Dark Age Legends

[Dude Man]

- Helternia, Rivertown -

"Good, you're hear." Duilin said to Ein. "Okay, get aboard the ship, we're heading out."

The group rallied together and made their way towards the docks, while Ben and the others, along with the paladins stood at the town to guard. When the group arrived at the river town docks they boarded Duilin's ship and within a few minutes it set sail. It was a very fast ship, so it wouldn't take too long to get there...

[Drannic_Lord01]

- Open Ocean, "The Bell" -

"Hopefully, this wont take too long," Doriana said, sitting on the rail of the Bell, looking out at the water, her right hand resting on the rail as she braced her self for better balance. She certainly has changed the past three years but that was just a deal of maturity; nothing too special, or rather anything 'dramatic' so to say. She did look quite beautiful as well... for a Drow, in any case.

Jacobie paced the deck of the Bell, walking back and forth. He didn't change much; still quite articulate for a lizardman, still knowing that his place was within the battle field, where ever it took him... He cracked his neck a few times to relieve tension and strain upon it, and let a hand rest on the hilt of his fire katana. At that moment, he thought of Karmandalla, his wife. She was in Ariosis, with his son. He would survive this and come back to them, and he hoped that he would be able to be there for his children in the coming days.

John and Marrik stood at opposite sides of the ship, on lookout. Their Drannivolkan eyes were always watching everything, and they were good at spotting things in the distance. So they figured if they were at opposite sides of the ship, they'd spot anything coming their way; wheather it was hostile or not would be another matter, however.

[Dude Man]

- Open Ocean, The Bell -

Due to the upgrades Ein made with his runes onto the ship, it was moving much faster then Duilin expected. He was actually quite relieved when he remembered the increased speed, because they were behind schedule.

It wouldn't be too long before they got to the Dark Continent...

[Dude Man]

//Boo! Nobody else is posting.\

- Terian Shoreline, The Bell -

It wasn't long until the ship arrived at the dark continent. The trip was long enough for Duilin to get a good handle on the new increased speed of the ship.

"Alright, ladies we're here." The general shouted, to his squad of mostly male warriors.

The docking plank lowered from the door and a few people hopped off.

"We're going to have to walk the rest of the way. We'll leave a few commandos to guard the ship." Duilin stated. "Okay, so is everyone ready? We are going into a Kandarin fortress, there are going to be a lot of soldiers all over the place."

Valos stepped forward. "Our main objectives are to distract the guards, get inside the fortress, kill Nex and destroy the key operation buildings such as the barracks and the command post, which is were Nex is likely going to be."

Duilin continued the rest of the briefing. "We need a few brave warriors to divert the attention of the guard towers, likely in two or three groups, and we need a sniper of two, since our previous one disappeared. Perhaps somebody with a good crossbow or a gun. Maybe Marshall and Ein would like to do that. Me, Valos and maybe one more person need to sneak inside the fortress, being covered by the snipers."

[Drannic_Lord01]

- Terian Shoreline, "The Bell" -

"If you need an extra hand in stealth, You'll have two. I'm an illusion expert if you can recall... though it's been three years." Doriana got a better grip in her katar, and with a snap of her fingers, the blades, and even the weapon itself, disappeared. She then stabbed it into the rail of the ship, proving that the blades were still there, but merely invisible. "Have I proven my... 'point' for you?"

Jacobie stepped forth with both John and Merrik at either of his sides. He folded his arms and nodded to Duilin. "Being an A-class Lizardman with two Drannivolkan Elite, I think we can manage a distraction, sir." John and Marrik bowed and both nodded in agreement. "That should settle it. Tell us when, and we'll storm in first. That way you guys can follow up a few minutes after and take the same route after the guards leave."

After finishing his sentence, Jacobie made for a quick stretch and his grip tightened on the hilt of his fire-enchanted katana. He smiled a bit devilishly, and shrugged. "Sound good to you, High-General?"

[D. Ein]

-=Terian Shoreline=-

Ein shrugged.

-"I haven't seen my arbalest since after I was hit by Draven. One of his thugs must've stolen it. This leaves me with my glyphs to deal direct damage, and anything I may be able to improvise upon on the battlefield."

[Xorlak]

- Kainengrad, the City of the KAF's Seventh Regiment, Terian -

Smoke rose from the airship as the ramp lowered, revealing two figures marching down the incline.

"Sir, if you are upset about your zombie butler's sudden death, then I'm sure we--"

"Silence, Mikail."  Vincent cut the blue-robed alchemist adept off with a wave of the hand. "I am irritated, not upset.  Zombies make the best servants after all.  Unlike moronic adepts."

Mikail blinked at that.  "Erm, yes... anyway... about that... There are whispers among the higher ranks that our Sovereign has--"

"I know, Mikail.  I am a Captain.  They keep me informed about things that matter."

A few Seventh Regiment solders saluted the Fourth Regiment Captain as the duo walked from the airship docks into the heart of the city-like complex.  "It has minimal impact upon our operations.  Once the first Halberd Airship is complete..."

"Yes, of course sir...  I know that we have come to Kainengrad to secure mineral ores for use in our grand project, but why was it necessary for you to come yourself?  Surely I or one of the other adepts could have handled this task for you."

"Because Mikail, my dense alchemist-in-training, absolutely nothing goes right unless you do it yourself.  Who is in charge of the Seventh Regiment, anyway?"

"Some fellow by the name of Nex, I believe.  A demon of sorts."

Vincent rubbed his chin, the name sounding vaguely familiar, though he couldn't place it.  "I see.  We probably won't even have to see him anyway.  Onward.  Let's see if we can find the mines and talk to whoever is in charge there.  This regiment is entirely militant.  I'm sure its Captain has little interest in supply details."

[Dude Man]

-- Terian, Route toward Kainengrad --

The group made their way towards the fortress. Valos told them that it was close to the former location of Bandervil, which wasn't too far away from where they were. Likely it would be visible once they cross the next hill or two...

"You lost your bow?" Duilin groaned. "Great...Just great, we need a sniper though. What do we do now?"

"Ein, perhaps you could draw some glyphs on my magi pistols, to make them more sniper-esque?"

"If you could it'd make things a lot easier, Marshall would probably better better off in the back lines anyways. Never been much of a close-combat guy, like myself."

Marshall shrugged.

[Drannic_Lord01]

- Terian (1.75 miles from Kainengrad) -

"Hmm... we're definately getting closer." Jacobie could catch a familiar scent rising up inside him; unlife. However, he paid it no heed, as Terian was almost always like this, even before the Kandarinians enhabited the place after the Dark Empire. But it was a bit more powerful here, almost unnerving. Sure his senses have failed, as did everyone's, but it was horribly strange that he could feel this sort of presence, and of that magnitude. Still he made no sign of it bothering him, but kept a more cautious eye out.

Meanwhile, John and Marrik took up the front of the group, standing on either side of Jacobie. Their blades were drawn and ready. Their long, thin tails swayed from left to right slowly, protruding from a small hole in the back of their thick silver chain-linked ringmail. "You could say that again."

"Well, let's not waste any time. Let us know when you want us to create the distraction, general. We're at the ready, right mates?" The two Drannivolka responded with a resounding "Yes sir."

Doriana stood in the rear of the group. Her exquisit Paladin armor had shown dimly in the light. Her arms were folded, and she stretched and yawned, signaling that she was tired... or perhapse bored. "Shouldn't be too long. Better not be too long, my katar hasn't been sated with blood in three years. But whatever..."

[D. Ein]

-=Shore of Terian=-

-"Yeah, I can do that," Ein said. "Enchantments are my strongest suit, after all - the arbalest was merely a delivery method. My ability with it was somewhat limited, too - I had to enchant the spears in such a way that they were recoverable. But oh, the things I could do with a simple rock - something I don't need to worry about picking off the enemy's torn flesh in a million pieces..."

---

-=Kainengrad=-

A Stalker emerged from a dark valley as Vincent was passing by. The Stalker's insignia revealed him to be one of the few First Regiment Stalkers. He lightly tapped Vincent on his shoulder, causing the latter to turn around.

-"For you, Captain."

The strange courier surrendered a sealed scroll to Eldridge, and, with a light salute, vanished back into the darkness of the alley.

To Vincent Eldridge, Captain of the Fourth Regiment:

As you know, the Sovereign has been slain. His death has spurred, as expected, a series of violent rebellions across the vast Kandarinian expanse. While they appear to be coordinated, thereby signifying a leader, we do not know the whereabouts of this individual. At the same time, the protests can not be allowed to go on unchecked any longer. You are to devise a machine to end the rebellions.

Although I realize that I am giving you a carte blanche with this request, I will remind you that Kandarin still has in its possession three Nightshade Gravity Orbs. I need not remind you how powerful of a weapon a single NGO can be, three of which were used in the creation of the Hammer itself... perhaps too powerful for a goal as minor as rebel control. However, you are fully authorized in the utilization of the remaining NGOs.

Which brings me to your next most important task: Research. I want you to research the NGO itself, so that we may produce more. It is too powerful, too precious of a device to leave unresearched. I await results.

Signed, Gwenivere - Sovereign of the Kandarinian Sovereignty

[Dude Man]

-- Terian (1 mile from Kainengrad) --

"Excellent, Marshall can be our sniper then." Duilin said.

"What about something to increase my sight range? Like a scope or something? My pistols don't have them..." Marshall said with slight concern.

"Hmm...haven't thought of that." Duilin rubbed his chin. "Ein, do you think you can make one?" He asked. "I mean you used to hang out with Haraldur and he could turn wooden spoons into plasma rifles."

[Drannic_Lord01]

- Terian (0.25 miles from Kainengrad) -

"We're awful close now... something doesn't feel right." Jacobie kept both his hands on his katana, which was now unsheathed and at his front. He marched in a slow, steady pace, his eyes watching out, still cautious from what he'd sensed before. Something in his gut just didn't feel well at all. Nonetheless, he marched forwards, in step with his traveling companions at his rear and his two elites to his sides... or rather the elites that were assigned to him by Aaron.

"We should stop here and wait to initiate the plan. We're ready when you are." At that, Jacobie twirled his katana around to his right side and held it with his right hand, stretching it out to signal a stop.

Doriana caught a better grip on her katar and held it more firmly in her hand. She folded her arms and let the blades of the katar rest on her left arm. "I'm all set. Shall I cast a spell?"

[Xorlak]

- Kainengrad, City Streets -

"Hmmm, interesting..."

"What does it say?"

Vincent replaced the scroll in its case.  "I've just been given the keys to ultimate power."

"Wha... what?"  Mikail hobbled after as Vincent nonchalantly walked down the street.

"You shall see, my dear apprentice.  You shall see."

[Dude Man]

-- Terain, Outside Kainengrad --

Duilin scanned the fortress, he could get that 'demonic presence' feeling in his gut. It's been awhile since he's dealt with his father's old gang but here they are, aiding the Kandarins now.

Valos simply stood with a cold glare at the place, with his arms cross and his long white hair blowing in the wind. "I'm ready to sneak in when you are Duilin." He stated.

"Alright..." Duilin rubbed his chin, still scanning the area. "It's going to be difficult, but if we co-operate well enough we can do this without any problems." He looked at the group. "Alright, we need the people who're going to distract them head in, if you know magic start shooting at the guard towers. Make yourself look as dangerous as possible, use big attacks and bring a lot of attention to yourself, but don't make it too obvious you're trying to distract them. The Kandies aren't as dumb as most grunts in the other legions were." He paused and took a breath. "I know it's going to be dangerous, but those guard towers seem to have a really good watch over the place so we can't get in unless their distracted."

"Marshall if you're going to be the sniper, we need you to take out the guards in the towers, to further prevent us from being noticed when we go in."

Marshall nodded. "Yes I can do that, but I am still in need a scope." He paused for a second as if remembering something

"Oh wait...how foolish of me I forgot that I brought my riffle." He took off his back pack and opened it up and took out several parts of a rifle and put them together, rather quickly. "I do hope I brought a scope." He dug through his backpack a little more and pulled out a scope "Ah ha. Excellent I do have one." He attached it onto his rifle, which surprisingly took almost as much time to put together his rifle as he seemed to have a little trouble fitting it on, but eventually it came into place.

Duilin chuckled. "Alright, that's good. Hmm, it might be a little loud." He looked at Ein. "Hey you think you know a spell that might silence his weapon or something? It's no biggie but it might help."

"Oh yeah, and Ein if you're gonna go with Duilin and Valos to fight Nex, do you want to borrow one or both of my pistols? Or are you staying here or gonna distract?" He asked his friend.

[D. Ein]

-=Terian, Shore=-

The boat arrived at Terian, finally, into an elongated bay. The beach consisted of nothing but jagged rocks, sticking out of the ground at a slanted angle. The shore was almost at the same level as water, letting shallow puddles form in between the rocks. Far ahead, a crest of mountains protrouded in great self-importance - but they were not the only ones there. Atop the largest, flattest mountain, the fortress-city of Kainengrad held its place.

The city lazily slouched on the horizon like an enormous ugly beast. Its architecture was nowhere near the shining crystal cities of Ariosis, nor the grandiose Tower of Heaven's Bane, nor even the strictly geometrical Gros Morne Citadel. The dark gray walls and looming watchtowers of Kainengrad screamed functionality, with two black Kandarinian banners as the only decoration.

The sky was an endless expanse of gray clouds, entirely homogeneous, with only a bleak white spot to signify Sol's location. Right in the mood with the clouds, a gust of chilling wind greeted the landing party.

-"Cheery," Ein commented. "Fits the place well, don't you think?"

He took Marshall's MagiPistols, inspected them for a few seconds, and shot one at a nearby protrouding rock. The tip of the rock unwillingly melted and rolled down into an adjacent puddle.

-"Eeeh... Seems a bit weak to shoot through Vanguard armour... which Kainengrad Vanguards are probably going to have a lot of."

After flipping the pistols around a few times, Ein handedthem back to Marshall.

-"If they were ordinary pistols, I'd take them, for the sake of enchanting them," he said. "But the pistol's projectile is already magic. Little I can do to that. As for your rifle... Hmm... let me see it."

Ein looked at the gun for a few seconds, rubbing his chin.

-"I can't get rid of the noise, but I can do something even better. I can amplify it."

He quickly scratched a glyph into the gun chassis, which spawned a white web-like pattern on the weapon's barrel.

-"Watch."

Ein picked up the gun and shot it into the air. At first, contrary to his words, no sound came out - but after about a second, a loud gunshot was heard from about three miles to the west.

-"This glyph redirects and amplifies the sound, making it come from a place completely different from where you are yourself. The sound placement is far, but random - so if you fire quickly enough, it will seem like there are several people shooting from different directions. Nothing better than that to draw the guards out for you to take down one by one."