[IC] A Medieval Roleplay: The Demon War of Kurn

[EWillden]

Lithium was as beautiful as ever with its inhabitants going about their lives as if nothing evil was on foot. The guards went through their patrol routes upon the walls. Today was good but then they came. Dark clouds began to engulf the blue sky above. Knights, and citizens alike began to look up at the ominous spectacle. At first they did not think of it as anything dangerous and they had every right to. Then lightning stuck out and hit one of the towers causing people to gasp.The lighting was different though. Its color not right. If that was not bad enough cold rain poured down from the clouds as well. This rain was odd too. It began to fatigue the people and knights all the same.

A knight up on the eastern walls of the city moved to a fellow brother nodded to him. "Well so much for a beautiful weather huh?" He asked. The other turned to him and answered him. "Yeah,... I don't about you but I have a bad feeling of all this." To which the other knight responded with a look. "What?... It just seems rather eerie and the rain. It's making me feel a little,... different. I mean I have felt cold rain before ,but this is different." He explained causing the other knight to sigh. He then turned around and looked to the tree line. He smirked beneath his helmet and bumped his comrade on the arm causing a CLINK sound. "At least the woods seem a little bit more peaceful...." He stopped himself when he began to see the trees move. Yes there was wind ,but they moved as if manipulated by something on the tree floor. He approached the edge of the walk and tried to see if he could see any closer. He then noticed something huge begin to emerge from the very woods and he looked to his friend. "Hey come take a look at this." The other looked over at him and sighed deciding to play the knights game and look to the spot the man had pointed out. Only it wasn't a game, something huge was certainly there. He did not know what it was to be truthful. He rose up and turned to his fellow knight. "Go get Ishmael,...he may know what this thing is."

.......Meanwhile down on the streets of Lithuim. A dark elf or drow was moving down the cobblestone road holding onto a rope. The rope was attached to the neck of a donkey who had on its back many bags, compartments, and other useful tools for a traveler. Anyone could see that there was a bitter hatred between the surface world and the people of the underdark. The locals did not enjoy her presence not one bit as Cassandra the rogue made way for the market sector of the city. Her rapier bouncing of the side of her leather pants as she moved along. The sun was not as enjoyable though, she lived on the surface for several years now and she still had not gotten used to the rays of the sun. She feared that she never would. The moment she entered the market district of Lithium she quickly began to be surrounded. Not by guards, but by buyers. She was known for her ability to get things that others couldn't. Rare trinkets that were priceless or worth a lot more if someone bought it from her and sold it to someone else for a high price. Collectors really pay a lot of coin for such things. She rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Can you people at least wait for me to open up my shop first?" she asked. She finally escaped the crowd and pulled into a ally way which led her eventually to the back of her shop. She pulled from her pocket a key and unlocked the the double doors. As she opened them she noticed the sky had changed and was beginning to be covered by dark ominous clouds. She sighed at the sight of it, "Great, looks like I won't be getting much business today" she said to her self. The donkey moved within the building and into the stable section. She quickly stepped inside as it began to rain. She closed the doors behind her and began to unload the donkey. She took from him the top three sacks in which she drug to the front of the shop. The section the customers see for the most part. From the sacks she began to take out objects placing them upon the shelves. These objects ranged from jewelry to priceless artifacts. When she was done unloading everything she moved to the front door and unlocked it and turned the wooden sign around to let customers know her shop was open for business. She saw a few knights run about though looking for someone. She was a bit curious of the sudden action and observed from the safety of her store window. Then she noticed two knights moving towards the eastern section of the city. With them was the local paladin, known as Ishmael. She heard rumors and gossip that the brotherhood was going mobile upon the boarders of the mountain to protect the cities from the mountains evil. What could they honestly be wanting to show him so bad that they run around like chickens with their heads cut off.

Ishmael moved with the knights guiding him out of the market district and towards the eastern guard tower. They told him that something was moving about the tree line of the forest and it had them all nervous. If it wasn't for his orders passed down by the church he would have waved it off, but because of that order he had to suspect anything and expect any attack. The church had a feeling that the dark one would begin it's attack on humanity and this is where it would start. The fight for good might start right here, right now. His helmet at his side as he moved. Long blond hair danced in the wind. The rain did not effect him as much as it did the others because of his natural resistance to evil. That is what the storm was after all. A sign of pending doom. The silence before the crushing doom. He just wished he had the strength to help these people.

[LadyNova]

Hotaru spent most of her time in the city in the market district. The part of it that interested her the most was the many of different faces. Only these merchants of all shapes and sizes and all kinds of races showed her the common decency of not looking at her as if she was some sort of alien. They treated her more or less like a customer. She had stopped at a stall that was selling assorted fruits. What got her attention was one of the red apples. She looked picked it up and looked at it trying to spot any bruises or anything that would discourage her from purchasing it. She looked to the owner of the stall. The man was of course not a man at all. He was scaly and had a large tail. From what she understood he was of the lizardfolk variety. "Sir?...how much for an apple?" She asked him. He looked to her and rose up a finger and responded with. "One Gold piecess."
She nodded and handed him the apple as she dug into her pocket pulling out a gold piece and replacing it with the apple. She then moved off biting into it. She rather enjoyed apples for their texture and taste. She then noticed the attention a certain drow elf was getting as she entered. She rose a brow for a mid second. She then turned to look to a sign that stuck out of one of the shops which had carved into it the same woman's face upon it. She decided to take a look through the windows of the shop to see what got people so excited over this one woman. When she arrived at window the sun had started to get blocked out by the ominous clouds above her. She looked up and held out her right hand while she wrapped her left arm around her staff to keep it from falling. When the rain drops hit she could feel some sort of effect start upon her body. Upon feeling this she touched her hand to her staff and muttered a few words. It quickly gave off an effect that dispelled what the rain caused and protected her from further effects. She then noticed the drow woman turn the sign around to let them know she was open. She decided to enter the store right away as the knights moved about. She was in midway of the door frame as she studied them. Her right hand holding the door open has her left rose up so she could take a bite from her apple and noticed that its taste had changed due to the rain the storm caused. It tasted awful and rotten. She noticed the container full of trash outside the shop and tossed the apple into it and entered the shop. She noticed the woman was observing everything outside as well. When she turned her head she noticed two knights occumpanied by a paladin. They were leading him out of the market district and towards the east tower. "I have a bad feeling about this."

Nova and four elves all sat at a table located in a tavern. She looked around and then to her kin. She wished she had lead this team but know. Avalon did, and he deserved the title. He was much older then her and trained a whole lot better. "I wonder how many people we will be able to save in this city Avalon. We aren't a army you know?" She said to him. He looked to her and sighed tapping his finger on the table. He looked to the other three. Like most elves he was blonde with long hair and had blue eyes. The other three elves were one male and two female. The first woman was younger then Avalon but older then Nova as well as the other male elf. The other female however was younger then she was. Their names were Dorian, Elindel and Ariol. They both traded glances with Avalon and Nova after hearing her voice. Avalon leaned in and gestured for Nova to do the same. " Quiet down Lady Nova, we do not want to start these people panicking. They are already questioning why we are here, don't feed that and turn into fear." He answered. She nodded and looked away.
"Sorry,..." She added and then looked to the other two.
"Your worry is not different from ours though, between us and that paladin we saw, we are not a force to be feared if a attack so did happen."

[Kyoto]

Kyoto sat in the same tavern that the five elves did. One was very peculiar to him. She had pink long hair and red eyes. How many elves had that kind of combination. Then again he wouldn't know sense he hasn't been in this country for very long. He turned his head around to face forward. He rose up the mug of ale that he had purchased and to a drink from it. He sighed and liked to go over there and talk to them. the two elf women were fine specimens and the two men,... they could always teach him a few things that he did not know about. He could always use new techniques with his blade. The loud thunder outside however began to bother him. He sighed and looked to the bartender. " So much for the warm weather,..."

[Andion Isurand]

Xukhezur was already at the market, donned in an unremarkable dark gray hooded cloak, worn over his protomorphic jump suit and other attire. Hailing from the underdark of another world, he could be found on the surface just as often as below it, seeking information, potential clients or components for his projects. He was also something of an explorer and tradesman, normally looking to establish routes for his nation's satellite enclaves. Access to his own nation's warded and concealed capital was limited. Few foreigners had ever been allowed inside, transported there whilst under stasis and periodically wiped of memories involving classified and sensitive information when they no longer required such. As a result, departed visitors were left with recollections involving only the satellite enclaves they first visited, and redacted memories of relevant meetings they had attended while in the capital.

This visit to the world of Kurn however, involved seeking a band of thieves who'd happened upon and plundered a hidden armory cache belonging to his people. Possessed of moderate power and utility, the total number of these implements warranted a swift and vigilant pursuit and judicious capture of those responsible. Xukhezur had been remotely contacted several hours before, regarding the crime, and was assigned to peruse the markets of Lithium for any information regarding these items, to see if they'd passed through local hands or were being pawned off.

Meanwhile, three of his optic orb homunculi scouted the city, searching for signs of the stolen items, as well as signs of violence, potent magical phenomena and uncatalogued creatures that could serve as a basis for Xukhezur's next effigy. Each optic orb homunculus appeared as a dull mottled metallic sphere one inch in diameter, covered in a multitude of miniscule recessed mox gems, and moved itself by means of manipulating an aura of artifical gravity. Often rendered invisible by means of their innate magical abilities, these homunculi could often count on going unnoticed by most, save for prudent beings of sufficient means.

As the clouds gathered overhead, the lightning struck and companies of knights and soldiers were brought to attention and mobilized themselves, Xukhezur grimaced with mixed thoughts. A fierce battle or siege would hamper his investigations, although it would divide everyone's attention and might enable him to search otherwise inaccessible portions of the city. Although, if he offered his assistance to the people of this city, he might be able to garner favor in a manner that might help him come by more clients, trade contracts as well as informants that might lead him to the thieves.

[Kaalee]

Kyalia was sitting a ways away from the elves, at the bar, and had her hood up, so no one saw her because that would do her no good. Although her being here would do her no good anyways...especially if elves were here. That could only mean one thing...and that was that something bad was happening. Kyalia shivered and the bartender noticed because suddenly there was a glass in front of her, filled with some amber liquid. She smiled gratefully, although he couldn't see her smile, and paid him a gold piece, which he then pocketed. She took a sip of the drink and looked around the bar once more as the liquid burned its way down her throat and warmed her up slightly. She observed the elves, without ever once looking directly at them. They were your stereotypical elf...except one who was less stereotypical, with pink hair and red eyes. She found it slightly unnatural and just a wee bit more unsettling but she didn't judge...especially since she didn't exactly fit in either. She turned around and took another sip of her drink when, unseen to anybody else really, a small, black haired witch slipped into the tavern and took a spot next to Kyalia.

Fenn didn't like the rain...for two reasons really. The first reason was just the principle of rain in general. It was cold, it was wet, and you couldn't control it. It's why she much prefered fire...but she supposed people would have more of a problem if fire fell from the sky instead of rain so she tolerated it without to much grumbling. But this? This was not natural and therefore she disliked it even more then normal. So as she was making her way to the Tavern to meet an old friend she kept under shelter as not to get the unnatural rain on her as much as possible. She finally made it to the tavern doors and slipped in before making her way around the tavern so she was next to Kyalia. She hopped up onto the seat and ordered herself a drink while trying to dry herself off.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you...we're not the only ones who may be able to sense it in here tonight." Kyalia informed her and Fenn looked around the bar, spotting the group of elves. Fenn sighed...so the rumors were true...or at least the part of the elves coming to Lithium, which probably meant that there was evil meeting them here.
"Great...I was hoping that was just a rumor." Fenn sighed and Kyalia turned to her, an eyebrow raised. Fenn realized just how out of touch Kyalia was with her birth culture.
"There are rumors that the reason the elves got sent here was because there was a great evil coming here. I was curious...that's why I'm here." Fenn explained and Kyalia nodded slowly, the pieces slowly falling into place. Fenn sipped her drink, watching Kyalia's reactions to this. They met about two years ago when Kyalia tried to con Fenn...which didn't really work out for Kyalia(never try conning a witch...it just doesn't usually turn out for you...especially if you don't know she's a witch) but the two remained in contact and friends since then.
"Well these next few weeks might be interesting." Kyalia said and Fenn shook her head at her, looking out the window.
"Whatever is out there...it's going to take longer than a few weeks to solve this problem my dear elf...no whatever is out there is like nothing we have ever seen before." Fenn said, and Kyalia stared at her.

[LadyNova]

Nova looked about the tavern again and noticed Kyoto looking in their direction as well as others taking glances their way. Even a couple at the counter looked their way. One hooded fellow whose face she could not see and then some other woman. Her eyes went back to Kyoto and saw that the features on his face told her that he had some interest in them. For what she did not know. She took notice of the woman though, the one without a cloak. The storm outside had soaked her. Odd that a storm rushed in so quickly. She looked to Avalon and she noticed he was looking at her as well. She leaned in to try and speak low. " This storm came in out of the blue,... is it starting?" She asked and he nodded. She then looked to her comrades and then back to him. "So shouldn't we go to the paladin or something? He could use our help." She asked. Avalon looked behind her towards Kyoto and rose a brow. He was a warrior it would seem maybe seasoned. Avalon looked back to Nova.
"Yes it's time we get involved, we must prepare the knights in this city for the plunge as well as give aid to the paladin." He said. Avalon then rose up and moved around the table. His steps took him past Kyalia and Fenn. He stopped at Kyoto and placed his hand on the counter. "You have been eyeing us for some time foreigner, I have seen your kind before and know what to expect of you. You want to learn a few techniques right?..." He asked the man. "How about you earn that lesson, join me and kinsmen. We are heading to the eastern wall where the paladin known as Ishmael will be. A great danger looms over the city and we must try and stop it. You want to learn from me, then do this as payment." He said. he did not give Kyoto a chance to decide for he turned around facing the two women Kyalia and Fenn. He sensed nothing of them nor did he know them. Well he might have know Kyalia but with her face covered she could be anyone to his knowledge.

He proceeded to move past them but stopped in midway and looked to them. "If you value your lives I would leave the city or hide somewhere. A great evil has come to this city, lives will be lost. Don't be one of those lives." He said. He suspected nothing of them. He did not know that Fenn was a witch and could no doubt help them against the evil and he did not know Kyalia and her skills. All he he knew was that they were two women caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. He turned his head away from them looking to his men, Nova, Ariol, Dorian, and Elindel. "Time to go,..." He said gesturing to his four kinsmen before heading for the door. The five elves were all armed except for Nova. Her weapons were the type you summon, They were armed with the common weapons of elves. Two blades on each side of their hips as well as a long bow and quiver at their back. Nova, Ariol, Dorian, and Elindel, one by one rose to their feet and proceeded to leave the tavern. War had come to the city of Lithium. A battle that will cost the people of this city everything.

Hotaru suddenly felt a chill as she sensed something coming. When she looked in its direction she noticed it wasn't in the market but past it. Whatever it was, it was outside the city and it was coming. She began to feel that she chose the worse time to go out to the city today. Then she wondered about her father and her mother. They must be seeing this as well and they must be worried about her. She then looked to Cassandra , the owner of the store she was in and remembered the kindness the people of the market showed her. Even this woman was nice to her on a couple occasions in the past. The evil that approached was a threat to all of them as well as her and her parents. Perhaps she would remain here to help them. She had know clue as to what to do.

[Kyoto]

Kyoto was surprised by the approach that Avalon gave him. It was as if the elf had read his mind. The man gave him a offer. To teach him in exchange for his services. Kyoto stroked his chin for a second but before he could answer the man walked away. So that's how it was huh? I either rise from this seat and follow these elves out of the tavern or I sit on this stool and miss out on this chance. Avalon was throwing what he wanted to him on a silver platter. Him being a samurai, it would be mad if he refused. His hand reached for the mug on the counter rose it up to his lips and took one final swig of the contents inside and rose up from his stool and grabbing his sword that rested upon the counter placing the weapon in its place by his side. The samurai then followed behind him. The man stopped to say a few words to the two women and then gave his order to his kinsmen and continued to the door. Kyoto followed them, from the sounds of the conversation between him and the two women he began to wonder what was going on. Evil,... he mentioned that in his proposition to him. What kind of evil is going to attack this city he wondered. He wanted to say something but stopped himself figuring that the elves would say something.

[Kaalee]

Fenn looked started at the elf spoke to them and then looked forlorn as she saw Kyalia's expression from under the hood.
"No...no, no, no. I refuse. I absolutely refuse. Kyalia, we are outlaws if you haven't forgotten. Not exactly the legal type." Fenn groaned but Kyalia simply put two gold pieces on the bar and walked over to the group as they were leaving, dropping her hood.
"You need help, my friend and i are willing to help." Kyalia informed Avalon, as Fenn walked over to her side, not looking willing to help at all really but she was there, and that's all that really mattered.
"I am an elf, as you can see, and my friend here is a witch. We are both fighters, and she is a healer as well." Kyalia informed Avalon, seeing as he would need to know their skills in order for him to even think about letting them join. Fenn shot her a dirty look...they could be witch hunters for all they knew!
"Sor' of. I can't perform any miracles yet but I can't heal a bone or two in a pinch." Fenn said, deciding if Kyalia was going to drag her threw this, Fenn might as well get a word in.
"If we help you, you're not going to kill us in our sleep or imprison us are ya?" Fenn asked them, suspiciously. She didn't like this...not one bit. Elves and witches...they weren't usually friends. The only reason Fenn and Kyalia were, was because Fenn wasn't your run of the mill type of Witch and Kyalia wasn't your run of the mill type of Elf. It's the only reason they got along and Fenn suspected that these elves might not be as out there as Kyalia...in fact she was pretty sure they weren't.

[EWillden]

Cassandra looked to Hotaru who had entered her shop. The girl was a bit odd but she did not put it against her. She noticed the girls reaction after biting into the apple which began to rot in hands from the touch of the rain. Acid rain?... can't be. You only get acid rain from places close to volcanoes and there weren't any in Kurn. Then she decided to look up at the clouds and noticed which direction they came from. Great.... just great. They came from the mountain. That mountain was cursed beyond belief and now it was beginning to effect the weather. She looked to Hotaru and saw her looking at her which caused her to scratch her head. Hotaru's new reaction was something new, a quick glance outside as if she heard or saw something she did not like or expect. However, when she looked she saw nothing out of the ordinary. Except for the tall man win the cloak. However, odd cases always come into the section of the city. She moved over to Hotaru to calm her down but even she was a little skeptical about what was going on. Knights don't often run around like they have been unless the city was in trouble. She decided on the next best thing and moved to the door turning the sign over again and locking the door. "Stay here with me Hotaru,... I don't like whats going on."

Ishmael did not spend too much time getting to the eastern tower and climbed its steps. The knights following behind him, as they took the thirty steps up. When they reached the top of the city wall he was greeted by the two knights who first saw the oddity. They guided him to the spot they were in when they saw it and gestured to its location. He indeed sensed something from the forest. "It was there for a good hour, but it moved back into the forest. What shall we do sir?" The knight asked Ishmael. Ishmael sighed and looked to him and smiled placing a hand on the man's shoulder. The smile faded, "Sound the alarm,... all men to their posts and be quick about it." He ordered, The knight nodded and rushed off to do what he was told. Ten minutes later horns were being blown and all the knights of the city were heading to their posts. Those posts were up on the walls. Ishmael looked to the forest and saw it moving rapidly with manipulation from the evil moving beneath it. This is it,... the beginning of the war between them and the evil of the mountain. Did they have the strength to fight it? He knew with his training he could handle whatever came out of that forest, but those around him.... he doubted it rather greatly.

Then something moved out from the tree line. It was huge, very huge and spider like. It moved slowly revealing itself. He could hear the words the knights around him were saying. Words of disbelief and questions of what the creature was. "The creature is not of this world but of the next. They are known as Retrievers ,... spider like monstrosities." He explained and the knights looked to him and then back to the creature. The think then raised its head into the air and let out a scream and it gave charge at the wall. Ishmael gave the knights on the wall the order to begin their defense. The knights pulled forth bows and fitted arrows upon it and began to fire at it. The arrows seemed to bounce of its natural armor. The thing then made it to the wall and began to climb it. More Retrievers emerged from the tree line each taking up a different section of the wall with arrow barrages from the knights in answer to the attack. The retrievers were only a distraction however for what emerged next.

(Retriever)

What emerged her Hezrou carrying forth massive ladders that would be used to storm the walls with more demonic beings. The hezrous made great progress do to the distraction of the Retrievers. The demon spiders used the massive cleavers that they had for feet to cleave knights in half or worse send them flying to fall to the city floor below. Ishmael rushed to one of the retrievers using his might to go up against it swinging his blade. Immune to fear he had the advantage against it and his alignment gave him the edge he needed. He rose up his shield as he charged forward swinging his blade at it.

(Hezrou)

[Andion Isurand]

Xukhezur decided that helping the locals would be the better course, if for nothing else that it would keep him better informed. For the time being, he'd forgo using his mecha effigy 'Shroud' due to its fearsome appearance, and instead followed a passing patrol of a dozen soldiers who were headed to help protect one of the main city gates. Meanwhile he telepathically bade two of his optic orb homunculi to patrol the city's perimeter, while keeping within the city itself, and to inform him of any approaching forces or unnatural developments. The remaining optic orb was assigned to keep an eye on the inner city, and the structures that contained the majority of noncombatants. When the soldiers arrived at the gate and ascended the walls, Xukhezur himself held back to keep a lookout for any ranking officers in the area, to whom he could try and listen, to get an idea of where things stood and what their general capacities were. He did his best to stay out of the way, but was ready in case he were called upon to identify himself and his state his purpose for being there.

[LadyNova]

Avalon turned around to face Kyalia and Fenn and was going to detest their assistance, especially the witch. However, the loud scream outside caused him to look towards the door and he grimaced. He then looked to Fenn and Kyalia and sighed. "Fine, just don't make me regret accepting your help." He said. He already regretted it but they did need all the help they could get. He then looked to his kinsmen and gestured once more for them to proceed. "Sounds like the attack has already started...." Funny part is they were witch hunters and they were accepting the help of one. He smirked at that thought. "Corellon forgive me." He said mostly to himself as he stood out side and looked towards the eastern section but he did not have to, to spot the enemy. Large demonic like spiders known as Retrievers were upon the walls devastating the ranks of the knights. Only one thing he could do now before he completely left the tavern. He glanced over at the bartender. "Lock the doors when we leave,... everyone who is not well enough to fight stay inside." He ordered and then removed his bow from his back . With that last set of words he turned back around to face one of the walls and proceeded to make way to it until he remembered where Ishmael was. The paladin may have needed help, their help. He changed direction making way for the eastern tower.

Nova, Ariol, Elendil and Dorian all followed him. The four elves drew their weapons. Only Ariol, Elendil, and Dorian had weapons on their backs to draw out. Nova conjured up her own weapons. Dual flame swords that seemed to not burn her hands. They all followed their leader Avalon as they made for the eastern tower. There was no walking involved but running. They just hoped they got to Ishmael before the demons killed him.

Hotaru heard the scream as well as Cassandra. The scream was unnatural and evil. Hotaru knew it and felt their lives threatened by what it came from. What was it they were supposed to do anyways? She would have to use her magic to protect them and she looked to Cassandra moving closer to her as the dark elf was already doing. She then aimed her hand towards the door and mumbled a few words. "Black Rose". Then a black rose shot from her hand its stem digging into the wall and it's effect activated. That should protect them for awhile. However, she felt hiding in here was not good for them. They should be out their helping the people fight the evil that had come. Her thousand pedals would make this evil think twice.

[Kyoto]

The scream coming from outside took Kyoto back a little. That was not what he expected and as he followed them the two women approached them and offered them their services. Avalon accepted their help do to the scream that encouraged his answer. With that they moved ever closer to the exit and as the door opened he could hear the panicked citizens who moved into the buildings for safety as any able man that could fight emerged. Avalon stopped mid way in the door way and looked to the bar tender telling him to lock the door after they left and then told occupants to stay inside and if they were capable to join them in the fight. Then Avalon started moving again and one by one the elves left with him behind them and as he took his steps outside he saw the cause of the violence on one of the far walls. Giant spider looking creatures with cleavers for feet were giving the knights a fight. Kyoto noticed the elves move to a run and he had to hurry a bit to catch up to them. His right hand upon the hilt of his sword. What where those things? He never saw them before and figured that was what he would be fighting. He wondered if Icingdeath would be able to fell one. I guess he would have to see.

[Kaalee]

Kyalia got her daggers out and followed the elves outside and Fenn followed her. Fenn didn't have your conventional weapons...no her weapons were more like her hands lighting up fireball around them in a controlled flame.
"Well...let's kill some spiders shall we?" Fenn asked, before shooting one at the spider nearest her. She grimaced as it didn't light up in flames as she wanted it too but it didn't cause a burn...unfortunately the spider was now focused on her. She sent another blast at it and this time it keeled over and died...of course it was a lucky shot, right in the mouth. She grinned and shot at another one who was going for Kyalia and Kyalia stuck a dagger in it's throat and Fenn shot several seconds of fire at the beast until it was almost dead and then shot some more at it.
"Eww...charred bug slime." Fenn crinkled her nose and it and Kyalia rolled her eyes at the witch.
"You know for a witch you sure are squeamish about a lot of things." Kyalia informed her and Fenn shrugged as she sent another volley of fireballs at the creepy crawlies coming over the wall.
"Well I'm not your conventional witch now am I?" She asked Kyalia as she ducked a lunging spider, shooting it with fire as it went over her who landed right on Kyalia's dagger and then on to the ground, next to a small, and when she says small she means a small number of really big, really gross, dead spider, pile that was beginning to build up. Fenn continued to shoot fire at it, until it was dead and she frowned. At this rate she'd pass out soon.
"Think there's another way to kill them?" Fenn asked Kyalia who shrugged.
"These thigns are

[LadyNova]

As Avalon moved ever closer to the tower he saw one of the Retrievers moving from around the corner. A woman in its mouth, he drew a arrow from its quiver took aim with his bow and fired. The arrow lodged itself in it's eye right eye causing it's head to fly back in pain and drop the lifeless woman. In anger it lunged out with his left forearm its giant cleaver like foot coming down at him. He had to duck quickly to dodge the blow. He then tossed his bow aside drawing out his swords and dived underneath it and slashed at its underbelly. While he did this the creature tried its best slamming down its other feet in attempt to kill him but Ariol took advantage of this and fired another shot at it. The arrow did not hit a weak spot though and bounced of its tough hide. "Damn this thing!...." She yelled.

Dorian decided his bow would do no better and tossed it aside drawing out his own blades. He began to look at it trying to spot any weaknesses. This was going to be a hard one. Nova however, took the initiative coming forth with her flame swords and swung them at one of the legs. It's hot surface made it easier to cut taking off one of its six legs.

---

Hotaru felt the need to get out there and help and she looked to Cassandra. "I'm sorry but I can't stay here, I am needed outside." She said and moved to the door unlocking it and exited. She ran as fast as she could while carrying her staff. What she came upon was a witch and a elven rogue fighting spiders it would look like while the elves fought a Retriever. She saw that they were having a tough time with it to and she moved to the side to get a clear view of it and then turned to see the same demon spiders that were bothering the two women coming for her. She closed her eyes and yelled out "A Thousand Pedals!!!!" and out of this air a thousan black rose pedals appeared circling around her. The pedals cut up the spiders that lunged, shredding them into tiny pieces. Her hair dancing within the wind. She then turned her attention to the Retriever and thrust her staff forward and the pedals shot out moving around the elves and cutting the Retriever shredding every bit of it. Avalon would suddenly start to feel the things demonic blood pour down on him as the pedals cut it open.

[Kyoto]

Kyoto moved forward in attempt to keep up and then one of those Retrievers came out of no where and when he turned around to look to the two women they were fighting other demonic looking spiders. They were smaller though then the retrievers. They were doing okay and he decided to move to help the elves but that was when suddenly these tiny pedals shot past him and around the elves slicing up the Retriever. He looked to the source of the pedals and saw a young girl barely in her twenties with a staff bigger then her. He rose a brow and smirked.

[Andion Isurand]

It hadn't taken long for one of Xukhezur's optic orbs to inform him of the advancing of demonic retrievers and herzou engaging the defenders of the city's eastern wall, and Xukhezur hastily ran north from the southeast gate with a grim urgency. As he approached the screams and other sounds of combat, he ascended the nearest tower's stairwell to get a good view of the southernmost retreivers and herzou.

He then took several seconds to rapidly and covertly infuse the magic staff he kept stored in the extradimensional space of his casting glove, with a metamagically altered infusion that granted it a number of temporary charges. Afterwards, whilst still beyond the edge of where the soldiers were engaged in battle atop the wall, he began using his staff's temporary charges. The first charge he expended, resulted in an effect that temporarily accelerated the rate at which the staff could be triggered.

Xukhezur then began to work his way northward along the eastern wall, triggering the staff as he went to temporarily conjure static vertical walls composed of rapidly moving machinery set about three yards away from the city's outer wall. These conjured walls were at least a half foot thick, and composed of hundreds of assorted iron parts, spinning, clattering and moving all about in a frenzied mayhem that flailed and swept through the air up to ten feet away in all directions with a vengence. Each time the staff was triggered to produce one of these mechanical walls, that wall measured twenty feet in height and a hundred and fifty feet in length. The retrievers caught between the city's outer wall and the mechanical walls conjured, were mercilessly beaten and battered, while those on the outside within its reach were swatted away, though they attacked the walls with their eye rays in retaliation until a better means of circumventing the walls could be found.

[LadyNova]

Nova turned around in a flash as she noticed the pedals flying around them and past them. What she saw at its source was not what she expected. A young girl with a black dress trimmed in red held a large staff about four inches taller then the girl wielding it stood. Pedals circling around her, as she stood there. Who was this girl? She asked her self but looked to the other two women and then looked to Kyoto who was dumbfounded as to who to go help. Right now though the two were struggling to kill one of the retrievers. It was resisting the witch's spells as hard as it could. She decided to giver own help aiming her hand which still clenched the flame sword within it. She then called out. "Flame arrow!!" And a arrow of flames shot out striking the beast dead. It only worked for they had weakened it pretty good as it was. She then looked to Kyoto and then back to Kyalia and Fenn and then towards the new girl. " Come with us and quick. Don't stop moving for a second. We must regroup with Ishmael." She said. Avalon and the other our elves all looked about quizzically at the new girl, especially Avalon who was covered in the blood of the beast that had been slayed.
Avalon then continued to lead them onwards and they finally had sight of the tower and Ishmael above on the wall fighting on of the retrievers as another made its way the paladin's direction. He cursed and charged forward hoping to get there before the other one caught Ishmael by suprise but as he did so another Retriever came running in slamming its body and weight into Avalon, slamming the man to the ground. The thing looked to have a dozen arrows in it. The thing then began swinging its forearms down towards him. He rolled about the cobble stone road trying his best to avoid each hit. He did good for the first three strikes but the fourth strike nailed him impaling him through the chest. He died instantly.
Ariol screamed as Avalon gave his last breath. She could not accept it one bit and charged forward launching a arrow at it which skidded off its nose cutting it a little bit causing the Retriever to wince and then turn its attention on her. It came at her in rage swiping cross ways at her. She ducked but it was prepared swinging with its other forearm using its other four legs to support it as the second cleaver slammed into her sending her flying off the ground to bounce off it. She had mortal wound caused from the attack. The cleaver had entered about half way across her midsection. She quickly began to bleed to death. The retriever did not even give her the luxury of a quick death and proceeded towards Dorian and Elendil who decided to stand guard on this one.

---

Hotaru gave chase following the group keeping up with them the best she could and as they spotted the eastern tower where the paladin was. She noticed him before from time to time. He was at a dire moment and she could easily help him but then she noticed their open problem. A retriever intercepted Avalon and caused the elf's demise killing him. It the then turned and killed the elf woman Ariol. The other two decided to play it smart but it wasn't going to wait. It would attack. So she decided to use another spell. She aimed her hand towards it and yelled out . "Black Curse!!" the spell cast its effects on the beast making it blind and depth. It reacted quickly to this and stopped its approach on them trying to shake off the spell but it would not be that easy. She then turned her staff around and pointed at the creature. "A thousand pedals...." She said and the pedals appeared again circling around her and the shot forward cutting it into ribbons. "I know you would like to mourn for your friends but that can wait." She then shot black roses from her hand they stabbed into the two bodies. "That will protect the bodies from mutilation." She said and took the lead firing her pedals towards the other retriever on the wall that went after Ishmael doing to it the same as the others.

[EWillden]

As the mechanical walls rose up crushing hezrou and retrievers alike and slamming those close to it away. The tanar'ri had to figure out another way inside the city. Unfortunate for Lithium it did not take long. Remaining retrievers and hezrou moved to the main gates. Once they reached the main gates they just stood there waiting for something. More Tanar'ri joined them as well, Dretch, Quasits, Nalpashnee,Glabrezu, Babeu, and even a few Succubi. But in the end they just waited as if something was coming or perhaps not. The Glabrezu only waited for everyone to be present at the gates and once that happened they vanished reappearing inside the gate houses. From here they began using their telekinetic powers to turn the gears and levers which began to open the gates. Waiting for the knights at those gates were legions of demons. Only now there was no escape. If that did not make matters worse the storm turned into a storm of fire which came down doing damage to the buildings.

---

Ishmael saw the mechanic walls shoot up giving him and the knights a bit of an edge against the remaining demons on the walls and those within the city. His back was saved earlier by someone. She used black pedals sharp enough to cut up the retriever. He took the time to turn and see the group below who had moved to his aid. Perhaps one of them was the owner of those pedals. He made way towards the stairs to meet them. As he reached te stairs knights started rush past him. "The gates have been breached,... We have been given the order to hold off the demons and help evacuate. There is only one way of escape right now... The sewers, get to the sewers. We are abandoning the city." They told him. He couldn't believe what he was hearing but he understood it. He continued down the stairs as the fire began coming down destroying homes and shops. When he reached the city floor he spent little time to reach the group. He noticed that there was only three elves left, and with them was a samurai, a witch, a rogue, and some young girl with a staff.

"We are abandoning the city, it is lost. As we speak demons are entering the city from the gates. They managed to open them some how and the only way out is the sewers. There is a entrance to it close by in the market."

---

Cassandra was already at those such sewers helping those people who were locked in their shops out and into the stinky sewers. She did not know the full situation but she felt it was her job to help as many as she can.

[LadyNova]

Hotaru did not take the news to well that they would have to retreat ,but she figured that it was necessary. She could not kill all the demons nor save everyone in the city. However, she could at least save all that she could. He mentioned that the sewers would be the only way out now and that they were located in the market district. She wished the kind people there had escaped through them already. The fire storm made matters worse for she could not do anything about the balls of fire raining down on them. She could already hear the screams from those within one building as they her engulfed in flames.

---

Nova, Elendil and Dorian the remaining three elves here in the city,... well they were the three remaining ones. I suppose now that you think about it Kyalia was a elf too. She did not like the news she was given. Avalon and Ariol died for nothing it would seem but she did vow to her self that she would get vengeance for their deaths. The demons of the mountain will suffer her wrath someday. Maybe not today but someday they will.

[Kyoto]

Kyoto felt a uneasiness about the whole subject. Retreat was not often in his vocabulary especially sense he hadn't done anything yet. The others did more fighting then he did. However, he was not going to let his pride take over and sucked it in so that he could stomach what he was about to do. He hated this, all of it and he only hoped that he would get another chance to prove himself. To fight one of these demons one on one. He knew he had all that he needed to kill them.