[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/dnTD6R4.jpeg[/img]

In collaboration with: [@dragonpiece] & [@YummyYummy][/center]

[hider=TL;DR]
The Battle of Reed Hill

While they managed to escape annihilation at the hands of a unified army of Virangish regulars, expeditionary forces, and volunteers, the Palaparese army and the rebellion in general is not in a good place, having lost most of their artillery and 30% of their treasury. The City of Betalo suffered brutally for the destruction of large portions of the Virangish fleet at anchor. 

Now, called back to the capital to defend it, the army of the nascent republic urgently recruits, rearms, and licks its wounds as Revidia and Tarlon send further arms though the weakened blockade. The Revidians, in particular, play a dangerous game, as Perrench forces, for the first time, have joined their allies to make up for recent losses. 

Left away from the capital, aside from local militias, is a small 500 man force under the command of Kidlat and the masked man. Their mandate is to shadow and keep tabs on the Unified Virangish Army now under the ascendant Piyale Karga. They are not to engage as it prepares in Sabu for a renewed offensive upon Ceboyan, likely to begin in a month's time. 

Throwing a sudden but not unwelcome wrench into this dynamic, news reaches Tku, via Fiske from a disgruntled Kashani loyalist, that Vizier Karga will be returning overland to Sabu from a visit to Betalo during the wee hours of the 36th of Jores, guarded by only twenty-four janissaries and a Zarina who may not be so inclined to put up a ferocious defense. 

Aware that it could be a trap or a suicide mission, a force of just over two-hundred breaks off from the shadow army to attempt an assassination. A short but ferocious battle results in success and a return to base in triumph. However, the expected retaliatory force from Sabu doesn't materialize immediately and, instead, Ertan Kashani takes direct control of the Unified Virangish Army and marches south towards Ceboyan weeks earlier than expected.

It is up to this small rebel force of 500 to harden a position and mount a defense that will stall, hamper, or force an army nearly twenty times their size to turn back and buy the capital forces a crucial chance to finish equipping, drilling, and stocking up.

The place that they choose is suggested by a local volunteer: a tall hill that commands a good view of the surrounding countryside. They name it reed hill, for its most well-known feature and, with only a day and a half to prepare, begin to turn it into a fortress. None are under the illusion that this will be anything other than a heroic last stand, but over half decide to remain and fight to the last man. Whether or not any survive, their heroism will inspire a nation and could change the course of history.[/hider]

[hider=Upon the Horizon]
Rarely came days that Desmond and Tku could meet up, and today would have to be one of those rare days. On a sloped hill where the coffee trees grow, Tku took the moment to watch the scenery. The winds lightly shifted the trees, and he felt at peace for a moment. The rumors and information Fiske gave were tantalizing. Taking out that target could bring Palapar one step closer to deciding their own fate. But he grew more nervous about it at every wandering thought.

[color=734960][i]What if they are more well-guarded than we thought? Was this purposely leaked so that they could lead some of our stronger operatives away? What if this were all fake and we spent precious time doing this instead of preparing and fighting? What if all of this was for nothing?[/i][/color]

In the end, these ideas could only fester in himself as he waited for Desmond to arrive. 

[color=gold]”It’s been some time hasen’t it?”[/color], a deep and smooth Revidian voice cut through the quiet thoughts of Tku as it revealed a man garbed in black with a mask of similar darkness. It was his eyes that were different, they were a rainbow of colors that were hard to distinguish from each other.

[color=734960]"Oh haven’t you grown more colorful since our last meeting. And maybe a little more charming to the ear."[/color] Tku patted a mat besides him for Desmond to take a seat.

It took a moment as the man finally made his way to the mat and sat next to him. He looked to Tku and spoke, [color=gold]”Quite lovely isn’t it?”[/color] As they looked out to the country side. It was a land filled with strife at the moment, yet the natural beauty was impossible to ignore. The gorgeous land filled with trees that swayed lazily in the wind. Yet it was a place made for the profit of another, yet that did little to take away from the beauty, especially now that it was liberated.

[color=734960]"I would have to be blind to not see it."[/color] he chuckled to himself. [color=734960]"Sadly I do believe that we will have to go somewhere less liberated. I received word on an opportunity. We could aim at Karga. Though I fear it may be costly."[/color] Tku stated with some worry. 

The dark clothing and mask made it hard to tell what the dark figure was thinking. The eyes made it even harder to tell what was being thought. It took a few moments before he spoke, [color=gold]”Where did this come from?”[/color] Thoughts were hard to find from the physical actions or cues from the man in the dark mask. Yet his words made it easy. This was a good thing, they could deal a blow to help themselves, yet they needed to know if this was a real lead. Or if this was going to be a trap.

Tku started to pull out some scrap paper, [color=734960]"It came from Fiske on one of his undercover works. He got close to someone on the Virangish and found out that Karga was returning to Sabu from Betalo. It would be on the 26th. Even had the number janisaries and Zarina there."[/color] Tku opened up a map for a proposed route he had conjured. [color=734960]"I don’t know if it would be a trap or not. But it might be worth sending some for the chance."[/color]

The man nodded his head. It was a lead with much of the information needed, yet there was that itching feeling. This was a bad omen. Nothing good comes without a price. A sigh escaped the mask as the man behind it spoke, [color=gold]”Who?”[/color]

[color=734960]"An old friend,"[/color] Tku replied.[/hider]

[hider=The Setting Sun]
It was the 35th of Jores, it had been only a bit of time since the fighting for Palapar had started. Yet it felt as if it had been years. The sun still hung well into the sky, while the weather was cooling, the sun still cast out all shadows when it was noon, well, most shadows. Kidlat began his walk through the camp, a simple action that he used to calm his own mind while taking account of supplies and things needed within the camp. It was calm and still slightly warm, yet then a wind blew through that sent a chill down his back. Kidlat turned and found behind him the black masked Volti. He stood there as if he had always been there. It was unnerving, it felt as if the man was in some kind of play. Yet with how he acted, it felt too genuine to be anything more than who he was.

[color=8181F7]”How may I help you?”[/color] Kidlat broke the quiet tension that was building between them as they looked to each other.

[color=gold]”It seems we have received some interesting news. As we know, Karga is to be leading the Unified VIrangish Army”[/color].

Kidlat nodded his head as he allowed the man to continue, taking note that this conversation had to do with Karga.

[color=gold]”It seems Karga is not with his army as of right now. He is in Betalo as of right now and will be returning overland through the dead of night”[/color]. 

Black King spoke calmly, his voice being one that seems almost nonchalant about it. Yet the intention was palpable and easy to read, this was a time unlike any other. They had a chance to deal a major blow to the Virangish army by striking at a key figure. Yet there were questions that needed to be answered.


[color=8181F7]”Can we trust this information?”[/color]


[color=gold]”The information itself? Yes. But that alone is the only part we can trust.”[/color]

Kidlat nodded his head as he thought. He knew what that could mean.

[color=8181F7]”Do you think this is a trap?”[/color]

Black King was silent for a moment before he spoke.

[color=gold]”Quite likely. Yet with 24 Jannisaries and a mage with near mythical levels of magical potential, I believe this could also be a tad bit of overconfidence. This came from a genius mage who can hide even in plain sight.”[/color].

Kidlat thought for a moment, looking around before looking around at the men and women around him. Thinking about how they have been ordered to shadow the Virangish army and keep tabs. Yet this would be a reach of that. Yet more importantly, if this was a trap, he would be sending many of them to their death. Not only killing them, but everything they have been working towards. Yet, this was a chance, Piyale Karga was a dangerous opponent, his leadership and skill was something hard to handle. Then with a force greater than their own, it would be near impossible to beat back. Kidlat turned back to Black King, [color=8181F7]”What is the plan?”[/color]

[color=gold]”We will need to send a small yet decisive force. 200 hundred men and quite a bit of non-essential soldiers with the Gift”[/color]. Black King spoke calmly, yet with assuredness

Kidlat nodded his head as he thought aloud, [color=8181F7]”200, eh? That is quite big for a small force. If something goes wrong-”[/color].

[color=gold]”-I’ll be there to handle it”[/color]. Black King interjected.

Kidlat was unsure if this was an assurance that nothing would go wrong or that if something did go wrong, the man who made it go wrong would be punished. Yet it did give some ease, for at least Kidlat knew that Karga would perish. Just how much death that will be included was unknown. 

Kidlat turned away as he began to look around once more. He knew this could be the last he would see of the people here. 500 people he had walked with, fought with, and had to struggle with, they could die here. [color=8181F7]”I will see who will be able to work for this”[/color].

Kidlat turned back, and saw the man was gone.[/hider]

[hider=The Twilight]
The night had still not approached, yet it loomed as the sun began to hang low. The masked Volti, often referred to as Black King, sat on a small hill overlooking a camp of 500 men. It had been days since they had received news of what happened in the City of Betalo. They had barely survived the unified Virangish army as of recent, much of what they had for arms, weapons, and support was dwindling. 

Yet some news did reach that they had begun to be backed by Revidian and Tarlonese support. The blockade was being weakened, if only enough to allow for small and high-risk runs to come through. Yet many knew that the Revidians were playing a dangerous game. Perrench allies were trying to blockade them, which meant that Perrence would send forces, if only in small forces. Yet for Perrence, a small amount would make up well enough of the losses on the Virangish side.

[color=8181F7]”I brought a few of the magically gifted you requested,”[/color], Kidlat cut the silence of Black King’s contemplation. Behind him stood 20 men and women, each one was touched by the Gift. Black King looked among them; some were hardened and ready, while others were less so. Each wore matching clothing made by Tku and his fashion-orientated eye. They were truly turning into a true fighting force, except for a few who stood out.

[color=pink]”C’est un plaisir de vous revoir une fois de plus, mon maître”[/color], a woman garbed in all black much similar to Black King gave him a light bow. She wore a red cape and wielded a large ornate sword at her hip.

[color=gold]”Lève-toi, ma lame”[/color], Black King’s Revidian accent made the Perrench words roll slowly yet powerfully. The woman arose, wearing a mask much similar to Black King’s own. She stepped back as Kidlat then spoke, [color=8181F7]”I will leave the rest of the discussion with them to you. I must prepare the others”[/color].

Black King cleared his throat as he began to speak, [color=gold]”You have all been chosen to perform a night strike mission upon Piyale Karga. We will be moving out soon as you will be the forward facing force to allow for our approach to be silent and unseen”[/color].

Black King looked among the group, each person was looking around before a slimmer woman stepped forward, Maria, [color=green]”Excuse, me masked one”[/color].

Black King’s head turned slightly to the woman as he said, [color=gold]”You may speak”[/color].

[color=green]”May I ask why does it feel tense?”[/color].

[color=gold]”Because we may be walking into a trap”[/color].

Many of the people there began to feel tense. Being told they were being sent into a trap made many of them on edge. Maria continued after a moment of pause, [color=green]”Then why do we go?”[/color]

[color=gold]”It must be done. Even if it is a trap. Karga is a dangerous man who must be stopped before he can join the army. If not, we may never get a chance to cut the head of the serpent”[/color].

Some murmurs began to spread as Tomas, a larger and broad man stepped forward [color=red]”Will this help?”[/color]

Black King nodded his head, [color=gold]”Of course it will”[/color].

Tomas stepped forward, making way through the others, lightly putting his hand onto their shoulders as he smiles at them with some reassurance. [color=red]”Then that is all I need to know. What are we waiting for?”[/color]

[color=gold]”Night fall. Rest, Tku will collect you with supplies for the journey once it is to come”[/color].

Many of them began to disperse. Each one is preparing themselves for what could be their last day. While some like Tomas welcomed it, others like Maria, seemed worried or even outright afraid. Yet they all would go the same. It was those like Tomas and Tku, who would inspire those who were worried to go further. It may be the only thing they had going for them. As they knew, the Virangish was an empire all too powerful, and as news got to them, it only made it more apparent. Yet they could feel as if they were doing something to keep the revolution alive. If only minorly.[/hider]

[hider=The Dark Visitor]
[color=goldenrod][i]’Information is only as good as the one checking it.’[/i][/color]

The voice of a gruff old man rang out. It was simple yet crucial idea that made or broke an army. 

it was Black King himself, supported by Keearah who made their way to Betalo. Here they needed to ensure that the information was accurate. Even a modicum of truth in it would mean they had a chance to take out Karga. The moment Black king and Keearah arrived at Betalo, they realized that it was much easier than expected to check for such information. As with the tethered range that Keearah had, she was able to check many of the energy signatures that would be there. 

As one important one was easy to pick out as the night grew. Zarina was a tall woman, built defendly well, and had a distinct signature because of her affliction with being a Wildblood. It took a moment between the two, they had to get closer, yet Keearah couldn’t. She was too easily seen, which left one option.

Black King stood up from his spot and began to walk down into town. Keearah was always curious how he entered areas always covered from head to toe in dark black clothing. Keearah watched as he strolled on in. As if no one questioned why a man in a dark mask and dark clothing would be walking into town. Yet Keearah watched as he lightly danced around multiple people. Lightly stepping in between people as it was not until he had made it to the center of the market that Keearah fully realized, no one could see him at all. They ignored him as if he did not exist. The moment he made notice of what he needed to know, he began to walk back. Slowly as he once more danced around people. Being sure not to touch a single person as he made his way back up the hill.

Keearah was astonished at the pure comedy of it all. It felt less like a master assassin, and more like the greatest practical joke she had seen. The man walked directly to the center of a market to find his target and left. A single word slipped from her lips, [color=teal]“How?”[/color]

Black King looked to Keearah as he answered her question, with one in return, [color=gold]”How, what?”[/color]

[color=teal]“How were you able to do that?”[/color]

Black King thought for a moment, he knew the answer quite well. He knew that he was using his magic to have those he chooses to ignore him from their conscious thought. Making him essentially invisible to those looking at him.

[color=gold]”I erase my presence. They can’t see me because of how skilled I am”[/color].

Keearah looked confused as she reiterated her question. Knowing this may have been one of the few times she had a chance to talk to this master assassin. Especially with him entertaining her question.

[color=teal]“If you can do that. Why are we sending forces to assassinate Karga? Why not just yourself?”[/color]

Black King took a moment as he realized what she was asking. Why didn’t [i]he[/i] just do it himself. Right now. He nodded to himself as he looked back to Keearah, [color=gold]”I only erase myself from their conscious self. Their spirit and manas will notice me if I threaten them. And in a situation like this, I would not be able to perform the deed without a battle that could cause too much damage to this town”[/color].

It felt as if he spoke the truth, yet it felt strange, an Assassin who cared for people deeply. Maybe it was just who he was. Yet it made more sense on why he could not deal the blow alone. The damage they could cause could turn the town into a war zone. If he was such a compassionate man, it would then make sense why he couldn’t kill Karga here, he would be unable to deal a lethal blow without hurting others.
[/hider]

[hider=The Midnight March]
200 fighting men and women began a march when darkness fell. They made haste as they needed to catch Vizier Karga before he had a chance to meet with a larger force. It was less of a march and more of a quick step nearing a run. Many of those chosen are ones who have been known to be swift and able to run for long periods of time. Even as they ran, some began to get exhausted, yet they needed to move at this speed. If Karga was anything, he was one to use everything he had. Virang was known for their horses, and if Karga was moving in such a small group, it must have been with horses.

The group had moved multiple hours through the night, as it was already past midnight. The moon had already reached its apex and passed. Now was the true time to see if the information was accurate. As they neared Sabu, and then went further passed it, they laid in wait for their quarry to come. Some had only minor rest, while others kept themselves ‘warmed up’ through minor exercises or doing other duties.

Black King himself was watching quietly, as next to him was one of his own, Rose. 

[color=pink]”I believe they will be here soon”[/color].

[color=gold]”What makes you think that?”[/color]

[color=pink]”Well my feet are bloody tied and I would hate to have to move any more”[/color].

Even behind the masks, it was almost easy to tell that they were smiling. A giggle came from Rose as she even covered where her mouth would be while doing so. A slight eye roll came from Black King as he spoke.

[color=gold]”Prepare to move again”[/color].

[Color=Pink]”The sun hasn’t risen yet, I wanna rest!”[/color] Rose sighed as she leaned back in disappointment. Yet she stopped the moment she saw Black King was not laughing or even gesturing he was joking.

[color=gold]”They’re coming”[/color].

As in the distance, only with magic enhancing the eyes, could even the thinnest glimmer be seen. Both Rose and Black King could see the slight kicking up of dust. More importantly, little glints of altered light off in the distance. A tell-tale sign that a mage was using arcane magic around their eye to magnify their sight, or even using magic to increase the light they received to see in low light nights. It was a trick that many mages knew about, yet only few knew about the glaring problem it had.

As the revolutionary forces began to move near the road to cut Karga’s forces off, a few prepared for other measures. The leaders watched as the horses and men came closer and closer, the main force hid, waiting for the signal to strike.[/hider]

[hider=Black Night]
Many pillars held the established presence of the Virangish Trading Company in Palapar, but none were more integral to its current structure and circumstances than Vizier Piyale Karga. The true mastermind of the operation so many gave their lives to take down, and many more would still, and thus a man that was both excessively cautious and determined to get things done as effectively as possible. 

He rode in a carriage pulled by prized Mora Metek horses from Firraz. Twenty five men and women on horses or by foot, some of the most elite available in Palapar, were escorting the integral decision maker through the perilous fields of a land at war. The cover of night was preferable, although some wondered if their enemy’s finest would truly care. 

Stalking the skies of Palapar was a creature that melded almost seamlessly with the darkness. Big, powerful and with a perpetual eye on the most important man of the Virangish side. The reasons for her presence there weren’t entirely clear to the rebels, but one could surmise that her position came with obligations in spite of her health or protests. In the end, she likely would have accepted regardless, if only for the sake of her fellow countrymen.

Within the dead of night, the movement of horses and a cart were easily heard. The revolutionary forces lay in wait. They had Karga and his janissaries outnumbered 4 to 1, yet many of them would be mages. They needed to ensure that their attack was successful. Many within the revolutionary force began to feel sweat forming. Their mouths began to feel dry as nervousness began to set in. Even for someone like Tomas, he held his rifle nervously. Yet they knew this moment was what they were meant to do. 

In different parts of the forest near the road, 200 men and women waited just outside of sensing range. While being outside of the effective range of a mage’s sensing abilities, it was also outside of the effective range of their guns. Yet, they aimed to make up for that with sheer volume of fire. They waited; they knew the signal would be hard to miss. Within moments, all hell broke loose. The road underneath the horses and cart caved in slightly. Dropping them down and stopping them for just a moment. The revolutionaries all roared out as they aimed their weapons and fired. Aiming towards Karga and his carriage. Two hundred guns ripped through the night. For a studied mage, putting up a defense upon the battlefield would be simple. They would have time, warning and be mentally prepared. Yet here? The revolutionaries aimed to give them no time to react.

When the first shot was fired, the entirety of the defending force scrambled into a formation they had recited for the equivalent of days. Karga’s and Kashani’s finest, after all. Two hundred guns, however, resulted in a variety of casualties. An easy fourth were either dead or injured. The rest erected barriers, lowered themselves or countered with projectiles of their own that swallowed the bullets. 

The carriage was robust enough to take an initial volley, while the bodyguards within worked to reinforce the structure and keep it sealed. The horses were already goners, meaning their best bet was hunkering down.

Visibility remained low, only increasingly more and more as fiery projectiles were hurled into the forest. That was until the black dragon finally made her appearance. An immense drawing took place, enough to cause the trees to bend in one direction and some bullets to stop mid-way. And then, to ensure none could question her willingness to defend lord and country, the aerial defender unleashed a searing, red death ray down as she flew over the forest, showering it with an inferno of destruction. Naturally, the greenery caught fire, where it wasn’t rendered immediately into ash.

If there wasn’t enough light to illuminate the heavens then, there sure was now. The guardian dragon was no longer a mere shadow. 

The revolutionaries were not ill-prepared for such a ferocious attack. They knew well that the janissaries would put up a fight. So they prepared defenses, as among them were those gifted by the gods. While not all of them were true mages, like Tku and Black King, they were all skilled enough to defend themselves against some attacks. Yet, a dragon of immense power was another story. Many of them would not make it out, even with the gift.

But an unexpected person in the forest was none other than Tku. He had blocked this kind of attack before, and he would do it again. Binding and dark magic rippled across the ground as earth turned to blackened stone and layers of dark energy siphoned some of the energy. He could not block all of it, for she was just too much but he could lessen the impact all the same. [color=purple]”Pull the injured to the side and continue!”[/color] he called out his order. He stared in the sky to see Zarina and he couldn’t help but fear. She was not his friend, just an enemy who would kill his allies.

Many of the revolutionaries began to pick themselves and their friends up. Many of which were burned badly, yet none outright died, yet. However, this did not dissuade them in their attack. As many of them began to reload and tend to the wounded, the mages among them began to fire back onto the carriage and the janissaries. Taking burning debris and bottles and lobbing them at and over the hastily made defenses with the help of the Gift. Bottles began to break as it produced liquids that, once even lightly touched by the burning debris, burned with such intensity that they could cook a man.

The monster in the sky watched as molotov-like projectiles were launched over to her “side’s” forces. Zarina, very much transformed, clenched her jaw inhaled deeply. An inhale that snuffed out some of the flames used on Karga’s security detail. And then, with a singular punch, many of the glass projectiles were made to shatter instantly from the shockwave, causing them to quickly catch flames as the forest still burned around them. 

The black dragon flew lower. Her drawing was nauseating to all, even her own people. Wicked, golden and reptilian eyes glowed in the semi-darkness, daring the enemy to take her on.

The revolutionaries were beginning to scatter underneath the fire and fury of the dragon. The heat was being managed the best it could as both mages and Tku began to get defensive. Yet still, some gathered themselves and fired their rifles. Some fired upon the carriage and janissaries, while the others fired upon the dragon above them. It was then, when the dragon’s attention was upon the revolutionaries and their mundane weapons, another shot rang out. Further than any of the others, it was well outside of the casting range of any normal mage and even those trained and learned. It was a shot that was both malicious in its trajectory and methodical in its timing. It oozed both terrible dark magic and overwhelming power. It ripped through the night as it aimed to smash itself into the Zarina before it exploded.

Regular bullets bounced off her dark hide. They were a distraction to the real intrigue, to which she reacted to immediately once the power surge had entered her senses’ range. As the unusual bullet approached her, the consistent draw had not only siphoned its momentum but time around it had dilated. The VOID-kissed bullet was caught, the head colliding with nothing and thus unexploded.

[color=#000000]“Try. Better.”[/color] a distorted mesh of dragon and human sounds formed this barely recognizable voice. None could really hear it through the gunshots, but the sentiment could be felt by those who knew.

The dragon turned the bullet toward its progenitor and tapped the butt with her claw, shooting it with the same speed it had been sent toward her.

The combat below began to sway, as the janissaries became able to see their assailants. They began to throw more deliberate attacks. Yet still, Tku’s skill and the others were a match enough through sheer numbers. The flames had slowly been drawn out as the mages began to use the flames to fuel spells. The combat was beginning to become ferocious as more and more fuel began to be put into the proverbial fire. The bullet flew back with the same malicious intent it had aimed at the dragon. It streaked into the night like a shooting star. Black King watched as the bullet came towards him like a vicious predator ready to kill. The bullet came at him, and yet he did not feel any worry as he outstretched his hand. As the bullet neared, he twisted his hand.

The bullet began to fly upward, twisting as it took a high and wide turn to fly directly back towards the dragon. Black King took his two fingers and pressed them to his mask, mimicking that he had pressed them to his lips before pointing them towards the dragon. In his hand, a gorgeous rifle appeared from nothingness. Sleek in form, the rifle looked odd in all forms, as the moment he pulled the trigger, nothing happened. As the moment the Voidkissed bullet neared Zarina, she could feel the fabric of reality tear as something ripped its way through time. 

Another bullet filled with indescribable energy appeared directly in front of her as both bullets aimed to collide with each other, directly at Zarina’s large center scale.

The threads of time were tugged in a linear, almost primitive manner. To the beast with half the mind of a human, it was nostalgic. Her first steps as a temporal mage, the first courses with her sensei. Such memories had become commonplace in Palapar, she realized. What would be a surprise to many would be the most standard of attacks between time mages. And so, for a moment, she pondered what to do with those trickshotted bullets. To catch, to dodge, to destroy

How about an opportunity? One that Zarina would not have considered if not for the her bestial nature setting aside risk for reward. Her core’s main cluster of scales was going to experience a rare check, although not without chemical and kinetic enhancements to make this more intriguing. The first bullet would inflict a few scratches and fissures, but the curves of the scales made for an easy loss of momentum and ricochet before the VOID’s destructive effect could fully render this mighty defense. 

The second, however, took the work of its twin to inflict more damage than it normally would. The Black Dragon had to force herself to remain adamant and unmoving as a portion of her core’s chest shattered along with the bullet - the dark-tinged ammunition had successfully obliterated enough of the hard layer to shatter the armor. An armor that, in not too long, was going to regenerate. That said, the breaking of the scales brought the dragon to recoil!

The battle was beginning to turn as the big players of either side were facing each other down. Attack and defense, counter and reposts. The Black Dragon and Black King were facing off with magics and abilities that few of those below could even comprehend. The fires around the revolutionaries began to wane as the fuel that once kept them alight and the energy that made them burn was both burned and used to cast spells on either side. A voice broke out into a roar, [color=red]”Para sa rebolusyon!”[/color]

The man who yelled, the ox-like man named Tomas, scrambled to his feet as he took hold of his rifle like a spear. While he was not born of a noble line, nor a prodigy in the use of the Gift, Tomas had learned through countless years of life and hard work how to enhance himself with all the energy he could muster. He drew deeply and greedily, nothing as great as a studied mage, nor not even a drop in the ocean that the Black Dragon could muster. Yet he still drew some of the heat from around him. Taking away some of the pain that those around him were suffering and launching his rifle like a javelin. Kinetically charged, it aimed to skewer the winged beast as the rest of his allies continued to attack the janissaries. 

Watching Tomas lunge in made the wildblood’s semi-reptilian brain ache for a true fight. Internally, Zarina had to roll her eyes. There was enough death and this moment of clarity made her recall her values - killing was something foul. Which was, in a way, her motivation to not just leave. These people below protecting Karga were her people too. She had to protect them. She had to-

Zarina had been pondering for far too long and her shoulder ended up skewered - the very same one she had lost not too long ago. With a growl, she was about to retaliate until Tomas could apply enough force to pry it off her form. Blood showered over the battlefield and the pain caused the creature to screech. Her orientation was lost and her flight became a hazard, crashing about and causing major shockwaves. One of them caused the Vizier’s carriage to tumble into a nearby ravine while nearby troops were knocked unconscious by the dragon’s uncontrolled drawing - both friends and enemies alike. 

Another player made their move: the strangely clad assassin that followed Black King - Rose - began to rush towards the janissaries and their hastily fortified position. Her blade was drawn as she rushed in with large flashy magics and, assisted by the other mages, bombarded the janissaries to keep their heads down. The moment she neared, she slashed with her blade, drawing from the wall with binding to both enhance her slash with incredible kinetic and arcane power, while also opening a sliver in the wall to allow her blade to cut at those using it as cover. She was quick to reform it once more, keeping its defenses for herself. As the revolutionaries continued to fire, bullets came near Rose, but they all inexplicably missed, dancing slightly around as kinetic magic could be felt. The bullets turned and twisted around the cover, starting to allow the projectiles to become a much greater threat.

With the Black Dragon crashing a good mile away with Tomas hurled further in another direction, many janissaries and troops were left semi-incapacitated by Zarina’s parting bursts of sonic and chemical magics. Karga’s carriage remained totalled down the small hill and an opportunity had opened itself.
Many of the revolutionaries began to watch as the battle had completely turned. Many of them were dumb founded, as the quiet lull of the moment almost took hold before they heard a roaring command cut through the silence, [color=green]”Para sa rebolusyon!”[/color]

Many began to watch as a smaller woman began rushing forward with her rifle bayonet brandished. Others began following and screaming out, as many men and women began to charge onto the mostly undefended cart. Multiple men and women began firing into the carriage. Causing a bloody mess within as they had torn the cart apart with the many gunshots that slammed and broke through the once gorgeous wood that once protected the occupants within. Yet there were those who were tending to the wounded. Those who could only do so much. For Tku, he realized that those around him were mostly safe, yet there were others. A few could walk away with small burn wounds and open gashes, others will be leaving with more scars, yet some may never look the same, let alone survive. Yet the love of Oraff would not be lost upon him, he attempted as he could, pulling upon his own great manas to heal those who were close to death, yet still had not passed into the Lady of death’s embrace. Turning those who would have been lost entirely, into those who would be injured, yet saved.

The revolutionaries began to rip open the carriage, they saw a man mangled from countless bullets ripping into him. Some of them began to pull him out, they inspected him and his things with the grace of a bull. Only a few moments passed before they roared out in triumph. They had taken out Karga, many of them cried out in wonder, others in relief. Many began to come closer as the injured and wounded were being carried over to see. Some were healed from their injuries, others will need to heal on their own. Even with their injuries, many were all too ready to celebrate, it was not until two black figures appeared that they realized what they were doing.

[color=gold]”Prepare to move! There will be a response force who will crush us if we stay”[/color]. Black King’s voice cut through the excitement like a knife. 

Yet some still laughed as they collected themselves. Many had expected death was to happen, they would lose friends and people here. Even as they walked away from the burning fires and battle, they all had done what they came to do. Many felt they had vindicated their choices. Many had ensured that their comrades had not died in vain. Some even believed they turned the tide of the revolution. 

In some way, that would be true.[/hider]

[hider=Omens]
The small force of 200 returned with fewer men, but triumphant. Many expected backlash from an attack coming from Sabu. The spies watched often to notice when they were to come. Many thought that the response force would soon come as military movement increased soon after, yet the news that came back was more unsettling. Many expected an attack upon them after such a showing. 

Yet they found out that they had collected and began to march toward Ceboyan. This was an action that was not supposed to happen for nearly a full month. Many became confused until a spy returned with a message. It spoke of what had happened since the death of Karga. It took only a few hours for those who knew of Piyale Karga’s death spun it into something they could use. Ertan Kashani had taken control of the Unified Viangish Army and began to spur them on, twisting the assassination of Karga into a galvanizing moment. He harnassed the fire that now burned within the Virangish to make the Palaparese rebels pay for the death of Karga.

A number of those within the shadow army camp were stunned. What could be done against a force of ten thousand strong? The capital was hurting still from Kalignan crossing. They had lost much of the field weapons they could muster at the Orange Point incident. They were weakened both physically and financially. They needed time to prepare, they needed that month of reprieve to stand a chance.

They looked among one another, many felt that this was going to be the end of it all. They were to watch the fall of Palapar. Many began to sit down as they felt as if the win they had snuck out by taking out Karga was what caused all of this. Many began to feel lost as hopelessness set in. Then a meek voice called out, it came from a young woman, no older than the age of 18, [color=yellow]”There has to be something we can do.”[/color]

Her eyes looked filled with worry, yet they were transfixed onto Black King and his dark form as she continued, [color=yellow]”You said if we fight, we will win.”[/color]

People looked to him, somewhat expectantly. He was one of the few who had promised them their freedom. Had promised Palapar’s freedom. Now it was time to make good on his promise.

Black King looked towards the crowd gathering. It was filled with countless men and women who began to gather. Some thought about disbanding the group forming, yet there were those who looked to Black King. Those who expected him to answer, those who wanted some hope, and then there were those who expected him to finally give up. To finally prove them right, that this was impossible. As the crowd finally gathered, all the nearly 500 men and women of the shadow army meant to follow and keep tracking of a ten thousand man army. They were here to listen to the possibly the final words of the revolution.

Black King looked to the girl who first asked him. She looked to him with expectations, she wanted an answer, not to belittle him, but to find some hope. To be told what they needed to do to win. 

[color=gold]”You answered it yourself.”[/color]

All of them looked to Black King as he held his hand out before clenching it. A pressure began to build around them as his presence was felt.

[color=gold]”Fight.”[/color] This one word came out cold and biting, it was powerful as it sent chills down the spines of everyone.

[color=gold]”We fight, and we die. For that is what must be done. The capital will not hold if it is not given the time it needs. If we do nothing, then this is all over. Every hope, every dream, every aspiration that was put into this pyre for a better tomorrow. It will all be lost if nothing is done.”[/color]

People began to murmur among themselves as they looked on to the man who stood before them. His voice booms out and carries an immense weight as all who listened began to feel something welling up inside of them.

[color=gold]”So, we must fight. We must fight this army of countless blades who seek nothing more than to cut down the blossoms of freedom. No matter the cost, even if it takes all of our lives, it is what is expected, for that is why we fight. Not for ourselves alone. For a future better for those who we leave behind and those who come after us.”[/color]

It was a silent chanting that began to grow into a roar, if there was one last thing to be done. It could be done. It was a deep feeling of courage and fear welling together. Yet they knew that their heroism could give their loved ones one more day to survive, then they would do it. Many of them began to be filled with an excitement that was indescribable. They knew they were to perish, yet they fully prepared for it. 

Kidlat looked at Black King as they began to walk away. They needed to discuss what they could do. Yet, before they left, Tku was approached by a local woman named Canna, who knew much of the local area. While much of it was forested, with a good few hills and some farmland, there was one notable spot near one of the more travelled paths followed. They called it reed hill, it was a hill where they often collected their reeds for tools and irrigation pipes. It was a position that could be fortified and it commanded a good view of the countryside it was situated on. It was a good spot to hold a last stand. If nothing else, it would be heroic.

Someone needed to tell the capital; Kidlat and Black King discussed what had to be done. They would need to send at least half their forces back to ensure that the information made it back in time. Which left only a little over 200 men and women to stay and fight. Only those who would be willing stayed, and only 200 did so. Kidlat took his troops and left for Ceboyan. Leaving Black King and Tku to determine the rest. With 200 men and women, they needed to split the forces once more, as one was to go to the hill and spend the little over the day they had to fortify it. While the other had to constantly attack and force the Virangish forces to follow them towards the hill and see it as a threat.

After some talks, Tku and Black King decided the breakdown of forces. Black King believed that 50 men would be enough for a diversionary force to constantly harass and fight the Virangish. While it left some things to be desired in the manpower for building up a fortress, it would have to be enough for them.

Tku and his force of 150 men left next, as they headed towards the hill to use whatever little time they had to prepare for what was to come. Leaving Black King and his 50 men and women to do what they could.

As now they all would need to do their parts.

[/hider]

[hider=Deadly Nights and Drunken Knives]
Black King immediately put those under his command to work. They began digging with whatever shovels and tools they could find or were procured by Black King or other means. They began digging small holes and trenches no bigger than a foot or two deep across known paths. Large enough to stop a cart yet not enough to force any more than 5 minutes of work into the digging. 

Black King used these quick methods to allow for quick and fast ambushes to be formed. 

The Virangish began to march; they were ten thousand strong and had a robust supply line that followed. It was often carts of supplies and field weapons protected by 20 guards. Yet every now and again, a cart would be stopped for just a moment. Upon the old dirt roads, there was often uneven terrain, yet this was ridiculous. Holes nearly large enough to crack cart wheels, and the appearing every few minutes. Yet, they were simple fixes with a little magic. After a bit of time of this, people began suspecting that this was intentional to slow them down. They began becoming more watchful for the traps. After a few times of nothing happening, once more when it happened, all hell broke loose. As a front running cart was stopped for a time, it slowed the supply line down, then caused hell to break loose.

Multiple bottles filled with flammable liquid began to be thrown from different areas. Hitting carts and people as flames began to erupt and light carts, people, and supplies on fire. People began scrambling as within the forests were small fast duos moving to go from trap to trap. Small set ups meant to slow down multiple supply lines to be attacked swiftly before they retreat.

While the damage on the army was minimal, the actual damage to morale was felt. Parts of their supplies were destroyed, and in unlucky situations, parts of their gunpowder storage were blown up. Injuring and killing multiple people within the explosions. It required much of the attention of the mages to ensure that the fires do not spread, yet still, not every cart had a mage. Nor could they all be saved. As soldiers began to rush into the forests to chase after those who did this, they found themselves attacked by unseen forces. Thin wires of metal that could cut with ease if not noticed. A man running at full speed found out that they were sharp when he was running, as the moment he hit one, it bit into his neck and made him bleed out quickly.

Yet it wasn’t only the wire; those who fought within the forests found themselves attacked from the trees. Things are dropped via wire traps, rocks and stones falling and crashing into them. And from time to time, people within the trees themselves fired their guns or threw fire bottles onto the Virangish chasers to ignite and cut off part of the forest. Within a small period, the Virangish army was forced into a small forest skirmish where they lost supplies and time.

The Virangish recovered quickly, even from this situation. They began to prepare to walk with great strides once more, yet before they could even move more than a few hours, something terrible happened. A large explosion occurred within one of their gunpowder stores. It had caused more deaths, more people began to become warry as multiple men and women were spotted running away into another part of the forest. Many of the Virangish soldiers began to chase after them. Yet still the moment they entered the forest, they found only death was waiting. More of the same, fire bombs, rocks and trees falling, and even more of that strange wire.

It left much of the Virangish forces in a deep state of suspicion. As they marched on, these attacks continuously happened. The explosions that happened now and again were the most demoralizing ones, as each time they lost a gunpowder store, they lost multiple men and even cannons with the explosions. It had taken over double the time just to make it to a camping sight, and even then, it was not safe.

As it was an open area, it would have been easy to see any enemies, none realized that the area itself was trapped. Parts of the field began caving in as spikes protruded out. Rocks had been placed and earth moved which made the area more uncomfortable and almost impossible to stay in. Yet they did, which only caused more misery. As much of the area was laced with the powder and sproes from mushrooms of the mushroom forest. Causing great deals of irritation, pain, and discomfort that caused many within the camp to go without sleep. It was an assault upon the mind and body throughout the night. Slight sounds off in the distance that required people to look. Things that awoke them. It was just a terrible time that was being had. Once morning broke, the Virangish marched once more, sending scouts ahead to check the road. Yet often they came back either injured or were found dead. After a few more hours of constant barrages from ambushes, they came across a fortress of wood and stone.
[/hider] 

[hider=Fortress on the Hill]
Shovels and axes spawned by either manifestation or repurposing was put into the hands of the 150 soldiers they had. Palaparese palms and reeds were strung together and to from walls and barricades to withstand the attack for as long as possible. Part of the battle was getting it functioning, the other was to make it enticing enough to lure Karga in for a morale boosting fight. That’s what it needed as Tku directed it’s construction and quite literally helped build it it in the day and a half they had. 

The thickened reed bunches made organized movement difficult. The soft ground made digging pit traps all the easier as each one was filled with sharpened reeds and poison. 150 of them were made and the dirt was recycled for weapons and bricks. Each one had a thin cover with decaying matter and uprooted plants to cover its entrance. Only a few needed to know the way through. It sickened Tku to know he had made weapons to maim and harm, but it had to be done if they had a chance of slowing Kishani’s marching forces. Rocks precariously set up to roll down the hill. Logs ready to roll and crush the enemy. Every tactic Tku and the soldiers could muster in the coming day is what they did. Tku was tired, relying on his forbidden magic to bolster his strength and make strange mushroom creatures to fill in the gaps in their army.
[/hider]

[hider=The Battle for Reed Hill]
The Virangish thought about moving around the hill, many thought this must have been a trap. Others thought this must have been where the people who have been attacking them were coming from. Many wanted revenge, many knew that if they moved past this point, they could only be attacked more, and worse. They would even begin to lose more of their food provisions and supplies to the point where they may not even be able to make it to the capital without starving. It fell upon Ertan Kashani, as he was looked to give the order. Kashani could feel the immense feeling that his people were breaking; they needed this. He cleared his throat as he roared out, “To battle!”

Thousands of men roar out as they prepare for battle. They rushed into battle stations as they set up their cannons. Those within the fortress took in their breath as they prepared for combat. Dozens of cannons fired upon the hill. They were ranging their shots in, yet every now and again, the cannons fired off and slammed into the side of the fortress. They were stopped and forced to roll down the hill. This made it where much of the advancing forces needed to wait until the cannons stopped firing.

Yet the moment the Virangish forces began to climb the hill, they found themselves being stopped by both gunfire and traps set up. A few virangish soldiers fell into holes with sharpened sticks that were covered in poison and bodily waste. Their screams discouraged their comrades as they tried to pull them out of the pits. They had to do all of this as a hail of rocks, bullets, and flaming tar came at them. What little mages the rebels had could fired magic at them from the range they could that fed into the chaos. It was a strong initial defense.

The Virangish were in scrambles as the commands came slower and it took more time for the panicked soldiers to respond. However, the show of initial force couldn’t last forever. The fort was not some sort of longstanding structure that could withstand magic and canons. It showed weakness and the supplies they had were already waning thin. Kashani called out and made a show of the traps and that all these were to distract from their utter weakness. It was hard to deny and his charisma spread throughout his men, and they started to press forward, leaving the injured and dead where they were at the base of the hill. 

They pressed forward, stomping and pressing down pits to avoid them. But as they gained momentum, larger rocks started to roll down and bullets came in from the side of the hill, pinching them out of position. The Virangish were forced to move towards the center where the smaller forces could concentrate their attack. And roll down some spiked logs for them to deal with. The pits became deadly again as they had to make quick choices and not check their steps. It was awfully bloody but they were making it further up the hill, body by body.

Within the fortress, men and women tended to wounds sustained from the intense battle. Cannons firing and finally punching deeply into the wood sent splinters back into the fort. Cutting into the defenders. Men and women who had already perished were being moved and shifted out of the way to allow for another to take their place. Many clambered up the walls just to try and make a quick shot out of it with whatever they could. First, their improvised catapults had ran out of sludge to fire. Then, the rocks they had collected to roll down the hill had ran out. Then, their ammunition began to run low. 

It had been no more than 8 hours, and yet the fighting had felt like days. As the Virangish climbed up higher and higher, the mushroom golems charged out of the fortress to meet the Virangish in melee combat. They were devastating the front line as bullets did nothing more than punch a small hole into their fleshy bodies. Their physical might was enough to crush and break rifles in a single swing. It took mages and even the combined might of multiple men to take such beasts down, yet down they still went. Still, the Virangish was only slowed, not halted.

The moment they reached the wall, the cannons stopped firing as they began to clamber over the wall. As the first thing they met was a swift boot kick and a cry from a woman covered in blood and eyes completely wide with both fear and rage, [color=green]”For Palapar!”[/color]

She ripped the bayonet of her rifle from her waist as she slashed a Virangish soldier before she was pulled back down. Another man covered in scars and burns pulled a caldron up and dumped it onto multiple Virangish soldiers. Burning and scalding them in boiling water and urine. Over the walls were burning bottles that immediately began to ignite men and vegetation alike. Yet the Virangish were beginning to become wisened to the tricks, as they had mages near who began to draw from the fires to deny the rebels their tactics. Yet this only made them easy targets as bullets began to rain down upon them like a hawk upon their prey. Each bullet curved with such malicious precision is slipped between countless lines to strike them dead. 

Many began to panic as they witnessed countless deaths, and yet it was only when the whole hillside heard a roar that rippled through the air like cannons did they fully stopped their climb.

[i][color=gold]”THIS WILL NOT BE A VICTORY!”[/color][/i]

[i][color=gold]”THIS IS YOUR FUNERAL PYRE!”[/color][/i]

[i][color=gold]”YOU, ERTAN KASHANI! ARE A WALKING DEAD MAN!”[/color][/i]

The voice boomed like an actual cannon as within many people’s minds came images of a man in dark clothing and a black mask engulfed in flames. His eyes burned with such ardent hate that it shook many to the core. Ertan Kashani had originally planned to 

They felt their stomachs began to turn as they felt a strange force coming from the fortress. It was overwhelming as energy from countless points began to explode like geisers of power. 

For those not on the hill, they could see countless fires beginning to ignite across it. The hill began to be engulfed in a thick, wrathful fire. Trapping and burning all those who had now taken the climb up the hill to the fortress. Hundreds of men perished burning upon that hill. Even after hours of combat, more lives were lost, even as the Virangish had broken through the walls. It was a burning spite that fueled a fire that killed them all.

Gloria, the young woman who had first asked Black King what they should do, drew in a deep breath as she found herself alive. The last thing she remembered was being knocked out by an explosion. She began to look around, and she saw only a handful of people standing near the bank. Tomas, now one arm down, yet holding onto a wounded woman. Tku, tending to another man who had lost his eye, then Black King, and his assistant. Many of them were injured. It was strange; as Gloria looked around, she saw the moon fully come up and show itself. She looked behind her and saw a large hole leading from a large burning hill. She turned and saw as Black King finally came over and looked to her, extending a hand [color=gold]”Rise, we must leave”[/color].

Gloria looked around as she took his hand and rose, [color=yellow]”Where? What happened?”[/color]

Black King chuckled slightly, [color=gold]”To the capital, we won today”[/color].
[/hider]

[hider=Twilight Gap]
Ertan Kishani was sitting upon a padded seat as he looked into the middle distance of his large tent. He drew deep breaths to himself as he tried his best to keep himself from freaking out. He had watched countless men perish in a small battle. Not only that, he witnessed the wrath of a man who could set an entire hill aflame and was only inches away from the flames himself. Barely escaping the burning grip of that man's hellfire. It was only thanks to his unwillingness to climb up that bloody hill with terrible traps that were filled with poop, poison, and dead men.

He looked off to the distance where he thanked whatever gods would listen that the masked man burned himself in the flames. If it truly came to blows, it would have been a tough battle. He possibly would have gotten injured in such a fight.

Yet his men were in no shape to fight now. As Kishani looked out, he could see the countless men, injured, wounded, much of their supplies they gathered for this was depleted from raids, ambushes, and then this fight that was all but a loss. The victory was pyrrihc at best, and at worst, an outfight loss. Yet that didn’t matter, they needed to fix what had happened. They need to head back and resupply. They needed more time. If anything else. The death of that man bought him that. That was all Kishani could think about.
[/hider]