Stamrad sighed heavily, plunging his blade deep into the chest of yet another of the Northern Giants. When the troop of monsters had arrived to the nearest camp, the savages hadn't hesitated to attack. The battle didn't last long, Stamrad's military guidance, paired with their superior strength and weaponry made it a slaughter. Though a couple of ogres had been taken down by larger groups of the savages, the result of the battle had been inevitable. So, there Stamrad stood, looking down upon the eleven that had been spared, Viktor had requested some of the victims be left alive.

The savages struggles to escape their rope bonds, in a manner almost amusing to Stamrad. He waved to one of the ogres, who proceeded to unceremoniously slam the hilt of his axe into each of their heads, putting them to a very sudden sleep, before they were tossed in the cart with their dead brethren. Stamrad had found it odd that there were so few signs of life in the camp. Surely, this had to be their largest, yet they only had about eighty fighters among them, along with some unknown number of people who had fled in the battle. Still, any bodies were good bodies, as the prime directive was the expansion of their army. If that meant slaughtering a few innocent barbarians, who was Stamrad to argue? So, without hesitation, Stamrad began the trek back to the dungeon, knowing that Viktor would be pleased with his progress.

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In the town hall of Pracll, the Righteous Guild of Industry and commerce had gathered, the mass of bodies pressed tightly together at a table, a roaring fire burning in the fireplace behind them. Before them stood a shaking man, with a frenzied look in his eyes. The Guild had been hesitant to meet at such a time, saying that this could be put off until a better hour, but the man had insisted, saying it was of the utmost importance that they speak of this now. So, many of the members looked at him expectantly, wondering what it was that couldn't be put off until the sun rose.

"Beru Bestal- Today you have called a meeting of The Most Righteous Guild of Industry and Commerce. You are aware of the penalties, should we find this be a waste of our important time?" One man asked, not waiting for an answer to continue. It was only protocol, after all. "Now, what is this matter that was so important that it had to disturb our... important business?" Another asked. While they spoke, a pale man in the corner was furiously transcribing the conversation.

"G-g-gentlemen of The Righteous Guild... I come to you with a plea from the people. We have had no protection from you against the barbarian threat for years, yet you still boast of your role in the greater good of this town. We have relied on our own men, humble fishermen risking their lives to protect their lively hood- now today, we are faced with a threat like no other we have witnessed." Beru stammered, slowly gaining confidence in his little speech, standing straight. When he saw the malicious looks that rested upon The Guild members' faces, he cowered back down into a slouch. "Mister Bestal, we will overlook this obvious insult, to humor whatever ridiculous complaint you may have. What exactly is this threat?" Asked one of the younger members, his long face drawn taut in a scowl.

"Today I was out in the Northern lake, as I was assigned, when I was attacked by a troop of Northern Giants- I followed standard proc-" He managed to stammer out, before being interrupted. "Don't call them that. They are no legendary fighters deserving of such a name. They are nothing more than savages, disgusting animals. You glorify them." Beru looked a bit confused for a moment, before continuing. "These savages attacked, so I lit the signal fire, and boarded myself in the house- as procedure dictates. But as they reached my door, they were approached by another group. Monsters- disgusting creatures of flesh and iron attacked, killing the savages with no remorse. A walking suit of armor led them. I was saved only by the heroic few who dared respond to my signal." He said, shuddering as he brought up the terrifying memory. "These creatures are nothing to be trifled with- we need to contact Altearx, warn them- perhaps they will send assistance- Their warriors would be able to-" Beru said, his eyes lighting up before once again being cut off.

It was a woman who spoke now, face wrinkled with years of experience. In a pleasant but strong tone, she made clear that she was not to be interrupted. "We understand your concern, Mister Bestal, and appreciate your warning, but we are afraid that everything you have said today is absolute nonsense. Consider the fact that we have not locked you up yet a miracle." She said, before gesturing to two guards stationed at the door. "Do yourself a favor, and never speak of this again- some might not see your lies quite as clearly, and we don't need a panic on our hands, do we?" She said, her sweet voice dripping with malice. The guards proceeded to grab him, hoisting him through the door unceremoniously. "Don't bite the hand that feeds you, Mister Bestal!" One of the Guild called after him. As soon as the heavy doors slammed shut, a hooded man emerged from the shadows, looking expectantly at the woman. "I want him dead before the sun rises." She said simply, tossing a bag of coins to the man.