BlackRose

The Darkness Descends (Fantasy Conquest RP)

Kingdom Of Zakol

Hakurei, Capitol of Zakol (25)

Messengers ran back & fourth through the halls of the grand palace fortress, as various officials & politicians gathered throughout the grounds swapping the latest information & gossip as it became known. Among all this lord Rahmas stood in the doorway of a dormitory room connected to the larger luxurious chapel room in the palace, watching quietly as two acolytes respectfully cut & carried down a corpse that was hanging from one of the ceiling rafters.

High Priestess Yotul eventually turned her attention to the silent lord in the doorway as the acolytes carried the body away on a stretcher, "One of the seers, the worsening visions of what was coming drove him to such an act despite the sin it'll cause his soul" Rahmas just stared at her for a moment longer before he spoke as he turned to leave back to his office "i wounder what he knew that we don't?".

Meanwhile Lord Claymont was hard at work overseeing various communications, while yelling at every one of his assistants like they where all incompetent idiots, the veterans among them knew it was his way of clarifying the exact details of the tasks needed to avoid confusion while the newer ones desperately carried out his orders fearing they'd lose their jobs. "You boy!, see that this gets dispatched to General Mokur immediately! he's to assist our allies efforts now that he's been reinforced & is for the time being under their command". Claymont all but throws the letter at the young messenger who scurries away, "You!, i want the latest reports from the south now!" an older servant bows as he walks out of the room to do as asked. "and you!..." Claymont looked up to a near empty office only his guards standing behind him kept him company.

Without batting an eye he spun around to face one of his guards "Yes!, you! go to lord Rahmas's office i want our stockpile reports on anything & everything!" the puzzled guard tilted his head but rather than say anything just followed the order, the sight of an armed, heavily armored ogre running down the hall passing other staff caused a massive debate amoungst the politicians as they're volume increased trying to figure out what the emergency was, several of the younger politicians giving chase to find where the guard was going.

Eastrock Province (28)

General Venn stormed into the town council chamber slamming a steel gauntlet into a wooden desk causing it to fiercely & loudly Crack from the sheer force "What is the meaning of this Arnet!, we just got this province & you want me to retreat without a fight!, i have to makeup for my failure at the boarders of Iparis i cant run again!, Do yo..." The extraordinarily young looking human elegantly placed down a scroll she was reading onto the desk as she looked up at the enraged general, cutting her off mid sentence as she gently raised her hand in-front of Venn.

"A truly skilled leader stays prepared, gathers intelligence, weighs & considers their options, knows when & where to fight & when to not!", she paused for a moment "And that's just some of the basics required". General Venn stood there blankly trying to figure out if she was hearing an explanation or being insulted by the young war-magi who sat there with an innocent expression. Arnet having created a uninterrupted silence continued her explanation to the hot-headed general "From our scouts reports & witness accounts from sailors & fishermen there are likely two large forces approaching this province, the Lagosami tribes race from the south and i believe what everyone's been fearing approaches from the water east of us, we have only a small garrison here in comparison and even if we fight resourcefully as possible against one we'll be too weakened to fight against the other!".

"So what we just run & abandon everything?!" the General looking displeased while better understanding the situation, "Yes" Lucretia Arnet said bluntly her innocent angelic expression unchanging "The bulk of the lagosami hordes are also descending on Mandalia our numbers here will help bolster the main forces numbers in facing them, if we can put a halt to their momentum & numbers in the battle there, it will buy us crucial time to prepare for future battles & lessen our overall immediate losses".

"And what of everything else here?, & what of the lagosami coming here will still be a threat", Lucretia smiled sweetly "You really don't see it do you?, if we leave we can help the princess while the 'TWO' forces approaching this province will have no one else to meet but each-other!, As for 'everything' here i assume you mean the locals, foodstuffs, & ships we're building? tactically they're liabilities we should burn the grain silo's & un-built ships to deprive our enemies of them & as for the people they'd slow us down, simple!, what would you have us do?". The Young war-magi raised an eyebrow at the question to the general who seemed shocked at her reasoning.

"I get going to aid the princess & leaving our enemies to weaken each other, ok!, B-but! i will never agree to just abandoning innocents to be slaughtered like cattle, and burn the grain? what would the people have left to live on?, you can go if you wish I'll move my forces and evacuate the people & their stores the princess would expect no less!". Lucretia laughed to herself gaining the anger of the ogre general before she spoke up again "You're not completely without hope Loxa!" the magi stood up from the desk signalling some of the attendees over for tasks still smiling away, "We must hurry our preparations, if we're to stand any chance of getting away with supplies & the people in tow".

Venn even more confused than before "But you wanted?!" the magi was looking at her staff as she rattled off various orders "You, go get the towns mayor, you lot start loading everything vital on the wagons, this goes, as does this, leave that, burn the documents in that box.. No!, that! box if you burn the papers in that one i'll have your heads". She took a pause from her task to look at the general "I said they where tactical liabilities, not what i intended to do loxa, now could you please be a dear and summon any available scout leaders and sappers i have some plans...".

Northern Zakol (18)

General Mokur was reading the same orders for the eighth time before his second in command reasoned with him "Sir, We're to march under the lead of our allies to assist them, we really should start mobilizing our forces" The ogre stood sighing deeply before resolutely following his orders as a solider of Zakol "Very well, i don't like the thought of marching under another kingdoms banner, but they are our allies and, i do owe them much... if the full might of Quaris had been able focus entirely on us and not in three different directions i fear we wouldn't of been as lucky".

Mokur seemed to briefly pause as memories of the flame engulfed battlefield still flashed in his mind before he shook it off "Start mobilizing our troops, We march to aid our allies against Dagrenas!". his second in command & other officers saluted as they where fiercely determined to fare better in future battles.

Western boarder of Eastrock Province (28)

Some days later...

A Mass-exodus of troops, horses, wagons, supplies, & people trailed in a long caravan filling a merchant road for miles as it slowly moved flanked by outriding cavalry to guard them along the way.

Several scout riders raced back to the mobile command unit mid convoy to report, "M'am! we've done as asked we've left false trails leading to the ocean-side villages and a large false trail circling the rocky terrain you pointed out on the map, to make it seem like a large military force snuck past the boarders into the south!". General Venn stood silent studying everything since she burst into the council room days back, as Lucretia Arnet acknowledged the scouts endeavors "Excellent, that should but us valuable time, they'll think we're trying to flank their forces rear if the follow that trail while any who follow to the coastal villages will charge into the oil & fire traps rigged in them & the unfinished ship frames, sorry to ask this, i know your men are tired but please assist in patroling this road & the convoy".

The scouts all saluted in unison "No need to ask M'am!, we'll see these people to safety yet!, We'll give our all for Zakol, lesser unworthy lords of other kingdoms would of likely abandoned the common folk out of convenience, its good to know we fight for the just & the innocents regardless of the situation!" The scouts promptly took off to help patrol the roads.

Lucretia secretly feared future issues of doing what was 'just' could cause serious problems for Zakols survival down the line but she never displayed any emotion to her thoughts, as she turned to face the general with a huge grin on her face "doing the right thing & inspiring loyalty of your troops are also things a skilled leader should seek to accomplish!" General Venn now greatly approving of this young strategist who had been transferred to assist with domestic matters in the province not so long ago.

In the following days the large convoy eventually linked up with the princesses main force in Mandalia province without incident or encountering the lagosami at all, not aware of how narrowly they'd evaded the invading forces in Eastrock.

Invasion of Mandalia Province (27)

The princess sat in war council with her officers & generals in the provinces central town of Eren, after much debating a strong stationary defensive stratagem was elected, to be set up under the planning & organization of the aged & highly experienced Lt.General Grumret & the young but highly intelligent upcoming (war-magi) strategist Lucretia Arnet.

Layered defensive formations & positions where setup in and around the walled central town using it as an operating base to supply & work from, a series of spiked pitfall traps & tripwires linked to incendiary traps were also established well away from the town & friendly forces, directly in the path of the invading enemies behind that two makeshift fake wooden forts were built & packed with pots of oil & more incendiary traps, amoung straw dummies dressed with equipment to make the forts look occupied to lure in the attackers to set off the traps.

Anti-Cavalry & Pavise's (mobile shield/walls) defenses were established in & around the infantry formations to help offer some protection them from being flanked, overrun, or pelted with projectiles. As a last ditch precautionary measure hidden spike walls where setup to spring at the towns gates if any enemy cavalry tried to charge at the innocents & the supplies. The artillery was set up in the rear of Zakols formations their task was simple "rain rock & fire down on the distant enemies ranks before they closed the distance". The Magi units where given two tasks in the opening of the battle one unit was to use air magic to fuel & direct projectiles & flames towards the enemies forces across the battlefield the other was to use earth magic when the enemy made it halfway across the battlefield to throw them off-balance & disrupt their formations footing while the archers could pelt them in the open with projectiles to help reduce the numbers of the closest forces before the front-lines would eventually clash in melee.

Additionally with this plan two reserve forces sat in the back from the bulk of the main defense forces under Grumret & Arnet, one force under Princess Wolph to move and support any critical situations that arise in the defensive formations outside of the town. The second reserve force under General Venn comprised of mostly of cavalry & some light infantry was to hold back & strike at any critical targets with lighting speed & force. Even with all the preparation's to hold & fight the overall plan was to try and delay the enemy & buy time for their new allies Iparis to arrive & setup to support Zakol against this large invading force from the south.

The Battle
The scouts raced back reporting the approach of the Lagosami tribes, it wasn't long before they could be seen advancing towards Zakols forces, Princess Yui Woplh looked around the battlefield but there was still no sign of their allies at all, she noticed Grumret checking as well when their eyes met the elderly general gave a reassuring nod, as if to put the princess at some ease the elderly general simply raised his fist into the air with out a word, as his veteran troops & personal honor guard all cheered & yelled war-cries in unison, as weapons slammed against armor & shields adding to the noise, which had a chain effect as it replicated itself throughout the ranks.

The horde of the tribes descend upon the defenders disturbingly fast, As the first wave of them charged forward screaming guttural and vulgar war cries as they reached the incendiary traps and pitfalls at full pace, charging frantically with wanton-abandon fueled by blood lust, their war cries were soon drowned out as screams of agony filled the air, infantry, Riders & horses alike burst into flames, or fell crashing down into pits of sharpened stakes. But all too soon the screams of those who fell quickly faded as the next wave simply ran through the traps seemingly unfazed of what happened to their brethren.

The more skilled of the lagosami cavalry began easily turning & evading the Zakolian's artillery as rocks rained down towards them they moved like flocks of birds turning & flowing around as each bolder smacked into nothing but dirt. As their forces grew closer the Lagosami entirely ignored the dummy forts bypassing them entirely as they charged desperately at the larger target of the main force of Zakols troops in their defensive formations.

having closed most of the distance they continued to charge towards the Zakolian lines as the earth magics churned up the ground beneath the lagosami's feet mid way to little success as troops and horses tripped & fell the others behind them just trampled over their fallen allies continuing the crazed charge into weak points of Zakols infantry lines where the anti-cavalry defenses didn't intersect. metal smashed against metal as the wave of attackers slammed into Zakols front lines a fierce & bloody battle had erupted both sides holding their own in the fighting but Zakols heavy ogre infantry where slowly gaining the advantage hammering back the light cavalry that had charged into them to reclaim the breech in their line.

Above the deafening roar of the conflict, the very ground seemed to shake as the air filled with the rumble of charging feet & more blood-lust fueled battle-cries, as a new wave comprised mostly of infantry begin to close the distance to support their forces already in the thick of the fighting.

With there being still no sign of their allies & not wanting the situation on the front lines to turn dire, Princess Yui charged her reserve force in to support the main defense force to add to their numbers & help finish up the light cavalry, before the incoming wave of infantry joined the conflict, As General Venn lead a counter charge into the incoming waves flank smashing into them as they continued to charge smashing into Zakols infantry lines as well. With the two forces clashing together in a whirl of chaos the elite hellfire banshees gave a full on display of their skills & prowess as they leapt into the fighting on the front lines with a fury that was frightening to behold, in only a few moments they'd completely finished the light cavalry forces that had slammed into zakols defense line, everyone of the Lagosami warriors who briefly encountered the banshees were butchered as if in the blink of an eye they where so lethal.

While the reserve forces moved to aid the rest of their forces in the brutal fighting Lucretia Arnet raised her right hand to the skies as her fingers curled as if she was physically grasping onto something, the other War-Magi raised their staves casting the same fire magic she was conjuring. It wasn't long before Lucretia with her usual happy angelic expression giggled briefly like a young-child, as her hand closed into a fist and she swung her arm as if pulling something down.

The other war-magi followed her lead jestureing the same with their staves, as the skies above the rest of the lagosami hordes in the distance not yet committed to the fighting blackened, and what could only be described as a fierce meteor storm rather than a shower erupted from the black skies as fire rained down engulfing large swaths of the horde in a roaring inferno. Despite which the Lagosami continued attacking the front lines as magic & arrows rained down upon them. The fighting on both sides was fierce & bloody neither side yielding.

Zakols forces despite being heavily outnumbered, fought like demons possessed inspired by their greatest hero's & leaders who where also fighting beside them & regardless of rank or standing, and more notably the fire princess herself had taken to the thick of the fighting the troops rallying to her to ensure her safety driving zakols warriors to greater feats of skill in combat. Yui Wolph had a smile across face like a demon having found a victim to toy with, smashed into the enemy troops duel-wielding her parents ancestral swords her skills in combat made the elite banshees abilities seemingly pale in comparison as she cut down three to four enemies with each swing of a sword, every so often she'd briefly pause to cast fire magic, her hair seemingly changing color as she did so, if a magi witnessed the actual magic though they wouldn't describe it as any fire magic they know of, the flames where a mix of blue & black and unlike traditional fire magic being fired, Yui's fire magic seemed to combust from inside the targets, more than that the flames didn't splash or spread, they seemed to cling to the victims and engulf them until they burnt down into little more than dust or charcoal.

As the fighting fiercely continued as neither side seemed to relent, a blinding flash of light came from the horizon, as explosions began to tear apart the tribes forces, far-off cannons unleashed a deadly bombardment on the lagosami, while massed proud lines of heavy infantry advanced from the direction of the cannon-fire, with their armor and weapons glowing with divine magics as they charged & slammed into the flank of the Lagosami forces who desperately tryed to turn and face the new threat to no avail as confusion & panic swept through their ranks.

A massed cheer erupted from Zakols forces as their troops were further inspired by the arrival of their allies from Iparis, not wanting to let them grab all the glory however Zakolian infantry poured all their effort to push back against the lagosami now, no longer holding their lines on the defensive, eventually driving the invaders back in a flurry of blood and steel. It wasn't long in this chaos before the tribes morale broke and they began to flee in a panic, small groups from the rear at first until their entire force began to turn and run for their for the boarder while still under a hail of arrows and magic, & being chased down by charging infantry and cavalry.

War-cries mixed with cheering erupted throughout the allied forces as they chased off the invaders, insults being hurled at the lagosami as the last of them desperately fled the field out of range of the archers & magi, the entire allied army had been halted by the command horns & flag signalers recalling all forces to their rally & staging points, As celebrations & cheers continued to echo across the battlefield for the rest of the day.

Actions

> Diplomacy
- Large shipments of Zakolian forged weapons, equipment & gold sent to Iparis in appreciation of their allied assistance against the lagosami tribes.
- Agents sent to gather any additional Intel on the Lagosami, their movements & actions.

> Military Action
- Reforming forces in the south after the defensive battle.
- Northern forces dispatched to assist allied war effort.

> Personnel Transfer - To Allied Command against Dagrenas(NPC)(19)
-Volaq Mokur
-2 Unit of Light Infantry
-26 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-2 War-Magi
-1 Unit of Magi
-3 unit Heavy Cav
-4 Artillery

> Recruitment
- 1 units light infantry (27) - (Nts: of 2 units)
- 1 unit heavy infantry (25)
- 1 units heavy Cav (18) - (Nts: of 6 units)
- 1 unit Conscript Infantry (16)

- 0 units Crossbowmen () - (Nts: of 4 units)

> Naval Construction
- 2 war ships (18)
- 2 war ships (25)

> Research
- Fortitude (turn 3) complete! i think?

Tech & Magic:
- Gained steam engine technology & construction, in return for instruction of fire magics to Tushienia.

Garrisons

North Zakol (18)
-Volaq Mokur
-2 Unit of Light Infantry
-26 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-2 War-Magi
-1 Unit of Magi
-3 unit Heavy Cav
-4 Artillery

South Zakol (25)
- Glasha Yotul - Priestess of the Sun & Moon
- 5 units, Crossbowmen
- 1 units, War Magi
- 1 units, Magi (20)
- 1 units,Trebuchet artillery
- 2 units, Light Infantry
- 21 units, Heavy Infantry
- 1 unit, Javalin Ogres

Mandalia (27)
- Yui Wolph
- Ozma Torth
- Loxa Venn
- Lt.General Grumret
- Lucretia Arnet
- 1 Unit of Hellfire Banshees
- 7 Units of Light Infantry
- 23 Units of Heavy Infantry
- 4 Units of Archers
- 3 Units of War-Magi
- 2 Units of Magi
- 8 Units of Heavy Cavalry
- 4 Units of Artillery

Navy Locations
- 7 warships (E12)
- 7 warships (E13)
- 9 warships (F13)
- 57 transports (E12)

Shine City II: The Next Season

@Ivory @Oz @BlackRose
Hello lovelies, I'm just checking to see if you are still interested in this game!

I'm pretty sure @Cirrus is coming back, they're just celebrating a late holiday according to their last post.

@Narcotic Dollie

Sorry i got swamped with the time of the year & all, also things gonna be busy for me on-wards too so I'm gonna have to drop out soz, thanks for everything though guys, wish i got to rp with some of ya. :)

L8rz!

The Darkness Descends (Fantasy Conquest RP)

Sorry for delay & lack of contact, just busy time as I'm sure ya can understand :)

But got a post up, very short than usual so again sorry!, but pressed for time lately... also bit late but happy new year guys lol.

The Darkness Descends (Fantasy Conquest RP)

Kingdom Of Zakol

Hakurei, capitol of Zakol

After another of the councils heated arguments on what should be done, Rahmas & Claymont proved to be the only voices of calm & reason managing to quell matters before they got out of hand, another issue Rahmas had to face on top of this was, General Mokur despite the results of the previous battle he was bloodthirsty and seeking revenge for the invasion, it was taking countless letters back and forth trying to reason with the stubborn ogre, the fact that Claymont refused to help either side on this matter only made it more stressful on one side the forces north needed to reorganize, on the other Claymont promised Zakol would aid their allies against their enemy.

Meanwhile Glasha Yotul was attending to the deployment & logistics of the military & supplies being dispatched from the capital with some minor help from Rahmas & Claymont.

Encampment south of Lesai plains, Northern Zakol

Countless days have passed since the battle but the soldiers & laborers where still working tirelessly reorganizing supplies & burying the numerous dead. Zakolian dead where being carried away ceremoniously treated with the utmost respect & prepared for a military funeral.

The treatment of the equally numerous Quaris dead however was a different matter the sheer resentment that was felt towards them for the unprovoked invasion ran deep, Their dead where collected up their eyes where gouged out, tongues removed, & ears, hands & feet where hacked off & they where dumped into one mass grave pit. Zakolians believed by doing this in the after-life all will know these deformed monsters for what they where and not in their whole human form, if they where granted such peace at all... It was a final last ditch effort to deny the Quaris fanatics access to their heaven for which they fought for.

Zakol has always stood against such barbaric acts, believing all life & death should be treated fairly with respect, but under the enraged General Mokur such injustice has gone on unimpeded, with others of note & authority elsewhere none where available to put a stop to it. That said it was probably one of the few things that was helping keep Mokur in check from leading a counter-invasion instead of waiting for reinforcements from the south.

Mandalia Provence

With the area now safely under control & peace reestablished, Princess Yui continued to focus her forces efforts on restoration as supplies & trade slowly began to flourish again in the area, but also with a dread of what was coming, they started to recruit volunteers from the populous in an effort to start building what forces they could.

Eastrock Provence

The newly obtained province of Eastrock had been secured by General Venns forces as they where already organized to march when they where repelled at the boarders earlier freeing them up to easily move and secure the province, and after the arrival of Lucretia Arnet having been transferred to oversee domestic matters in the area Eastrock was also secured after it being handed over to Zakols rule. As such eforts here became threefold as forces where being raised from the populous here as well, Naval ships where being constructed & a large ancient defense fortress was being rebuilt near the eastern coast, despite it long having been the ruin of a long forgotten age.

Actions

> Diplomacy
- Allied military request to Iparis to move its advanced naval fleet to [G13] to help defend the eastern coast.

- Claymont starts utilizing some of his more unsavory agents, Spys where to find and report any vital information they could on the Holy Empire of Quaris or rather what was left of it, additionally if any assassins had a good chance of removing any military officers of skill, religious leaders, or the nations ruler they where to proceed but if no guarantee of success to refrain from any actions.

- Large shipments of Zakolian forged weapons & equipment sent to the Republic of Andinon & the Kingdom of Tushienia, as a token of appreciation & to aid with the war effort. (Bonus: Superior Forging, Superior Armor *for 1 turn?*)

- A final message Via pigeon sent to the Lagosami tribes to try and make contact in an attempt to arrange a sit-down to talk peace & negotiate their aid against a far more powerful & mutual enemy that was approaching if their tribal mentality was blood lust and war perhaps a promise of such things might get them to actually agree to speak.

- Agents sent to gather any Intel on the Lagosami, culture, politics, military, etc...

> Military Action
- Refraining from any actions while preparing their forces for future endeavors.

> Personnel Transfer
- 3 warships (E13) > (G13)
- 6 warships (E12) > (G13)

> Recruitment
- 1 units light infantry (27) - (Nts: of 3 units)
- 1 units Crossbowmen (25) - (Nts: of 5 units)
- 1 units heavy Cav (18) - (Nts: of 7 units)
- 1 units Heavy infantry (28)

> Naval Construction
- 2 war ships (18)
- 2 war ships (25)
- 2 war ships (28)

> Research
- Fortitude (turn 2)

Garrisons

North Zakol (18)
-Volaq Mokur
-2 Unit of Light Infantry
-26 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-2 War-Magi
-1 Unit of Magi
-2 unit Heavy Cav
-4 Artillery

South Zakol (25)
- Glasha Yotul - Priestess of the Sun & Moon
- 4 units, Crossbowmen
- 1 units, War Magi
- 1 units, Magi (20)
- 1 units,Trebuchet artillery
- 2 units, Light Infantry
- 20 units, Heavy Infantry
- 1 unit, Javalin Ogres

Mandalia (27)
-Yui Wolph
-Ozma Torth
-1 Units of Hellfire Banshees
-4 Units of Light Infantry
-30 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-3 Units of War-Magi
-2 Units of Magi
-6 Units of Heavy Cavalry
-3 Units of Artillery

Eastrock (28)
- Loxa Venn
- Grumret
-3 Units of Light Infantry
-7 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-1 Unit of War-Magi (Lucretia Arnet)
-3 units of Heavy Cavalry
-1 Unit of Artillery

Navy Locations
- 11 warships (E12)
- 8 warships (E13)
- 57 transports (Trading/Various - Recalled for military service)

The Darkness Descends (Fantasy Conquest RP)

post's done, will finish the details in garrison & actions later. :)

The Darkness Descends (Fantasy Conquest RP)

Kingdom Of Zakol

Hakurei, Capital of Zakol - Office of the Minister of foreign affairs

Lord Claymont sat at his desk inspecting the mountain of documents & letters that seemed to never decrease in number, "Right, now i can deal with the letters from my agents..." opening the messages one after the other as he recorded each in a large book dating each one as he did so, "Dagrenas... they found nothing? no sign of settlements or life at all?!," He frowned but promptly shook it off "Fools trying to hide away from the world around them i bet" He moved on after adding a comment to the documentation "Dagrenas = no hope" then he moved on to the other messages from the diplomats sent out over the past month. He read the report from the people he'd sent to the Holy Empire of Quaris they'd arrived back in the capital after only a couple days leaving "Turned away at the boarder, due to Zakol is a nation of unholy heathens practicing witchcraft... & false gods?" Claymont grinned at the insult but it faded as he got an odd feeling as he thought about Quaris's views, but continued on "Cosab, surprisingly friendly towards us openly accepted the peace & non-aggression treaties with us..." He noticed the diplomats little note before continuing on "...May be seeking allies as they fear the apparently aggressive Lagosami tribes to the south?." Claymont rifled through the messages before he turned to one of his staff "You!, boy! i sent some diplomats to speak with the Lagosami tribes ages ago go find me their report i don't have it!" the young man nodded and races out of the room as Claymont continued on "arrived in the Empire of Ubalri where met with open arms & desperation?, they seek immediate aid to help them combat the invading Lagosami tribe...".

Claymont already knew what had happened before the youngman had returned to tell him there hasn't been any contact from the group sent to talk with the Lagosami in the far south, having sent the assistant away again to get the records of the people in the missing diplomatic party, he started drafting the usual condolence letters for their families.

After an hour or so just as he'd finished with the letters, another of his staff urgently burst into the room, "Lord Claymont!, a message has arrived from General mokurs camp in northern Zakol by carrier pigeon" The aid passes him the report sighing deeply after he read it, "As our forces are in the south, the holy empire of Quaris has launched a full-scale attack against us, Gneral mokurs moving to intercept with what what token forces he has left stationed in the provence..." Claymont paces back & fourth in his office reading the report several more times before sitting as his desk and speedily starts writing several letters.

Skirmish on the Western Boarder, of Southern Zakol

General Venn had lead the Expedition force over the boarder into western Iparis with the intent of fighting a guerrilla war with ambushes & hit & run tactics, however shortly having crossed the boarders General Venn was drawn into what was thought to be a small skirmish against boarder guards had escalated in heavy fighting, most of her forces where already engaged in combat when it became apparent they where facing an entire force of Iparis military head on.

Despite the surprise, & being drawn into a direct full on battle the Zakolian forces Lead by Loxa Venn had initially smashed into the enemy like a tidal wave, Iparis forces suffering heavy casualties despite their fearless & fevered efforts in combat. As the fighting raged on however something strange happened on the front lines just as the enemy was getting slowly pushed back, wounded survivors of which where being dragged back to safety for aid telling stories of extremely bright flashes of blinding lights & tales of what seemed like angels, heavenly warriors descending from the skies fighting against them aiding the forces of Iparis.

A messanger ran over to General Venn "Mam!, our forces in the thick of the fighting on the front-lines are starting to take heavy casualties!" Not wasting a moment General Venn grinned as she took her prized great sword from the three personal aids carrying it, as she gathered her personal entourage to join the battle "Alright kids!, lets go join the fight!, i'm getting board back here!, Lt.general Grumret! you have command here" General Venn took off to lead a devastating rallying charge at the front-lines, her presence for a time was working in rallying Zakols forces in the fierce battle, when a low echoing boom sounded a short while later the ground near general Venn exploded killing her near by troops & sending her flying back through the air several feet her ears ringing as she stared up at the sky. After a few seconds some troops ran over to aid her & help her up their voices becoming clearer as the ringing in her ears dulled down, as a dozen or so more low echoing booms began sounding almost in rhythm, Loxa Venn looked around only to see groups of her forces abruptly explode as the earth itself seemingly shot up from the ground.

Over all the Chaos & shouting several Signaling horns begn bellowing from the command station at the rear sounding a full-organised retreat as more of the battlefield kept exploding as the air echo'd with a mix of low distant boom sounded & the loud bellows of battle horns rang throughout the battlefield. "Get back! Everyone Fall back!" Venn shouted at the top of her lungs her forces now falling back, squad stopping & turning to cover the retreat of other squads who then did the same as the Zakolian army promptly pulled back as the battlefield seemed to erupt around them.

Loxa Venn seeing some over-zealous Iparis forces preparing to make chase while others of their comrades worryingly held back not wanting to risk moving into the area where the ground was exploding held back. only a pocket of the Iparis forces broke rank to charge to which General Venn Slashed her great sword across the ground infront of her as if drawing a line before she them slammed it into the ground and gave out a mighty battle cry that sounded over all the noise across the battlefield the sight & sound of which seemed to actually halt the pursuers, after a few moments stareing each-other down some troops ran back to support Venn as she plucked her sword from the ground and slowly began to fall back the Iparis forces doing the same as they'd almost walked into the area where the ground was explodeing around them.

The expeditionary force began its slow march back over the boarder having lost the momentum & suffered some losses from the engagement. Iparis also having suffered heavily themselves decided to pull back & leave things as they stood. Genral Venn finally found the command unit "Grumret! good job timely organizing the retreat, do you know what happened after i took to the field?" The elderly officer nodded "One of our human magi said it was a metal ship called an ironclodd? firing .....On..ns?...Onions!...? from offshore!" General Venn looked at the elderly ogre in confusion when the magi stepped forward "S-sorry mam!, he means an ironclad was firing Cannons from the coast" Venn nodded at the human "thank you magi!, ive heard of these cannons a rather recent invention i believe", the human tried not to smile when he noticed the ogre was being Ernest "I wouldn't say recent they've been... never mind ma'm not important", the human vanished into the ranks not wanting to insult how behind the times Zakols forces where becoming compared to some of the more advanced kingdoms in Alria.

General Venn shouted to some of the logistical staff "Bring me paper, ink & qill i need to get a message to the main force of whats occurred immediately!" Some of the people took off gathering the things as well as a messenger bird as the worry as to whats happened with the main force under the princesses command.

Assault over the Southern Boarder, of South Zakol

Princess Yui Wolph lead the main force herself attacking Central Iparis, again not long after having crossed the boarders Zakolian forces found themselves up against the full military might of Iparis forces in their central Provence. It was only a few hours before Zakols main force was fully engaged in combat with the same initial prowess & success as they hammered into the enemy with torrential force.

The Magi worked in co-ordination with the infantry & cavalry hammering the enemy troops or hemming them into areas where Zakol could control the flow of battle Zakolian forces surprisingly suffering small casualties compared to the overwhelmingly heavy casualties Iparis forces where suffering in the valiant defense of their lands.

A human female War-magi stood near the signal operators at the command unit in the rear helping guide the flow of the battle helping Zakols troops react to potential weaknesses in advance or exploit vulnerabilities in the enemes lines before they noticed. Princess Yui stood watching over the battle her demeanor to any around her seemed like it was as if she was upset or depressed, reluctant of the actions she's taken. When Ozma Torth appeared at her side "Yui, it'll be bad for moral if you don't seem more resolute" Yui nodded and tried to suppress her thoughts returning her attention to the battle, walking over to her officers & the signal staff Torth following closely behind as she did so.

The Female war-Magi noticing the princesses approach spoke up "Your highness! we have everything in hand, you needn't worry yourself further..." Yui cut her off "No, i'm fine now lucretia but thank you for your concern, However!, we do have a war win, and to do it we need to promptly put an end to this minor conflict!". Yui walked over to a roughly surveyed map of the area "Right everyone gather round" Princess Wolph Gave her officers the details of her plan to finish the enemy forces in central Iparis.

A short while afterwards Zakols forces cheered, shouted and cried out in zealous celebration when Princess Yui herself charged into the battle with her elite bodyguards their combined overwhelming power, speed, & magic cutting swaths through what was left of the enemy forces, while the rest of the main force rallied behind her each solider fighting like a demon possessed to ensure their princesses well-being. The battle soon ended as the remnants of Iparis's forces scattered & fled from the overwhelming onslaught of Zakols main force.

Princess Yui after passing ranks upon ranks of cheering troops on her way back to the command unit, a messenger ran over to her "Your highness a letter from General Venn has arrived!" Yui read it as her face betrayed a mix of sadness & relief, Torth whispering to her "Is everything ok?" Yui nodded "Venn was forced to retreat but she's fine as are most of her forces Iparis was hit hard unable to pursue them... i'm glad they're ok but it's a serious set-back to my plan". Yui continued onward to the command tent lost in thought as casualty reports poured in her officers debating what to do with prisoners & wounded Iparis soldiers.

Yui Wolph spoke up "What's there to debate?! we have our duty & Zakols ideals to live-up to!" her officers fell silent as they turned to face her as she continued "get medical treatment to all of the wounded, i want all prisoners disarmed & put under guard, see to it they're treated fairly & fed proper!, Have any of our still capable forces immediately prepare to move out to secure & occupy all towns & villages in the Provence from looters & bandits seeking to profit from the confusion of the battles aftermath... and find a messenger willing to volunteer to take a message to the ruler of Iparis under a white flag of truce, any further senseless slaughter will only weaken both our kingdoms if this continues... i just hope Iparis will see reason in this as well especially since we never took the west". Her officers smiled at the conviction their ruler displayed and set about their duties.

Battle of Lesai Plains, Northern Zakol

To the north General Mokur gathered what troops where left in the north to defend against the invading Quaris forces from the north their army having already crossed the boarder the previous day messengers getting ahead of them to give Mokur some advance warning of their attack & direction which he relayed to the capital before moving to intercept the invader, his gathered forces setting up on the southern end of the Lesai plains.

Knowing he was likely outnumbered General Mokur adopted a defensive strategy his troops, engineers, and sappers hard at work setting up a central command platform, traps, pyres, anti-cavalry defenses, & the trebuchets in advance as he arranged his forces formations and discussed tactics with his officers & Magi.

Some hours later what seemed to be the full military might of the Holy Empire of Quaris marched from the northern end of the Lesai plains, massed loud hymns & prayers as their close-minded fanatical troops advanced their holy banners flying high & musicians playing to the march. As the enemy where still far in the distance Mokur Gave a booming speech to his troops who where witnessing this sight of the force approaching them. "The eyes of Zakol fall upon us on this day!, We must make our people proud that we are their defenders!, and more than that Our old gods watch over us on this day against these zealots and their young-ling god who's intolerant to all except their own people!, These Opportunistic bastards cowardly seek to stab our ruler, Your princess in the back as she is busy dealing with issues to the south, show them no mercy! give them no quarter! send these lowly fuckers to either their god or back from where they came!, For Zakol!, For the Wolphs!".

The outnumbered Zakol forces gave a mighty cheer and stood proudly & resolute against the overwhelmingly large enemy force, As Quaris advanced into range Mokur gave the order to his artillery, The trebuchets opened fire raining fire & stone upon the massed ranks of the Quaris infantry taking huge chunks out of their lines, however they continued on as more zealots filled in the gaps in their formations each time one was created. Despite the enemy infantry not slowing Mokur was forced into attempting the next phase of the plan, a unit of Javelin ogres marched alone ahead of the formation exposing the formations weak center & the command base General Mokur was leading from, as Zakolian magi subtly made the wind direction on the battlefield blow towards the enemy.

Taking the bait of the isolated unit Quaris elite Cavalry broke formation to charge down the easy target, the javelin Ogres feigning to panic began their retreat towards the center of Mokurs defensive formation to lure them in despite straining every muscle as they tried to fall back the through-bred war horses of the enemy cavalry fanatically closed the distance unable to out run them the javelin Ogres knowing what was at stake turned to face them in a desperate attempt to take some of the enemy with them as they flung their javelins or used them as spears, just as the enemy cavalry decended on them.

Utterly annihilated by the overwhelming numbers of enemy Cavalry, who then pressed on towards the weakness in the Zakolian formations center with frenzied zeal, however a third of which hung back desperately & cruelty seeking for any wounded survivors of the Ogre javelin unit to murder them in cold blood. Despite this they unit had mostly succeeded in their task as two thirds of the enemy's Cavalry charged into the center gap where the trap sprung Several rows of fenced stakes shot upwards out of the ground which the speed & deadly momentum of the enemy's cavalry couldn't avoid flew into causing horse & rider to be skewered or trampled over by their allies following behind & falling to the same fate, As Zakols KragFang Cavalry had circled from a hidden position around the formation to come up from behind closing off any retreat as the infantry formations to the flanks closed in around them, ahead two full units of heavy infantry now forming up in front of the command platform encircling the dismounted enemy cavalry. Unfortunately Noticing this the remaining third of the enemy Cavalry with wanton-abandon charged into the rear of the Kragfang cavalry pinning them against their own forces spike trap & the fanatical merciless blood-lust of the Quaris surviving cavalry resulting in a bloody & frenzied battle in the of the defensive formation.

After some considerable losses & the Kragfang cavalry being practically wiped out due to a tactical error in judgement General Mokurs forces had managed to defeat the last remnants of Quaris's Elite Cavalry, however they'd barely reformed in time as the main bulk of the invading army had closed the distance, it wasn't long before the entirety of Mokurs force was fully engaged in merciless combat, the desperately pitched battle was still going strongly against Zakols forces as their lines where being spread thin to combat the enemies numbers while many casualties fell to the enemies zealous warriors who's blood lust, & lethality was matched by their apparent desire to die in battle like martyrs.

The two forces continued fighting a bloody & merciless battle, both refusing to give in despite the losses as bodies piled on bodies, where used as stepping stones by more combatants refusing to yield to their enemy. The battle drew on mercilessly as wave upon wave of troops kept clashing with each-other however Zakols thinning defense line was slowly being pushed back by the invaders martial & numerical might. Mokurs Chief war-Magi appeared at his side as the wind had picked up in strength "Sir!, the majority of the enemies forces are still near where the traps with peat are!, however we move or they push us back any further it'll be to late!". Mokur Watched the battle before him his forces pressed to their limit as he waved his Entourage together as he grabbed his warhammer & tower shield. "Try and only have your magi ignite the traps where the enemy forces are most concentrated in number, im going to try and rally our troops to hold the line!". With that Mokur charged into the thick of the fighting over all the noise & chaod his booming voice carried over the battlefield "For the Wolphs! for Zakol!!!" After which Mokur displayed his prowess & might fully living up to his title as the 'shield of Zakol' taking on eight to ten enemy warriors at once hammering into them with unnatural strength.

The Fire traps ignited with overwhelming force the flames lashing out wildly engulfing entire lines of infantry however they grew rapidly out of control fueled by the ferocious winds that had picked up they did spread northward however the battle lines where so heavily entangled many Zakolian troops also got caught in the ferocious blaze that engulfed the battlefield Mokur himself was grabbed & thrown back by one of his men just before where he'd been standing went up in gushes of flame.

Both forces scrambled to get away from the fire & reform however from the extensive fighting & the wild fire that had spread over a vast majority of the battlefield both forces suffered Extremely heavy casualties... Despite this General Mokur had managed to recover a small amount of his exhausted forces hastily reforming them near the Command platform as the surviving Magi utilized their earth magics to douse or halt any spread of the fires towards their own forces, the troops from the Holy Empire of Quaris weren't so lucky the fire & wind direction had entirely engulfed their invading military force from the lowliest foot-solider to the highest of their ranking officers. The Quaris forces where entirely annihilated in the battle on the Lesai plains, However Mokur and his forces had little to cheer about as they where exhausted from the fighting, their heavy losses during the bloody battle not to mention the unfortunate warriors caught in the the fires, It was a pyrrhic victory at best, but according to Zakols populous & the politicians it was a victory regardless!.

To General Mokur however he couldn't consider it anything other than a resounding defeat as the forces under his command where so drastically depleted by Quaris's merciless & unprovoked surprise attack they where practically crippled from attempting any form of retaliation.

Town of Eagrose, Mandalia Provence (27) - Formally Central Iparis

Several Days after the battle the military force under Princess Yui Wolph set up headquarters in the North-central town of Eagrose from where they coordinate their efforts for the province,an officer arrives at the newly occupied garrison with the volunteer the princess requested "Your highness This man is willing to ride under the flag of truce to the ruler of Iparis for you". Yui walked over to them "thank you, for volunteering for this important task-", The excited messagner eagerly cut in "No-No problem your highness! i'its truely an honor i-infact i had to w-win a lottery to g-get this incredible chance to serve you in this task your excellency! i couldn't believe how luc-" The officer cut in "sorry mam when i asked for volunteers i near had a riot on my hands, of loyal subjects wishing to serve i had to resort to a lottery before i got trampled to death..." the officer smiled Yui almost burst into laughter "Oh, My! No, i assure you i'm the one honored that i have to many loyal retainers, Now please i entrust you with delivering this letter to the ruler of Iparis, It's of utter importance and i need it done as soon as possible!".

The Eager messenger took the letter forgetting himself "What's it fo-.. sorry!" Yui waved his worry away with her hand "I'm going ahead with what i intended to do from the start, i'm asking for peace", She stood there with a smile as everyone in the room around her stopped in silence surprised by what she'd said.

Meanwhile outside the garrison the War-Magi Lucretia was sitting at a wooden desk beside, a scribe, a diplomat under lord Claymont, & the mayor of Eagrose, (not to mention the guards, clerical, & logistical staff around them as well) sorting through various paperwork, while conducting trials & hearing the requests of the provinces people. a group of men held under guard were brought before them at the table as Lucretia spoke up "So... more bandits, your group tried to raid & pillage the farming village of Zlille?, Zelle?" The mayor cut in "Zle, Miss the 'e' is silent". Lucretia nodded in appreciation "Zle!, seeking to take advantage of innocents in the confusion of the battle few days past, i see no need for leniency with people such as you lot!, hmmm... six years hard labor under guard at a state rock quarry, where you will have time to reflect on your actions & learn through hard work on how to earn an honest days meal, which the innocent farmers of Zle toil for every year!".

The bandit leader went to protest as did his followers when Lucretia cut him off "If your unhappy with this option there's another..." She made an axe motion with her hand hitting softly against the side of her neck while staring straight at the bandits eyes, to which a patch on the front of the bandit leaders pants changed to a darker & wetter shade from before as he whispered under his breath "Quarry's fine with us.." as he hung his head and was led away to the cells.

"Next!" a middle aged man who looked half-starved as his shirt barely clung to his shoulders, was brought forward by another guard "Caught stealing food from the garrison supply warehouse shortly before our forces arrived in Eagrose" the scribe spoke up introducing the charges against the prisoner Lucretia just sat looking at the man waiting for his to talk as he did "Please forgive me, but My family's had nothing to eat for the past few days! my family needs to eat! arrest me but please give my family something i beg of you!". Lucretia turned to look at the mayor who explained "before the battle Iparis soldiers came through gathering up any able bodied troops & volunteers while appropriating the towns foodstuffs for the army's supplies as they gathered for the upcoming battle... Its not un-". Claymonts diplomat spoke up "It's not uncommon with most kingdoms when marshaling forces the nearest towns, farms, & villages to them are picked bare to supply a hastily gathered force especially if its numbers exceed predictions... As usual it's the common people who suffer the most in silence".

Lucretia has a whispered discussion with some logistical staff finding out Rahmas & Claymont had seen to the Zakolian armies being well (if not overly) supplied along with additional shipments of grain from lord Claymont apparently part of a gift from an allied kingdom. "Your free to go, as far as food is concerned each family will start being issued rations daily to get by on as transport & trade routes are re-established so that basic infrastructure can be set up to get things back on track!" The prisoner stood happy at being released but then got totally lost by Lucretias words when the mayor cut in "Everyone's getting food each day per family until everything's back to normal!" The man fell to his knees thanking for their generosity the guards having to practically carry him away for things to proceed.

Later in the afternoon...

The messenger that had been sent out earlier that day had sped back, his horse almost collapsed over dead from exhaustion as it had ridden so far in a few hours, as he raced towards the garrison on foot to deliver the reply from the ruler of Iparis to Princess Wolph, Only A few minuets later another messenger arrived from the capital with news of what transpired back home to the north of Zakol.

Actions

> Diplomacy
- The Kingdom of Zakol officially joins & commits to the 'Northern Alliance' established by the kingdoms of Tushienia & Andinon. Zakol offering what resources they can to future endeavors of the alliance.

- Zakol & Iparis make peace & form an agreement with each-other resulting in an unexpected alliance, additionally Iparis hands over control of its eastern most province (28) to Zakol as part of their agreement, which resulted from a heartfelt letter from Princess Yui Wolph. (what it contained & detailed remained between the ruler of Iparis & Princess Wolph.)

- Zakol Formally agrees to peace & non-aggression treaties with the kingdom of Cosab maintaining friendly relations with them.

- Zakol avoids further diplomacy with the Empire of Ubalri the diplomats maintaining a discreet presence however relaying any information on the Lagosami tribes movements, having noted they could be a future concern.

- Although nothing more than a formality at this point, a surprisingly well written & politely worded, declaration of war (filled with subtle insults & veiled threats) was sent from the office of Lord Claymont to Holy Empire of Quaris.

> Military Action
- Souths occupying the new territories, northern forces crippled until reinforced.

> Personnel Transfer
- Expeditionary force redirected to Eastrock.

- 1 unit light inf & 20 units heavy inf transfered from s.Zakol to N.Zakol

> Recruitment
- 1 units light infantry (Ogre) (27) - (Nts: of 3 units)
- 1 units Crossbowmen (human) (25) - (Nts: of 5 units)
- 1 units heavy Cav (Ogre) (18) - (Nts: of 7 units)
- 1 units Heavy infantry (28)

> Naval Construction
- 2 war ships (18)
- 2 war ships (25)

> Research
- Fortitude

Garrisons

North Zakol (18)
-Volaq Mokur
-1 Unit of Light Infantry
-6 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-2 War-Magi
-1 Unit of Magi
-1 unit Heavy Cav
-4 Artillery
South Zakol (25)
- Glasha Yotul - Priestess of the Sun & Moon
- 3 units, Crossbowmen (50)
- 1 units, War Magi
- 1 units, Magi (20)
- 1 units,Trebuchet artillery
Transferred:
- 3 units, Light Infantry (300)
- 40 units, Heavy Infantry (1000)
- 1 unit, Javalin Ogres (50)
Mandalia (27)
-Yui Wolph
-Ozma Torth
-1 Units of Hellfire Banshees
-3 Units of Light Infantry
-30 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-3 Units of War-Magi
-2 Units of Magi
-6 Units of Heavy Cavalry
-3 Units of Artillery

Eastrock (28)
- Loxa Venn
- Grumret
-3 Units of Light Infantry
-6 Units of Heavy Infantry
-2 Units of Archers
-1 Unit of War-Magi (Lucretia Arnet)
-3 units of Heavy Cavalry
-1 Unit of Artillery

Navy Locations
- 9 warships (E12)
- 6 warships (E13)
- 57 transports (Trading/Various)

The Darkness Descends (Fantasy Conquest RP)

working on post will have it up in an hour or two... or three... but tonight! :p

Shine City II: The Next Season

Wow this moves fast i'm already 2-3 pages behind? O.o

Just wanted to say sorry for vanishing my internet decided to die for some reason... :(

i take it the rp's passed me by?.

The Darkness Descends (Fantasy Conquest RP)

Kingdom of Zakol

Hakurei, Capital of Zakol - Palace dinning room
A member of the kitchen staff walks away from the great dining table after severing the Princess the main course, mouthing away to herself because Ozma had sampled the food & wine before she'd been allowed to serve it to the princess "I love the princess & this country as if it allow anything to harm her... Hmph! treating me like some lowly assassin, I've been preparing and serving meals since she..." the staff women continued mumbling to herself as she left the room back into the kitchen. Princess Yui pretending not to have noticed as she started eating turned to look at Ozma when the staff woman had left, Ozma shook her head before Yui could say anything "Just doing my job your highness, it concerns me not if i upset the help in the process", letting the matter drop Yui resumed her meal. A while later having finished the main course Princess Yui downed a mug of wine almost in one go, when the main doors of the dinning room burst open!, Ozma standing ready for anything only to see holy priestess Yotul almost stumbling over her own feet exhausted the sight of which made princess Yui stand in surprise "Glasha i thought you were at Zakol mountain with the seers?!".

Priestess Yotul managing to regain herself a little as she made her way over to Yui & Ozma "Darkness!, something horrible approaches the signs, the visions of the seers..." Yui & Ozma helped the Holy priestess to a chair trying to calm her as Yui questioned her "Yotul, someones attacking? who dares march against us?!". The priestess shook her head as she found some composure to explain "Not who my lady, what!, something deadly approaches from the far east of Alria... it's set on engulfing everything that stands before it... The seers visions foretold as things stand, everything will fall in shadow and fire unless the kingdoms act...". Ozma brought Yotul something to drink and stood unsure of what to do or say as Yui continued to try and get all the details & events of what was witnessed on the holy mountain, and make sense of what Yotul was trying to explain in her exhausted state, as the journey from the capital to the top of Zakol mountain is a long trek even without stops along the way, Yotul evidently having made the journey back in record time scared by what the seers envisioned from the gods.

An hour later...

Hakurei, Capital of Zakol - Palace throne room
Gildas Claymont entered the room after being summoned briskly walking over to Warren Rahmas who'd arrived shortly before "Rahmas! what's going on why has the princess called an emergency meeting?", Rahmas equally concerned turned to approach Claymont leaving the little group of babbling politicians he was with to themselves. Rahmas gave a slight bow in respect "I don't know lord Claymont, i figured you would have a better idea than anyone, all i know more than others it seems is that Priestess Yotul is back in the Capital", Claymont paused before speaking "I thought... wait how do you know she's back in the Capital?" Rahmas shrugged "I saw her run down a corridor, roughly an hour ago when i went to fetch more quill ink, i ran out while i was in the middle of reviewing the market places monthly accounts..." Claymont raised his hand to stop Rahmas's explanation "I don't care what you where doing, why didn't you follow Yotul to find out why she's back?". Rahmas was a little irked at Claymonts interruption "Simple once i obtained the ink, i went back to finish my unimportant work!, as I'm not one of your spies!" Rahmas stood indignant as he finished.

Lord Claymont sighed deeply before he apologized "I'm sorry Rahmas, that was unworthy of me! your tireless efforts are what keeps the kingdom running efficiently and thus are of great import, i meant no insult, only that i eagerly wished to gain an understanding of what this emergency session is about!". Rahmas nodded in both acknowledgement & hinting towards main doors of the throne room "It seems, We're about to find out my friend!".

Two hellfire banshees stood to either side of the main doors as the Princess entered escorted by Ozma Torth & more of her elite guards, as Yui made her way to the throne the guards moved to take their positions around her while the main doors where shut & locked as they did so Princess Yui watched as everyone gathered before her "Thank you all, a serious matter as come to our attention which i believe we should heed and take immediate action to prepare for...". Princess Yui went on to explain the previously unclear signs of foreboding and of Priestess Yotul's return with news of the seers visions of what was coming. Which resulted in a mass debate & arguing amongst the politicians that only became louder when Princess Yui proposed her intentions on how she plans to prepare against this unknown threat, plans which will break Zakols generations long neutrality with it's neighbors...

Hakurei, Capital of Zakol - Palace Main Hallway
After the emergency council session was dismissed a mix of zealous, patriotic, concerned, & fearful politicians filed out still arguing and debating with each other over what's already been decided, amongst them ran messengers and military officers relaying messages and orders to mobilize the entire kingdom for war. Rahmas exited the throne rooms main doors beside lord Claymont as others passed by them Claymont speaking up "Glad Zakol is an autocratic government & not a republic this lot would be arguing what course of action to take when our enemies are banging on the front door!" Rahmas slowed his pace "Gildas, i understand the necessity but, I'm not happy about all this... we should try to peacefully..."

Lord Claymont cut in "Warren!, the kingdom of Iparis wont just accept & hand-over it's territory without a show of our power & with time likely against us we have little choice but to act immediately and try to force annexation after the displays been made to avoid further unnecessary bloodshed, military expansion is our best option of survival if this threat of what coming is to be believed and my spies have been relaying some troublesome rumors for a while now... well those of whom i hear back from, every agent I've sent for Intel to the north east of the Pualirian Empire has gone silent".

Rahmas looked surprised he knew how skilled Claymont was in his duties "nothing at all?" Claymont paused "not technically... the last agent i sent had a carrier pigeon that came back" Rahmas was intrigued "And?" Claymont shook his head "a torn page soaked in blood couldn't tell if there was even any ink on it due to the state the paper was in, until i can get a better idea of whats happening through other means I'm not sending any other agents to investigate, I've lost too many good ones already!".

A messenger ran up to Lord Claymont and bowed respectively as Claymont nodded in reply "Lord Claymont an ambassador from Tushienia has arrived and is currently being escorted to your office sir" Loxa Venn enthusiastically cut past with military officers in tow heading off to mobilize her forces. "Thank you lad, i'll head there right away!" Claymont eyed the now vanishing ogre general as he bowed to Rahmas "Later my friend, i have matters i must attend to for now!". with that they both gave a slight bow and headed off in different directions leaving most of the politicians to their loud mass debate in the hallway.

later that day...

N.Zakol - North-east boarder - Forward command
A messenger pigeon had arrived with deployment orders that where immediately taken to general Volaq Mokur "They want what?!" the jittery human war-magi passed the letter to the general for him to read it for himself. "They want me to reassign half of the garrisoned forces to the south?! I take's it, they want me to personally put up training dummies along the boarder fortresses while I'm at it so no one notices the decrease in numbers?!" The human war-Magi speaks up in a soft tone "Sir... the princess wouldn't make such a drastic move unless it was vital, also with the forces remaining here we wouldn't need to resort to such measures as we'd still have the necessary numbers should a situation arise... which is doubtful as the peace treaties are holding, especially after the dwarfs backed-down over the ruckus they where kicking up about territory claims...". The human almost lept out of his skin from the sudden turn of the ogre general & his face but relaxed as Mokur seemed to settle down "I suppose... this haz to be the one time I'm happy we're at peace with dem lil beardies... Right go'an bring me the rosters, so i can start moving forces south an see what I've still got stationed'Ere!".

Actions

> Diplomacy
- Mutually peaceful diplomacy established with Tushienia to the north.
- Diplomat sent to find & establish contact with Republic of Andinon to the north.
- Icy-Peace treaty holding with Dagrenas(NPC) to the north east.
- Diplomat sent to the Holy Empire of Quaris(NPC) to the north, for political negotiations but with no set agenda.
- Diplomats sent to Cosab(NPC) to the south east for peace & non-aggression agreements.
- Diplomats sent to the Empire of Ubalri(NPC) in the south to tie them up in political negotiations or reach an agreement of neutrality.
- Secret Diplomat sent to the Lagosami Tribes(NPC) in the far south with gifts & intention of a peace-treaty & trade agreements, but requested to mobilize their forces and make a show of military might near their boarders towards the Ubalri(npc) to prevent them from carelessly moving military forces away from their territory should Zakols political talks with them fail & they seek to interfere with Zakols interests to the north.

> Military Action
> Invasion of (26) Iparis - Expeditionary force lead by General Loxa Venn.
- Loxa Venn - The Blade of Zakol
- 6 units, Light Infantry (600)
- 8 units, Heavy Infantry (200)
- 2 units, Javalin Ogres (100)
- 2 units, War-Magi
- 2 units, Magi (40)
- 4 units, Heavy Cav (40)
- 2 units, Trebuchet artillery

> Invasion of (27) Iparis - Main military force lead by Princess Yui Wolph.
- Yui Wolph - The Fire Princess
- Ozma Torth - Hellfire Archoness
- 1 unit, Hellfire Banshees (25)
- 4 units, Light infantry (400)
- 32 units, Heavy infantry (800)
- 2 units, Javelin Ogres (100)
- 3 units, War-Magi
- 3 units, Magi
- 6 units, Heavy Cavalry (60)
- 3 units, Trebuchet artillery

> Personnel Transfer (18) > (25)
- 3 units, Light Infantry (300)
- 40 units, Heavy Infantry (1000)
- 1 unit, Javalin Ogres (50)

> Recruitment (Nts = note to self, so disregard :p)
- 0 units light infantry (Ogre) (??) - (Nts: of 3 units)
- 1 units Crossbowmen (human) (25) - (Nts: of 6 units)
- 1 units heavy Cav (Ogre) (18) - (Nts: of 8 units)

> Naval Construction
- 2 war ships (18)
- 2 war ships (25)

> Research: Superior Armor

Garrisons

North Zakol (18)
- Volaq Mokur - The Shield of Zakol
- 4 units, Light infantry (400)
- 20 units, Heavy Ogre infantry (500)
- 3 units, Javelin Ogres (150)
- 4 units, War Magi
- 4 units, Magi (80)
- 2 units, Heavy cavalry (20)
- 4 units, Trebuchet artillery

South Zakol (25)
- Glasha Yotul - Priestess of the Sun & Moon
- 2 units, Crossbowmen (50)
- 1 units, War Magi
- 1 units, Magi (20)
- 1 units,Trebuchet artillery
Transferred:
- 3 units, Light Infantry (300)
- 40 units, Heavy Infantry (1000)
- 1 unit, Javalin Ogres (50)

Navy Locations
- 7 warships (E12)
- 4 warships (E13)
- 57 transports (Trading/Various)

Shine City II: The Next Season

@Dynamo Frokane Yea sorry missed it till you mentioned, :)

No worries when Ayane gets home to on her laptop she'll see the request. ^^