NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC:if your a member of the Eldire rp feel free to join, otherwise join the eldire sign up.
IC:
A single member of the army of the Wolf was Ranging further North than usual in hopes of discovering a more fertile land. Artemis, had been hunting these lands for a very long time and was widely regarded as one of the foremost hunters and fighters in Celtica. Were it not for his complete indifference to all things regarding leadership he would have been made a member of the Iceguard long ago, if not an outright general. As it was he was the foremost scout and Ranger and a captain in the Army of the wolf but here he was, hunting for food in the wild.
As he tracked a trail he had just come across, Artemis noticed something odd. It seemed that another hunter was also stalking the prey. In Celtican Territory, that would have been entirely normal but he was not in Celtican territory anymore. In fact he was quite far north and for another Celtican to be here without his knowing was, odd.
Continuing to Stalk the animal, Artemis began to notice Irregularities. The footprints were not those of Celticans, the other hunter was not very skilled in moving undetected it seemed. Following the trail of the hunter easily now, Artemis sped up and soon he saw it, the other hunter. He was clearly not a celtican, Artemis strung his Celtican Bow and called up the hint of Ice attunement needed to use it then dropped the camouflage of ice he had been using and appeared behind the foreign hunter.
"Hello." Said Artemis. "my name is Artemis, and I am a Celtican. Who, exactly, are you?"

The hunter had been tracking this stag with his companions for some weeks now. It was a fairly elusive creature unlike it's stupider cousin, the deer. He had split the band of hunters up as the herd the stag roamed with had been most likely seperated up by a wolf attack which drove them in many differection directions. He didn't mind being on his own though. More glory would be his for slaying his prey alone.

He crept out of the underbrush and gripped his ax tightly. It was a fairly simple one headed ax with the carvings of a prayer of blessing. His patron, the Dark God Noxulrach who mastered sorcery, torture, pain, and change, would be pleased with the blood of a successful kill upon the blessed ax.

The hunter (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/armiesofWAR/chaos/Marauder_01.jpg) (ignore the arm mutation) crept closer to the stag as it stood idly in a small clearing biting at the grass.

He reached onto his belt and unhooked a small throwing ax, preparing to toss it at the creature as he stopped and began to cock his arm back. He took careful aim..and...

As the voice from behind him surprised him he released the axe and it spun off into a tree, lodging itself firmly. The stag, alerted by both the ax and the voice, sprinted off back into the forest.

The hunter growled in frustration and turned to face the source of the voice, ax gripped tightly in anger. His angry expression was suddenly replaced with shock as he noted it was not his companion, and obviously not someone of their lands, but a stranger completely.

Without hesitation he shouted "Outsider! Outsider!!", into the forest as he glanced back to the stranger and got into a battle ready stance. Not soon after his call, the sound of approaching voices coming from the forest could be heard.

Oh hell, Thought Artemis. An arrow sprang from his bow down towards the ennemy. two more followed close behind the first at the BIG target that the enemy's throat made. Big, that is, for Artemis wielding his celtican longbow.

The hunter's pale eyes widened as he felt the two arrows lodge themselves in his chest. Before a groan of pain could even escape, the third passed through his throat and protruded slgihtly through the back of his neck. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as he dropped his ax carelessly and he fall backwards limp and lifeless.

The other hunters, similar in appearance to the now dead one though some with larger beards and others with many more tattoos, stormed into the clearing. They saw their dead comrade, and no questions were asked. Four of them charged Artemis. They all wielded twisted weaponry from swords to maces.

The fifth, who had not arrived, could hear the battle cries of his comrades ahead of him in the forest. Eager for combat, he yanked hard on the chain he gripped tightly that led behind him and a reluctant Dark Hound (http://img.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/62976/ModelSheet_ChaosHound_qjpreviewth.jpg) followed behind him. It could smell the blood in the air and began to trash wildly as it assumed its meal was nearby.

Two more arrows flashed from the bow at two separate ennemy targets, then, dropping the bow Artemis charged in two dirks flashing into his hands. The left hand pumped once launching a dirk at the ennemy on the left and a third dagger flashed into his hand as he charged towards the only ennemy he had not yet targeted.
I should not be doing this! Thought Artemis to himself These things are enemies, evil and nearby. I should be fleeing dammnit so I can warn our people

(OOC: Mind if I join in on this one when the opportunity presents itself?)

OOC: Feel free to.

One of the hunters dropped to the ground and groaned in agony as the arrow pierced his shoulder blade and he gripped it tightly as he attempted to muster the courage to rip it out. The other hunter who was hit, though temporarily stunned by the shock of the blow, was slowly lumbering closer to Artemis as he glared with vengeful eyes of hate and malice.


The third hunter who had gotten close to Artemis grunted and fell to the ground as the steel pierced his gut and blood poured eagerly through the open wound. His comrade, who saw Artemis charging him with his duel wielded dirks, roared thrust his arms out. A strange black mist began to work its way down his left arm and as it passed over sections of the arm it mutated it into something very strange looking.

By the time it had reached his hand his arm was covered in scales and his hand was a lizard like paw with deadly looking claws. He charged towards Artemis himself, his sword ready to hack his foe to pieces.

The fifth hunter, who had finally reached the fight, fumbled for his belt and bulled off a hollowed out horn. He put the thin end to his mouth and blew into it. It released a deep, low, groaning echo across the forest that made the birds themselves flee in fear.

Knowing it would take time for his call to be heard, he released the chain on the hound and his whipped him painfully in the lag with its tail as he charged for Artemis, drool dripping from its wide monstrous jaw.

(OOC: Mind if I join in on this one when the opportunity presents itself?)

OOC: no problem with me.
IC:
Artemis knew he was in trouble now. One fighter was dead and another dying but that lefts four more who could potentially attack and from the sound of the Horn, more would be on their way. Knew I shoulda gone sooner He though to himself. And I can't use it otherwise I'll be too drained to make it back. Here goes nothing.
Artemis moved in fast on the single charging warrior with the very odd arm. He pumped his left arm once, but did not release the knife, instead using the distraction to drop something on the ground.
Then he pivoted and ran away from the Sword wielding hunter, back towards his bow, the only obstacle being a single warrior already suffering from an arrow hit. As Artemis ran towards him his right hand dipped down and smoothly yanked his dirk free of the stomach of one of the downed ennemy.

The charging warrior had no idea time had even passed as Artemis almost disappeared in a flash but the pain of the blade piercing his chest brought him back to reality and he dropped his sword, gripping his hand over the wound as he gritted his teeth in pain.

The three of them had no idea what had just happened as the remainder glanced around frantically to locate the new position of Artemis.

The Dark Hound had little trouble and leapt from the undergrowth of the forest at Artemis, its abnormally wide jaw open and ready to clamp down on the first part of him it could reach.

The charging warrior had no idea time had even passed as Artemis almost disappeared in a flash but the pain of the blade piercing his chest brought him back to reality and he dropped his sword, gripping his hand over the wound as he gritted his teeth in pain.

The three of them had no idea what had just happened as the remainder glanced around frantically to locate the new position of Artemis.

The Dark Hound had little trouble and leapt from the undergrowth of the forest at Artemis, its abnormally wide jaw open and ready to clamp down on the first part of him it could reach.

Unfortunately for the Hound, the "thing" Artemis had dropped earlier was a small trap. He used them often to hunt elk and the like If he knew where they were going to be. The jaws of the trapped snapped onto the leg of the Hound, hopefully slowing it down. Artemis, though, was not sticking around to see. He scooped up his bow and ran through the forest heading for the celtican Boarder as fast as he could run.

The beast yelped in pain as the trap caught its leg and it fell short. It howled and yelped in pain as it struggled to free itself as it thrashed about wildly and leaned back to bite at the trap.

The hunters saw Artemis retreat into the forest but they chose not to pursue. They would heal the wounded.

They were certain whoever answered the call of their horn would come across the stranger. One of the hunters walked over to the whimpering hound and inspected the trap. Unsure how to release it, he simply stood up and hacked his ax into the beast's neck. A hunting dog with three legs was useless, and he didn't have the time to nurse it back to health.

The beast yelped in pain as the trap caught its leg and it fell short. It howled and yelped in pain as it struggled to free itself as it thrashed about wildly and leaned back to bite at the trap.

The hunters saw Artemis retreat into the forest but they chose not to pursue. They would heal the wounded.

They were certain whoever answered the call of their horn would come across the stranger. One of the hunters walked over to the whimpering hound and inspected the trap. Unsure how to release it, he simply stood up and hacked his ax into the beast's neck. A hunting dog with three legs was useless, and he didn't have the time to nurse it back to health.

OOC:holy! you killed the Hound!!!! feel free to have a group run across Artemis
IC:
Artemis heard the deadened yelp as he ran, Damn, They killed the hound. He kept his hand on the bow as he settled into a loping pace that he could keep up, hopefully until nightfall or until he ran into another celtican, whichever came first.

"Which way!", shouted the Chosen (http://www.gamerdna.com/public/images/user_image/image/9118/ss_june8_06.jpg) from atop his Whailer mount. (http://images.wikia.com/warhammeronline/images/0/08/Chaos_mount_concept.jpg)

The hunter pointed towards the direction Artemis fled to as he and another hunter hefted up the heavy, limp corpse of their fallen comrade.

The Chosen said no thanks to him as he kicked his mount into motion and it released a shrill whinny as it set off in that direction. Behind the Chosen tailed two Marauders and a Zealot atop their own mounts.

The four continued to trek deeper into the forest in pursuit of Artemis as the sun slowly began to creep behind the mountains in the distance.

"Which way!", shouted the Chosen (http://www.gamerdna.com/public/images/user_image/image/9118/ss_june8_06.jpg) from atop his Whailer mount. (http://images.wikia.com/warhammeronline/images/0/08/Chaos_mount_concept.jpg)

The hunter pointed towards the direction Artemis fled to as he and another hunter hefted up the heavy, limp corpse of their fallen comrade.

The Chosen said no thanks to him as he kicked his mount into motion and it released a shrill whinny as it set off in that direction. Behind the Chosen tailed two Marauders and a Zealot atop their own mounts.

The four continued to trek deeper into the forest in pursuit of Artemis as the sun slowly began to creep behind the mountains in the distance.

Artemis heard the horses with his sensitive hearing and sped up moving actually at the pace of a regular human horse, and a fast one at that. Unfortunately this was draining him like crazy. Damn Thought Artemis either I'd better meat up with some of my people or I'm in serious trouble here. the he noticed something, the lands had changed to something he new and nearby the sound of feet was heard above the horses hooves behind him. no way He thought then they came into view. A ten person, Knights of the Leaf patrol, heavily armed and armored. and Artemis covered the ground to them then collapsed into the arms of one of the troopers.
"what the hell?" she said out loud.

Ahead of them the Chosen and his band could hear a quick rush of rustling moving further into the forest. He growled and kicked his horse into a \\sprint, the others following suite with their own mounts.

They pursued the outsider until they came across a change in scenery. The Chosen sighed angrily as he realized they were now the outsiders.

But it was nightfall now and he would not pursue his foe into a trap. His party turned their horses around and galloped back into the more familiar woods of their own lands.

No doubt this outsider would tell his comrades of what had happened and they'd return in greater numbers. He'd see to it they welcomed them warmly...

The squad of Leaf knights returned the "army of the wolf" man to the city of the leaf. through the night he slept under the watch of the healer Knights. the next day they travelled to the city of the Hawk where owain Hawk himself met with Artemis.
"hello,"Said the king of the Celticans. "What happened Artemis."
"Bad news sir," Replied the Captain. "We've got enemies on our boarders to the north. They are hostile as hell. I tried to greet one and was attacked."
"I see," Replied hawk, "suggestions?"
"aye sir," Replied Artemis. "give me 100 of those leaf knights and 500 wolves to act as scouts and we will probe them. Maybe we can make some sor of treaty, if not then at least we will know where we stand officially."
"Fair enough do it."
"at your command sir."
Two days later 500 Army of the wolf rangers were scouring the land ahead of the 200 leaf knights marching into the ennemy territory. The scouts were working in groups of two.

Hawk's house
"This worries me," He said to the assembled leaders, "call back everything except the army in contact with those demon earlier."
"Aye sir," Replied the leader of the Wolves. "one problem sir, we have a team, 100 leaf knights and a thousand IceGuards who will have to cross the ice wastes to get here. They were sent to investigate some sort of strange tribe."
"See if we can get some help against these enemies from the tribe. if not have the Iceguard move through if we can. otherwise hold em there."
"aye sir!" Replied the leaders

Within The Dread City...

Malevik Deruchon (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/armiesofWAR/chaos/ChosenImg_04.jpg) sat on his throne with his head resting in his hand that was propped up on the arm of the chair.

He had a dull look on his face as he watched the zealots come to and fro to different parts of the Black Citadel.

Suddenly the heavy doors to his throne room were pushed open and two Dread Sentries (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/KnightOfTzeentch.jpg) came inside as the escorted an old and withered Marauder with them. From the distance he looked weakened by age but as he approached the numerous scars that littered his body and the many heads that hung from his belt Told Malevik this one was no doubt a strong warrior even at this age.

He got within a few feet of Malveik before dropping onto his knees and practically laying himself on the ground as he bowed. "Oh great and wise Dark Lord Malveik. I bring news from the southern borders."

Malveik perked and sat up straight as he looked at the Marauder with more interest. "Speak!", he shouted both commandingly and excitedly.

"A hunting encountered a warrior from the outside world in our woods. They attempted to apprehend him but he was too skilled for mere hunters. A local tribe's Chosen Warrior heard the call of their horn and brought a small party of men to pursue the outsider. But he had escaped back into his own territory and the Chosen was forced to pull back."

Malevik sat there for a few moments. Considering what the Maraude rhad just told him. The room was silent as those who had been milling around stopped in their tracks and watched him think as though it were a moment of grave importance to let him concentrate and a gift to just watch him.

"Assemble the children of Great Father Nurgle! If these outsiders return, the presence of Nurgle's followers will demoralize them enough to never return to our lands."

And so the word was sent and within three weeks a massive column of Nurgle's followers were marching towards the forest of the incident. Some of Noxulrach's followers from tribes near the woods had assembled to reinforce Nurgle's host should they find it suitable to rush in and finish off their foes and steal the glory in the name of Noxulrach.

With them the children of Nurgle brought Hellcannons that would either destroy their foe, or destroy the forest for them to hide in.

OOC: Let me know if you want me to set up a battlefield map.

Within The Dread City...

Malevik Deruchon (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/armiesofWAR/chaos/ChosenImg_04.jpg) sat on his throne with his head resting in his hand that was propped up on the arm of the chair.

He had a dull look on his face as he watched the zealots come to and fro to different parts of the Black Citadel.

Suddenly the heavy doors to his throne room were pushed open and two Dread Sentries (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/KnightOfTzeentch.jpg) came inside as the escorted an old and withered Marauder with them. From the distance he looked weakened by age but as he approached the numerous scars that littered his body and the many heads that hung from his belt Told Malevik this one was no doubt a strong warrior even at this age.

He got within a few feet of Malveik before dropping onto his knees and practically laying himself on the ground as he bowed. "Oh great and wise Dark Lord Malveik. I bring news from the southern borders."

Malveik perked and sat up straight as he looked at the Marauder with more interest. "Speak!", he shouted both commandingly and excitedly.

"A hunting encountered a warrior from the outside world in our woods. They attempted to apprehend him but he was too skilled for mere hunters. A local tribe's Chosen Warrior heard the call of their horn and brought a small party of men to pursue the outsider. But he had escaped back into his own territory and the Chosen was forced to pull back."

Malevik sat there for a few moments. Considering what the Maraude rhad just told him. The room was silent as those who had been milling around stopped in their tracks and watched him think as though it were a moment of grave importance to let him concentrate and a gift to just watch him.

"Assemble the children of Great Father Nurgle! If these outsiders return, the presence of Nurgle's followers will demoralize them enough to never return to our lands."

And so the word was sent and within three weeks a massive column of Nurgle's followers were marching towards the forest of the incident. Some of Noxulrach's followers from tribes near the woods had assembled to reinforce Nurgle's host should they find it suitable to rush in and finish off their foes and steal the glory in the name of Noxulrach.

With them the children of Nurgle brought Hellcannons that would either destroy their foe, or destroy the forest for them to hide in.

OOC: Let me know if you want me to set up a battlefield map.

OOC: definitely. thanks man :D.as a fair heads up, this is more a hit and run force than anything else.
IC:
The Troops had formed up, The wolves were scouring the land as the hundred Strong knights of the leaf marched in formation into the lands of an unknown ennemy.

Hawk's house
"This worries me," He said to the assembled leaders, "call back everything except the army in contact with those demon earlier."
"Aye sir," Replied the leader of the Wolves. "one problem sir, we have a team, 100 leaf knights and a thousand IceGuards who will have to cross the ice wastes to get here. They were sent to investigate some sort of strange tribe."
"See if we can get some help against these enemies from the tribe. if not have the Iceguard move through if we can. otherwise hold em there."
"aye sir!" Replied the leaders

OOC: tribe of the mist if you want in, this is your opportunity

OOC: Map (Yes I suck at Paint lol) (http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/CB6802/Untitled-3.jpg) Legend: Light Green - Nurgle Infantry; Brown - Artillery; Red - Reinforcements. Main Force Count - 800. Reinforcement - 300.

He'd been waiting to prove his worth to the Great Father for some time now. Mel'garuk (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/WAR_concept_aug08-6.jpg), Champion of the Great Father Nurgle, watched his forces assemble into battle formations before the forest from atop a hill at the back of the lines. His forked tongue slipped out of his mouth to wet his abnormally wide lips.

Whatever force already awaited them in the forest, or on the other side, would never return again once they faced the wrath of Nurgle's children. Soon, he would issue the order for the Hellcannons to rip the forest apart and anything inside of it. Trees would regrow and animals would resettle. But for now there was blood to be spilled in the Great Father's name!

OOC: Map (Yes I suck at Paint lol) (http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/CB6802/Untitled-3.jpg) Legend: Light Green - Nurgle Infantry; Brown - Artillery; Red - Reinforcements. Main Force Count - 800. Reinforcement - 300.

He'd been waiting to prove his worth to the Great Father for some time now. Mel'garuk (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/WAR_concept_aug08-6.jpg), Champion of the Great Father Nurgle, watched his forces assemble into battle formations before the forest from atop a hill at the back of the lines. His forked tongue slipped out of his mouth to wet his abnormally wide lips.

Whatever force already awaited them in the forest, or on the other side, would never return again once they faced the wrath of Nurgle's children. Soon, he would issue the order for the Hellcannons to rip the forest apart and anything inside of it. Trees would regrow and animals would resettle. But for now there was blood to be spilled in the Great Father's name!
OOC:lol better than I could do.

Celtican rangers roamed through the forest. Coming to the very edge of it scouts, well concealed, looked out and saw the ennemy troops forming up. Worse, they also saw the ennemy artillery. Though they did not use gunpowder themselves, the Celticans knew of it and Artemis had quite a good Idea of what those artillery tubes would be capable of.
"leafs, Take a northern route. Your going to hit those tubes hard and fast then hold the position. Rangers, Advance to the forest edge, engage targets at will."

The forces moved out. Rangers of the leaf moved quitely to the edge of the woods as the knights of the leaf circled north and prep'd then single flaming arrow lit up the sky and the Knights of the leaf moved out of their woodland cover and moved for the artillery emplacements. Rangers seemed to appear at the woods edge and open fire with their long bows launching at ennemy targets from the woodlands.

OOC:
blue dots------------>dispersed rangers, Archers
Black Lines-------------> knights of the leaf, medium infantry
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=60692&stc=1&d=1225144141

Mel'garuk's attentions were suddenly diverted when he heard a soldier yell "Look! In the sky!". He quickly glanced to the skyline and noted a single flaming arrow rise over the tree tops and then drop.

And almost on queue most of those at the front of his deployments were cut down by scores of arrows. He snarled and yelled in a deep, gargling voice: "For the Great Father Nurgle!"

His lines responded with a roaring cheer as the Marauders (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0807_09.jpg), the first of their wave, charged forth towards the trees.

Those who did not fall to the wall of arrows they met continued the charge. As the outsiders focused their arrows on them, the Chosen (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0806_05.jpg) advanced behind them.

The Marauders that succeeded in reaching their foes were quick to not only overwhelm them with their rage but the pure rancid smell of death and decay that was so thick it could be tasted far too well on the tongue.

Mel'garuk looked down to a Marauder who approached him and dropped to his knees. "All mighty Champion of the Great Father! Scouts report a large division of mounted outsiders approaching the Hellcannons."

He scoweled heavily. "Order them to blow that treeline apart! I want every Zealot not at work to gather and summon the Great Father's child! I want Magi on the Hellcannons and I want them to blast anything that comes in range with their magics!"

The Marauder nodded and bowed as he hurried off to deliver the orders.

Mel'garuk snarled lowly. Apparently these Outsiders were well versed in combat.

Mel'garuk's attentions were suddenly diverted when he heard a soldier yell "Look! In the sky!". He quickly glanced to the skyline and noted a single flaming arrow rise over the tree tops and then drop.

And almost on queue most of those at the front of his deployments were cut down by scores of arrows. He snarled and yelled in a deep, gargling voice: "For the Great Father Nurgle!"

His lines responded with a roaring cheer as the Marauders (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0807_09.jpg), the first of their wave, charged forth towards the trees.

Those who did not fall to the wall of arrows they met continued the charge. As the outsiders focused their arrows on them, the Chosen (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0806_05.jpg) advanced behind them.

The Marauders that succeeded in reaching their foes were quick to not only overwhelm them with their rage but the pure rancid smell of death and decay that was so thick it could be tasted far too well on the tongue.

Mel'garuk looked down to a Marauder who approached him and dropped to his knees. "All mighty Champion of the Great Father! Scouts report a large division of mounted outsiders approaching the Hellcannons."

He scoweled heavily. "Order them to blow that treeline apart! I want every Zealot not at work to gather and summon the Great Father's child! I want Magi on the Hellcannons and I want them to blast anything that comes in range with their magics!"

The Marauder nodded and bowed as he hurried off to deliver the orders.

Mel'garuk snarled lowly. Apparently these Outsiders were well versed in combat.
OOC:lol the knights are on foot. Feel free to being casting magic/use the artillery on my advancing troops/ Have the chosen hit my knife fighters.
IC:
Tree Line
the rangers managed to get off two volleys of arrows before the ennemy closed. A single line of Rangers formed as half the force stepped forward drawing dirks. the long knives flashed and flickered as the Rangers attacked with speed and fury the on coming Maruarders. The remaining rangers continued to fire arrows into the oncoming troops. Some of the rangers went down as the marauders piled into the tree line but the line held and behind it rangers continued to pour arrows into the enemies on the way as the knife fighting Rangers chose targets and fought one on one with those ennemy troops who had survived long enough to get to the Treeline. The rangers were holding well against the relatively lightly armored Marauders and the stench, while horrible, was not enough to take any of the rangewrs out of the ifght

Knights of the leaf
The knights fired a single volley at extreme range from their bows then cased them and drew their Longswords and sheilds and moved into the attack. A single line, three deep, of the Knights advanced on the ennemy cannon.

The Chosen, with their thick casings of steel armor and massive great weapons came upon the line of Rangers as they had finally reached the tree line.

As a Chosen swatted down a charging ranger with his mace, there was a shriek followed by an chunk of the treeline being torn apart. They did not fear the cannon fire as they continued to relentlessly push into the enemy lines.

Mel'garuk grinned as he watched successfully the advance of his troops. He looked to the group of Zealots (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0807_08.jpg) that muttered their prays and etched symbols into the puss filled skin as they continued to attempt to summon a gift from their lord.

In the mean time, as the knights charged the Cannons and a brief volley took out some of the engineers the Magi (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0807_07.jpg) appeared and summoned terrible curses upon the unfortunate targets. Afflictions such as an outbreak of blisters, terrible nausea, and cancerous infections that crippled the host. Others summoned bolts of energy at their target.

They did not expect to defeat the charging knights, only to hold them off for a bit longer....

OOC: Also, sorry if I didn't post many loses. But don't worry you've killed quite a few. I just tend to skip past that part in my post writing with such a large number of troops.

OOC: Also, sorry if I didn't post many loses. But don't worry you've killed quite a few. I just tend to skip past that part in my post writing with such a large number of troops.

OOC:no its all good. well OOC losses after my post maybe? Cause I haven't posted much either lol

The Chosen, with their thick casings of steel armor and massive great weapons came upon the line of Rangers as they had finally reached the tree line.

As a Chosen swatted down a charging ranger with his mace, there was a shriek followed by an chunk of the treeline being torn apart. They did not fear the cannon fire as they continued to relentlessly push into the enemy lines.

Mel'garuk grinned as he watched successfully the advance of his troops. He looked to the group of Zealots (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0807_08.jpg) that muttered their prays and etched symbols into the puss filled skin as they continued to attempt to summon a gift from their lord.

In the mean time, as the knights charged the Cannons and a brief volley took out some of the engineers the Magi (http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0807_07.jpg) appeared and summoned terrible curses upon the unfortunate targets. Afflictions such as an outbreak of blisters, terrible nausea, and cancerous infections that crippled the host. Others summoned bolts of energy at their target.

They did not expect to defeat the charging knights, only to hold them off for a bit longer....
The knights
Just 5 nights of the hundred fell out of formation and into a trance. The air shimmered and, suddenly the ennemy afflictions were undone. bolts of energy ceased to exist and the knights barely faltered in their stride as the afflictions ended. Longswords swept into the horizontal "attack position" as the knights neared the cannon and sped up moving double speed.

The tree line
The rangers at the tree line were falling back fast. They couldn't stand up to their heavily armored enemies though Celtican Longbows could punch through the ennemy armor like Swiss cheese at close range.The rangers fell back into the forest reverting back to bows and the "organized battle became chaotic as rangers and their pursuers hunted each other through the forest.All the rangers, though, seemed to be heading in the same general direction.

The Magi began to back away in fear as they realized their spells had no effects on the Knights. Slowly the gap between them began to close...

...

"Is it ready?!", bellowed Mel'garuk at the Zealots. "Yes my lord!", hissed one of them Zealots who bled profusely from the wrists.

"Summon it now!"

The group spoke their final words of the ritual before it took their lives..

...

Suddenly a strange beast, twice the size of the largest bear, turned the corner behind the Magi and saw the Knights. It (http://www.mmolecule.com/ektimages/game/war/WAR_NurgleSpawn.jpg) roared loudly and stampeded right through the Magi carelessly as it charged towards the Knights, ready to swat anyone around it with reckless abandon.

The Magi began to back away in fear as they realized their spells had no effects on the Knights. Slowly the gap between them began to close...

...

"Is it ready?!", bellowed Mel'garuk at the Zealots. "Yes my lord!", hissed one of them Zealots who bled profusely from the wrists.

"Summon it now!"

The group spoke their final words of the ritual before it took their lives..

...

Suddenly a strange beast, twice the size of the largest bear, turned the corner behind the Magi and saw the Knights. It (http://www.mmolecule.com/ektimages/game/war/WAR_NurgleSpawn.jpg) roared loudly and stampeded right through the Magi carelessly as it charged towards the Knights, ready to swat anyone around it with reckless abandon.
Knights of the leaf
Arrows Hammered the summon to no effect and knights in the front rank closed the line in an attempt to with stand the beast but, as it approached realized they had no hope of doing so. A single knight, different from the others in that his armor was not the dark green of the other nights but a pure emerald color, stepped forward. As the thing charged towards him A massive cage of ice erupted from the ground around the beast and the night and around it the Leafs continued their charge. Ignoring the beast and the knight in the cage they charged full out at the cannon emplacement.

Within the Cage
Drizzt fell into his trance as he faced the beast. He was one of the few,real,battle mages in Celtica. Able to both fight and wield at the same time but for now he merely increased his own strength and armor with his magic then drew his sword and stepped towards the beast.

The Forrest.
Rangers continued to fall back through the forest but now the groups of rangers were reforming into one unit and they were definitely luring their enemies somewhere.

Mel'garuk watched in shock as a single soldier encased himself and their lord's spawn in a block of ice. He growled and diverted his attentions back to the forest, noting most of his troops having disappeared into the woods.

He ordered for a report and soon enough a Marauder told him of the troops pursuing retreating elves into the forest. He thought momentarily before bellowing out with laughter. "The fools! I want them surrounded on all sides. Find out where they're going and cut off a retreat! Their bows are no use within the dense forest."

Back at the Cannons

The Magi watched in awe as the beast was overcome by a massive block of ice by the single outsider. As the Knights continued their charge, they realized the warrior must've been the one repelling their spells.

With renewed morale they began to recast their spells at the Elves. Even if they were wrong, they'd fight to the last man. The Grand Father did not let cowards fight in his name.

Within the Ice Cage
The flustered beast reared around within the cage, banging into the walls and stomping around wildly. Within the enclosed space it's hideous odor was much more apparent.

Coming to realize the walls would not break, it stood up on its hind legs and banged its chest as it challenged the approaching warrior.

the forest
Chasing skilled trappers through dense forest is generally a bad idea. Attempting to surround trappers while their moving in a single group following one path is an even worse Idea and screams echoed through the Forrest as the ennemy troops found out exactly how bad an idea it was. Spike pits, modified bear traps, falling trees and logs, caltrops, trip wires, anything and everything the Trappers could thing of had been deployed before the battle had even begun and now the rangers ceased running. Volleys of arrows twanged from bows aimed back along the open path they had just run down and they began to advance back towards the battle on the plains.

At the canons
The loss of Drtizzt was extremely taxing to the five mages who had fallen out of line. Despite the fact they they were attempting no offensive magic they were getting exhausted from the sheer exertion required to bend and break so many magical attacks and a couple had gotten through. 20 Knights had gone down with minor ailments but the rest of the line remained intact and the hit the cannons at a run slaughtering any lightly armed and armored cannoneers who got in their way. They were coming for the zelots.

In the cage
Having finished imbuing himself, drizzt dropped into a combat trance and moved towards the ennemy holding his razor sharp longsword in front of him with one hand as he braced his shield against his shoulder with the other.

Tribal Village of Kaman on the Western Shore of the Seas of Malice------------------

Shaman Mor Jornan sat in his simple tribal hut, illuminated only by the small fire glowing in the firepit at the center of the one room hut and the sea-green glow issuing from beneath his curved stone mask. Hands on the floor, legs folded so his feet were resting on his hips, he sat in mediation, allowing his mind to expand beyond it's normal boundaries and allowing his to share in the sight of the spirits of the world.

He let his senses flow, and he felt the world breathe and speak to him. Something was amiss in the Icy Wastes. A dark presence was preparing for war… pestilence and pollution… death on the wings of blood sucking insects and virulent disease. Then, Mor felt a searing cold presence in his mind, and for a brief second, in the world of the spirits, Mor and the one called the Plaguefather locked eyes.

Mor saw enough. He severed his meditation abruptly and sat upright, covered in a cold sweat. Someone was amassing an army in the name of the Unclean Beast, and a big one at that.

No, Plaguefather. Not today.

Shaman Mor unfolded his legs and stood up, scrawling down a small note on a piece of grass paper and finishing that, walking out of his small hut briskly. He left with such haste he even left the small fire within his hut burning as opposed to extinguishing it.

He walked through the village and motioned to a small group of five Tribal Militia men to grab their javelins and follow him, an order they quickly obeyed. He motioned to another Militia man near the others to take the note he clutched in his hand and to run to the tribal city of Peral where Seer Dak was visiting. He must learn of this as soon as possible.

As he strode forward he contemplated calling forth their protector. A course of action he ultimately decided to do. So he strode towards the mirror pools, hoping that their great protector wasn’t occupied with himself… again.

Mirror Pools of Kaman------------------------------------

No ripples disturbed the rectangular pool into which the Basalisk Behemoth, Kamandi (http://avianskyknight.deviantart.com/art/SOTC-Original-Colossus-Study-101386767), was staring. It’s bright, blue eyes stared at the water as the stone creature admired its majestic, proud stone form in the pools pristine reflection.

Kamandi was amongst the smaller breeds of Behemoth, his mossy earthen form only thirty-three feet long if he were to lay his serpentine body down flat on the ground, where as the monstrous Behemoth Dume of the Eastern tribe of Dumanos stood at an incredible height of sixty feet tall and was fifty feet broad at the chest. However, where Dume had brute strength, Kamandi had a keen intelligence: he could think circles around the bigger Behemoths, and he knew it. Over time, this confidence bred narcissism, in which the stone basilisk became obsessed with it’s reflection to the point where it now spent the majority of it’s time lounging around the reflecting pools in it’s small shrine than it did patrolling.

As usual, today Kamandi was gliding from pool to pool, observing itself from different angles before gliding back to the overgrown stone structure that served as its resting place to doze for hours on end. His rows of short, concealed legs pushed him along on his smooth, shale stomach plates as he held his proud upper body high. Like this he spent most of his day, surveying his domain in a kingly fashion.

A rustle in the bushes disturbed his tranquility about midday. The great stone snake’s eyes went from a peaceful blue to a burning orange as it surveyed the area for those who encroached on its sacred shrine.

Stepping from the bushes, Shaman Mor held his hands above his head in a gesture of peace, followed by a small band of tribal militia doing the same. Kamandi notably relaxed itself, it’s eyes changing back to the tranquil blue glow. Mor stepped forward and put his hand on the stone creature’s stony form, running his hand through the fur-like moss on the creature’s back.

“Old friend, we have need of your services once more.”

Far Edge of the Battlefield, Treeline-----------------------------

A thick, dense mist permeated the edge of the forest. Dull and grey, it obscured vision into the already sheltered canopy. While the two armies were occupied with murdering each other, neither noticed the dense fog rolling in despite the winds blowing in the opposite direction. More so, no one saw the dull glowing eyes of Shaman Mor or the Behemoth Kamandi penetrating the fog from beyond the treeline.

Mor observed, peering out from his magically concealed location upon the battlefield. Clearly, the Plaguefather's armies had already set about their fight. He knew his plan: kill the creature leading this horrific army who possessed with the unclean beasts power, shatter their morale and reduce further damage to the enviroment.

However, the other army engaging the Nurglich forces was something Mor had not seen in his visions. Then again, the trauma of seeing and being seen by the unclean beast had forced him to cut his vision short. Perhaps he had also missed other important facts in his dream.

Mor turned to the ever observant Kamandi, who was currently gazing at the battlefield and the ice cage upon it with great intensity. Something inside it had intriuged the Basalisk Behemoth... perhaps a foe it wished to challenge? None the less, Mor and Kamandi met eyes, their unique spiritual bond speaking volumes. Wordlessly, they agreed to wait and watch. They would launch their strike when the opportunity presented itself.

(OOC: soory for the long ass post. Hopefully it explained who's hear, why they are here, and what they are doing in no uncertain terms. They have most likely appeared on the far upper corner of the forest you guys drew on your little map. If anybody wants to run into them, feel free.

Fair warning, though: Kamandi may not be as freakishly big as some of his cousins, but he has a few nasty tricks up his sleeve. There's a reason I call him the Basalisk Behemoth. Also, Shaman Mor is no push over himself, and the Milita are skilled, if poorly equiped, fighters.)

Tribal Village of Kaman on the Western Shore of the Seas of Malice------------------

Shaman Mor Jornan sat in his simple tribal hut, illuminated only by the small fire glowing in the firepit at the center of the one room hut and the sea-green glow issuing from beneath his curved stone mask. Hands on the floor, legs folded so his feet were resting on his hips, he sat in mediation, allowing his mind to expand beyond it's normal boundaries and allowing his to share in the sight of the spirits of the world.

He let his senses flow, and he felt the world breathe and speak to him. Something was amiss in the Icy Wastes. A dark presence was preparing for war… pestilence and pollution… death on the wings of blood sucking insects and virulent disease. Then, Mor felt a searing cold presence in his mind, and for a brief second, in the world of the spirits, Mor and the one called the Plaguefather locked eyes.

Mor saw enough. He severed his meditation abruptly and sat upright, covered in a cold sweat. Someone was amassing an army in the name of the Unclean Beast, and a big one at that.

No, Plaguefather. Not today.

Shaman Mor unfolded his legs and stood up, scrawling down a small note on a piece of grass paper and finishing that, walking out of his small hut briskly. He left with such haste he even left the small fire within his hut burning as opposed to extinguishing it.

He walked through the village and motioned to a small group of five Tribal Militia men to grab their javelins and follow him, an order they quickly obeyed. He motioned to another Militia man near the others to take the note he clutched in his hand and to run to the tribal city of Peral where Seer Dak was visiting. He must learn of this as soon as possible.

As he strode forward he contemplated calling forth their protector. A course of action he ultimately decided to do. So he strode towards the mirror pools, hoping that their great protector wasn’t occupied with himself… again.

Mirror Pools of Kaman------------------------------------

No ripples disturbed the rectangular pool into which the Basalisk Behemoth, Kamandi (http://avianskyknight.deviantart.com/art/SOTC-Original-Colossus-Study-101386767), was staring. It’s bright, blue eyes stared at the water as the stone creature admired its majestic, proud stone form in the pools pristine reflection.

Kamandi was amongst the smaller breeds of Behemoth, his mossy earthen form only thirty-three feet long if he were to lay his serpentine body down flat on the ground, where as the monstrous Behemoth Dume of the Eastern tribe of Dumanos stood at an incredible height of sixty feet tall and was fifty feet broad at the chest. However, where Dume had brute strength, Kamandi had a keen intelligence: he could think circles around the bigger Behemoths, and he knew it. Over time, this confidence bred narcissism, in which the stone basilisk became obsessed with it’s reflection to the point where it now spent the majority of it’s time lounging around the reflecting pools in it’s small shrine than it did patrolling.

As usual, today Kamandi was gliding from pool to pool, observing itself from different angles before gliding back to the overgrown stone structure that served as its resting place to doze for hours on end. His rows of short, concealed legs pushed him along on his smooth, shale stomach plates as he held his proud upper body high. Like this he spent most of his day, surveying his domain in a kingly fashion.

A rustle in the bushes disturbed his tranquility about midday. The great stone snake’s eyes went from a peaceful blue to a burning orange as it surveyed the area for those who encroached on its sacred shrine.

Stepping from the bushes, Shaman Mor held his hands above his head in a gesture of peace, followed by a small band of tribal militia doing the same. Kamandi notably relaxed itself, it’s eyes changing back to the tranquil blue glow. Mor stepped forward and put his hand on the stone creature’s stony form, running his hand through the fur-like moss on the creature’s back.

“Old friend, we have need of your services once more.”

Far Edge of the Battlefield, Treeline-----------------------------

A thick, dense mist permeated the edge of the forest. Dull and grey, it obscured vision into the already sheltered canopy. While the two armies were occupied with murdering each other, neither noticed the dense fog rolling in despite the winds blowing in the opposite direction. More so, no one saw the dull glowing eyes of Shaman Mor or the Behemoth Kamandi penetrating the fog from beyond the treeline.

Mor observed, peering out from his magically concealed location upon the battlefield. Clearly, the Plaguefather's armies had already set about their fight. He knew his plan: kill the creature leading this horrific army who possessed with the unclean beasts power, shatter their morale and reduce further damage to the enviroment.

However, the other army engaging the Nurglich forces was something Mor had not seen in his visions. Then again, the trauma of seeing and being seen by the unclean beast had forced him to cut his vision short. Perhaps he had also missed other important facts in his dream.

Mor turned to the ever observant Kamandi, who was currently gazing at the battlefield and the ice cage upon it with great intensity. Something inside it had intriuged the Basalisk Behemoth... perhaps a foe it wished to challenge? None the less, Mor and Kamandi met eyes, their unique spiritual bond speaking volumes. Wordlessly, they agreed to wait and watch. They would launch their strike when the opportunity presented itself.

(OOC: soory for the long ass post. Hopefully it explained who's hear, why they are here, and what they are doing in no uncertain terms. They have most likely appeared on the far upper corner of the forest you guys drew on your little map. If anybody wants to run into them, feel free.

Fair warning, though: Kamandi may not be as freakishly big as some of his cousins, but he has a few nasty tricks up his sleeve. There's a reason I call him the Basalisk Behemoth. Also, Shaman Mor is no push over himself, and the Milita are skilled, if poorly equiped, fighters.)

OOC:no worries it was a good post
IC:
Edge Of the mist lands
Having discovered an outside world, the Celticans had attempted to send out four teams to discover what they could and make alliances and treaties with those groups. Two groups of ships had traveled the oceans and were out of contact range, entirely on their own. Two land groups had also been sent out. Oner had run into the nordicans in the south but the other had been heading east and, when told that there was an ennemy at the gates, had realized that the closest way back led through the lands of the mist. Halting at the edge of the boarder commander Leona peered into the mists hoping to find someone or something she could talk too. When no one appeared she turned her head to the hawk perched on her shoulder and whispered three words. The Hawk took to the sky looking for someone as the iceguard and Leaf knights began to march into the forest.

Mel'garuk scoweled as the echoes of screams and cries came from the forest. His men were not suitable for combat in within a forest that these outsiders seemed to use to their advantage.

He didn't like it. But he had no choice for now. "Sound the retreat! I want all forces to retreat to Balurak Pass immediately! Destroy the cannons and pull the troops back! And protect the sorcerers!"

The horn was blown, a deep bellowing echo that couldn't be missed even in the midst of clashing combat. Reluctantly some troops took their time retreating back. Others were more than happy too and no doubt they would pain when the Great Father learned of their cowardice.

The cannons were too big to move and the engineers who still remained made certain that their weaponry would not fall into enemy hands. The engineers shoveled as many dead bodies as possible into the furnaces of the cannons and shut the maws of the cannon. They then fired it and fled the vicinity as quickly as possible as the cannons exploded with the devastating effects of shrapnel and magic.

No doubt many of those who retreated were chased down and killed but Mel'garuk was not concerned with causalities now. If he could reorganize his troops he a sufficient counter-attack could put them back in the Great Father's favor. If not then death was surely the worse alternative to Mel'garuk.

Within the Ice Cage

The beast, somewhat capable of thought, noted its opponent was ready and it was quick to its feet as it charged Drizzt with its shoulder infront of it. Once close enough it would draw its shoulder away and smack the puny opponent before it like a gnat.

Mel'garuk scoweled as the echoes of screams and cries came from the forest. His men were not suitable for combat in within a forest that these outsiders seemed to use to their advantage.

He didn't like it. But he had no choice for now. "Sound the retreat! I want all forces to retreat to Balurak Pass immediately! Destroy the cannons and pull the troops back! And protect the sorcerers!"

The horn was blown, a deep bellowing echo that couldn't be missed even in the midst of clashing combat. Reluctantly some troops took their time retreating back. Others were more than happy too and no doubt they would pain when the Great Father learned of their cowardice.

The cannons were too big to move and the engineers who still remained made certain that their weaponry would not fall into enemy hands. The engineers shoveled as many dead bodies as possible into the furnaces of the cannons and shut the maws of the cannon. They then fired it and fled the vicinity as quickly as possible as the cannons exploded with the devastating effects of shrapnel and magic.

No doubt many of those who retreated were chased down and killed but Mel'garuk was not concerned with causalities now. If he could reorganize his troops he a sufficient counter-attack could put them back in the Great Father's favor. If not then death was surely the worse alternative to Mel'garuk.

Within the Ice Cage

The beast, somewhat capable of thought, noted its opponent was ready and it was quick to its feet as it charged Drizzt with its shoulder infront of it. Once close enough it would draw its shoulder away and smack the puny opponent before it like a gnat.

Leaf knights
More leaf knights fell as the cannons nearby blew up. Many quickly regained their feet, their heavy armor and shields holding them up, but other were badly injured and a few killed. The knights watched as enemies retreated from the Forrest and turned on their hell, making for the Pass. Instead of pursuing, the knights made their way into the forest and searched out their own wounded, doing what they could to help them.

In the cage
Drizzt watched the oncoming Thing. He timed himself then stepped to the side avoiding the things charge and thinking to strike out with his sword but as he moved to do so he noticed the things wight change slightly and thew up his shield, barely blocking the things swipe with his shield. Off balance, the force of the blow knocked him into the cages wall and he hook himself, and stood up feeling a little off balance and now more aware of his enemy's power.

Rangers
The rangers were exhausted, putting together traps then fighting an extended, running battle had drained them completely. They were in no shape to pursue the enemy and they mostly let them go, with only a few loosing arrows after some of the ennemy who seemed to be thinking about attacking them rather than fleeing. Knights of the leaf, healers one and all, healed the worst of the wounded but they too were tired and the lightly wounded remained that way, stitching their own wounds. A few, less tired, rangers including Artemis set up as sentries but the rest set up camp and collapsed though some went to the Ice cage, awaiting what wound happen within.

OOC:
After action report
Army of the Wolf
350x unwounded rangers (some healed)
75x lightly wounded ranger, fit for combat
50x Dead rangers, mostly at tree line
25x bearing moderate injuries, walking wounded

Leaf rangers
1x unknown (drizzt)
70x suffering extreme exhaustion, Temporarily incapacitated
30x dead
50x exhausted, not incapacitated but almost so
49x Unwounded Tired, patrolling

Mel'garuk seemed slightly confused when the enemy did not pursue. However it quickly came to light that they had both been at a draw and still were. Mel'Garuk was not ready to make a counter-offensive and he was out of artillery that he foolishly had ordered destroyed when it would've survived the retreat.

He could request reinforcements and humiliate himself in the eyes of the Great Father or he could what he could with what he had at the moment.

He quietly scanned the battlefield in thought. In the mean time, Zealots summoned what magics they could do heal their wounded. Those who were beyond repair were "put out of their misery".

They would regroup and watch their opponent's actions carefully. In the end, the forest would either be theirs or it would cease to exist.

In the Ice Cage

The spawn of Nurgle turned to its opponent as it tauntingly beat its chest boastfully having achieved a successful blow.

It opened its maw and roared intimidatingly and a black oily like substance seeped from its now open maw as it revealed rows of dozens of sharp teeth similar to that of a leech.

OOC:

Loses:
Marauders - 145 dead, 234 wounded; 169 of those wounded survived.
Chosen - 73 dead; 116 wounded; 104 of the woundesd survived.
Hellcannons - 7 dead; 0 wounded; 0 of the wounded survived
Magi - 26 dead; 34 wounded; 23 of the wounded survived
Zealots - 10 dead; 6 wounded; 4 of the wounded survived
Engineers - 14 dead; 4 wounded; 4 of the wounded survived

Total Survived - 442 troops.

Mel'garuk seemed slightly confused when the enemy did not pursue. However it quickly came to light that they had both been at a draw and still were. Mel'Garuk was not ready to make a counter-offensive and he was out of artillery that he foolishly had ordered destroyed when it would've survived the retreat.

He could request reinforcements and humiliate himself in the eyes of the Great Father or he could what he could with what he had at the moment.

He quietly scanned the battlefield in thought. In the mean time, Zealots summoned what magics they could do heal their wounded. Those who were beyond repair were "put out of their misery".

They would regroup and watch their opponent's actions carefully. In the end, the forest would either be theirs or it would cease to exist.

In the Ice Cage

The spawn of Nurgle turned to its opponent as it tauntingly beat its chest boastfully having achieved a successful blow.

It opened its maw and roared intimidatingly and a black oily like substance seeped from its now open maw as it revealed rows of dozens of sharp teeth similar to that of a leech.

OOC:

Loses:
Marauders - 145 dead, 234 wounded; 169 of those wounded survived.
Chosen - 73 dead; 116 wounded; 104 of the woundesd survived.
Hellcannons - 7 dead; 0 wounded; 0 of the wounded survived
Magi - 26 dead; 34 wounded; 23 of the wounded survived
Zealots - 10 dead; 6 wounded; 4 of the wounded survived
Engineers - 14 dead; 4 wounded; 4 of the wounded survived

Total Survived - 442 troops.
OOC: you've still got those 300 reinforcements right?
IC:
Celtican camp.
Those troops that were not exhausted and had survived the fight were building a camp. Just ahead of the tree line, timber was cut and made into a low wooden wall and troops put up tents and made food then fell into a deep sleep. Around fifty guards remained active, having not participated in the building of the camp and these took shifts guarding. Ten more stood outside the ice cage waiting to see the result.

Ice cage
Seeing the beast celebrate, Drizzt moved in fast, longsword reaching for the things open mouth.

OOC: Yeah but they're about a day's march away so it would take 2+ days including any extra time the commander of the force takes to plan.

Mel'garuk watched from his own troop's encampment as the enemy got cozy in the forest. He snorted and spat a mouthful of green slime onto the ground. He switched his gaze to the large block of ice that stood on the battlefield that some troops now stood watching.

He narrowed his eyes and called up someone to relay some orders.

Outside the Ice Cage

*Roughly 10:00 PM*

A small band of Chosen, numbering 25, approached the block of ice. With them, were 13 Magi.

As they approached, they crouched into the shadows and signaled to a Magus who charged up a bolt of sickly green energy and hurled it at one of the guards at the Ice Cage. As the bolt left his hands, the Chosen sprung from their position and attacked the closest soldier they could.

Carrying axes, broadswords, maces, and other brutal weapons their mission was to kill all the guards as quickly as possible.

With the guard's distracted by the charging Chosen, the Magi began to hurl every spell known at the ice block. No doubt the sorcerer inside had to reserve some of his strength to hold the field of ice to contain himself and the beast.

If they could weaken him enough to force him to remove the shield or become so distracted that the spawn within could kill him, they could finally release the beast and use it in the counter-attack.

Inside the Ice Cage

The beast stopped its taunting, seeing Drizzt charge and quickly curled its mouth away, instead putting its mask in the path of his blade.

OOC: Yeah but they're about a day's march away so it would take 2+ days including any extra time the commander of the force takes to plan.

Mel'garuk watched from his own troop's encampment as the enemy got cozy in the forest. He snorted and spat a mouthful of green slime onto the ground. He switched his gaze to the large block of ice that stood on the battlefield that some troops now stood watching.

He narrowed his eyes and called up someone to relay some orders.

Outside the Ice Cage

*Roughly 10:00 PM*

A small band of Chosen, numbering 25, approached the block of ice. With them, were 13 Magi.

As they approached, they crouched into the shadows and signaled to a Magus who charged up a bolt of sickly green energy and hurled it at one of the guards at the Ice Cage. As the bolt left his hands, the Chosen sprung from their position and attacked the closest soldier they could.

Carrying axes, broadswords, maces, and other brutal weapons their mission was to kill all the guards as quickly as possible.

With the guard's distracted by the charging Chosen, the Magi began to hurl every spell known at the ice block. No doubt the sorcerer inside had to reserve some of his strength to hold the field of ice to contain himself and the beast.

If they could weaken him enough to force him to remove the shield or become so distracted that the spawn within could kill him, they could finally release the beast and use it in the counter-attack.

Inside the Ice Cage

The beast stopped its taunting, seeing Drizzt charge and quickly curled its mouth away, instead putting its mask in the path of his blade.

OOC: Fair enough
IC:
Outside the ice Cage
Two of the guards died, fast, but the others managed to put up a bit of a fight, longbows fired at close range then knives were drawn and the ranges fell into close combat. At the camp one of the sentries notice the confusion and 10 leaf knights moved for the ice cage.

Inside the Ice cage
Drizzt realized the ice cage was under attack. Unable to upkeep the ice against that barrage he didn't even try. He redirected the magic along the length of the blade, the enemies mask would prove no watch for it now and the blade was already stabbing out. The Ice cage shattered around the two combatants.

The Chosen, finishing off their combatants and one of their own who was too wounded to continue and was only slowing them down, directed their attentions tot he incoming 10 Leaf Knights.

The met their charge and began to fight the much larger force with a passion attributed to the thrill of a better fight.

The Magi watched the cage faded but their success was short lived as they watched the blade of the outsider drive into the beast's mask, shatter a hole in it, and drive itself into the beast's face.

The beast let out a terrible howl that sent shivers down Mel'garuk's spine as its reaction occurred instantly. It took the blade and anyone too slow to let go with it as it thrashed its head around in wild pain.

It groaned and howled and whined as it thrashed its body around wildly as it attempted to find the one responsible for its excruciating pain and beat them to a pulp with its powerful front legs swinging around and its whole body thrashing in different directions hoping to send someone flying.

The Chosen, finishing off their combatants and one of their own who was too wounded to continue and was only slowing them down, directed their attentions tot he incoming 10 Leaf Knights.

The met their charge and began to fight the much larger force with a passion attributed to the thrill of a better fight.

The Magi watched the cage faded but their success was short lived as they watched the blade of the outsider drive into the beast's mask, shatter a hole in it, and drive itself into the beast's face.

The beast let out a terrible howl that sent shivers down Mel'garuk's spine as its reaction occurred instantly. It took the blade and anyone too slow to let go with it as it thrashed its head around in wild pain.

It groaned and howled and whined as it thrashed its body around wildly as it attempted to find the one responsible for its excruciating pain and beat them to a pulp with its powerful front legs swinging around and its whole body thrashing in different directions hoping to send someone flying.
Drizzt leaped and rolled out of the way of the beat, he'd had no idea the thing would STILL be alive! he Grabbed a bow from one of the fallen rangers and, ignoring the fight nearby launched arrows into the thing from relatively close range as it thrashed about.
The Chosen, heavily armored had proven to much for the wolves and their short knives but the leaf knights fared better. They hit their enemies in line shields locked and and swords swinging. The longswords hammered against ennemy armor as they tried to work their was to the magi.

Battlefield Treeline--------------------------------------

Shaman Mor turned towards Kamandi, and the two wordlessly agreed that the time for action was now.

Mor began chanting violently, the monotone of archiac language increasing in speed exponentially. The mist wafting in the air began to twist and turn, as if blown by invisible winds. Then, with a soft whoosh, the impenetratble fog quickly descended upon the battlefield, it's thickness working in tandum with the darkness of the night to blind both armies.

Mor stopped his chanting and nodded to the Basalisk and his militia escorts.

"Now."

Silently, the militia sprinted into the fog. Kamandi followed quickly, almost impercievable legs gliding him forwards towards the fight. Shaman Mor went last, drawing his stone sword and chanting ancient spells of vigor and strength under his breath, hoping to draw on the spirits to grant him strength.

Outside the shattered remnants of the Icecage------------------

As the Chosen and Leaf Rangers continued to fight on blindly, a soft pattering of sandled feet thudded around them. Flickering shadows of movement beyond their eyesight confused and bewildered. Then they struck.

One Chosen warrior raised his weapon above his head to crush a fallen Ranger. But the weapon never came down. A militia warrior, wreathed in swirling mist, stepped from the wall of fog and grabbed the hilt of the Chosen warrior's blade.

To those without the sight of a wizard, the tribal warrior appeared to have restrained the great Northerner's attack with one hand as if holding back a bent tree branch. Those who could see the winds of magic and that beyond the world of men saw that the militia man's hand was not the only one on that weapon. Standing beside him, a shadowy translucent figure, outlines blurred and shuddering, was holding the armored man's blade.

Aided by the spirit, the militia man yanked on the Chosen's blade, forcing him to fall backward. With a blur of motion, the tribesman drew a sharpened stone dagger and punched it through a chink in the Chaos warrior's armor and into the man's flesh, which sizzled like bacon on a spit. Almost as quickly, the Tribal man withdrew the blade, exposing the puncture wound, which could now be seen to be coated in a layer of frost, the blood frozen solid as if it were exposed to some great cold. As quickly as the tribesman had appeared, he stepped back into the fog, letting the Chosen warrior keel over backward into the ground.

Around the melee, Chosen Warriors began to disappear, one by one, yanked into the fog by unseen hands. Peircing screams and bellows were cut short by icy blades as the Tribesmen struck again and again with chilling percision. Five more Chosen dissappeared into the mist in this manner as the Tribesman sprinted around the fight.

The Dueling Pair-----------------------------------

As Drizzt plunged arrows into the writhing Beast's hide, footstepps and a wet sloshing sound approached him from behind, concealed from sight by the chaos of battle and the magical fog.

A pair of hands reached out from the fog behind the Emerald Knight and pulled the man into the concealing cloud, restraining his arms from behind to keep him from fighting back. Before Drizzt could move to strike his abductor, a hand pressed firmly down on his breastplate. The hand posessed strength far beyond any normal human, and with realative ease forced the warrior unto his back. The mist cleared slightly, so that the soldier could see a man wearing a stone mask, sea-green eyes glowing softly. An aura of peace and tranquility surrounded the man, calming the struggling knight somewhat.

Shaman Mar began to speak.

"Akai nodaruih jisah-"

At first, his ancient archaic language made no sense to Drizzt, but then, suddenly, the words began to make sense, as if an unseen creature was translating for him. Then, suddering into existence, the suddering, translucent figure of a Spirit materialized next to him. It was this that had been whispering the meaning of the words to the Knight...

"-great warrior, I am sorry for my actions, but you would not wish to be nearby when Kamandi enters the fight. I know you must have many questions, but now is not the time. Are you hurt? Can you stand?"

By the Spawn-------------------------------

As the spawn thrashed back and forth in pain, Kamandi slithered forwards, his tiny legs propelling his mossy belly across the ground smoothly to stop in front of the tortured creature. The fog dispersed between the two creatures, revealing the Serpent King's proud stone body held upright, stone-crested head held high, eyes burning orange.

"OOOOoooaaaaARR,"

The behemoth issued a reverberating sound from deep within, it's commanding growl containing something that resembled anger. The Basalisk King had issued it's challenge. As far as Kamandi was concerned, this creature was the only thing on this field of battle which could provide something akin to a fair fight, and the satisfaction of smashing it's putrid form into the ground would be his and his alone.

Treeline Camp
Horns sounded alarm calls and all those fit to fight surged to their feet and armored up. minutes later the entirety of the celtican force, those that could still fight, Were marshaled just outside the fog. Unwilling to cause chaos by entering, Artemis was holding his forces steady, waiting to see what would come out of the fog.

Ice cage Remains
The Leaf Knights Began to pull back quietly, Trying to get back to a point where they could actually see something. Two fell into trances but the spell was already cast and they could not remove the fog without completely exhausting themselves. Instead they enhanced their hearing and waited to see what would come of this.

Drittz
"I'm fine", he replied invoking a little of what remained of his magic to speak in "all tongues". "I can stand, should we be getting out of here?"

Mist Lands
The celtican forces were marching through the mist lands but had, to date, run into no one.

*bump*

OOC: Post will be up sometime today. I apologize for the delay but I got busy lately.

OOC: Post will be up sometime today. I apologize for the delay but I got busy lately.

OOC: no worries

Outside of the Ice Cage's Remnants

The Chosen watched as their comrades were suddenly taken by surprise by the thick fog and then left for dead moments after being abducted.

The began to close the gap between themselves as they attempted to overcome the surprise tactics of this invisible foe by keeping their backs to each other in a small circle.

The Spawn

Having thrashed wildly and violently for so long it grew tired. The spawn stood still, panting and breathing heavily threw its mockery of a mouth. Black blood oozed from its wounds and dripped onto the ground.

The ground would bubble and blister like a skin's reaction to a plague as it was corrupted by the creature's unholy blood.

The arrival of the Behemoth awoke the Spawn from its resting and it looked up at the creature that was more decently its size than Drizzt. As the Behemoth issued a roaring challenge the spawn, weak, but still strong, issued its own roar and began to dig its hind leg into the corrupted dirt around it as it readied to charge the stone creature.

(OOC: Sorry for the delay gents. I'll post by tonight, I was booked yesterday, and today I'll be pretty busy until late. But I will respond, don't worry.)

The leaf guard continued to fall back, ditching the combat in the fog. They pulled back to their own lines and just stood back and watched, searching for some sign of Drizzt in the fog as the heard the clashes of combat.

Drizzt and Shaman Mor------------------------------

The Shaman gazed behind him, his smoldering blue eyes penetrating the fog to observe Kamandi and the Spawn. Satisfied with what he saw, he turned back to Drittz and nodded, his stone mask concealing the smile on his face.

"A temporary withdraw of forces would be prudent indeed. We will cover your retreat and meet you at your camp shortly."

With those words, he turned around and walked back into the mist, dissappearing from view. Behind Drittz, the mist parted, revealing a clear path to the treeline.

The Spawn and Kamandi-------------------------------

Kamandi mumured a reverbarating growl and surveyed his opposition. It's bloated, fleshy body was putrid and rotting, but the Serpent King could geuss it possessed great strength: maybe not enough to match his, but still enough to be worrysome. It's hide also seemed resilient to injury, so any fight could quickly become protracted. Kamandi finally decided his best course of action would be to remove this creature's helmet and use his paralysing magical glare to immobilize the creature. He would then finish it off at his leisure.

Confident, the Basalisk Behemoth suddenly sprung forward. Covering the distance between the two with a speed most unbefitting of a thirty-three-foot-long stone serpent. His eyed glowed bright orange as he pounced towards the creature.

The Serpent King brought his armored skull down hard, horn first, into the Spawn's metal helm. Kamandi had no illusions: a blow like that would have smeared any normal creature across the ground, but would most likely not kill or seriously injure this one. The Spawn's helmet, however, might not fare so well against such a furious blow.

(OOC: Sorry about the delay. Weekends always suck for me.)

Drizzt and Shaman Mor------------------------------

The Shaman gazed behind him, his smoldering blue eyes penetrating the fog to observe Kamandi and the Spawn. Satisfied with what he saw, he turned back to Drittz and nodded, his stone mask concealing the smile on his face.

"A temporary withdraw of forces would be prudent indeed. We will cover your retreat and meet you at your camp shortly."

With those words, he turned around and walked back into the mist, dissappearing from view. Behind Drittz, the mist parted, revealing a clear path to the treeline.

OOC:no worries
IC:
Drizzt Stumbled back to the lines in front of the camp along with the leaf knights. When he arrived, Two Leaf knights ran to him and Began casting, Removing the impurities in his blood caused by both exhaustion and the Beast that he had been fighting for quite some time. Soon he was back on his feet and he took his position in line after Being handed his spare Sword. The other, on the ground near the beast somewhere.