Tigrans' Revenge IC

[milkmaiden38]

Come on baby, let's do the twist!

After the young tigran girl screamed “It’s a TRICK … the Naga is not hurt … THAT IS FAKE BLOOD ON HER HEAD” all hell broke out.

The demon on the platform knew something was up. He screamed “KILL EVERYONE … KILL THEM ALL!!” The demons around Jola thrust forward with their spears, 20 all at once. There would be no way the snake thing could survive. The execution demons on the platform drew out their daggers and got ready to cut the victims throats.

At the same time Jola’s eyes snapped open and her powerful snake tail wrapped underneath her. The tail had been dragged behind her and as it came under her … it slammed into as many demons as possible upsetting the demons spear aim. The end of her tail wrapped around the small tigran girl as quick as lightning … and then tossed her skyward. The girl could only make a small squeak before she was launched into the air. It was not a gentle throw like you would do with a small child for fun. No ... this throw would send the young tigran girl high above the tallest building in the market quarter. At the same time, Jola was twisting her body with her arm out grabbing the spears headed at her and redirecting them. Her right arm taking the plunging spears to her right side as her left arm took them to her left side. She needed to get all the spears as one mistake and she’d have a spear in her back or her front. The bad news was … She did not get all of them!!

Ramp or Rampage!

Scar was under the raised wooden platform. He knew everything had gone wrong. He heard the daggers being pulled out of their holders and decided they needed to go to plan B. The loosened wood planks in the front may not be fast enough. So he decided … instead of a ramp and a rampage was needed.

He threw all his muscles and whole back into bursting through the wooden platform. Like a monster coming out of a frozen lake the wooden platform shattered around him. This actual trigger the front boards to come loose and all tigrans victims tumbled under the wooden platform as was the planning. But Scar was not paying any attention to the victims … as he sprang onto the platform and started to smash, slice, stab and cleave bug executioners left and right. As a side note: Safety tip for the readers ... do not try to do battle with a pissed off, highly skilled, combat hardened, 7'5'' 400 pounds of grey Worgen, when he is armed with a huge great sword and you are armed only with a dagger.

The execution demons did not stand a chance.

Oops … did that arrow just hit you? My bad!

Capt’n and Throgram jumped up and began to fire arrows like crazy. Accuracy was important as there were lots of tigrans within the old market square. But Capt’n and Throgram were accurate, deadly, and systematic. Picking off the most important, urgent targets first and moving to the less urgent, less urgent.

“Jola’s in deep shit … focus on her first” Capt’n Bones ordered as the young tigran child flew straight up past them. Both of them did not look at the kid or get distracted and just fired arrows. The arrows crashed into the two demons that held the spears Jola had not been able to divert.

“There is a death squad headed for Felina and Tia building!” Throgram called out.

“ARRG ...Na … focus on Scar position, Matie!!” The capt’n ordered as he saw the massive Worgen break out of the wooden platform and engage the demon executioners. Both archers provided cover fire and protected Scar’s back. They also saw Gilly and covered her too. There was a massive flash over light, that lite up the square.

Then an arrow embedded into Capt’n Bones arm.

“AHHH … SHARK SCUM!” he said as he turned and saw Bug archers on another building. “Over there” he said.

Throgram yelled “EAT THESE … ASSHOLES” as he launched two arrows at once at the opposite building. Amazingly, both arrows found their marks and one actually entered the opposing demon’s mouth.

Throgram looked over to Capt’n Bones “are you ok?” he asked behind him the young tigran kid fell back to the square with a scream.

Capt’n Bones had broken off the arrow and wrapped his arm in a rag.

“I’m fine … KEEP FIGHTING” He ordered

Lightning sometimes shocks people because, it so striking and it just doesn't know how to conduct itself.

The two demons holding the spears she missed sprouted arrows and fell over dead. Jola mentally breathed a quick sigh of relief. But it was a quick sigh as her timing on the next series of events needed to be prefect. Her hand grabbed the nearest shadow demon and yanked it off its feet by its head.

The demon’s face was an inch from hers. Jola eyes filled with PURE HATRED as she whispered softly “Good Bye!”

She closed her eyes and grits her teeth and released her massive ball lightning spell. As before, she let out an insane scream and her whole body LITE UP in WHITE INTENSE LIGHT … Massive arcs of lightning leapt from her body FRYING the bugs all around her. The sound of sizzling demon bodies filled the square. Smoke bellowing from the crispy black dead demon bodies. All the demons around her had died in seconds and not one tigran was struck by the spell.

Jola release the head of the demon she had been holding … body had melted away in the lightning spell. She coiled up her snake body under her and held her arms out. She looked like a beautiful women that had been positioned on top of a massive spring. Jola caught the falling Tigran kid ... her snake body and arms slowing the kids decent to a reasonable rate. In this way it prevented any broken bones. Jola had saved the kid, who was basically unharmed.

“You caught me, why?” The young tigran girl asked totally surprised.

“So I can KILL YOU REALLY SLOWLY!!” Jola screamed.

The Halfling Exposed

The head demon on the platform had seen what the "fake" small tigran female had done. Starting the fire in the building and then killing one of its executioners. It jumped off the platform and ran through the tigran crowd grabbed Gilly from behind and placed a short sword in her back

"Time for you to DIE ... HALFLING" It growled.

 

[wombat9966]

Skadu and the Demon

Skadu dodged quickly to the right and rolled up onto his feet again. Looking at his sword he realized it was not going to do him much good. It was just too unwieldy a weapon to fight a being that could move as fast as this demon could. Throwing it to the ground he grabbed his gauntlets and put them on. Hitting the button that released the fighting claws he smiled at the demon. "Now that is better. Come Demon, let us dance together and see just who comes out of it alive."

Skadu launched himself at the demon and it stood still surprised at his move. He was able to slash it across it's arms with his large sharp claws before it reacted. As he ran passed and turned back he was assaulted by an ear shattering howl. The demon was howling in pain and had teleported back towards the main door. Skadu looked at it in disbelief. What had he done differently? He had done everything the same as before yet this time the beast seemed to be in actual pain.

He wasn't able to think about it for long as he saw the demon disappear again. Quickly he dived forward and rolled to his feet again. Turning he saw that it had ported in behind him and slashed where it had expected his unprotected back to be. He was beginning to be able to read this demon. It seemed to go for the most obvious point of attack. Skadu smiled. He could definitely use that against it, but what good would that do him? If he didn't find a way to destroy this thing then all he was going to be doing was tiring himself out.

Again he saw the demon wink out of existence and he quickly crouched, stuck out both his arms and thrust himself around in a circle. Again the Demon winked back into the real world, appearing on his left side and slashing quickly at where his head would have been. Instead his claws slashed it's legs open sending a large chunk of it's calf flying off towards the edge of the square. Skadu rose up and began to attack it's chest, slashing at it constantly and causing it to scream in pain. He ended by plunging his claws deep into it's chest in a bid to kill it. Again it teleported away and as it materialized he noticed two things. The chunk that he had slashed out of it's leg was still missing as were a few of the long claw marks on it's chest, but once again there was no sign of any sort of puncture wounds. Skadu glanced over towards where he had seen the chunk of flesh land and saw a small smoke cloud puff into the air.

Skadu grinned at the demon. Now he knew how to kill the thing. He just had to survive long enough to do it. "Come you infernal beast, Skadu has hunted many things but you will be the strangest thing he has killed. Let us end this now."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Skadu

The hideous demon creature's eyes glowed with evil and there was a disturbing smile on its face.

“You have not seen my best trick yet … too bad you will be dead …right after you see it!” The demon bragged as it popped out of existence again. Skadu heard laughing from the two demons in the doorway. They had been watching the battle. Skadu could kill them now, but that may expose him to the next trick of the demon.

Instead Skadu froze and stood as still as he could. The fine black hairs on his panther body bristled and a shiver ran up his spine. The demon was up to something and it had disturbed his “cat senses”. He spun around … but saw nothing. He thought “It’s been too long … where is the demon?!”

Letting the demon pick the time of its next attack had him a reactive mode. So he decided it was time to force the creature’s hand. He remembered what the bug general said “Now shut up and watch my body guard kill this poor poor tigran ...” Skadu started to creep towards the two demons at the doorway, slow and careful.

“Your pet creature, your “body guard” has left you … now you will need to defend yourself!” Skadu said but his movements were not rushed or hurried. But if the demon creature did not show itself soon its master would be dead.

The two demons in the doorway started to look nervous. The smaller one pulled out its sword. Suddenly, Skadu whirled around again trying to catch the demon popping back in. But he saw nothing … then an idea struck him … and he glance upward. The air popped and demon came screaming at him from above!

“Of course!” Skadu thought, there was no reason why the creature needed to attack him from the sides, attacking from above was also possible. Skadu had almost no time to defend himself against the clever attack. He dove out of the way, but there was not enough time. The demon’s claws struck a glancing blow to his head and ripped into one of his ears. The creature pinned Skadu to the ground. Skadu frantically struggled to prevent the creature from biting his head. He managed to turn himself around and then pulling back his legs and kicked out. The creature’s lower half flew into the air. But it would not let go of Skadu head. It was trying to break Skadu neck and bite into his head!

But the kick Skadu had accomplished was not about freeing himself. He wanted the creature near him. He used the kick to free his pinned arms. Now he hooked the demon’s head holding it still “I’m a Tigran Hunter … I don’t LOSE!” He said with confidence and he brought his other hand around, using his War claw which was a razor sharp metal gauntlet, he slashed through the demon’s neck like it was made of light butter! At the same time he KICKED with his legs again … there was a gruesome scream as the black void opened up at the separation point of the creature’s neck and its body. The body flew away from the head still held in Skadu's arm ... there was no way the two could reconnect ... they were too far apart. Both parts disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Skadu roared with rage and shot back up on his feet. He bounded towards the two demons in the door way … The demons suddenly realized they were next on Skadu's hit list. But they realized that much too late. Skadu smashed into the side of the general demon’s head. There was a surprised expression on its face then it fell forward blackish bug guts gushed out of the huge hole in its head. The second demon stumbled backwards, bring up its sword to block the next blow, but Skadu aimed two blows at it, one the sword blocked the other aimed at it belly, it did not. The war claw ripped clean up its body, splitting its head in half.

“The end” Skadu stated as blood dripped down his face, his ear damaged from the demon's attack.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Utter moron?

Jonz sat up and protested about the Crag lizard dung and fermented Hockbark!

Baban Tylos looked over to Sanura, who smiled and then they both started to laugh.

Sanura hurried over and gave Jonz a big hug “Again … I’m SOOO glad you are OK!!” and gave him a kiss on the side of his face. Baban Tylos finished tightening the last screw and walked over to Jonz. The draconian eyes opened wider as the tall tigran dressed in sharp pressed gold vest with purple trim, whiteshirt, expensive pants and fancy leather shoes Reached down to shake his hand. His little round glasses perched on the end of his nose.

“Baban Tylos, the chief mage at this school” He said and shook Jonz’s hand. The Mage turned to Sanura and said “He is not a normal Draconian … he is much too big, I’ll bet he has an interesting tale to tell.” Tylos commented.

Aziza groaned and rolled over “What hit me?” she asked.

Sanura laughed “You were not hit … you were kicked!” She explained.

“My whole body aches …” She groaned. Sanura went over and helped her to her feet. Baban Tylos offered to help Jonz up, but the big draconian got up by himself.

“I can offer some nice hot tea, or stronger drinks … such as Ale, elfish wine, Utter Moron or Serpent’s Tongue s in the study … and we can discuss your visit” Baban offered and they all headed off to the study.

“Utter moron … what is that?” Sanura asked

“Utter Moron is called such because only an utter moron would drink it. It is a goblin brew … and generally is the cheapest and worst brews from that race. But I have been told draconians like it.” He said looking over to Jonz.

“And serpent’s tongue?” Sanura asked

“Serpent’s Tongue, is a drink made from mushrooms and a little bit of vemon. It has a powerful effect on a person’s spirit; the drink is poisonous to all except draconians … which accounts for its popularity in human bars …” Baban Tylos laughed “I know … humans are strange creatures. Besides Draconians consume enough of Serpent’s tongue and you can die.”

The group was inside the main magic building and Baban Tylos entered the study. The study was filled with the smell of old books and strange chemicals. Large oak bookcases were on all the walls, each filled with leather-bound tomes of assorted shades of brown. There were comfortable chairs for everyone to sit in and a coffee table in the middle. Baban asked everyone what they wanted to drink.

Sanura asked “I’ll try a small glass of the Serpent’s Tongue … if it is good enough for humans … it is good enough for me”

Aziza asked for some tea. Baban Tylos looked over to Jonz “And you good draconian … what will you have?”

 

[BreezySnow]

In the nick of time?

Gilly caught someone running through the crowd towards her and at the last moment realized it was a demon. Just as he reached out to grab her she ducked under his arm and sliced across his midsection. It didn’t bother the demon much since it didn’t penetrate his exoskeleton, but it startled him enough to give Gilly a chance to move into a better position. She did a backflip and landed on the platform, as the demon approached her again she was ready this time. She knew she had to be fast as this demon seemed smarter than a lot of the other ones they dealt with. He came at her with two long swords. Gilly knew she had to keep away from the swords but get close enough to get a dagger deep into the front of his neck. Gilly ducked as he swung his right sword over her head and tumbled away as he followed with the left sword at a much lower position. The demon kept moving forward, he would swing and Gilly would dodge. Gilly decided it was time to end this game, either he was going to win or she was and she didn’t plan on losing! On her next tumble Gilly grabbed some dirt in her hand and then ran forward at the demon, just as he was about to swing his sword she threw the dirt directly in his face. Just as she hoped he paused briefly because he was blinded. This was just the chance she needed. Gilly continued her forward movement and jumped in front of the demon as she thrust her dagger deep in his throat. At the same time his other sword swung and sliced Gilly across her side just as she started to move away. She continued moving to get out of the range of his sword. Gilly glanced paused against the stage as she heard the demon fall. She looked down as the cut in her side, it was bleeding a lot. She put her hand against the gash and slowly slide to the ground as she looked around to see how the others were doing.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Pearl is “Fawning” over Gilly, While Fawn is “Pearling” with Jola

Pearl ran to Gilly’s aid and handed her a potion. “Here is a healing potion” She said “You killed the head asshole. Nice going … you are amazing!”

Gilly smiled weakly at Pearl “That flattery might actually get me to drink this foul stuff.” Then she took a swig “Oh yes … still tastes BAD” Gilly complained. But her wound healed enough to stop the bleeding.

At the same time Fawn was talking to Jola. Jola had her hands wrapped around the young tigran neck and slowly choking the life from her.

“Jola you need to stop” Fawn said.

Jola looked up and said “No” and started to squeeze even harder.

“Jola … how are pearls formed? Fawn asked.

That threw the Naga off track as she looked up again and asked “What?” Her hand released the young tigran female enough so there was the sound of a few gasping breaths.

“A small piece of sand gets into the oyster, that irritation is than transformed in a few years to a beautiful pearl. I think this young tigran is like that sand. She has irritated you, but in a few years she will be transformed into a beautiful pearl!” Fawn explained.

Jola handed the girl over to Fawn “That is the biggest line of bullshit I have ever heard. She is your responsibility now … If she crosses me one more time … I’m going to crush that piece of sand into dust!” Jola explained with determination.

The Death squad was dying to get off the balcony

The squad of 4 shadow demons burst into the room where Tia and Felina were standing on the balcony. The hooded figure of one of them was in the doorway, back to them. They rushed forward … only to see the figure spin rapidly and fling 4 throwing stars. Two stars landed in the heads of the 2 lead demons which fell to the ground dead. The other two however, continue to run towards the door with increased speed to get the hooded figure before more stars came.

The hooded figure at the doorway to the balcony calmly stepped aside at the last second. This caught the last two members of the death squad by surprise and they burst through the doorway off balanced. Against the wall was the first hooded figure they had seen … and on the opposite side of the doorway was the other. Both the hooded figures simply shoved the off balanced bugs over the balcony railing … where they plunged towards the ground.

Felina and Tia both yelled “watch out below!”

The tigran crowd cleared away and both bugs landed with a SPLAT.

The speech

Everyone in the crowd was now looking up at the hooded figures. Felina saw that the fire had been put out and all the demons had been killed. She looked out over the crowd. She cleared her voice and pulled her hood away. There were gasps from the crowd as they saw she was beautiful young woman with the rare white fur.

“My fellow Tigranians, listen I need to tell you something. My name is Felina and I’m a potter. Before the invasion I worked in Potters’ square … I was one of the artisans that fashioned the vessels for which Ardalis is best known. My father was Zac Zodith, a hero during the Orc wars.

He taught me much … he taught me about Honor and Courage. Some people these days may think these are just words. But they are not just words. They are ideas and concepts … they are our social norms … they are important for our legal system, our system of commerce, our defense and our daily interactions. With these two concepts, and my friends, some of which are non-tigrans, but believe as we do … we freed ALL the victims from certain death!” Felina yelled and there was a huge cheer from the crowd. She nodded to her friends in the crowd who were all getting pats on the back … except for Jola, who still scared the tigran’s too much. Felina smiled and continued

“Honor: A Tigran will always strive to conduct themselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates; to be honest and truthful in their dealings with each other, and with those other outside races. The code of honor comes with an uncompromising integrity, of taking responsibility and keeping your word;

Courage: Tigran’s must have courage to meet the demands placed on them. To lack honor is the easy way out. It takes courage to have honor. Maintain honor regardless of personal consequences; to be loyal to the Tigran nation. Courage is the value that gives Tigran the moral and mental strength to do what is right, even in the face of personal adversity.”

Felina paused to let the words sink in.

“Was it wrong for the shadow demons to cause an earthquake … and kill so many tigran. Let me say right now … IT WAS WRONG!

Was it wrong they killed the imperial garrison in a surprise attack? … I…SAY…IT…WAS…WRONG!”

The crowd started to chant with her yelling “WRONG” at the end of her statements.

“Was it wrong they killed our ruler? … IT WAS WRONG!

Was it wrong they polluted the air in this city? … I SAY IT IS WRONG!

Was it wrong they sent tigrans to the mines against their will? … I SAY IT IS WRONG!

They took innocent tigrans … lined them up on that platform” Felina pointed to the platform “and were about to kill them. Those innocent tigrans were not part of the resistance movement. But the demon wanted to kill them anyhow because … “Authority cannot be challenged.”

Was that honorable? Did it take courage to line up tigrans with hands tied behind their backs and slit their throats? I’m telling you these creatures are not only WRONG … they are MORALLY WRONG!

I watched as my best friend stood up to them in Potter’s Square. She was right …. She had honor and she had courage. She tried to stop them. If I join with her … I could have saved her and we could have fought the demons.”

Felina got quiet for a few seconds … the crowd was completely silent … and waited for her next words.

“My name is Felina … I was a potter… but I have released my inner tiger. Now … I’m a resistance fighter. I am the leader of FO-R. And I’m asking you … everyone one of you … to release your inner tiger… go on the hunt again. KILL the enemy … they are not from this dimension and need to go home PERMANENTLY! Will you join me? Will you take back your honor and courage … and will you join me in TAKING BACK THIS CITY!” Felina yelled with passion in her voice.

Everyone in the crowd SCREAMED back … “YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS”

“Then get your weapons … because the time to retake this city is … NOW!” Felina screamed.

The crowd screamed too and tigrans charged off in large groups to hunt down and kill the shadow demons.

Tia looked over to Felina “Wow nice speech! I think we better get down there and join them!”

1 hour later

The Merchant quarter of Ardalis was liberated. It was free of shadow demons. Felina speech had made a big difference. Everyone in the old section of the city had joined in. It was a wave of over 5000 angry tigrans out for blood. The demons blocked the tigran advance at the Nibila Bridge leading to the rich isle of ventulli. They also set up a barricade defense from the heavily damaged west gate to the river. Felina had ordered a pause in the attack for now and the resistance movement needed to build more weapons and form a more military command structure. 25% of the city was now under Felina's command!

 

[wombat9966]

Harmony causes disharmony

Harmony watched as the first Bug hit the hidden trap. It's front legs began to buckle then the post gave way and came crashing to the ground. It stumbled on but the spider silk quickly became taught again as it stretched to the next pillar. It was too much for the bug an it tripped sending it's already wobbly rider flying. As it fell it ripped that pillar out as well causing the building to come crashing down.

The bugs behind could not stop and piled into the hapless bug and rubble tripping themselves up and squishing their own riders and others. It was pure chaos as injured bugs rolled causing more injuries to ones only lightly injured and damaging the buildings around them bringing down rubble onto them causing even more injuries.

Harmony scanned the pile for the Demon commander knowing he would be harder to kill. She saw him limping from the front of the mess his leg twisted unnaturally and one arm hanging by his side but he was still moving. She knocked an arrow and calmly lined up the shot and let fly. An arrow appeared in the demons forehead and he dropped dead on the road.

MIRRI

Mirri and her troops were in a spot of trouble. They had made good ground and had cleared the courtyard but were now held up by the men on the walls. They had the height advantage and had excellent protection as well as projectile weapons. She on the other hand had no protection except for natural cover and was fast running out of arrows and hand axes. What they needed was help.

Suddenly she heard roars from both the gate and from the alleys. Hell if this was another attack they were sunk. Looking she saw a large ram come trundling through the gate and she smiled. It was covered in a huge roof to ward off rocks but it was just what she needed. "Get that thing near that stairwell and cut the ram free. I want two squads to advance under cover up those stairs and get rid of those bloody archers."

No shortage of volunteers quickly followed her orders and soon he structure was making it's way up the stairs. Mirri turned to look at the alleys and saw miner after miner with picks and hammers just waiting, many with blood already dripping from them. The Mayor was in the lead. She grinned and waved. "Wait but a moment Mayor and we will be ready to mop up the last of them."

As her men started in on the archers and started to draw the attention of the fighters Mirri stood up and yelled "Charge". A great wave of Tigrans rushed towards the walls.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Jonz

The big draconian gave a lopsided grin,

"You failed to mention how we drink the two brews, I for one prefer an equal measure of Utter Moron and Serpent's Tooth in a tall, thick tankard. You get the taste of the ale along with the smoothness of the Tooth. If you have a nice Stein I'll have one of those, if not, hit me with a tankard of the Tooth, it's been a long time since I had one of those and I really need to get this taste out of my mouth."

 

[DeathsKnight]

A cry went up from the battlements, but it was not because of the Tigrans attacking the gate, it was not even because they couldn't seem to hit the two solitary figures on the hill. On a black horse a figure emerged, it was clad in the plate shield of the Church Knights, it held a lance and heavy shield at the ready, the horse paused only for a moment and then thundered towards the gate.

"Get him! Kill him!!! Get the knight before he gets to the gate!!"

The commanding bug who screamed the order did so in the common tongue, not in the clicks of the bugs, but the urgency was clear to them. Arrows and bolts slammed into the shield, commands were shouted and one of the catapults fired, almost in slow motion the rock flew over the heads of the defenders and slammed right into the knight, sending him flying to the side, broken from the impact. A cheer went up, but died as the horse faded away and the armor clattered in a pile of empty armor.

The same instance the commander faded away, leaving sir Deson Hild behind, shield and sword in hand. A moment of shock lingered and in that moment the knight attacked. With shield he bashed defenders from the rampart, with sword he hacked off heads and arms, cleaved through chests and armor. Destruction was left in his wake as he moved forward, clearing almost half of the wall before resistance could be mounted against him. It now became a matter of moments as pressure mounted from all sides of the wall and the defenders had now even more to contend with, a Knight of the Church, hell-bent on destroying all of them.

Questions will arise about Deson and how he got on that wall. After the first rocks, he got a plan. He used the armor and his magic to create a desterier and fill in the armor with a figure. He then slipped along the shadows and used even a bit more of the magic to make himself seem like part of the terrain he moved along, slipping in through the same entrance that a few of the Tigrans had used to slip inside through the wall. From there it merely took him another bit of magic to asume the countenance of a bug commander and took his station on the wall. Of course none of the demons tried to challenge his commands as they were under attack and that was how Deson managed to gain a foot hold on the rampart and give the bugs even more to worry about.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Who to celebrate with?

The attack was going well and Mirri was pleased. The forces outside the small town were now rushing through the open gate. While the miners and her advance team were attacking the remaining demons on the walls. The knight of the chruch was the final ingredient, victory was theirs. Mirri, the daughter of one of Ardalis's greatest palace guards, had proven herself again. At a young age, she had trained with her brothers and that hard training had tempered her for future fights. She was the youngest trainee to enter the academe, and then the youngest recruit to enter the palace guards. She rose through the ranks until she was leading a Talon. Now she had commanded the queen’s forces to a victory and was on the verge of freeing the first town from demon lord invasion.

Her thoughts drifted for one moment to Kiltgor … the intelligence officer … who had stayed behind with the king. He would have been proud of her. He would also have made some kind of snarky remark about her success, but he would have been proud. She had never had time for men … her career had come first but she regretted that at this moment. She had no one to share this victory with!

Behind her, she heard the sound of a sword being pulled out of a scabbard. As she pivoted to see who it was … her eyes met the demon commander that had been on the wall. His sword positioned to run her through! There was nothing she could do … she was going to die in a second … right on the verge of the victory.

Mirri was correct … there was nothing she could do to prevent her demise. However, there was someone that could prevent it. A massive beer drum twice the size of the demon commander came down and smashed to demon flat. It happened so suddenly, that the demon commander made no noise, not even a squeak of surprise. Mirri looked up to the roof top where the drum come from.

Standing on the roof was a large hulking human, well over six feet tall. He had a big gut that hung over his belt, and his left eye was missing. His lips curl back in grin. "Pretty pussycat … ok?” He asked as his thick lips sputtered.

“CYCLOPS … I need to give you a kiss!” Mirri exclaimed.

Cyclops’ smile got bigger “Cyclops … want kiss after battle … he having too much fun right now squishing bugs!”

Mirri smiled, pulled out her sword and raced towards the curtain wall. The joyful thought going through her mind was “what was I thinking … I can celebrate this victory with Cyclops!”

 

[DeathsKnight]

It was done. The gate had fallen and the locals along with the attacking Tigrans not only routed the shadow Demons, they hunted them down and among them was a human, a man dressed in chainmail, wielding a sword and shield. Blood poured from various wounds, but it did not seem to matter to him. He hacked, slashed, bashed and stabbed his way through any resistance. He seemed nigh unstoppable and he was. At that time bloodlust was the only thing consuming Deson's mind, it was a place where rules, tactics and commands did not exist. The only thing that existed in that plain was the smell of death and the joy of destroying the foe.

Deson finally came to a halt, the body of the last commander at his feet. He was covered in blood, ichor and gore. His chainmail rended in numerous places and his arms shaking with fatigue. He slung the shield over a shoulder, slapped the sword into a scabbard and did what no knight did...he staggered off in search of ale to drown his shame.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Three Sisters Magic

Everyone was now seated comfortably in Baban Tylos’ study. The large leather chairs were so comfortable Aziza felt guilt. In front of each of them were the drinks they had requested. Aziza with her tea, Sanura with a Serpent’s tooth, Jonz with two half-filled steins one with Utter Moron and the other with Serpent's Tooth. Baban was not sure he’d get the mixture right so just brought two steins out and let the draconian mix it himself.

Sanura took a careful sip and gasped. “OH that is good … I can taste the mushrooms … and the hint of the poison! How wonderful!”

Aziza looked over to Sanura and shook her head. “Baban, Ardalis has been attacked and taken over by shadow demons.”

“What?” He said somewhat confused "The whole city?"

“Yes … the king has been killed and … the queen escaped into the jungle. She asked us to help her. Our mission was to come here and get the mages to help in the battle against the shadow demons.” Aziza explained.

“When the demons arrived at the gate to the school … I thought it best send the staff and students away. I used the back gate to sneak them out and sent them to Imveria, the small draconian town two days travel from here. There is a small magic school there. They were ordered not return for one lunar month.” The mage explained.

“Then you are it. We need you back in the city. Queen’s orders” Aziza said as she took another sip of her tea. She looked over to Sanura and saw she was starting to act weird. She was having the hardest time holding her head straight. Aziza took her drink away from her and placed it on the coffee table. “HEYYY” Sanura protested, but Aziza would have none of it.

“Could Sanura have some tea instead?” Aziza asked the mage.

“Why of course” Baban Tylos got up and made a cup of tea for Sanura

“Did the king get a chance to activate the city’s defenses?” Baban Tylos asked as he removed the tea leaves from the cup and brought it over to Sanura.

“What defenses … the imperial garrison was wiped out in the first attack. The demons can in from a portal under the city” Aziza explained.

“Do the lion statues in front of the west and east gates remain standing?” The chief mage asked, as he still stood and looked intently at Aziza.

“Yes I pretty sure none of them were damaged in the earthquake. Why?” She asked.

The wizard headed over the bookcase “it is here somewhere … I know I put it back” He mutter to himself. Then he exclaimed “AH HA!” and pulled a big old magic book out. He walked back to Aziza as he flipped through the pages and found the one he was looking for, and then handed the book to Aziza.

She saw a drawing on the stone lions walking in front of the main gate. “They are stone golem too?” She asked in surprise.

“Yes … but only the ruler of Ardalis can command them” Baban explained.

“Well … you need to figure out another way to control them … because they would be really useful right now!” Aziza said.

“It is not that easy” Baban tried to explain looking over his glasses.

Jonz put down his empty beer stein. “Why?” He asked “I thought a golem’s creator can command the golem” He stated and grabbed Sanura glass of Serpent’s tooth "no reason for this to go to waste" He told Sanura and Aziza.

Baban smiled “I see Jonz has knowledge of golems … Yes, you are quite correct. In this case however, the golem’s creator ordered the golem to obey the commands of another person, the ruler of Ardalis. Additionally I gave them the order no to obey any further orders from me. So I can’t resume control over my creations. It was done to ensure the ruler of Ardalis would have full control over the golems.” He explained.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Jonz downed the Serpent Tooth and gave a slight huff,

"Though you are not the first to make such acreature and place that certain command on it. The garrison I grew up in had tales and history. I can remember three instances when such a command was made, but that the the new, shall we say "owner" of the golem got power mad and turned the golem eventually on their creator."

Jonz gave a slight smile,

"The creators in each story had a way to wrestle control away from the "owners" and managed to save their own lives and the lives of various amounts of persons and creatures. There must be a way to gain control of the golems if the king or queen falls under the powers of these demons."

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Shadow Demon Commander

The Shadow Demon Commander was seated in King Goldenmane’s throne room. A hideous floating brain bug entered the chamber.

“Sub-commander Jakkla reporting” It announced to the shadow demon commander.

“Report” The shadow demon commander ordered, frustration spilling over in his voice.

“Yes commander” The brain demon replied. “The merchant quarter of the city is in full rebellion. Sub-commander Xaclack has been killed by a Halfling”

“A what?” The commander asked not believing its ears.

“A Halfling” Jakkla replied again.

“Explain?” The Shadow Commander ordered.

“A group of resistance fighters … attacked our execution company in the square. They were wiped out and all prisoners were saved. The rescue squad consisted of a few Tigrans, A Naga, A Worgen and a Halfling. Their leader is a female Tigran named Felina”

“MMMM” The Commander answered thinking.

“There is more … The mining town of Makla has been freed as well. The queen attacked … as resistance fighters within the town joined in. Our forces were eradicated. The leaders were the same as the last battle; Deson Hild, a human knight of the church, Skadu, a Tigran hunter, and a talon commander named Mirri.

“What about the iron shipments?” The Commander asked.

“The shipments have arrived safely here in Ardalis.” Jakkla reported.

There was a pause as the shadow demon commander thought.

“Prepare the harvesters to attack the Merchant quarter, make sure the quarter is completely surrounded. I want no tigran to escape. However, before you attack, let’s use our newest weapon, King Goldenmane!” The Commander chuckled in a horrible and sinister way. “And prepare the iron to re-enforce the portal. The Queen is a Fool … the town of Makla is un-important, the iron shipment was the real prize and they missed it. With the iron here the plan is complete.”

The sub-commander saluted “Sir it shall be done … but are you not worried about these heroes? They have proven to be difficult.”

The Shadow Demon Commander leaned back in the throne. “Sub-commander, let me instruct you about heroes. They can slow things down … but in the end we will win. It is all about the numbers. Their courage or noble qualities cannot stem the tide from entire another dimension. It is impossible. Some of the common creatures on this planet will admire them … for their devotion but it is a losing battle. One person … or a group of people cannot make a difference. It is that simple.”

Jakkla nodded and left the chamber.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Baban Tylos gets an idea!

Baban looked at the draconian and rubbed his chin. “But how?”

Sanura spoke up “Easy … get the Queen to activate them”

Aziza looked at her “Yes … but she is off in the jungle we’d need to get a message to her”

“And if the King still lives …it won’t work” Baban pointed out.

“Have the King or Queen appoint Baban ... king for a day” Sanura said.

“Same problems as the last idea … we’d need to be able to communicate with either the King or Queen” Aziza said “What about magical adjusting the golems. You’d be the creator again and would have control” Aziza suggested.

“I was thinking about that myself … but that would be tricky, the spells are all layered. Would be easier to start from scratch” The mage explained.

“How about having the tigran's pick their new ruler … ruler ship is derived from the consent of the governed. Explain to the people of Ardalis … you need to be king to activate the golems ...Ok that was a dumb idea” Aziza said knowing that in an occupied Ardalis that would be hard.

“I think I know a way!” Baban said with excitement, sticking his finger in the air. “But there are risks! Do any of you know why this school does not allow flesh golems?”

Aziza and Sanura nodded that they did not. Jonz nodded that he did. Baban Tylos smile at Jonz “I will explain it to them” He said and walked over and got another book off the shelf handing it to Aziza this time. She read the title “Ethics and Flesh Golems”

“That is the first book and course students that attend this academy take. Those who can’t abide by the rules are expelled without exception. This was the result from many years ago, when an evil mage started a construct of flesh to produce a flesh golem. He used old corpses and stitched them together. Then captured a wild fey and via a series of spells and rituals produced a flesh golem.

He used the monster to attack fellow academy members usually at night. Golems are very effective against Mages as no magic has any effect on the golem. After a few deaths and remaining good mages fought a bloody battle for almost four hours against the golem, nearly half of the academy was destroyed; five of its best mages and close to twenty students lay dead.

Surviving mages were able to determine that the spells cast by the evil mage trapped a fey spirit within the golem. This is unethical and evil magic” Baban explained.

“But don’t you trap an earth elemental within the stone golems?” Aziza asked “Is that not the same thing?”

“No … the Earth elementals are not bound in stone... they are living stone. It's not "I take this spirit and put it in the rock" It's "I summon the spirit OF this rock." Baban explained.

“I get it … but how does this help us?” Aziza asked.

“Simple … I’m going to free the living rock spirit to make its own decisions!” Baban explained

“You are going to free 4 100 ton statues that are as smart as a box of rocks on Ardalis!” Aziza asked in amazement “I see the risk in this idea!”

Baban was smiling “Let’s go … I can’t wait to see what will happen!”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hocus Halocus

Felina and the rest of the resistance movement members worked their way to the barricades near the west gate. Everywhere they went there were joyous crowds to greet them. Felina had never seen the merchant quarter so excited and jubilant as today.

Scar was grumbling the whole way “Thes isnae a time tae celebrate! thaur is lots ay fightin' still tae dae!” He growled. He had explained to Felina that a counter attack would come and preparations were needed. That was one of the reason they were headed to the barricades.

Just then, a door along the street they were walking burst open and two wild tigran ran out. It was a Halocus Den (Tigran catnip). The smoke of the halocus herb poured out on to the street. The two tigrans … were super hyperactive, running around and chasing their tails. Felina could see other tigrans in the den rubbing their faces against sticks coated in the herb.

Jola hissed “Oh for goodness sakes!”

Felina laughed “Halocus … catnip for tigrans … It may take up to two hours for those two to "recover" from the effects.” Felina explained. “The stuff I have done under its effects … would make your tail stand on end …”

Jola turned to Scar “Why are we trying to save these tigrans again?” She asked.

Scar just shrugged, dumbfounded by the tigran lack of discipline.

Felina smiled “Now might be a good time to discuss how we need to organize. There are teams of resistance fighters making weapons. Soon we will have at least 5000 tigrans to command. Shall we each lead a group? Shall we make Scar our field general? Should Gilly be in charge of our special operations group? What kind of military command structure should we develop?” Felina asked.

Same thing different Town

Makla’s revelers display uninhibited gestures of emotion … there was drinking, kissing, and other stuff that was more than kissing. Tigrans got high on Halocus, sang songs and danced in the streets. The Queen, the Mayor and resistance fighter Boraks, seemed to be getting all the attention. They were still in the streets.

Mirri, Sir Deson Hild, Isis, Lord Haki and Commander Hatur all sat quietly in the dark and seedy bar they had first met the mayor. No one said much. They listen to the celebration outside, they were happy for the town’s people, but they knew there was a lot more fighting that needed to be done ... to take back Ardalis.

Isis looked over to Mirri “so where is your new boyfriend?”

Mirri smiled “Cyclops is helping clean up. He saved my life you know.”

As if on cue ... the door to the bar opened and Skadu and Cyclops walked in. They were greeted by Commander Hatur, who raised his beer tankard and said “Welcome to our celebrations ... it is a sad event ... bring us stories of your victories”

 

[DeathsKnight]

Deson had taken time to wipe away some of the ichor which stained his face, his armor, hair, neck and shield still held the remnants of ichor, crossbow bolts and scores where weapons had struck at him. He sat in a darker corner, brooding over the stone jug of ale and tankard which stood in front of him. He knew that he had done his part, helped quite a deal with the assault by saving more lives. His magical energy was drained, so he could not even help those who might not survive their wounds, he could not even heal his own wounds.

Once more he had done all he could, but his shame at almost killing the Tigran queen still stung him harder than any barb, sword, dagger or arrow ever could. He had been given a sacred mission, he failed in that. He had undertaken to protect the queen and practically failed in that as well, even in defending her life, he placed her in jeapordy. He took a deep swallow from his tankard and looked down into the depths of the dark ale.

 

[wombat9966]

Mirri

Mirri smiled as Skadu and Cyclops walked in. After the commander greeted them she waved them over and hooked another chair and pulled it over for Skadu. Cy looked disappointed until she grabbed his hand and got up forcing him to sit in her chair then bouncing into his lap. He wrapped his large arms and hands around her an grinned. Mirri smiled at him then grabbed both his cheeks in her hands and planted a big kiss on his lips. Cy got a look of shock on his face as did all of those around the table then loud shouts erupted as Cy got a bigger goofy smile on his face and Mirri blushed a little.

"Well I did promise you that Cy and it seems a small price to pay for my life, so I think I will just stay here for the rest of the night if you don't mind."
Cy's grin got even wider if at all possible and he held her even tighter. " Pretty pussycat can sit here as long as she likes," he said in glee.

Mirri looked at the faces of her friends and shrugged. "I like him, so what. Now who has what to report."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Mirri, Skadu, Cyclops, Isis, Lord Haki and Commander Hatur sat around the large table drinking the ale. Sir Deson Hild sat by himself staring into his tankard. Soon there was joke telling and laughing coming from the large table, as the warriors used the humor to blow off the stress of combat. The story of Cyclops’ rescue of Mirri was told several times from different viewpoints. Skadu tale of the demon battle was met with ohhhs and ahhhs. The hunter did not reveal the important information he had acquired yet, as he was waiting for the queen to return from the streets. Lord Haki told of the queen’s catapult distraction. The two big tigrans from the ram team came over and thanked the lord and offered to buy more rounds. They also wanted to thank the human knight of the church for his distraction. Lord Haki pointed to the knight in the corner.

The two tigrans headed over and thanked him, offering to buy more drinks for him as well. This offer did not seem to bring joy to the knight. Something was bothering him despite his heroic actions in the battle. The tigrans did not understand human behavior well enough to comprehend the knight’s reaction and departed.

Shortly afterwards, the queen entered the bar and stood near the large table. She called to the knight that she had heard important news. She explained that parts of the city of Ardalis were in full resistance to the shadow demons. Scar had done his part. She was also told that the demon attack into the human kingdom of Palamar had been soundly defeated. There were only sketchy reports on how the victory was accomplished. The reports included the dead coming back alive and slaying the demons, of elves assisting the humans, and reports of dragons burning the demons away from the skies. Surely all these reports could not be true.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Deson did listen to the queen, a frown creased his brow,

"If the dead rose that can mean only one thing, that the Knight of Death had taken an interest in the matter. He is the only one who can summon the dead to attack demons. There is many who manage to summon the dead, but usually the dead is only demons wearing the disguise of the deceased and nine times out of ten the demons break the bonds and kill the summoner."

He seemed to realize that he still wore his gauntlets and slipped his hands from them, placing them on the table. He stared at the ale for a few moments,

"Dragons are not known to take well to any other creature, the Elves does have a shaky relationship with humans so it is not really all that difficult to believe that they would have helped if the need was great. The only thing that doesn't fit is the dragons."

He turned his attention back to his drink and drank down more of the ale.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Queen Shella listened to the Sir Hild; he clearly knew much from that part of the world. But she also noted the melancholy in his voice. Skadu appeared ready to say something, but the queen held up her hand. “Skadu please hold that thought … I need to speak with the human knight for a moment.” She said and walked over to the Knight’s table “Deson may I join you?”

There was just a slight nod from the knight. The queen took it as affirmation of her request. She sat down and spoken in a low voice so it would be a private conversation between the two of them.

“I know little of the Kingdom of Palamar and the surrounding regions. I have many questions. This death knight you speak of … is he good or evil? He appears to have helped the humans. I know that is your race" She said and place her hand on his arm, before continuing "but I respect your opinion. Tigrans have always had a strong respect and admiration for humans. But recently, there have been rumors of expansion and attacking neighbors. Can the humans be a reliable ally? And what of the dragons? Their natural ally is the draconians, but would they help us?”

 

[DeathsKnight]

He grimaced slightly at her words,

"My race...yes they are and I have proved just what they are capable of. Pity that it had to be me to show how fallible humans are."

He finished his ale,

"Draconians are your allies as well, they hate demons as much as I do, that was what brought them into being, the need to kill demons. That bit is still as part of them as breathing. The demons even had to create creatures which could kill Draconians, but these creatures could not stand against dragons. I think that if you could get Draconians on your side, they might even get dragons to side with you."

He poured the last bit of ale into his tankard,

"The Knight of Death is like Death, not evil nor good, just the embodiment of what all fear. If he partook in the battle that meant that Death had something to say about it. Otherwise he would just have sat by and ferried energy and souls to the realm of his lady."


Deson scratched at his jaw, it had grown stubbly,

"As for humans attacking neighbors...I can not vouch for them not doing so, if the Church does not step in, then the rumors can either not be true, or they have not yet reached the Church."

He looked at the ale and then back at the queen,

"It is possible, though I doubt that they would turn to the side of the demons. Humans know usually when evil will make use of them and then toss them away like broken toys when they're done. In a fight against the demons I think that they will be reasonable trustworthy..."

He looked at the ale,

"Just don't trust your life in their hands."

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Queen listened carefully to Deson’s advice and counsel. It was what she had come to expect from the human knight. Excellent insight and the non-sugar coated truth. He would make an excellent adviser to a royal family if ever choose that profession, but she knew that line of work would drive him crazy, so it was unlikely. Nonetheless, he was good at it. She also detected the introspective sadness from him that somehow he had failed her or maybe he had failed his mission. His words replayed in her mind “Pity that it had to be me to show how fallible humans are."

“Deson, your attack on the wall was brilliant, it shortened the assault and saved many lives. I do not view your service to the tigran nation as a failure. Your service has been heroic and aspirational. Others have hope and view you as a role model from it. I have never thought humans were infallible … but you are less fallible than most. Brave, innovative, and strong. Come join the other table. There are many that owe you their lives and wish to express their gratitude … including myself” the queen said in a low and caring voice.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Deson slowly shook his head,

"I may not have failed you when the wall was taken, but I did fail my holy mission, to prevent the demons from taking the city, to warn your people of the demons' interest in your people and resources. I took it as my knightly duty to protect you and the Shadow assassin almost killed you, then in slaying that demon I nearly killed you. One good thing does not redeem me, I have failed and the fact that I'm still alive proves that The One wants me to become humble, I must have allowed arrogance and pride to come into my life and I will have to atone for my sins before I will be able to be a true knight again."

He looked at the queen,

"Your life is not safe in my hands."

 

[BreezySnow]

“Hold on a minute,” Gilly replied. “I am not working with some doped out Tigran on Special Operations! If they are working with me they have to be clean 24/7, no exceptions! I will not risk other’s lives because Tigran want catnip!” Gilly crossed her arms and stomped her foot to show she meant what she said!

She looked around and saw Scar and Jola trying to not laugh. It was probably funny to see a halfing acting so big and tough, but she meant it, there was no way she was going to risk people’s lives because some could not follow orders.

“Besides, what do we need Special Operations for now? Aren’t we starting to win this thing?” Gilly asked.