Fantasy Bloodlines- The Price

[Agent23]

The City of Goldenview
Midwinter- 9:56Am.

Gerald let out a sigh of frustration as he read the reports of what had happened while he took his shift to rest. Another 43 men had fallen, at least they had taken more then ten times that from the enemy, not that it made a dent. As he climbed the ladder to the top of the wall the sounds of combat grew louder. Reaching the top he took in what he saw with a calculating gaze. The knight of the golden guard had begun forming phalanxes of spears and shields and were pressing in, soldiers in the Artasian military filed behind them guarding the sides as they pushed into the sea of undead before them only to fall back moments later. The wall was lined with soldiers and volunteers alike dropping stones and fireing arrows at the undead that attempted to climb the walls. His eyes fell on the elites guarding the gate, the 100 best men he could find divided amongst the four gates of the great city, so far none had fallen, but their shift was nearing its end and their tired demeanor showed it.

For nearly three weeks the seen was the same, undead as far as the eye could see, they came from the southeast in tide without end quickly enveloping the city, his sisters quick thinking allowed several couriers to flee the city ahead of time each one carrying a letter to the Bloodline families. By now all shouldve recieved them and should be on their way, even still they'd find it hard to get to the city with the ocean of zombies that surrounded it, luckily the gates hadnt fallen. However a new threat was brewing in the city, food and water was at critical levels, soon his soldiers would be too hungry or thirsty to fight any more. They had three days at best. Raising his voice with a curse he grabbed a spear from a nearby stand and proceeded down the ladder to the Southern gate already gathered there were the morning shift of gate guards and he would be joining them, too long in the command tents with his sister had made him restless.


Bloodlines- the price (OCC)

Bloodlines- The price (lore)

Bloodlines - The Price (CS)​

 

[rubycats]

Aliyah Calderan. Front gate

Aliyah had received a letter asking for the Calderan house to send what they could and, despite protests from other houses, Aliyah loaded her horse and with a small escort of paid mercenaries took off. While it was true she was not combat oriented she was skilled in healing magic and that was a needed craft an any battle. It took days but finally she and her group had made it to the fortress and she waited in front. Aliyah might be the only remaining member of the Calderan house but she would never allow a calling voice to go unheard again, she gave her necklace a quick kiss for good luck as she rode through the gate.

 

[CoreyXIX]

Emeritus Frostfall
​

As the courier awaited a response from the elf Emeritus read the message that had been delivered to him as both of them were in the large tent that served as a common area for all the people in the clan that were not out hunting or gathering. First his brother, now another thing of importance was dropped right into his lap! Normally Emeritus would be quicker with his reading, but he made sure the courier had a seat by the fire and was given some food and drink while he waited. The cold of the Everfrost could kill a man by itself, let alone the wildlife. He would surely be grateful for the radiant warmth of the fire and food for a few moments longer.

It wasn't often his clan received a call to aid from somewhere so far away, so they must have been in dire straits to send such a small number of people to ask for help. While he personally had never been to Goldenview, he remembered a lot of what those who had been there had told him throughout his life. He had always imagined it as a beautiful place, but this letter was clear and firm that the beauty would be snuffed like a candle's flame if they couldn't get help. He folded the letter after finally finishing it, closing his eyes with a heavy sigh as he placed it on the small table. They needed him, just as much as his people did. As much as he imagined his lost sibling still needed him. As much as he didn't want to call off the search, he knew exactly what his advisor Deschenel would say upon reading this (as the wiry elf already was, bless his initiative). It would be exactly what he knew he should do.

"Goldenview needs us, Deschenel." Emeritus finally says after a few moments in a tone that was calm but had traces of concern in it. "I'll need you to stay here and take of clan affairs."

"Of course, Chief Frostfall. May I recommend bringing a few people with you? Or at least some extra supplies? Our last hunt went very well, after all." Emeritus' advisor about that, they did have a fair share of hides and pelts. He may be able to get away with bringing food too if they moved quickly. It was some food for thought.

"People, only a couple. Supplies on the other hand, yes. I can't afford anybody else up and vanishing in the middle of the trip again." Emeritus replies as he stands up and walks over to the fire where he had the courier wait for his reply. "I've made up my mind. I'll be coming to help The City of Goldenview. Give me just a few moments to gather some supplies and we'll leave together, as going by yourself back out there is suicidal." he announces as the courier stands up. Within about half an hour the leader of the clan Had his things. His spear, daggers, sufficient clothing for the trip through the Everfrost, and even some things for the city. He knew the meager extra supplies wouldn't be of much help for long but at least it might relieve the pressure on a few people. Soon the elf and the courier were off from the camp and going through the unforgiving climates towards the Goldenview. As they left the clan's temporary camp, he wondered on how exactly he would deal with having to get through a massive amount of undead. How would he fight them off? Was it even feasible to be riding in this small wagon of supplies driven by wolves once he got close to the horde assaulting the city? No, he would have to hide it somewhere when they got close.

Many hours later he knew they were going in the right direction. The further from home, the more warm it got. In his hides and leathers he was worried it would get unbearable but he would worry later. The thoughts and idle chatter of this day was interrupted by the sight of skeletons. Skeletons and some other undead as far as the eye could see, absolutely everywhere. It was a very unnerving sight to see the mass of skeletons with some other things mixed in.

The wagon dogs became increasingly hesitant. Growling, whimpering, and barking came from them in no particular order as they slowed on their own some distance from the undead hordes further down. Now Emeritus and his few men had to fight or die, since he knew as soon as they did something fleeing would be impossible. He gave a quick crack of the reins keeping the dogs in place as he diverted them into covering in the trees and bushes.

"You two, guard the courier." Emeritus says, pointing at two of the four men to assign them their tasks for now. "The remaining three, come with me. We're scouting before we attack." he commands as he grabs his spear from next to him and hops off the wagon. Scouting would be little issue for them, as it was an essential part of hunting. Only this time they dealt with the most unusual of foes. As Emeritus and his three men slowly moved about on the small hills and forest to further examine the forces the results were distressing: the hordes went for miles, all ready and clamoring to rain death down on the city. They would need a plan to figure out the next step.

 

[Braddington]

Edward Tirnelion

It was a rather warm day when the courier arrived at the Tirnelion Estate, Edward was training at the time as he usually did during the early hours of the morning. The courier had been escorted to the Great Hall where his father would hear the couriers plea and most likely dismiss him having no sense of moral guidance. Luckily for the courier Edward had as much if not more influence than his father being well liked by the men and people of the house, being gifted did not hinder things either. When his father tried to raise his voice after the courier finished, Edward interjected quickly before any word could be spoken, "House Tirnelion and myself will be happy to help, we don't let those in need suffer when something can be done, do we father?", his father merely looked at Edward with a gaze that could turn a man to stone before smiling sweetly and nodding "Yes, we will help the city. I will have my son lead his own hand picked men in a few hours. We will also send some food from our personal stores, it was a food harvest this year after all", with this it was clear Edward had won the challenge and he went to work picking out the men he would take.

After a few hours of preparing the caravan was ready to set out, he had no where near enough men to take on the undead outside and so he hoped others would answer the call and their combined efforts could get the soldiers and food inside the city. The trip was fairly short as the Estate was not too far away from the city and having been there many times before he knew the fastest roads. He could see the hordes long before anyone else could even see the city itself using his gift and so he had the caravans hidden in safe location before climbing the nearest hill and observing the local surroundings. He scanned for weaknesses in the mass but there were none due to the sheer number, the only way he saw them getting through was with a massive assault along a central point where the soldiers held the undead at bay while the supplies made there way into the city or maybe a diversion effort to pull the undead from the gate. No matter how it would be a costly affair, with this he searched to see if anyone else had answered the call. Scanning the woods (a natural place to hide) he spotted a few elves and told the 30 solders he had to guard the caravan and too remain silent, they might be miles out from the horde but there was no reason to take chances. He then made his way to woods alone and quietly.​

 

[idalie]

The Little Highlander
Outer City
Receiving the message of the siege, the Highlanders had set out almost immediately. The men they could give up for the cause were put upon wild, unsaddled stallions, these fiery, fair-haired fighters of the wilds all proud and wicked in their smiles. Lacking real armour, in favour of light furs and leathers which were easier to manoeuvre in, they rode up far into the hills above the city, gazing down upon the mass of undead. Aideen, grasping the mane of her horse called out in a foreign, harsh tongue that was as whipping as the wind on sea cliffs. Red hair streaming out behind her like some burning battle torch. It was a force of around one thousand men from the various clans, bound together by the greater good and loyalties which were ingrained but distant. No matter who their fathers were, nor old feuds, when they called in the banners - the Highlanders answered in a roar louder than the shaking earth.

Turning the horse with a sharp kick to the ribs, Aideen rose her fingertips to the sky. Gazing down upon the battlefields with those molten flecked irises. Surveying the hoards of skeletons and fresh results of necromancy. The woman turned to face the group. Making various, quick motions with her hand. The initial force broke into three. Largest being the middle, all supported from behind by a group of thirty to forty archers. Numbers were against them, and the tide of this battle would not easily be turned.

"LET'S SHOW THESE MARBH HOW TO DIE PROPERLY AND HOUND THEM BACK TO HELL." For a small gal, she sure had a pair of lungs. A shout which invigorated a cry, holding a bow above her head clad in green cloth, the Highlander threw the lead into the fray. With a collective lift of their weapons, axes of bone and iron, as well as the occasional proper cast steel, they glinted in the morning sun. Faces mad with anger, rage, and a certain affinity for bloodlust.

After her travels, Aideen was respected among them certainly. And it was she who chose to raise the forces to face the enemy. It made sense for the tough lass to make her own path and lead the roughened band of men and women. Nevertheless, she would always be her father's daughter. For that, she was both thankful and proud. A good man made good friends, and good friends stuck at the side of any fight.

The archers began at first, pulling arms back taut to give their comrades cover before they began down the hill onto the exposed back of the enemy. A group who was certainly going to die, but they were going to go out with a damn good battle.

Horses whinnied, eyes rolling and arching back as the Highlander's screamed bloody murder, forcing the beasts forwards. It was a moment of thrill, almost slow in a sense - till they hit the back of the undead. Two other groups either side making sure they weren't completely surrounded by the dark, dead things. Blood flew, bones shattered, and rotten flesh ripped. Aideen, still atop her horse was a thing of utmost savage beauty. Using her arrows to release in quick succession, whilst dispatching the few nearest her. Lifting up and off her horse, half crouching on the poor creature's back as she went to war. Adrenaline practically replacing her conscious thought. "FIGHT ME LIKE A FUCKING MAN."

Carnage was left in their wake, but not without casualties. Men littered the ground, as did the unnatural results of necromancers castings.

The Highlanders had arrived.

[Translation: Marbh = Dead]
​

Agent23 CoreyXIX rubycats Braddington

 

[Rusty of Shackleford]

Bryce Fletcher


Saying that getting the letter was a suprise is an understatement. His mother saw it first, and waa devastated. Bryce was currently the last person with the Dragonblood, all of his brothers and even his father falling to the Pale. He had to go, though. He had to avenge them, and return honor to his family. He packed his things, saying his goodbyes to his mother as he left with Lockheed and the Order of the Silver Dragon, and order dedicated to his family.


They made their way to the city, stopping on the outskirts as they saw the massive wave of undead in between them and the city. The scouts saw no other way to the gate other than through them, and also reported the Highlanders mad attack on the horde, Bryce shaking his head as he said, "Well, guess we have a way in." He gathered his men, atop his horse bad he said, "Listen up, men. We are facing an enemy unlike any other we have faced. They are without feeling, empathy, and even a soul. They kill indiscriminately, and without mercy. This won't be easy, we may die, we may fail, but the only easy day was yesterday. Now, let's give those undead bastards a fight they'll never forget!" He raised his sword, his men roaring in response as he pointed his sword foward, saying, "Unne Va Bahamut!" They then charged, cleaning up behind the Highlanders as Bryce caught up with the leader, saying, "Hey! Saw you were as stupid as me and wanted to help out!" Lockheed tore through them, biting and clawing and breathing fire as Bryce and his men cut the undead down.​

idalie
(I accidentally pressed the post button. It's up now. Also, "Unne Va Bahamut" is Dragonic for "Bahamut guide us.")

 

[CoreyXIX]

Emeritus Frostfall
​

As his group had finally settled on a means of how they would attempt to approach the issue of undead he starting hearing enough shouting and racket to make it obvious someone had arrived. Taking a cautious look from their vantage point he could see another group or two taking a fight to the undead, loudly at that. Well, in numbers at least in there was a chance to get through!

"To the wagon everybody!" Emeritus commands his scouts as they all make a quick break for the wagon, everybody's weapons at the ready while he jumped into the driver's seat and cracks the reins. "These things are dangerous prey. Use the flat sides of the spear or the other end entirely. We're better off pretending we're playing a spirited round of goatball when it comes to fighting right now." the elven leader commands. Goatball was a favored pastime among many members of the clan, but was most loved by younger members (which, as he noted, quite a few of the people in the wagon were). "Also, get one of the water casks up here. If things start going south I have a last ditch idea. Also prepare the animal fat we brought with us." Normally used for candle, fires, or other things he would use it offensively if needed. He then set the wagon off. "Go,go go!" he exclaims at the wolves with a tone they were trained to know was for attacking. The growls and snarls were loud as the group thundered out of their hiding place onto the trail. Emeritus opened the first attack of his group, smacking the head of a skeleton with a vicious slap as he drove by. It's head flung off into the crowd. He hoped it smacked another undead but he would see.

Emeritus' wagon was a combination of whoops and hollers as it trailed the previous two groups. The smacking and stabbing of undead with spears, swords, and occasionally daggers only made them bolder as the large snarling wolves went full speed forward. Many undead in the path were victims of this primitive drive-by attack.

As he drove with spear in hand a thing layer of frost formed upon Emeritus' knuckles and around where he was gripping the spear. He had to be ready for when things got ugly. Well, uglier than they were anyway.

 

[The Saviour of the Masses]

CALDUR BELMONT
​

Caldur had seen many things in his long career as a mercenary. He'd fought countless brigands, a few knights, even a lord once, but never a full-blown zombie. He swung his bastard sword in a wide arc, cutting one of the undead in half from the waist down. He raised the sword to check a lance thrusted at him before kicking an undead in the face. Or at least he thought is was a zombie. It could have been an ally that he'd just kicked but Caldur didn't truly care. A wild melee such as this often involved maiming your own allies out of confusion.

The mercenary found himself battling for Goldenview not too long ago. A promise of gold and a lordship, they had said. It would be a true honor fighting alongside The Immortal. Well, a bag of gold and a lousy title didn't seem worth it at the moment. The Immortal found himself pinned between a wall and a horde of the zombies that had sneaked past the guards. Caldur and his allies engaged them and nearly pushed them back. He didn't know what happened but the horde grew and grew until they were incredibly out-manned.

"I'm not dying today, though." he muttered. He'd pushed through situations far more dire than this one. If anybody could survive this attack, it would be him. "They don't call me The Immortal for nothing." With a newfound determination, Caldur roared and began to fight once more.

 

[idalie]

The Little Highlander
It was a jovial acceptance of the reinforcements, led by the armoured dragon knight. Pushing the Highlanders into a frenzied forward path. Aideen only turning her head to hear the young knight above the crashing roar of battle. Her lips tilted up in a quirky smile, with pale, unblemished flesh streaked with thick coagulated blood from the undead. Face streaked with the mess - and perhaps a finger or two tangled in her hair. "Stupid? Never in a million years! We're just off our fucking rockers!" She shouted back, driving the dagger of hers into an eye socket, which exploded practically over her hand in liquified brains and thick clear gel from the milky-white orb.

There was often the joke that the Highlanders must be drinking something in the water. But from the way they relished violence, one wouldn't put it past them. The little archer reached for her arrows and began sending them off from left, right, and centre. Each finding their mark with utter precision. Attempting to keep most at bay from her horse whilst offering ranged support.

They were making headway through the horde, aided by the reinforcements as they made their destination the grand gates. Aideen felt her hair get grabbed, wrenched backwards off her stallion as she turned and jammed an arrowhead up beneath its jaw, till it's guttural moans stopped, gurgled, and collapsed. Turning this way and that she slammed her shoulder into few, breaking the wall of bodies - her feet sinking into the carpet of corpses as she tried to clear a way to her horse. Managing to grasp a handful of its mane before practically vaulting herself up.

A heavy breath left her lungs starved, sucking in a breeze before pulling the bowstring taut once more. Far more determined than ever, as she graciously put shards of those iron-tipped shafts through hearts and heads. Doing her best to bash and pull apart the skeletal foes. "WE HAVE TO REACH THE GATE," Aideen called, throwing her hand toward the location in the great city wall. ​

Rusty of Shackleford Agent23 [Anyone else]

 

[Braddington]

Edward Tirnelion

As soon as he saw the Highland charge and then the Dragon all Edward could do was sigh, any idea of strategy was thrown out of the window. He made his way back to the soldiers who were hiding nearby and ordered them to form a protective ring around the food convoy before charging in the general direction of the fighting. His house may be known for archery but the horse archers he brought with him were more than enough to trample skeletons.

With this volleys of arrows flied down with perfect precision on the already scattered and half destroyed skeletons and Edward led the forward charge with the caravan following close behind. The soldiers did not even look to see what they were destroying but the arrows fell like rain non the less. Through sheer strength of will they managed to reach the Highlanders where Edward quickly conversed with it's rather enthusiastic commander.

"We need to form a battering ram! get the supply caravans in the centre, surround it with archers and then have the rest of the men on the outer flank. With this we could break through to the gate with sheer strength.", there was no time for introductions and he was already angry the charge had lost momentum.

He turned to shout up at the Dragon killing undead without even looking "You could provide support from above making sure we are not overwhelmed."
​

idalie Rusty of Shackleford

 

[Rusty of Shackleford]

Bryce couldn't help but laugh, saying, "Yeah, says the short woman leading a cavalry charge through an army of undead." He already liked her. She had a fire in her, something they would need in the following battles.

Bryce nodded at this new person in their charge, nodding as the mastiff sized dragon took to the skies. No words were needed, as they spoke telepathically. When Aideen was thrown off her horse, Bryce charged ahead, keeping any undead as he shouted, "Come on, you little Highlander. The Pale won't wait for you!" He then charged ahead, Lockheed picking off the smaller undead archers as the group trampled the undead.
idalie
Braddington

 

[Agent23]

Gerald Capeshen
The Western gate

He had only been on the front lines for a few minutes when a jet of flame in the distance caught his eye, nearly getting him killed as his attention shifted away from the greatsword weilding skeleton that beared down upon him. Luckily the orc to his left felled the Thing with a mighty blow from his sheild. He knew what it was, the heroes had arrived.

He shouted orders to his men as loudly as he could. "GOLDEN GUARDS TO THE WEST GATE!!! WE PUSH TOWARDS THE HEROES!!!" His voice boomed like thunder and immedieatly the battle changed facets. The Artasian army began to cluster together pulling closer to the walls as the Golden guard began gathering at the Western gate. After around 7 minutes the word had spread and the Golden Guard stood in a large 100 man line, 20 ranks deep. 2000 knights clad in gold armor stood just in front of the gate, the first rank swinging at the undead and the last rank with backs to the wall. Gerald manuevered his way to the front line and shouted "FORWARD!!!" The men all stepped forward simultainiously and swung their weapons, then pushed their sheilds forward to move the corpses and force the enemy back, then they repeated this process cleaving into the dead and pushing forward meter by meter, as they went in deeper and the horde closed around them they remained calm, sheilds loocked in a wall of steel, when one fell the man behind him stepped forward to fill the gap. It was a beautiful display of the tenacity of mankind. Even still it took them nearly ten minutes and 100 men to make it to the half way point where they paised and formed a circular phalanx clearing a place the size of a football field less than a mile from where the reinforcements were...
​

Rusty of Shackleford Braddington idalie The Saviour of the Masses CoreyXIX rubycats

 

[idalie]

The Little Highlander
"Call me short again, and you'll see what it's like when I cut your legs off!" She yelled over the racket. Although her furious expression was more akin to a grumpy child. Pushing her steed further on in chase of the dragon knight, Aideen narrowed her eyes at Bryce. "I'm not little either!" Swerving with the stallion, it leapt over the carnage and broken, split bones which had formed a new layer of the ground, her bow taking no rest for as soon as it creaked in protest of one arrow, another three were fired. Soon enough, she was half gone in ammunition and getting lower by the second. Only making glances at the dragon which aided the attack. Out of interest and curiosity of course - she'd never seen a dragon before.

Nevertheless, their charge wasn't halted. Although occasionally she saw a dead face she recalled. "How close are we to the city wall?! If we can get to it, we'll have our backs pinned but cover from above! I think there are people over there fighting too!" Aideen's voice rose above the wave of violence. Yet, it was then she was approached by yet another man. An elf this time, bow in hand. Fellow archer.

"We can't break through the gate you idiot! That's the only barrier keeping the city safe! If we knock the damn thing down how do we keep these bastards out of the walls?!" The Highlander replied. Then nodded. "We can get the supply caravan easy! Give me a second!" Aideen reached down, tearing her stockings to tie a piece of the cotton to an arrow, dousing it in whisky before hurriedly setting alight to the thing with steel and stone. She fired. A glowing arch which signalled to the archers on the hills providing cover to enter into the fray.

Yet, as soon as she'd done it, a roar went up from her nearest ally. "THE GOLDEN GUARDS AIN'T LOOKED THAT PRETTY A SIGHT SINCE LAST NIGHT-" Her uncouth joke was found hilarious by the Highlanders (It wasn't that funny but for some reason, Highlanders found almost anything amusing if it included less than polite subjects). The stallion was exhausted, but even so, she kicked it into a gallop, using the speed to catch the undead with her arrows. Backed up by the fresh wave of steel-tipped shafts from the new addition of forty or so who had joined them at last.​

Agent23 Braddington Rusty of Shackleford

 

[CoreyXIX]

Emeritus Frostfall
The sight of the guardsmen finally able to claim some ground after all this was enough to give the weary elves a second wind. "Just a little further..." Emeritus says as much to himself as he did his other people and animals. Since they were getting so close it would be now he decided to make his biggest plays on their way to safety as they caught up with the other groups lending aid. "Dump the fat and light it!" he commands to those in the wagon. Without hesitation one elf rips the top of that cask open while another one lights a torch with some flint and steel. As the barrel was tipped over the side the torch was put in front of it. What would normally be a slippery, debilitating mess quickly became a small greasy inferno as the wagon sped by.

"Chief! What about the other side of the wagon? We're running out fast on this side!" One of Emeritus' men calls out to ask their leader. Luckily, this was exactly what that barrel of water he requested earlier was for. "Don't worry, I have that prepared for." his reply came almost instantaneously as he used his spear to pry the top of the barrel off. The sloshing, moving weight of the barrel in this speed wagon made it a little difficult and made Emeritus put his spear down to keep the barrel steady. He then tied the reins on the wolves to a small hook on the driver's seat.

With the barrel in hand Emeritus slowly tips it over before quickly jamming his hand into the flowing water, using his ice powers to quickly start cooling the water as it left the barrel and hit the ground. By the time it settling into the dirt it had begun freezing into ice. From here it seemed likely that the undead in the way would either be frozen in place with the water, slip in it and impede progress, or have to slowly trek through mud and delay the horde's traveling time.

Fire on one side and ice on the other the Frostfall's wagon came barreling ever closer to safety as it finally caught up with the others who had come to help. "Sorry we're late, just waiting for the right opportunity to join you!" Emeritus shouts over the pitched fighting surrounding them.
​

Agent23 Rusty of Shackleford idalie Braddington

 

[The Hero]

Arthur Triangulum
Arthur had been sleeping quite well in his carriage until it came to an abrupt stop and screams started to pierce the air. His eyes shot open, and he was on his feet. The bloodline carrier slammed the door to his carriage open to see a long, stalled caravan line. People of various appearances nervously mingled about in front of him. "What was that noise and what is going on!?" he yelled not in anger but to be heard. A man, who appeared much more elderly than Arthur, hobbled towards him. "A fights going on in front of Goldenview, what do we do?" he says, straightening his back eliciting several snaps to be heard. Arthur opened his mouth, "Give me a more detailed explanation, and I'll tell ya." He looked at the uneasiness of his people, "Preferably quickly."
The man smacked his lips together and took a deep breath: "Wall of fire, floor of ice, rain of arrows, sky of dragon, hordes of undead, piles of dead, army of midgets, army of humans, group of elves, handful of monsters, and I don't mean the undead," he chuckled, "and a small safe space made by the human army."
"Well," Arthur drawled, obviously not prepared for the utter bedlam that was happening. Arthur scanned the man; he clearly didn't seem battle ready, but appearances were deceiving. "What can we do but fight?" Arthur grinned through his mask. "We have items that need to be delivered and delivered they shall be," he decided, "tell the others to grab all shields and metals they can and bolt it to the caravans. I'll pay for all restock and damage." The man nodded and started to spread the word. It was going to be a huge hit to his wallet, and he could feel his heart break as he said the words, but he had a responsibility to upkeep the reputation of the guild. "I'm never going to swim in cash," he sighed, teleporting to the front of the caravan line. He shocked some guild members, but he ignored them in favor of addressing the whole group. "Alright men and women, after you are done with the preparations, we will be marching straight through the chaos and thus we need people willing to defend our line!" His announcement was met with immediate protest, but he silenced it with a hand. "By covering the vehicles with metal, I hope to minimize damage to the goods inside along with the carriage itself, but we still need soldiers to avoid having those abominations. Those who cannot or will not fight may leave now. I will not stop you, and you may rejoin us at any time; But I like to remind you, to make money requires sacrifice if you keep running away from adventure you will never succeed." Surprisingly, only few people left.
Arthur nodded, "Okay, we march towards the empty space the Golden Guard have made." And slowly, the 100ft armored caravan line descended into the chaos. Arthur blinked across the battlefield disassembling the enemies one by one with his guild members, knees quaking and arms shaking, sticking close to the carriages to defend.
​

​

 

[The Saviour of the Masses]

CALDUR BELMONT
​

"What a rush..." he muttered to himself. A quick look around showed dozens of corpses, both human and Pale alike. A sudden raucous sound alarmed Caldur. 'Another horde coming this way?' He shook his head. The sounds were human. 'Highlanders and Golden Guards, eh?' He found the very idea of it amusing. He'd worked with a few Highlanders in the past and none of them were all that pleasant to be around. He leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. His whole troop was wiped out and he had multiple injuries he'd received from the battle.

And yet, he pushed through the pain and sorrow.

He'd been hired to defend this city and defend it he shall. "All for a couple bags of gold..." he muttered. Caldur pushed off the wall and began walking. "Gerald fuckin' owes me one." He swore to make the knight pay him more than just a few bags and a lordship. Caldur hurried to the city gates, ignoring his injuries as always.

 

[idalie]

The Little Highlander
Through the corpses, they pushed with screams of anguish and of laughter. Towering Highlanders, dressed in all symbols; tattoos covering a majority of their skin. Hair in long braids, or worn loose with beards to show their prowess in battle enough that they didn't need to cut it short. Big athletic men who managed to get progressively more violent as they fought. Down went friends, family, lovers and husbands. Falling into pools of thick, coagulating crimson whilst their muscles spasmed and light in their eyes began to die. It was desperate savagery to survive.

At last, the Highlanders smashed through the last barrier of the undead menace to come face to face with the Golden Guard. Each drenched head to toe in sweat, blood, and tears. With so many undead, it was harder to know how many were left - and their stream of reinforcements just kept on coming. Noting the shielded caravans rolling in, a few others trying to wade through, Aideen's horse threw it's head back in a whinny of agony as a blade found purchase on its shoulder, stripping the muscle down to the bone. It's poor chestnut eyes rolling back. The Little Highlander held on for dear life, and emerging in her eyes was sorrow. A certain haste to comfort the poor thing. They might've been vicious riders, but the bond one had between horse and rider was taken seriously. She struck out kicking the undead in the skull before making a neat hole in it's head with a driven arrow.

More men arrived, this time a magic caster from what she'd observed. Still, one man who can cast, couldn't change the outcome of a battle. "Took your bloody time!" She called in return.

Chest rising and falling heavily, she shoved blood-soaked hair from her face and eyed the Guards. "THERE'S TOO MANY-" She shouted, bringing the horse into a rotation as the archer reached back for another arrow - and found her casing to be empty. Looping the bow over her torso, she then did her best with dagger in hand. Using her foot to keep the wad of flesh on the horses' shoulder closed.​

Agent23 The Hero Rusty of Shackleford Braddington The Saviour of the Masses CoreyXIX

 

[The Saviour of the Masses]

CALDUR BELMONT
​

Amidst the sounds of chaos, Caldur found it in himself to hum tunelessly as he walked through the narrow pathways of the city. Steel clashed with steel, undead groaned and snarled, horses whinnied and trampled over bodies, warriors shouting as they swung their weapons. All of them were sounds that Caldur had heard for a large portion of his life. Well, except the undead part. The mercenary stepped over a corpse that was in his way. Whether it was a person or an undead, he couldn't be sure. All he knew was that there was more work to be done.

He approached the City Gates calmly, looking for a ladder. He snagged a fallen ladder off the ground and positioned it by the perimeter wall. The sounds and the smell had gotten stronger. 'That's a relief. For a moment I thought I went to the wrong gate.'

Once he reached the top of the wall, Caldur assessed the situation. The Golden Guard and the Highlanders did their best to handle the threat, though more and more of the undead came. For every undead they slay, three more took its place. 'Thank my lucky stars that I wore my helmet today.' If not, then people would see how scared he probably looked. He'd never seen anything like this. He watched as the man and woman alike fought to keep the innocents in the city alive. 'And they're not even close to winning...'

Caldur lazily leaped off the wall and landed just behind the last rank of the Golden Guard. He inhaled deeply before breaking into a run, leaping of three ranks of the wall of knights. He landed on one man's shoulder and proceeded to run forward, shoulder to shoulder. The men grunted in surprise as Caldur passed by. Eventually, he made it to the frontlines, landing on an undead in the process. He drew his bastard sword and immediately ran towards the nearest undead.

 

[Agent23]

Gerald Capeshen

As the highlanders and the caravans approached the Golden guard Gerald couldnt help but smile, these were warriors at yeart and he felt a certain kinship with them. Behind the line of undead the Artasian army was taking its position in front of the Gate preparing to charge at Geralds signal.

The guards spread to allow the highlanders into the perimeter tuat had made. Though they had lost men in the march not one had fallen since their stopping, a golden guard is best when planted in place. Gerald Approached the highlander woman with a weary grin "A more glorious charge has not been seem by the eyes of man. Steel yourselves and conserve your energy, we must make it back to the city walls then we shall figure out how to end this, My brother in law has a plan." he said, taking notice of the man who ran across his knights shoulders, though suprised they hardly budged under his weight. Gerald's grin grew wider as he realized who it was. Cheeky bastard...he though to himself as the Golden Guards began to encompass the first of the caravan carts.

Drawing his fathers sword in addition to his own he pushed into front lines finding himself close to the man called the immortal. "Belmont...dont stray too far we are going back within the walls shortly." ​

The Saviour of the Masses The Hero Rusty of Shackleford Braddington CoreyXIX idalie

 

[CoreyXIX]

Emeritus Frostfall
Emeritus really wished he didn't have to stop the wagon, since he knew it likely lead to the death of at least one wolf out the four he had with him. But at least they would be more safe with the Golden Guardsmen formation than being completely surrounded. He pulled on the rein to slow them down before tossing the empty barrel over the side at full force into a cluster of undead, knocking away and scattering the few of many that still lingered for the fight. The elf didn't even need to look at the state his transportation was in to know it would be in need of repairs once they reached safety. If they reached it, anyway.

By the time he reached the Golden Guards and the Highlanders his animals finally came to a halt, covered in all manners of bruises, scratches, and cuts. Even a laymen could tell they wouldn't make another great charge like that by themselves without dying partway in. "We're getting close to safety, boys. Keep that courier and our goods safe." he says, issuing yet another thing command with his good news to him. They could use the good news, because something like this wasn't an everyday issue back home. The dead usually stayed put long enough to be either buried in frozen ground or cremated when they didn't have time for a burial. As much as he wished he had more offensive capabilities right now Emeritus decided he would make due with what he had.

As a couple more undead fell to the Frostfalls' spears their leader directed the wolves to go right up alongside the Golden Guards formation. "Reporting for duty. I don't want to risk too many more tricks like I did earlier, but when we're ready to move I'll help slow some of them down." Emeritus offers to Gerald loud enough to try to be heard over the fighting.
​

The Saviour of the Masses Agent23 idalie Rusty of Shackleford Braddington The Hero

 

[Rusty of Shackleford]

Bryce nodded at the elf, saying, "Good thinking. That'll burn those bastards good!" Lockheed helped burn the undead, the dragon telling Bryce that he could see the Golden Guard. Soon after he said it, Bryce saw it as the Guard parted, Bryce and his men getting behind the phalanx just in time, the undead smashing into the shield wall. Bryce sighed, saying, "That..was close. Too close. Get this damn gate open!" He rode up beside Aideen, saying, "I can see why you're so angry. We can't stay out here forever."
Agent23
CoreyXIX
idalie

 

[The Saviour of the Masses]

CALDUR BELMONT​

Caldur glanced behind, seeing Gerald Capeshen. He nodded in greeting before turning around, swinging his sword to cut down an undead coming right them. "Aye, Gerald. Good to see you out and about instead of being with your sister," he mused. He sidestepped a lance thrust at him, aimed right for his chest. With a downward swipe of his sword, Caldur broke the lance in half before smacking his attacker in the face with the pommel of his sword. He swung his sword low and cut off an undead's legs.

A stray arrow found its mark in his left thigh causing The Immortal to buckle down slightly. The mercenary cursed before drawing his crossbow and firing a bolt randomly into the chaos. Not satisfied with that, Caldur fired three more bolts just for fun. 'A waste of arrows, mayhaps, but I demand retribution!'

He grimaced slightly as one of the bolts buried itself in the neck of a random Highlander. The warrior grasped at his neck before collapsing on top of another Highlander. Both of them immediately got swarmed by the undead. He frowned but didn't linger on the scene. He turned to Gerald while firing off another bolt. "Working with Highlanders, eh? You people are that desperate?"

 

[The Hero]

Arthur Triangulum
The merchants dropped one by one. Each of their deaths varied in glory. Some went out fighting, while others went out cowering in fear. But that didn't matter to Arthur, every single one of them was a true entrepeneur in his eyes. It seemed with every death of his guild, his teleportation range became closer and closer to the caravans. Eventually, he was basically flashing from side to side, trying to pry the undead off of the carts. Arthur had already lost some of the caravans in the back as the horses were killed or caravans tipped over. Either way, he considered himself lucky that the caravans in front had made it to relative safety. Those were the ones with the women and children inside. It was an odd strategy placing the women and children at the front, but he had hoped that would allow them to reach safety first. Arthur's assumption was correct. Unfortunately, now with their family safe, the men had lost some of their wills to fight and had fled to the safety of the soldiers, leaving Arthur to defend the load by himself. Once again, the guild leader couldn't blame them. They weren't warriors and had a family to live for unlike him, so he had to stay in the battle and defend his members' livelyhood. He grunted decapitating an enemy with garrote wire, while he dodged an attack from another undead. It was insane how many abominations were fighting. But, Arthur only had to defend 20 more feet of carriages as many of the others fell to the chaos. He could feel his pockets become lighter as he thought of the compensation. "Just a little more," he growled, slicing through another monster. His clothes were soaked in blood, and the irony smell permeated his senses, while fatigue made his muscles go cold. Arthur was tired, not used to such a long battle. Suddenly, he felt an arrow pierce his calf at the same time all the intact vehicles made it through.
He sighed, blinking behind the soldier line. Arthur ripped out the arrow from his leg and stood up, blood dampening his pant leg. "Now, you guys wait for the gate to open," Arthur grinned, "I think this a business oppurtunity to sell my services."​