[SPECIAL-BF] The Dream Scape - Six Faction Brawl

[Jacogos]

The Dream Scape

Scaravus VS Aeregos VS Disgeran VS Archeos VS Leongarde VS Firanos

Post Limit: None - - - - - - - - Time Limit: None (Factions fight until there is a Victor)
Maximum Time in Between Posts: 48 hours



http://imageshack.us/a/img42/8956/rpamap.jpg



Armies:
Scaravus
Commander: Seraimoiron, the Sting of the Scorpion
Army: Swordsmen, Spearmen, Archers, Stingers, Assassins

Aeregos
Commander: General Narezayn, the Paladin Stormer & Nabo, the Brave Wind
Army: Swordsmen, Monks, Archers, Stormwarriors, Windcallers, and Wyrm Riders

Disgeran
Commander: Mythros, the Lost Blade
Army: Heretic Footmen, Ascended Footmen, Heretic Archers, Blackguard, Dark Rangers

Archeos
Commander: Ilea, the Vanquisher of Shadows
Army: Militia, Knights, Archers, Battle Priests, Paladins

Leongarde
Commander: General Kilvas, the Gray Mane
Army: Footmen, Knights, Archers, Musketeers, Shieldguard, Berserkers

Firanos
Commander: Xuan, the Dragon Hunter & Seron, the Spear of Fire
Army: Spearmen, Swordsmen, Archers, Fire Mages, Fire Monks, Fire Elementals

Participants
Scaravus
Sergeant Dezeroth A’kyer (Eddren) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&page=5&p=1040221&viewfull=1#post1040221)
Corporal Karrha Nameko (P.K.) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&p=1016016&viewfull=1#post1016016)

Aeregos
/

Disgeran
Gyle Whittlesworth (The Imposter) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&page=11&p=1137360&viewfull=1#post1137360)
Zasareyt Venomclaw (Cfavano) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&page=12&p=1138717&viewfull=1#post1138717)

Archeos
Hastur Tereth (DoughGuy) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&page=14&p=1161283&viewfull=1#post1161283)

Leongarde
Corporal Richard Soldegarde (Tolvo) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&page=11&p=1137993&viewfull=1#post1137993)

Firanos
/

GM:
Jacogos

Posting Order
Determined by Dice Rolls from 1 to 100. Highest posts first.
P.K. (97)
|
The Imposter (90)
|
DoughGuy (74)
|
Eddren (38)
|
Jacogos (GM)



Introductions:

The first thing anyone remembers is marching. Marching forward, with one feeling on the mind: preparation. Instinctively, every person realizes they are marching to war. With who is yet unknown, but most blindly trust their General, who can be seen leading their army forward to what everyone is certain will be another victory. Those who question the sudden impending battle eventually give up on figuring out what is going on and instead steel themselves for the coming bloodshed.

Each army eventually finds themselves entering a canyon, just large enough to fit their army through without changing formation. The rock walls scale upwards for miles, impossible heights obtained by the surely unnatural formations. Regardless, the end of the canyon draws near and suddenly, six factions take their first glances at their battlefield.

Each canyon stops abruptly at the edge of a massive open field, almost completely bare of anything but grass and a few bits of shrubbery. Imagine, if you could, a huge bowl easily a mile and a half across, with the canyons making up the walls. The mouths of the canyons come in to the bowl at almost perfect angles so that each faction enters the plains as far from one another as possible (like cog wheels) (http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/3479/veryroughsketch.png). To the northwest enters Archeos. The northeast brings in Firanos. From the east, Scaravus enters the fray. The southeast is the entrance for Leongarde. The southwest holds Disgeran. And from the west comes Aeregos.

As each faction takes in the view, each and every one notices at the very center of the battlefield a large object. From the canyon mouths, each faction is equally distant from this object, at such a distance that it is hard to make out exactly what the object it. Based on the distance, one might assume it was a construct a bit larger than most humans. Also noted was that the topography was not completely flat, as hillocks and even steep hills dotted the landscape. A few of the hills provided neat cliff sides for ranged units to gain high ground, bluffs facing towards the inside of the bowl and towards the other factions while being easily accessible to the faction that came down from the canyon mouth.

The weather was fair, though the light was odd. Though it appeared that the sun hung directly above everyone’s heads, the light it gave was akin to that of an overcast day. The breeze was light and refreshing; the day’s heat sat around 70 degrees. Overall, one might venture to call the weather ‘perfect for battle’.

With observations done, each faction’s leader(s) turned to their respective army and began to speak.

Seraimoiron spent a little longer than the other generals looking out over the field, unable to shake the feeling of unease that he felt deep inside himself. Where were they? Why were they here? Why did he not remember receiving his orders from Al’tajin? It all made him feel wrong. After a long moment contemplating Firanos to their northern side, the Sting of the Scorpion turned to his men. At the forefront of these were the newly appointed Sergeant and Corporal Dezeroth and Karrha (respectively). He remembered fighting alongside them at the battle in Talos. Against those monsters of the mist…

“Brothers, sisters. We march to war with every faction in Deiranar in attendance. This will be a long, grueling battle, but I feel the presence of Ik’yamar with us. So long as the Scorpion watches over us, our cause is just, and we will prevail!” A roar accompanied the man’s words, Scaravus forces praising their prophet and Meragaia.

“Assassins, you will slink north, sticking close to the walls. Firanos is our target, as unchecked they’ll burn us all alive. You men and women will strike at their magi and archers. Meanwhile, the rest of us will strike at their side as they advance. We’re not flanking them, as that might get our assassins caught in the crossfire. If they get in undetected, victory is ours over Firanos. March, men!” After this order, Seraimoiron turned to the Sergeant and Corporal.

“I’ll leave your movements to your discretion. You two worked well at Talos, so I hope that you continue to support each other. Ik’yamar guide you.” And with those words, the Sting of the Scorpion was running alongside his men towards the charging Fieran forces.

General Narezayn watched as Nabo spoke to his Wyrm Riders, waiting for the man to rejoin him. There were about 30 riders, which was a healthy number in this scale of a battle, but that wasn’t what Narezayn was watching for. Though the General was a Stormwarrior, he did not play favorites like Nabo seemed to. Though he guess that was hardly fair. Nabo was the originator of the Wyrm Riders. Narezayn was just an accomplished warrior. It made sense that the man doted over the group he created.

Finally, Nabo rejoined Narezayn at the front, his wyrm Stormfang following close behind. “I’m tempted to fly out and see what that thing is in the center of the field,” the Brave Wind stated as he came close, peering out over the virgin soil with a twinkle in his eye.

“By all means, take the Riders with you. Be wary of Leongarde, though, they may have their muskets on the field,” Narezayn replied, receiving an acknowledging grunt from the other man. Turning to his kin, Nabo rose his voice.

“Come, brothers, take wing! We ride for the center of the field! Show them Aeregos’s grace and speed!” In a smooth and quick motion, Nabo was astride Stormfang and the two lifted off, a gust of wind bursting from the great wyrm’s wings. Narezayn watched as the Riders lifted off one by one, until they were all skyward, racing for the object so distant to their eyes.

“Aeregos!” Narezayn cried, turning to the remaining forces. “No doubt Archeos will attempt to launch themselves at Disgeran immediately. For that reason we will wait until the two armies have engaged. Then we will find our means of attack. Defensive formations! Wind Callers in the middle! I want them set on conjuring a pretty little thunderstorm for us. For Aeregos!” A cry came out from the Aeregosians as they went about their orders. Narezayn turned back towards the field, eyes intent on the dwindling form of Nabo.

Mythros was not amused with the lack of warlocks in their army’s makeup. It put him at a very heavy disadvantage. What was Vasgerax thinking? the shade snarled in his mind, watching as his enemies began moving throughout the bowl. The most infuriating part, though, was that he couldn’t remember why Vasgerax would’ve withheld the warlocks from him.

“No matter… They’ll all fall before me anyway,” he muttered, a dark undertone to his voice sounding almost like a demonic echo. Raising his sword, Mythros somehow spoke loud enough to be heard by all of his forces without seeming to raise his voice.

“Slaughter them all. Take the center. No mercy. Fail me and you all shall perish,” he stated, lowering his sword until it pointed forward towards the object in the center of the bowl. A roar came from the Disgeran forces as they all charged forward, heedless of each other as they ran forward for blood and for fear of death. With them ran Mythros, silent as he ran forward, intent on his prize that lay tantalizingly on the horizon.

Quiet murmurs of prayer was the only sound that came from the Archeon lines, perfect in their rigid formation. Ilea stood at the forefront, gazing over the scenery with quiet disdain. So open… So easy for Firanos and Leongarde to take advantage. While her forces were well suited for this kind of fight, she herself was not. However, her eyes caught sight of Disgeran all the same and her blood boiled with rage.

“My warriors!” she called, turning to her army of devout followers of Alu’terasa. “Our target is Disgeran! Before anyone else they shall fall before us! We wipe their scum from this field, then we move on to the rest! If Aeregos stands in our way, we cut them down! By Alu’terasa’s light, we shall not fail!!”

Short, simple, to the point. The Archeon forces roared their battle cry and charged forward, intent on the dark mass that was coming from the southwest. Ilea ran with them, sensing an evil presence amongst the Disgeran horde, more powerful than the rest. Their General… Whichever it was, they would fall to Ilea’s blades.

General Kilvas patted Vigilance’s neck, steadying the stallion as he murmured into his ear. “Easy, boy… I feel the unease, too. Whatever it is, we’ll come out ahead. We always do.” The Gray Mane looked out over his army, satisfied with what he saw. One and all, the Leongarde army was a shining example of stalwart appearance and precise formation. His knights, mounted on armored horses, were at the forefront, ready to lead the charge.

“Leongarde!” he called, receiving a single resounding grunt of recognition from the trained men. “We make for the center of the valley! No man will be able to stand in our way, for we are the children of Ko’Rhas! Knights, I want you to take whatever that is in the center field. If those that would outmatch you come to attack, fall back. Get a good eye on what it is and report back if threatened. Otherwise, stay put. I want whatever it is in our hands.” Then, Kilvas turned to the bulk of the army.

“Musketeers! Find a nice hillock and fortify it with a group of swordsmen! Your job is to pick off whatever you deem worthy of a gram of lead!” Now, Kilvas turned back around, holding the Lion’s Fang aloft. “For the King! ROAR MIGHTY LEONGARDE!!” he roared, sending the entire army rushing forward. The knights immediately began to outstrip the rest of the army, most of them moving towards the center field. A few, including Kilvas, stayed with the army for the most part, leading the way as Leongarde began to move forward towards center field.

Xuan and Seron stood at their own forefront, looking out over the field with a twisted grin and a somber frown, respectively. “There’s quite a few dragons that Aeregos is fielding today…” Xuan said, receiving a grunt from Seron.

“Keep yourself in check, Xuan. If Nabo is leading them, you’ll be in for a tough fight regardless of your skills,” Seron said quietly, turning to their combined force. It was an impressive sight, though lacking a Golem or two which would truly be an upset for them.

“Our flames will spread like wildfire this day!” Seron roared, receiving a similar roar in return from their men. Xuan took it up as well. “The Blazing Phoenix watches over us this day and grants us his power! This land will be reborn in fire! Burn our enemies alive for the glory of our King! For Far’Khira! For Firanos! Charge!!”

Like the wildfire he spoke of, Firanos burst forward, intent on the center of the field. Almost immediately the grass beneath their feet began to whither and burn, giving way to fires that began to spread from the canyon mouth forward. Fire elementals took the forefront of the charge, leaping forward like hell cats.

Battle Start

The great battle had begun, many of the factions rushing for the center of the field. Who would come out on top? The actions of few might decide the fate of many. A few seemed interested in grabbing the object in the center. Who knows what it might be? Others seem focused on killing the other enemies as quickly as possible to minimize causalities in the long run. Will you follow your faction's leader? Or will you find another way? Watch out and read carefully, as this will be the biggest fight you've ever and probably will ever participate in.

Let battle be joined! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzRIiJAD4_Q)

[Tolvo]

Richard sat upon his horse with the face of his helm removed so that he could watch their flanks. Upon entering the massive bowl, it dawned upon them that they were to do battle. Placing the guard upon his nose the man now looked like a full fledged metal lion. With his right hand he removed his cloak then took up his Spetum in that hand. With his shield strapped to his left arm without question, he was prepared. Despite the fact that he had been in a desert previously, the Knight did not care to muse about where they were as it no longer mattered given the following troubles. Still upon the brown steed he rushed over towards the Scaravian front, carrying that grand old flag of his to bolster the soldier. From within his helm he shouted completely muffled. Afterwards he removed the mask again to speak before replacing it. "Men, while they extend we can focus on their flank and cover their escape route. They'll be at our mercy while allowing us two possible places to tactically retreat through! They'll either be forced to push forwards thinning themselves out, or to turn and face us exposing their sides to whatever is near to them!" Staying alongside the men he kept his spear lowered, ready to lead any sort of charge should it seem possible. The tip of the weapon was at knee height, both hands upon the shaft ready to be raised upon first contact with an enemy.

[P.K.]

Karrha looked around her a frown on her face before she looked over herself. she could have sworn she had been else where. She turned her focus up on Seraimoiron as he spoke to her she could only nod before she looked over at Dezeroth not far from her. This some how seemed very off to the women but she felt... fine.

"Well I could have sword I was else where." she said finely her frown increasing on her features. she mused for a moment as she looked around her scenery "Continue to support each other... I'm sure he can count on that." she said then turned her attention to Dezeroth for a moment. "You got a plan holler right about now I think we need to move." she said glancing back at the remaining men, archers, good. "It seems most of them are going after Firanos but they arnt the only ones who have a grudge against us." she said suddenly looking over to Leongarde already seeing some of them turn to face her people. "Which ones more threatening at this point..."

With this said she waited on the mage, she's wait for his judgment before finalizing her own but as it was she pulled an arrow and notched it. "Look sharp fined a vantage point as far as you can and use it!" she snapped at the archers behind her who hadn't already thought of that "remain in pairs..." she muttered she waved to two of them to keep close while the others scattered. The other two notched arrows readying themselves to fire them off when needed. Her personal opinions she was sure Seraimoiron could handle himself with the others against Firanos but so far as she was concerned the other factions had them cornered, as they where cornered, as much as one could be cornered in a bowl of sorts. and Leonguard was the seconded closest, Disgeran right after that.

[The Imposter]

Gyle lurched forward the the throng of other Disgeran soldiers. Somehow he now found himself in an extremely open field facing off with every other faction. He could hear Mythros speak although couldn't really lay eyes on him, figuring he was somewhere close to the front. His orders were simplistic at best, unsurprisingly so for the Disgeran rot. Typically as someone who quite regularly obtained treasures or relics of different sorts, the idea of just running headlong after it didn't sit well with the rogue. Usually he scouted, researched and slowly worked his way into getting what he wanted....

'Dun't much care for jus' runnin' in with all d'other armies about. Oi...wot 'ave I got myself into.'

'You there! You aren't a Dark Ranger!'

'Aye....'

'Bah, it doesn't matter you've got some sort of ranged weaponry. Hold back past the Blackguard.'

'Aye...'

I can't wait to be proven more then jus' sum pawn for those blokes to order round and round.

Gyle stopped and allowed the forces to continue to rush past him. His hand fumbled against his shirt until he pulled out a small vial. Smiling he picked up a small bolt from his quiver and dipped it in the liquid before loading it. He also loaded his heavy crossbow. Deciding that the other bolt would be if he happened upon some champion of a faction or general. When the Blackguard had passed him Gyle slowly made his way to his left, peering through the masses to see what looked to be Aeregos might be up to.

His eyes widened as he saw the shadows looming up from the sky. The bestial roars weren't coming from Leongarde soldiers. Strangely enough Gyle realized he could tell a difference. However before getting side tracked further he hollered above the horde.

'Wyrms!!! Dey got Wyrms!!'

[DoughGuy]

Hastur charged forward with the knights, his daggers held tightly in his fists for now while his back remained grey and lifeless, no hint of any power underneath his leather armour. For now it was best he remained enmeshed deep within the lines of knights, striking at targets of opportunity from behind the front line of battle. He didn't expect much trouble during that time, the scum that the Disgerans used as front line rabble were little threat to the knights. It would be the blackguard that were the true danger. Once they entered the fray he would have to be careful, he would be in trouble if he encountered them.

To his right side he could see the Aeregos army had halted and was taking up a defensive line. Their general was being smart and letting the 2 hated foes tear each other to shreds first. Overheard their wyrm riders roared, racing over the tops of the Archeos army and casting mighty shadows. He saw knights look up in awe and militia glance with worry. The few paladins he could see barely seemed to notice, too focused on the Disgerans.

As the army charged Hastur moved his way to the right flank, slipping through the ranks of knights. It would make it easier for him to break off if he spotted another target and if the Aeregos army launched an attack on the flank of their battle he wanted to be there to react to it. Releasing his daggers from his hands and letting his chains take over he prepared to strike.

[Cfavano]

"Of course they have Wyrms, you dolt." Zasa says to Gyle as she gazes upon the bowl, keeping behind the mad rush, her assistant, Sasaralera the succubus, keeping close to her. "Those are aeregosians. They are KNOWN for their dragons. Just as we are known for our demons. Though, dragon meat is pretty good when made into a stew. Why don't you be a good boy and shoot one down for me?" She says, winking at him and smiling coyly.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth nodded to his partner. He frowned; this was...Unusual. To begin with, his aura of Power had flooded him. Which was, quite literally, impossible. He had sacrificed his magic in order to give Karrha an opportunity at killing the beast. More to the point, he had not yet left the area...Nor had he made preparations to leave. In fact, Dezeroth thought idly, My last thoughts haven't been thought in days, according to this. The Mage shrugged; for now, it did not matter. He would discover the purpose of this anomaly at a later date.

"Seraimoiron. If you'd please," He pointed over toward the Leongardian line, where a charge was being made at them, "Their armor is very likely going to be their downfall if you'd hold that side until we can be properly deployed." He then turned to the men before him. "Those who are willing to do menial labor so that we can have a properly fortified position, come with me. Archers, on Karrha. We'll be moving for one of those hills." He turned for a moment, picking out a hill that would allow them superior cover to the central area, where the majority of their foes were, "That one, in fact. I want messengers relaying that healers are to head to that point as well, so that we can have an outpost set up as soon as possible." He now turned on his heel, heading toward the location he'd pointed out, quite faithful that Karrha would follow. When finally they arrived, he marked a spot where the rise wouldn't leave them completely open for the enemy to strike. "I want one man ordering the Archers where to place their shots. Do so using your arm as an indicator for how high and where. They should be an experienced Archer themselves, so they know where to place it in order for it to hit. Place volleys on the most unarmored foes. That's where we'll be most effective for now." With that, he turned his attention to whatever men had agreed to do the brunt of the work. "Go to those edges and take five paces back. Mark that spot. I want a five-column team working to make a trench behind that line, deep enough that you can crouch in it for cover. The quicker, the better." He pointed to the base of the hill, now, "I want everyone else to focus on digging this out as much as possible. The healers will need a pit safe from arrows from which to do their work. Now, everyone. Uncork your waterskins." He waited for a few minutes for all his orders to be carried out, most notably the waterskins order, before raising his hands. "Aehesild'Semcicle Aqueos!" Whatever water was capable of flowing out did so, forming into hexigons which set into place over the hill. It was low, so that it could still be shot over, but would provide at least a break in the speed of any missiles that shot at the exposed figures of those digging.

[Jacogos]

Seraimoiron halted and listened to Dezeroth's suggestions, watching him as the man began to give orders. Man's a natural, he thought, even more amazed at the man's idea with the waterskins. Dezeroths orders were to be carried out by a task force of about 20 men, even amounts spearmen and swordsmen. It would take a bit for everything to be prepared, but so long as they were covered, the men would be able to work diligently and efficiently.

Under Dezeroth's command and at Karrha's suggestion, the Scaravian archers began to take positions on the hillock, a few hundred yards from the object that stood at the center of the field. Though the hill wasn't quite large enough to accommodate them all, they were well trained enough to know how to fire their arrows in arching motions. With no major targets in range yet, a few of the archers turned towards the charging Leongardians, loosing a few volleys at them in hopes of driving them off before they even reached them.

Meanwhile, the Scaravus front had met the Fieran forces. "I apologize, Dezeroth, but our forces need me at the main front. I trust that these men will suffice for you," Seraimoiron said, moving towards the Fieran army like he had been attempting to before. He left behind another group of spearmen and some stingers, whom had good enough aim to get in the bends of the Leongarde armor.

Across the field, Nabo and his Wyrm Riders were soaring over the Archeon and Disgeran forces, quite a few of them staring up in awe at the fearsome dragons. For the most part, the wyrms and their riders ignored the armies, though two dropped down and slung their tails at a line of troops, one in the Archeon lines, one in the Disgeran lines. Both of these unlucky beasts were immediately set upon by Ilea and Mythros respectively. Ilea teleported herself onto the beasts back, slitting the rider's throat in an instant and braining the lizard with a shot from her crossbow. The beast fell just outside Archeon lines, crashing roughly in the dirt, but Ilea was already moving towards the Disgeran army again.

Mythros handled his dragon a little differently. He latched onto the dragon by digging his blade into its side when it got close, using the sword as leverage to launch himself onto its back. There, he slipped closer to the rider and snapped his neck, tossing him off easily. The flailing lizard tried to reach around and snap at Mythros, but the shade had already moved back towards the center of its back, where the wings connected. With a grunt, the Lost Blade broke the wyrm's wing with a powerful thrust from his foot. Careening, the wyrm crashed similar to Ilea's. Without a scratch on him, the shade leapt off of the dragon and recovered his blade, turning back towards his army and moving towards the Archeon lines.

Meanwhile, Nabo and his wyrms had almost reached the center of the field. The object turned out to be a statue. Made of some ivory-colored material, most likely stone of some sort, it depicted a robed woman holding aloft an orb whilst cradling a sword to her bosom. She looked down sadly as she held the orb up, as if regretting doing so. The orb hovered a few inched above her hand, apparently held up by some sort of magic, if Nabo was a good guesser. The orb's inside swirled with grey currently, constantly in motion.

On the other side of the statue, the Leongarde knights were also approaching. Though the wyrms had been flying, the horses were just as fast on foot, and the two forces approached the statue at the same rate. When both got within a hundred yards of the statue, both Nabo and the Knight Captain noticed a change in the orb's color. From Nabo's side, the orb began to turn green, while from the Knight's side it began to turn blue. When both forces had entered the area completely, though, the two colors began to swirl around each other, as if combating. Though Nabo was transfixed for a second, he didn't lose sight of his mark.

"Rout the horsemen! Drive them off! I wish to see what happens when only Aeregos claims this statue!" Roaring, Nabo and Stormfang dove for the front-most knight.

Back on the west side of the battlefield, Aeregos still held their position, watching as Archeos and Disgeran closed on each other. An ominous cloud had begun to form over their troops, a bit of rain beginning to fall. Many of the troops smiled at the rain while the Stormwarriors grinned almost viciously. With lightning to power them, they would become tools of slaughter, directing their electricity at the paladins and heretic fools alike.

Disgeran's forces had met with Archeos, the Light and the Dark clashing as they always had meant to. Heretics impaled themselves on the cold steel of the Archeon Paladins and Knights, even getting cut down by a few militiamen. When the Ascended began to move in, Archeon lines began to get pushed back, the mutated warriors punching holes in the golden lines of Archeos. In the rear, archers from each faction and Disgeran's Dark Rangers began to set up ranks on two opposing hills, facing each other while their melee armies clashed between them. Disgeran was simply holding out for the Blackguard, their only truly competent warriors fielded at the moment. Mythros and Ilea were lost in the heat of battle, nowhere to be found.

A handful of knights and footmen followed Richard's charge, though it was hardly a number to sneeze at. Though he had gained some recognition at the battle for Gero Badlands, it was hardly enough to get a legion to follow him. They were barely halfway to the hillock that was being fortified before the Scaravians began to fire upon them. The Leongardians were well equipped enough to avoid damage, though one lucky bolt found its way into a crevice of horse armor and the poor beast fell, dragging its rider with it. If Richard felt the need to continue the charge, he would meet the Scaravian spearmen within seconds (i.e. Tolvo's next post).

Meanwhile, the musketeers had set up shop and were beginning to fire towards the Scaravian archers. Luckily, Dezeroth's water wall proved to be mostly effective against the pellets, as they lost any lethal kick by the time they passed through. However, the Leongardian artillery were still the better marksmen, able to still earn a few kills on unwary archers. Kilvas's charge towards the center was almost at the halfway point. Within moments, Leongarde would have most of its army at the center of the battlefield, around the statue.

Finally, Firanos had engaged in battle with Scaravus. Unheeding of the likelihood of assassins, the flame warriors charged into the Easternmost faction's lines, quickly cutting a swath as the fire elementals overran the humans. In the back, protected by a wall of meatshields, Fire Mages began to channel their fire spells while fire archers set up for their own flaming volleys, ready to set all of Scaravus alight in an instant. Seron was in the Scaravian lines as well, leading his troops valiantly as he stabbed and burned his way through the enemy. Xuan was nowhere to be found. Grunting at his folly, Seraimoiron charged through his men, hoping that the Sergeant would direct the archers to help. Catching sight of Seron, the Sting of the Scorpion roared as he unleashed a wave of electricity into Fieran lines. The war had truly begun.

[Tolvo]

Richard fell from his collapsing horse as an incredibly lucky shot went int between its armor, hitting a vital organ and instantly killing it in a single blow. "Must be the greatest or luckiest archer in the world!" As he started to get up a nearby soldier assisted him in standing as he picked up his spear from the ground. Soon enough their charge started with Richard heading it. As the sides clashed he over extended slightly leaving his own line and allowing himself to be surrounded. Two spears pushed towards his throat as he ducked causing them to bounce off of his left shoulder. Ignoring those going for him, he instead turned to those facing his own men while keeping his spear low and swiping with the end. The Spetum's long bladed tip easily tore through the many ankles of the soldiers crippling four of them and allowing his own men to easily execute the fallen Scaravians. Using the blunt end of his weapon it now came time to work on a bit of defense while the Leongarde line pushed forwards. Blocking anything which went straight on towards him while ignoring anything that looked to just be a glancing blow, his weapon came to strike another man in the throat forcing him back. Pulling his weapon back and holding it behind his left shoulder, many of the enemies held up their own spears just in time to block a neck high swipe. Only one of them had not been quick enough to see it coming and fell to the ground with his throat torn to shreds. Richard continued his work trying to focus on merely pushing back those in front of him while softening the Scaravians to his side, or any that would try to stand behind him so that his own troops could push and pour in the gap.

[P.K.]

Karrha watched, listened and sighed at Dezeroth and followed him to the hill watching as some scrambled around to do as they where told, the archers to. things seemed to quickly move on their way. "okay where do you want me I'm one of both but I can only be in one place." she said still holding an arrow notched to the bow. Archer would probably be more helpful right now there were not that many wounded right now. as the water shield came up she watched as the musketeers she herself was safe enough she couldn't say the same for some and grimaced, she took the time to look around the clearing. "Okay there's something in the center drawing the other factions looks like Aeregos..." She grimaced at the name before going on. "...and Leongarde are already checking it out." she observed before turning her attention to another part of the field and what she could see of it. "Archeon and Disgeran are having at it, why's that not surprising..." She suddenly lifted her bow aiming at an on charging Leongardian that had gotten just with in her range and ability she made sure her shot counted for something then peered back into what every one else was doing.

"Great bloody war now..." she stopped for a moment. "Wait Aeregos..." It dawned on her what she had said just a bit earlyer.... "But they are clear across, miles away, there is no..." she glanced around. now she felt utterly confused. "This can't be possible."

She turned her attention back as her name was called faintly bringing her attention to the Firanos which she only frowned out. "Take a handful of archer help them from a distance but be wry of their mages now go!" she figured what ever was going on she didn't want to find out if she was able to die here "Dezeroth! we may not have the exact time to wait till all this is done whats the next step to set into motion?" She glanced over at the spear men facing off with Leongarde and grimaced as she saw the men go down. "And we better hurry..."

[The Imposter]

Dolt?! Good boy?! That damn coy smile!

Slinging his heavy crossbow he saluted Zasa with a middle finger preparing his retort. Just as he was ready to speak the Wyrms came tumbling through the air and crashed into the ground ahead of them. Gyle shrugged and readied his crossbow again.

'Looks like da general has your wyrm fer ya....and that Archeos general too. Dat was her right?'

Before letting the conversation continue Gyle lifted his heavy crossbow and took aim, his finger pressed the trigger as a bolt sliced through the air towards a Paladin, the mark his heart. The bolt passed by a group of heretic soldiers as the began to throw themselves against the defensive line ,perhaps his bolt would by the crack they needed to burst through. Finding himself playing a more supportive role he thought once more about ascending the hill with the Dark Rangers, however he had far less range than that of a normal bow.

Something cold and wet dripped down his cheek, then it became apparent that a small rain had begun. Storms were never something the rogue much enjoyed but if it blocked out the sun, perhaps he could use the coming darkness as an advantage. Then as if by some divine appointment his third eye caught a figure moving through the clashing knights. Gyle calmly readied another bolt now with all three eyes on the the warrior. As he passed through the knights it was evident he was dressed differently preferring leather armor or something close to it. Gyle speculated it was some Archeos champion and he spoke back out to Zasa.

'Aye lass, see d'ere amongst the holy knights? Wot you say to a friendly wager? Which of us can slay that warrior? Loser buys the rounds at the pub when dis is over?'

Gyle not wasting a moment let his bolt fly towards the Archeos warrior.

[Cfavano]

Sasa cuts off a few wyrm steaks before teleporting off, and then returning to Zasa's side. "I don't gamble, rude child. And besides, outright killing someone is no fun." She hands Hastur a vial of poison. "Here, coat a few of your bolts in these. You'll find it to be quite effective at rendering even the toughest warriors defenseless." She advances, drawing her needle gun. Hiding among the seething ranks of the heretics, she fires needles into the paladins. The little stings are barely noticed, that is, until the poison starts to work. Then, they suddenly start screaming and collapsing, making them easy targets for the heretics to slaughter. She continues to move, using the heretics to hide, and avoiding open combat.

[Eddren]

"Our next step of action? That's very simple. Continue as planned." He pointed to Seraimoron, "Direct our archers to fire in artillery fashion on the Fieran mages! They cannot focus on both our long-range support and the melee at the same time, so we should either alleviate the pressure on them or utterly wipe out their magical forces. Karrha, I want you to get to those Scaravian Spearmen, over by the Leongardian line. Tell them Sergeant Dezeroth recommends pulling back and allowing Scaravian swordsmen to take the front line. That plate armor will bounce away any hope they have of killing men at that range." He looked back toward the Leongardians, cursing their aim with those Muskets inwardly. "They're not going to make this easy for us..." The mage sighed, "For now, we'll continue to fortify our position here. It's imperative that we're as well entrenched as possible; the Static side in a war is always the winning one." He did, however, fold his arms. "If only I had more men. I'd have some runners bring spears from the fallen and encircle this area with them." He sighed, "But we'll just have to make do." He continued holding up the shield, though the Mage wished he could focus on another spell, one that would be more effective for stopping the Legonardians. "Once you've finished with your segment of the work on the hill, I want you to report to me!" He cried to the eastern section, "I'll need your assistance."

[Jacogos]

Dezeroth's men were having a time trying to fight the Leongardians, though the had managed to dismount all of the knights by downing their horses. The handful of spearmen and stingers that were fighting were only just a match for the Leongarde forces, had not the Corporal been there. Richard's fighting style was just enough to tip the balance into Leongarde's favor. As the rest of their army moved away from them, though, some of the men who had followed Richard began to doubt their ability to take on the entire fortification alone.

That said, the Scaravus men were still working on the trenches and such. The weather was perfect for just menial labor, but these men were still more used to fighting than working with their hands like this. A few were itching for the fight.

Leongarde's musketeers continued to pick off Scaravus's archers one by one, though a few had slunk down behind the water barrier and hill, lending their arrows to the Lonegarde skirmish and the battle with Firanos. None of them had the range to take out the musketeers, so they were a constant thorn in the eastern faction's side.

At the center, Nabo and his riders had routed most of the knights, taking only two losses themselves. The Knight Captain had turned to regroup with the Leongarde army, which was almost to the center now. However, that left Aeregos as the only faction near the statue. The blue swirling left the orb, and now it shone with only green.

All of a sudden, a light pulse went out from the orb. For a moment, nothing changed. Then, suddenly, wind began to pick up, blowing heavily from the west. Disgerans and Archeons alike were thrown to their feet, arrows knocked aside as the wind blew. On the eastern side, there was a slightly less effect, but the wind still blew strongly. All factions were affected... Except Aeregos. Their storm cloud began to grow, however, and soon almost a quarter of the battlefield, on the east side, was covered by the rain.

Nabo and Narezayn, so far apart, both blinked in unison as they watched their enemies get pummeled by gale force winds, winds that they only felt as a slight breeze. Baffled, they simply accepted the help. Narezayn rose his blade in the signal to charge.

"Forward, men! Wind Callers! Let loose! CHARGE!!" he roared, running forward as a huge lightningbolt struck him. Instead of hitting him, though, his body channeled the energy. As the Aeregos army charged forward towards the combating Disgeran and Archeos forces, Narezayn lept forward like a living lightning bolt, energy bursting off of him even before he hit the ground. His first attack exploded against the side of the armies, creating a ten yard gap of fried bodies, the lightning having lept from target to target. While the heretics and Archeon forces recovered from their stunned state and the fact that the wind was still blowing against them, Aeregosian forces poured into them like a wave of graceful murder. Stormwarriors everywhere were likewise channeling the lightning bolts that hit them, using it similarly to their general.

With this new army entering the fray, the heretics began to falter. Some outright fled, tumbling over themselves from the gale-force wind. However, the Blackguard began to take their place, marching alongside each other like a inverse-colored parallel of the Paladin wall. A few of the Blackguard on the western side of the wall broke off and began to fight the Aeregos forces, breaking a bit of their momentum. Meanwhile, Mythros was trying to discern where he should focus. On one hand, leaving the Paladins alone was madness, as there was little they could do to break that wall with what they had. On the other, Aeregos was ripping through them both like papyrus. Snarling, he decided to go for the paladins first, allow Disgeran to get some momentum there.

Ilea was working her way through the Blackguard line, teleporting behind one and dispatching him before moving back behind her lines and strafing, keeping out of sight for the most part and keeping the dark knights from getting any kills on her men. Somehow, though, the men were getting through, cutting down paladins that writhed in pain from some unknown source. Who the hell is responsible for-

She was caught off guard when Aeregos began to charge, causing her to curse as she helplessly watched the wind faction's General dispatch a large group of enemies. Snarling, Ilea teleported into the Aeregosian charge, cutting down three bewildered men before disappearing again. They were flanking both armies at the same time, cutting a swath a half-mile wide. Cursing her lack of foresight, Ilea began to kick it ito overdrive, teleporting between her enemies lines in quick bursts, taking out one man from Disgeran, then one from Aeregos, then repeating. She slowly made her way towards Narezayn as she made her killings, making sure she was getting her quota before meeting him in battle.

Meanwhile, Hastur Tereth stopped after he narrowly missed getting brained by a crossbow bolt. Unaware that any Disgeran filth carried those weapons, he turned his attention towards the direction the bolt came from. A three-eyed man was smirking at him, holding a crossbow that had no doubt fired the bolt.

In the center, Kilvas was still leading the charge towards the center, now slowed by the vicious wind. Wherever this wind came from, I'll bet my last ten years of life that that statue has something to do with it, he thought as he gritted his teeth, eyes locked on the swirling green orb above the statue's hand. He spurred Vigilance forward, the noble stallion pressing against the wind as if his life depended on it. Moments later, they came within a hundred yards of the statue. Blue seeped into the orb's misty color and all was calm. The wind ceased.

What the hell is this thing? the Gray Mane thought bewilderedly as he came to a halt. Nabo's riders took wing, most of them moving towards the Leongarde lines and diving down to wreak havok. Nabo stayed behind, his wyrm walking on all fours towards Kilvas as the two Generals stared each other down.

"Ahhhh, General Kilvas. I've heard legends about you," Nabo said, smirking. "Stormfang hear is particularly impressed about the one where you killed a wyrm single-handedly... We'd be glad to put that legend to the test."

"Really now?" Kilvas asked. "Well then, boy, I hope you brought along your army, cause I'll barely break a sweat against you." Roaring, Kilvas rose Lion's Fang and his shield in defiance as his spurred Vigilance forward again, right towards Nabo and Stormfang.

Firanos and Scaravus still duked it out against each other, Firanos doing far more damage than Scaravus was. However, that was about to change. Mere moments before the Mages were ready to unleash their barrage, assassins began taking them out, the stealthy warriors slipping up unnoticed and dispatching their targets easily. All of the mages that hadn't died within seconds turned their attention on the intruders, setting the area between them and the assassins ablaze in seconds. Some assassins were caught in the fire, but the rest retreated just as quickly and quietly as they had come. Their job was done for the moment.

With Scaravian and Fieran archers now firing on their opponents, losses were beginning to skyrocket. The Fieran archers added to the flames that began to coat the battlefield, setting Scaravus soldiers alight as the field burned under their feet. Seraimoiron tried to lend his hand to the fight, but Scaravus wasn't about to win this fight.

"Pull back! Pull back to the hill occupied by our rear forces! We'll make a stand there!" he cried, summoning a massive jolt of electricity. He sent one shockwave to his left, another to his right, cutting off the Firanos forces for a brief moment, allowing the Scaravians to disengage. Without another word, the eastern faction retreated, all bound for where Dezeroth was setting up fortifications. Firanos, after the electricity faded, took up the charge after them, headed by Seron.

However, Xuan managed to gather a few hundred men for himself and was now headed towards the center. The Fire mages and archers followed after their army, forgetting about the assassins momentarily.

[Jacogos]

"Come on men! Glory awaits us! Fight on, for the Silver Lion!" Richard cried, thrusting his spetum into a spearman's throat. With one more final push, the Leongarde forces broke the Scaravus line, leaving the fortifications wide open. Though a few more of the Scaravus troops fought on, they were scattered and fighting wildly, their attacks doing little against the Leongarde steel armor. Letting his small troop take care of the rest, Richard began to charge for the fortifications, where a man in robes seemed to be in charge. Crying out his challenge, he began rush towards the man, intent on shoving his spetum into the man's chest.

[P.K.]

Karrha rolled her eyes a bit "Already sent a handful to do so." she said she listened to what else he said and grimaced. "They arnt going to make it easy on us because they are trying to wipe us off the face of the field..." she said pointedly. before allowing him to finish. he wanted her to run down into the fray? was he mad? she barely survived the last two times she went into a head on fight. Right well she wasn't going to send any one else out there heaven knows they where getting picked off enough by those marksmen. She was about to head off to do as the mage had said but a little less then half way down the hill the line broke. "Blood and ashes!" she growled. Some shouts made her glance the other way and give another curse Befure she caught sight of something rushing at them and turned seeing another man charge up, a Leongarde, another charger damit... she hated the idiots. "Mage!" she called warningly this time moving a bit more in front of the charger, She herself would be no use against him but some swordsmen might. She quickly switched her bow for a few of her knifes "A few swords would be nice right about now arrows arnt going to do anything against this guy!"

She realized with a grimace that the spearmen where not going to stand a wit of a chance as they where they needed help, they needed the swordsmen like now. Right about now Karrha was wondering if she would be any help on this side at all to much plate armor unless she had something that could punch through it. That gave her an Idea but she didn't like it, specially after the last time they tried it. If Dezeroth could manage another transformation spell, something large enough or strong enough to get through plate armor she could probably discourage the Leongarde from attacking them even with the small group they had they where very... unaffected. "Dezeroth I need something that can punch through armor!" was all she said no doubt the attacker would be on them in a few seconds.

[Eddren]

--

[The Imposter]

The Disgeran rogue had missed his mark, but gained the attention of the opposing warrior. Gyle partially smirked and was readying another bolt when the fierce winds crashed against him. The bolt almost escaping his hand as he stumbled trying to regain his footing. His third eye never moved from the Archeos warrior but Gyle began to slink back into the Disgeran ranks. Truthfully he was cursing his luck, such winds would make it nigh impossible for him to use his crossbows well, unless it was at a point blank range.

He had a slight hunch that the sudden wind had something to do with Aeregos positioning but now wasn't the time for him to try to figure out puzzles. Plus the vial that Zasa had given him put him off slightly. Not knowing exactly how it was made or what it came from made him slightly uncomfortable, however he placed it with the others he kept on the inside pouch by his chest. Weaving as quietly as he could towards his target Gyle slung his crossbow and drew his daggers, however he highly doubted that the warrior had lost him amongst the others.

Feeling that any kind of ambush was lost he spoke out through the throng, however his words were probably lost on the gusting winds. Readying himself in a defensive stance he waited for the man's reply to his muted challenge.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur looked at the man who ad shot him. There was something odd about him, how he stood with neither the main army nor the dark rangers. His emitters activated and he began to separate from the main Archeos army when the Aeregos army attacked. He barely made it out of their first strike, finding himself at the centre of the battle caught between the 3 armies.

Suddenly caught up in the battle he found himself fending off attacks from heretics and stormcallers alike. As he fought he watched the man who had shot him, somehow always catching sight of the third eye when he needed to locate him. The man was pushing through the ranks towards him as if on a hunt for him when his mouth opened in a challenge. The words were lost but their meaning was clear. Throwing his chains out 3 heretics before him died clearing the ground between the 2. Withdrawing his chains Hastur dropped into a fighting stance and waited for the Disg man to make the first move.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur looked at the man who ad shot him. There was something odd about him, how he stood with neither the main army nor the dark rangers. His emitters activated and he began to separate from the main Archeos army when the Aeregos army attacked. He barely made it out of their first strike, finding himself at the centre of the battle caught between the 3 armies.

Suddenly caught up in the battle he found himself fending off attacks from heretics and stormcallers alike. As he fought he watched the man who had shot him, somehow always catching sight of the third eye when he needed to locate him. The man was pushing through the ranks towards him as if on a hunt for him when his mouth opened in a challenge. The words were lost but their meaning was clear. Throwing his chains out 3 heretics before him died clearing the ground between the 2. Withdrawing his chains Hastur dropped into a fighting stance and waited for the Disg man to make the first move.

[Cfavano]

"Ugh, this weather is doing murder on my hair." She tries to shield her head from the weather, but it's simply not working, and so, she pouts. While she does that, she takes a moment to think. "It must be those aeregos cretins." Escaping from the chaos of the battle, she slinks around the canyon, using trees and rocks as cover, flanking the main aeregos forces, and reaching the stormcallers from their flank. She takes out her needle launcher, takes aim, and begins to fire a barrage at them. She's not expecting them all to hit, but the velocity given by the compressed gasses which launch the needles, and, at this range, her accuracy should be at about 70%. As well, with the entire army, with the exception of the stormcallers, focused on battle, if she is found, she does not expect much resistance, but keeps a pain bolt readied just in case.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth heard something aggravating calling at him and turned to see what it was. A leongardian. Charging straight through their lines. To attack him. And I don't suppose I have anyone around here with the capability to fight him. The mage thought, shrugging. Well, either way. He shouted down to the men digging, "Two men. Need you over here. Stand next to me. Kneel down. Say 'Meragia Magica.' Yes, like that. Now don't move; this'll get tiring after a while." Turning his attention the man before him, he noted that Karrha had stepped in his path. Looking around to see if there was anything he could use, he also noticed his General retreating to his position...And a Fieran force on their heels.

"I want barrages on those Fierans. See if we can't stop them from following our General!" He ordered, before turning back to face the man before him. "I'll get right on that, Karrha. Just allow me to ensure the safety of my own men." Drawing his sword, which had somehow been stored away in his robes, he muttered a few words. "Aerefios'Blade, Restnomov'Hilt. The sword would crackle with electricity, and the Mage would stand ready. When the knight went to attack, the Mage would do nothing save to knock the blow away and step back, intending to allow the electrical charge do the fighting for him.

"Seraimoron!" He called out, hoping the General could hear him at this range, "The leongardians are going to tear us to pieces unless we get some sort of assistance!"

[Jacogos]

As Richard came within striking distance of the mage, he noticed that the man's newly drawn blade began to shimmer with electricity. However, Richard had already extended himself, his spetum clashing against the man's sword. The electricity jolted along the weapon, travelling down the metal and into Richard's right arm. Crying out, he released the spetum, discontinuing any further electrical charge from entering his body. As his arm was mostly numb, Richard simply thrusted his shield forward towards the man's chest, attempting to knock him flat. Assuming that the man either was knocked flat or dodged, Richard awaited his arm to regain feeling before bending to pick up his weapon again.

Scaravus had mostly retreated to the hillock that Dezeroth had claimed, spearmen taking up the front lines and allowing their own men to slip between them and into the back lines. The Scaravus archers were beginning to rain down their arrows on the Fieran army, taking quite a few heads in the first few volleys. As Seraimoiron got back to the fortifications, he noticed Dezeroth calling for aid. Ordering his men to stand their ground and hold against the Fieran charge, the Sting of the Scorpion rushed to the rear flank of his army, charging electricity into his weapon.

Along Aeregos's rear flank, Zasareyt was undetected for the most part. However, after she had fired a few of her bolts at the Wind Callers, causing each hit to fall to their knees or simply flat on the ground. Almost immediately, three monks lept from the center of the Wind Caller mass, landing in a stance as they thrusted their fists forward. Fist-sized bullets of wind burst from their hands, directed towards where the needles had come from. At least one was headed directly toward Zasareyt. The wind bursts would hit with a velocity akin to someone overhand throwing a brick.

Meanwhile, General Narezayn was beginning to keep track of a particular person's movement. Or rather, her teleportation. Another lightning bolt channeled into his blade, but he held the energy in check through sheer force of will. Within moments, Ilea was in front of him, tossing two daggers straight for him. Holding hid ground, Narezayn unleashed the lightning bolt's energy into a shockwave in front of him, the electricity jumping from his blade to the daggers to Ilea before the woman had her chance to escape.

Crying out, Ilea fell to her knees, her muscles spasming. Narezayn plucked a dagger from his shoulder, grunting as he did so and walking forward towards Ilea. "You're quite the vengeful one, aren't you?" the General said, holding his blade towards her face. Ilea just smirked.

"You have no idea, General," she said, vanishing.

"Dammit," Narezayn cursed. He should've kept up the pressure. She recovered a lot faster than a normal human, though. Or perhaps she could simply teleport without needing control of her limbs. Either way, Narezayn continued to lead his forces against the Archeon-Disgeran front. Though the Disgeran forces were losing plenty of heretics to the Archeon and Aeregosian, the Archeon forces were also taking casualties, mostly in the forms of their militia and knights. Aeregos was losing forces, too, but far less than the other two factions.

Ilea had managed to get to the center of her forces, landing next to a Priest who was chanting a prayer to Alu'Terasa. Still unable to feel most of her muscles, Ilea was forced to speak above the noise of war. "Child! I require your healing light," she said. The priest nodded once and began to hold his hand over her. She would be right within moments.

The Blackguard and Paladins were continuing to battle, neither able to get the upper hand while both losing fair numbers to the Aeregosian attack. Neither Archeon nor Disgeran was willing to turn to take on the Aeregos warriors so long as their sworn enemy stood before them.

A small clearing had worked its way around Hastur and Gyle, others noting that the two had challenged each other and demanded room to fight.

Kilvas rode past Nabo and Stormfang, swiping a shallow cut along the dragon's side with his blade. Vigilance managed to maneuver around the wyrm easily, the intelligent horse skirting the overgrown lizard in a single deft swerve. Cursing, Nabo let his wyrm turn, following after the horse as he snapped at Vigilance's heels. As soon as Stormfang's head was turned towards the General's back, Nabo stood and lept forward, quite literally aiming to tackle Kilvas off of his horse.

Meanwhile, Leongarde was beginning to take up positions around the center, archers also prepping arrows to shoot down the wyrm riders who had taken wing at that point. It was looking like Leongarde was going to have a fortified position on the center, soon. Back on their hill, the musketeers were continuing their firing on the Scaravus position, though a few had turned their attention to the center, focusing on trying to pick off the wyrms and their riders. A few went down within the first few moments, caught off guard by this new attacker.

Meanwhile, Firanos had reengaged the Scaravus line. Though the spearmen had put up a very prickly front line for them to impale themselves on, the Fieran forces had managed to cut their way through and engage the main army again. Fire elementals ensued chaos in the Scaravus ranks, flowing from man to man and setting quickly-drying grass on fire. Disarray was quickly beginning to spread through the eastern faction's lines.

Meanwhile, Xuan was leading his men to the center, a few fire elementals jumping ahead to thin the Leongarde blockade. The steel-armored warriors quickly began to prepare for the Fieran charge, though the elementals easily distracted them for long enough to get in on the center. Though his twin flaming blades cut the Leongardians like any other, his focus was not on them. Instead, he was paying attention to the wyrms, hoping one would come close enough for him to get on.

[P.K.]

Karrha knew well enough her knifes where not going to be of any use she'd moved after realizing the mage seemed ready. One of the next things that would need to be taken care of was the marksmen, musketeers. but she was not sure how that was going to be done yet and with Firanos on their other side... they where going to be turned into a sandwich with Scaravus in the middle. She grimaced as she took in as much as she could. well she figured the sooner they had this charge out of the way the faster Dezeroth could get to something bigger.

His back was to her and his shield on his other side facing Dezeroth. He'd also dropped his weapon. She moved leaping forward to cover the small distance on the hopes she'd reach them and kick the weapon aside out of reach for the most part. In or in not doing so, getting the weapon or not she'd skid away hopefully out of arms reach not that he would bother going after her while the mage was a bigger threat.

[The Imposter]

It took a moment for Gyle to finally realize what had taken place. The two of them standing in their respective stances. The small space freed up from the battle clashing around them, Gyle smiled wryly and began his assault. Spinning one of his daggers in his left he began to move closer while the one in his right he kept ready to block or parry any incoming blows. The mans ability to seemingly make chains appear out of thin air had the rogue a bit worrisome. What he had seen so far left Gyle with only questions, had the enemy a certain range they couldn't extend past, were they only capable of extending from his hands?

The three eyed rogue would find out soon enough as he dashed forward, his movements slightly slower with both crossbows hanging off his body and their respective bolt quivers. With the spinning dagger he swiped at the Archeos champion's chest more out of testing the warrior than anything else. As he slashed with the left he spun the right so the blade rested along his own forearm and tried to jab the man in the face.

[DoughGuy]

As the 3 eyed Disg moved towards him Hastur sized him up. He was not an armoured foe and did not look too strong. He was the sort of foe who Hastur could use his chains against in their unarmed form. As such he dropped the military dagger from his chain back into its sheath and let the end of the chain dangle from his palm. He wondered what the Disg's plan was, attacking him from close range with daggers of his own. If he had seen Hastur fight he wasn't the smartest tool in the shed attacking like such.

The Disg man moved quickly to the attack, closing the distance between the pair of them in little time, perhaps he stood a chance. As the blade swung for his chest Hastur shifted the weight to the back of his left heel then used the point of his right foot to jump backwards. The blade aimed at his chest missed completely. The one that had been aimed for his head may have hit a normal man mid jump but Hastur's emitters put him clear of the attack.

In response all 3 of Hastur's chains flew out mid flight. One, a bladed one, shot straight at his foe's third eye assuming it held some sort of power. The second, the other bladed one, went straight for his foe's dark heart. The final chain, this one without a blade, snaked towards his foes left arm hoping to wrap itself around and ensnare it.

[Cfavano]

She was about to leave when she saw the monks approach her, and punch the air. Feeling something amiss, she quickly moved to dodge, and felt two bursts of win fly by her, one one hits her right breast, slamming into the forcefield granted by her belt. It hurts like hell, and causes her to tumble back, but her shield protects her from major damage. He quickly reholsters her gun and grabs her breast. "That hurt like hell, you bastards!" She Quickly grabs the handle of her agoniser and it unravels of it's own accord. She thrusts the handle out, and it strikes out like a snake, the tip slitting the throat of one of the monks, as he looks in in surprise. It's a good half-second before he realizes his wound, and blood starts pouring out of his neck, feebly trying to stem the flow with his hands, he collapses.

Her agoniser extended, it coils around the angle of one of the other monks, and she yanks it back, dragging the hapless holy man along the ground. Finally in arms reach, she stabs his eyes with the tips of her hypodermic claws, darkening them forever. She hanks her hand out, her fingers dripping with blood and vitreous humor. Before she thrusts it at the final monk, shooting a purple bolt of psychic pain at him, which hits him right in his chest. He collapses clawing at his own skin and convulses. She stands there for a moment, basking in their pain, before realizing that her position is know, and she retreats with haste back to the Disgeran lines, watching the battlefield, and plotting her next move.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth watched the events before him unfold, half-turning from the blow that had been delivered to him. Wincing, he suddenly realized--Seraimoron was heading toward him! Raising his sword like he was about to strike, he took a quick step forward, then jumped behind his General. "I leave this fight to you. Unfortunately, my skills are needed to face the larger threat. Sir, I must make use of your men for a grand spell, but allow me to assure you of this--When it has been cast, it will be a magnificent display."

"Archers, stem the flow of Fierans into the battle-zone! I want that position fortified completely when I'm gone! Ik'Yamar alone knows, the last thing we need is a half-finished advantage in this Meragia-forsaken battleground!" He seemed grouchy, but that probably had to do with the fact that he'd been spending half the battle so far understaffed while setting up as best he could, a problem that would have been alleviated by simply waiting before charging into his battle, and now had to clean up a mess that he had specifically been avoiding.

He ran to the lines defending against the Fierans, now, pulling fifteen men back. "You are to assist me in a spell." The Mage instructed, taking five aside, "Except for you five. You five are to go through the lines. Ensure that it is understood that when they hear rumbling, they are to scatter in all directions and leave the Fierans exposed. Once the rumbling begins, there will be only perhaps a minute before my spell takes place, and any caught in the blast will be severely injured." He now positioned the remaining thirteen into a circle, placing himself in the center. "Extend you palms to me. Specifically, to my robes. Now, kneel. Close your eyes. And chant Meragia Magica." He waited for the soldiers to follow his orders, before closing his own eyes. As magic--A relatively small amount of magic--Flowed into his robes, he raised his arms, lowly chanting, "Aqueos Riasce'Resvaul Gaia!" For the moment, there was little effect. It honestly seemed as though he was doing nothing but speaking. Unusual, since almost all of the Mages' spells came to immediate fruition. However, Dezeroth's eyes seemed to gleam with an inner power, and purple energy was flowing from his robes and sinking into the ground like a mist.

[Jacogos]

The trenches were finally done, and with their work finished, the men who had been working quickly grabbed their swords and joined in repelling the Leongardians. The main army had finally managed to stop Firanos from running amok, confining their assault to the front line as the fire elementals died out. However, Firanos was still pushing hard, and the Scaravus numbers were slowly thinning.

Seraimoiron took heed of Dezeroth's words, noticing the rather extravagantly outfitted Leongardian before him. The man looked near to be a steel lion, and seemed to have Dezeroth intimidated at least.

Richard grunted in irritation when he grasped at nothing, his spetum knocked away by some Scaravian girl. He turned his attention to her for a brief moment, noticing she was moving away. During that time, the mage had gotten away, to be replaced by none other than the Scaravian General. Richard smirked as he grasped his mace and held it at the ready.

"Come get some, ya pansies!" he cried, moving forward at a little below a run. Seraimoiron quickly brought his weapon down, launching a ball of lightning at the man. Ready for this, Richard deflected it with his shield, Stille's enchantment diffusing the electricity that would normally have passed through its metal. This feat surprised even Seraimoiron.

"Heh... let's see you keep that up," he muttered, swinging his weapon in sparkling arcs that launched more and more lightning bolts at the man. Some of the more straight-forward ones Richard managed to dodge, but others he deflected with Stille, slowly advancing on the General, who also back-pedaled as he continued his barrage.

The Leongarde-Scaravus line was all but gone, as not a Leongarde man survived there, save Richard. One Knight continued to fight bravely, making his way towards Richard's back and calling out.

"Corporal! Our charge has failed! We need to regroup with our allies!" Whether or not Richard heard him, the man was cut down by a swordsman, his blood staining the grass in a spatter of gore.

Across the way, Aeregos was sending a few men to guard the back lines, ensuring no more foolish Disgerans tried to attack their Wind Callers. The fact that the succubus had killed three monks with nary a scratch after the first hit was an accomplishment worthy of respect, were she any other faction.

Aeregos continued to tear into Disgeran and Archeos, unabated and unchallenged. Narezayn continued to spearhead the assault, his lightning strikes booming across the battlefield and cleaving paladin and blackguard alike in twine. Eventually, though, his blade met something that it didn't cleave through. A sword grated against his, stopping him in his tracks. Narezayn blinked and disengaged, coming back a few feet to see this new challenge.

"So, you're the one who took the illustrious Paladin Grove," Mythros mused, watching the man before him with a lack of expression.

"I don't believe we've been introduced," Narezayn said, holding his blade at the ready.

"I am your doom," Mythros said simply, rushing forward without warning. His blade clanged against armor as Narezayn deflected the blow, surging electricity into his fist to knock the man back. However, instead, his fist went through the man, having little effect at all. Mythros grinned, backhanding Narezayn and sending the elite Stormwarrior stumbling back. "And I'm going to enjoy this," he finished.

The Aeregosian storm cloud was growing larger as the Wind Callers continued to pour their magic into the cloud. The sky was darkening ominously as lightning bolts dropped more frequently, frying Archeon and Disgeran forces alike. Rain fell like arrows and vice versa, the latter far deadlier.

In the center, Kilvas and Nabo were both dismounted, trading blow for blow. Nabo's pole-axe was wielded deftly, but Kilvas kept his shield and sword at the ready wherever it went, counter-attacking when he could and staying mobile every time else. Vigilance trotted just outside of the fight, keeping on the opposite side from Stormfang at all times. The horse whinnied nervously, knowing his rider was not meant for prolonged combat situations. However, Kilvas fought valiantly, waiting for his chance.

That chance came when hail of arrows came from the Leongarde lines, all aimed for the duo. Kilvas saw it coming and ducked under his shield, keeping himself safe. Nabo took one in the back of the shoulder, while Stormfang endured the brunt of the barrage, most of them barely even scratching the surface. Any who penetrated only got an inch or so in. The Wyrm roared in annoyance, ducking his head next to Nabo. The Aeregosian took the hint and lept on, Stormfang leaping into the air without another pause. Kilvas, drained, slowly remounted his horse, watching as the remnants of the wyrm riders retreated back to the western front. Now, he turned towards the northeast, where Firanos was attacking.

Dammit, they left! Xuan swore mentally as the wyrm riders retreated. He tore another soldier asunder with his twin blades in anger, then turned to his quarter of the Fieran army. "Retreat! Back to our main army! We cannot take all of the Leongarde army alone!" Obeying to the man, Firanos turned and fled, leaving Leongarde to secure the center.

Moments later, blue encapsulated the entirety of the orb that hovered above the field's statue.

A deafening roar rocked the battlefield, every man not of Leongarde pausing whatever they were doing as their hearing was taken from them, leaving the world without sound for at least 30 seconds. Leongarde, however, began to glow down to the last man, each one invigorated with a silver aura that seemed to empower them.

"My my... This is an interesting thing..." Kilvas murmured, eyeing the statue with intrigue. "Hold the center at any cost, men! This statue has power beyond that of mortal men. It may be blessed by the Meragaia themselves." The men saluted and Kilvas went about organizing his troops. They would hold here and wait for the rest of the factions to wear themselves out. Then, Leongarde would sweep in for the kill.

Seron, fighting alongside his men at the Scaravian front, that men were running about just beyond the lines, apparently delivering orders. He frowned a little, gutting a spearman and kicking him away in one smooth motion. What were they planning? Little did he know that Dezeroth's plans were being implemented without fail. So long as his name was invoked, the Scaravian forces knew the warning was legitimate.

[P.K.]

Karrha gave a slight smirk as she managed what she had intended. Successfully out of reach now she turned to see Dezeroth formulating something else, nothing he seemed to need her for so she turned her attention to the Seraimoiron and his attacker. Didn't seem things where going well there but before she could move to provide help a roar split the air making her stagger as she clapped her hands over her ears. when she opened her eyes she could see what was happening in the middle and to their side. "Light!" she snapped but even then she could not seem to hear her own words for a long moment everything was quite to her. Whatever was in the center Leongarde had taken it and if she guessed right... it was something that granted power to whoever had the middle.

"This is not good..." she growled finely able to hear her own voice. She glanced up at their hill it looked like they had finished but she was not so sure. she glanced back at Seraimoiron before quickly moving towards them the faster they got ride of this idiot, and kept him from killing their general, the faster they could focus on different matters and the easier it would be, but he was glowing and she doubted it was going to be that easy. she knew she could probably do little damage to the being herself but if she could be a thorn in his side she might give Seraimoiron an opening he needed. Her attempt would be to get behind him and kick out at the back of the knee, even if he was armored it could still bend and was a weaker part of the armor, even if she couldn't get through it with a knife she could still hit it hard enough to knock him off balance or send him to his knees.

[The Imposter]

Gyle realizing his attack was dodged watched the counter attack being launched, the three chains shot out quickly and Gyle moved his daggers to block. The first aiming for his eye glanced off the blade in his right hand completely missing him, the second he wasn't as lucky. The parry from the blade in his left sent the chain downwards and burrowing into his side hitting a rib. The sharp point dug shallow but remained in its spot at the same time the last chain wrapped itself around Gyle's left forearm.

The rogue wasted no time however pulling back to his left and bringing the right dagger down into the links of the two chains that posed a threat, the blade sunk into the ground as Gyle dropped to a knee and the chain in his side gave way pulling itself out and hitting the ground. Gyle was already making his attack his hand releasing the anchored dagger it grabbing the small crossbow behind his back. A small crimson stain began to soak from his wound his right arm took aim at the Archeos champion and his finger pressed the trigger releasing the poisoned bolt.

Gruttleweed and Brille, the combination created quite ab 'allucinogenic effect. Mixed wit the small paralytic dat I always lace my bolts wit. The dose never caused full paralysis but if I git him in an appendage would make it quite useless for awhile....let's see 'ow he handles

The thought was interrupted by the deafening roar. Gyle couldn't help but look away towards the center completely distracted by the noise. Even once it faded there was nothing, no words, no metal clashing, absolutely nothing. Gyle embraced the sound but quickly realized that the object in the center was the cause. With the realization he felt the need to secure it for Disgeran, the small battle would have to wait. Forgetting to check if his bolt succeeded in hitting its mark he began to attempt to free himself from the last remaining chain.

[DoughGuy]

When his chains became trapped Hastur knew he had to move. Rather than attempt to pull his chains back to him he opted for doing the opposite. Jumping slightly he pulled the chains to him. The one which had missed returned promptly. However with no resistance on his end for the other 2 he flew towards them instead, closing the distance between the 2. The dagger stuck in the ground pulled him towards and he twisted in the air, ending up on a diagonal with his right shoulder in the air and his left shoulder near the ground. His heels dug into the ground to help slow his movement.

The poisoned bolt flew straight, but Hastur's erratic movements could not be accounted for. Ratehr than a direct hit the bolt clipped his raised right shoulder, imparting most of the poison without piercing his skin deeply. Finished the bolt spiraled away. Before the poison could take hold he meant to aim his remaining chain at the man's head when the roar struck him. The force of the roar threw him off and the chain shot harmlessly into the sky, missing everything. It also messed up his landing as his back slammed into the ground causing him some pain.

Lying on the ground he retracted his first chain and aimed a kick at the dagger which pinned his other one, freeing it from the ground. He recoiled that too and meant to pull hard on the remaining chain when his right arm spazzamed and roped dead, all the feeling gone. He was momentarily stunned.

[Cfavano]

The roar startled her, and caused her to fall down onto her behind. "Oww." She gets up. "Now I'm all muddy." She says with a frown, as she brushes herself off. ''They'll pay for that. I'll get those..." She looks and notices that her commander is in open battle with the aeregosian commander. Thinking quickly, she feels she may be able to earn some points with the commander, and she flanks Narezayn, using the cover of the seething battlefield. She lashes out with her agoniser, and it attempted to wrap around his weapon arm to try binding it and cause the poisoned blades to dig deeply.

[Eddren]

The tone of Dezeroths' chanting rose, as did his hands ever higher. There were now slight tremors. I hope the Scaravian line can hold long enough, The mage thought to himself, though the passage of thought was quickly wiped away by the amount of focus required. The stream of magic entering through his robes was fluctuating, now, as men would pass in and out of consciousness to continue to cast the spell. Using magic of this magnitude could not be held by untrained men, and he knew it. All I need...Is a few more minutes...

[Jacogos]

Seraimoiron staggered, as did his entire army, at the roar that issued from seemingly everywhere. Suddenly, there was no sound, something the Scarvian General did not enjoy whatsoever. While he was disoriented, though, the Leongardian took his chance. Charging, Richard drew out his mace and swung. Unable to react quickly enough, Seraimoiron took the hit on his left arm, which snapped with a crack that was heard only by Richard.

Crying out, the man staggered to his right, hand tightly gripping his weapon as he moved away from the Leongardian. Richard rose his mace to strike again, victory beaming on his hidden face. However, Karrha caught him off guard. Struck in the back of the knee, Richard fell to it, missing his swing as he fell. Seraimoiron took that chance to charge his weapon with electricity. Shoving it into the silver-hued man, Seraimoiron sent Richard flying backwards, at least 50 yards back. Landing with a rough thud, Richard lay still.

Narezayn was fighting a similar battle against Mythros, though both Generals were staggered by the roar. Mythros recovered quicker, though, lunging forward. Narezayn parried the man's thrust, dancing away and managing to get at an angle that allowed him to see Zasareyt begin to move around him. The way she was avoiding attacking anyone tipped him off, and he prepared himself for a flank while still keeping his eyes on Mythros.

After another parry, Narezayn felt the attack. The barbed whip dug into his skin, the toxins transferring into his system. Gritting his teeth, the General endured and sent a shockwave of electricity through the whip, a bit of the leather tearing as the burning plasma seared into the metal that made up the whip. If she didn't let go, the electricity would jump into her body and at least stun her momentarily. Whether she did or not, Narezayn yanked the whip after the bolt was finished and tried to unravel it from around him.

Mythros took the opportunity to slink off while Narezayn was distracted. When the Aeregosian commander returned his attention to his true opponent, he was gone. Cursing, Narezayn began to turn his focus onto his other attacker. At the last moment, however, he saw it. Bending his blade behind him, Narezayn blocked Mythros's near-back-stab, causing the shade to tsk irritatedly.

"Careful, Aeregosian," Mythros hissed. The two held the deadlock for a moment before separating, once again circling each other.

Nabo and his wyrm riders were now tormenting the Disgeran and Archeon lines, dipping down to land on a group before lifting off with a pulse of wind. Nabo was searching for Narezayn, hoping the man was still on his feet.

Meanwhile, the Paladin and Blackguard line had all but collapsed. Disgeran and Archeos were in shambles, slowly being cut down by each other and mostly Aeregos. All of a sudden, though, a voice began shouting orders.

"Archeos, to me! Fall back to my voice and be swift! We shall not allow these scum of Deiranor defeat us so easily!" Ilea voice rang out, calling the Archeons to the northeast of their current position. Hearing their beloved general's voice gave the men and women heart, and Archeos began to pull out of the three-way skirmish, still taking casualties as they did, though.

Meanwhile, Leongarde began setting up in the center for real, almost all of their forces surrounding the statue. In the center, archers and a few musketeers stood at the ready to take down any that might try and come near. Around them was a single line of Shieldguard, followed by the rest of the forces scattered around that in neat lines or groups.

Turning his gaze back to the musketeers on the hill, Kilvas decided to leave them where the were. They were not threatened, and they covered an escape route if necessary. Things were beginning to look up for Leongarde. Now, if only he could find that Corporal who had done so well in the Badlands.

The Corporal in question was getting up slowly, muscles spasming as he tried moving. Swearing, Seraimoiron spoke to Karrha. "That aura must have protected him... there's no way a normal human would have survive that much electricity," he said, looking towards the center where Leongarde was set up. "Whatever gave Leongarde that power... Most likely it has something to do with whatever's in the center."

Seraimoiron looked to Richard, then to Karrha. "I'll need your help. He got my arm pretty bad." Hoping the Corporal would aid him well, Seraimoiron stood at the ready for the oncoming knight. A few spearmen took positions at their side, ready to heed orders as to how to take down this juggernaught.

Meanwhile, the Scaravian line was holding decently against the Fieran onslaught, but who knew how long it would last? As if to answer that question, about 100 yards from Dezeroth, Seron blasted through a group of spearmen, slicing his way into the Scaravian defenses. Behind poured the Fieran army, like water into a burst dam. Fire swirled around him as he swung his spear, impaling and incinerating in equal numbers. A group of spearmen tried to subdue him and push back, but they were cut down within moments. Seron was now about as far into the Scaravian lines as Dezeroth was, but still about 100 yards away and separated by a score of men.

[P.K.]

Karrha frowned, she had only just been on time with that. she looked to Seraimoiron as he spoke to her and nodded in agreement. "true true I think that could be accurate or the perfectly right assumption." She muttered. She came closer as he mentioned his arm one hand tentatively reached out and rested gently on his arm. "A clean snap." she said. "It well heal, if we live." she muttered then her hands took on a faint glow. "With out any time to do anything real the most I can do is dull the ache, Maybe a small part of the mending." she muttered, more to herself then him but she responded to his request "As for your help I'm a healer and an archer I don't do well in close combat and I'll more then likely get us both killed but I'll give you what strength I have." she grumbled. she glanced at the spear men that came up with them and then glanced back them at the mage and what happened beyond that. "Lets make this quick..." she growled.

She turned taking her hand from his arm know clutching her knifes again. "If there was some way to punch through his armor, even get it off I might have more of a chance with hitting a fetal or inconveniencing point that would give you more of an opening." her eyes searched for anything that could be of use, The mans spetum laid not to far from them but she doubted she herself could use it, or that it be to much good against him... unless they could get it deep into a chink in his armor, even a small one and force it in that would send a more direct shock through the man if they could manage. "Its a long shot but If we could get something deeper though his armor, Piercing the skin and something that conducts electricity, we may be able to get a stronger shock into his system not just a blast of it..."

If and when the man charged at them she through herself forward to meet him but only as a distraction she would be doing everything she could to be in the way but out of reach. The more focuses on her the better. It was a fact she was not match for him but the other fact was she was still lighter and faster unless what ever in the middle increased his speed from what ever it was before.

[The Imposter]

Gyle's luck was beginning to change it seemed. He was able to free his arm just as a wyrm swooped down in the area. The distraction was enough for him to get a head start on his tactical retreat. He called out to the warrior as he ran.

'Say this one is a draw? I tink that's fair enough!'

As he continued one he could feel the stinging in his side, the wound still quite fresh. His drew his large crossbow as his third eye caught the sight of the clashing generals. Wincing slight as he steadied his aim, his left side throbbing now as he tried to slow his breath. Then the moment presented itself and he let loose the bolt heading for its mark: Narezayn.

Gyle however didn't stay in the position long he slowly ducked and began moving around the battle. The bolt surely would provide some advantage or at least he hoped. The voice of the Archeos general caught his ears as their forces started their retreat. Gyle's attention was already focused elsewhere, across the field, the other forces engaged in the battle. His attention drawn to the other warring enemies.

Oi, if only dere be a way to sneak on over...

[DoughGuy]

Hastur gritted his teeth as the Disgeran hunter moved away. He knew it was folly to try and chase the man with his arm disabled. Just his luck it was his right arm too, two of his three chains were now disabled. "Next time them." he yelled back at the man.

Now that their little duel was over the clearing they had found was slowly being swallowed up by the warring forces. He heard Ilea's call for a retreat and saw the Archeons around him begin to fall back. He knew in seconds he would be swallowed up by the enemy lines and in his current condition that would be death. With a small running start he executed a leap which put him back behind the main Archeon line. Slipping back into his supporting role he helped cover the retreat mostly picking off Aeregos targets. As the retreat continued he began to feel his arm again. Spotting the enemy generals in battle he began angling towards them through the crowd.

[Cfavano]

Zasa was quick to let go of her agnoiser, as it had warned her of impending injury. However, she had sent it a mental command to bind even tighter around his arm, like a constricter, and it followed her orders, continuing to wrap around his arm.She draws her sword in her free hand, and her needle gun in her offhand. She now harries Nezaryn with her hit and run tactics, jumping in for a swipe, before jumping back out of his reach and firing a few needles his way. If he were to turn his attention to her fully, she could be in trouble, but that would leave him wide open to Mythros, and so she keeps moving, using her agility to her advantage.

[Eddren]

Finally, the rumbling the Mage had forewarned of arrived, shaking the battlefield. As he had warned, there was but a minute of rumbling before from the ground shot cannons of water. They were interspaced fairly randomly among the Fieran lines, although any Scaravians unfortunate enough to be nearby may have indeed been caught in them as well. As the water shot into the air, Dezeroth waved his hands, forming it to roughly match the form of the opposing army. It was actually a small bit larger. Primarily, he focused on the offensive portion. "Aerobe'Miroe Cotuch Aqueos millifintes." The water now parted into spikes, now, each about the length of a forearm and about as thick as a spear-tip. With a small gesture, Dezeroth brought his hands down, and the spikes rained on the Fieran army, as well as any Scaravians that were foolish enough to charge, rather than scatter, as he had recommended.

[Jacogos]

As Karrha moved forward, Seraimoiron began to charge up electricity, his weapon and body beginning to give off discharge. Richard noticed this and, though the girl was there trying to get his attention, planned to maneuver around her. Holstering his mace, Richard made a move for his spetum after faking a charge to Karrha's right. Unless she put herself deliberately in his way, he would pick the weapon up again and thrust it at her, aiming for the gut.

Meanwhile, upon feeling the earth shake, most of Scaravus instantly scattered into itself, fleeing from Firanos as fast as they could. A few of the naysayers continued to fight, causing a mass of confusion amongst the Fieran forces. As they retreated, many Scaravians began to surround Seron's group, cutting off his retreat and separating him.

Meanwhile, Narezayn was dealing with his attackers, eyes still on Mythros as the agoniser dug into his arm more. He grit his teeth loudly, but bared it. I can't keep this up forever, he thought sourly as he flicked his sword to parry the woman's attack, a clumsy style if there ever was one. He grunted audibly as the agoniser continued to dig in during his movement.

Watching with what might pass for an amused look, Mythros continued to circle his opponent, content to let the harpy flail about. Narezayn moved to the side as the needles came at him, which conveniently moved him out of the way of Gyle's attack. The bolt simply clipped his arm, which just added insult to injury considering agoniser.

Tired of the Disgerans ganging up on him, Narezayn channeled another lightning bolt and let the energy out immediately. The resulting shockwave shoved everyone away from him a good twenty feet. Kneeling down, Narezayn breathed for a moment, free hand going to the whip's handle. He was going to attempt to unwind it from his arm, electricity flowing through him trying to somehow stun the seemingly sentient weapon.

Archeos's retreat was shadowed by Disgeran, still rabid for the paladin's blood. As the two factions moved towards the NW, Aeregos attempted to move forward, meaning that Archeos was cleanly disengaging while Disgeran was running into Aeregosian resistance during their charge.

Having been mostly unharmed by the shockwave, Mythros returned his attention to his army, which was now moving away from him quickly. Not only that, but the wyrm riders were approaching, meaning that Nabo was close. Turning, Mythros rushed for the head of his army, intent on turning them from their blind pursuit of Archeos. As he went, he cut down Aeregosians with gusto.

Archeos's retreat went with little hitch, most harassment coming from the following Disgeran heathens. Most Paladins turned to deal with them as they came, though a few actually got ham-stringed while their backs were turned.

Leongarde's defenses were now solidified, all of Leongarde's forces set up around the center now. They glowed silver one and all, but Kilvas wasn't about to risk the center just because of some odd aura. I certainly feel powerful, though... Shaking his head from atop Vigilance, the Gray Mane peered off towards the Scaravus-Firanos battle, where something interesting was happening.

"That doesn't look like typical Scaravus magic..." he mused, watching the water rise up and solidify.

This ice spike storm caused quite a ruckus among the Fierans. Most saw it coming, but few could outrun or outmaneuver it. As the spikes descended, a few of the more perceptive mages, monks, and swordsmen managed to defend themselves and those around them with bursts of fire or swipes of their flaming swords. Fire elementals were largely unaffected due to the nature of themselves, but there was hardly enough of them to make a difference there.

The losses were drastic, though Firanos was hardly crippled. However, the attack left many of them disheartened, not to mention the loss of sight of their General Seron caused worry. The general in question watched on in horror as the ice spikes descended, his heart dropping. That was some powerful magic... Who could achieve such a feat in Scaravus?! He cast his gaze around for the culprit, but the Scaravians were coming from all sides now.

"Pull back, men!" he shouted, able to be heard by his group and the closest of the decimated Fierans. He led the charge back towards his wounded army, even as that army began the retreat in the opposite direction they had been charging. Xuan, hearing word of Seron's order and having been there during the attack, helped increase the speed of said retreat.

With their General occupied on the other side of the army, a few of the Scaravians looked towards Dezeroth for orders. Should they attack the retreating Fierans or just let them run?

[P.K.]

Karrha Growled at his fake charge he was going after his other weapon, something with long reach like that would be far more dangerous if he had it in his hands. She skidded and quickly changed direction quickly over taking him in pace, not hard to do, considering her heritage and where she had been the last few years of her life. She slipped ahead shoving her knifes back into their places before she leaped tumbling through the air and snatching the spetum mid roll and bringing it with her, though it was heaver then she was used to she pulled it along easily enough and landing back in a crouch. She peered back at the charging man before pushing herself into another role and back to her feet turning to face him. Not a weapon she was proficient with but Anything to buy time and an opening.

If he wanted the weapon he was going to have to catch her but she prayed that he didn't heaven knew what would happen to her if he did but that meant she had to be a two steps ahead and not one behind. Anyone else and she might have been shaking but as it was inside she was gritting her teeth and cursing circumstance, out side she looked pretty calm as she readied herself one end up the weapon pointing her opponent.

[The Imposter]

Gyle had witnessed the scaravus offensive from across the field. Truthfully the rogue was shocked, such powerful magic raining down on Firanos army, the amazing sight however left him oblivious to the shockwave that burst forth from Narezyan. The rogue sprawled out after being sent him further away from the general. The numbness that proceeded the pain of hitting the ground from the bolt was almost soothing, as it stopped him from noticing the throbbing at his side. Hurrying to his feet Gyle readied his smaller crossbow and began to sneak around the outlying crowd that had also been pushed back by the general.

Aye....d'ere he is, trying to unwrap 'is arm. Hmmm...it'd be might foolish ta try and approach 'im head on.

The conniving rogue withdrew another vial from his pocket, this time the heavy liquid was dark and moved almost like a syrup. The poison was of Disgeran origin coming from the sac of a terrible rancid smelling toad. The amphibian was a little larger than a rat and found in some of the swamplands. Gyle hated them, Turdthroaters, he called them. Despite his hate they did provide him with a powerful toxin, it didn't kill quickly but left untreated it would finish any man in three days time. A slim bolt was gently dipped inside and its tip coated with the venom.

Thankfully his target wore little armor, especially in his chest. The brashness and gusty play did leave much of his vitals open, perhaps the bolt itself would be enough. Taking a deep breath he drew up his crossbow and waited. If luck was on his side at all in this battle, some reckless soul or souls would rush out to meet the Paladin Stormer once more. That would be when Gyle moved to strike...as soon as the Aeregosian general was engaged that Turdthroater bolt would fly for his chest.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur was oblivious to the massive spell unleashed upon the Firanos army, his eyes focused on the Disgeran general charging towards his army. The man appeared to be focused on returning to lead his army. If he did that he might be able to get Disgeran to disengage and counter the Aeregos threat properly. If Hastur could stop them then Disgeran would likely become trapped by the 2 armies and destroyed.

Sprinting through the field Hastur readied his chains. Once he was within firing distance of the Disgeran general he shot his chains at the mans legs in an attempt to trip him. If he was successful he would start a flurry of stabs at the general while he was down. If not he would continue to harass the general until his attention was upon Hastur.

[Jacogos]

Cfavano has missed his time limit to post. Zasareyt makes no action this round.

Eddren may post, now.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth considered the scene before him. The Fierans were fleeing. That would mean there would be an opportunity to strike at their most powerful assets. Without turning to look, he simply ordered "Tell the Stingers to give chase. They have orders to take down one Monk or Mage each, then immediately retreat. Have the Archers enter the trenches once they're completed and give them cover while they're retreating. I also want men gathering spears from the fallen and armor from the Leongardians." He closed his eyes for a moment, "And send some support for Seraimoiron. Have any Archers who aren't covering the Stingers pepper the Musketeers with arrows. Accuracy isn't important; they just have to distract the men, because I also want our Assassins to flank and remove the threat." He now raised his hands, focusing for a moment. He lent all of his magical might to his ring, before calling out "Firanos!!" Swiping a hand over the ice-spikes impaled into the ground, and sometimes into corpses, flames appeared above them, roaring with far more tenacity than the magic that the Mage had given them. All the better. He now chanted "Areaque," over and over again. It seemed that as the ice melted and the water evaporated before the inferno he had created, it was being held by some invisible hand. Slowly, it built...

[Jacogos]

Unwrapping the chain, Narezayn sighed in relief as the pain subsided slightly. As the succubus tried to slip in again to attack him, the Paladin Stormer swung the whip with a roar, the barbed wire wrapping around the woman's neck. Her eyes bulged in surprise as she attempted to cry out, the spikes digging into her throat preventing any sound other than a strained gurgle. Yanking her to the ground, Narezayn pulsed the weapon with another surge of electricity, shutting her down as the combination of lack of air and electricity sent her into a comatose state.

During this, though, Gyle had found his opening. The bolt flew true and struck Narezayn in the back, as he had turned to deal with Zasareyt. Grunting in pain, the General staggered forward before reaching around to yank the bolt out. Blood seeped from the wound, but the toxins were already in his system. Turning to face the rogue, Narezayn huffed in preparation, steeling himself against the pain that began to surge through his body. Static electricity began to build up around him.

Meanwhile, Nabo had landed nearby, scattering a few remnants of Disgeran resistance. Stormfang sported a single bloody wound on his wing, courtesy of Leongardian muskets, but was otherwise unharmed. Nabo noticed Narezayn approaching a single Disgeran in combat. Keeping an eye on the fight, Nabo allowed Stormfang to wreak havoc unchecked, the wyrm taking out his frustration at having to retreat.

Meanwhile, Hastur's attack went laughably wrong. Mythros simply took notice of the man who wished to attack him as Hastur's chains simply went through the shade, impaling on the ground behind the General. Mythros scoffed and moved forward, continuing his sprint towards his army's head. He wouldn't allow a single upstart Archeon distract him from keeping this fodder alive.

"Disgeran! Hold! We focus on Aeregos!" he called, somehow able to be heard throughout his army. Most of them listened, though a few blood-thirsty Ascended kept charging forward. Though a few got their prizes from Archeos, all were cut down eventually by the golden army. The remainder of the dark horde now began to turn its attention on Aeregos. Now, Mythros faced down the Archeon chain-wielder.

"You think your mortal weapons can hurt me?" Mythros sneered.

Meanwhile, Archeos pulled back further, now unhindered by the Disgeran harassment. Ilea began to order the Battle Priests to healing the wounded, preparing her injured forces to charge the center. Whatever Leongarde was doing there, it needed to stop, and she was going to be the one to do it.

As Dezeroth cast his magic, there was only one problem: Seron was crossing that field with the remainder of his men. As the fire began to cascade over the ice-spikes, the General snarled in anger, splitting the flame around his men and beginning to control some of it himself, his spear spinning wildly. Though the ice did indeed melt like Dezeroth wished, Seron had taken a large portion of the fire he used and formed into a storm above the man.

Let's see how this mage enjoys a taste of true fire magic! Seron thought, launching a massive ball of flame into the Scaravian forces. Seron had no idea where the mage responsible was, so he could only hope that was towards him. That done, Seron led his men back into the Fieran army.

Now complete again, the Fierans began to form up, Xuan and Seron meeting up to get a head on what was happening.

"Leongarde is looking very scary in the center, Seron," the Dragon Hunter said, peering towards the statue that gave the mentioned faction its silvery glow. Seron simply nodded, breathing heavily from the strain of his fighting.

"Scaravus will no doubt take advantage of us letting off the pressure if we switch targets... However, if we gain that power..." Seron pondered for a moment, looking over at the Scaravians. "Let's see what they do, recover a moment, then decide."

Dezeroth's orders were being followed to the letter; anyone who doubted before had been made a believer by the awesome display of his magical might. Though the Stingers had little to shoot at by the time the order was heeded and carried out, they managed to get a few Fierans in the confusion. Archers covered them as they retreated, and Firanos was wounded a little bit more.

On the other side of the army, Richard cursed as Karrha stole his weapon from him. "Unhand my steel, Scaravian fiend! You sully the Soldegarde name with every second you touch it!" Retrieving his mace again, Richard glanced at Seraimoiron, expecting an attack. As he expected, the General struck out with his weapon, lightning shooting towards the Leongardian. Having expected it, Richard managed to deflect the attack, stumbling back slightly from the force. Continuing the attack, Seraimoiron hoped that Karrha might get a shot in while the man was distracted.

[P.K.]

Karrha smirked at the man "Should have thought of that before you charged my men." she said with a dark tone. She waited and then as the the General struck knocking the man back into a stumble losing most of his good footing. She dashed, Hampered by the weapon she thrust it at a small chink she could see. her aim might have been off but she did what she could to hit it dead on. If and when that struck she would pull out her knifes rolling foreword and past him. She would try to shove one of them down into the back of his knee before trying to scramble out of reach again hopping fervently that maybe that had done the trick.

[The Imposter]

Gyle gritted his teeth, his own words from earlier mocking him in his head. One eye remained locked on the approaching general while the other two focused on reloading the small crossbow, then vigorously switching to reload the heavier one. His hands worked slower than normal but his expertise took over, even under the stress of the approaching general.

Remind me o' the times back when I'd stand in front of the 'orses. They'd be gallopin' down the road and I'd wait til the last second to roll outta d'eir way. This is a smaller horse with lightning powers is all....lightning? Wot's d'ole saying...reflexes as fast a lightning? I 'ope it ain't true for him...

Gyle's ears caught the soft click of the crossbow being reloaded and smiled, slowly he brought it up and took aim at the general as he approached. The rogues feet were light preparing to jump to the left and roll as soon as the coming warrior would show a sign of attack. Gyle silently hoped the maneuver wouldn't be a feint and that when he completed his roll to his left his shot would be true.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur's eyes widened as his attack proved ineffectual to the enemy commander in any way. Obviously the enemy commander wasn't human in any way. He stared back at the enemy commander with a hatred filled glare of his own. Even if he couldn't hurt the man he could perhaps keep him occupied long enough for Disg to be routed. "If the need is grant enough Alu’Terasa will grant me the power to destroy you." Unleashing his chains upon the man again he hoped that the Meragia would see fit to answer his prayer. If not he'd have to hope he could dodge well. On a hunch one of the chains was launched at Mythros's weapon intending to wrap around it.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth cursed, reforming the mist into a sort of giant hammer-head about as large as the fireball, extending it backwards as far as he could. "Friregos!" he called out. Quickly, the mist froze over into a giant frost barrier. While it was unlikely to be dense enough to completely stop such a massive fire attack, it should force the thing to be somewhat less dense. As his frost reformed into mist, he continued chanting the previous spell, shaking his head. With all of the ice now melted, and that fireball, however, perhaps he could finally start deploying the mist...

[Jacogos]

Narezayn watched as the rogue began to reload his crossbows, frowning as he did. Odd that a Disgeran was carrying such a powerful weapon. It seemed something more akin to what Leongarde used before they switched to their infamous muskets. Charging forward, Narezayn kept his eyes on the man's weapon, ready for the bolt to come flying at him. However, instead of shooting first, the rogue dodged, rolling to the General's right. He heard the ka-thunk of the weapon and grunted as the bolt dug into his side. He had been careless. However, the man was still on his weapon side, and Narezayn swung his electricity-covered sword at Gyle's head, grimacing in determination to fight the pain.

Nabo, who was continuing to watch the fight, now was worried about his ally and directed Stormfang away from his massacre. As he did this, though, more Disgeran forces were beginning to file into the space where he had been attacking, Mythros's orders taking affect as the dark horde began focusing on Aeregos. A few Ascended hacked at the wyrm's flank, inciting a hiss from the massive lizard. He batted them aside with his tail even as he marched towards the battle between Gyle and Narezayn.

Meanwhile, the storm above the Aeregos-Disgeran battle was beginning to engulf almost a third of the battlefield. Most of Archeos was still within the rain and lightning continued to strike out against the metal-clad warriors.

As Mythros and Hastur stared each other down, the field between them grew absent of men. With Archeos settling down a few hundred yards away and Disgeran returning to the Aeregos front, the two were left alone to duke it out.

Do not fear, my child. I am with thee... came a powerful voice in Hastur's mind. As his chains struck out, the two warriors noticed that the chains began to shine with golden Light. Eyes widening, Mythros lept backwards, outdistancing three of them while the fourth did its job and wrapped about his sword. Mythros held fast though, the chain of Light connecting the two men across a span of about 30 feet.

"So... You do have some sense of faith. Allow me to rip that out and crush it before you," Mythros spat. Stabbing his sword deep into the ground, the shade hoped that the chain would hold the man in place while he charged Hastur, his dead eyes glinting with something evil planned.

So focused on the Leongarde problem, Ilea was unaware that one of her own was in combat with Mythros. As soon as her troops were ready, she began preparations for a charge into the center. She placed lance knights and paladins out front, directing the rest behind them as she saw fit. With the Aeregos storm out of control, she could see no other way to turn the tide other than taking this artifact from Leongarde's hands.

Kilvas was beginning to take notice of the west, not only in Archeos's preparations but in Aeregos's storm. "That thunderstorm is getting out of hand..." he muttered, staring at the storm heads warily.

Firanos was regrouped for the most part, still biding their time. Seron was interested in whatever man or woman was controlling the magic so well, as they nearly perfectly countered his retaliation to their magic. No doubt they would come up with something else that would impress the man, but for now he would simply wait. Xuan was getting a little antsy, but accepted Seron's reasonings for the moment.

The ice wall countered the fireball and dispersed the fire well considered how rushed the magic was, only a few Scaravians getting engulfed by the massive flame, mostly Stingers that had been retreating. Archers were now focusing on the Musketeers, a threat that had yet to be dealt with. Assassins were making their way stealthily towards them, but the small bit of swordsmen guarding the men were troublesome. The leader took a moment to come up with a plan while they were yet unnoticed.

Dezeroth's other orders were now complete, all the spears formed into a pile and the bits an pieces of Leongarde armor nearby.

On the other end, Karrha was attacking. The only chink she could find was in the back of the knees, and it was hardly an easy shot. She stabbed the spetum at the bend and got little result, the blade glancing off of the armor and mail. Richard's attention was diverted to her, but she managed to get her payload in before he could do anything. Crying out, Richard felt his leg shoot with pain as her dagger dug through the chain mail. After that, electricity poured into his body as Seraimoiron took his chance to strike. Dropping to his knees, the proud Leongardian finally fell, unconscious.

[P.K.]

Karrha crouched only a few feet away her breath heavy. "He's not dead." she called. "Far from it..." she said pushing herself to stand. "But he wont be a problem for a while if we leave him." she said walking over slowly and standing over him then looked up at Seraimoiron for a moment as she gently pushed the man with her foot before leaning down to take her knife back. She had no idea that Dezeroth seemed to have a plan for the armor but she would leave the man's life up to the general. she looked back up to him "What ever is to be done with him is your call." she said as she picked her way over reaching out to place a hand on his injured arm and asses the damage once more. "You will see me after this battle about this arm if not sooner." she muttered. the way things where she may have to set up a center for this right now. Grimacing she glanced one last time at the charger. "If you no longer need me I'll be seeing if our oh so powerful mage needs my assistance." she said glancing around the field before she would make her way to the said mage. She knew just about where to look.

[Jacogos]

The Imposter has missed the Time Limit for his post (and I missed the fact that he missed the time limit by at LEAST another Time Limit xD) and thus Gyle makes no action this turn.

DoughGuy may proceed with his post.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur didn't bother unwrapping the chain from the sword, instead trusting Mythros had anchored it well. He bent his knees and readied himself to jump, "Allow me to teach you the power of the faith you monsters lack." he replied as Mythros close in. He then jumped forward, leaping at Mythros in complete disregard for his normal battle tactic. He knew the man would be able to dodge his attacks at range, and though Mythros would be a fierce some fighter up close he was relying on surprise to get him an opening to escape.

Mid air he attempted to withdraw his trapped chain. If the sword held firm Hastur would instead be pulled towards the blade, increasing the momentum from his jump. His leap carried him to Mythros's left but he didn't fire yet. Instead he focussed on dodging the man's first attack as best he could. If he managed to dodge he would then fire his chains into Mythros's, presumably, undefended back. If it looked like Mythros would hit him he would instead launch the chains at him from close range, aiming for his face and chest.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth breathed a sigh of relief. His magic had been more effective then he'd anticipated. Still, there was a new task before him. Raising both hands, he paused for a moment to say "Aeregos." Before waving them in opposite directions. Winds whipped from a central point along the mist, spreading it out from the hill the archers were at to the cliff wall. Squatting, the Mage gestured to the gathered spears. "Get those planted in the ground, pointing toward the mist. Make sure that they're well enough in range that a charging enemy wouldn't be able to stop himself from impaling himself on it." Raising one hand, he waved it over the Fog, "Friregos'Minsual." Within the mist, the smallest of ice-crystals formed, inter-spaced throughout the entirety of the cloud. The result was a more white, foggy cloud that would hopefully prove both more resistant to fire-magic and to provide less visibility. "It's a double-edged sword, however. We will not be able to see them coming. Therefore, I want spear-men guarding the fog."

He now turned his attention to the armor, the next step in his plan. "Very good," He said, nodding to those men who stood near the pile. "I'm unsure of how many tower-shields this will make, but that is what I will be producing. I would like you to plant these tower-shields over the heads of our archers, specifically those with their backs to the musketeers. This will stave off any volleys aimed at their heads, and any musket-balls from behind." He now carved three circles, one central, and another two on opposite sides. One of these tertiary circles was drawn around the armor. From there, the Mage grimaced as he pulled from memory, rather than from his tattoos, which no longer existed, the runes necessary. As with all his rituals, he muttered while inscribing the arcane language, power resonating from his words and from the circle itself.

[Jacogos]

As the battle between Aeregos and Disgeran began to heat up, it became apparent that Aeregos had not lost its advantageous state even with the turn of the tide. Slowly Disgeran was being repelled, the dark horde only managing minor victories against the western faction's supremacy. Without Mythros's guidance, there wasn't much the Disgeran forces could do, either.

Gyle managed to avoid the attack from Nazerayn, but Stormfang's tail got between them, knocking the rogue back before either could continue to fight. Knowing he was outnumbered, Gyle retreated into Disgeran lines, which had caught up to the two Generals. Climbing onto the wyrm behind Nabo, Narezayn held his side painfully, wincing as the toxin coursed through his veins. The wyrm took wing and headed back towards the Aeregosian flank.

Hastur's tactic was sound, the chain holding and pulling the man forward faster than normal. However, Mythros wasn't planning on allowing the man an easy shot. Instead of attacking, Mythros slipped around Hastur's charge, leaving the man without a target for a moment. At the man's back, the General threw a punch towards the small of his back, quick-stepping back at the first sign of trouble. Afterwards, he began his next tactic.

"Forward, Archeos! We take the center, in the name of Alu'Terasa!" Ilea cried, the Archeon forces now charging down the plains towards Leongarde. Kilvas was ready for them though, and he had diverted a few extra forces to defend the flank that Archeos was charging. The Leongarde General kept his Knights back for the moment, though. With the few he had left, he planned on using for when things were more certain...

The musketeers blinked in surprise when the mist sprang up, obscuring the Scaravians from view.

"We can't see 'em, but we can still shoot at 'em," a Sergeant said, commanding them to continue firing. Moments later, though, men began crying out as the assassins began their attack. Soldiers were targeted first, getting rid of the melee threat first. It was risky, but within a minute there were only musketeers left. Cursing, most of them began to flee, a few others staying to discharge their weapons at close range, guaranteeing kills. Assassins tore through the remaining musketeers, but it allowed the bulk of them to escape while they were occupied.

"Leave them, they won't bother us much anymore," the lead assassin said. With that, their mission was complete, and the Scaravians withdrew quietly.

As the mist sprang up, Seron nodded contemplatively. "So that's their angle..." he murmured, looking back towards the center. "If they're going defensive, then it would be foolish to attack them now." Across the field, Seron noticed that Archeos was charging the Leongarde defensive line.

"You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" Xuan said, smirking. Seron nodded, and the two began giving out orders to their forces, the major part of their men turning to face the center.

Dezeroth's orders were being carried out, spears making a wall towards where the Fierans had last been. Spearmen also took up positions a few yards behind the line, crouched and awaiting any sort of charge. Because of the mist, they were unaware of Firanos's diverted attention.

Across the way, Seraimoiron watched as the mist surrounded his forces, noticing that the musket fire had also vanished with the coming of the fog. Taking a moment to catch his breath, the Sting of the Scorpion moved to the fallen Leongardian and contemplated him for a moment. Touching his weapon to the man's face make, Seraimoiron sent a heavy charge through the metal and into the man. He held the charge for a moment, then released. Richard was dead.

Turning back towards his men, Seraimoiron now had to assess the situation at hand. It seemed that the Sergeant had been controlling things well thus far. Signaling for a messenger, he asked the man to gather a report, then sent him off. With any luck, he could pick up the pieces left to him and make this work.

[P.K.]

Karrha had found Dezeroth but set back as the mage went about his work. She used this time to catch her own breath and gather her baring. The firing had stopped on their other side, and she could no longer see anything out side of the mist, that didn't exactly comfort her but she understood the basics of it. Mayhaps it would be a good idea to expand her small knowledge of magic. Crossing her arms over herself she watched closely as things began to change, once and a while glancing up and around to make sure that she was not so deeply distracted that she was not caught unaware. For now there was nothing to do but to wait and she was glad enough for the time, It probably be a good time for her to see to the men and do what she could about wounds and blood.

After a moment more she did just that, though still with in calling distance of the mage should he need her attention at any time. She bound minor wounds and did what she could to close larger wounds with her healing before she bound them to, rubbing salvs into deep cuts and wounds alike to protect against infection. Silently she counted up the dead she could see though consciously she tried not to. She got a few other idle men to do the same but she dealt with the more fetal wounds. She might as well find Seraimoiron and take a closer look at his arm and wrape it up tightly to keep the bone from moving to much until they could get better materials do so.

[The Imposter]

Gyle having found solace amongst his own factions' forces caused him to breath a sigh of relief as he reloaded his crossbow. He cautiously kept looking behind him to see if the Wyrm would continue a pursuit, while he was moving however he had failed to see the cluster of blackgaurd in front of him. He walked full on into the one with the most extravagant ebony armor with a thud. His third eye looked up to make eye contact with the towering warrior. Oi...a cap'n by da looks of 'im.

The brutish warrior turned and gazed at the smaller rogue with a cold stare. His eyes quickly narrowing in on the small wound Gyle had sustained earlier.

'The wounded pup comes to me for aid? Ha! I shall show you a fate far worse than mercy....wait, what is that you have.[/i]

The curious captain's eyes sifted over the two crossbows before a cruel smile curled on the pale face. He looked to the two others he had been moving with through the force and gave them a nod.

'You rogue will come with us to lend aid to the Dark Rangers, and archers. We must flank the windcallers now while out forces clash together. Their raging storm has been to destructive to our forces. Now follow me.'

Gyle sighed as he was swept up in the orders of the Blackguard captain. His disdain becoming all the more apparent as he followed them to the group of dark rangers and archers. His ears caught little of the orders given but gathered that he was to move in and strike while the archers sent their volleys onto the windcallers....something about being ready for the wyrms when they would come.

In war time seems to move far more quickly than normal and Gyle found himself in the position to attack, one of his eyes on No Heart the captain while two others took aim at the windcallers. As soon as the volley came down the rogue would move in with the few blackguards to try to end the seemingly endless storm.

[DoughGuy]

Mythros's punch connected with Hastur's back, but his momentum meant the punch was robbed of most of its force. It pained him little but threw his balance off slightly. His 2 chains leapt out slightly after he had planned and, combined with Mythros's back step, meant only a single one was on target to hit the general. Whether it hit or not Hastur would hit the ground awkwardly and fall into a tumble for the second time in the fight. He would right himself as quickly as possible and unwrap his chain from Mythros's sword.

His next action depend on the disg general's actions. If Mythros used Hastur's tumble to move back to his army Hastur would grab his sword and run to join the Archeos forces realising how alone he was. If Mythros continued the fight his next attack would be to send 2 of his chains at the man's legs and then a third slightly above his head, preventing him from jumping to dodge the attack.

[Eddren]

Sweating, now, Dezeroth completed the ritual. With nobody to interfere, it had gone smoothly and what little steel the Leongardians had contributed to their cause was transformed into tower-Shields. Looking around, he noticed Karrha and another soldier looking in his direction. "Karrha!" He called, while beckoning to the man. To the man, he simply ordered, "Get us a report on what the Assassins saw while we were out there. How you reply will determine the course of action I recommend to our General. Also, see about getting Stingers under the cover of those Tower Shields. We could inflict massive casualties to anyone who gets in range of those darts...Speaking of casualties, make sure that the Archers on the Leongardian side lay low. Last thing we want is for them to be picked off by some stray bullet." Now turning to Karrha, he wiped away the sweat. "Well, I've managed to shore up our defenses. Our Fieran flank is covered and the Musketeers have retreated for now. With Seraimoiron's permission, I believe it's about time we got to mounting an offense." He turned to look toward the center, still obscured by the mists, "And I believe we're going to need a trump card. I hate to ask this, but are you willing to be transformed into a Shadow Demon again?" He was already carving the circle, however, "If you aren't, I'll get another soldier to do it, but you're more familiar with the form, so you may have a better time in it."

[Jacogos]

With Nabo focused on Narezayn and his wound, neither General noticed the oncoming flanking maneuver by the Disgeran forces. However, as before, the Aeregosians were prepared for such an attack anyway. Arrows not tainted by the Dark Ranger's abilities were blown off course by the strong winds. As the Gyle approached with the Black Guard, a handful of monks turned from the Wind callers and prepared for battle, one rushing off towards where Nabo had just landed (on the opposite side of the Windcallers from where Gyle approached).

The Black Guards rushed in undeterred, ready to cut down the monks with unholy fury. However, the monks were much more lithe than the armored fiends, and managed to outmaneuver their initial charge, though there was little they could do offensively until help arrived.

The chain surprised Mythros and the General was in no position to dodge. He took the chain to the stomach, recoiling slightly from the shock of it hitting. The fact that it was blessed by Alu'Terasa was the only reason it had even done that much, though, and Mythros recovered quickly. While Hastur was busy trying to untangle his chain, the shade took the chain that had hit him, wrapped it once around his arm for grip, then yanked hard on it.

Assuming that interrupted Hastur's planned attack, Mythros rushed forward in an attempt to regain his sword. If not, the shade would simply side-step, then yank again.

Archeos's charge had collapsed upon Leongarde's wall of men, a full-out slaughter taking place now with neither side having a clear advantage. It was easy to assume Leongarde was in control. however, as their shields prevented many a zealot from getting beyond their front lines. Not to mention their silvery aura expounded on their already formidable fighting prowess.

With the musketeers rejoining the bulk forces, Kilvas set most of them to aiding the newly-made Archeon front, while others he dispersed intermittently throughout his other forces. He also slowly began to divert his men towards the Archeon front, as no other charge could be seen at the moment.

With Leongarde and Archeos fully devoted, Xuan and Seron nodded to each other and signaled the charge. Unlike Archeos, though, it was a very quiet charge, not a man screaming or yelling. Their footfalls, slower than an all-out sprint, should be covered by the howl of battle that Leongarde was a part of. That was their initial tactic at least. This would go on as long as they could before slamming into the Leongarde flank, Firanos aiming to take the center in one fell swoop.

Tower-shield were taken by soldiers and used for Dezeroth's purpose, replacing the water-barriers that had recently dispersed. After a moment, Seraimoiron and an Assassin Captain met up with Dezeroth, the former still nursing his broken arm.

"Not much was happening, sir," the assassin commented, bowing slightly. "One of the factions in the west was charging the center, but they were too far away to depict which faction it might be. That is all." He scurried off in a moment, disappearing into the crowd of Scaravians.

"That damned Leongardian took far more trouble than he was worth," Seraimoiron muttered grimly, peering around at Dezeroth's work. "You seem to have things under control here, though. Reports told me that you managed to drive the Fierans off single-handedly." A note of wonder inched into his voice. "Impressive, Sergeant. I've already sent two men to peer outside the fog for reconnaissance. We should have their reports in a moment, then be able to decide what to do from there."

[P.K.]

Karrha looked over as she was called to, the reason she had remained close she knew she would be wanted by the mage sooner or later. she nodded as he spoke agree with his statment of 'shoring up their defenses'. that was good to hear and she was glad of it, the breather was needed. However the moment he said trump card she grimaced even before the words shadow demons left his lips. "Some how I doubt that you are..." she said referring to to his 'I hate to ask." she then shook her head. "no... your right I know the form only a slight bit better." she said. "besides I doubt anyone else would volunteer to be turned into that thing."

Just then Seraimoiron and an assassin joined them. quickly reporting the second vanished off leaving Dezeroth, Seraimoiron and herself. She had to agree with what he said mostly but she looked to Dezeroth when he mentioned single handedly fending off Fierans. she moved back Over the the general as they spoke looking at his arm again. "More trouble then he was worth..." she agreed finely. "but he didn't do as bad as he could have, your arms broken not shattered into a million peaces...." she muttered. now with a little more time and with them standing still she handled the arm gently letting her hands take on that gentle glow as she tried to mend more of the arm as she thought.

"Dezeroth." she looked at him side ways. "If you think its wise to do so then I'll do it but you may want to warn the archers and other men, the last thing I need is our own men attacking me from behind..." she frowned fiercely at the generals arm. "I'll just be glad enough that this dose not somehow turn out like that last battle." at least this time she knew what she was getting into and not just walking unwittingly into a transformation circle.

[Jacogos]

Test Post

[The Imposter]

Gyle's crossbow raised to his eye and he fired off a shot directly at the one who tried to escape. Hoping to prevent the foe from seeking any aid. The small group need to route the magi as quick a possible. The rogue quickly lowered his weapon and drew out his dagger as he side stepped passed on and drew in close. A Monk countered sending a blast of air from his fist, the wind pulse sped through the stale musty storm brewing air.

Gyle tried to duck under the blast but instead a wall of ebony stopped the blow from hitting him. The three eyed man looked up quickly before sprinting around the armored blackguard and moved in for a killing blow. The thought rising in the back of his mind of the next volley coming from the Dark Rangers.

[Jacogos]

Doughguy has missed his turn to post (Look at me, on time this time!)

Therefore, it falls on Eddren to post.

[Eddren]

"Aqueos. With a gesture of his hand, he caused the collapsed water the men had dropped to shower over the Leongardian side of the mist. "That should bog down any Leongardians who strike our flank...Now..."
Dezeroth put his hands behind his back, closing his eyes for a moment as he went through the calculations necessary to judge what was best for them to do. "...Perfect. Absolutely perfect." He said, seemingly to himself. As if realizing there were others, he opened his eyes, "Oh...My apologies. The report the Captain gave us was just what I was hoping for." He listened to everything being said for a moment, before nodding.
Putting a hand to his chin, the Sergeant looked over at Karrha. "Don't worry about the transformation yet. We should wait until it is time to charge before doing so. However, with that said..." He now looked over at his General, "This whole time, my purpose has been to secure our flanks so that we could make our move on the Center. As I saw the advantage gained by taking and holding it, I have been further lead to believe that that is the key to victory." He peered into the mist before them, as if expecting at any moment for the mists to part and the Leongardians to be retreating.
"I was afraid we would need to sacrifice our own troops to negate their advantage. However, if the other Factions are beginning to strike the center, then all we need to do...Is wait. Whenever it looks like one faction is about to win and the others are soon to retreat, we move forward, Karrha in the lead...Oh, right. You remember those Shadow Beasts? Well, I concocted a spell which will allow me to give her the form of one of those. Anyway, our troops will be fresh, ready for battle. Theirs will be weary from fighting. The battle will be quick and decisively in our favor, especially with our combined might...There is more to it, but there is not enough time to explain that."
He paused, allowing his general to think the idea over. "From there, the main trick is simple: If we try to stay and keep the advantage, we will lose it and many men. What we need to do is keep a small guard-unit there. Enough to ensure it stays in our control. Then we charge. Strike the strongest remaining opponent. Cripple their strength so that we come out on top. And finally, we retreat to our staging point, or else retreat to the Center." He looked over to his General, "Of course, none of this matters at all if you have a better plan in store. I imagine you very well might, at that: After all, one does not reach such a high rank on good looks alone."

[Jacogos]

The messenger monk fell lightly, a clean hit sending him to his Meragaia's embrace. The next monk before Gyle fell just as easily, the Disgeran rogue an equal match for the monks' agility. As the Blackguard slowly pushed their superiority over the monks, a few of the Wind Callers turned their attention on the attackers, their eyes shining with electrical magic. Taking their magic away from the group, they began to charge a blast between the three of them.

Above their heads, another arrow volley flew. Results were similar to the last, only the Dark Rager's bolts managing to find any sort of flesh. Slowly, loss of magi began to take a toll on the severity of the storm. If one turned their attention away, they would notice the storm slowly retreating back towards it origin above the Wind Callers. For the moment, however, it wasn't any less deadly.

Archeos and Leongarde were now fully committed to battle, Archeos managing to make a wider front line than Leongarde had ready. As the front lines were wounded, men were swapped out so the bleeding knights could have their wounds mended by a Battle Priest. For the moment, this only kept Leongarde's advantage from being too severe. Though Ilea was doing her best to help thin the Leongarde ranks, the silver-glowing faction was still in a favorable position.

However, this might be for naught as Firanos collided against the Leongarde flank. Warning had been too short-notice for the lion-worshiping army. Flames roared as the red faction tore its way into the weak flank of the steel-clad warriors, Firanos quickly establishing a dominant position in the fight. However, Kilvas was there in an instant, rallying his forces to turn and face this new threat with vigor. Leongarde was responding, a war-cry that seemed to shake the very earth coming from their forces. The South-Eastern faction was now up-at-arms against two factions and holding steady all the while.

Back in the Scaravus army, messengers reported back to Seraimoiron as Dezeroth went over his plan of attack. Nodding thoughtfully, the Sting of the Scorpion closed his eyes for a moment as he thought over everything he heard and knew.

"Nay, your plan is a sound one, Dezeroth. Firanos and what looks like Archeos have engaged Leongarde in the center. That leaves the mass towards the west to be Disgeran and Aeregos fighting. With the two others vying for the center, it would indeed be wise to let things toil out for a moment. Our forces took a lot of damage from Firanos, and we could do with a bit of cleaning up." His eyes opened and studying Dezeroth for a moment when the mage spoke of the Shadow Beasts and of turning Karrha into one. That was an interesting tactic, provided he could keep the Scaravians from immediately trying to murder Karrha. If the witnessed the transformation, perhaps they would be easier to convince.

"Warn me before you attempt that spell, and we should be alright. For now, rest, you've done much in this fight. We will see what the rest of it has to offer." Moving off, Seraimoiron began to oversee patching up some of the wounded and overall making sure his troops were in line.

[P.K.]

Karrha only watched the general leave before looking at Dezeroth. "the breather is quite welcome..." she muttered. "but I am not sure I look foreword to the charge..." and her in front but what needed done needed to be done who know what they where doing, though she was not as sure that she did. "Till then I think it be a good idea to start treating what wounded we have and getting them back on their feet, if not just out of the way and stable...and you rest..." as the general ha said the mage had done much and while they had this time it was good to rest. "she would begin organizing that as soon as she could get away with it, meaning if the mage didn't need her for anything else right at that moment.

[The Imposter]

Gyle's ever moving eye quickly caught sight of the new attention the he and Blackguard brought upon themselves. His hands moved without thought reloading his one handed crossbow, he hand feeling the few remaining bolts lefts. The rogue made a quick mental note he would have to started taking his bolts out of his targets to make sure he didn't run out.

'I know little of the magics cap'n, but I'd say dey be fixin' sometin' to 'it us wit.'

His lack of magical knowledge showed true once again, but the rogue quickly fire a bolt at one of the three. Maybe if the horseshoe was still up his arse killing one of the Wind callers would stop the whole terrible electric looking thing they were conjuring up.

[DoughGuy]

(Shhhh >.>)

Hastur was jerked forward by Mythros's attack and stumbled, his own attack ruined but he kept his balance. As Mythros rushed in to grab his sword Hastur sent a chain at the sword hilt, aiming to strike at the same moment Mythros tried to pick up the blade. If he was successful in stopping the general from grabbing his sword he would repeat this process, tying up Mythros further.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth nodded, taking a seat. Gesturing to a nearby soldier, he gave him a few quick orders. "Inform the men that they're not to assault anything resembling a Shadow Demon from the previous Ekro engagement. It is a spell I'd learned to use during the battle in which Karrha and I fought the Alpha Beast, and I plan on using it as one of our aces. Also, gather up swords and such that have fallen during battle and place them, blade outward, at the edge of the mist. I'll be using another spell for those." The Mage now lay back, assuming that the General would know where to find him. "I'm going to rest and gather magical power for the engagement at hand.

[Jacogos]

(I'd like to remind everyone that this is still taking place between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. Recent events are yet unknown. Though I'd like to think I didn't have to say that ^.^)

Aeregos and Disgeran continued their battle, the dark hordes crashing against the lithe children of Shen'Giyuh. Without their commander, Disgeran was falling to shambles pretty quickly, the Stormwarrior and Windcaller combo still in effect. Though the storm clouds were retreating slowly but surely, the lightning strikes were no less lethal.

Gyle's attack struck true as normal, downing a mage with extreme prejudice. The fact that the trio was channeling together caused the magic to burst, electrocuting the remaining two. This caused quite a start amongst the remaining magi, as two broke away, one turning towards the attackers while the other went towards where Nabo and Narezayn had landed.

"Those fools shouldn't have tried a charging spell while under fire..." the windcaller said, holding his hands together for a moment before pushing them forward, send a burst of razor winds forward into the attackers where Gyle was.

At the Hastur/Mythros fight, the Disgeran General tsk'd and did an impressive flip, his body inverted as he grabbed his sword, avoiding the chains as he went past. Landing lighter than most Aeregosians, the shade pointed his sword at the Archeon and murmured a few words. As a result, two mirror images of his blade launched from the sword, shadow bolts moving swiftly for Hastur's head and chest.

In the center, Archeos was attacking the Leongarde front while Firanos was striking fiercely at the lion warriors' flank. Kilvas, while focused on the Firanos attack, still managed to keep his attention on the Archeon lines as well. The boosted steel-clad faction managed to hold their own against the combined brunt of the other two factions, but there was only so much the silver-aura could do for them. Slowly, Firanos was pushing them into the Archeon front like pincer maneuver from hell.

"We need to hold on, my warriors!" Kilvas roared, holding his blade aloft. Seeing no other alternative, the Gray Mane spurred Vigilance into the fray, mowing down a group of Fieran swordsmen that happened to be in the way. He struck out left and right with expert aim, years of experience and the silver-bonus giving him the edge against the other warriors.

In the mist, Scaravus was biding their time, Dezeroth's orders being carried out quickly and efficiently. However, one would notice that the mist was slowly beginning to dissipate. It had obviously stayed much longer than any normal mist would've, but it was magical, of course. The Scaravian forces were slowly making use of field medics to keep themselves in top condition. They would have to rejoin the fray sooner or later, of course.

[P.K.]

Karrha listened to Dezeroth as he made himself comfortable on the ground. She sighed letting her arms slide to her side before moving off with the other medics to see what she could do. First off she wanted to make sure the General's arm was well off, She could mend the bone so it was a fracture but he would have to stop moving around for her to do that long enough, if he could not hold still then there was no use in her finding him Which she set off to do.

If she was able to do that much she might as well use the rest of her healing stamina to treat the more serious wounds and then rest herself. She thought back on the battle with the Alpha beast, she was pretty sure she could manage that body again... not that she would like it... and she didn't know what effect the other factions weapons would have on her, not entirely sure she wanted to find out either.

[The Imposter]

Gyle had perhaps rather foolishly focused his attention on the mage fleeing towards the generals. Moving forward to close the gap between them while plucking the bolt from the fallen mage and reloading. His third eye caught the advance of his fellow Disgeran warriors as they encroached on the magi.

Raising his now loaded crossbow and aiming for the running mage, the rogue had failed to see what exactly the other had done. It was almost too late when the razor winds sliced through the storm filled air, the rogue leaping out of the way. The bladed wind cut through part of his light armor and severed the bottom half of his cloak. As he rolled along his should and up to his knees he switched his target letting loose the bolt at the closer mage.

[DoughGuy]

“Looks like your army isn’t doing so well while a grunt ties you up!” Hastur called out to Mythros. He began moving to his right, doubtful that the swords would miss imply because he moved but unwilling to let the chance slide by. If they homed towards him he would fire his chains at the lead one, hoping the light infusing them would cause the dark bolt to dissipate. He wouldn’t be able to deal with the second the same way, needing to withdraw his chains before he could fire again. Instead he would dodge as it came close, hoping a last minute jink would throw it off, before firing the chains again. If the chains were then destroyed he would chase after Mythros, firing his chains and trying to tie them around the shade.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth took as long as he needed to regain a fragment of his power, closing his eyes, inhaling, exhaling. When he stood, it was with the will of a man who knew there was a long days' work ahead of him. Immediately, he began carving into the ground, referencing the runes on his body, and carving again. The muttering started again as he began recalling runes and words for the spell. The last preparations were almost ready. It was about time for them to charge.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 71% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 55% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 57% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Leongarde: 80% - Defending against Archeos and Firanos in the Center
Firanos: 68% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Scaravus: 70% - Holding Position in the East

Gyle's bolt sang true again, but the mage was not downed, the stomach wound causing him pain without being lethal.

"Pah... Damned... Rogues..." the mage spat, coughing up blood as he sparkled with electricity. A bolt shot from his fingers and lanced towards Gyle, hoping to end the poor man right then. Afterwards, the mage collapsed, his last bit of energy going into that attack.

Meanwhile, a handful of blackguard and heretics had managed to push through the defending Aeregosians and began a wholesale slaughter of the magi, cutting them down in the dozens. It was about that time that a Wyrm landed amongst them, Nabo's own Stormfang roaring at the Disgeran filth and snapping up a few before flinging them over the battlefield. Nabo was not seated on the lizard.

The storm of Aeregos slowly retracted to cover only their own troops, Disgeran no longer feeling the sting of the electricity-charged Stormwarriors. However, the longer they went without their General, the faster they would be cut down. Mythros knew this, even before the Archeon taunted him about it. The shadow images did home slightly, but the warrior's actions were more than enough to stop them from hurting him.

"You're a nuisance that I can't afford to waste any more time on..." the shade said darkly, a dark aura surrounding him. "Begone!" With that, the aura burst out violently from Mythros, shoving the daggers away in midair and send three tendrils of darkness lancing towards Hastur. They curved slightly mid-trajectory, aiming to come at him from different angles. Once the aura was gone, though, so was Mythros.

"Hold, Leongarde! We must hold!" the rallying cry of the Gray Mane was echoed throughout the silvery forces of Leongarde as they continued to try and hold off the two other factions single-handedly. Archeos was struggling, the loss of men from the Disgeran/Aeregos fight still holding them in a state of weakness. Ilea knew it, too, but she couldn't afford to let Leongarde OR Firanos keep or gain the upper hand here, respectively.

"We must keep pushing! By the might of Alu'terasa, we will be victorious!" she cried, her voice inspiring a massive push into the Leongarde lines.

Kilvas was elsewhere, dealing with the Fierans as they continued to bite into his army's flanks. The Lion's Fang was wet with blood now, and even Vigilance's snowy coat was matted with gore where it wasn't covered by armor, though the horse himself was unwounded. The Gray Mane's roar continued to echo throughout Leongarde, but it was slowly beginning to falter under the pressure.

Then, Seron was there, the Fieran General cutting a swath through the Leongardians until he was upon Kilvas. He smirked as his spear struck Vigilance's legs, toppling the horse over with a wild whinney. The Gray Mane just barely had time to leap off his steed to avoid being trapped beneath the beast.

"Seron... You were but a welp in the army last I heard of you," Kilvas said, panting heavily.

"Time hasn't favored you, old man," Seron said, flames dancing about him. "But you can still favor me with a fight. May Far'Khira keep you warm in the afterlife," he said as he rushed the veteran.

[P.K.]

Karrha did what she did best and healed those who needed it. when she felt that she had expended what she could on the more fatally wounded men she made her way back to where she had left the mage. When she reached him he was muttering to himself and ding what he did best. Preparing spells she didn't understand. She held back not intent in interrupting him as she watched and took a breather herself to regain some little rest she needed for the charge ahead.

For now there was nothing more for her to do then sit back and rest, and keep an eye out for the grenal, ever moment she got to do a little more on healing his arm the better.

[Jacogos]

<Imposter has missed the Time Limit for this Round>

<DoughGuy may post now.>

[DoughGuy]

3 tendrils and 3 chains, Hastur was evenly matched. However he had to withdraw his chains before he could fire them again as they had been knocked away by Mythros. The tendrils closed in quickly as he did so, coming fro 3 different directions and making Hastur's job harder. He launched his chains at 2 of them, grappling them and dissipating the darkness. However the third couldn't be blocked and slammed into his side, slicing into his side and drawing blood. He winced in pain but quickly adjusted his palm direction and cut through the tendril destroying it. His foe had finally escaped and Hastur no longer needed to be around. Wincing with every step he began moving towards the Archeos army.

[Jacogos]

-Eddren has LONG missed his Time Limit (Damn I'm late, too D:) and forfeits action this Round-

-GM post to follow soon-

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 68% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 50% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 53% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Leongarde: 74% - Defending against Archeos and Firanos in the Center
Firanos: 64% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Scaravus: 70% - Holding Position in the East

As Disgeran slowly dwindled to half strength (when compared to what they started at), Aeregos slowly began to push its advantage, the lightning-infused warriors and their agile companions slowly cutting swaths through the heretic masses. Blackguard and their Dark Ranger allies could only do so much to stem the losses. That is, until the Disgeran General, Mythros, returned to the helm of the dark army, a shadowy aura covering the man and making him appear to be about 150% larger than normal, towering over his allies so as to show himself to them and his enemies.

Holding his shadowy blade aloft, the shade smirked as he spun it in his hands, placing it point down and shoving it tip-first into the earth at his feet, his aura bursting out and covering a bunch of Blackguard and Ascended around him. The aura sunk into them and turned them ethereal, their translucent bodies suddenly taking on an aura similar to the general's. Rushing forward, the incorporeal warriors were amongst the Aeregosians, their blades biting into their foes while their bodies simply were no longer there to the Western forces' attacks. Mythros remained where he was, his vacant eyes locked on the Aeregosian forces as his own dark army rallied around the ethereal Disgerans.

Archeos continued to fight Leongarde at the center, the two steel walls trading blows and shifting between advantageous positions almost constantly. As Hastur approached his army's flank, a single Battle Priest exited the army to meet the lone warrior, recognizing the man from his antics during the Ekro fight.

"Be still, brother, I will heal you to the best of my ability," the priest said, his hands and eyes glowing with Light.

Meanwhile, the fight between Kilvas and Seron was starting up. The Spear of Fire wielded his trademark polearm with ferocity born of his Fieran heritage while the Gray Mane blocked and swerved with his sword and shield combo. Seron kept his range with his weapon's superior range, which put Kilvas at a distinct disadvantage as he couldn't manage to get in close without risking an arm or leg. The other Leongardians and Fierans would sometimes move in to aid their General, but a member of the opposing faction would always jump in to protect their own General, leaving the duo alone on the battlefield to duke it out.

Meanwhile, Scaravus continued to hold its position, the mist now all but gone and leaving the faction exposed, but still unengaged. Seraimoiron, his arm now feeling a bit better but still favoring his right arm which held his wooden blade currently, stood at the head of his army, judging the distance and fighting capabilities of the factions near the center.

"We will move out soon... Make sure everyone is prepared," the Sting of the Scorpion said, nodding thoughtfully. The man behind him bowed and went off to make sure it was so, and the war continued throughout the bowl of a battlefield.

[Jacogos]

P.K. has timed out on her post, leaving Imposter up to bat.

[The Imposter]

Seeing the bolt of lightning surging towards him, Gyle did the only thing he thought might help. Tossing his smaller cross bow into the air further away from him. Hoping the closest and height would meet the magic before it would strike him dead. To cover his own self he leaped to his right back towards his fellow Disgeran warriors.

[Jacogos]

Dough has also timed out. Eddren, if you please...

[Eddren]

Dezeroth, having finished, waved a hand over the circle. It powered up with Arcane Energy, glowing a dark purple. Pointing the sword at the circle, he began chanting:


"Meragia Chareat Anima,
Meragia Chareat Anima,
Anima dov Scaravus,
Meragia Chareat Anima,
Anima dov Disgeren!"

The spell would create a Shadow Demon. Or, more to the point, it would project his memories of a Shadow Demon onto a person, using Shadows to fuel the form. There would be no magical abilities, beyond the transformation itself. It was simply a behemoth made out of pure shadow, with the consciousness of a human at its' core. "Karrha. It's time for you to take on the transformation. Advance with the troops; I've warned them not to attack you."

He continued toward where the weapons lay, now, waving a hand over them. "Aerefios'Restnomov'Hilt." He then knelt down, drew up a breath, and prepared for the next two spells. They were, to say the least, far more potent. "Aerefios'Movthrithin'Blade." He waved again. This time, each of the weapons would glow slightly, this glow focusing into miniature threads that wrapped the blades up in a weave not unlike the weave of Magic. "Aeregos Dewaiy'Arspek." With the last words in place, the weapons rose of their own volition as the Mage continued looking at them from the ground. Turning to a soldier, he nodded.

"Tell the General that my preparations have been complete. Tell him that when he wants me to fire the swords, he should fire as concentrated a blast of energy as he can at them. The more energy that flows through one blade, the more that can transfer through them all. When the swords launch, this link that allows energy to flow through them will break and whatever's in them collectively will be all there is. It's a one-shot volley."

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 63% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 45% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 50% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Leongarde: 68% - Defending against Archeos and Firanos in the Center - Controls the Artifact
Firanos: 59% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Scaravus: 70% - Beginning a charge for the Center

The lightning strike aimed at Gyle was interrupted by the crossbow, the pure plasma energy surging into the weapon in a display of light. The metal and wood object became superheated and caught on fire, but it took most of the blast without giving off much more. The crossbow bounced on the ground a few times before coming to rest on the muddy ground, still burning brightly where it lay. If Gyle got to it quickly, it would still be functional on the whole, though it might misfire or break if overused.

Meanwhile, Dark Rangers tried to focus down the massive Wyrm. Stormfang was mostly unaffected by the wooden needles, his scales far too thick for the arrows to wound him much. A few luckier shots managed to wedge between his scales, but even then did little to harm him. Heretics and Blackguard stood even less of a chance against the Wyrm, scattered or crushed underfoot as easily as ants by a human.

Meanwhile, the Aeregos/Disgeran front was beginning to balance out again, the ethereal warriors countering everything the Aeregosians had gained since Mythros's disappearance from the army front. With his trick complete, Mythros removed his sword from the ground and joined his forces in the charge, slipping into the Aeregosian lines and dispatching men left and right with quick, deadly strikes.

In the center, Archeos had slipped to the half strength mark as well, slowly being pushed out by the Leongardian defense. The silvery warriors had rallied and managed to slowly form up a shield-wall, pushing the Archeons out of their ranks and setting up Archers again. The musketeers finally set up further back with their eyes on paladins, their deadeye aim making short work of any front-line Archeon. Ilea was fitfully trying to keep the Shield-wall from going up, but a few hits on the General while she was distracted had slowly sapped her of her ability to keep the fight up.

"Alu'terasa help me..." she whispered as she retreated back into the golden army's ranks with white-knuckled grips on her daggers. The priest who had been taking care of Hastur was now finished, standing with the warrior and blessing his fight as he returned to the Archeon army.

Seron and Kilvas fight was slowly becoming one-sided, Seron's superior reach beginning to back the Gray Mane into a corner. Though Kilvas was mostly unscathed from the engagement, he had similarly been unable to harm Seron, which overall left the Spear of Fire in a favorable position.

"Your age is getting to you, Sir Kilvas," Seron barked with a smirk, fire burning passionately about his body as he readied himself to end this duel. Kilvas grimaced noticeably under the heat, beads of sweat forming not only from his strain but from the fire that burned around Seron.

"I'm not so old that this will be my end, runt. Have at you!" he roared, voice booming as he rallied and parried a cocky blow from Seron, throwing the spear wide. Lunging forward, Kilvas's silver aura negated the fire about Seron, the fire snuffing out as the Lion's Fang scored a cut along Seron's side. Grunting with effort, Kilvas pulled back from the lunge and back into a defensive position, blocking Seron's retaliation easily. Hissing with pain, the Fieran warrior used fire to quickly close the wound; scowling at Kilvas, he reengaged, hoping to force Kilvas back into the disadvantage.

Over in the Scaravian lines, Dezeroth's spell had settled over Karrha's form, the innocent Scaravian girl slowly shifting into a nightmare on two legs. The Shadow Demon that was Karrha stood massively tall, the dark form that she had taken on pitch black and terrifying. Quite a few of the warriors flinched at the sight of her, some going so far as to yelp in terror, the sight of the Ekro form bringing back memories of their fellows' souls being sucked from their limp bodies.

During all of this, Seraimoiron was close enough to hear most of what Dezeroth had said, the Scaravian General eying the ritual closely and with an interesting look in his eyes.

"An interesting maneuver, Sergeant... Launch the swords when our forces have but fifteen seconds before they collide with the center. That will give us enough time to take advantage of the confusion and yet also avoid collateral damage." Holding his wooden blade aloft, Seraimoiron rose his voice to command his army.

"Warriors of Scaravus! Charge the Leongarde and Firanos forces in the center and take that statue! We will take back the advantage and win the day for the Scorpion! Charge, for Ik'yamar!" he roared, the Scaravian army taking up arms and charging towards the center, Karrha as a Shadow Crawler no doubt at their head.

[P.K.]

Karrha took a deep breath and allowed herself to be changed then. She didn't like it any better the second time but she understood the form a little better now, A little. She blinked her eyes into the beasts vision and looked down at her clawed hands for a moment before glancing around her at the men, she could hear there yelps and winced herself. she gave a small growl but it was low and very close to a dog ish sort of whimper more or less ment to reassure them but she doubted it did.

She glanced around again trying to locate Dezeroth and Seraimoiron. When she finely spotted them she listened in as the General shouted out the order to charge. Determined and set on that path she forged on ahead to the Leongarde and Firanos armies. She focused on her extra appendages, wings, Spreading them wide as she approached the wide span and large form casting a shadow as she prepared to fall upon the enemy. She remembered the fight wit the shadow Alpha and was glad that this would be a lot less... deadly. Not that she was sure she would have been so much dead if it sucked her soul out.

Karrha slammed her wings shut in front of her hopping to send a large gust of wind to knock men back or topple them over for a moment and block her face from any attack possible attack on her.

[The Imposter]

Gyle quickly rushed to the hot crossbow trying to salvage it. Once he got it strapped it on his back he tried to back away towards the Disgeran forces. The screams of the Wyrm were seemingly getting closer. Oi, dun't want t'run into an enemy general anytime soon. Supporting Mythros 'as gotta be the best option.

His feet moved quickly as he tried to pull back away from the magi and back into the ranks of his fellow warriors. Finding the general wouldn't be all that hard.

[DoughGuy]

With the musketeers focussing on the heavily armoured paladins Hastur ran through the archeos army keeping low. Just behind the front lines he used his range to snipe the shield wall, making small gaps along their line before moving on, hoping to make a break while staying hidden.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth nodded, watching the advance being made. He'd make sure to join after the swords had been launched, but for now it was best that he remained behind the lines and anonymous. When the distance had been closed and only a scant half-minute was left, the Mage poured all of his magic, save for a small amount required for firing the weapons themselves, into a stream of magic aimed at the weapons. "Aerefios!" Lightning crackled, striking one blade. Soon the arcane web that wove the weapons together was tingling with energy as it transferred between the weapons. The Mage knew it wouldn't be enough. Without Seraimoiron, his lightning magic was simply insufficient to power a host of weapons like this. However, he would wait until there was but a quarter-minute left and, as ordered, send the volley flying. "Blade Miroe.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 59% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 41% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 46% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Leongarde: 56% - Defending against Archeos, Firanos, and Scaravus in the Center - Controls the Artifact
Firanos: 48% - Engaging Leongarde and Scaravus in the Center
Scaravus: 70% - Engaging Firanos and Leongarde in the Center

As Gyle retreated from the Aeregosian flank, so too did the rest of the Disgerans, none of the warriors willing to prolong the fight with Stormfang any more. This relieved the pressure from the mages once again, leaving the Wind Callers to resume their storm summoning from before. Though the storm had all but dissipated up to this point, they were ready to begin bringing it back to bare after a moment of rest.

The Aeregosian/Disgeran front was still heavily engaged, warriors falling left and right and neither side at a clear advantage anymore. Aeregos still had the numbers, but Disgeran's onslaught into their lines and no General to head the fight left the lithe army in a tight spot. Mythros's ethereal warriors cut an unchallenged swath into the Western army's lines, and there was seemingly nothing that could stop them. Aeregos's morale was plummeting, and Narezayn and Nabo were still in the rear.

Archeos's offensive was bolstered by Hastur's tactic which was slowly being mimicked by others. Shieldguard and Footmen with their own shields dropped in key spots, allowing Archeons to slip through and wreak havoc in the Leongarde forces. The holes were patched quickly, but every slip allowed more and more Archeons to do more and more damage to the lion worshippers. The shield-wall was being pushed back.

The battle between Seron and Kilvas had yet to uneven out again, the Fieran's wound draining his strength almost as much as the Gray Mane's age was. Both were reaching their limit.

"I'm not dead yet..." Kilvas muttered stubbornly, hefting his shield to deflect yet another strike at his body. Seron was good about changing up his tactics every so often, but Kilvas was better at predicting where they would go next. "Come on, you can't keep this up all day!"

"Neither can you, old man!" Seron snapped, flames licking his spear as he flicked it toward's Kilvas's head, only to meet the steel of his shield again. It was at that moment that the two of them noticed the Scaravians.

Charging down the plains towards the center, the desert warriors were just about to engage the Leongarde/Firanos front from the side, which would completely overrun them in a matter of moments. What made it worse, however, was the attack that came before the Scaravians. There was only a flash to give warning, lighting up a few meters of air above the Scaravian front, before a line of blades, charged by not only Dezeroth's lightning but Seraimoiron's strike as well, came soaring into the flank of the engaging armies. Upon impact with the ground, the charged weapons erupted with electrical energy, frying many a warrior that happened to be too close. Leongarde felt the worst of it with their metals conducting the attack, but Firanos did not come away unscathed. But even this was only a gateway for the charge that was at hand only seconds afterwards.

"Ekro!!" a large group of undamaged Fierans yelped when they caught sight of the black beast at the head of Scaravus's charge. Of the two affected factions, they were the only ones who had experienced such horrors in the mist and a few of the warriors still alive had been present in the mist during that fateful battle at Talos. Seron gaped at the sight of it, his experience in the mist much different from this. What the hell is that doing here?!

With the flank torn wide open, no one could stop Karrha as the beast charged and attacked with a burst of wind from its massive wings. Open as they were, the Leongardians and Fierans that still stood toppled mid-fight, weapons and bodies scattering before tumbling into their fellows. Seconds later, the Scaravian forces were on top of them, each front-line warrior felling at least one or two before meeting any sort of resistance. Even then, the fight was easy. Scaravus had taken a huge bite out of the Fieran and Leongarde forces. And they hadn't lost a man.

Seraimoiron roared his approval as he looked back at Dezeroth, whom he saw joining the rear of the charging army. His plan had worked, and there was no doubt in his mind that they would see victory this day.

[P.K.]

Karrha noted that it had worked and that.... there where a lot of dead people already. She could easily make out some of the stunned faces of the men before they fell, terror and and fright. Not that she liked those looks but it gave the uttermost advantage to her men below her. Maybe if she had been anyone else, or some one with more of an evil intent she might have cackled but she simply grimaced. Hopefully this form would hold up longer then it had the last battle, she refrained from the idea of touching the icon in the middle of the field, if it did what the horn had done she didn't want to take that chance.

Again she grumbled something that sounded like a small roar as she pushed on deeper into the enemy's lines one of her massive hands swinging down at the figured below her and tossing several into the air. She would begin to open the ranks wider sweeping her long fingered hands down to swipe men out of the way and into the air.

[Jacogos]

I apologize for my tardiness. DoughGuy us free to post. Also, new stipulation: if the person prior to you (excluding me, I'm necessary xD) has not posted within their time limit, you are free to continue the posting order if able.

Hopefully that will expedite things a little ^.^

[DoughGuy]

Hastur's eyes widened as the Ekro giant slammed into the leon/fir battle's flank. His expression thus grew grim as he took in the sight of the armies collapsing. Had the dessert nomads somehow formed a dark truce? Whatever had caused its appearance it had to die. Abandoning the archeos line to his fellows Hastur sprinted at the shieldwall, launching himself off a shield and sailing over the warrior's heads and using his chains to propel him along at speed. Virtually flying over the top of the leongarde army he would be a grey blur leaving a golden trail, flying straight at the ekro.

[Eddren]

As soon as he had reached his army's flanks, Dezeroth began putting a new plan into action. "Men!" He called out, "Gather around!" Halting for a moment, he began drawing, pausing only long enough to look at those who had heeded his orders. "The front lines are vital. My previous spells have been able to reinforce them, but my magic is almost completely depleted. As it is, I do not have sufficient magic to back our men up further. However," He began drawing in runes, taking a few moments to continue with this action before looking up at them, "I have a ritual for gathering the latent magical energy from the deceased. This, of course, only applies to those who use magic. Firanos relies heavily on their Mages. Scour our battlefield for the corpses of Fieren mages. Bring them here. Whatever I have by the end of this runic circle is whatever I'll use, but the more, the better. Hurry, before the tides of war turn once more!"

With these orders given, he would once again turn his attention completely to the task at hand, engrossed with the advanced arcane symbols and phrases required for the work. Engrossed with pulling up enough energy to sufficiently suffuse the circle with magic. In my current state, the time required for this Circle will double... He cursed his luck. It cannot be helped.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 52% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 38% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 42% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Leongarde: 49% - Defending against Archeos, Firanos, and Scaravus in the Center - Controls the Artifact
Firanos: 40% - Engaging Leongarde and Scaravus in the Center
Scaravus: 67% - Engaging Firanos and Leongarde in the Center

With a roar that pierced the skies, Nabo's mighty Wyrm Stormfang leapt into the air, the Brave Wind straddling the base of the beast's neck. Spurred forward by the storm that was beginning to form once again, the Aeregosian General took to the front lines with his men, rallying the six remaining Wyrm Riders to him. Most of the scaled beasts were injured and all but one of the riders had lost their weapons in the skirmish. However, they were all ready to fight. Landing heavily on a handful of Disgeran forces, the seven dragons began to ease the pressure on the Aeregos front by removing quite a few heretics and Ascended from play, biting, swiping, and lashing out at any in their way.

Narezayn, bound up and seated on a Riderless and grounded Wyrm (the poor things wings were a bloody mess of arrows), was located at the back of Aeregos's lines, safeguarding the Wind Callers while also directing the battle from his elevated position. Using Swordsmen as messengers, the wounded General slowly began to direct Aeregos's recovery while Nabo distracted the dark horde of Disgeran.

Mythros continued to fight alongside his ethereal warriors until Nabo and his Riders landed behind him, isolating him and the front lines from the majority of the Disgeran's dwindling army. Swearing, the shade immediately turned around and made a beeline for Nabo, determined to cut off the head of this dangerous snake while it was still coiled to strike. While that happened, though, the ethereal warriors slowly began to return to their original corporeal states, wounds suddenly affecting them. Heartened by this, the Aeregosians wasted no time singling the once-invincible warriors.

Archeos continued their assault of the Leongarde shieldwall, breaking through in key places only to be shoved back eventually by the superior and bolstered forces of Leongarde. Ilea's golden daggers sprung from Shieldguards' necks like some sort of steel disease, spreading along the lines at a rapid pace. Though tired and physically drained, the Vanquisher of Shadows was not about to give up victory yet. Warriors her saw her flashing in and out of combat took heart in her constant vigilance and drove themselves even harder into the Leongarde wall, pressure slowly beginning to crack the stalwart defenders' concentration.

Hastur's charge was met with confusion and bewilderment, the Shieldguard whose shield he used as a springboard toppling from the full weight of a man launching himself off of him. The result was a new break in the line that was quickly used by the Archeons behind Hastur. However, Hastur's drive to cross the forces to the Ekro was stopped abruptly when he realized that he could not walk along the heads of a hundred or more men. Landing about 40 feet behind Leongarde's shieldwall, Hastur was immediately met by a Berserker's roar, the silvery aura'd warrior rushing toward him with a massive axe in hand.

In relation to the Leongarde army, he was actually closer to the back of that specific mass, a few Musketeers as well as the majority of the Lion Faction's archers in sight. A few Berserkers and soldiers kept the back safe, as was represented by the warrior before Hastur. However, the Ekro still loomed in the distance. What was more was the statue that stood barely 150 yards away, only a little off to the side in relation to the Ekro (i.e. charging the Ekro would take Hastur directly by said statue, within 30 or so yards of it).

Seron and Kilvas had finally recovered from their shock at the Ekro's appearance and turned to each other again, horror mirrored in each other's eyes. There was a moment of silence within those 80 or so square feet, the two Generals eying each other appraisingly.

"If we continue this fight, both of our factions will perish," Kilvas said, Seron closing his mouth quickly as he had been about to say something similar.

"I agree, old man. A temporary truce," Seron said, a short burst of flame shooting over his head as he shoved his fist skyward. About 20 yards behind Kilvas, Xuan nodded at Seron, knowing what had just happened by the look in Seron's eyes. The three Generals quickly turned to their armies, voices roaring out commands as the Scaravians continued to cut a swath into their flanks.

The massive momentum of Scaravus's initial strike had finally petered out, actual fighting happening now in place of the wholesale slaughter beforehand. Karrha's attacks still were quite effective, Fierans and Leongardians alike being shredded alive by her claws. As this happened, however, something tickled at the back of Karrha's mind, the faintest thrill of perverse enjoyment. It tempted her to continue, to keep killing the men like that. They deserved it. They all deserved it.

You want to keep killing them like that! it said.

Seraimoiron had not yet joined the battle, instead watching over his troops as the actual battle began. He kept an eye on the Shadow Demon that was Karrha, interested in how effective it was. He wanted to ask the duo at a later time to recall the events of the mist battle against the Ekro General, as the more he heard about it the more intrigued he was.

Dezeroth's commands were heeded, but at the moment there were few Fire Mages amongst the bodies that the Scaravians could get to. Most of them were located at the rear of the Fieran forces, mostly unaffected by the Scaravian onslaught. They did bring back a few, as well as a few bodies of the monks, which also sported a bit of latent magic due to their own powers.

[P.K.]

Karrha swiped again but her second came mere inches away when she hesitated while the thoughts penetrated her mind. She growled deeply shaking her head in uncertainty for a moment. Karrha was not weak willed though. "No! that is not why I am here." she though back for a moment wondering if she had thought that... was it possible that the spirit or thoughts of the Ekro where with in the form? "I'm not here to enjoy their deaths!" Part of her trembled though. if it was speaking to her now what would it to later? would the erg grow stronger the longer she was like this? it hadn't been like this before...

Frustrated and trying to hold back the smallest amount of panic she snarled at the figures below her a lashed out once again spreading her wings wide and readying to clap them shut once more. "I'm here t ensure as many as my mean live, and If taking this form helps with that so be it..."

[The Imposter]

Gyle having reloaded moved amongst the fighting, doing his best not to be swayed from the task his mind had conceived. The rogue looked dwarfed to one of the Wyrm's that attacked at his fellow Disgerans. Pulling one of his daggers free he quickly dodged an oncoming warrior before launching up into the air at the back end of the dragon.

Rushing quickly he pushed off the beasts scales and hoisted up unto its back not too far from the saddled rider. Pulling his small crossbow out he shot a quick bolt at the rider hoping to end the Aeregosian. However the rogue continued to run up towards the head of the Wyrm, figuring the creature would soon take notice and turn to defend itself. Heaving as the sprinting caused him great fatigue he raised his heavy cross bow and waited to let loose a blot straight through one of the Wyrm's eyes.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur's chains leapt out in anger, all 3 striking straight at the beserker's arm and ripping through at the elbow. In an explosion of blood the axe and forearm fell away, their momentum lost as hey were separated from the body. Now unarmed and about to be in a world of pain the berserker's attack faltered and Hastur was able to slip past, kicking the man's feet out from under him as he went. "Let me through to the beast!" he roared, not caring for the colours the soldiers wore. Ignoring the sight of the statue Hastur would charge straight towards the Ekro beast again, lashing out at anything in his way with his chains.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth drew each rune carefully, drawing power from himself slowly as to not waste it. The effort was slow and painful, but truly the Mage had no choice. Most of his Magic was burned up. As each Fieran mage and monk came, he instructed them to be left in a segment of the circle, drawing a smaller circle around them still, before adding in a line and drawing runes to its' left and right. When finally it was all completed, he began siphoning magic into the circle, the last step to powering up the magic circle and regaining arcane energy...

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 47% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 32% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 38% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Leongarde: 41% - Defending against Archeos and Scaravus in the Center
Firanos: 36% - Engaging Scaravus in the Center
Scaravus: 62% - Engaging Firanos and Leongarde in the Center

Control of the Artifact Challenged!
Archeos - Leongarde

Aeregos was slowly regaining its spirits under the command of its Generals, the lithe warriors rallying under Narezayn's directions. Nabo's Wyrms were taking their toll on the Disgeran forces as well, giving the Aeregosians an edge once again. However, tides could turn at the blink of an eye if one knew what to look for. And they seemed about to do so just then.

Three wyrms were being overtaken by Disgeran forces: The one Gyle was on, Stormfang, and one directly beside the one Gyle was on. Gyle's gambit was quite successful, the Rider turning far too late to save himself, earning a bolt to the throat that left him hanging in his saddle. His wyrm, feeling his rider going limp, turned to see what was the matter, an unfortunate heretic hanging from its maw. As it did so, Gyle's bolt penetrated the lizard's eye, causing it to roar in pain and thrash about half-blindly, wings flailing in an attempt to knock the perpetrator loose from its back.

The other unnamed wyrm was being boarded by Dark Rangers, the chaotic archers downing the rider similarly to Gyle and then pincushioning the wyrm's head with dark arrows, putting the dragon down within seconds.

Stormfang was being attacked by Mythros, the Disgeran General running along the reptile's scaled hide as easily as if it was carpeted. Nabo sensed something off and turned only just in time to catch Mythros's sword on his pole-axe, the larger weapon a little more cumbersome than the one-handed blade Mythros wielded. Smirking, Mythros disengaged his blade, then stuck again, pressing the attack as Nabo was turned awkwardly in the saddle. However, Nabo had an ace up his sleeve, one much larger than either of the warriors alone: Stormfang. After lightly kicking him twice lightly with the heel of his right boot, the wyrm quickly turned his head around and snapped at Mythros, having been aware of the oddly light man since he had stepped foot on his scales. The Shade threw himself backwards to avoid the attack, leaving time for Nabo to get out of the saddle and stand up to face Mythros.

Archeos was beginning to wear themselves thin, their Militia routed and a large amount of their Knights defeated as well. Only the best of the Paladins still stood, as well as the archers and Battle Priests, who did not sit on the front lines. Ilea was at a loss for what to do, her efforts to cut through the shield-wall falling flat. Leongarde, however, was not faring quite so well either. Most of their knights had dismounted to aid the wall, though Archeos was still large enough to start flanking if they spread themselves thin. On the other side of the fight, there was less than a quarter of the remaining Leongarde forces still alive, most of them retreating to the bulk located on the Archeon front.

General Kilvas had manage to remount Vigilance, the warhorse not having gone far after being toppled by Seron's attack. Now the Knight-General focused on getting his troops back to the relative safety of the center, Scaravus's charge routing far too many men for his liking. Firanos was engaging them now, and Firanos had managed to form a half-hearted truce with Leongarde to focus on Scaravus until further notice. Kilvas knew that Firanos had a far better army to deal with the sand-demons at the moment, particularly as long as Archeos was still bothering them on the other side. Satisfied with the retreat, Kilvas turned towards the Archeon front.

However, it was about that moment when Hastur got within 100 yards of the artifact. Golden-yellow aura began to fill the once all-blue orb, the two colors now competing as the statue recognized a new faction's presence within its realm of influence. Immediately, the silver aura faded from the Leongardian forces. One and all, the Leongardians suddenly felt all of the fatigue they had been ignoring due to the silver aura's effects. It allowed the Archeon's push suddenly break through, Leongarde's shield-wall collapsing under the pressure that had been building up the past hour.

However, this did not go unnoticed in the center. Leongardians that were retreating from the East set upon Hastur like a plague, determined to regain their buff from the enchanted statue. Though his blind fury got him rather far, he would begin to take wounds if he continued so aggressively. Not to mention he needed to stay within the 100 yards or else Leongarde would regain the silver buff. He only needed a few moments holding on before the Archeons would be able to break through the Leongarde masses and reinforce him.

Karrha would notice that the whisperings subsided for now, now just dull murmurs in the back of her mind. Her attack once again gave the Scaravians an opening, Fierans and the retreating Leongardians faltering from the wind only to be cut down by Spearmen and Swordsmen. Scaravus was now completely engaged with Firanos and the remains of Leongarde. This began a slow trade-off of lives, as the Fierans' fire magic was still more than enough to make up for Scaravus's superior numbers.

Yet worse was yet to come, as the Fieran mages began to cook up a wildfire, setting the plains grass alight near the forefront of the battle. The few still-living Fire Elementals relished in the flames, growing stronger as they roasted in the magical flames. Charged up, they began to rush for the Ekro that was Karrha, sending bursts of fire up at her in an effort to drive her off.

Seraimoiron still held back, unsure of where the Fieran Generals were. They seemed to be staying low for now, likely planning something sinister... It didn't settle well with the Sting of the Scorpion.

[P.K.]

Karrha was glad that the whisper had subsided but she still feared that it would come back stronger. she suddenly had a new dislike of this form. Leongarde was fleeing to their bulk away from her men, Firanos seemed to be facing them now. Great. she though for a moment as she swiped down at a few of the attackers. Her second swipe didn't quite make it as a burst of flames caused her to stagger to the side she turned at the elementals and growled as she glowered down at them. More then likely if she touched them she'd burn herself, not that she wouldn't already be burned. Idly she wondered if she killed the mage responsible for summoning them if the elemental would die. With a Roar she pulled her wings around her to fend off some of the fire before she snapped them open again, That seemed to be the most wide spread attack she could manage on their enemy that helped better then her just scooping up handful of men and letting them plummet to their death.

She brought her clawed hand down on one of the elementals intent on smothering it against the ground.

[The Imposter]

The flailing winged lizard screeched and Gyle was unable to remain steady tumbling to the ground below. With a thud he landed hearing a sickening sound. A pain starting to erupt in his side. Struggling to his feet he winced at the sight of his broken small crossbow, the impact causing a devastating effect. He had little time to mourn however as the Wrym thrashed about. Ducking to dodge the large and heavy wings the rogue sprinted towards the Aeregos line, hoping the crazed lizard would follow suit, hellbent on slaying the pesky man that took out one of its eyes.

Aye, iffa can just lure it o'er 'ere a ways.

Quickly halting seeing the lot of Aeregos soldiers coming Gyle then raced under the Wyrm hoping the maneuver would cause the large beast to swing its tail sweeping away some of its own ranks. Now to lead it to its death. With a loud yell, he made contact with the dark rangers to open fire and bring down the Wyrm.

Oi, dey better get the gist of wot I'm askin' fer 'ere!

[DoughGuy]

As another Beserker came at him Hastur's chains leapt out stabbing into the man's eyes and mouth, dropping him instantly. As the chains retracted a knight came from nowhere and slashed his sword down at Hastur. He tried to dodge backwards but wasn't fast enough. The sword glanced off his leg, the cutting power stopped by the angle and his armour, though it was cut, but the impact going through. His landing was bad and he stumbled, barely avoiding the knight's follow up attack. Angered at being driven back he jumped forward, knocking the sword aside with a chain, and dived to the knight's right. Turning the dive into a roll and regaining his feet he tried to tun past again only for 2 beserkers to appear in front of him. Sticking his arm out to the right he launched hsi chains into the ground 10m away and jumped, pulling himself away. The axe of one berserker caught the same leg as before, cutting through the weakened armour with ease and digging into the skin. A trail of blood showed Hastur'a path as he flew. Slamming into the ground he weakly pushed himself to his feet as the 3 opponents closed in, now only 70 feet from the orb.

[Eddren]

With his eyes closed in concentration, Dezeroth saw fires spring up with the vision that the monk had quite unwillingly imparted upon him in his first official mission for Scaravus. But that would be countered soon enough. First, however... He opened his eyes, pointing down at the circle. Unlike the previous circle where magic seemed to fill from the center out, this one filled from the bodies of the mages and monks, their Arcane energy flowing out of their bodies and into the circle like blood, until it fully entered the circle. Putting his hands together, he took a deep breath and began the chant:


"Meragia, Meragia, recotre mehare."
"Meragia, Meragia, recotre mehare."
"Mortabohi'Meragia unwinto me."

All at once, the remaining Soul-Energy of the Monks, along with whatever scattered knowledge was left remaining, flowed into the Mage. It would have killed him, the sheer amount of it, if not for the fact that he had quite immediate use for it. Focusing the extra magical energy into his hands, he raised them to the sky, roaring "Blosmaqueo'Specicle! Firano'Specicle!" It was a previous spell he had used, on a far larger scale. Sheets and sheets of blood rose like walls to form a dome around the Scaravus army. The Ring, however, was glowing, something that should not happen if it were only to do with blood...And it was not. The magical fires were now contesting with the magical force of Dezeroth, amplified by his ring. Were everything to go as planned, they would be redirected, now wrapping around the barrier as the Mage intended to spread out the Magical flame so much that it would do little harm. From behind the light barrier of flames, the blood would continue to flow, thickening it for minutes on end. "Tell Seraimoiron to regroup his soldiers and make another push...Hurry!" He cried out to any who could hear. The spell itself had sapped all of his extra magical energy. All there was now was his fully rejuvenated magical batteries...

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 41% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 26% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 33% - Engaging Leongarde in the Center
Leongarde: 36% - Defending against Archeos in the Center
Firanos: 31% - Engaging Scaravus in the Center
Scaravus: 58% - Engaging Firanos in the Center

Control of the Artifact Challenged!
Archeos - Leongarde

The Aeregosian storm was now underway once again, lightning striking randomly in flashes of white light. Stormwarriors were once again charged with lightning, ripping through the last remains of heretics like butter, cutting into Ascended footmen and Blackguard alike. There was a little collateral involving stray bolts, the Wind Callers no longer having the numbers to control the storm perfectly. However, for the most part, this put Aeregos back on the advantage.

Gyle's tactic seemed to work at first, the half-blind lizard following the distinct smell of the little man who had attacked him. Once it had fixated its remaining eye on Gyle, it followed with a hiss, disregarding its new direction. Gyle narrowly dodged the lizard's clawed foot stamping down to crush him as the rogue slipped under the wyrm's belly. In an effort to continue its chase, the wyrm banked hard, its tail knocking a few Aeregosians back off their feet. Snarling its frustration, the Wyrm managed to snap at the rogue's cloak, likely clotheslining him before doom met it in the form of a volley of shadowy arrows.

"Don't get too in over your head, little thief," the head Ranger said with a grin, now turning his troops attention towards the next wyrm.

Meanwhile, Mythros and Nabo were still locked in combat on Stormfang's back. However, the trained Wyrm was not about to have any of that, flaring his wings in preparation to lift off. Nabo knew how to keep his footing, but did Mythros? The shade only grinned, disengaging from Nabo with a small hop backwards. When he closed again, the shade did not go for Nabo; instead, the Disgeran cut at Stormfang's wing, severing the left one in one clean, powerful cut.

Stormfang roared in agony, thrashing madly as it felt his wing be removed from his body, a terrible fate for any wyrm still living. Nabo's eyes were mad with anger, horrified at his partner being so terribly wounded. But Mythros was left with his grin as he lept backwards, off and away from the two. Crying out in anger, Nabo lept after the shade, determined to repay the wound tenfold.

With Leongarde weakened (or rather, back to normal power), Archeos was finally able to push through definitively, breaking down the shield-wall and beginning a normal fight with the steel-clad faction. Demoralized by their loss of buff, Leongarde was being easily routed by the followers of Alu'terasa.

Hastur still managed to stay within the aura of the statue, continuing to contest the artifact's magic. The three warriors closed in on Hastur, determined to end him and regain the artifact's blessing. However, moments before one of the berserkers lopped his head off, the three Leongardians were thrown off of their feet by bursts of light. Four Paladins had managed to break through Leongarde masses, led by Ilea herself. Regarding the bleeding man before her, the Archeon General motioned to one of her men to help him up.

"What's your name, child?" the woman asked as the Paladin helped Hastur to his feet, the stern man doing so in cold silence. The other three men had drawn their weapons and convened on the stunned Leongardians, end their lives swiftly and efficiently. Ilea glanced about quickly after they had done so, gesturing for them to keep close, as they apparently needed to keep hold of his area to keep the buff from returning to Leongarde.

Kilvas, panting heavily from the sudden lack of adrenaline coursing through him, had set his eyes upon the problem; a group of Archeons had managed to make it to the artifact, dispatching his men along the way. However, among them he recognized a woman, distinct in her outfit and weapons of choice. Ilea... Reining Vigilance in when he was about twenty yards off, Kilvas spoke loudly.

"You're rather out of position, are you not, General?" the Gray Mane challenged, his sword sheathed at his side and shield still attached to his arm. "Shouldn't you be off fighting the Disgerans?"

"Your men posed a larger threat," Ilea answered, glaring at the mounted man. "Why are we speaking, relic?"

"I have a proposition..." Kilvas stated. "Scaravus is bearing down on Firanos and my own army with numbers overwhelming and..." Kilvas paused with a scoff and gestured towards the sand army. "Well, surely you see the dark beast that leads their charge. It would benefit us both to stop our own fighting and focus on the nomads for now. Otherwise, they will simply overrun us all." The man stopped speaking, apparently allowing Ilea to think it over. Leongardians gathered around him, stopping as they heard their leader speak with the zealots.

Meanwhile, the battle between Firanos and Scaravus was heating up, literally. Flames licked the boots and legs of all warriors, though the Fierans seemed to be unaffected by the dangerous fire. Scaravus's superior numbers seemed to be working in their favor, however, as Firanos was being pushed back, slowly but surely.

Karrha's wing-beats once again had an effect on the Fierans, but they seemed to be getting more wary of it, as her telegraph for the move was obvious. Most of them kept their footing this time, allowing them to return to the fight with little injury. However, her attempt to smother the fire elemental wasn't the smartest. The living fire was indeed squashed by her shadowy extended hand, but instead of being smother completely, it slipped out from under her hand before it was completely squashed, burning the limb to shadowy cinders as it did. Karrha's form shrunk by a foot as the hand reformed.

Then, the blood dome was formed. The thick liquid formed easily enough, though the Fieran warriors found quickly that they could easily step through it, though with less than pretty results. Scaravians moved into the dome to escape the fire, as it appeared to be unable to travel through the dome, which gave them some much needed respite. Fighting still took place again.

Within moments, Seraimoiron was regrouping his warriors, putting spears in front and and swords behind them. This was hindered by the Fierans still engaging, but at least the Scaravians had their Generals. Xuan and Seron were still not to be found. And Karrha was still outside the dome, as she was further into the Fieran masses than the others had been. She could easily make it into the dome if she moved now, though.

[P.K.]

Karrha snarled watching her arm reform and feeling the form shrink. She hated this form more and more the longer she staid in it. there was a distant heat in her arm and she wondered how much of it she would feel when she reverted back. She peered back as the the blood dome formed, she would have made a face but unfortunately the beast face didn't show much more emotion then ...evil. Either way it was disgusting, and disturbing. Either way she figured as she saw some of the enemy push through, despite the fire not getting through the enemy could.

Ignoring the fire elementals she snapped her wings shut against her back she swept down her claws once tossing bodies back at them for the moment before she pushed herself back her body pushing through the blood dome till she emerged on the other side where she turned lashing out at the few Fieran pushing through as well. It was a bloody mess and it was all over her. It made her feel sick, nauseated but she continued to slash and hack her way to another entry point.

After a moments of hesitation she threw herself back out hopping to scatter a few droplets to blind a few or make them flinch as she nearly dove sapping her wings out as she landed on all fours before she lashed out much like a large feline at those around her her clawed hands doing far more then a cats claws. She was going to remind That mage again, she was never doing this again...

[DoughGuy]

"My name is Hastur mi'lady." Hastur replied to Ilea as she arrived. He stood panting as the Leongarde general arrived, listening to the man's words. At the mention of the dark beast his eyes widened and he made to take off again, charging out towards the Scaravus army. A steady hand from the paladin who had helped him up stopped him though. The man held his arm and pointed to Hastur's wound, "You cannot go charging off like that brother, find a priest to heal you. If the enemy is regrouping then we will do the same." Hastur's head fell as he heeded the man's words. There would be time for vengeance in the near future. When Ilea had no more to say he would move back to the Archeos army to find a priest.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth looked toward the armies, nodding slowly. It was all going fairly well, all things considered. But their men would need a better chance. "Clear a few meters of space from the entrance of the barrier to our armies. Have the stingers fire upon any who attempt to clear that area. Hopefully that should allow Seraimoiron to better regroup his army. Have the Archers dip their arrows in blood and fire at any Elementals who attempt to pass through the field. Tell the Assassins to get ready. It's entirely possible that the battlefield could be covered in a mist, and if that happens then it's time for them to take out high-priority targets. Monks and mages, primarily."

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 41% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 26% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 30% - Preparing for Attack in the Center
Leongarde: 33% - Preparing for Attack in the Center
Firanos: 27% - Engaging Scaravus in the Center
Scaravus: 53% - Engaging Firanos in the Center

Control of the Artifact Challenged!
Archeos - Leongarde

Ilea peered at the man who had taken the artifact from the Leongardians with a scrutinous eye, nodding at the Paladin's words.

"Your charge was needed, though foolhardy and punishable under other circumstances. Considering it worked, I will forgive you for such a dangerous act this once, child. Follow your fellow's advice and find a priest to get you back on your own two feet." With that said, Ilea turned her attention back to Kilvas.

"Your words have not gone ignored, General. We will accept your offer for now-" A few widened eyes showed what her subordinates thought of this decision. "-but only until Scaravus is dealt with. As it stands, I require a unit of my men maintaining control of the artifact at all times. I'd imagine you will do the same." Kilvas simply nodded, spurring Vigilance forward to begin rounding up his men. Ilea disappeared herself, going to give her own orders. Soon, Archeos and Leongarde were diverting their attention away from each other and towards the sea of nomads on the other side of the flaming army.

Meanwhile, Karrha's attack, successful as it was at diminishing the Fieran numbers had once again triggered the whispers in the back of her mind. Kill them, kill them all! You know the taste of their blood, relish it! For a moment, Karrha's vision went black. When it returned a split second later, she was surrounded by many more enemies than previously before, almost drowning in them. They beckoned her to attack them, jeering at her, prodding her with spears and swords of fire.

It was at that moment that, about fifty yards to her south, Xuan and Seron appeared. Fierans made way for their Generals, as Seron was rushing forward with a plume of fire surrounding him like a massive cannonball, Xuan right behind him with his twin swords burning as well. The flaming orb met the bloody dome and shattered it, magical energy erupting forth as blood burst forth from the dome, splattering both armies in gore. Seron's fire dispersed, but Xuan took the chance to leap over Seron, his flaming swords plunging into the closest Scaravian warrior, then proceeding to cut his way into the front lines.

Firanos roared its battle cries as the men and women charged in after their Generals, Seron disappearing into the horde as they came forward. Though Seraimoiron had mostly prepared his army, the surprise attack by the Fieran Generals was enough to drive them back. Dissatisfied with himself for not seeing this coming, Seraimoiron rallied the Scaravian army and charged to meet the Fierans again, determined to regain their footing while the advantage was yet in any army's favor.

Dezeroth's commands were heeded for the most part, the Fieran's attack throwing most of the plans askew. Stingers took up positions directly behind the front lines, firing into the Fieran charge and disabling a few unlucky men with their poisons. Most archers did not understand the blood order and fired without them, though a few of the smarter ones took heed of the mage's words and did so, the effect of the magic-infused liquid helping quell the flames of the elementals.

[P.K.]

Karrha snarled at the voice but her sight went black before she could say anything back For a split second she feared she'd been blinded but light flooded her sight once more showing her the jeering faces of men. for a she panicked what had happened was she still in control, she was but what was this they didn't seem so afraid now had she changed back? It didn't seem so. She picked herself up with a roar swiping out at the men to slice them into bloody pieces. They should be afraid! Karrha struggled with that thought for a moment, the voice WASN'T right she didn't want to enjoy death she was a healer! but she was out here taking life's anyways.

She roared again struggling against that dark enjoyment and the whispers in her mind while struggling to do her part. With the eternal struggle it was harder for her to discern what she was doing out side of her mind, she not only when from hack and slash but to biting, crushing skulls and fatally maiming. She seemed to have gone into some frenzy mirroring the struggling inside.

[The Imposter]

Gyle quickly retreated into the ranks of the dark rangers. The oncoming storm growing closer again, lightning strikes beginning to rain down on the Disgeran forces. The rogue cursed wishing they had slain all the mages when they had the chance. Taking a moment to reload his heavy crossbow with a bolt laced with Potpournicle.

It soon became apparent of the Mythros location, and Gyle felt compelled to try to offer some assistance. Slaying one of the Aereogos generals would be quite a feat for the sly thief. Seeing the wounded Wyrm Gyle quickly searched for the shade general spotting him and Nabo giving chase. Grinning Gyle made his way into range trying to intercept between the two generals. Moving through the battle worked well enough and in a quick motion the hooded rogue stepped out in front of the pursuing Nabo with his crossbow drawn. Not wanting to give the general a moment to react the bolt was loosed heading straight for the Aeregosian general.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur soon found a priesto to heal his leg, thanking the man before running back to the fight. He arrived just in time to see the blood orb which had been protecting the desert army shatter, exposing the nomads. With Archeos now on the frontlines of the battle with the Scaravians he was easily able to move towards the frontline of the holy army. His eyes narrowed onto the ekro beast as it cut down fierans left and right, his legs itching to charge out alone to face it but for once common sense holding hm back. Instead he waited for the order.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth gave a large sigh as blood rained down on himself and his allies. It was an inconvenience, but fortunately they had been a little too quick about their attack. They had not pulled their own troops out of the danger zone. Advancing through the lines of the other men, he headed toward the Fieran lines. "Archers, do you know what happens when you shoot a Fire Elemental with an ordinary arrow? Nothing! dip the things in the blood and fire! They'll kill us all if you don't! Stingers, I want you to focus your fire on whoever assaulted the barrier! We can't have them interrupting their attacks! Send a message to Seraimoiron, telling him that I'm going to need a yards' worth of space between our lines and theirs! Quickly, now!"

He hadn't gotten enough time before they absolutely overwhelmed his magic to register the signature of whoever had broken it, so he simply had to assume that their ranged assassins would be enough to take care of the threat. In the mean-time... He turned to watch Karrha for just a few moments. She's going to be a risk to our men. He thought at once. Raising a hand, he gripped her magical form and, by extension, her, with his will, and flung her toward the Leongardian front. Rage over there. He thought, continuing toward the Fierans.

When he finally found his way to the front lines, he would spread out his hands, waiting for a definitive separation between Scaravus lines and Fieran lines before stepping forward. "Blosmaqueos!" Anything caught in front of his hands--Scaravus soldiers included--Would be suddenly gripped by the Blood covering them, as the Magic once again animated it. Stepping forward, he'd force his hands to follow the motion, using the blood as a medium to reverse the opponents' lines and hopefully knock them into their own troops. "Friroza!" The animated blood would then freeze over, and the Mages' own actions would as well, as he stood there, concentrating on keeping the ice frozen on the Fieran Front. "Now's the time to charge!" He'd say through gritted teeth, not loud enough for any but the nearest soldiers to hear.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 36% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 21% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 30% - Charging Scaravus in the Center
Leongarde: 33% - Setting up Defenses in the Center
Firanos: 21% - Engaging Scaravus in the Center
Scaravus: 49% - Engaging Firanos in the Center

Control of the Artifact Challenged!
Archeos - Leongarde

As Nabo continued his chase of Mythros, the shade luring the angered man back towards Aeregos's line, the Brave Wind's rage blinded him to anything other than the Disgeran General. As such, when Gyle stepped out before him, Nabo continued forward without regard to the bolt that now flew towards him. It struck his shoulder, inciting a short grunt from him. However, he appeared otherwise unphased, barreling towards Gyle with the pole-axe ready to split him in twine.

Mere seconds before the axe would hit, Nabo witnessed his vision fail him as his world succumbed to darkness. Though it did not interfere with his planned strike's possible lethality, any follow-up was stopped cold as he no longer knew where the rogue was. Coming to a halt, Nabo wrenched the bolt from his shoulder and tossed it aside, whirling his axe about him in a 360 spin.

"Shen'Giyuh take you, thief!" Nabo roared, holding a hand to his eyes in an effort to regain his sight. "When I find gain my sight back, I'll-" Nabo's speech was cut short as a sword was driven through his throat, Mythros wielding said blade with a vicious grin.

"You'll die, fool, and serve Xakh'raah in the Nether," (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MD79b-rONs) he sneered, kicking Nabo's gasping body off of his sword. The Brave Wind spasmed for a moment before falling still. "Interesting poison you carry there, thief. Do you carry more?" he asked, eyes now falling on Stormfang.

The Wyrm had turned moments after Nabo had dismounted and had witnessed the ending of his master's life. Keening loudly in a deafening display of grief, Stormfang bounded forward towards Mythros and Gyle, determined to take revenge for the loss of Nabo.

Stormfang wasn't the only one affected by Nabo's loss, however. "General Nabo!!" cried at least twenty nearby Aeregosians, most of them stopped in their tracks in horror. A few Stormwarriors charged forward straight towards Mythros and Gyle in rage, electricity sparking wildly from their bodies. Lightning struck a few yards from their position. Aeregos wasn't about to let their General die for nothing.

In the center, Archeos was rallied around Ilea, disengaged from Leongarde as the two's temporary truce began to take place.

"My men, we now aim at Scaravus and the dark beast that leads them. Leave Firanos for now; we will direct our attention to them at a later time," she said, earning a few quiet murmurs from some lesser men. Her steely gaze silenced them immediately. "Alu'terasa will surely grant us His protection from this evil being, so long as we slay it in his name! Forward, holy warriors of Archeos!" With a roar, Archeos began to hoof it towards the Firanos/Scaravus engagement.

During this, Kilvas had rallied his own men, beginning to reset his forces on the eastern side of the statue. Kilvas had spoken with Ilea momentarily about his plan, and she seemed to agree with it, or at least didn't dismiss it outright. Though wary, the elderly warrior knew that this truce would grant them some much-needed reprieve. Preparing the defenses, Kilvas readied his men for his plan.

Karrha's wild attacks were collateral at best, a few unlucky Scaravians falling victim to her claws as well. However, for the most part, her attacks did indeed strike the Fierans, massive damage ensuing. In her mind, though, the dark voice urged her to continue to feed the rage, continue to feast on the blood of her enemies. There was nothing she could not do, nothing!

Seraimoiron, engaged with Xuan, was unable to comply with Dezeroth's wishes. The Scaravian General knew that if he didn't occupy the Dragon Hunter's attention, he would continue to tear his way through the lines.

"Strange having to fight each other after all this time, eh Xuan?" Seraimoiron asked, lightning crackling along his blade.

"I suppose," Xuan replied, twirling his swords in his hands anxiously. "So do you regret not coming to Firanos with me?"

"Scaravus is my home now, Xuan. Firanos would not have accepted me quite as quickly as they did you."

"Nonsense!" Xuan exclaimed, circling Seraimoiron within a circle of dead bodies and blood-stained grass. "If they let me in, they would've taken you in a heartbeat."

"Those choices are long gone anyway, Xuan," Seraimoiron said with a grim frown. "Now we stand as enemies, traitors to our home in opposing factions. I hope you're ready for this." Switching stances, Seraimoiron unleashed a bolt of lightning at Xuan. Their battle had commenced once again.

During this, Dezeroth attempted to take hold of the magic that he had placed around Karrha and use it to manhandle her towards another part of the battlefield. When he did so, he found that his magic no longer felt completely like his own; instead, traces of it were tainted by something... more. Closer inspection of this taint would reveal it was vastly similar to the taint of the true Ekro. Though how it would have gotten here and into Karrha's form was a complete and utter mystery. Though this tainted magic initially resisted, Dezeroth would find that he could still do what he had planned. Karrha was now relocated closer to the Archeon charge and the Leongarde front, at the westerm flank of the Firanos army. A few Fierans turned in surprise to see the dark entity now so close to them, but the true problem was the Archeons now rushing directly towards Karrha.

Dezeroth's "distinct separation" would have to make due with a few instances of friendly fire. The front portion of Firanos were caught up in a mass of blood, slowly being forced back into their own men. A few spearmen accidentally lodged their weapons into the backs of their suddenly 'retreating' comrades, shouts of the dying filling the air. Then, the blood froze, solidifying the front lines. Shocked for a moment, the Scaravians quickly took up the charge without a moment's pause, knowing an opportunity when they saw it.

[P.K.]

Karrha snarled as she was forced to another place but the movement didn't seem to put her off it seemed to increase her attack rate in her confusion on being moved forcefully and being surrounded by even more people, not that it made much of a difference as she was still fighting inwardly. She Howled in frustration the same as she did inwardly, she panicked lashing out at anything that moved.

Inside she wrestled with the enjoyment part of her wanting to retreat all together the other part conflicted with that fact that this was her part in this war, she had voluntarily stepped up to kill people even though for all her life she had been trained to help the dying people pass or heal them instead of helping them along... but thats what she was doing wasn't it? these men would die some time in war maybe far more painfully then now... kill them sooner and they didn't suffer. But that was the wrong way to look at it.

[The Imposter]

Seeing Mythros capitalize on the opportunity Gyle provided was a good thing for the rogue. He smiled as the general spoke to him, however seeing that they soon became targets the rogue's smile quickly vanished. Seeing the throng and the Wyrm both move closer caused the thief to want to turn tail and run.

'More poisons? Aye I've got some...don't know if its 'nough to down a giant lizard. Maybe if it was struck right in its 'eart. Don't suppose you could use your magic to place a poisoned bolt in its heart....Ya know wit all that vanishin' and such.'

Gyle began to coat a bolt with Gnugglepiss. Coating it on heavily.

'Ya see general this will paralyze whate'er it pierces into. If it entered the beast 'eart.'

Handing the bolt to the general, he left the option up to Mythros. Gyle surely wasn't going to stick around with the electrifying forces coming closer. I just got to get lost in our forces...

Turning around he began to retreat back into the remnant of the Disgeran forces.

[DoughGuy]

At the front of the Archeos lines Hastur watched in happy surprise as the ekro beast flew towards the Archeos army, no longer undre the protection of the desert people. His emitters easily carried him out in front of the charging force, closing in on the beast quickly, alone. "DIE!" he roared as he reached it his chains leaping out just inside their maximum range. 2 of the weapons struck out at it's chest while the third went for its face.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth stood in place, hands still raised, keeping the spell up for as long as he could. With each of the frozen figures killed, he'd let that piece of the spell go, breathing a sigh of relief with each release. However, there were many of them, and the Mage was using the utmost of his concentration to make sure his power was dolled out efficiently. He could not afford to waste it all in one assault. Planted perfectly still, he could sense Karrha but could not move to assist her, or even bring her back to remove the spell. It would simply have to wait until after the charge.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 29% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 18% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 30% - Engaging Scaravus in the Center
Leongarde: 33% - Setting up Defenses in the Center
Firanos: 17% - Engaging Scaravus in the Center
Scaravus: 47% - Engaging Firanos in the Center

Control of the Artifact Contested
Archeos - Leongarde

Narezayn, seated upon his broken Wyrm, was quite confused when he saw Stormfang turn so suddenly off in the distance. It was only a few heartbeats later that the news reached him, chilling him to the bone.

"Nabo has fallen! Our General has been slain!" The demoralizing news hit Narezayn hard. Nabo was one of their finest. To be beaten so soon after he had gone into enemy lines... Nabo must be avenged!

"But in my state, I'm hardly up to the feat..." Narezayn murmured to himself, urging his mount forward. The men needed his leadership to bring them back from this crushing blow.

"A paralytic, eh...?" Mythros mused as he accepted the rogue's bolt. There was only a moment's pause before the shade was off, not waiting to see if Gyle would help or run. Mythros assumed the latter, as most of the rabble did so. As the rampaging lizard came close, its jaws reaching out to consume the General of Disgeran, Mythros managed to slip through the dragon's maw due to his insubstantial form. Now under its neck, Mythros quickly closed the last remaining feet to its chest.

Bolt in hand, the shade spent some of his magic making the bolt as incorporeal as he was, then shoved his fist into the beast's chest, releasing the magic covering the bolt once it was suitably within its flesh. Shoved into into its heart like that, the poison took hold within a matter of seconds. Even as Mythros slipped out from under the beast, Stormfang collapsed with only a few spasms, its heart completely stopped.

Satisfied that the Wyrm was dead, Mythros looked about to reassess the situation. He didn't like what he saw. Though both armies were a bear tattered remnant of what they had started as, Aeregos's remaining forces dwarfed Disgeran by nearly twofold, by his guess. Though the remaining members were most of Disgeran's elite, he didn't like the odds.

"Fight harder, you miserable rats!!" Mythros hissed, his voice somehow being heard by every Disgeran still alive. Seeing no other choice, Mythros slipped back into Disgeran lines in order to approach his next target unnoticed.

Gyle, however, would find that his retreat to Disgeran lines wasn't quite as easy. As soon as Mythros had made his way for Stormfang, the charging Stormwarriors decided that they should focus on the other perpetrator. Harnessing their power, the three warriors launched bolts of lightning at the retreating rogue's back, hoping to down him in one decisive blow.

In the center, Archeos was charging towards Karrha and Scaravus, though the former took precedence with her proximity to them. Even as Hastur charged her though, she continued to flail about in a seeming lack of control, fighting the dark urges that spurred her to further slaughter. As such, she didn't really notice when Hastur fired off his chains, which pierced the form with ease. Karrha felt the pain only vaguely, as if it was someone else's, but she still noticed it, turning her attention towards the source of the attack. The shadowy form shrank ever so slightly, but Hastur probably wouldn't notice due to the massive, black, clawed hand racing towards him as if to split him asunder.

The Scaravians had taken full advantage of Dezeroth's spell, Fierans routed and allies (for the most part) saved from the ice. As this happened, the archers had began setting up and were now raining down arrows on the Firanos army, making an even larger dent in their forces. However, Firanos's handful of Fire Mages and archers were beginning to return fire as well. Though most of Firanos's forward forces were a bit put-off by the Sergeant's magical onslaught, the last remaining elementals were now present, mindless and ready to continue the assault.

Xuan and Seraimoiron were continuing to have at it, neither showing signs of backing down. However, by this time the Scaravian army had forced Firanos back to the point where Xuan was isolated within the nomad army.

"This is a little hot-headed, even for you, Dragon Hunter," Seraimoiron commented, deflecting a blow that nearly beheaded him. "It's a little fishy, don't you think?"

"Maybe I just am that hot-headed, Sandy," Xuan laughed, his twin swords dancing along Seraimoiron's lightning-blade.

"Maybe..." But Seron isn't... the Sting of the Scorpion mused. He hoped the Sergeant was paying attention out there. He dared not turn his back on Xuan long enough to send a warning.

At that moment, Firanos began to pull back. Fire Elementals held off just enough of the forward Scaravian pressure for the humans to retreat, inciting a victorious yell from the nomads. Most of them looked for their General for orders, but finding no one, quite a few began to lead up the charge forward, pursuing their fleeing enemy.

[The Imposter]

Gyle was hurrying away when a mass of electricity crashed into him sending him sprawling. He crashed against the ground and rolled a few feet. His whole body twitched for a few moments as it tried to figure out how to deal with the pain. The rogue clung and fought for life, desperately hoping he wouldn't pass out. When his mind seemingly began to regain control over his muscles the rogue didn't move, he tried not to even breath heavily.

Figuring the three storm troopers were still coming closer, he sneakily tried to play possum hoping that the little remnant of Disgeran left might intervene in some way. One hand slowly drew a dagger out and was ready to throw it at a stormwarrior if they made any motion to finish the job.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur's chains pushed into the beast's shadowy form but didn't burst through, slowed by the magic enough to finish their travel within. He rapidly withdrew the chains, the daggers pulling free fairly easily from the form. He leapt backwards as they withdrew, only the increased mobility of his emitters allowing him to escape unharmed. The beast's lack of substance worried him, like the density of the mist warriors but the strength of an avian. He retreated back again trying to stay at the range of his chains and began to circle the beats, his chains rapidly firing into it's misty flesh then withdrawing to be shot again.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth could not, unfortunately, give further aid to his allies immediately. Now that the spell was released, the Mage immediately turned toward Karrha. They're charging. He raised his hands, gripping his Shadow Magic once again, and sending a flow of magic within it to remind the form who was boss, before pulling her back to him. Once she was safely near him, he would begin stripping the magic--ALL the Magic--Even the Ekro-tainted magic, and reabsorbing it. I will fight this taint for you. "You have fought well," He murmured, "And not just against the corporeal foes."

Having done this, he turned to the men. "HOLD!" He cried out loudly, "FALL BACK! WE HAVE ONE LAST THING TO DO!" Waiting for his orders to be abided he stood by, gesturing to a nearby soldier. "Tell the reserves to deploy men along the flank facing Archeos and Leongarde. At least 60% of it. We're about to be charged, but I want Firanos out of the equation first. Get the Assassins here; I have a plan. Tell them to dip their blades in blood on their way here. Make sure that the Stingers cover the archers while our men get repositioned."

He turned, now, to regard the foes before them. "SPEARMEN! Raise spears!" He'd cry out, raising his hands as well. "Blosmaqueos'Polaer! Friregos Polaer'blade! To those who followed his orders, the blood on their clothes and their bodies would twist up the spears, solidifying to give the weapons an additional couple of inches worth of reach. "Now then. I want a bristling wall of spears. You have the advantage of reach; use it! Swordsmen, prepare to cut down any survivors. DON'T CHARGE YET. We need the assassins here to engage the Fire Elementals, and for that we need another spell."

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 22% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 12% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 29% - Charging Scaravus in the Center
Leongarde: 33% - Holding Position in the Center
Firanos: 14% - Retreating towards the Center.
Scaravus: 43% - Holding Position in the Center

Control of the Artifact Contested
Archeos - Leongarde

Without a doubt, the Stormwarriors drew closer to Gyle's fallen form, tendrils of smoke wisping up from his charred cloak. One of them roared victoriously, electricity sparkling from him as he yelled, "This is the first to fall to Nabo's vengeance! Next is Mythros!!"

One of his companions wasn't convinced of Gyle's death, however, and moved over to the rogue's side while the other two rushed off into the fray. As he drew within range, he charged himself with electricity and prepared to send a finishing blow through the Disgeran as a fail-safe. Before he did, though, Gyle's dagger blossomed from his face like a steel rose, ending his life in one surprised yelp.

By this time, however, Gyle's position was amidst the writhing form of the front (and only remaining) lines, Aeregosians and Disgerans duking it out around him. With Disgeran's waning numbers, it seemed as if Aeregos would finally crush them from existence. For now, however, Disgeran would not retreat and Aeregos would continue to press forward.

Nearby, riding his flightless wyrm, Narezayn oversaw the fighting and added a bit of his own firepower to the mix, launching bolts of electricity every half-minute or so. He tried keeping losses to a minimum, but Disgeran's ferocity was too great to avoid anything but an equal trading of life.

In the center, Firanos was retreating towards Leongarde's position, all but Xuan leaving the Scaravian front. In their place was Archeos, allowing the fire warriors to pass through as they charged the nomads. Ilea was about to designate a few warriors to aid Hastur in bringing down the Ekro beast when it suddenly seemed to be gripped and was tossed bodily towards the Scaravian horde. Putting it from her mind, the Vanquisher of Shadows ordered her army to charge the sand army.

Dezeroth's actions against Karrha's form proved to be effective; where once an Ekro demon stood was now just Karrha, seated on the ground and breathing heavily from the struggle. Her mind was her own, as was her form. Only a few scratches seemed to be new. On Dezeroth's end, the magic, though resisting at first, seemed to return to his body without error. Some of it burned off before he could effectively spent it on his spell, but for the most part it was no trouble.

Scaravus's army heeded Dezeroth's command for the most part, a few stragglers continuing to run after the Fierans only to be cut down by the Archeon charge. Scaravus barely managed to switch out the army with 'fresh' troops before the holy warriors were on them, Light magic and steel bearing down on the nomads. Dezeroth's blood spears had yet to get into position, but after a moment were able to push through and allow the front lines a bit of a reprieve before things got ugly again.

The assassins, still quite a few remaining from the original number, gathered into a group the middle of the army, making sure Dezeroth knew where they were. Whatever this plan was, they hoped it would hurry.

The fight between Xuan and Seraimoiron had slowly moved towards the back of the Scaravian army, the 20 yard circle around them now comprised of mostly archers. Due to this move, one of said archers took a moment to aim and fire an arrow at Xuan's legs. Though the projectile only nicked him, it caused the Fieran General to stumble, giving Seraimoiron a moment to attack. Electricity seared along Xuan's chest, causing him to stumble back, muscles spasming.

"Shit. I hope that was enough time," he muttered, leaping over Seraimoiron and quickly hoofing it around the back end of the Scaravian army. Seraimoiron almost went to give chase, but then decided that his army needed him more. He quickly made his way towards the front to assume control of the situation.

[P.K.]

Karrha breathed heavily on the ground, her once seated form soon rolling over to her hands and knees as she nearly heaved, unfortunately there was nothing inside of her stomach to come out so she gagged for a long moment. She only vegly heard Dezeroth words to her but could not acknowledge them as she caught her breath. Once she did she set back on her knees and took a long breath, as if she had the time for that but her mind still swirled, hers now but still full of the dark whispers, or the memory of them.

"Never, am I taking that form again." she finely breathed. she listened as Dezeroth gave out orders for a moment willing her body to recuperate quickly to allow her to stand. her hand took on the glow, but for some reason, to her at the very least, it seem dimmer then had before. Her cuts stopped bleeding but not repair farther then that. she pushed herself to stand then. Still shaken in mine and in body she forced herself to stand with a very small grunt before she fumbled for her bow. Her breathing became rapid for a moment as she thought back but she sternly chastised herself to some retaliative calmness. They still need me and I'm not dead yet. She kept her position near Dezeroth.

[The Imposter]

Gyle forced his body to lift itself up and he slowly crawled to the dead Stormwarrior. All those around him seemed to be occupied enough for him to quickly shed what was left of his cloak and disrobing the one that sought to make sure he was finished. Unsure if it was the innate magic of the warriors or the grab they wore that provided any resistance to the electric magic, after taking that last hit he was willing to try it. Tearing a piece of the Aeregosian garb he hid his third eye under the makeshift bandana, and also got back his dagger. Taking the brief pause to gear up and reload the newly 'dressed' Gyle stood up locking on to the flightless Wyrm.

Oi, ain't much o' a guise. With the way tings are goin' we won't be lastin' much longer anyway....might as well try this last gambit.

Turning against his Disgeran brothers he blocked an oncoming blow defending an Aeregosian. Gyle was barely able to repel the attack before he tried sinking into his enemies lines and headed for Narezayn. With any luck he'd be able to get close...or maybe getting close wouldn't be lucky at all.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur roared in anger as the Ekro beast was pulled away from him. He watched it fly back towards the scav lines before it disappeared, the shadows being stripped away. They must have something to trap it within. Hastur reasoned. Now determined to find that thing he took off towards the scav lines with the intent of finding whatever held it. He arrived just after the blood spears did, taking his place behind the front line. With careful shots he began to pick off the spears in an area, trying to create a hole like he had with the shieldguard earlier except a bigger one that would allow soldiers through to attack the spear from the side. The only way he could get through to where the ekro had disappeared was to get Archeos through as well.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth waved over to the assassins' blades, which were hopefully covered in blood, muttering "Blosmaqueos'Aerefios'Restnomov extrucept'contuch'Blosmaqueos no'Arcana." Nothing really seemed to happen. "Your blades have been covered with lightning-infused blood. It'll only take effect, however, on contact with non-magical blood. Now, then. Take up positions behind the spearmen-When you see a break, head immediately to eliminate magic-users. If they're glowing, they need to be dead. Now, then! CHARGE!"

Noting the chains from earlier, the Mage sighed. It would have to be there that he focused his own magical prowesse. "Karrha, stay here. Rest. I'll keep our army going." Moving behind the spearmen of that area, he'd raise his hands, touching the ring he kept on his purpose for this reason alone. Sitting on the ground so as to not pass out from an extended use of remote flames, he rose his hands into the air. "FIRANOS!"

At first, nothing happened. His magic simply accumulated, invisible, beneath the feet of the Archeons before him. There was no heat. There was, as far as anyone could see, no power. And then it burst upward; scathing flames, powered partially by Dezeroth's own magic, but mostly kept deadly by the amazing power of the ring he was wearing, which amplified his own power. Most of his magic spent in this spell was on an extended remote spell like this. As it was, it extended along the perimeter behind the Archeons, giving the Scaravians ample room to charge and maneuver.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 16% - Engaging Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 8% - Engaging Aeregos in the West
Archeos: 22% - Engaging Scaravus in the Center
Leongarde: 33% - Holding Defensive Positions in the Center
Firanos: 13% - Recovering in the Center
Scaravus: 39% - Engaging Archeos in the Center

Control of the Artifact Contested
Archeos - Leongarde

Gyle managed to make his way into the confused mess of Aeregos's lines, though to be honest there wasn't much sneaking involved; no one was about to notice a single man out of place in the fight. In any case, Disgeran was down to their last few scraps of men. The battle was about to be decided in Aeregos's favor.

However, a disturbance in the rear of Aeregos's minimal forces was brought to Narezayn's attention by a rather distraught soldier. The storm was subsiding as the Wind Callers were being struck down by none other than the Disgeran General Mythros, who had slipped inside their lines unnoticed and begun a wholesale slaughter of the few remaining magi. Though a few swordsmen had tried to stop the shade, not a one could manage a scratch on the incorporeal being.

Though a few mages had managed lightning bolts on Mythros, the damage was minimal compared to what it could've been. Every Wind Caller would be gone within moments; Narezayn knew this even as he urged his flightless mount forward.

The Archeos-Scaravus fight was heating up as the Paladins began to counter the spear tactic with their shields and superior armor. With flashes of Light used to blind their foes, they then would crouch in and use their shields to knock the spears aside before cleaving with their blades or other weapons. Of course, Hastur's chains would speed this process up considerable, removing the need for Light in some cases which conserved the Paladins' energy.

While the Scaravian line was beginning to crumble, a burst of fire ripped through the center-most spearline of the nomads. Seron, though not fully trusting of the three-way alliance, was there to aid the Archeons with his magic seeing as they were allowing his army to have a bit of reprieve. Through this gap streamed a full group of Paladins and Knights, beginning to tear their way into the desert warriors.

This was a little short-lived, however, as Seraimoiron's lightning-charged attacks suddenly carved into the group, jolts of lightning bouncing across the armored foes and paralyzing the majority of those they did not instantly fry. Though the General stepped back to recover from the devastating blow, Dezeroth's charged Assassins were there to clean up the rest, taking care of the break before slipping through the lines to continue their orders.

At this moment, Dezeroth's attack took place. The effect was rather terrifying, roasting battle priests, knights, and Paladins alike. Scaravus took advantage of the faltering front lines to supplement their own, swordsmen and spearmen alike pushing the Paladins (and likely Hastur) back into the inferno.

However, as Dezeroth continued to channel his spell, behind him appeared Ilea, only a quick flash of light announcing her sudden proximity. Having listened to the yammerings of the Fieran forces, Ilea managed to figure out that there was someone who was leading Scaravus to victory by using powerful magic. Whether or not there were more than one of these men or women was yet to be seen, but for right now Ilea was more than happy to take out this one. Aiming for the center of the man's spine, Ilea let loose two golden daggers before she disappeared once again behind Archeon lines.

[P.K.]

"Rest? in the middle of a battle field?" she mumbled watching him move away with furrowed browns she growled at his back. "Not likely." Despite these she stood for a moment to catch her breath and view the battle. It seemed her old faction was currently the corrupted fraction next door. That was two factions not on their tail. Unlike the other three, red, white and blue armies crowded against her men. she sighed watching some of them fall. The lines fall and the lines regain ground. She sighed softly as she watched and put a hand to her head thoughts pounding in her head. What would her mother think?

Not that it mattered now...

She turned and started after Dezeroth. A flash of light caught her eye, That split second thought made her eyes widened before she took off after the mage who's back was turned. The knives flashed out If he turned it go strait to his gut but if he didn't move it hit his spine. She could tell easily even as she moved what damage that would do. That was not something they could afford. "Dezeroth!" She called out as she sped towards him, at this speed she wasn't going to slow down on a dime, That wasn't her intention. If she got to him in time undoubtedly they would collide, hard but it be better then being hit in the back with two golden daggers.

[The Imposter]

Gyle began to draw closer to the moving lizard, the beast having begun making its way to the makeshift rear of the battle lines. Although he had taken a beating the rogue was beginning to get his second wind of energy, and his steps picked up their haste. Seeing Mythros in the distance the thief began to piece together what would soon take place. The clashing generals attacking each other, unsure of the true extent of either he figured it was best if he lay wait to strike.

Readying his the only crossbow he had left, Gyle dropped to a knee as he lined up a shot at the general riding the wyrm. Assuming the general was swept up in the heat of battle that the bolt wouldn't draw his attention.

[DoughGuy]

As Hastur aided the paladins in taking down the spearmen he was taken by surprise by the sudden heat at his back. Rather than allowing himelf to be pushed back he shot out 2 chains, nailing the heads of the 2 spearmen in front of him and granting himself a moments reprieve. Anger crossed his face as he realised the forces around him were being pushed back. Grabbing his fourth dagger from his belt his 4th chain burst from his hand and he slammed the weapon in. Without another moment's hesitation all 4 chains leapt out and began slamming into the charging Scav forces and roaring a challenge to buy the startled paladins some time.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth was suddenly and forcefully shoved out of the way. Opening his eyes, he twisted his head to see Karrha--Raising a hand to balance himself while he was falling told him why she'd pushed him suddenly. As his arm passed over where he used to be, a knife sliced a red line through his skin, dying the nearby bits of robe red. Landing with an umph, his concentration was broken. The flames receded-Slowly, as the magic slowly died out-And the Mage grimaced for a few moments. I can manage it one more time...But I think there is a bigger prize to be caught for doing so...

"Thank you, Karrha. Now...If you'd get off of me, I need to be able to breath for this next part. Stay here, however...And pick up a sword or something. I need you to defend me while I cast. I believe Ilea will be visiting us again, eventually." He turned to one of the soldiers, "Bring me six stingers, have them fan out through the men around us. Inconspicuously, mind you! They'll be searching for Ilea. If she shows her face, I want them to fire their darts before she has the chance of escaping!"

He closed his eyes again, but this time more breathed "Firanos" then before. More because he had a human on top of him than anything else, and his lungs were feeling a bit cramped. He dared not try using so much fire for a remote detonation, so he knew he'd have to telegraph his location a bit, because he'd be using the ring for the entire process. Focusing his power through the ring, a path of flames shot out from him toward the Archeon lines. Scaravus feet and Archeos alike would be heated up by this path, until it had accumulated beneath them. It was very visible, mostly because people who had their feet suddenly burning, especially in armor, tended to look down. Then, shooting out to either side, Dezeroth sent a pulse of fire magic through it before allowing the path to the wall to join it. The fire behind Archeon lines shot up once more, resuming their immolation duties to those Archeons who retreated too far.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 12% - Routing Disgeran in the West
Disgeran: 5% - In Full Retreat
Archeos: 18% - Engaging Scaravus in the Center
Leongarde: 33% - Moving Out in the Center, heading East
Firanos: 13% - Recovering in the Center
Scaravus: 34% - Engaging Archeos in the Center

Control of the Artifact Contested
Archeos - Leongarde

Disgeran's force count was hitting rock bottom and most of the remaining twisted warriors were beginning to realize it. Unwilling to continue throwing their lives away in a hopeless battle, many of the remaining Blackguard and Dark Rangers began to beat a hasty retreat, leaving the mindless Ascended and heretic Archers to deal with the Aeregosians. Disgeran was basically routed.

Mythros, so entrenched in the Aeregosian forces as he was, could do nothing to stop his men from fleeing save from blatantly disregarding everything else in order to intercept them.

"Spineless cowards..." he swore, removing his blade from the limp body of a swordsman. With no army to back him up, even he could do little to stop Aeregos at this point. The thought of taking out Narezayn teased him with the possibilities, but the man's electrical power might stand a chance against him if he wasn't careful. It wasn't a risk the shade was willing to take.

"Fall back, Disgeran..." his voice hissed in the ear of his warriors. "You punishment for failure will be... unpleasant..." Making his way towards the shattered rear flank that he had created himself, Mythros pulled out.

Seeing that his General was leaving, Gyle decided against shooting and revealing himself. If he turned back now, he could get in with the retreating Blackguard while the Ascended acted as meatshields in the absence of heretics.

In the center, Kilvas was finally ready to act out his part in the three-way truce. With all of his knights dismounted and shielded up, his warriors were now in a large steel box, shields out on the perimeter and at the ready in the center. Near the back, surrounded by two rows of footmen, the musketeers and remaining archers were stationed, ready to support. This giant block slowly began to make its way forward, moving out from their defensive positions and keeping rank and file in order to put pressure on Scaravus.

Seron, near the back of the Archeon lines, noticed Leongarde moving out and nodded to himself, eyes glancing towards his own men. That's right, Kilvas... Engage the nomads... Moving back towards the Fieran army, Seron waited for Xuan to finally make his way back as well.

Karrha's timely interruption prevented most of the damage of the knives, the one that didn't scratch Dezeroth soaring past to nail a spearman in the back. The unfortunate fellow was cut down moments later. Ilea hadn't stuck around to see it, so she assumed that the attack was effective, though she didn't drop her guard. She was still unsure if that was the only mage.

Hastur's tactic managed to relieve a little of the pressure off of himself (not to mention Dezeroth's magic was cut off, leaving him free of the flames), but all in all, there were more Scaravians than he had chains for. Two spearmen managed to avoid his attacks and shove their blood-enhanced weapons at him, aimed at his chest and head.

Though Dezeroth's magic had been effective, Ilea's intervention had prevented substantial damage from being dealt over time, and the Paladin-Knight front-lines recovered quickly. When it started up again, however, the Archeons lept out of the way, allowing their lines to be split rather than take casualties from the fire. The pocket at the front lines, distracted by the heated soil at their feet, was easily dispatched by the Scaravians, who were more used to burning sand under their feet than the Archeons. However, the rest of the front lines kept their cool under the heat, pushing forward away from the fire or holding their ground, not taking unnecessary risks at the expense of losing footing.

Dezeroth's orders were heeded without question, a few of the men having seen Ilea attack him before disappearing. The stingers kept close, making sure Dezeroth was still in sight yet also keeping their eyes peeled for the Archeon General. She didn't show up, however.

Instead, Ilea was watching the fight from a hill to the south. The fires were a problem, but the fact that it was a similar spell made Ilea think that she had not finished the job.

"You're crafty, little mage... But I'm craftier..." she hissed, readying herself. Whoever this man was, he would die and Archeos would seize victory. That she swore on the Queen's grave.

[P.K.]

Karrha landed a bit harder then she meant to, The mage broke her fall but nothing broke his. She managed to push herself up while she cought some of her breath and look down at him. "A sword? really?" she shook her head before she pushed herself to roll off of him and climb to her feet. "I think I'll stick with the bow..." She pulled it from her shoulders and pulled an arrow out, she'd regained her breath and a bit of her composure.

With a bow and arrow at the ready to reached one hand down to help Dezeroth up as the stingers made themselves Inconspicuously positioned with in the group of men. She hopped this would be over soon she dearly dearly hopped so...

[The Imposter]

....and so Gyle retreated with the rest of the Disgeran forces defeated.

[DoughGuy]

Hastur shifted to his right in an attempt to dodge the spears. He was able to move out of the way of the one striking for his head, but his torso was too large to shift completely. The blade sliced into his left side between 2 ribs about halfway down his chest causing him a great deal of pain. His next two chain shots dispatched the two who had attacked him next, their extra reach not enough to protect them from his much longer chains. However he was forced to retreat, the combination of his wound and the exertion of a 4th chain becoming too much. He jogged backwards, emitters keeping his retreat safe, and ducked into the Archeos lines. With his left hand putting pressure on the wound he continued firing with his right, covering the gaps where Archeons leaped away from the fire.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth, knowing from the distinct fact that his concentration had not been broken, only knew that apparently the bait had not been taken. Pouring all of his concentration into the fire-wall, he forced it further into Archeon lines. Even the slightest interruption now would be catastrophic now, as it would force not only the fire-wall to explode outward, which seems good until one realizes that that means that both the spell sends unnecessary force upward that could be spent on the enemy and that the spell would end besides, but would cause fire to explode outward from him, as his focus switches to the area around him, and fire-magic exudes as it attempts to recreate the fire-wall...In his immediate area.

The dangers were, in the Mages' mind, fairly acceptable, since taking out Ilea would be a worthwhile endeavor, what with their having to face three factions. And as it was, Ilea was the only one who would be able to get back to him and disrupt his concentration like that.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: 12% - Retreating.
Disgeran: DEFEATED
Archeos: 9% - Engaging Scaravus in the Center
Leongarde: 33% - Holding Position in the Center
Firanos: 13% - Recovering in the Center
Scaravus: 27% - Engaging Archeos in the Center

Control of the Artifact Contested
Archeos - Leongarde

Narezayn watched as Disgeran fell back, finally having given up their pointless fight. Sighing heavily, the Paladin Stormer lept off of the Wyrm he rode and landed heavily, wincing slightly due to the dull pain that was still wracking his body. Moving carefully, the General made his way towards where the body of his comrade lay, guided by a duo of Stormwarriors that had solemn looks on their faces.

Stormfang's carcass was much more noticeable than that of Nabo, but that wasn't to say that Narezayn had any trouble finding Nabo. A large group of Aeregosians had already gathered around the body, leaving a wide gap from equal parts respect and disbelief. The last two remaining Wyrm Riders were probably the most grief stricken, the only ones showing open emotion.

As the General drew near, a gap parted before him, allowing Narezayn to make his way to Nabo's side unhindered. Kneeling on a knee beside the body, Narezayn paused a moment to take it in.

How could I break this to Peluya...? Narezayn thought to himself. Sighing heavily, the elite Stormwarrior slowly moved to pick Nabo up, straining slightly under the man's weight and his own fatigue from pain. A Stormwarrior made to help him, but Narezayn shook his head.

"Fall back, Aeregos. We've lost enough men this day." Too many, is more like it... Turning, Narezayn began to lead his men home.

Meanwhile, Leongarde was slowly drawing nearer to the Archeos/Scaravus line. The fact that a part of the Archeon army had been split off by the fire wall, however, hampered their advance. The fact that the fire wall was now moving further towards the Archeons wasn't making the advance any easier, halting the Leongardians in their tracks.

"Close enough..." Kilvas muttered, patting Vigilance's neck calmingly. "Archers! Fire in an arc at least 100 yards over the fire wall! We don't want to hit the Archeons!" His orders were followed almost immediately, scattered fire pelting the Scaravian front lines. It was a lucky guess, honestly, as view through the fire wall was almost impossible.

As this happened, Ilea teleported next to Kilvas, her sudden appearance startling man and horse.

"I will try to stop the fire wall. As soon as that happens, my men will need to retreat. Be ready to charge," she said shortly, disappearing without an answer from Kilvas. He frowned slightly, but noted her words and prepared his men anyway. We needn't worry about them anyway... Their numbers are pitiful now...

Hastur would find few places to run, as all that was behind him was the fire wall. As his brothers attempted to press the advance, he might suddenly find himself standing alone, easy prey for a stinger.

At that moment, Seraimoiron had returned to the front lines, sending electrical bolts through the Paladin's armor. The effect was quite potent, as soon Scaravus had the upper hand again. The scattered archer fire from Leongarde and Archeos's remaining archers wasn't enough to turn the tide, and Dezeroth's flame wall continued to prevent anyone from reinforcing the dwindling Archeon lines.

That would soon change, however, as Ilea appeared almost on top of Dezeroth, misreading her teleportation slightly and landing within arm's reach of him. In surprise, she flicked her single prepared dagger at his head before attempting to teleport away, almost too quick to see. The stingers had been ready, but by the time they were ready to fire, she would be gone.

Unless she was interrupted by a sudden conjuration of fire around her. As Dezeroth became aware that Ilea appeared in front of him, his focus switched and the fire wall collapsed, a shockwave of magic lashing out at nearby troops. It didn't harm much, but a few soldiers recovered quicker than others to take advantage of the sudden unbalance.

During this, the fire wall reappeared within three yards of Dezeroth, springing to life in a circle around him. A few Scaravians jumped back from the sudden element in their midst, but no soldier was hurt more than a passing singe. Karrha had been on the edge of the radius, coming away with a nasty burn along her arm but otherwise alright. Ilea took the full brunt of it, plus a single stinger dart landing on her shoulder. Then, she was gone.

With the fire wall down, Archeos took only a moment to realize before they began to retreat, making way for Leongarde to advance. Kilvas held his troops momentarily, however. He would see what Scaravus would do, first.

[DoughGuy]

As he tried to fall back Hastur found himself unable to get past the fire and stuck in the lines, badly wounded. A stinger noticed the grey armoured man, recognising him as the one with the chains who had been making problems for the spearmen. Aiming his pipe he shot a dart which slammed into the side of Hastur's neck. Without a sound he fell forwards into the fire wall seconds before it went down, his corpse burning slowly.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth, falling to one knee, dragged himself over to one of the stingers, gesturing for the man to come nearer. When he got closer, he whispered "Mages. Battle-priests. Whatever you can find, bring it here. Quickly...Before we must endure another wave...And tell Seraimoiron to wait. Charging in now, while we're so weakened, would be folly...I have no more strength, he's sure to be tired, our men need to switch reserves..."

With this done, he stood, using his sword as a prop, and began limping in a large circle, drawing the beginnings of a new Arcane circle before falling on his knees and filling in the runes with his finger, working his way around. This time, Magic wasn't the problem, but rather the backlash from using so much magic so quickly, and breaking multiple spells multiple times.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: DEFEATED
Disgeran: DEFEATED
Archeos: 9% - In Full Retreat
Leongarde: 33% - Moving to Engage Scaravus in the East-Center
Firanos: 13% - Holding Position in the Center
Scaravus: 23% - Holding Position in the East-Center


Ilea exited her teleport somewhere north of Firanos's position, her wild attempt at escape throwing her awry. Pain wracked her body as she recognized that she was covered in burns and that a Scaravian poison-dart was sticking out of her arm. Removing it as quickly as she could, the Vanquisher of Shadows cast about for her army.

There! she screamed mentally, knowing that those darts were fatal. I need... a Priest! She teleported....

... and she landed in front of her men, gasping in pain. A few men went to her side immediately, all of them calling for a priest. However, there were none. Archeos was regrouping nearby, moving away from Scaravus, and Leongarde was sitting there as if waiting for her to die.

Those fools! Why... are they just standing there...?! Ilea thought fiercely, trying to get to her feet. It was to no avail. Within a few minutes, she would be dead. Archeos, without its General, sounded the full retreat. There would be no glory for them today.

Seraimoiron, satisfied with the Archeon retreat, called for his men to hold steady, panting heavily from the effort of such a prolonged fight. After making sure that Leongarde was not about to charge them, he turned to find a man waiting for him bearing word from the Sergeant.

"He repeats my own thoughts. Reform the lines, make sure fresh men are out first. Bring me our remaining assassins and stingers, and make sure our archers are still set up," the General commanded, men and women scrambling about wearily to give orders.

There were few priests to bring to Dezeroth, about eight bodies in total. Karrha stood nearby nervously, still nursing her wound and attempting to tend to some of the wounded. Her own energy was running thin. One and all hoped that the end of this battle would come soon.

"Leongarde... forward march!" Kilvas commanded, the block formation making its way forward once again. They would be on Scaravus soon.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth had just barely finished his circle when the priests were brought to him, and began drawing circles and runes around them. He was still on the ground and he was still going to have to take it slowly, so he commanded to the Stingers and Assassins: "When I have regained my power, I will be casting something known as a Dark-Flash. It is a potent Illusion magic that essentially stops the light from connecting with the ground for a while. I want you to point yourselves toward the statue. Get an estimate for how much time it'll take you to get there. Then, when the Darkflash comes, charge. You will have only precious moments to make it, and when the Darkflash drops, you must make sure to be absolutely ready to eliminate all Leongarde in the area. Go."

Turning back to his work, he began infusing the circle with magic...

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: DEFEATED
Disgeran: DEFEATED
Archeos: DEFEATED
Leongarde: 33% - Engaging Scaravus in the East-Center
Firanos: 13% - Holding Position in the Center
Scaravus: 23% - Engaging Leongarde in the East-Center


Seraimoiron listened to Dezeroth give orders to the groups shadowy soldiers, nodding to himself as he did so. Unless we bust open Leongarde's block, they won't be able to do a damn thing otherwise... I hope it's worth it. The stingers and assassins nodded at Dezeroth's plan, ready to make it count for whatever it was worth.

When Leongarde came within range, they halted a mere twenty yards from Scaravus, the archers and musketeers opening fire on the nomads. There was little they could do, and Seraimoiron realized he was left with little choice. If we move back and try to bait them, they'll just keep coming at us and picking us off... Damn you, Kilvas.

"For Ik'yamar!!" the Sting roared, Scaravus closing the distance on the block quickly. Everyone made sure to keep off of Dezeroth's circle, but Karrha stayed nearby Dezeroth, bow and arrow in hand. Moving back to merge with the other archers, she began to add her own to their releases, pelting the Leongardians with arrows.

At first, Scaravus could do little against the Leongarde block. Defensively they had the advantage and beyond, able to cut down even spearmen if they got too close to the remaining Shieldguard that made up the front. It was only when Seraimoiron launched a bolt of lightning into the front that the block opened up just enough to make a difference.

"Do not falter! Reform the Block! Keep up the defense!" Kilvas roared, knowing he had the advantage so long as Leongarde kept to his strategy.

[Eddren]

Clapping his hands together, he rammed them into the now powered circle, chanting,

""Meragia, Meragia, recotre mehare."
"Meragia, Meragia, recotre mehare."
"Mortabohi'Meragia unwinto me.""

White energy shot out of the Archeon Priests and into Dezeroth. All of the sudden, his strength returned as his magic-starved muscles were capable of recuperating what they had lost. His blood-magic was once again fed. Standing, he pointed to the sky. "Disger'Arcdibe'Ohj!" The original spell was an invisibility spell, but this simply bent the light away in a huge curtain. The darkness at first only deilluminated the center of the battlefield, but spread in a perfect sphere around the center. Kneeling down, he prepared to keep this up for as long as he could. He knew that Seraimoiron, with his lightning, could illuminate the Leongardians for his allies. However, the Leongardians would be left practically helpless in this situation. Or at least, they would have been helpless...But the Fierans are still in play. Hurry, assassins! Hurry, stingers!

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: DEFEATED
Disgeran: DEFEATED
Archeos: DEFEATED
Leongarde: 23% - Engaging Scaravus in the East-Center
Firanos: 13% - Holding Position in the Center
Scaravus: 13% - Engaging Leongarde in the East-Center


The fighting was underway, and Dezeroth's spell was about to go up. However, something happened then that neither of the two opposing factions expected. Mere moments after they were fully engaged, a massive fireball soared from the direction of Firanos's forces and landed on the front lines, exploding in a massive burst of fire that tore the lines of Leongarde and Scaravus alike asunder.

Both Kilvas and Seraimoiron were tossed away like dolls, the former dismounted heavily while the latter landed nearly as hard on the ground amongst the nomads. The Sting of the Scorpion slowly made his way back onto his feet, burns covering his left side.

"Fucking.. Damn... it all..." Seraimoiron cursed, still on one knee and unable to get up further.

"Dammit... Seron..." Kilvas managed, unable to move from his place on the ground. Though the front of the block was obliterated, Leongarde slowly managed to reform a front line, much further back than the original one, leaving the block about 30% (guess-estimate) shorter.

"Bullseye!" Seron exclaimed, grinning deviously. There were only a few fire mages left, but he had been working with them for a while, managing to gather enough magic to form the attack just seen. "Come Xuan, now we-"

At that moment, Dezeroth's spell came into effect, drowning the battlefield (or at least, from their perspective) in absolute darkness. Per their orders, Assassins and Stingers set out immediately, working blindly, though the assassins were used to working under these conditions. Their senses were heightened enough to manage slightly better than others.

"What... the hell is this...?" Kilvas muttered, leaning quite heavily on a fellow Knight.

"Likely that mage from before, milord," the knight said, indicating the one the Fierans had mentioned.

"Blast... it... all..." Kilvas managed. "I... can't... fight... like this..." He panted heavily, his energy depleted, his stamina gone. Not to mention the pain from that fall was atrocious.

"Should we fall back, sir?"

"Not... yet... We... are disciplined... Fight... as I have... commanded..."

"Sir!" Within moments, orders were sent out, Leongarde slowly regrouping and trying to figure out where they were and what they needed to do.

Scaravus was managing a little worse, Seraimoiron unable to manage a thing in this darkness. If I light up anything around me, it'll be a beacon for Leongarde... Blast it, mage! Gah, I suppose there's nothing to do but go for it. Holding aloft his blade, lightning sparkled into a point at the end of it, lighting up a wide area around himself.

"Scaravus! Rally to me!" he roared, coughing heavily after the effort. After that, he got an idea. Launching the orb skyward, the Sting charged it with energy, which caused it to strike like a true lightning bolt. Therefore, it went towards the highest object nearby, with preference for metal.

The Shieldguard had no idea what was coming for him, his spear channeling the electricity like a lightning rod. It lit up the area around him nicely, too, revealing Leongarde's position. However, Leongarde had also seen where Seraimoiron had been.

"Charge!!" both sides roared, moving towards the other. The battle had begun again.

During this time, however, the assassins and stingers had made their way to the very center, a mere meter of space lit up by the statue's orb. Blue, Brown, and Red spiraled within the orb's energy, revealing that all three remaining factions were within the vicinity.

We just need to figure out where they are... the ranking assassin thought, hissing a quiet order to his men behind him. There was nothing telling them where the Leongardians or the Fierans were...

However, the main Fieran army was now lit up. Orbs of fire floated ten feet in any direction from the army's bulk, lighting up enough ground for everyone to see them as well as for them to see anyone approach.

"Hold position..." Seron ordered. "We have the advantage so long as we have light."

[Eddren]

Dezeroth could see that the central orb had been lit up, so he drastically reduced the size of the orb to only being within the vicinity of the orb. He knew the assassins and Stingers could do their work, and with the shield that small he wouldn't need to devote absolute concentration to it. Now seeing that the Fierans had begun their march, he pointed to the sky above Leongarde. With Seraimoiron's help, I can eliminate their front lines in one go. "Blosmaqueos. The blood from around the battlefield shifted, forming into an enormous ball above the Leongardians. As a hint to Seraimoiron about what, exactly, to do with it, he spoke another word. "Aerefrios." Lightning cackled from his fingers, striking the blood and electrifying it. Come on, Seraimoiron. This is your best chance. Giving him a few moments, Dezeroth would then drop the orb.

[Jacogos]

Army Status
Aeregos: DEFEATED
Disgeran: DEFEATED
Archeos: DEFEATED
Leongarde: 13% - Engaging Scaravus in the East-Center
Firanos: 13% - Charging Leongarde in the East-Center
Scaravus: 8% - Engaging Leongarde in the East-Center


Suddenly, there was light again, all but around the statue. Heartened by this, the two factions continued at it, Seraimoiron helping his faction to the best of his slowly draining ability.

I'm at my end... we need to finish this... he thought to himself, striking down one more Sheildguard with a lightning fast blow. When the man's blood began to rise, however, the General almost lept out of his skin.

"Sergeant..." he murmured, preparing himself and moving back into his forces. The blood rose, cumulatiing above the Leongardians in a large sphere. What are you up to...? For a moment, it hung there, waiting. Then, it began to spark with electricity, and Seraimoiron got the signal. Dishing out the last of his energy, the Sting of the Scorpion launched a bolt of energy into the blood, which dropped onto the Leongarde front-lines.

It was only a moment before then that Kilvas noticed the blood movement as well, his vision going skyward. What the hell....? Then, the spark.

"Leon- gah..." Kilvas coughed heavily. I think I might have a pierced lung... "Leongarde! Up shields!!" he managed, his order managing to get around quickly. Every able warrior not engaged in battle brought their shields above their head, causing the blood to splash upon it. The electrical charge passed through the metal easily, numbing many warriors' arms, but the brunt of the damage was avoided. The blood splashed off of the metal and, due to their proximity to each other, eventually splashed off onto either side of the army, a bit slipping through the cracks.

Scaravus took advantage of the distraction to press the attack, cutting through the warriors quickly. It took a moment for Leongarde to prepare again, but most were down an arm. Scaravus had an advantage for a moment.

With the darkness lifted, Seron knew it was time to rejoin the fight.

"Alright, Firanos... Charge!!" he roared. The flaming army spurred forward, aimed at a the rear of Leongarde.

Meanwhile, the assassins and stingers slowly began to make their way around, searching for the representatives from the other two factions. After a moment, the assassins found something, designating the stingers to go in. After a moment, the targets were struggling on the ground, fighting with the poison that coursed in their veins. Slowly, the blue disappeared from the orb.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth had figured they wouldn't just let the blood hit them like a hammer. Fortunately, Leangarde had allowed it to divvy to both sides. Sweeping his hand toward the Fierans, he shouted "Blosmqueos'Friregos Wablost!" The blood slithered to the side of the Scaravus army that Firanos would be flanking, before freezing solid. Knowing that they'd be targetting him next, he began moving toward his own army's flank, trying to think of something he could do...Looking down, he was greeted with bodies. And their discarded weapons.

Standing his ground, he rose his hands into the air. "Blade Miroe!" The weapons around him leapt up, even as Dezeroth fell down. Once again, he'd expended a great deal of energy at once, and his body was failing to compensate. The magic was within his body, but since it had all been pulled at once, even his blood was feeling the effects. However, he pointed toward the Fieran army and the weapons of all the fallen around him shot to bring further harm. I am unsure as to how many blades that will bring. Or how many they will end. I can only hope that it's enough...

[Jacogos]

The blood solidified at the rear of Leongarde, causing the Fierans to have to halt or run headlong into it. Seron frowned, wondering why the Scaravian mage (as there was no doubt this was his work by this point) would protect Leongarde.

This is suspicious... But there's no reason not to keep up the attack! Fire lept from his spear, melting through the ice wall and hitting some of the Leongardians on the other side. The small group of melee units managed to hold on, shields up after the wall had appeared, but now Leongarde's ranged units were wide open. Firanos capitalized on it, charging in with their remaining forces while their magi and archers unleashed fire and arrows from above, mostly focused on the area where Scaravus and Leongarde engaged.

Kilvas was at a loss for words, knowing that his strategy was now crumbling due to this attack.

"Re...treat... Save your lives while you still can..." Kilvas murmured, weakly trying to whistle for his horse. Vigilance had succumbed to the electrical blood, however, the poor animal twitching even in death from the electrical impulses through its muscles. Leongarde slowly began to try regrouping, attempting to make their way away from the other two armies. Kilvas himself could not move by himself, but the Knight steadfastly kept trying to aid his General in getting out alive.

At that moment, Dezeroth's next attack flew by, soaring over Leongarde and striking into the Fierans, cutting down a good number. Most of the weapons overkilled their targets, but the tactic still managed to do damage. Seron escaped with a cut in his side, swearing lightly.

"Leave Leongarde! Aim for Scaravus!" Seron commanded, Xuan taking up the command and the last two factions charging into the fray. Seraimoiron stood where he was, panting and unable to gather up any more energy.

"They still have two Generals... And likely they're still at enough strength to deal with us all..." he muttered to himself. Looking around, he tried to find the Sergeant, wondering if he was still alive.

Meanwhile, Karrha separated from the archers, moving towards Dezeroth's fallen form. Oh... Ik'yamar, help us... we need your aid, and we need it soon! The last bit of her healing went into the Sergeant, trying to keep him conscious at least, possibly even getting him back on his feet.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth nodded weakly. "Thank you," He managed, and looked on. Slowly, he began walking while nodding to himself. "Thank goodness. The Fierans are in range. Run ahead. As fast as you can. Tell Seraimoiron that the Fierans need to be baited under that wall, under any costs. Then, once you've done that, I need you to go to the orb with some other arches. Set up outside of it with bows drawn. When I lower the field, I want you to be capable of taking out any remaining resistance. GO!" He made his way toward the battleground, now focusing his energy on the blood-wall. It had gone to a far better location than he had anticipated, and this was just what the Scaravus soldiers needed. Weaking the magic supporting the bottom of the wall, he prepared to collapse the entire thing once the Fierans were fully under it, and once it was only the Fierans fully under it. This would be his last trick; the rest would rely on their possession of the Orb.

[Jacogos]

Karrha nodded, running forward a little haphazardly at first, but soon getting to Seraimoiron without fall over. She explained Dezeroth's request, getting a vague nod from the Sting.

"Good to see you both still alive... I hope this one will end it... I see no other alternative." Moving forward, the General began to give his orders to the last few remaining men.

It was at that moment, however, that the orb in the center filled over with brown, glowing bright. The assassins pulled their weapons from the fallen Fierans and suddenly everything changed as a massive sandstorm blew in from the east.

The storm easily covered the entire battlefield, but all that was important was that Firanos's fires snuffed out and they could barely see anything from the sand in their eyes. Scaravus, however, was barely affected, all of them trained in the desert's storms to the point of proficiency in them. Not only that, but the magical storm seemed to allow them a lot more vision than it naturally would, which gave them an even heavier edge.

Just what we needed... Seraimoiron thought, directing his men to begin leading Firanos.

Seron and Xuan stood at a loss for words, each trying to shield their eyes with their arms and cloth from their clothes.

"Blast it all, what is this shit?" Seron hissed, closing his eyes for lack of a better way to keep out the sand.

"I think they took the artifact... Seraimoiron can't conjure anything like this..." Xuan answered, the Dragon Hunter swearing under his breath.

"Bring everyone close! I have an idea!" Seron said, holding a ball of fire over his head as a beacon. Fierans slowly began to accumulate around their Generals, most making their way slowly and carefully as the sandstorm made vision all but impossible. Not to mention the Scaravian pressure was still affecting some of them, men getting slaughtered while blinded due to the nomads being largely unaffected.

[Eddren]

Dezeroth nodded, smirking, as the sandstorm came. With the way things were, the orb hardly needed to be kept up, so he dropped it. However, the Mage was not about to let this advantage go unused. Picking his way through the sand and bodies, he made his way over to the Orb. [i]Alright...[i] Segmenting the all into smaller bits that could crash individually, he'd begin letting the magical support go in areas where there were lots of Fierans and not a whole lot of Scaravus warriors. He, of course, was not so stupid as to not give them ample warning, and so he'd also make sure that there was enough magical support that the snapping and groaning from the ice breaking was easily heard by the Scaravus warriors--And seen by them, as well--Before they collapsed on the soldiers below. However, any who did not heed that warning would receive no further protection.

[Jacogos]

Scaravians, with their vision unhindered, managed to avoid Dezeroth's falling blocks of blood-ice overall. Firanos wasn't so lucky. At first, the noise set the off, but without knowing what was going on, they didn't realize that the trouble was coming crashing down on them. Quite a few Fierans were crushed under the falling chunks.

Seron, however, wasn't about to have that. That's it, we're not about to lose because of some bloody dirt! Shoving his spear skyward, flames lept up around his gathered army, a pillar of fire surrounding them and coming to a close above them. For a moment, that's all it was, but after a moment Seron shoved both arms outward, making the pillar burst outward for a few meters. Though the Scaravians had kept clear of the pillar, they hadn't expected it to do that, and a few were burned alive while others got cuts from falling shards of superheated glass.

With this done, there was a momentary glimpse of the battlefield around them that allowed Seron to scan the area. That was all he needed.

"Firanos, this way!" he commanded, his last few hundred or so men following after him along with Xuan. Their destination was towards the the statue, where they should be able to cancel out the Scaravian advantage.

However, there were already men lined up to stop them, the last available spearmen lined up to keep the Fierans under the ice wall. Seraimoiron stood with them, steadily drawing up a little more energy.

This is your chance Dezeroth... Take them out! he thought fiercely.

[Eddren]

With the blocks now down and the Fierans charging them, he went up to the spearmen. "Spears down. Brace yourselves; they're going to be caught between the ice-blocks and yourself. Be ready." With that, he gestured toward the ice-blocks, pulling them toward him. Knowing, however, that the Scaravians might very well not be able to simply stop all the Fierans, he gestured to the discarded weapons around them. "Blades!" The weapons leaping to fill in any gaps left by the human soldiers, he nodded to them. "Let's do this."

If the Fierans were somehow able to avoid being forced into the assorted weapons by the ice-cube avalanche behind them, then Dezeroth would shoot the blades out with a simple "Miroe!" However, barring that, he'd wait until they'd been forced into the initial attack before pointing to the ground. "Scarv'Attraccum, Firanos!" The words would cause the sand to congregate around the legs and feet of the Fierans before being fired up into glass. He then shouted "STINGERS! LEAVE THE ASSASSINS TO GUARD THE ORB! FIRE ON THE FIERANS!"

[Jacogos]

With the storm still swirling, there was no way for them to realize that they were walking into a trap. To Seron's eyes, the spear point appeared almost out of nowhere from the sandstorm, nearly skewering him. He just barely managed to stop and reverse his momentum, the Scaravian spearman realizing too late that he could've extended to take out the General of the Fieran army.

The rest of the Fieran forces were not so observant, spearing themselves upon the Scaravian forces and Dezeroth's enchanted weapons. After the first group had been hit, the Scaravians were unable to really spear any more men, so Dezeroth's weapons were launched, effectively felling the next 'wave' of men.

By this time, Seron had recovered enough to quickly send out a sort burst of fire to either side of himself, stopping his warriors in their tracks and preventing them from running headlong into the Scaravian onslaught. However, this gave Dezeroth enough time to move on to his next attack: the sand. Even Seron was surprised when Scaravus's own essence began to formulate around his legs, but he had a feeling he knew what was going to happen next.

As soon as the fire came, Seron overrode the fire closest to himself, allowing himself to break free of the sand now that Dezeroth had moved onto a different spell. However, his forces weren't so lucky. Even Xuan was unable to break free right away. As the stingers came over, Xuan flipped his swords downward and shoved them into the glass, managing to break it enough to free himself.

At that moment, arrows began ripping through the Fierans, Karrha and her fellows repositioned to the sides, far away enough that the red army had no idea they had were there. The bolts seemed to come from all sides, thinning the last few Fierans down to only a few dozen.

Seron and Xuan, both sporting a few arrow wounds, had no other choice.

"Anywhere but here... Retreat!" they said, trying to escape in any direction that did not have spears or arrows.

[Eddren]

He motioned for the Stingers to make sure they didn't turn back before going over to Seraimoiron. "Well," He panted, "If this has proven anything, it's that we need a damned school of magicians. With that, he collapsed onto his knees. "Our plans were a little ambitious...But we proved victorious in the end." Too bad this isn't likely to be real...

[Jacogos]

Seraimoiron laid a hand on the mage's shoulder, adrenaline slowly leaving him and allowing him to feel just how far he had had to push his body.

"With any luck, you will lead them. Your efforts brought us victory, Sergeant. There's no doubting that," he said, looking around at his men. After a few moments, the sandstorm subsided, the artifact's orb settling back into the gray color. The remaining Scaravians stood amongst the dead bodies of four factions, the other two on the other side of the battlefield.

"So much death... And yet I have no idea why this slaughter was necessary..." Seraimoiron murmured, looking around. "Regardless, we march for home now. There is no longer a place for us here..."


http://i45.tinypic.com/2lmtqfc.png


Men and women of every faction, across all of Deiranar, woke in cold sweat almost simultaneously, the greatest span being ten minutes apart. Time moved differently in a dream, after all... Those that had died woke shuddered, jolting from their beds or sleeping pads or other arrangements in a rush as they seemingly narrowly escaped death.

It was all just a dream... so many of them would think or say, slowly settling back to their beds to try and return to sleep.

General Narezayn woke up moments after he 'left battlefield', casting around in confusion. One moment, he had been fighting back sorrow due to Nabo's death, recently leaving a battlefield that had been his place of death.

"It was just a dream...?" he asked the air, peering at the fabric of the tent around him. They were camped in Paladin Grove... Right... Then... Where had he just been...?

"That couldn't have just been any old dream..." Ilea muttered, still clutching her chest as her heart raced from the near death experience. "I..." She didn't want to admit how scared she had been. "You're a fool," she admonished herself.

Mythros opened his own eyes, concern painting his normally stoic face. "Was I... dreaming?" he asked the air, confusion lacing his voice. Surely he had just been meditating a moment ago... Sleep was a luxury he no longer needed since his... well, death. "And a daydream isn't normally that... real... or controlling."

Something interesting was going on in the world... "I wonder if this is his doing..." Mythros muttered, returning to his meditation.

"Only a dream..." Seron told himself, frustrated with his failure. "It was only a dream... It doesn't count, does it? Why would I have dreamed myself losing... Especially when I was that close...? A nightmare, surely... Or... something else...?" Wracking his mind, Seron sat down on his floor and tried to settle himself down, calming his mind slowly.

Kilvas woke stiffly, darkness encasing his vision. I'm too old to be dreaming like that... Kilvas thought, not even bothering to get up from where he was. He heard a small sound and turned his head slowly, the faint form of his wife sitting up in the bed barely able to be discerned from the rest of the room.

"Are you okay, Leonard...?" her voice filled with concern that was so normally absent from it. She had accepted his choice of profession long ago and knew that he would always return to her before he died. But now...

"A dream, my dear Rosaline... Just a dream," he said, reaching up to place a reassuring hand on her cheek. Oh, if only it was...

Across the desert from the Gray Mane, Seraimoiron awoke slowly, staring up at the sky with a curious expression on his face. A... dream? he thought, slowly rising. "Surely it was more than that..." he said aloud, reaching to his beside his sleeping mat to feel his blade. "I remember it all so clearly... so... thoroughly..." Like the pain...

"I will speak to Al'tajin about this..." he told himself, rising slowly. "Surely he will know..."

So many had experienced the dream, and so many more would experience worse in their lives.

The war was not over and there were many more battles to be fought...

Both on the battlefield...

And in one's own mind.