of the guards as he opened the door.

"They're lossing the war badly," muttered Lee as he went inside.

He passed by several good looking girls until he found the leader smoking a cigar. Lee was given a drink as the leader snapped his fingers as the girls left his side. His bodyguards watched Lee carefully with pistols as Lee came forward.

"Khan," started Lee with a smile.

"You must be Lee. I've heard about you and uniting the werewolf clans under your rule. What makes you think the biggest will submit to you?" asked Khan as he puffed the cigar.

"Simple, others have said that and yet they have come under the united werewolf banner," replied Lee with a smile. "If we don't unite, then the werewolf race will fall to the Draconian's. They don't spare anyone,"

Khan nodded his head as he thought his words carefully.

"The Draconian's are demons. We'll come under the banner as long as we saw a fight," stated Khan.

"We'll be attacking a Human Fortress on a nearby island and make it a base of operations. So everyone will see war," replied Lee as be bowed before leaving.

Snow fell around Fort Belarus. Inside, the inhabitants, mainly Rangers and their families, went about their business as normal. The daily reports of attacks on human settlements were the last thing on anyone's mind.

Outside the fort, under the watchful gaze of archers and musketeers on the battlements, a man (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9b/Vlcsnap-bormir.png) knelt before a lone grave. Beside him was a white wolf. Ensribed upon the grave was writing in a foreign language.

A dwarf carrying a single handed axe walked close to him, but at the same time kept his distance

"Severus" he said, his gruff voice slightly muffled by his long white beard "Come on, let's get inside for tonight"

Severus Valmir stood up, as did the wolf.

"Goodbye old friend" he said to the grave "You are lucky, you have seen the end of war"

He turned to the Dwarf

"Yes, Grolian, let us go inside and toast Horomir's memory"

Severus and his wolf followed the dwarf through the large oak doors, and they closed with a deafening slam.

As Umbra looked out his window, a girl ran into his office. She was a young human, one of the few that followed Umbra. Her head was in a wrap that went down to the bridge of her nose, effectively blinding her. However, she could see fine. Umbra turned to look at her, "Celestial... what is it?" The girl nodded, "The forces are stirring, this may be an early sign of war..." Umbra frowned and nodded, "I see... this is troublesome. We will need to make our stance clear... I will prepare a messenger... Celestial, you may leave." She smiled and left.

Severus sat in the great throne room, once used by the kings of old. Now, it was filled with noise as people ate, drank and chatted about this, that and the other. Yet it still felt empty.

Severus stood suddenly. As he did, Grolian banged his flagon of mead down on the table with a slam that resounded across the room.

It fell deathly silent.

Severus paused a moment, pondering his next words. The entire hall watched him tentatively

"As you may have heard" he began "More and more Human settlements have come under attack from Demon and Dragon alike"

He waved his flagon in a gesture at the hall "And we are Humans too"

"And any Demon, Angel, Dragon or Serpent that comes here will feel our wrath!" he shouted

The hall erupted into shouts and cheers and the banging of flagon on wood

As it fell silent again, Severus spoke once more

"Unlike our brothers, who have passed on to a peaceful place, we will not go quietly" he raised his mead

"Hail, The Glorious Dead" he called

"Hail, The Glorious Dead" repeated the hall, swiging from their mead after they did so

Severus slumped back into his chair, and the chat resumed.

OOC: He's a bit drunk

Lee looked around as he came to the last of the werewolf clans that weren't under the Werewolf Alliance. He passed through the doorway as he found blood and dead bodies everywhere.

'By the gods, what has happened here,' thought Lee to himself as he came across the dying leader.

He kicked the body over as he found signs of demon claws across its body. He touched the gently body as the blood contiuned to gush out of the wounds.

'Still fresh. Best I gather the Alliance Leaders and we need to side with the humans if we're to defeat the demon race,' thought Lee as he left the room.

Slasher looked around the new Draconian province. He did not like the way it was. His province was right on elf land, and it was near the demons, werewolves, and angels to the north. Slasher's army successfully took the human fortress of Friend. His leader was still laying siege to another large human fortress way down south, but Slasher did not need to worry about that. His human prisoners were forced to work day and night on several things. When one of the humans refused to work, Slasher simply cut his head off in front of the humans. After that, the humans didn't dare say anything.

Meanwhile, Fantis watched his armies destroy the human fortress. The stone walls provided shelter to the humans, but not for long. His leading vanguard knocked down the gate and simply destroyed a human battalion posted there.

Lee looked around as he came to the last of the werewolf clans that weren't under the Werewolf Alliance. He passed through the doorway as he found blood and dead bodies everywhere.

'By the gods, what has happened here,' thought Lee to himself as he came across the dying leader.

He kicked the body over as he found signs of demon claws across its body. He touched the gently body as the blood contiuned to gush out of the wounds.

'Still fresh. Best I gather the Alliance Leaders and we need to side with the humans if we're to defeat the demon race,' thought Lee as he left the room.

Tsukiyomi stood overlooking the plains below. He saw that despicable Lee of the Alliance inspecting the clan he'd just discovered. All the Independents were being slaughtered. If he wasn't careful, his own clan would fall...his father had already been taken by a demon assassin. Perhaps it was time to forgoe the Elder ways and join forces.

Tal stood on the top of a tower at the humans' castle. He like being near people, they fascinated him so. He stared out over the horizon, waiting. Finally, he saw what he had been looking for. The messenger. He waited a few more moments, then the messenger flew up next to him, hovering in mid-aid. "Hail Captain Tal!" The angel bowed in mid air. "At ease. Tell me, what message do you bring from Lt. Raul?" The angel stood up straight. "Here are his exact words. 'Tal, I have used my gift of sight, and I don't like what I see. The demons and draconions are becoming restless, and it seems even attacking human encampments. The draconions have made a camp to the south of my position, near elven territory. It seems that the elves and humans are the main target of this assault, but I fear it is only a matter of time before we are targeted. What is your bidding?" Tal waited, but the messenger shook his head. There was no more. "Very well. Tell him these exact words. "I am very grateful for your information, Raul. These are most troubling times indeed. Well shall send a messenger to every independent group. They are to ask for peace of all, and to have all their leaders meet with me for a peace meeting. If they accept, have the messenger return and I will set up a date. If not... then I suppose the messenger will die, and we must prepare for war. That is all." Tal nodded, and the angel bowed again. "Hail Captain Tal!" He took off back to where he came, from the west, with his message. Tal muttered to himself, "It's only a matter of time now... Now we must wait.... and prepare." Tal glided from the tower down outside the walls, then flew towards the center of his region, the place he conducted his business. I only hope I'm not too late.

High Chieftain Grelok sat in a slouched manner on his throne within his tent. Orcs were not architects and so most houses were tents, huts, or lazily put together cabins. Besides, any sort of burning of a village meant it could easily be replaced. However the stone houses of Humans and Dwarves and Elves were not see easy to replace. More work for them.

He took a large roasted leg of one of the indigenous two-legged walking birds to their swampland and took a sizable bite from it, his rotting but still deadly sharpened teeth easily tearing apart the flesh. He grabbed a wooden mug and washed down the meat with some ale stolen from the Dwarves.

When he awaited more of the delicious liquid to pass his tongue but it did not come he peered inside of it to see it empty. He snorted in annoyance and tosses the cup aside lazily.

His attentions lazily came to the door to his tent, a small feeble creature pulling the flap aside and rushing up to him. It was Rizgik, a cunning and cruel Hunter of his clan. What differed him from the other Orcs however was he was not at all built like them. He was skinny and frail, only measuring up to roughly 5'0". His skin was a pale shade of green and his eyes were beady and yellow. Compared to Grelok he was a worm but one that had proved reliable throughout the many missions he had sent him on. He was one of the unlucky few born with a common birth defect amongst Orcs. His kind had been around for centuries and were grudgingly accepted into Orcish society as brethren after ages of exile. In their society they were referred to as Lesser Orcs and thus treated as such.

"What is it, Rizgik? Can't you see i'm feasting?", he rumbled with an irritated tone. The small Orc smiled meekly, rubbing the back of its head nervously. "I apologize, oh grand Chieftain. But it seems my scouts have stumbled across a small group of the Dry Bone clan. They're on the move."

Grelok quickly stood to his feet and a wicked grin crept across his face. The Dry Bone clan was one of the small, few separatist clans that had been evading his detection for months. However now he could finally put them in their place, dead or alive.

"Assemble my troops, Rizgik. We will pursue them." Rizgik smile broadly, his small but equally sharp rows of teeth flashing in the dull light of the many torches that lined the tent. He bowed and quickly scurried out of the tent.

Meanwhile...
"Father, can we stop? I'm getting tired of walking.", asked a young Orc boy to his father. His father was Chief Rahstuck, an old and feeble Orc who had lived long before the coming of Grelok. Or as his clan referred to him as, Grelok the Kinsmen Killer. He hushed his young son and continued to push through the dense foliage before him, his cane leading him and aiding him in pushing apart branches. The rest of his clan, some 120 men, women, and children, followed with large packs containing food and supplies for their journey to their new home...wherever that was.

Rahstuck has been narrowly evading Grelok's scouts for some time. However he felt his time was up and it was time for his people to disappear into the lands of the Dwarves. Somewhere where Grelok and his men would have a harder time tracking them. They would most likely find a hospitable abandoned mining cave to settle in.

Severus was sat in his chair in the great hall, asleep. Unknown to the rest of the fort, he'd been asleep since he made the speech earlier during the feast.

Grolian and a messenger boy rushed into the great hall. The loud crash of the doors opening awoke Severus with a start. Bleary-eyed, he saw the two approaching him

"Si-si-sir" stammerred the messenger "th-this came for you, about t-ten minutes ago"

As Severus took the letter, Grolian turned to the messenger

"Go, back to your family" he said

"Yes, sir" replied the messenger, before turning and hurring out of the hall

Severus snorted with contempt at the letter

"It's from Captain Tal, that Angel Leader" Severus told Grolian "Wants peace talks"

He stood up as he handed the letter to Grolian

"Well, what do you want to do?" asked Grolian

"I've no faith in Tal" said Severus "Nor any Angel for that matter"

"They've kept the truce for as long as it has been instigated between us and them" said Grolian "I could put my faith in them now, especially if you look at what's happening all over the place"

"Yes, you're right Grolian" Severus sighed

"I'll see what he has to say, but that doesn't mean I have to trust him"

A demon guard sat upon the walls of the demonic fortress. The fortress was in 'neutral' and looked like any other medival fort. The demon looked up to see an angel, it quickly began signalling other demons to look up. A message was sent quickly to Umbra. Meanwhile, the demon who had initially spotted the angel waved and beckoned. Meanwhile, the others had their bows drawn in case this angel tried something.

messenger note was taken and pass go to Black who was with Jade who was resting her head on his lap

"sir"said a Soldier handing it to him

"mm Wants peace talks" said Black as Jade looks up at his face
"i'll have to send someone with you"said Jade

Deep bellow the surface a Dwarf army slowly gathered at the most southwards point of their underground empire, just north the Draconian territory. It was a slow process as thousands of warriors, and hundreds of guns and siege weapons were slowly gathered in the deep caverns, far beyond their holds to the north. But gathered they did, and soon a great war would break out once more in the South East. Who would win, that no one yet knew.

Meanwhile, the Draconians had destroyed the gate and broken into the human fortress. However, there was a setback. Three hundred mounted pikemen attacked the Draconians that ahd broken through, and killed seven of them, but the pikemen lost half their numbers in the attack. Fantis, enraged, personally led an attack on the pikemen and destroyed the pikemen using fireballs. Fantis and his army simply threw fireballs down the street, burning or killing anyone on the street. The fortress began to collapse and the remaining humans retreated to the castle.

The great fortress of Sygiria was the largest free human settlement remaining in the south of the island, and possibly in the whole world. As Tancred stood on the battlements of the first wall facing north, he could see the vast plains that stretched for miles. To the north was a small kingdom of Dwarves with whom they had little contact, to the west a large dominion of Spiders and to the east lay the Draconians.

Surrounded, isolated and with no allies. How in the name of the Horn did this happen? Tancred wondered, adding a curse to the blind and foolish leaders of the humans. Had they united as he had proposed several times, perhaps now they wouldn't be huddled up in their seperate fortresses, waiting for the inevitable onslaught. He could see the refugee columns streaming towards the fortress, and a large queue had formed at the main gate where his men were taking a census of everyone coming in. So far a few spies had been turned away, but Tancred knew it was inevitable that some would sneak in.

Upon Tancred's arrival at the head of a column of Mailed Fist soldiers, remnants of other human armies and thousands of refugees, the local Lord had fled, fearing an attack. No-one else had laid claim to the title, so Tancred assumed command of the fortress and the outlying lands. His Mailed Fist soldiers had been hard at work, training new recruits in the ways of war and restoring the morale of a dispirited people. Luckily weapons and armour were in good supply - now all that needed were stout hearts and strong bodies to use them.

"Sir?" Mordred, his second in command, approached him, bearing a letter. "A message came from the Angels. They are trying to set up peace talks."

At this Tancred laughed. "Peace? Do you honestly think peace will happen now?"

"Evidently they do, my lord," offered Mordred. "I will go in your stead - worst comes to worst everyone declares they want to kill us, and we already know that."

"Aye," nodded Tancred sadly. "Well send a message back to the Angels, and tell them we agree." Mordered bowed and left, leaving Tancred to stare over the battlements and ponder the fate of his race.

Lee came back to the city the werewolves were in control of before he left. He wondered around as he came face to face with other clan leaders.

"Has the Druidic Clan..." started Khan.

"They're dead," replied Lee. "I didn't arrive in time and found them all dead. Every single one of them,"

Lee kicked over a barrel as he turned to face them.

"Do you know who did it?" asked Razor.

"It looked like demons did it but I can't be sure," replied Lee as he saddled a horse.

Razor looked around the city as a runner came to them with a report in his hand.

"Sir, there's report of another clan in the area," stated the runner as he handed Lee the report.

"Another to call our aid," smiled Lee as he raced off towards the forest.

Later

As his ride came to a close, he left the forest and came to the top of the hill where he found a werewolf nearby.

"Hello," started Lee as he dismounted. "I'm wondering if you could point me to the direction of your werewolf clan?"

Beelzebub, Salpsan and Natalya were planing there attack at the elves.
"Natalya, you will lead the attack." said Beelzebub. "We fight better in the dark, and I'm guessing that the elves fight worse that way, so we will strike at midnight."
"Yes, Lord Beelzebub." said Natalya.
"Now, I wish to speak to my son in privet." said Beelzebub and Natalya left. "My son, there is an orc territory to the south west. Unlike our other enimies, the orcs aren't weak. They could be powerful allies. They probably hate us, but I'm sure that they hate the elves even more. I want you to go and try to get the orcs to form an allience with us agenst the elves."
"Yes, father." said Salpsan.
"Oh, and one more thing." said Beelzebub. "Take my bodyguard, Luxian with you. This could be good practice for both of you."

The fortress had finally fell. The Draconians then focused their attention to the north, where the dwarfs and elves were. The entire Draconian population numbered only two million compared to the dwarfs who number tens of millions and same for the elves, but the Draconians did not rely on numbers.

Up north, Slasher sent out a "patrol" to look for any allies.

OOC: Someone run into Slasher's patrol.

OOC: sure thing

IC:

Razor was out on partol with five others as they came across a group coming towards them.

"Halt!" shouted Razor as he fired a shot from his musket into the air. "You've entered the United Werewolf Alliance. What business do you bring?"

OOC: sure thing

IC:

Razor was out on partol with five others as they came across a group coming towards them.

"Halt!" shouted Razor as he fired a shot from his musket into the air. "You've entered the United Werewolf Alliance. What business do you bring?"

The Draconian patrol was amused by the shot. The musket was useless, but it didn't matter. They weren't here to kill them. The Draconians were much larger then werewolves or humans.

"Were from the Draconian Empire." replied Revent, the patrol leader.

"Do they really think we're idoits?" muttered Razor to himself as the others took up position.

"I can see you're Draconian. I will ask again, what business do you have?" shouted Razor as he handed his musket to the partoller behind him and was given another one.

"Do they really think we're idoits?" muttered Razor to himself as the others took up position.

"I can see you're Draconian. I will ask again, what business do you have?" shouted Razor as he handed his musket to the partoller behind him and was given another one.

"Well, my leaders want to establish a non-aggression pact with the werewolves. This would benefit both our races." said Revent, eying the musket. The Draconians behind him were hold massive axes and swords.

"Ohhh...new rifle eh?" smiled Razor to the man behind him as he sniffed the air as he listend to the conversation. The other partollers raised their rifles as something was coming closer.

"I'm so bad at getting the new weapons," smiled Razor as he checked the bullet before turning back to the scouts. "Tell me where do you stand on the subject of demons? Do you oppose, side or netural to their kind?"

Razor felt his samuri sword on his side as he eyed off the scouts coming towards them.

The exchange between the Draconians and the Werewolves was watched by unseen eyes.

Several Rangers from Fort Belarus waited in the trees. They were well outside of their normal patrol area, but this might make it worth their while.

The lead Ranger turned to one near the back. Even from the simple nod the leader gave him, he knew what to do. He backed out of the trees away from the meeting, and dissapeared off into the distance, heading back to the fort.

A demonic messenger wandered into the area, straight towards the werewolves and the Draconians... it was wearing black robes and a red scarf. It had no visible weapons but instead was holding a scroll in its hand. "So," it started, "I found you. Tak this scroll please, it is an urgent message from our leader requiring attention immediately." The demon held the scroll out.

Razor looked at the demon as the werewolf partol suddenly aimed their rifles at the demon as Razor stepped forward.

"Why don't you read it out then?" asked Razor as he stepped back from the demon.

Ulrik gazed with great pride at the army wich now gathered here before him. Already nearly 20,000 strong other forces loyal to minor Dwarf Lords were preparing for the coming war, gathering in their holds. Yet more of his wariors were marching above ground, a smaller force of 6,000, to meet him near Draconian Teritry, and one all his men were gathered together he would be able to call on a mighty force of more than 60,000 Dwarves, including just under 8,000 guns. The Draconians, busy dealing with human forces, would be hardpressed to gather an army capable of matching his.

Yet victory was not asured. Previously the Draconians had shown themselves to be dangerous enemys, more than capable of trickery and unforseen moves. In a straight fight he was sure he could win, but first he would have to draw them into one.

Razor looked at the demon as the werewolf partol suddenly aimed their rifles at the demon as Razor stepped forward.

"Why don't you read it out then?" asked Razor as he stepped back from the demon.

The demon looked forward at Razor, unconcerned by the rifles. "Very well." It unsealed the scroll and slowly opened it. "To anyone this letter may concern, for some time now we have watched. We see a storm is coming, a war. A war that will, without any doubt, be of epic proportions. This is a war we hope not to participate in. If you are reading this, then there's a good chance it is because I sent a messenger to find you and give this to you. We have no wish of participating in such wars, we have no wish to seed destruction across this land that so many call home. Many would believe that is a lie, they would judge us because we are demons. I will tell you now, we mean this, we wish to remain neutral. So if it at all possible, leave us out of this war." The demon looked from the scroll to Razor, "Signed, Umbra."

The demon looked forward at Razor, unconcerned by the rifles. "Very well." It unsealed the scroll and slowly opened it. "To anyone this letter may concern, for some time now we have watched. We see a storm is coming, a war. A war that will, without any doubt, be of epic proportions. This is a war we hope not to participate in. If you are reading this, then there's a good chance it is because I sent a messenger to find you and give this to you. We have no wish of participating in such wars, we have no wish to seed destruction across this land that so many call home. Many would believe that is a lie, they would judge us because we are demons. I will tell you now, we mean this, we wish to remain neutral. So if it at all possible, leave us out of this war." The demon looked from the scroll to Razor, "Signed, Umbra."

The rangers watched the exchange of words between the Demon and the Werewolf with intent, their bows and muskets at the ready in case a fight broke out.

"Close ranks!" Boomed Tancred, and with that thousands of armoured feet clanged together in varying degrees of competency, an impressive sight for anyone who had come down out of the fortress to the fields just outside of the city. Many of all ages had come, some to see the legendary Tancred and the Mailed Fist, others because they were refugees and had little else to do. Most of them kept back from the soldiers, and those that tried to get closer were discouraged by halberd-wielding militiamen.

To the right of the parade, five hundred silver-armoured warriors stood in a perfect square, shields on their left arms and swords in their scabbards, their expressions concealed by their full helms. Although many of the Mailed Fist did not fight with sword and shield, it was parade ground tradition to carry sword and shield and even in these dark times Tancred insisted the old ways be upheld.

In the centre stood the regular troops, also five hundred strong. Many had their homes overrun by Elves, Demons, Draconians or another race, but still stood here and were prepared to fight once again. There was a mismatch of weapons and uniforms, but all were wearing armour of some kind and wielding a blade of some sort. Although they lacked the uniformity of the Mailed Fist troops, they were still fierce and bore scars from many battles.

To the left were the militia, five hundred strong as well. All of those present were either volunteers from the numerous refugees who had flocked to Tancred's banner or were previously in service with the Sygirian militia. Few had armour of any kind, and most carried pikes, halberds or bills. They were doing their best to copy the pose of the more experienced warriors, but it still obvious that these men had no training of any kind.

Taking a deep breath, Tancred began to address the men.
"Soldiers! Upon your shoulders rests the burden of defending the innocent from the enemy. Make no mistake, our foes are numerous and terrible indeed but here we make our stand." He paused to let the enormity of his words sink in - the Mailed Fist had been waging a sort of fighting retreat from human stronghold to stronghold, protecting who they could and trying to preserve their strength.
"There will be no give, no retreat. On the walls of Sygiria, the finest fortress ever made by human hands, the enemy will break like like water against the rock." With its three walls and impressive keep, the fortress was a good a place to make a stand as any.
Now comes the tricky part, mused Tancred as he continued.
"I have gathered in front of me soldiers from the three parts of our forces. Some of you have been fighting since you pick up a sword, others of you have never wielded a weapon in anger. I tell you this now - a stout heart counts the most in battle. I have seen trained knights flee at the sight of an enemy scout, and farmers stand their ground armed with pitchforks in the face of a charge. Stand firm and we will win - run and we die along with all of those who depend on us. That is all." He then turned and marched off, leaving his words to sink in. His sub-commanders would dismiss the troops or take them for more training - there was still a few hours of daylight left before the sun went down and time was crucial in molding the disparate groups of warriors into an effective fighting force.

On his way through the city, he found a small contingent of cavalry engaged in no useful activity. Tancred ordered them to scout the south of the island and make contact with any possible allies.

OOC: If you are in the south, and want to talk to me, now is your chance. Just RP saying hello to my lovely horsemen

Aphonopelma looked across her decreasing dominions. How had the Elves Split their territory? The Spiders had the numerical advantage, and that had previously been the cause of their greatness.
Aphonopelma had sent envoys to the Dwarves, Draconians, and Human settlements that had been taken by the Elves, but as of yet has heard no response. Her proposition: To join an attack on the Elves on the main Island, forcing them to withdraw to the smaller two islands.

At night, Luxian and Salpsan left the Demon Territory, and headed for the Orc territory. The moon was up, so Luxian was in wolf form. He ran alot faster then demons as a werewolf, so Salpsan flew above him, to keep up.

Meanwhile, Natalya and her army were begining to march towards the Elve territory.

Joshua and Zena had made things as inconvenient as possible for their elven captors. First Joshua shattered the restraints with ease, then Zena began playing mind games with one of the guards until she too was able to break free. "We've agreed to come along," Zena stated.
"We didn't agree to come in shackles." Joshua finished.
"If you insist on it being that way, fine." Aeris was more trusting than the queens that had come before her. She knew both of these people were clever, but she had a feeling they would be very useful in the coming war with the demons. They were in an encampment near the demon border and she had gathered the best of her runners. She'd given each of them a scroll with information, a single piece of her plan against the demons to bring to her generals and her only dark elf runner a scroll bearing a message. "Bring this to Umbra. He's a neutral demon and I wish to ask his help. I don't want to fight and if I can get him here, we may be able to work out some form of peace with as little bloodshed as possible."
Joshua looked to Zena. "Does he sound familiar to you?"
"It rings a bell somewhere." She replied.

The rangers backed away from the meeting between the Demon, Werewolves and Draconians and headed south. They had what they needed.

Their journey would take them through Elven and Spider territory, so they had to move quickly and quietly.

"General Natalya," said a demon sergent.
"What is it soilder?" said Natalya.
"We have spotted an elven encampment nearby." replied the demon. Natalya thought for a moment and then said, send the humans at them. That way, we can both see how well the elves fight and weaken them, before we attack them ourself."
Her commands were executed and 70 human soilders charged at the elven encampment.

While Umbra was looking over a few documents and reports a servant came in. "Umbra, an angellic messenger arrived and told me to bring you this." Umbra looked up and took the message from his servant, "A peace treaty from 'Tal.' I see, you may leave now." The servant nodded and left.

As the rangers passed through Elven territory, they saw an encampment. It was under attack. As some of the younger rangers raised their bows and muskets, the leader spoke

"Not our fight" he said "Move"

They continued heading south. Up ahead was spider territory.

"This is the tricky part" the leader warned them "Make no sound, and we'll be okay. Remember, we're just passing through"

Far to the north of the main island an old Dwarf slowly climed yet another hill, floowed by half a dozen Valtgard, the elite of the Dwarfish army. His had been a long journey, but a necesary one. His orders from the Council had been simple - go north, and make peace with the humans. Using a primative map he had searched out and contacted numerous human city's and forts, with mixed results. Others had similar missions to the south and west, but he knew little of their succese or failures. Finally cresting the hill he saw his destination before him - Fort Belarus, one of the stronger surving human settlements.

Half an hour later he reached the main gates, and stoped, waiting to be challenged by a gaurd.

Guards on the battlements spotted the dwarf party approaching.

As the older dwarf approached the gates, they swung open and Severus Valmir swept out to meet the dwarf, sword in hand, flanked by two ranger guards armed with bows

"Friend or Foe?" he asked the dwarf, stopping just short of him.

Aeris kept watch, sending but 50 elves to fend off the humans. They moved swiftly, half of them archers, the other half specializing in some form of close range combat like swords, daggers, or hand to hand combat. The archers made the first move, firing their arrows toward the humans in hopes of making it easier for the rest. And when the humans got too close, the others moved in, some taking prisoners, the rest sending the humans to slaughter like lambs.
"So what did you send with the dark elf anyway?" Zena asked of Aeris.
"I send him with a petition of aid. Umbra is a neutral demon and I want his help. I don't want to fight any more than needed and if we can get him here, I'm hoping Umbra will mediate between us so we can work out peace." Aeris replied.

Meanwhile, elf scouts found the Rangers and came up behind them. "Do you have traveling papers?" They asked. They had orders to bring everyone without them in the area to Aeris and wanted to make quick work of it.

Meanwhile, elf scouts found the Rangers and came up behind them. "Do you have traveling papers?" They asked. They had orders to bring everyone without them in the area to Aeris and wanted to make quick work of it.

They stopped dead in their tracks as the Elf scout spoke

Turning slowly, none of them spoke

Then, Dwight, the leader spoke

"No"

He gripped his sword in it's scabbard, anticipating a fight

Guards on the battlements spotted the dwarf party approaching.

As the older dwarf approached the gates, they swung open and Severus Valmir swept out to meet the dwarf, sword in hand, flanked by two ranger guards armed with bows

"Friend or Foe?" he asked the dwarf, stopping just short of him.

"Friend." replied the old Dwarf.

"My name is Golrick Silvertounge, and I am an emisary of Ulrik Ironside, lord of the Esterndwarvs. I come bearing overtures of peace for your lord."

"Then I'm afraid you'll have to come with us." The scout leader said, preparing to take them by force if needed. "If all checks out and you're just traveling in peace, our leader will have no issues with letting you go. Aeris is a strong opponent in battle, but very generous and kind to visitors. Be warned though, we've had a couple earlier that put up a fight and they're still hanging around her and the guards so I wouldn't recommend struggling."

"Friend." replied the old Dwarf.

"My name is Golrick Silvertounge, and I am an emisary of Ulrik Ironside, lord of the Esterndwarvs. I come bearing overtures of peace for your lord."

Severus sheathed his sword, and motioned to his guards to back off.

"Sorry Mr. Silvertongue" he said to the dwarf "What with the recent attacks on human settlements, I didn't want to take any chances. I am Severuss Valmir, and I am currently leader of Fort Belarus"

He offered his hand to the dwarf (OOC:As in handshake)

Umbra was in a hall that was located in a human city to the west of his fortress. The leader of this town had long considered Umbra to be suspiscious, Umbra went against everything he thought a demon should be. Umbra's presence in his Great Hall bothered him a little. "So, you have come Umbra. From your mighty castle to the human city. Explain yourself." Umbra looked at the man and bowed, "I am here only to give warning." The man raised an eyebrow, his guards prepared to draw their weapons. "Warning? Is that a threat?" Umbra shook his head, "My seers have peered into the rift and have seen what they believe is the future. A war is coming, I do not wish this bickering between us to continue. I wish for this entire island to become united in case something happens." The man was about to speak but Umbra held up his hand, "I will leave you now. Please consider it, it would be best for both of us. Your kind has lived in my shadow for nearly 300 years, I want you all to become my equals." With that Umbra left. The hall was in silence, it was true that Umbra had been benevolent for a long time, the leader actually began considering Umbra to be fairly trustworthy. But Umbra still had quite a bit to accomplish before he won the hearts of all humans.

"Then I'm afraid you'll have to come with us." The scout leader said, preparing to take them by force if needed. "If all checks out and you're just traveling in peace, our leader will have no issues with letting you go. Aeris is a strong opponent in battle, but very generous and kind to visitors. Be warned though, we've had a couple earlier that put up a fight and they're still hanging around her and the guards so I wouldn't recommend struggling."

Dwight listened to what the Elf had to say, still gripping his sword.

Suddenly, he let go, and stood up. The other rangers followed suit, standing down from their aggressive stances.

As Dwight stood up, he pulled his hood off. Even though he was only 27, his hair was pure white

"Very well, we'll go quietly" he said to the Elf "In this day and age, we can't afford to be making enemies"

Severus sheathed his sword, and motioned to his guards to back off.

"Sorry Mr. Silvertongue" he said to the dwarf "What with the recent attacks on human settlements, I didn't want to take any chances. I am Severuss Valmir, and I am currently leader of Fort Belarus"

He offered his hand to the dwarf (OOC:As in handshake)

Taking the hand of man Golrik laughed.

"What threat could an old Dwarf like me and a few gaurds be to a city like this?"

Natalya smiled, she had thought that most of the humans would be killed by arrows, but aperantly the elves weren't as good archers as she thought.
She spoke to a demon commander who was at her side. "Send platoons 3, 5 and 7 to battle." The commander gave the orders, and 300 hundered demons, charged at the elves. They had large wooden shields, wich they held above their heads to protect themselfs from elven arrows.

Salpsan landed by the borders of the orc territory.
"I, Lord Saplsan, son of Lord Beelzebub, and my companion, Luxian, wish to enter your territory to discuss an allience angenst the elves." He said laudly.

Taking the hand of man Golrik laughed.

"What threat could an old Dwarf like me and a few gaurds be to a city like this?"

Severus laughed with him

"You're right, perhaps we were a bit over-cautious. Please, come inside" he said, gesturing with his other hand to the fort.

Umbra was now back at his fort, but in a different section this time. It was a large balcony, on it were a group of winged creatures that looked, more or less, like demonic harpies. He had given each one a pouch with a letter inside. "I hate doing this but you are my fastest... Where shall I send you all to?" He pointed to one of them, "Go to Tal, give him the message." The creature jumped from the balcony and spread its wings, in a few seconds all one could see was the black trail it would leave a few feet behind it as it flew. He then thought, "the rest of you shall remain on standby until further notice." The creatures let out shrill, bird-like screechs to show they understood.

"I bet the bloody fort has fallen already," complained one of the armoured horsemen making their way north.
"Would a little optimism kill you?" Sighed the standard bearer, proudly carrying a large standard (http://http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/Fist.png) at the head of the party.
"Shut up both of you," hissed the third member of the party, constantly scanning the snowdrifts for enemies. Travelling was a risky business these days, especially for three men by themselves, even ones as heavily armoured and armed as these.
"Look!" Cried the standard bearer, pointing forwards. "The fort still stands! And the flags are flying! It must still be free." Sure enough, there was the fortress ahead, flags proudly fluttering in the wind. Without another word the three men gallopped towards the fortress, slowing down when they got closer to the fortress so that they did not seem hostile.
"A hot meal would be nice right now," mumbled the first soldier, and the others nodded in agreement, keeping alert for any challenge from the fort's inhabitants as they dismounted and walked their horses to a gate.

Meanwhile, another horseman was also heading north, this time to a Dwarf Lord's castle.
" 'Go to Nurengard' he says, 'find the Dwarfs and offer peace.' What does he think I am, some sort of ranger? I'm a bloody heavy cavalryman," exclaimed the horseman to himself, "and a good one at that!"
The Sygirians had no good maps of Dwarf territory, and the best directions that they could come up with was someone who had once heard some Dwarves talking about something in a tavern.
"Alexius, my comrade," Tancred had said. "I need someone swift and someone strong for this. You're my best bet."
"But sir," Alexius had protested, "it's a suicide mission."
"I never figured you for a coward," Tancred had puzzled, leaning back and offering Alexius another ale, which he accepted.
"I'm not sir, I just don't want to miss the main event."
At this, Tancred had just laughed and clapped Alexius on the shoulder.
"You'll do fine. Now finish your ale and get going."

It was now several weeks later, and Alexius was running low on provisions and still didn't know where he was going. His only hope was to run into someone friendly, although whether anyone would consider a lone heavy cavalryman friendly and not just an easy target was another matter.

Severus was still outside when he saw the horsemen approaching. He was alarmed by their presence

"Guards!" he shouted

The two rangers quickly trained their bows on the horsemen

"Friend Or Foe?" they asked

OOC: This is my flag BTW guys - LINK (http://hem.bredband.net/b108107/stirling/treeflag400.png)

It was now several weeks later, and Alexius was running low on provisions and still didn't know where he was going. His only hope was to run into someone friendly, although whether anyone would consider a lone heavy cavalryman friendly and not just an easy target was another matter.

OOC: I don't think U should skip a few weeks. i mean your doing something that takes weeks only in one messige, while others use many messinges to describe what happens within a day.

IC:
Beelzebub was sitting in his castle, drinking wine, and trying to think of a name for his empire.
Demonland? To ovbious. Macragge? No. Europe? No, that's a redicilous name for a place. Tartara? hmm... Tartarus. That sounds good

Lee came back to the city the werewolves were in control of before he left. He wondered around as he came face to face with other clan leaders.

"Has the Druidic Clan..." started Khan.

"They're dead," replied Lee. "I didn't arrive in time and found them all dead. Every single one of them,"

Lee kicked over a barrel as he turned to face them.

"Do you know who did it?" asked Razor.

"It looked like demons did it but I can't be sure," replied Lee as he saddled a horse.

Razor looked around the city as a runner came to them with a report in his hand.

"Sir, there's report of another clan in the area," stated the runner as he handed Lee the report.

"Another to call our aid," smiled Lee as he raced off towards the forest.

Later

As his ride came to a close, he left the forest and came to the top of the hill where he found a werewolf nearby.

"Hello," started Lee as he dismounted. "I'm wondering if you could point me to the direction of your werewolf clan?"

Tsukiyomi stared back at him warily. He circled the Lupian cautiously...So, he told himself, I meet him at last.

"I am head of the Yamato-clan," he answered, "They reside here," he continued, thumping his chest. "Speak your business."

Tal had already received much good news from his angels. This is going better then I expected. Perhaps war can be avoided after all. But I haven't gotten word from the demons, draconians, or the orcs yet... we will have to see. He was near the border of his region, waiting for more messengers. Ah, here comes another. Wait, that's no angel. Indeed, it was what appeared to be an unarmed demon approaching with a scroll. He signaled to him men to stay back, and he approached the demon alone. "Halt! What business do you have here? If you have a message, deliver it."

The demon stopped, the trail of darkness stopping with it. It only let let out a shrill screech, like that of a large bird. Its arms and wings were one and the same so it couldn't give the message in mid-flight. It used its haed to point to the pouch on its side.

Tal scowled as he pulled his sword. "No funny business, you got that?" He reached into the pouch as the demon's side and removed what seemed like a scroll.

The demon kept itself as still as it could. Unlike an angel, it was required to flap its wings in order to maintain flight. The scroll would read:

To whom this may concern, my seers have looked into what they believe was the future. A future of chaos and torment, a future I do not wish to be apart of. This is not a future I want to be apart of. Therefore, this scroll is my message to the reader that I will maintain neutrality. Let it be known that Umbra, the demon of the north, and Pyro, the Dragon of the South, do not plan to participate in the senseless violence that this war is most likely to become. That is all.

Signed, Umbra

Tal frowned. It wasn't the answer he had hoped for, but he would accept it. "Wait one moment." He left the demon to go back to the angels. Without a word, he took a quill and wrote on the bottom of the message,

Dear Umbra,

I, Captain Tal, recognize your neutrality, along with Pyro's. I still ask that you attempt to come to the peace meeting, as I fear war may be inevitable for even you. I only hope you are able to avoid war somehow.

Signed, Captain Tal.

Tal put the scroll back in the demon's pouch. "Take this back to your master."

The demon let out anoth screech to show it understood before it stopped flapping and allowed gravity to do its job. The demon fell for a ways before gliding back up and flying back to Umbra. A few hours later it reached Umbra balcony and he was there to greet it. After he removed the pouch the demon flew away, back to its perch somewhere else on the island. Umbra read over the message, Damn, I feel he may be right... I have no wish to enter this war but... Bah! I will simply have to attend... or send someone in my stead...

Tal stood on the top of a tower at the humans' castle. He like being near people, they fascinated him so. He stared out over the horizon, waiting. Finally, he saw what he had been looking for. The messenger. He waited a few more moments, then the messenger flew up next to him, hovering in mid-aid. "Hail Captain Tal!" The angel bowed in mid air. "At ease. Tell me, what message do you bring from Lt. Raul?" The angel stood up straight. "Here are his exact words. 'Tal, I have used my gift of sight, and I don't like what I see. The demons and draconions are becoming restless, and it seems even attacking human encampments. The draconions have made a camp to the south of my position, near elven territory. It seems that the elves and humans are the main target of this assault, but I fear it is only a matter of time before we are targeted. What is your bidding?" Tal waited, but the messenger shook his head. There was no more. "Very well. Tell him these exact words. "I am very grateful for your information, Raul. These are most troubling times indeed. Well shall send a messenger to every independent group. They are to ask for peace of all, and to have all their leaders meet with me for a peace meeting. If they accept, have the messenger return and I will set up a date. If not... then I suppose the messenger will die, and we must prepare for war. That is all." Tal nodded, and the angel bowed again. "Hail Captain Tal!" He took off back to where he came, from the west, with his message. Tal muttered to himself, "It's only a matter of time now... Now we must wait.... and prepare." Tal glided from the tower down outside the walls, then flew towards the center of his region, the place he conducted his business. I only hope I'm not too late.

An angel messenger arrived through a window in Beelzebub's castle. Beelzebub looked at him and said. "What do you want?"

Ulrik gazed with great pride at the army wich now gathered here before him. Already nearly 20,000 strong other forces loyal to minor Dwarf Lords were preparing for the coming war, gathering in their holds. Yet more of his wariors were marching above ground, a smaller force of 6,000, to meet him near Draconian Teritry, and one all his men were gathered together he would be able to call on a mighty force of more than 60,000 Dwarves, including just under 8,000 guns. The Draconians, busy dealing with human forces, would be hardpressed to gather an army capable of matching his.

Yet victory was not asured. Previously the Draconians had shown themselves to be dangerous enemys, more than capable of trickery and unforseen moves. In a straight fight he was sure he could win, but first he would have to draw them into one.

It was just under a week later, and they were finally ready to begin their war. More Dwarves had arived, and yet more were on their way to the assembly location. Provisions had been gathered, and plans finalised. His 20,000 warriors, and the 12,000 from allied Lord's gathered here with him would march forwards into Draconian teritory. Meanwhile his six thousand warriors allready above ground would preceed through rough terain to apear on the enemys flank, hopefully drawing off their troops. Finally the other 12,000 wariors would move up in reserve, ready to reinforce him when the Draconians made their plans clear. All was ready, and as Ulrik watched his force march from the chamber, entering the secret tunnels by wich the would arrive just shy of the Draconain border without warning, he knew that it would be a glorious war, and that vengence would be his. All there was to do was wait for the Draconian's to respond.

Dwight listened to what the Elf had to say, still gripping his sword.

Suddenly, he let go, and stood up. The other rangers followed suit, standing down from their aggressive stances.

As Dwight stood up, he pulled his hood off. Even though he was only 27, his hair was pure white

"Very well, we'll go quietly" he said to the Elf "In this day and age, we can't afford to be making enemies"
"You're right, it's a bad time for all. Thank you for your cooperation." He looked at the Rangers then at his own group and decided it would be for the best for them all to go back to the encampment. "It's this way, we're not too far off." He took off at a brisk pace. Of course, brisk was a matter of opinion and for most, they'd be running to keep up.

Natalya smiled, she had thought that most of the humans would be killed by arrows, but aperantly the elves weren't as good archers as she thought.
She spoke to a demon commander who was at her side. "Send platoons 3, 5 and 7 to battle." The commander gave the orders, and 300 hundered demons, charged at the elves. They had large wooden shields, wich they held above their heads to protect themselfs from elven arrows.

The elves were aware of the trick the demons would use. The aimed low and went for long shots. Many of the arrows would find their mark in the chests and abdomens of the first few rows of demons and the archers would be easily allowed to continue shooting until they got up close and personal with the demons. Meanwhile 300 elves split into two groups to hit the sides of the demons, something that would allow the archers to aim higher by distracting the demons.

"I don't like how this looks." Joshua said to Aeris. "I know it's not my place, but the demons are strong. Your tactic is good, but I fear we should have sent more."
"What's this we stuff?" Zena asked him. "She's the one in control here."
"No, Joshua is right. More would have been better. It would have given us a better chance. But with the archers working, it should be just fine." Aeris spoke softly, but with great confidence.

"Execute battleplan C." yelled Natalya. The demons started to charge at the elves. The first two lines put their shields in front of them, the others held their shields up as the had done before. When they reached the elves, they abondened this battle formation and started to fight the elves like there was no tomorrow. (and for some of them, that was the case.) The demons were stonger than the elves and some of them could use magic, so they had an advantige.

"Ohhh...new rifle eh?" smiled Razor to the man behind him as he sniffed the air as he listend to the conversation. The other partollers raised their rifles as something was coming closer.

"I'm so bad at getting the new weapons," smiled Razor as he checked the bullet before turning back to the scouts. "Tell me where do you stand on the subject of demons? Do you oppose, side or netural to their kind?"

Razor felt his samuri sword on his side as he eyed off the scouts coming towards them.

"Frankly, we never battled the demons before until in recent years when we established the northern provinces. We oppose them." said Revent. His bodyguards spread around, destroying trees.

It was just under a week later, and they were finally ready to begin their war. More Dwarves had arived, and yet more were on their way to the assembly location. Provisions had been gathered, and plans finalised. His 20,000 warriors, and the 12,000 from allied Lord's gathered here with him would march forwards into Draconian teritory. Meanwhile his six thousand warriors allready above ground would preceed through rough terain to apear on the enemys flank, hopefully drawing off their troops. Finally the other 12,000 wariors would move up in reserve, ready to reinforce him when the Draconians made their plans clear. All was ready, and as Ulrik watched his force march from the chamber, entering the secret tunnels by wich the would arrive just shy of the Draconain border without warning, he knew that it would be a glorious war, and that vengence would be his. All there was to do was wait for the Draconian's to respond.

Fantis was aware of the Dwarf armies coming. His flying patrols had spotted them marching toward Draconian land. He prepared his battle hardened Draconian troops. though they numbered only 8,000, they were much bigger then a dwarf and had one ally by their side. Fantis had thousands of werewolves mercs that he hired a long time ago, under his control. They would guard the flanks. The Draconian fortress was formerly human, but every trace of human settlement was gone, and it was modified to suit the Draconian defenders.

Fantis then sent his sky guard of 50 Draconians to fly high above the Dwarf armies and drop fireballs on them.

Salpsan landed by the borders of the orc territory.
"I, Lord Saplsan, son of Lord Beelzebub, and my companion, Luxian, wish to enter your territory to discuss an allience angenst the elves." He said laudly.

From the depths of the dense foliage came the sudden sounds of movement. It was a large group...their footsteps heavy. They were obviously armored. Suddenly a large lizard like creature with the flat head of a snake and the forked tongue as well as deadly venom filled fangs stuck its head out of a nearby bush and hissed loudly. Moments later it leapt out and and dozens of others followed suite, each one carrying a heavily armored Orc.

"What you be wanting, stranger? This be Orc territory. You be wanting in you go in dead.", said a rider of these strange creatures. "Now, now Veruk. We should treat guests kindly. Especially when they have such...interesting offers.." came a voice from the forest. Grelok, mounted upon a massive wolf, emerged from the forest, smirking broadly.

"Please excuse my warriors. We don't get visitors very often. Allow me introduce myself. My name is High Chieftain Grelok. I am the ruler and Lord of the Orcs and all our territories.", he said as his dipped his torso down for a bow.

"So. You represent Beelzebub? I take you are of the Demons then, right? What would this "alliance" entail?"

Ulrik sat on his stool at the comand post, a dozen or so miles into Draconian teritory. He was not happy - he had bad news.

"So, they have retreated back to their fortress? How inconvienent. We can not mount a siege, it is too well defended."

He sighed as his aides offered numerous useless sugestions.

"No. We will do it my way. Order Wodan to to bring his forces forwards to reinforce us, and send messengers to bring the flanking force back. We will gather all our warriors together and threaten a target so important they will have to come face us. One deceive battle will settle this."

OOC: Ah, no they didn't retreat to the fortress. The remaining Draconians did. The Draconian army (8,000 Draconians, 5,000 werewolf mercs).

OOC- oh. Ok. I'll set up forces for a pitched battle. I'll Rp it as after a couple of days of manouvering for the two armies to close, and then set up my formations.

IC- Ulrik gazed at the long lines of his army. At the other side of the plain he could see the Draconian forces, vastly outnumbered. But still very dangerous. He had deployed his forces on the crest of a line of small hills. 40,000 warriours were know lined up along a front almost 5km long, eight Dwarves deep. It was an imposing force. At the centre where the thousand wariors of his clan - the Valtgard, the elite of the Dwarfish army. Holding the right flank was Wodan, and his clan. To the left, his weakest flank where mainly the allied clans of lesser lords. And behind his sheild wall was his true strength - his missile troops. First the was 8,000 handgunners, and a similar sized group of crosbowmen. These 16,000 Dwarves would be primarily targeting the Draconians who would fly above them - no matter how strong each one might be, against a barage of crosbow bolts and musket balls they would fall. The remaining men were running the various siege wepons - dozens of cannon, balidta's and a few other liitle suprises for the ennemy.

All except a handful of Dwarves. A dozen or so members of the mysterious Runemasters guild were present. Ten accolytes and two runelords. He personally had never seen they're kind in action, though he had heard tales of their power. He would watch them with intrest.

Turning to his men he issued orders -

"Raise the banners - show them your clan emblems! You see the enemy - they are cowards. We have come to fight them, and even cowards will fight when conered. Do not underestemate them, but do not fear the either. today there will be a rteconing, and tonight we will dine - some of us in their halls, and others in the presence of our forfathers in the underworld! But victorious we shall be!"

And with the cheers of the warriours echoing the horns sounded, and battle was begun.

From the depths of the dense foliage came the sudden sounds of movement. It was a large group...their footsteps heavy. They were obviously armored. Suddenly a large lizard like creature with the flat head of a snake and the forked tongue as well as deadly venom filled fangs stuck its head out of a nearby bush and hissed loudly. Moments later it leapt out and and dozens of others followed suite, each one carrying a heavily armored Orc.

"What you be wanting, stranger? This be Orc territory. You be wanting in you go in dead.", said a rider of these strange creatures. "Now, now Veruk. We should treat guests kindly. Especially when they have such...interesting offers.." came a voice from the forest. Grelok, mounted upon a massive wolf, emerged from the forest, smirking broadly.

"Please excuse my warriors. We don't get visitors very often. Allow me introduce myself. My name is High Chieftain Grelok. I am the ruler and Lord of the Orcs and all our territories.", he said as his dipped his torso down for a bow.

"So. You represent Beelzebub? I take you are of the Demons then, right? What would this "alliance" entail?"

"We want you to join us in the attack against the elves." said Salpsan. "Together, we can defeat them. What say you?"

An angel messenger arrived through a window in Beelzebub's castle. Beelzebub looked at him and said. "What do you want?"

The angel landed softly. "Great Beelzebub, a message from Captain Tal of the angels. He wishes to meet with you, along with the other great leaders, to talk of peace. What say you?" He looked Beelzebub in the eyes, his face expressionless.

Beelzebub walked quietly to a torch on the wall. He could only control fire, not create it. He put his hand over the flame. He swung his arm and threw a large ball of fire at the angel. The fire burnt of the angels arms and legs.
"Tell your master," he said "that I don't negotiate with weaklings."
And so, he sent the cripeled messinger back.

"We want you to join us in the attack against the elves." said Salpsan. "Together, we can defeat them. What say you?"

"The Elves...hm...there trees would make nice homes...it would also give us leverage over the Dwarves..."

Grelok thought briefly before sliding out of the saddle of his mount and approaching the pair of Demons, his heavy boots making large indents in the moist soil. He extended a gauntleted hand, smirking.

"You've got yourself an ally.."

Tal's hand was balled into a fist as he dismissed the crippled messenger that his men had recovered. Beelzebub... why? You have gone to far... does your cruelty know no bounds? I knew this would happen... but to just cripple him? That is low, even for you. Tal looked up. He knew that this right region was bordered by elves and dwarves, who were for the most part peaceful. Beelzebub ruled to the north island, and he wanted a truce.... but could he trust him? "Matith!" And angel entered the room. "Yes, Captain?" "I want you to take... half of our forces to the western encampment and fortify it. They are bordered by demons and draconians, they'll need all the help they can get. Tell Raul... not to attack, only to defend if attacked first. Are we clear?" "Yes sir!" The angel left the room and flew out the open window at the castle. Tal sighed. It seemed peace would not reach these lands until blood had been spilled.

"The Elves...hm...there trees would make nice homes...it would also give us leverage over the Dwarves..."

Grelok thought briefly before sliding out of the saddle of his mount and approaching the pair of Demons, his heavy boots making large indents in the moist soil. He extended a gauntleted hand, smirking.

"You've got yourself an ally.."

OOC: Noteout: Luxian is a werewolf not a demon...

IC:
"Good." said Salpsan. "You can either come with us now and attack the elves, or gather an army first, and then back us up later."

Beelzebub sent a thought into Tal's mind.
This is what you get for sending angels into Tartarus. Your messenger can consider himself lucky that I didn't keep him here. He smiled and finished his wine. "Sigurd!" he yelled. His personal human slave came running. "Get me some more wine."
"Yes, my lord." said Sigurd.

Beelzebub walked quietly to a torch on the wall. He could only control fire, not create it. He put his hand over the flame. He swung his arm and threw a large ball of fire at the angel. The fire burnt of the angels arms and legs.
"Tell your master," he said "that I don't negotiate with weaklings."
And so, he sent the cripeled messinger back.

OOC: I hope you're aware that in most cases, not giving the other player a chance to say they dodged counts as Godmodding.

"Execute battleplan C." yelled Natalya. The demons started to charge at the elves. The first two lines put their shields in front of them, the others held their shields up as the had done before. When they reached the elves, they abondened this battle formation and started to fight the elves like there was no tomorrow. (and for some of them, that was the case.) The demons were stonger than the elves and some of them could use magic, so they had an advantige.

The archers fell back as the close range specialists came in. The demons may have been stronger, but the elves were much more agile. Their armor was lighter, though nearly as strong and their magic focused on healing. The two groups on the sides began to squeeze the demons, attacking their best and giving the archers more opportunity once they found higher ground.

Meanwhile Aeris was ordering the rest of the soldiers in the camp to take position and be ready to defend it. "Zena, I hate to do this, but can you please be my eye in the sky? We need help out there in the worst way."
Zena's wings formed. "Alright, I can do that." she took to the sky and tried to see through the trees to the battle, but it was tough going. These elves love their forests.

There would be a screeching sound above the elven forces as one of Umbra's messengers decided to drop by. The creature dropped from the sky into the camp and reached for its pouch, pulling out a scroll. It let out another screech to get some recognition as it held out the scroll.

OOC: Talkin bout your guys Syl

Black was Standng watch on the wall with a full moon in the sky

"why are you not sleep laying on our bed" Black asked the werewolf form of his wife standing in the door way near him

"just want to see if you are ok" Jade said as she moved up next to him
"am fine aside for bring cold" Black said as he scratch her ear,which he did when she was in her werewolf form leaving kissing for when she was in her human form

OOC- oh. Ok. I'll set up forces for a pitched battle. I'll Rp it as after a couple of days of manouvering for the two armies to close, and then set up my formations.

IC- Ulrik gazed at the long lines of his army. At the other side of the plain he could see the Draconian forces, vastly outnumbered. But still very dangerous. He had deployed his forces on the crest of a line of small hills. 40,000 warriours were know lined up along a front almost 5km long, eight Dwarves deep. It was an imposing force. At the centre where the thousand wariors of his clan - the Valtgard, the elite of the Dwarfish army. Holding the right flank was Wodan, and his clan. To the left, his weakest flank where mainly the allied clans of lesser lords. And behind his sheild wall was his true strength - his missile troops. First the was 8,000 handgunners, and a similar sized group of crosbowmen. These 16,000 Dwarves would be primarily targeting the Draconians who would fly above them - no matter how strong each one might be, against a barage of crosbow bolts and musket balls they would fall. The remaining men were running the various siege wepons - dozens of cannon, balidta's and a few other liitle suprises for the ennemy.

All except a handful of Dwarves. A dozen or so members of the mysterious Runemasters guild were present. Ten accolytes and two runelords. He personally had never seen they're kind in action, though he had heard tales of their power. He would watch them with intrest.

Turning to his men he issued orders -

"Raise the banners - show them your clan emblems! You see the enemy - they are cowards. We have come to fight them, and even cowards will fight when conered. Do not underestemate them, but do not fear the either. today there will be a rteconing, and tonight we will dine - some of us in their halls, and others in the presence of our forfathers in the underworld! But victorious we shall be!"

And with the cheers of the warriours echoing the horns sounded, and battle was begun.

The Draconians had surprises of their own. First, they brought up massive Iron shields, that were twenty feet high, then they put them up, like a wall, next to each other, giving the Draconians shelter form the muskets. Next, they brought up their own siege weapons, such as a ballista of their own, which looked more like a giant bow then anything.. The Draconians had gunpowder, but they did not have muskets. So, gunpowder were put in massive grenades.

A demonic messenger wandered into the area, straight towards the werewolves and the Draconians... it was wearing black robes and a red scarf. It had no visible weapons but instead was holding a scroll in its hand. "So," it started, "I found you. Tak this scroll please, it is an urgent message from our leader requiring attention immediately." The demon held the scroll out.

Razor looked at the demon as the werewolf partol suddenly aimed their rifles at the demon as Razor stepped forward.

"Why don't you read it out then?" asked Razor as he stepped back from the demon.

The demon looked forward at Razor, unconcerned by the rifles. "Very well." It unsealed the scroll and slowly opened it. "To anyone this letter may concern, for some time now we have watched. We see a storm is coming, a war. A war that will, without any doubt, be of epic proportions. This is a war we hope not to participate in. If you are reading this, then there's a good chance it is because I sent a messenger to find you and give this to you. We have no wish of participating in such wars, we have no wish to seed destruction across this land that so many call home. Many would believe that is a lie, they would judge us because we are demons. I will tell you now, we mean this, we wish to remain neutral. So if it at all possible, leave us out of this war." The demon looked from the scroll to Razor, "Signed, Umbra."

OOC: Greal, don't know if you saw this whole thing.

IC:

The demon turned to the Draconians, "May I ask what your response would be to my master's message?"

OOC: Greal, don't know if you saw this whole thing.

IC:

The demon turned to the Draconians, "May I ask what your response would be to my master's message?"

"Well, our leader would certainly accept and respect your neutrality. I am authorized to sign a Non-aggression pact." said Revent, put his sword into the ground.

"That would make my master happy, we certainly do not wish to become apart of the chaos which is to come. All I require is the name of your leader, I will give this name to my master and he will be sure to keep the relations between our peoples neutral or friendly."

There would be a screeching sound above the elven forces as one of Umbra's messengers decided to drop by. The creature dropped from the sky into the camp and reached for its pouch, pulling out a scroll. It let out another screech to get some recognition as it held out the scroll.

OOC: Talkin bout your guys Syl

OOC: Thanks.

IC: Aeris looked up to see the messenger. "Can Zena hear me?" she asked of Joshua.
"Think really hard." he replied. It wasn't meant to be mocking at all, it was Zena's specialty, but it often sounded like it was meant to make fun of someone. "I don't mean that offensively, I mean it literally." he spoke quickly as she opened her mouth to reply.
Zena, if you can hear this, try and intercept that messenger.
No problem. Came a curt response. Zena flew toward the messenger and called it to her. Once she was sure it would follow, she glided toward Aeris.

"That would make my master happy, we certainly do not wish to become apart of the chaos which is to come. All I require is the name of your leader, I will give this name to my master and he will be sure to keep the relations between our peoples neutral or friendly."

"Our leader is Fantis." said Revent, sounding a little amused.

"Good." said Salpsan. "You can either come with us now and attack the elves, or gather an army first, and then back us up later."

"Not so fast, Demon. You must do something for us before I partake in this war. I have a renegade clan on the run. The Dry Bone clan. Some couple hundred of Orcs that are making a final dash into Dwarven territory to evade me. They would not dedicate their loyalty to me and my people's cause. And so they must be destroyed. Bring me the head of their chieftain, Rahstuck, and i'll assemble a mighty host of Orcs to march upon the Elves."

Severus was still outside when he saw the horsemen approaching. He was alarmed by their presence

"Guards!" he shouted

The two rangers quickly trained their bows on the horsemen

"Friend Or Foe?" they asked

OOC: This is my flag BTW guys - LINK (http://hem.bredband.net/b108107/stirling/treeflag400.png)

The horsemen all drew in the reins of their horses, bringing them to a stop.
"Personally I never liked that question," stated the lead horseman, lifting up his visor to reveal a heavily scarred face with one eye covered by an eyepatch. "Your arrows pointed at me are hardly an incentive to say 'Foe' are they?"
The standard bearer buried his helmeted head in his free hand before looking up and also lifting the visor.
"Friends, naturally," proclaimed the youth. "We are of the Mailed Fist and we bring word from our leader Tancred from the fortress of Sygiria. Take us to your leader."

Tsukiyomi stared back at him warily. He circled the Lupian cautiously...So, he told himself, I meet him at last.

"I am head of the Yamato-clan," he answered, "They reside here," he continued, thumping his chest. "Speak your business."

"Ahh..." smiled Lee as looked around before focusing on the werewolf. "My business is a purposal for an alliance between you and the Werewolf Alliance,"

Lee dismounted as he took his rifle and placed the safety catch on it.

"My name is Lee Kingston of the Werewolf Alliance and the Harbour Clan. I have a dream of uniting all the werewolf clans. If we don't unite under one banner, then one by one, the clans will fall," stated Lee. "I have the bulk of many clans under the Alliance. However, I have met many that I didn't arrive in time and I saw them perish by demons. Would you join with the Alliance and have the protection and the strength of others?" finished Lee.


"Frankly, we never battled the demons before until in recent years when we established the northern provinces. We oppose them." said Revent. His bodyguards spread around, destroying trees.

"Demons are responsible for the deaths of our friends and other clan members. We'll let you go. Come back later if you wish to talk to Lee in person," finished Razor.

The horsemen all drew in the reins of their horses, bringing them to a stop.
"Personally I never liked that question," stated the lead horseman, lifting up his visor to reveal a heavily scarred face with one eye covered by an eyepatch. "Your arrows pointed at me are hardly an incentive to say 'Foe' are they?"
The standard bearer buried his helmeted head in his free hand before looking up and also lifting the visor.
"Friends, naturally," proclaimed the youth. "We are of the Mailed Fist and we bring word from our leader Tancred from the fortress of Sygiria. Take us to your leader."

"I am the leader of this Fort" said Severus, as the guards backed off "As i was just saying to a dwarf who arrived here on a peace mission, with shapeshifting demons here, there and everwhere we can't be too careful. Please, accept my apology"

(OOC: BTW Belschaft, if your Dwarves need some help just Rp a messenger arriving at the Fort and i'll be only too happy to ride to your aid)

"You're right, it's a bad time for all. Thank you for your cooperation." He looked at the Rangers then at his own group and decided it would be for the best for them all to go back to the encampment. "It's this way, we're not too far off." He took off at a brisk pace. Of course, brisk was a matter of opinion and for most, they'd be running to keep up.


Dwight turned to the Rangers

"Come on" he said "We'll need to keep up"

He turned and ran to catch up with the Elf, and the others followed him.

"Ahh..." smiled Lee as looked around before focusing on the werewolf. "My business is a purposal for an alliance between you and the Werewolf Alliance,"

Lee dismounted as he took his rifle and placed the safety catch on it.

"My name is Lee Kingston of the Werewolf Alliance and the Harbour Clan. I have a dream of uniting all the werewolf clans. If we don't unite under one banner, then one by one, the clans will fall," stated Lee. "I have the bulk of many clans under the Alliance. However, I have met many that I didn't arrive in time and I saw them perish by demons. Would you join with the Alliance and have the protection and the strength of others?" finished Lee.


"An interesting...proposal, "Tsukiyomi answered, keeping an eye on the rifle. "There is a saying that by joining the many, the one is lost...I will represent my clan, but we will not join until I am convinced it's identity will survive within your Alliance."

"How can I convince you to enter the Alliance? Werewolf caln leaders have an equal voice at the Order if that's what you're worried," replied Lee.

"Not so fast, Demon. You must do something for us before I partake in this war. I have a renegade clan on the run. The Dry Bone clan. Some couple hundred of Orcs that are making a final dash into Dwarven territory to evade me. They would not dedicate their loyalty to me and my people's cause. And so they must be destroyed. Bring me the head of their chieftain, Rahstuck, and i'll assemble a mighty host of Orcs to march upon the Elves."

"How many orcs are there?" said Salpsan.

The Draconians had surprises of their own. First, they brought up massive Iron shields, that were twenty feet high, then they put them up, like a wall, next to each other, giving the Draconians shelter form the muskets. Next, they brought up their own siege weapons, such as a ballista of their own, which looked more like a giant bow then anything.. The Draconians had gunpowder, but they did not have muskets. So, gunpowder were put in massive grenades.


At Ulrik's command the cannon began firing. While at the current range the shot's where hard pressed to reach the Draconian battle line the sight must have been imposing from their battle lines - dozens of cannon spread down the line firing in unison, and then at will. Nevertheless, despite the range some of the cannon balls would hit the enemy.

OOC: Thanks.

IC: Aeris looked up to see the messenger. "Can Zena hear me?" she asked of Joshua.
"Think really hard." he replied. It wasn't meant to be mocking at all, it was Zena's specialty, but it often sounded like it was meant to make fun of someone. "I don't mean that offensively, I mean it literally." he spoke quickly as she opened her mouth to reply.
Zena, if you can hear this, try and intercept that messenger.
No problem. Came a curt response. Zena flew toward the messenger and called it to her. Once she was sure it would follow, she glided toward Aeris.

The messenger placed the message back into its pouch and took off once more in order to follow Zena. It let out a screech before it took off and quickly followed.

"Our leader is Fantis." said Revent, sounding a little amused.

"Understood. So the werewolves and Draconians have no issue with our neutrality. Thankyou for your time and understanding." The demonic messenger and took to the air.

The archers fell back as the close range specialists came in. The demons may have been stronger, but the elves were much more agile. Their armor was lighter, though nearly as strong and their magic focused on healing. The two groups on the sides began to squeeze the demons, attacking their best and giving the archers more opportunity once they found higher ground.

Meanwhile Aeris was ordering the rest of the soldiers in the camp to take position and be ready to defend it. "Zena, I hate to do this, but can you please be my eye in the sky? We need help out there in the worst way."
Zena's wings formed. "Alright, I can do that." she took to the sky and tried to see through the trees to the battle, but it was tough going. These elves love their forests.

The demons used there strength as a wepon. The elves had thin armor, wich a strong demon could break through. The demons also had an advantige with numbers, they had a great army, and the elves had one encampement. The demons began to try to push the elven forces back to the enimy's territory.

EDIT: how's that???

The demons used there strength as a wepon. The elves had thin armor, wich a strong demon could break through. The demons also had an advantige with numbers, they had a great army, and the elves had one encampement. The demons began to push the elven forces back to the enimy's territory.

OOC: You can't claim your pushing them back, that's their job.
IC:

The messenger screeched as the demonic forces got closer. It could sense their presence even though it did not possess eyes. It hurried after Zena but was eager to get a response and report back to its master.

"How can I convince you to enter the Alliance? Werewolf caln leaders have an equal voice at the Order if that's what you're worried," replied Lee.

"That is not my concern...only that legislature can easily take away the rights of others..." Tsukiyomi answered. He let out a howl, and two more werewolves jumped from their hiding places to his side.

""Yuuka," he addressed one, "I'll be leaving with this one," he referred to Lee, "Keep me informed of any news from our scouts." The female werewolf nodded and bowed before disappearing into the night. Tsukiyomi turned to his other companion, a male, "Hikaru, go back to the village, inform them of where I'm going and have our people prepare for an attack. Keep vigilant. These demons are tricky beasts."

"Yes, Milord," Hikaru's guturral voice answered as he too disappeared into the night.

"The Dry Bones number only in the low 100's. This includes men, women, and children. Kill all of them and bring me Rahstuck's head and your master will have his Orcish army."

At Ulrik's command the cannon began firing. While at the current range the shot's where hard pressed to reach the Draconian battle line the sight must have been imposing from their battle lines - dozens of cannon spread down the line firing in unison, and then at will. Nevertheless, despite the range some of the cannon balls would hit the enemy.

Some of the Iron shields were rather knocked down then split to pieces by the cannons. Three Draconians fell in the barrage. Next, the Draconians set fires in front of the Iron shields to prevent dwarfs from attacking. Then, they took out their massive longbows and began firing. The longbows fired very large arrows. Fire balls were rolled down the "hill" and they went at the enemy at very high speed.

Ulrik watched as the trade of fire continued, with both Dwarvesand Draconian's falling. It was time to draw out the enemy. Signalling to a messenger he began ordering attacks -

"Tell Wodan to move the right flank forwards. Tell him to move his forces to encircle their line, but be prepared to draw back at my signal."

Ulrik watched as the trade of fire continued, with both Dwarvesand Draconian's falling. It was time to draw out the enemy. Signalling to a messenger he began ordering attacks -

"Tell Wodan to move the right flank forwards. Tell him to move his forces to encircle their line, but be prepared to draw back at my signal."

The flanks were guarded by the tough werewolves, some of them were armed with captured muskets and cannons. Draconians didn't like to use cannons or muskets, so they gave them to their werewolf mercs. The werewolves numbered thousands, and they were ready to fight hard. As the dwarfs attempted to encircle the Draconian line (Which would be very hard since the line stretched two or one miles.), Werewolves rained arrows and even a little cannon fire.

Sufering from the barage of missile fire, the Dwarf's on the right flank began to run. First a few, then hundreds. Finally the whole flank was in rout. The few wich stayed to fight were easily overwelmed.

Sufering from the barage of missile fire, the Dwarf's on the right flank began to run. First a few, then hundreds. Finally the whole flank was in rout. The few wich stayed to fight were easily overwelmed.

The werewolves cheered and they kept on firing, but the dwarfs were out of range after they ran, so the shots were useless. The Draconian captains halted the firing. Next, as the dwarfs were running, Werewolf cavalry archers were pursuing them (Along with some pistols) and firing at their exposed backs.

The werewolves cheered and they kept on firing, but the dwarfs were out of range after they ran, so the shots were useless. The Draconian captains halted the firing. Next, as the dwarfs were running, Werewolf cavalry archers were pursuing them (Along with some pistols) and firing at their exposed backs.


As the Werewolf's pursued the Dwarf's Ulrik watched, and waited. Sudnely he shouted - "Now!"

At his comand Musketers and Crossbowmen opened fire at the werewolfs, while balista's, cannon and other siege wepons began unleasing upon the cavalry, as the retreating dwarfs, apon reaching their initial posistions re formed the line.

As the Werewolf's pursued the Dwarf's Ulrik watched, and waited. Sudnely he shouted - "Now!"

At his comand Musketers and Crossbowmen opened fire at the werewolfs, while balista's, cannon and other siege wepons began unleasing upon the cavalry, as the retreating dwarfs, apon reaching their initial posistions re formed the line.

The werewolves retreated back to their lines after bloody losses. They were back to square one. The Draconians had sent the werewolves on purpose but no one knew that.

Ulrik wathched the Werewolves fall back. He continued watching while he waited for a Draconian action. In the background the artilery barage continued. Stalemate had occured.

Ulrik wathched the Werewolves fall back. He continued watching while he waited for a Draconian action. In the background the artilery barage continued. Stalemate had occured.

The Artillery barrage had killed a few werewolves and Draconians, the Werewolves fired back. At least they had the advantage of being on a small hill. Fantis was unsure what to do next.

The Artillery barrage had killed a few werewolves and Draconians, the Werewolves fired back. At least they had the advantage of being on a small hill. Fantis was unsure what to do next.

How to settle a stalemate. That was the question. His atempt to draw the ennemy forrwards into artilery range had been only partly succesfull. The problem was Dwarves were largely defensive -even when they launched an attack apon an enemy nation, they tried to fight a defensive war. He could not order a real attack, it would be suicidal. Stuck for options he began considering more and more ridiculous idea's. Perhaps one would work.

The Draconian sky guard flew high in the air and dropped fireballs unto the enemy positions. At least they ere very high up. The remaining Draconian army waited.

Realing from a fireball landing nearbye Ulrik cursed at the overflanking of his line. Around him wepons crews, bowmen and gunmen opened fire on the flying Draconians, as he saw a fire ball come down in the middle of the battle line, killing or wounding dozens. He could but hope that they could shoot them down before too much harm was done to his fellow Dwarf's.

Realing from a fireball landing nearbye Ulrik cursed at the overflanking of his line. Around him wepons crews, bowmen and gunmen opened fire on the flying Draconians, as he saw a fire ball come down in the middle of the battle line, killing or wounding dozens. He could but hope that they could shoot them down before too much harm was done to his fellow Dwarf's.

One of the Draconians shoot in the wing cursed and headed back to his lines, with trouble. Another Draconian was shoot and the body fell into a nearby small lake. The remaining Draconians flew at high speed, dropping fireballs at the Dwarfs.

Ulrik, cursing at the continued barrage made a tough decision - to break up the line. He had no choice - maintaing a tight formation would mean all their deaths. As the battle line spread out, as Dwarf's moved to greater larger gaps between each other, hew saw one of his special balista's fire. Designed to fire six bolts, chained to the ground, at a Draconain they had never been tested in battle. Nevertheless several were deployed along the line, and hopefully would bring the enemy down - shooting a Drraconian was one thing killing one was another.

Ulrik, cursing at the continued barrage made a tough decision - to break up the line. He had no choice - maintaing a tight formation would mean all their deaths. As the battle line spread out, as Dwarf's moved to greater larger gaps between each other, hew saw one of his special balista's fire. Designed to fire six bolts, chained to the ground, at a Draconain they had never been tested in battle. Nevertheless several were deployed along the line, and hopefully would bring the enemy down - shooting a Drraconian was one thing killing one was another.

The Draconians had brought up more Iron shields and struck them into the ground to prevent the ballista from hitting the Draconians. Werewolves prepared for battle. They were being outfitted with armor, shields and deadly swords. Werewolf archers prepared to shoot the attacking dwarfs. The Draconians continued their fireball barrage, dropping fireballs onto the balista crews, and on musketeers who were busy reloading.

Meanwhile, the Draconian province to the north sent a patrol out into the nagel land and the orc areas.

"That is not my concern...only that legislature can easily take away the rights of others..." Tsukiyomi answered. He let out a howl, and two more werewolves jumped from their hiding places to his side.

""Yuuka," he addressed one, "I'll be leaving with this one," he referred to Lee, "Keep me informed of any news from our scouts." The female werewolf nodded and bowed before disappearing into the night. Tsukiyomi turned to his other companion, a male, "Hikaru, go back to the village, inform them of where I'm going and have our people prepare for an attack. Keep vigilant. These demons are tricky beasts."

"Yes, Milord," Hikaru's guturral voice answered as he too disappeared into the night.


"Demons?" questioned Lee as he picked up the werewolf as the pair were mounted on the horse. "We've got the same problems with them, maybe we can figure something out,"

The horse galloped at full speed as they passed through the forest at full speed. He raised his rifle in the air as they passed out into the open plain. Lee looked around as the hill side was covered with werewolves holding rifles.

"Ohh...something's happened!" muttered Lee as they came up to the hillside. "This is another clan leader and it sounds like he's got trouble,"

"The Dry Bones number only in the low 100's. This includes men, women, and children. Kill all of them and bring me Rahstuck's head and your master will have his Orcish army."

"In the low 100's, eh?" said Salpsan. "What do you think Luxian?"
The werewolf grinned. "Shouldn't be to hard since that number includes there kids. We can handle it."
"Well then," said the demon, addressing the orc. "You got yourself a deal. I look forward to working with you." Salpsan flew off, and Luxian ran after him.

"Demons?" questioned Lee as he picked up the werewolf as the pair were mounted on the horse. "We've got the same problems with them, maybe we can figure something out,"

The horse galloped at full speed as they passed through the forest at full speed. He raised his rifle in the air as they passed out into the open plain. Lee looked around as the hill side was covered with werewolves holding rifles.

"Ohh...something's happened!" muttered Lee as they came up to the hillside. "This is another clan leader and it sounds like he's got trouble,"

Rifles, Tsukiyomi said to himself, so vile...he scanned the hillside, noticing that the number seemed quite comperable to his own clan.

"How many do you have in your forces?" he asked Lee. "If this is only a pitance of the Alliance's numbers, we could bring war against the demons..."

The messenger placed the message back into its pouch and took off once more in order to follow Zena. It let out a screech before it took off and quickly followed.
Joshua scanned the skies and spotted Umbra's messenger. "Aeris, take a look up there." he pointed toward the messenger hoping she would be able to see it too.
"It's a messenger of Umbra. I hope it comes bearing good news. If he can't help us, I fear nobody will be able to." She replied.

The demons used there strength as a wepon. The elves had thin armor, wich a strong demon could break through. The demons also had an advantige with numbers, they had a great army, and the elves had one encampement. The demons began to push the elven forces back to the enimy's territory.
The elves fought back, and hard. While the demons had superior armor and brute force, the Elves had weapons unparalleled by most in the world. The archers continued to take out anyone who lowered a shield to fight the close range soldiers while the sweodsmen and the like were able to work on the demons too busy to lower their shields. It was true the demons kept pushing towards the encampment, but at Aeris' word, more elves were ready to join the fray and reinforcements were on their way from other encampments.

OOC: You guys got any more suggestions I should add to this game?

ooc add goblins that every one can kill in between the battles

IC

Jade was now sleep on her and Blacks bed ,when she woke feeling something was not right

"milady" said a female voice at the door
"yes May i'am awake"said Jade as the woman came over to her bed an looks at Jade still in werewolf form as the moon was still up and it was now midnight

"Black been wounded,he went out to fight off bandits attacking the village" May said as Jade got off the bed

"bring my clothes" said Jade as she leave the bed and head to Black side

"yes milady"said May

OOC: I already have Goblin-like Orcs.

There was a small set of villages and pastures owned by the werewolves under Chief Pharamond whose tribe had settled down after a long trek in search of green and pleasant lands to cultivate and live on. They were a relatively peaceful people with a formidable but dormant army whose purpose was just to protect any land owned by the tribe. Pharamond lived with his wife and two children in a large house built by the best builders that the tribe posessed. His wife, Bathora, was a vampire who had charmed the chief even though some people disliked it. The luscious and sexy vampire lass had born Pharamond two children: Marcomer (the heir) and Trojana who was said to be the most sought after woman in the tribe but due to more than just her titles and ancestry such as her good looks and charm. As the people of the main village were busy with their daily routines, Pharamond walked into his house to see his wife alone with a small plate of food. He gave her a kiss and sat at the table with her; smiling at her while feeling her feet reach over to touch his under the table as if she wanted to do some things with him. "Bathora....how has your day been? I must say that I have been planning to scout the lands for new lands to settle because some people seem to want more pastures for livestock."

Bathora smiled. "My day's been fine, Pharamond. I must say that I've been pining for you since we've never really been alone since you are always busy with your politics. You never have time for me."

"I promise that I'll be with you more as soon as these plans are finished with which I hope will be soon. Perhaps you may even see other tribes and cultures if our scouts come back with envoys or news of the existence of others."

Bathora sulked a little. "I'm fine with that....but just remember that I'm here to support you in any way." Pharamond smiled before they both rose from their seats so he could give her a tender kiss. "Perhaps tonight we can spend time together."

Bathora wished her husband the best as he walked out of the house to see the masses working around him. He smiled and went on his usual daily walk.

OOC: People can just find this tribe and interact with them. Pharamond would be more than willing to create relations with others.

Rifles, Tsukiyomi said to himself, so vile...he scanned the hillside, noticing that the number seemed quite comperable to his own clan.

"How many do you have in your forces?" he asked Lee. "If this is only a pitance of the Alliance's numbers, we could bring war against the demons..."

"How many?" questioned Lee as he galloped over the hill with him as they came across a city of tents outside the fortress. "We have so many soldiers, some have to sleep outside the fortress which is bad if we get attacked. War against the demons will be a pleasure for us,"


===========

The horses galloped as the deers were being chased by a patrol of werewolves on horse back. Macus raised his rifle as he fired a shot which killed the deer instantly. He watched as the other one got away while he dismounted and placed the deer on the horse back of another rider as Macus picked up a scent. He wondered over loading another bullet into the rifle as he noticed a werewolf walking.

"Hello," smiled Macus as he stepped out in the open. "My name is Macus and I was just hunting a deer. Could you tell me where I am?"

Macus was armed with a rifle and a longsword in his belt.

===========

"Hello," smiled Macus as he stepped out in the open. "My name is Macus and I was just hunting a deer. Could you tell me where I am?"

Macus was armed with a rifle and a longsword in his belt.

Pharamond noticed the arrival of the patrol of werewolves and smiled as Marcus stepped out into the open to introduce himself to him. He did not know any of these people but yet felt like they could be made into friends of his tribe. "I am Chief Pharamond and you are on my people's land. I welcome you. If you would like to see my people's main settlement then please come with me."

Pharamond smiled as he led the foreigners back to his village. "My vampire wife may want to meet you. I'm the only chief of our people to marry a vampire but people have warmed up to her and think she is quite charming; albeit no one has dared try to do anything more than mere admiration but let us change the subject. Where do you come from, Marcus?"

"Jade i"am fine i can walk" Blsaid said to Jade as she picks him up

"i don't care i'am carrying you back to our room" said Jade as she carrys him out of the healer room where he went to get his wound taken care of when he got back

"you only can do this as you in this form other wise you would not try it" said Black
"yeah"said Jade as she lick his face to tease him
'hey"

"We've gone too far north," smiled Macus as they entered the settlement.

The partol of four looked around as they put their rifles on their back. It was a wonderful place as they kept going through the village.

"We came from a fortress north-west from here. The Werewolf Alliance Fortress as we call it," replied Macus. "How long have you being here for?"

"We have been here for years, Macus. Our people live in the lands around here in peace. Come to my house and we can discuss affairs. I'm interested in learning about this alliance you speak of."

When the group entered Pharamond's household, they noticed a beautiful vampire lady whose pearl white teeth and fangs were easy to see. "This is my wife, Bathora."

"A pleasure to meet you." Balthora said to Macus with a smile. It was said that talking to someone with her nearby was hard since looking at her was quite tempting. "I must welcome you to our home, Macus. Please make yourself at home."

"Wow..." muttered one of the werewolves being hit over the head by another.

"Enough boys. Go have a look around," ordered Macus. "Those guys can be a bit jumpy at times," smiled Macus as the other three left the room. "The Alliance. It's a massive alliance built on uniting all werewolf clans under one banner. The idea is basically to perserve the werewolves and make them a better race in life. We've had clans up and down the coast coming to us and sometimes I forgot whose who," laughed Macus as he turned serious. "We're just trying our hardest to unite the clans to become a better force and community,"

"How many?" questioned Lee as he galloped over the hill with him as they came across a city of tents outside the fortress. "We have so many soldiers, some have to sleep outside the fortress which is bad if we get attacked. War against the demons will be a pleasure for us,"


"Good," Tsukiyomi said as he heard this. "I can promise five hundred warriors should the drums of war sound."

Draconian scouts were sent outside of the Northern provinces. Some of them headed north and intruded on the angel areas, while the rest went south to the elf land. They were all armed just in case they were attacked.

"Wow..." muttered one of the werewolves being hit over the head by another.

"Enough boys. Go have a look around," ordered Macus. "Those guys can be a bit jumpy at times," smiled Macus as the other three left the room. "The Alliance. It's a massive alliance built on uniting all werewolf clans under one banner. The idea is basically to perserve the werewolves and make them a better race in life. We've had clans up and down the coast coming to us and sometimes I forgot whose who," laughed Macus as he turned serious. "We're just trying our hardest to unite the clans to become a better force and community,"

Bathora smiled at the man who was muttering words before he was ordered to leave with the others. She often was able to hear the muttered compliments of men that saw her and usually just smiled and said nothing. No one doubted her marital loyalty to Pharamond who at this time was attentively listening to Macus. "Your alliance does sound intriguing to me but what would be the benefits? How can I be sure that this alliance is not just a way for your clan to be supreme over the others?"

Bathora smiled. "Although I am a vampire by race, I must say that Pharamond does have good questions."

"Lee designed it so that there's like a council of leaders of each clan. Just one person with an equal voice of each clan, can bring up any issue they wish. However, in recent times, we had to split the council so they can do different sections. Like... one does military, one does war, one does the fortress and the list goes on. The only thing we ask from every clan is: a call to arms when the time is required and respect for others," explained Macus as he looked at Pharamond.

"Who is this Lee you speak of?" Pharamond asked calmly. "I may actually consider joining this alliance but I must seek approval first from the council that reigns alongside me. They often influence decisions."

Bathora nodded her head. "It's a custom of the clan."

"Lee? He was the very first werewolf clan leader to have thought of this idea. Over time, werewolf clans joined him such as mine and others. That's ok about getting the approval of the council we understand that," smiled Macus as he heard the other werewolves were coming down the road.

after the attack was stop ,Black had order the Cavalry and Dragoons to send out a group to go after what was left of the bandits,before going back to have his wound taken care of

--------------

"they around here somewhere "said one of the dragoons officers to one of the cavalry officers next to him

"Lee? He was the very first werewolf clan leader to have thought of this idea. Over time, werewolf clans joined him such as mine and others. That's ok about getting the approval of the council we understand that," smiled Macus as he heard the other werewolves were coming down the road.

"I shall ask the council about their thoughts. You are more than welcome to stay here for now."

"Thank you but we can't stay for long," replied Macus.


==========

"What business do you have here?" asked Razor as he noticed a squadron of horsemen stopping nearby.

Cavalry and Dragoons rode in fast with sword sdrawn in the camp of the bandits, ,cutting and slashing at that the ones that got away from the battle with the Infantry the night before

"I am the leader of this Fort" said Severus, as the guards backed off "As i was just saying to a dwarf who arrived here on a peace mission, with shapeshifting demons here, there and everwhere we can't be too careful. Please, accept my apology"

(OOC: BTW Belschaft, if your Dwarves need some help just Rp a messenger arriving at the Fort and i'll be only too happy to ride to your aid)

"Indeed," agreed the eyepatched man, "these are dark times for honest folk such as us. Apology accepted. I am Ivan, the young standard bearer is Guthrig and the other fellow is Lothar."

"We thought all the other human fortresses had fallen, but we are pleased to see that our race has not yet died out." Guthrig grinned. "We bring an offer of peace and alliance with our lord." He pulled out a scroll from his saddlebag. "This is for the ruler of the city."

Severus took the scroll and read it. (OOC: I'm guessing it's a peace offer?)

"Thank you" he said to the messengers "It is good to know we still have friends in these troubling times. Will you stay the night, or are you moving on?"

Kevin da Vincho was a powerful man. Operating out of the forest, he had managed to gather around a quarter of all the vampires in the world under his control. Secretly, that is. Late night runs between human fortresses telling vampires that something new was coming.

Kevin da Vincho. The name trembles with power among vampires. More are joining his ranks every day, secretly. Guerilla-like, you might say. However, almost no one out of the race knows his name. His city in the forest, Poiuytrewq, is remote for almost all creatures. However, he’s starting to let himself be known to all races. Don’t you think that joining together under such a powerful vampire, one of our own, standing up for our rights, would be great?

The message was passed on to all vampires. But due to the fact no one knew him, he has a nobody in the world. That changed, with his next message.

Fit vampires of all ages in Poiuytrewq are to report to Kevin immediately.

As they gathered in the center plaza, Kevin told them of his grand plan: A vampire empire, with pockets of controllable humans and other races. It won’t be easy, and it would be a great idea to stay away from the elves and demons. But over humans… All the vampires licked their lips hungrily.

I send you to be emissaries of the new vampire empire. And so he spoke. Vampires were sent to the far reaches of the continent, the elves, human fortresses, draconians, angels, orcs, dwarves, and others. All that waited was for the vampire empire to get some allies.

And to develop boats, for travels to other islands.

What would be a great name for this new Empire?

OOC: Kevin’s power-hungry. But this is his coming-in party. Just RP seeing the vampires, greet them. Kevin’s after allies at the moment. Treat them bad and they’ll report it back. Could escalate.

Poiuytrewq is perhaps a 300-vampire settlement in the middle of the woods. Large for vampire standards. Plus he has supporters wherever he goes, if vampires are there.

Yes, you can ask for him to come directly.

ooc: would he take kindly to an alliance with another vampire leader? if greal approves, my character wants to send an emissary- and a gift. and it looks like I would be controlling more than 250 vampires, spread out, then.

Joshua scanned the skies and spotted Umbra's messenger. "Aeris, take a look up there." he pointed toward the messenger hoping she would be able to see it too.
"It's a messenger of Umbra. I hope it comes bearing good news. If he can't help us, I fear nobody will be able to." She replied.

The messanger promptly landed in front of Aeris and pulled Umbra's message from its pouch. It let out another short shreek, telling her to take it.

ooc: would he take kindly to an alliance with another vampire leader? if greal approves, my character wants to send an emissary- and a gift. and it looks like I would be controlling more than 250 vampires, spread out, then.

OOC: Sure, go ahead.

"Thank you but we can't stay for long," replied Macus.

Pharamond smiled. "That is not a problem for me at all. Stay for as long as you want before you head off back home. If you would like, you could stay at my home here for a hearty dinner made by my lovely wife."

Bathora smiled; her fangs growing a little. "It'd be a pleasure to cook for you, sir."

"Lee designed it so that there's like a council of leaders of each clan. Just one person with an equal voice of each clan, can bring up any issue they wish. However, in recent times, we had to split the council so they can do different sections. Like... one does military, one does war, one does the fortress and the list goes on. The only thing we ask from every clan is: a call to arms when the time is required and respect for others," explained Macus as he looked at Pharamond.

"Hrm, I believe I can commit my people when the time requires it...I am still hesitant," Tsukiyomi said, "It was rumored that one of our kind betrayed my father, you see."

"Hrm, I believe I can commit my people when the time requires it...I am still hesitant," Tsukiyomi said, "It was rumored that one of our kind betrayed my father, you see."

OOC: Tsukiyomi is in the village too?

OOC: Kevin’s power-hungry. But this is his coming-in party. Just RP seeing the vampires, greet them. Kevin’s after allies at the moment. Treat them bad and they’ll report it back. Could escalate.



Pharamond was interested in making friends with anyone who was interested in the same idea and he had often told his vampire wife that he dreamed of making more friends for the clan regardless of race. A human was just as good as a fellow werewolf and indeed, he said, they could prove just as useful to him and the clan he reigned over ever since his father had passed away as all men and women do eventually. When he was on one of his daily walks through the main settlement of his clan, he noticed a vampire emissary being greeted by some soldiers. This intrigued the youthful man and thus he went towards the gathering with a smile upon his face. He looked at the vampire emissary and smiled. "Welcome to my settlement! I am Chief Pharamond. You must be looking to introduce your leader....come with me."

Pharamond smiled. "I can assure you I mean you no harm. I'm a werewolf but I also have a vampire wife.....and she would not like it if I went around killing or injuring members of her kind."

Black was in the war room with Jade next to him looking at a file find on the bandits
"this is not good at all "said Jade to Black as looks at a map

"we have four weeks to get every thing together"

OOC: Tsukiyomi is in the village too?

ooc: near as i figure, i was w/ lynion aka 'Lee.' i was responding to him, or was that not directed at me...?

ooc: near as i figure, i was w/ lynion aka 'Lee.' i was responding to him, or was that not directed at me...?

OOC: It was directed at Pharamond not Tsukiyomi. It was just a little misunderstanding is all.

OOC: It was directed at Pharamond not Tsukiyomi. It was just a little misunderstanding is all.

ooc: ah, i see. ehm, my statement still stands. tsukiyomi is sorta in w/ the alliance. he's a bit isolationist.

ooc Indeed it was NI

Padraig Chulain stood on the battlements of Iskandara's Eastern Wall, his personal standard snapping in the wind. He smiled a grim smile, his hard and weatherbeaten features twisting into a parody of happiness. Raising one arm, he pointed into the distance, and spoke, softly.

"Send the yeomen of the Oak out there. Five day's ride, then report back. I want a sweep of the area for more survivors and warbands to bring to our banners, and I want to know if there are any thrice-damned Elves out there. Tell Half-arm that he's to hire any mercenaries he sees, our coffers are full enough."

"At once, my liege," snapped his aide, a man whose face looked uncannily like a hatchet, "and shall I order another levy?"

"Not yet, I think. The people are stewing nicely. Give them another few days and the levies will seem like paradise."

"As you will," said the man, bowing as he left.

In the silence that followed, Padraig began to sing, a mournful soldier's song that was picked up by his bannerman and bodyguard as they stood in the turret, looking out at the countryside that was once theirs... and would be again.

------------------

Not two hours passed before the great gates of Iskandara opened, and the Oak Division rode forth on their mounts. The cavalrymen were ragged, their armour patched and dented, most simply clad in toughened leathers with simple helms and teardrop shields. All bore spears, however, and none would shy from a fight. The yeomanry of Iskandara had drawn cheers from the crowded streets as they passed, cheers which had strengthened their hearts. Now, though, would come the testing part. Small patrols, each no larger than ten or twelve cavalrymen, began to split off from the main body of horse as they rode westward, aiming to cover as much ground as possible...

Pharamond smiled. "That is not a problem for me at all. Stay for as long as you want before you head off back home. If you would like, you could stay at my home here for a hearty dinner made by my lovely wife."

Bathora smiled; her fangs growing a little. "It'd be a pleasure to cook for you, sir."

"Hmmm...we can't stay for long but I suppose we can have something before we go back," smiled Macus as he looked around at the other partollers who nodded their heads back at him.

"Hrm, I believe I can commit my people when the time requires it...I am still hesitant," Tsukiyomi said, "It was rumored that one of our kind betrayed my father, you see."

"Its hard when something like that happens. I'm sorry to hear your fathers death and if we find his killer, you can have him," replied Lee as they galloped through the first gate.

Lord Draco mused in his cellar in Iskandara, surrounded by his older followers. He was of two minds about this kevin da vincho. On the one hand, he wasn't fond of competition, and a whole vampire empire would undoubtedly overhunt the human race very quickly. on the other hand, this would create for him a powerful ally, and two very different vampire nations coming together could advance the race as a whole... He would send an emissary.
---------
Poiuytrewq quickly received a surprise visit. 5 vampires on horses, along with a cart, appeared from the woods.

"We seek kevin da vincho!" shouted the leader. "lord draco of the Astral Nightslayers greets him and asks for a meeting!"
-----------
at the same time, an emissary was also sent to each of the various demon (i.e. Umbra and the other 2) leaders in similar fashion. both groups walked up quite boldly to the gates of the fortresses and asked to see the relevant leaders. They put clouds in the sky to facilitate their arrival.
-----------
A rather more tense vampire, a lone servant of the cause, was sent to find Lee kingston of the werewolves. flying in bat form, he located him and swooped down, reverting back to humanoid form and bowing.
"I serve Lord Draco of the Astral Nightslayer vampires," he said. "He wishes to speak to you."

"Its hard when something like that happens. I'm sorry to hear your fathers death and if we find his killer, you can have him," replied Lee as they galloped through the first gate.

"Then you'll have my support," Tsukiyomi answered, offering a hand.

"Hmmm...we can't stay for long but I suppose we can have something before we go back," smiled Macus as he looked around at the other partollers who nodded their heads back at him.

Pharamond smiled. "You do not have to stay."

Bathora immediately began starting to make dinner while Pharamond smiled at her. "I must excuse myself now, Macus, but you are more than welcome to look around some more or talk to my wife."

Pharamond walked out of the house while Bathora smiled at Macus before resuming cooking the food for dinner; uttering some words as she worked. "I think I'll rely on recipes I learned from my vampire clan." Bathora said with a smile before noticing Macus. "So....how's life for the Werewolf Alliance? Any wars going on?"

day Later Jade was riding with two drgoons and May with her ,heading for a small woodland use by her troops to train

"milady"said May who was all so with here
"yes"said Jade turning her head to look at her
"sir was not very happy with you is he"said May

"no he not, he just dosenot want any thing to happen to me thats all"said Jade looking at the young girl
"he really loves you don't he" May said with a smailie

"yes"

Macus look stunnded at the vampire before shaking his head.

"Sorry," started Macus. "Wars? No we haven't be in any yet but I feel we may need to choose a side if we're to survive the war. What about your clan? Being in any wars?"

Macus look stunnded at the vampire before shaking his head.

"Sorry," started Macus. "Wars? No we haven't be in any yet but I feel we may need to choose a side if we're to survive the war. What about your clan? Being in any wars?"

"The clan which I was born in is at peace and so is the clan of Pharamond. I am happy to have peace reign in both." Bathora said with a smile. "Choose sides in what war, by the way?"

The messanger promptly landed in front of Aeris and pulled Umbra's message from its pouch. It let out another short shreek, telling her to take it.

Aeris took the message as Zena landed. "Well, that was either absurdly fast or he already wanted to talk to me." The elf queen said as she opened the message and began to read. Joshua seemed to look around though Zena read the message over Aeris' shoulder.

OOC: Did you post before what the message said? I can't remember.

Severus took the scroll and read it. (OOC: I'm guessing it's a peace offer?)

"Thank you" he said to the messengers "It is good to know we still have friends in these troubling times. Will you stay the night, or are you moving on?"

"We'll be moving on," stated Lothar. "Farewell friends, may our race continue to shine forth like a candle in the darkness in a sea of black." With that the horsemen rode off.

Not two hours passed before the great gates of Iskandara opened, and the Oak Division rode forth on their mounts. The cavalrymen were ragged, their armour patched and dented, most simply clad in toughened leathers with simple helms and teardrop shields. All bore spears, however, and none would shy from a fight. The yeomanry of Iskandara had drawn cheers from the crowded streets as they passed, cheers which had strengthened their hearts. Now, though, would come the testing part. Small patrols, each no larger than ten or twelve cavalrymen, began to split off from the main body of horse as they rode westward, aiming to cover as much ground as possible...

One party of horsemen was spotted by a unit of Mailed Fist cavalry.
"Sigellus, you have eyes like a fox. What can you see?" Ordered the captain, adjusting himself in the saddle and privately hoping it was their own as he needed to empty his bladder.
The scout lifted his visor and squinted, peering into the distance.
"Ten or twelve men, equipped like our regulars but bearing a different flag. They look professional enough sir," reported the scout, not taking his eyes off the horsemen cantering across the plains.
Bugger, sighed the captain inwardly and turned to his standard bearer and bugler.
"Jenks, raise the Fist and you there...Brooks, play the 'Greeting'. That should get their attention - now get on with it."
One of the cavalrymen raised the standard, bearing a black clenched fist on a white background, and waved it around slowly so that the horsemen could see it whilst a bugler played a series of notes denoting welcome and friendship. With luck, someone in the cavalry unit would recognise it.

As the bugle's call broke the silence, the yeomanry patrol reined in their mounts and scanned the distance.

"There," cried one man, pointing with his spear, "coming over that hill to the north."

"Aelfric," smiled the patrol's commander, "what do you see?"

"I see three mounted men... in shining plate. By the gods! They've got a Fist banner! The Fist? Here?"

"If they're the Fist," smirked Oswald, "then standards have slipped. Why is their armour so shiny?"

"Maybe it's just a new unit. Come, Oswald, raise our banner. We ride!"

With that, the eleven men spurred their horses towards the group of horsemen on the hill...

"Very well" Severus said to Lothar "Safe Journey"

With that he and and his guards returned to the fort, and the doors closed with a slam.

Meanwhile, the Draconian sky guard flew over the fortress of Iskandara. This was to be their next target. They flew about four thousand feet high in the air.

Salpsan circled over the Dry Bones clan. He lowered his height until he got close enuogh to control the flame in the campfire. The demon then sent a wave of fire over the camp, killing many of the orcs. He then began to slaughter the survivors using his fire ability. Finally the leader came out of his tent. Luxian jumped out of the forrest, where he had been hiding, and attacked the orc leader. He was bigger than the other orcs, but that didn't hold the werewolf so much back...

No one ever herd from the Dry Bones clan again.

Aeris took the message as Zena landed. "Well, that was either absurdly fast or he already wanted to talk to me." The elf queen said as she opened the message and began to read. Joshua seemed to look around though Zena read the message over Aeris' shoulder.

OOC: Did you post before what the message said? I can't remember.

Message reads:

If you are reading this, I am hoping it is because my messenger succeeded at delivering it to your hands. As I'm sure you know, I am Umbra. I have sent this message to tell you that I wish to maintain neutrality in this war. I have no wish to become apart of this senseless bloodshed that will soon engulf the land. I ask that you understand this and reply as soon as you can.

-Umbra,Demon of the North

Grelok sat on his fur covered stone throne, sipping from a not so lavish looking anymore elven cup that he had stolen. He finished off the weak elven liquor in it and crushed the feeble metal cup in his mighty hand, tossing it aside.

He patiently awaited word from the Demons who he had sent o eliminate the Dry Bones.

A Draconian group of soldiers and a messenger approached the Orc lands cautiously. They needed to contact the orcs...............

Having been interrogated by the elves, Dwight and his rangers returned North to Fort Belarus.

Macus look stunnded at the vampire before shaking his head.

"Sorry," started Macus. "Wars? No we haven't be in any yet but I feel we may need to choose a side if we're to survive the war. What about your clan? Being in any wars?"

ooc: He was looking for Lee Kingston.

"have i found the wrong werewwolf?' he asked.
-------
The emissary parties waited impatiently outside the various demon gates.

bump..

might as well bump it again.

OOC: No one's on so give it some time and wait

Grelok sat on his fur covered stone throne, sipping from a not so lavish looking anymore elven cup that he had stolen. He finished off the weak elven liquor in it and crushed the feeble metal cup in his mighty hand, tossing it aside.

He patiently awaited word from the Demons who he had sent o eliminate the Dry Bones.

The werewolf Luxian arrived to Gerlok's home. In his mouth he held an orc head. He dropped it at Gerlok's feet. "Here you have your head, cheiftain. Lord Beelzebub will be waiting for you."

The vampire delegation still waited outside the demon fortress.

"We wish to see beelzebub on behalf of lord Draco!" they cried.

the other delegation stood in front of Umbra's fortress.

"We wish to see Umbra on behalf of Lord Draco!" they called.

OOC: Grelok is an Orc, not a Demon.

He grinned and stood up, kneeling down and taking the head in his hands. He snorted and tossed to one of his guard's. "Put it with the others."

The Guard nodded and took the head over to a corner of the tent, jamming the head on a pike that stood within a series of other pikes, all adorned with the heads of old Clan leaders.

"Your Lord will have his army soon enough. Now leave." He waved a dismissive hand at the Werewolf as he went back to his throne.

Meanwhile....

As the Draconians wandered further into the swamps they stepped right into an ambush. Many Lesser Orcs sprung from their hiding spots among the trees and foliage, armed with bows that were primed to fire crudely made arrows.

A trio of Orcs emerged from the trees in front of them, sitting upon the backs of their lizard-like mounts (http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n28/leviathonlx/warpstalker.jpg) which hissed and growled at the Draconians.

"What you want scaley men? You is on Orcses lands now.", asked one of the riders.

the other delegation stood in front of Umbra's fortress.

"We wish to see Umbra on behalf of Lord Draco!" they called.

Two demonic guards sat out in front of the fort and another two sat at the top of the wall. They signalled to a gate keeper and the stone walls pulled away and created a staircase leading into the fortress...

The demons used there strength as a wepon. The elves had thin armor, wich a strong demon could break through. The demons also had an advantige with numbers, they had a great army, and the elves had one encampement. The demons began to try to push the elven forces back to the enimy's territory.

OOC: Syl R U gonna reply 2 that?

IC: Salpsan and Luxian arrived at Beelzebub's castle.
"Father," said Salpsan.
"Yes, my son." said Beelzebub.
"We've convinced the orcs, they are gathering an army for you as we speek."
"Good." said Beelzebub "Now I have another assingment for you. Go to the draconian territory in the north-east and form an allience with them."
"Yes, father." said Salpsan "Will you be requiring Luxian to come with me."
"No, son. If the're hostile, they'd eat him alive. But take some demons with you."

The vampire delegation left their horses at the foot of the stairs and began to ascend. One was carrying a large object.

There were several demoni guards at the top of the stairs as well as Umbra himself. All of them were prepared for a fight, it had been quite some time since someone came to Umbra instead of Umbra going to them. He waited patiently but kept an eye on te large object.

'greetings, Lord Umbra," the leader said as they walked up. They bowed together. "Lord Draco of the Astral nightslayers sent us here to see about making a treaty with you as to the future reations of demons and vampires."

Umbra nodded, "I see. What kind of treaty does your lord have in mind? I already know of the wars erupting on the mainland and I wish to say I have no reason to become apart of it. However, I have not had contact with vampires in a long while. Come, follow me to the main hall where we can speak in more detail." A dark gateway formed behind Umbra. Umbra pointed to the portal and moved towards it.

'nice place,' the leader said genuinely. such a thing would be very useful for security back home.

he then continued: "Vampires and demons were only ever occasional allies, but historically we have both been runing from the same people: humans, angels, various organized religions..." he shrugged. "lord Draco's 1000-year experience has led him to believe that it would be best for demons and vampires everywhere to stand together, especially when such conflict rocks the land. he wants a nonaggresion pact between our peoples, and, if possible, an agreement to help each other in moment of great need."

He gave a bitter smile. "no one is better at sneaking around than vampires, and surprise attacks are our specialty. you can field great armies, something which we cannot do. Would it not be best to combine such advantages?"

Umbra nodded as he led them into the portal. On the other side was a large hall decorated with only artifacts and paintings. The blinds were pulled shut even though it was already night. The hall was decorated with a rich red velvet. Umbra nodded as he listened. "This is true, but the world has changed for a few of us. The human settlement this castle overlooks is currently under my rule. I've been kind to them over the years and they no longer have any quarrel with me. The same can be said of the small island to the south." He paused to look at the vampires, "The angel known as Tal has offered me a peace request. I have heard Tal's name before on the wind, so far he has only showed that he truly is against fighting. I suggest you contact him at some point, if you have good intentions he will not bother you." Umbra now to a seat. "A non-aggression pact would be quite welcome, and if you were in need I would not mind sending a force to help you. As long as you do not start any wars, I will stand at your side." Umbra waited patiently for a response.

"Vampires control no land and have no great armies- how could we start a war?' he asked. "As it is, the Astral Nightslayers accept your offer." he paused for a second, then went on: "lord Draco is based in Isakandra. Needless to say, none of the local rulers know this. We wish to keep it that way. Please don't mention it to them. if you need to find Lord Draco, just send a messenger there, and we will find them.

"Actually, lord Draco was wondering if we could keep, say, a two-man 'embassy' somewhere in your land? We'd import... beverages for ourselves, don't worry- your humans would be quite safe."

Umbra raised an eyebrow, "I was actually thinking that if your numbers were so small... that I could simply clear out a section of the fortress that you relocate to. As you probably saw, nearly this entire half of the island is apart of this fortress. It is a monolith if you will. Of course, if this does not interest you, an embassy would be fine. I'll have some servants set up a room for you. And worry not, I will not mention your location to the other rulers without your permission." Umbra thought to himself for a moment, he was putting quite a bit of faith in the vampires... but then again, the fortress itself was alive to soem extent and he needn't worry about internal threats too much.

"that would be far preferrable," said the vampire. "We thank you." he was actually sincere in that regard, being as how most of the race was too tired for warfare. lord draco did not even allow skirmishes with werewolves.

"we will take your leave," he said, bowing. He made a gesture to the vampire carrhying the large object, who finally set it down and removed the cloth covering it. A small statue was revealed. It was a golden figure with bat wings holding a mirror.

"A gift from our lord," he said. "If you look into the mirror it holds, you can see those who are trying to kill you." They departed.

Umbra gave a nod, "Then I will see you again soon." He looked at the gift that was brought, "I thank you for-" He stopped as the departed, Wow, they're fast... He made a wave and several demons emerged from the shadows, "Prepare one of the sub sections for our guests. That should be enough to hold them all... it appears we will have some new members to the family." The demons nodded and vanished. Umbra went back to the balcony where two demonic messengers waited. He point to one of them and slipped a note ito its pouch. "Go to Pyro, give him this message." The messenger fell from the ledge and spread it wings. It was quickly gone. He looked to the other one, "I have nothing for you, go rest." The other messenger gave a 'friendly' screech and was gone.

The other vampires still waited patiently outside Beelzebulb's fortress, asking for entry.
-----------
The party returning from Umbra's lands had split up. while 4 remained to manage the horse, one flew ahead to inform Lord draco of these events at the earliest.

Tal looked out across his region. He was responsible for everybody in it. He was going to protect them. He turned around to his messengers. "Send this reply to everybody who responded kindly to my earlier message, namely Umbra and Aeris. Tell them to meet me here... in two days. They may come whenever they wish. I will have quarters set up for them. Tell them to come to... the northern-most island. We will meet on the eastern edge of the island, away from the angel encampment, on neutral ground. There is an abandoned castle there that we may use for our meeting. Tell them that I hope for peace, but... I fear war is inevitable." Tal dismissed the messengers, then returned to his spot at the top of a tower. I hope two days isn't too short notice... or worse, it isn't soon enough to stop this war.

OOC: I don't believe you sent one my way.

Message reads:

If you are reading this, I am hoping it is because my messenger succeeded at delivering it to your hands. As I'm sure you know, I am Umbra. I have sent this message to tell you that I wish to maintain neutrality in this war. I have no wish to become apart of this senseless bloodshed that will soon engulf the land. I ask that you understand this and reply as soon as you can.

-Umbra,Demon of the North
Aeris finished reading and sighed. "This is not good. quill and paper!" She demanded and it was brought to her. She penned a quick reply and handed it to the messenger.
Umbra, I am not requesting that you help me or the demons, I'm requesting that you help both of us come to a peace we can all agree on. You would not favor one side or the other, simply help to mediate. If you are willing to help us, you will more than likely be able to help prevent much bloodshed.
Aeris, queen of elves

OOC: Syl R U gonna reply 2 that?

OOC: I did a while back, but please don't ask me where.

The messenger took off with the new message and headed for home with only a farewell screech. In only a few moments it disapeared into the night sky.

"I hope he gets to Umbra soon." Zena said. "We need him. And from what you've said, he's the only one that can help."
"I know he his." Said Aeris, burying her head in her hands. "I didn't like his reply in the least." she admitted.
"Nor did I. It seems the meaning of mediation is lost upon him." Joshua was staring off somewhere and Aeris was shocked to hear him say it for he hadn't even read the letter.

Jade, May and the two dragoons were cooking a boar over a fire in a cave they were camping in for the night

"hope Black doing ok"said Jade as she checks on the boar
"he be ok"said May
"guess so' Jade said as she looks at the Elven girl with her

The elves fought back, and hard. While the demons had superior armor and brute force, the Elves had weapons unparalleled by most in the world. The archers continued to take out anyone who lowered a shield to fight the close range soldiers while the sweodsmen and the like were able to work on the demons too busy to lower their shields. It was true the demons kept pushing towards the encampment, but at Aeris' word, more elves were ready to join the fray and reinforcements were on their way from other encampments.

Natalya looked to the commander who was second in command after her. "Control the battle while I'm away, I'm going to get more reinforcements." She flew back to Tartarus.

Salpsan stopped by the draconian terrritory. "I am Lord Salpsan, son of Lord Beelzebub of Tartarus. I wish to enter your lands to form an allience with you." he shouted.

The vampire emissaries started to tire of waiting outside beelzebub's fortress. They were begining to consider scaling the walls as they demanded entry.

Umbra read the message from Aeris and frowned, "Dammit all. I only wish to stay out of the affairs that have nothing to do with me. She has no idea what she's dragging me into..." He thought for a moment, there was no way he was going into that warzone. She was fihgt demons, the only other demons besides himself were that of Beelzebub's forces, and that ignorant stereotype of a demon would never listen to reason. Espescially Umbra's reason. Umbra actually hoped he wouldn't ever need to come into contact with Beelzebub again but Aeris demanded help.
He walked to another part of the fort, it was a section that was deep inside the stone walls, he came to a large iron door with runes written on it in blood. Holy symbols were imprinted on the hall leading to the door, sealing runes written on paper were pastered on the door and walls. It was a crypt, and an old one, it was sealed for a reason. Umbra sighed as he looked at the wall.
A man walked up from behind him, he was dressed in all white and carried an ancient book. "You requested my presence?" The man asked before looking to the door, "Oh, I see. You know I hate this as much as you. Why are you summoning them?" Umbra shook his head, "I only need one of them." The man looked to the door with discomfort, he put his hand on it and images of human suffering appeared. The door radiated with all the souls that had been taken by the monsters inside. The man then opened his book and spoke some ancitne incantations, slowing the runes hold the door shut began to deactivate and the door creeked open.
Umbra pushed his way inside, the room was small and dark. The walls were made to have many holow areas in which to place urns and coffins. Every nook and cranny was full of these urns and coffins and there were four stone sarcophagi, Umbra took a deep breath as he lift the top of one of them There was a pitch blackness and then a hand reached out and grabbed the end of the sarcophagis. Umbra took out a small gem from his robes and pushed it down into the figure that was emerging, there was the sound of coughing and sputtering. Umbra smiled, "You will go to the Elven Queen, Aeris. You will negociate on my behalf. If you are confronted by any enemies and they mean to kill you, destroy them without hesitation. Understood?" There was another cough and then the long, drawn out word, "Maaaaaaaasssssteeeeeeeeer."

A small patch of fog started to gather near the walls of the demon fortress belonging to Umbra. It began to go through a crack in the stonework and up the staircase, carefully navigating its way to the great hall. It then started drifting towards a place of death that it could very distantly sense, but the aura of which grew stronger with every foot he travelled.

The guards took a strong notice of the fog, they were demons and knew it wasn't natural, especially during this season. They weren't bothered until it began to surround the fortress and quickly they all began lighting the torches so that other guards around the fort would know something was happening. One of Umbra elite sat on the edge of a high tower, watching the odd mist as it spread, "A presence, a single presence. But from where?" Other elites were already preparing for what seemed like an iminant attack.
Meanwhile, the halls of the fortress itself began to react. There were strange echos and whispers going through the empty hallways. Odd creeking noises could be heard, faint sounds of life, even though there was none. Many demons were in their barracks or in a form of hibernation. They took no notice.
Umbra watched as the figure rose and turned to face him. An angel, not just any angel, a crypt angel. Not to be mistaken for another type of angel, these were actually powerful demons that were very difficult to find and very skilled. Only twenty were ever known to have existed, and Umbra possessed thirteen of them. They had to be well restrianed due to their unpredictable nature. This one had sacred texts and runes tattooed on its dark gray flesh. It was blindfolded and wore a 'muzzle.' Its left arm was strapped to its body and its legs were chained together. Umbra looked at the creature he'd awakened, "Rise my servant. Rise and follow your master."
A dark energy pulsed from the crypt as the creature began to levatate from its tomb. It leveled itself and softly touched the floor. A deep moan came from it as Umbra began freeing it from its restraits. The other man nodded and left, he did not want to see what was about to come.

ooc: it's more of one small patch that mostly stays together. it isn't surrounding the fortress.

The fog migrated down the hallway until it came to the door of something no self-respecting vampire should fail to recgnize- a crypt. as soon as the man, Umbra, and the creature came into view.

The fog began to condense into something. A figure appeared. shadowy at first, then much clearer. Soon a tall, lithe figure with multiple blades and a long, black cloak.

the vampire spoke. "My name is tescu," he said. "lord Draco sent me." He looked with eagerness at the figure in the crypt. "nice crypt angel."

OOC: Meh, well anywho, they're not gonna do much anyway
IC:

Umbra turned to face the new figure and the man turned back when he heard the voice. Both him and Umbra were not only suprised, but scared, and then came the realization. Crypt Angels like to steal souls and kill things by nature and when random beings appear in front of them suddenly, bad stuff happens.
The creature, in a sudden burst of aggression, speed, glee, and hunger sent itself flying at the vampire. It's jaws wide open, its claws headed for the heart... Until Umbra caught it. He dragged the creature back and slammed it into a wall, the being quickly calmed down. He kept one hand on the Crypt Angel's chest and faced the Vampire.
"In this fortress, please do not do that. Just ask a guard and they'll come get me. As you can see, there's a lot of stuff people should not have to witness, speaking of which, how have you ever even seen a Crypt Angel? These things are ancient, ancient beings that rarely come into this world... But no matter." He looked at the monster, "You, do not attack neutral or allied forces. Only attacking enemies, understood?" The creature nodded as he let it go and it slid to the ground, limp and half asleep.
Umbra gathered himself, "Right then, Tescu. What does your lord have you here to tell me?"

"I've seen one," said Tescu, somewhat nostalgically. "When I was very young, maybe 200 years ago, Lord Draco still maintained his large fortress and quite a few villages of peasants under his thumb- human peasants. Since my mom was there around the time I was born, i stayed on at the castle even after she died. Anyway, Lord Draco had a crypt angel. when the peasants stored the place, we were cut off from that particular crypt, and its still missing. When too manyu viallgers got past our defenses, we ditched. lord Draco is still searching.

"anyway, lord Draco figures he owes you a favor for use of the fort, and he wants to know what's going on. That's why I'm here. As of the moment, i'm apparently under your command for the moment." He shrugged. "And you may want to get a collar- our crypt angel always behaved when we had it collared."

Umbra sighed, "Well I don't have much for you.. And who knows, the rouge crypt angel might be in here somewhere. I have captured my fair share of them. I don't like to use them but in this case..." his voice trailed off about Aeris and the war. "Anyway, this one doesn't need a collar," he pointed to a hole in the Crypt Angel chest, "I placed a special crystal in there that allows me to control the beast more effectively. It already accepts me as being the alpha, but of course it has problems with... others... anyway. I need to give it a few more instructions so if you wouldn't mind folowing me back to the main hall..."

tescu nodded and walked along. they would find work for him eventually.

"By the way," he asked, "have you had a look in the mirror of the statue we gave you yet? It's quite informative."

Umbra shook his head, "Not yet... Ill have to do that at some point. I already have a feeling that I know who I'm going to see..." The man and the Crypt Angel followed the two. When they entered the hall, the man departed. Umbra took a seat and began writing up a message, he spoke as he wrote, "If you don't mind, I may have something for you. I have servants cleaning up a part of the fortress for your people to stay in. Seeing as you're a vampire, they would be able to prepare better by asking you about how you want your rooms and so forth." A servant came through one of the door on cue. Umbra nodded, "If you wouldn't mind explaining how you want things... that way we can have every set up by the time others of your kin arrive."

"Sure, why not?" he replied, gesturing to the servant to lead him to the area.

The servant led him to a lower part of the fortress. They went through a few hallways before arriving at a large chamber. There were about twenty doors breaking off from the chamber. "This is intended to be your dining area... these other doors lead to rooms... though we're not sure how your kind actually sleeps. We've heard Vampires sleep in coffins." Said the servant.

"For the most part," he replied. "Sometimes we'll sleep in wolf or especially bat form if we want to save space..." he walked around. He looked at the rooms, trying to figure out how many vampires he could squeeze on the roofs in bat form. 50 would easily be managed with some ceiling rails installed.

"We'll be taking these 2 rooms for sleeping," he said, pointing to two farther down. "If you could install some ceiling rails, far apart enough to accomodate large bats, we'd be grateful. Those rooms would be for travel. we'd also like to ask if any windows could be covered. We can deal with the rest of this ourselves."

"No windows will be found in these rooms, we made sure of that. We can try to install the ceiling rails... I may need a summoner..." The servant looked at the vampire, "I never knew vampires took to wolf form... and how do you intend to travle using only rooms if you don't mind my asking?"

"Oh, sorry," he said, making a polite attempt at sheepishness. he failed miserably. "i meant travellers. We travel on horses, ships, wings, or our own two feet. and wolf form is rare, the benefits to it aren't as great as those of bat and fog, but we use it every once in a while, especially when hunting."

"I see... said the servant. I had no idea vampired were so good at shapeshifting... I will summon some more servants and some summoners to make the necissary preparations. Umbra said that you are free to exlore in the meantime. Just stay away from any locked doors... the fortress has a mind of its own at times..."

"I'll do that," said tescu. "thank you." He looked outside- it was night now. perfect. he climbed out the first window he saw and scaled up and down the walls, surveying the island. He ended up on the roof.

He would ordinarily have explored the human settlement, but that would bother the populace unnecessarily. he didn't plan to feedon them anyway; supplies would be shipped in.

He would see that the fortress seemed to disapear into the island itself but never really stop. Obviously it had been a large project. There were sentries scattered all in the high places, the held their bows ready for anything but didn't seem to mind the vampire at all. When the Tescu finally ended up on one of the roofs he'd be met by two fo Umbra elites. Special demon soldiers who perform more difficult missions and sat around when there was nothing for them to do. The Crypt Angel could be seen in the distance as it flew off to the mainland to find and contact Aeris.
One of the demons looked to the vampire and smiled, "Hey, looks like someone's getting the lay of the land." Both demons laughed. One of them pulled out a bottle and took a swig of the liquid inside before holding it out to Tescu, "Wanna drink?"

"what is it?" he asked. He surveyed the demons calmly. "The name's Tescu, by the way."

"Tescu, eh?" Said the one with the bottle, "Well this is some Bloodthorn brandy. Demon style alcohol, strong and to the point." Both of them laughed again. "Anyway," started the other, "We don't really have names but most of the time people call me Bolt due to my speed." The one with the bottle smiled, "People typically just call me a jackass." Both of them laughed and then the demon continued, "In all seriousness I really don't have a name or a nickname. They aren't all that important to me."

Tescu took the brandy and took a swig before handing it back. Being undead fought drunkeness, but this was potent stuff.

"Names are important for a vampire's reputation," he said, "but it's a verybad idea to give the name out freely while you're still in an area. My policy is that it's good for people to have heard of Tescu and fear him, but it's not good for them to know Tescu is in the inn room next to them." he looked down.

"Tell me, how much shipping do you get here, and how many ports do you have?"

"The clan which I was born in is at peace and so is the clan of Pharamond. I am happy to have peace reign in both." Bathora said with a smile. "Choose sides in what war, by the way?"

OOC: Lynion, I need you to reply to this.

The demons looked to each other before Bolt decided to speak, "Not a lot is shipped around. Umbra has tried to make everyone pretty self-reliant. We demons don't need much so we don't use the ports all that often." The nameless demon stepped into the conversation, "Last I checked we had plenty of farmland for the population and weather's pretty good most of the time... we prolly have one or two large ports and five or six smaler ones here and there." The demon laid down on his back taking another swig. Bolt looked at Tescu, eyeing him up and down, "Intersting concept on names by the way. Most people just hear demon and piss themselves..." They both laughed.

"Vampire doesn't get a much better reaction," Tescu grinned. "Anyway, you'll be seeing more shipping now- we'll need to import food, since nobody here will be so thrilled if we start harvesting directly from the populace. and what does 'pretty good' mean if demon weather terms?"

"What it would mean in human terms actually. We've been here for awhile so bright and sunny is actually 'good' to us. Doesn't mean that clouds are bad, just that in this case we're more or less speaking in human terms." Both demons looked at each before Bolt continued, "Yeah, force of habit."

He nodded. Bad weather up ahead.

He nodded. Bad weather up ahead.

"Your bad or human bad?" Said the nameless demon.

OOC: Can someone run into my Draconians patrolling? Thanks

OOC: Have your patrol happen to come across my Crypt Angel as he flies to Aeris I suppose... that's all I got.

OOC: Have your patrol happen to come across my Crypt Angel as he flies to Aeris I suppose... that's all I got.

OOC: They are looking for contacts. Just assume they ran into them.

OOC: Okay... kinda hard, I was at least for 'halt, what is your business?' or something to get it kicked off
IC:

The Crypt Angel stopped as it was confronted by the Draconians, "Dammit, what the hell do you want? I'm quite busy."

OOC: Okay... kinda hard, I was at least for 'halt, what is your business?' or something to get it kicked off
IC:

The Crypt Angel stopped as it was confronted by the Draconians, "Dammit, what the hell do you want? I'm quite busy."

The Draconians, a little amused said,"We are interested in a meeting with your leader."

The Crypt Angel raised an eyebrow, "His name is Umbra. I assume that's all you need, I would love to stay here but I'm on a mission. Apparently many lives hang in the balance so I'd like to make this very, very quick."

The boat was rocking from side to side as the werewolves watched as a sea dragon appeared. Macus stepped forward as he put out his hands and tried to calm the beast down.

"Hold it friend," started Macus. "I want to make an alliance with you,"

"WWhhattt kind of an alliance?" hissed the dragon.

"Our ships will be targeted soon and it will damaged our supply routes. If you can keep them safe, then we can keep the other races from killing you off," suggested Macus.

"TTTThhhattt is an argeeable alliance. Consider us as allies," hissed the dragon before it went back into the ocean.

While Umbra was making alliances, Pyro was making sure that he was ready for any possible attacks. Pyro knew that Umbra could be very pacifistic, that was fine, but Pyro liked to be a little more ready. The humans on his island were forced to put up with him as he often walked the streets of their town and spoke to the leaders. Pyro wanted to be involved, he wanted people to know he was there. His fortress was more-or-less the same as Umbra's, a demonic structure with its own sentient presence, to an extent.
Pyro had actually been developing something new so that messages could get from him to Umbra a little faster. He had often worked with magic and mechanics, trying to combine the two. Typically a volitile mix, but he made it work. Umbra's demons followed him and trusted him, but Pyro had other tricks up his sleeve as well...

OOC: Greal I already came into contact with your patrol some posts back. Here's a repost though.

As the Draconians wandered further into the swamps they stepped right into an ambush. Many Lesser Orcs sprung from their hiding spots among the trees and foliage, armed with bows that were primed to fire crudely made arrows.

A trio of Orcs emerged from the trees in front of them, sitting upon the backs of their lizard-like mounts (http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n28/leviathonlx/warpstalker.jpg) which hissed and growled at the Draconians.

"What you want scaley men? You is on Orcses lands now.", asked one of the riders.

OOC: Greal I already came into contact with your patrol some posts back. Here's a repost though.

As the Draconians wandered further into the swamps they stepped right into an ambush. Many Lesser Orcs sprung from their hiding spots among the trees and foliage, armed with bows that were primed to fire crudely made arrows.

A trio of Orcs emerged from the trees in front of them, sitting upon the backs of their lizard-like mounts (http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n28/leviathonlx/warpstalker.jpg) which hissed and growled at the Draconians.

"What you want scaley men? You is on Orcses lands now.", asked one of the riders.

One of the Draconians growled at the lizard like mounts, while another Draconian stepped forward.

"We are not looking to fight or anything. We just need to see a represenative from your race."

The Crypt Angel looked at the orcs and then back at the Draconians, Good, I'm not needed here anymore. Without a moments hesitation it took off and began flying to where the elven camp was supposed to be.

The Orc scratched at his head, glancing at the others in his company.

"I'll handle this. You three take a break.", came a high pitched voice form behind them.

Rizgik, a small lesser Orc that stood around 5'1" with pale, human-like toned skin, and small beady eyes squeezed past the three's mounts and smiled toothily up at the Draconian that had stepped forward, showing his rows of sharp teeth.

"I speak for my lord and master, High Chieftain Grelok. How can I be of service?"