Fantasy Banner of Armageddon

[Agent23]

Oasis

The sun beat down mercilessly on the sea of sand known as the Baked Desert. The naturally formed Glass cracked beneath king Amos’s boots as he walked near the head of his small caravan. With him were several new loyalists but no more than a dozen, it wouldn’t be wise to move in large groups so close to the Kaldusian borders, they were after all only a days walk from the edge of their kingdom. Which explained why he was making this move anyway, Ebderon and his followers were in the line of fire and if he could give them a fighting chance then they might be able to slow the spread enough for them to actually build a decent counter force. A sigh escaped his cracked lips, thirst was still something that he felt, but water was running low already and he was one of the few in the world who wouldn’t succumb to the worst effects of dehydration. So he made it a personal point to avoid drinking any of it, the oasis would have plenty of water anyway. As if on cue the beautiful gem of a city came into view as they crested the tall dune they had been walking up. Finally he spoke to his Nearest Knight in an obviously dry throated voice, “We finally made it, Please ensure that our camels and people are well watered and fed. We don’t have much gold but I’ll see if I can talk to Ebderon. I’m sure he can and will help accommodate us.” Which explained the second reason for such a small travel group, he couldn’t yet afford to provide for any larger of a escort. Even as these thoughts crossed his mind he saw the leonin guard mustering to meet him at the bottom of the dune. He wasn’t exactly surprised either, as dangerous a time as this was they couldn’t afford to let anyone in their borders without screening them thoroughly first. Raising both hands peacefully he walked a bit faster to meet them. “This city of yours is like a cosmic emerald found on the roadside, both gorgeous and priceless.” The smile on his face was genuine and warm, even still the massive magic pool within him would have the lions primal instincts shouting at them that this unassuming man was dangerous. As it often was with those who could sense magic they looked at him as if he were a coming tsunami, or at least most of them did, it was something he was still getting used to. As they got closer he bowed slightly looking very unkingly in doing so, but it didn’t matter to him much, he didn’t feel like much of a king anyhow

Yahhah ArchAngelLexi Dest Kabochamp
~~~
Castle Kaldur


Red wine swirled in the diamond goblet of the king as he sat upon his throne contemplating his next moves. He raised his eyes from his glass as the sound of steel colliding with steel ring out through the throne room. The duel between knights continued. They had been at it for nearly five minutes now and he had to admit it was getting dreary watching such slow movements and such light taps, though he couldn’t expect much from them, after all they were fighting over the right to become a proper Kaldusian Knight. As irritatingly inept as they were one of them finally managed to take the edge when he positioned his foot between the legs of the other knight pushing him to the ground with his shoulder before putting the blade at his throat and looking to his king. Yet he was not the man who would win, the one who was downed did not take his eyes off of his opponent and the moment he noticed his attention was off of him he swatted the sword aside rising with a well placed dagger into the navel of the other warrior. This caused Aldus to arch an eyebrow, seems the weaker of the two was what he wanted, only fools put things like honor over victory. As the Superior warrior stumbled backwards leaking blood the other continued his assault plunging the dagger into the other man again and again even as the two tumbled to the floor slipping in the blood. “Such tenacity is to be rewarded young man.” He said extending his hand in a gesture for his guards to separate them. However the injured knight was unable to rise which caused a small bit of disgust to build in the kings chest. He Pointed his index and middle finger on his left hand at the man and they then began to crackle with orange lightening. His guards knew what that meant and quickly backed away from trying to help the downed knight to his feet. The beam crossed the distance in an instant striking the fallen knight and vaporizing him armor, sword, and all. Afterwards he rose from his throne walking towards the victorious knight who swallowed a lump in his throat as he looked at the empty spot his opponent once occupied then back to the king who had so easily vacated that same spot. The king offered his hand without a word, palm facing down with his ring facing the young man. Dropping to a knee the man took the Kong’s hand and kissed the ring. To which Aldus responded by taking the mans hand and pulling him to his feet and engulfing his body in the same orange energy as before. Yet it wasn’t a beam of material destruction this time, it was a flame that burned away the mans humanity, limitations, and weaknesses leaving behind a freshly forged Kaldusian Knight. “Your first order is to fetch me my general, tell her I have need of her...council. Then you may report to the royal armory to take up your weapon, your old sword is no longer adequate.” As he uttered this he gripped the knights sword between his thumb and first two fingers and by applying minimal effort snapped it as if it were a twig tossing the top half of the blade aside and nodding to the man who promptly ran to accomplish his mission, now moving at inhuman speeds. Finally Aldus turned back to his throne holding his goblet to be refilled. Once it was done his voice became loud as he ordered the throne room to empty so he could meet with his general free from prying ears and eyes.
Obsidian​

 

[Obsidian]

A great wooden table stood within the War Room of Castle Kaldur, carved from a single piece of wood from the truck of a great tree, meticulously sculpted to display the entire landmass of Midnas, meticulously detailing the many biospheres of Midnas spread across the continent. Settled atop the great table were many prominent figures of various sizes and shapes, each one with stylized insignias emblazed upon them, sitting on various locations scattered all across Midnas. Many of these figures showed Kaldusian positions; towns, cities, forts, borders, armies, spies. Many also showed the positions of Kaldur's enemies, from nomads to monsters, as well as the newly risen Awoken Kingdom. The figures are changed daily in accordance to updates and reports that come in. And watching over this great table stood General Naerya Eseldore, the highest ranking commanding officer in charge of the entire Kaldusian war effort, her calculating stare afixed to the only true threat on the table; the Awoken King himself.

One of the guards stationed outside the War Room enters, and he informs Naerya that a Knight has come, passing on a message from the King to meet with him in the Throne Room to provide council. Of course, Naerya knew what this was about, that the King is ready to give a response to this wretched pretender that dares to challenge him. Naerya took her leave of the War Room, receiving salutes from anyone she passes along the way, until she comes to the great doors of the Throne Room. The guards open the doors, Naerya steps through, and they are closed behind her.

Her footsteps are the only thing that could be heard in the great silent hall, Naerya walking up the central aisle of the Throne Room approaching the Throne itself where her King sat, walking all the way up to the foot of the dias before stopping and taking a knee before him, bowing to him. "I have come to answer your summons, Your Grace." Naerya says, her voice dripping with dark confidence, before her knowing gaze turned upwards towards Aldus, the General then rising back to her feet again, her voice edged with an element of desire before adding, "How might I serve you, my King?"

The King would find Naerya wearing her ceremonial armour, a dark golden set of plate armour that is intricately stylized in Kaldusian embellishments, complete with the insignia of Kaldur mounded across her breast plate, with stylized notches on the plates close to her neck showing her rank as General. She also wore a long black furred cloak that drapes over her back and shoulders, concealing a quiver of arrows on her left hip and her bow holster on her right, giving her an aristocratic air about her as well. She did not wear any kind of helmet or hat, allowing her long ebony locks to cascade over her cloak.

 

[Yahhah]

"Fine morning, isn't it"?
Ebdaron stood on a battlement crafted onto the city wall. His mane seemed to shine a bright gold in the harsh sunlight as the winds of the desert sent the long hairs around his head waving. Half a dozen lionesses drilled formations below him, moving forward in unison while hiding behind stronghide shields while holding long ivory spears in their other hands. Ebdaron would be down practicing with the sword and axe with the other lionfolk had this been normal circumstances, but no, Ebdaron had been busy. Thinking of different strategies and ways that they would hold this post. The voice that had joined the chieftain belonged to Halduin Strongclaw, a lionfolk who was a good bit older than Ebdaron though still a good bit shorter and not as muscled.
"Any morning the Kaldusian Legions are not breaking down our walls are fine by me Halduin. Though I'm not sure how much longer that shall be. How are the troops going together"? Ebdaron asked, this post had been taken up shortly after Ebdaron had pledged his loyalty to the awakened kingdom. So shortly after that Ebdaron had thought the Awakened King had simply wanted to give the leonin a task so that they did not get restless and cause problems back at the mountain. A few humans had come along with them to add a few mages to the ranks and as expected the two races did not go well together flawlessly. The Leonin thought the humans were weak and the Humans thought the Lionfolk were savage and unpredictable.
"Well as could be actually, they want nothing to do with each other. Better than snapping at each other's throats though" Halduin said with a chuckle at the very thought. Both lion's ears pricked up as a horn sounded from another battlement. "That's the opposite side from the border" Halduin noted.
"Non-aggressive guests then, gods being good of course" Ebdaron told the lieutenant before turning and leaping from the battlement. He landed on his feet, causing a bit of dust to go into the air, heads were at attention and claws clutched around weapons as the lionfolk prepared for conflict. Ebdaron made his way through the camp quickly, not wasting time as he made his way out towards the wild sands, the sight of the four guards confronting a group of approaching travelers tipped Ebdaron off to what they were, though the scent did help. The lionfolk perked up, gripping their harder and holding their stances stoicer as Ebdaron appeared. Though whether that came from bravery in facing down a creature with that sort of aura or if they simply didn't want to look weak before their chief. "Greetings King Amos, if you had sent word of your coming beforehand I'd have warned the guards to be prepared. You must be tired from such a long march, the desert does not give much but it does give us enough to provide food and water to king's and their escorts" Ebdaron said with a deep tone. The other lions looked at each other in confusion at the king's bow but they did understand the compliments and if their stances could go higher they did.
Mentioned: Agent23

 

[Agent23]

Castle Kaldur
Throne room===> The Great Overlook.

Naeyra made good time to the throne room approaching as the king took his third gulp from his now half full goblet. He Smiled as she knelt before him, ever the professional, in all honesty her asking command had greatly increased efficiency. A reminder that greatness holds many forms. He gestured towards the left side of the granite slab his throne sat on. There was enough room for a chair on either side of him, yet he was sure to leave those spaces empty to drive those beneath him to attempt to fill them. In reality he had long since decided who would sit at either side of him, they simply were not ready yet. As naeyra Followed his direction stepping closer “I am glad you asked, there is much to do.” his voice crackled as he spoke and tendrils of orange energy rippled off of him digging themselves into the narrow gap between the stones without so much as cracking them. Beneath the Granite slab the tendrils pushed the throne up building an expanding scaffolding beneath it as it rose upwards the several hundred meters towards the vaulted glass ceiling of the throne room. Tendrils extended upwards as they neared the roof peeling the panels back and opening into the sky. The slab continued upwards into the clouds coming to a rest between the castles four spires, the orange scaffolding below them evaporating and becoming long chains connecting the slab to the peaks of the four spires.

While it seemed extravagant this was a trip the general had taken a few times before. Though well crafted the king did not seem content with that table of hers preferring what he called a more divine view. “I feel him moving, and where he goes, our prey grows...how long have we allowed this bloodshed and clinging to the destructive forces of the past to continue.” he did not wait for her answer before he continued. “Not much longer I say. The gods have finally revealed their weapon. A weapon I intend to turn on them. But first I must be sure it is that weapon. That is where you come in my dear.” He turned to her with a wicked smile. The task he was asking would clearly not be an easy one that was the grim smile he gave when he was sending people on suicide missions. After being around him for so long she would know to recognize such mannerisms, though she would also know him to be a man who is not afraid enough of anything to lie. “There are none more suited for the task though it will be difficult even for one of your talents. In my armory is the Ebony Bolt, the Very arrow I used to slay the Red Elder Wyrm. The Bane enchantment on it is the most powerful In Midnas. You must strike this awoken king with this arrow, but I fear that will be impossible if his guard is mustered. So I must have you go with but one companion I have pre selected for you. Whether or not the king survives is irrelevant to your success. If he perishes he was a false threat, if he does not then I will be aware of who it is I am dealing with.” he finally stopped to take another gulp of his wine, swirling it in his mouth to enjoy the flavor as the gravity of his task set in. Even just one person could be seen for miles in the desert, and the awoken king was in one of the most potentially dangerous of the nomadic clans, the accursed lionfolk whose physical prowess was near that of an empowered Kaldusian Knight.

Finally he added the last part, something he always added to such missions, though rarely ever having need of being fulfilled. “Should you return victorious I will grant you whatever it is your heart desires, But do not return under any other circumstances, lest I take your head to sate my desire.” So often had he extended that very same verbal contract. Only once had it ever been fulfilled and the one who did so now say as one of the Four Underkings ruling the western cities. He finished his wine and set down his goblet. As if to comment on his confidence that she would succeed he even added. “When you return we shall discuss your position in the coming battle. Already two large forces march into the clans that border the desert, and more forces are bolstering our borders. We will surround them and bring the weight of the entire kingdom on their heads...and I want you to lead this charge.” He could’ve sent an assassin, a hunter, hired some random bandits. However that would not do, all could run the risk of betraying him should the arrow fail. Naeyra he knew would do no such thing, even if the king did not fall thus revealing his divinity, she would not allow anyone else to know of this, and should she fall in the process or be captured, she would take all she knew to her grave...or so he hoped.
Obsidian ​

ArchAngelLexi Kabochamp Dest

~~~
The Oasis Summit.

King Amos smiled As Ebderon spoke of water and food, he didn’t even need to ask, such hospitality was nearly extinct in his time.“My thanks Friend, I would love some water.” he said with a grin as he followed the larger being to where he would take him. “I regret that I could not send warning, writing has changed quite a bit in the past millennia where as I have not. It’s taken me some time to learn to speak the tongues of today. The possibility of kaldusian spies was also a part of my decision. I hope it is not to much of an inconvenience. However I do come bearing very good news for you and your neighbors of the desert. There may be a way to turn this very desert itself into a position that the Kaldusians may be incapable of overtaking....I don’t suppose you have ever heard of the Temple of Elements?” he spoke of something from long ago when the lizard folk, Avians, And Lionfolk made up the great desert kingdom, one of the Seven. Something lost for over a thousand years, buried in the sand as the kingdoms fell. legends say it contained the Elemental gems that allowed the kingdom to control not only the seasons within their borders, but also the Giant Iron Guardians who repelled even the weather itself. It was thought to be but one of many ancient legends, like a fairy tale, but then so was the awoken king himself.
Yahhah​

 

[Obsidian]

Naerya was more than somewhat perplexed by this mission. She expected this conversation to go very differently to this. Naerya is not a spy, nor an infiltrator, and she does not have the skills or powers of either profession. She is a skilled marksman, that much the King did get right, but he has agents far more suited to this mission than her. And it is not unheard of for superiors to dispose of unwanted subordinates by sending them on impossible missions. But Naerya isn't one of those, surely. She is cunning and ruthless and clearly ambitious, yes, but she has always been loyal to Aldus and never made any moves against him. Perhaps he knows what Naerya has always ultimately wanted from her King, and is providing this mission as her with the means to prove herself. But if he really does want her gone, then...

But as daunting as the mission may be, it is not an impossible one. Naerya knows that the Awoken King has been travelling to the city of Oasis in the Baked Deserts, and he should be arriving there today. It is not known how long he will be there for, so she will need to move fast, especially if she wants to get ahead of the forces Aldus is sending to Oasis. The most difficult part of this mission would be finding a way to get an unbroken line of sight of the Awoken King, which would be impossible to do while he hides behind Oasis' walls. She will need to find a way in. But first, we will need to know who she will be partnered with before making any plans.

"I suppose I should be flattered that you have such confident in my abilities, Your Grace. Assassinating a King in the middle of his own stronghold. Certainly an accolade to add to my collection." Naerya says, her voice as sweet as honey and as smooth as silk, all hiding her frustrations with how this meeting turned out. Far less a meeting of counsel and much more an attempt at a death sentence. "Who have you chosen to be my companion in this mission?" Naerya added.

Agent23

 

[ArchAngelLexi]

A fox in the desert, it trotted along with seeming little to no sense of urgency. Kiran had heard news of the awoken king travelling to the oasis. Curious to actually find out who the awoken king is Kiran began to heard there.
Pausing, Kiran shifted into there more human form, pulling out a sheepskin flask of water to drink. During this pause Kiran surveyed the surrounding horizon. All was quiet and peaceful from where they stood. A hot wind blew across the desert, sniffing at the dry air that blew by Kiran picked up an odd scent. It was something familiar but too faint to recognize. Watching the horizon from which the wind came Kiran pondered the smell. Thinking, they remembered there was a tribe for back there, just out of view from where they stood. Was that food? No... something else.
They continued to watch the horizon, eyes narrowed. Is it too quiet? In the distance a flock of birds flew in Kiran's direction. The birds were hurried, flying in no formation. The realization hit Kiran on what the scent was. Blood. They began to run toward the clan but paused after running a few yards. It's too late, I just need to warn the oasis.
Returning to their fox form Kiran turned back toward the direction of the oasis. Ears pinned back sadly as Kiran looked over their shoulder. Running as fast as they could the headed to the oasis.
After much nonstop running the Oasis was finally within sight. Panting heavily they approached the entrance. As they neared the slowed down, weary and unsure of what form to take. This wasn't a situation in which they could just warn them and ditch, they needed to be strong. Maybe a lionfolk? No that might stir up drama. I guess just the tried and true method. Shifting into a human male, likely withing view of one of the guards, they continued their approach. This form was muscular, bearded, and well dressed.
"Hello there, I have urgent news!"

 

[Kabochamp]

Tuuli had come down to the ground just two short days ago and with every passing moment she gained a stronger appreciation for her ancestors wisdom. The earth was hard and cracked, devoid of water and seemingly empty of life. The air was warm and parched, drawing the moisture from her breath with each passing moment. The worst though, was the lack of people. She hadn't seen any sign of life smarter than the scurrying lizards and insects the whole time since she had left The Burrow.

Continuing the seemingly futile walk along the desert, levitating just above the ground to avoid burning the soft pads on her feet, she sighed and looked forlornly at the horizon in the hopes of seeing any change in the dreary scenery she had long since grown bored of. This time her ears shot up straight, her body tensing with excitement as she saw what looked like greenery in the distance. There wasn't much to it, but even a small snack and a rest in the shade would be enough to make this tedious trek more enjoyable.

She hopped forward quicker, calling a gentle breeze to keep her cool and help push her along as she sped toward the promise of relief. She stopped short of the place when it became clear that what she had found was a civilisation set up around an oasis. Her heart swelled with the excitement of new discovery and she quickly changed the direction of the wind around her, not wanting to be noticed too soon. Staying close to the ground and moving slowly, she crept close enough to look at the guards patrolling the edge of the city and gasped. The huge, bipedal beasts she saw made her drop even closer to the ground as her breathing slowed as much as she could manage.

Just as she had decided that maybe the small break wasn't worth the danger, a new arrival approached the settlement with considerably less caution. She watched curiously as the four legged creature’s form shifted to something else, becoming another kind of bipedal being right before her eyes. Even from a distance it was clear that this person was in a mighty hurry as they reached the outskirts of the oasis and she inched forward as her curiosity got the better of her.

With her attention focused on the commotion she failed to notice another guard sneak up behind her until she felt the hand closing on the scruff of her neck. Upon seeing the large, imposing figure holding her up she squeaked in fear and began to struggle. “What are you doing?” it demanded, the voice louder and more booming than any she had ever heard.

“I-I’m just a passing traveller!” she yelled quickly, panic filling her voice “K-kindly remove your hand from my neck, sir! I was merely passing through the area looking for the cause of the disturbance to the natural balance of magic not longer than two weeks ago!” she yelled her explanation, her voice still somehow quieter than that of the guard holding her up.

Her struggling had no effect on either the grip of the guard or their willingness to let her go and she went still and tense as she was carried away without another word, waiting for just the right opportunity to escape and continue her quest.

 

[Dest]

Franz smiles easily as he watches the Kaldusian army from his vantage point among the trees in forest bordering the desert, counting their numbers and determining if he can take enough of them out without endangering himself. Even as he does so he carefully prepares his bow, stringing it with a fresh length of twine and sharpening the heads of his arrows, preparing them to be launched at the large force. Standing he draws back and begins to loose arrow after arrow, all imbued with his Rain of Arrows spell, towards the army, all the while singing under his breath.
"Quiet oh ye marauding beast, for on this night many babes must sleep.

Leave this place or ye we beat, for on this day our wives won't weep.

Much ye lose marauding beast, for on this eve our blades will reap.

Run, oh run, ye terrible beast for on this day your death will creep."

 

[Yahhah]

Ebdaron Goldmane
​

Ebdaron nodded at the king's explanation and turned around. With a flick of his tasseled tail he wordlessly told the guards to head back to their posts. "That is understandable, I'm not the best at the written hand myself and I don't have the excuse of a prolonged sleep. I'm afraid my 'neighbors of the desert' will not be around to hear any news. I haven't been able to get them to come to our assistance, perhaps they'll see that they cannot hide forever when the Kaldusians storm the desert but that might be being a bit wishful" Ebdaron said as they were walking into the city. Leonine heads turned as they realized that someone new had appeared. "The Temple of Elements? Yes I've heard of it, I can't think of a time when that story wasn't told to cubs... Do you mean to tell me that the tales are true"? Ebdaron said as they entered an indoor area with tables set around which seemed to be some form of dining room. A lionfolk hurried into the room, this one's mane was black and they looked just into young adulthood.
"A trespasser has been found on the outskirts of town" the lion told them.
"A Kaldusian Scout"? Ebdaron guessed facing the messenger.
"Some kind of jackalope, though they could work for the Kaldusians" the messenger warned. "There's also some human that says they have urgent news".
"Well then this is quite the day for visitors. I apologize for the inconvenience your majesty, I would normally be the one to deal with this sort of thing, but since you have arrived I must ask if you would prefer to see these visitors,or if you would rather take some water and have me go see to them, it is your choice" Ebdaron turned back to the king and awaited word.
Interacting: Agent23

Mentions: ArchAngelLexi Kabochamp

​

 

[Agent23]

South Kaldur Ramparts

All around the massive encampment men moved materials as officers barked orders back and forth guiding them. Any soldier worth their salt could see this was not an army for marching but rather a siege force. A birds eye view would show the nearly three mile wide line of camps extending to the east and west as far as the eye could see. Nearly a quarter million soldiers were stationed on this long border camp, some having been there for three months, and others still arriving. Oddly enough there was no attempt to hide their efforts, not like there was much need. They had enough men to outnumber the entire nomadic population five to one, and enough steel between them all to forge an impenetrable fortress. The old grizzled commander Sheppard marveled at the sheer amount of manpower he suddenly found under his disposal. His officers uniform held no creases or even dirt, a stellar example of military protocol. He was nearly lost in thoughts of strategy and planning when a young officer saluted him and brought a letter bearing the kings seal. The message was brief as per usual ordering him to ready two black horses and to get a young recruit ready to move out on a top secret mission, his eyes bulged as he saw the person he was to hand these horses and recruit to... It was none other than general Naeyra herself. "Goodness, has the time come so soon." he muttered as he looked out upon the forces. The Courier lingered for a bit awaiting orders before Commander Sheppard gave him his order "Bring me Bran Forthsander, and prepare two horses."
Yahhah
~~~
Castle Kaldur

King aldus smiled mischievously as his general asked him who she would be going with for such a mission. "He is named Bran Forthsander, his father was a great man who fought alongside me while your own father was leading my armies. He is of interest to me, and something tells me he will be of use to you in this situation." he grinned wider as he looked to the sky letting out a sigh and seeming to change the subject. "Its been too long since I've actually enjoyed the thrill of a battle. For nearly two centuries there has been none who could contend. I've all but forgotten the feeling of fear..." his gaze set upon Naeyra again and a slight shimmer shifted through his eyes. Yet he would say no more on the topic willing a second orange energy platform into existence just off the edge of his lofty throne hammock construct. "Commander Sheppard has been briefed on your arrival and nothing more. He will have your helper ready for you when you arrive along with two horses. The ride should take you no more than an hour and a half. I will leave here in two hours time towards the southern ramparts. I hope to see you returned safely to me before sunrise tomorrow." that last bit seemed to possess a bit of emotion likely stirred up again by his reminiscing about his old glory days, a rare occurrence. He nodded towards the platform he had spawned ready to will it to her chambers so she would be able to prepare, but waiting for her in case she had more questions...a luxury few within his ranks was afforded.
Obsidian
~~~
Rykers Forward army

Commander Rykers heart thumped with bloodlust as she lead her force towards the forest edge. She was a good three days march from where the forest and desert borders were, meaning she was exactly where she needed to be. She was about to give the order to spread out and begin the march into the forest when her keen eyes detected a small object flying towards them. Before she had time to process this object however it seemed to erupt into countless more, that was when she realized what it was and shouted "Ambush!" as loud as her orcish lungs would allow. She watched in mild irritation as the arrows fell upon her forced killing at least four dozen and injuring at least twice that number. One of them even managed to sink itself into her shoulder, the price she would have to pay for being a more involved commander than most and not holding position in the back as others would. Through gritted teeth she yanked the arrow out sucking her teeth in pain. Yet only a single red droplet leaked out before her healing factor began to clot the wound and slowly close it. The captain to her left looked to her for direction but rather then send out her officers she tried to remember the advice the king had given her..."Use what you have before it is gone"
She nodded to herself raising her hand and shouting again. "ARCHERS...RETURN VOLLEY."
The entire force moved as if one drawing arrows as the non archers formed around them with their shields. In a little under a minute the army was ready to loose hell upon the forest. Ryker raised her left hand and as she did each arched drew their string behind. A smirk spread across her face as she raised her other hand which now crackled with a reddish aura, the power she had gained from her king. A simple ability it would unleash massive amounts of fire in a wave like motion off of her, powerful, but costly enough that she only used it once or twice a day. However her foes would have no way of knowing her limitations on such things. Besides first impressions are everything. She dropped her left hand until it was pointing at the forest while shouting "FIRE!" an apt declaration because as soon as the arrows took to the air she unleashed her wave of fire upon them causing the vast majority of them to ignite returning the Rain of arrows with A blazing rain of their own, yet their target wasn't whatever shot them but the forest itself.
Dest
~~~

Bastex Mounted army.

As the commander reached the ridge of the valley he took a deep breath enjoying the crisp air. "Hoy, how much further until we get to set up the ramparts?" he said to his subordinate officer who often handled such logistics for him. Bastex was not much of a leader, no, that wasn't how he made it so far. He was a warrior born for battle and holding a sword since he could walk. "assuming we face no opposition from the giants of the spire, one more day's ride Sir." Hoy's voice was nasally and grating on the nerves, the type of man who had clearly brown nosed himself into a position of power. Most wouldn't be too perturbed if the captain fell in battle, or just didn't wake up. However the man was a decent strategist, damned lucky, and one of the best educated officers in the whole mounted force. "Good good. I'll feel much better once this whole ordeal is over. Wise as our king may be...i have a hard time enjoying such one sided battles. I mean seriously, magical king or not isn't this a bit overkill for a pack of desert cats? We aren't even the only force either, there wont be enough glory to go around." he said with a cocky grin earning an eye roll from hoy, even after so many years he couldn't help feeling that the commander was going to die with that stupid look on his face. "commander you can have my glory too so long as i get out of here alive." the two shared a hearty laugh as they descended into the valley with a long line of horsemen behind them, and the shadow of the great mountain behind them.
~~~
Oasis

Amos actually seemed to be in deep contemplation for a few moments after Ebdaron asked who among them would go and check the newcomers. "why not both? We can bring them some water as well as meet with them and speak." he smiled widely causing the cracks in his dry lips to become visible. Already he seemed to be planing for a meeting ,taking some of the water he had been guided to this tent for, and pouring it into his mouth. Then his brow furrowed a bit, odd that guard said one of the guests was a human, but he couldn't help but think differently. The magic he could fell near the edge of the town didn't seem to belong to a human. Nonetheless he changed the subject as the two kings made their way to the outskirts To meet the guests who had arrived. "well i don't know what the stories you have heard say, but the temple does in fact exist. I was blessed enough to be taken there as a boy. It was the central hub of power for the Thansi kingdom all those years ago. It was an adequate defensible position during the great wars where it held dragons and wizards of old at bay. So it should be able to do the same to the Kaldusian's." he seemed to radiate optimism as much as he did magic, yet as excited as he seemed he held his tongue allowing ebdaron to greet the two new travellers.
Yahhah Kabochamp ArchAngelLexi
~~~​

 

[Ian Temero]

Medea Argyris
The Craglands​

"Come on... Come on... Work with me, dang it...." Medea muttered, vigorously shaking a large, ornate book before slamming it down onto her lap. She sat cross-legged high at the top of a tall rock, a breeze teasing at stealing her hat as she stared out across the jagged landscape of the Craglands. From here she could see the entire region and beyond, from the massive swamp to the south, to the walls of the kingdom in the west, and even the Meltes Crater far to the east that was once the Seventh Kingdom. Down below she could hear the babbling of a stream and Hezrou zipping around as he played.

It had been a couple of weeks since their raid on the royal vault and the two of them had been laying low here, testing out their newfound power, studying the scroll and tome, and in Medea's case adjusting to her new arcane sight. It was a strange and fascinating new world she found herself in now. She could feel the Manastream pulsing far below, see the tendrils of arcane power crawling up her leg to fuel her, and practically pluck the endless threads of magic woven across everything. How had this happened? Why had everything changed? The answer had to lie in the two enormous masses of energy that radiated from across the land. But as much as she wanted to go investigate it just hadn't been safe. And it frustrated her to no end not being able to know.

Speaking of frustrations, Medea returned her attention to the book in her lap. The Oracle's Tome; an ancient artifact that held untold knowledge. Obviously she'd gone through a lot of trouble to get her hands on it and so far the book had been withholding said knowledge from her. So far she had found it to have two functions thus far. The first seemed to be some kind of auto recording diary, which was cool but not very useful at the moment. No, it was the second function that refused to cooperate. But the Witch of Whims was not going to give up. So taking a deep breath she began pouring her mana into the tome for the umpteenth time and opened to a random page.

At first nothing happened then words began to appear, scrawling across the pages as if multiple hands were writing as she watched, and soon she was staring at a list. It seemed to be a list of people and their locations, for example Hezrou and her were there and listed as being in the Craglands, however it seemed to inconsistent and flawed. Names were missing or the location was, many were written in a language she could not read, and some entries were just missing entirely. This was just the same result as always. Annoyed, she pushed in more mana but with no results. Just as she was about to give up and close the book however one of the unreadable words shifted and changed.

"Balmond Foutas." She read aloud. It was all that had changed. No other names, not even the guy's location, but her curiosity was now peaked. Plus the name sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place where she had heard it before.

As she tried to remember a small weight pressed down on her shoulder as her familiar Shor appeared there and peered down at the book. "Balmond Foutas? As in the Balmond Foutus? The man who blew up Meltes?"

"The Destroyer? Huh. Wounder what it has to say about him? Show me Balmond Foutas." Medea ordered, turning the page. As before the new page started blank before words appeared. Many of them were still indecipherable but the ones they could read shocked them.

"Is this saying-?"

"I think so..."

"But that would be impossible."

"There's one way to find out!"

"How? There was no location list- Oh... Right. Magic. How could I forget?"

Chuckling at the cat's sarcastic surrender, Medea reached into a pocket and pulled out a small, green and brown stone; smooth and oblong. Placing the Serpentine gemstone on to the center of the page, she closed her eyes and began chanting.

"Στολίδι μυστηρίου, αποκαλύψτε μου αυτό που ζητώ."
"Στολίδι μυστηρίου, αποκαλύψτε μου αυτό που ζητώ."
"Στολίδι μυστηρίου, αποκαλύψτε μου αυτό που ζητώ."

A magic circle began to glow beneath the gem as the stone lifted into the air, started to quiver, and then spun. Faster and fast it went until coming to a sudden stop, the thinnest point facing east. With a grin Medea snapped the book shut and slipped it into a specially designed holder on her hip, before grabbing the magical compass and hopping off her perch."Hez!" She called out while, rather than falling, she floated down towards the ground. "Ready for a trip to the dead city?"

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Agent23​