[M] Battle of Paradisuto

[Tolvo]

When Destrin arrived he heard them nonstop. Trebuchets. The sound of ropes tightening, axes cutting, and massive stones soaring through the sky. They slammed into and hammered the walls of Paradisuto. With how thick they were it could take ages, they'd need the cannons to start tearing down the walls. But why they hadn't been moved was readily apparent. On the walls stood hulking mountain trolls, gigantic rust and stone colored scaled creatures that lobbed their own boulders back. Their range did not beat the trebuchets, but it was close enough to make any advancement dangerous.

From here the city looked perverted. Bodies had been set upon pikes all along the walls. Flags which had long held were torn asunder and left smoking in the wind. Ditches had been dug all around and circling above the city was a host of demonic creatures. A single spire in the center of the castle stood out and from there a white flame flickered atop it.

Destrin was hurried through the camp with an escort of knights there for his protection. Apparently they had heard about the attempt made on his life. He was greeted by the lowlands captain who walked into a grand tend with him.

Inside were three powerful figures. Destrin recognized Gianluigi who gave him a slight nod. The other two were easy enough to guess. One was a tall battle scarred man with a crown atop his head. He had a thick gray beard and short cut white hair. Already he was in his armor, with a sword on his hip. This was King Richgarde, the High King of the Southern Kingdoms. He was detailing supply lines and paths in case they were to need to retreat.

Across from him at the other end of the table was the Monarch of Magnif. They had gone a long way out of the way to join the Western front, but had been a considerable help with their cavalry. They stood in their gilded armor nearly shining with what little light there was. With arms folded the monarch Narcisse listened intently.

Gianluigi motioned to Destrin. "Ah good you've arrived. Destrin we have the plans mostly drawn up. I'll take the left flank, you the right. His lordship King Richgarde will be taking up the center. And their lordship Monarch Narcisse will lead the cavalry and coordinate them. As you can tell we've already started the siege and have been hitting them for weeks now to no avail. A few skirmishes broke out here and there, but nothing substantive."

Narcisse added, "It has been quite troubling. You'd think such beasts would blindly charge. I'm afraid I underestimate their intelligence. We had heard General Pilla was there but I had not ascertained his wit. Still, we'll defeat them surely." Richgarde pointed at the map to the front of the castle. "I expect they will meet us in a field battle of their choosing. They can climb the walls with ease so expect a heavy push when we get in close range to scale the walls. They'll likely counter charge us. I want to be ready to pepper the walls with bullets, quarrel, and arrow, before our forces attempt to land upon them."

[Eddren]

Destrin glanced down at the map, put a hand to his chin, and shook his head. It just wouldn't be enough, and the Commander could tell it. "Ah'm gunna lay it ta ya straight. Ah don't think we'll be able ta win if we take this sorta strategy. Nothin' 'gainst our men're anythin', but large battles like this--They favor these sorts o' brutes more'n they do us." He jabbed a finger down at the city, "An' this's gunna be tha killin' blow ta us. Frankly, even if we get ta' tha walls, it won't mean anythin', 'cause tha only ones they're stoppin're us."

He took another , deeper look at it. He was frowning. It was obvious that, even for Destrin, this was looking like it'd be a challenge. Then a sly grin hit his face. It was about time for a change in strategy. Something bold, something unique. Something very....Destrin. "Ah'm sorry, good King, but ah'd like it if everyone 'ere could pardon my madness a tad." He glanced over to the Trebuches were, "Speakin' completely hypothetically 'ere an' all, but ah've got two big questions: If we got, say, ten, mayhaps even twelve--'Ell, let's shoot fer tha stars, 'ere. Twenty o' the most effective soldiers in our army, the twenty who could best take on a whole fuckin' Demon army on their own an' come out alive, an' managed ta get them behind tha walls o' the enemy, d'ya think they could get tha gates open, an' survive long enough fer tha cavalry ta break through an' usher in reinforcements?"

He looked everyone in the eye. The question was dead serious. He wasn't asking making up some sort of theory, here. The man clearly had a plan. "And on that train o' thought, about 'ow far can those Trebuches o' ours lob, say--A steel statue? An' about 'ow fast d'ya think it'd take it ta' land?"

The plan was formulating well. The Inquisitor he'd had go ahead and make plans for infiltrating the Demon realm using Demon spies and human handlers. They should still be on the inside, meaning that Destrin might be able to count on a small group of reinforcements. He could leave the combat to his second-in-command, and the Lowlands Captain, with some general instructions on how to advance upon the city. They'd need to get the cavalry wedged in between the inevitable battle-line and the gate, but an aggressive push should do just the thing. A sally port. That's what we need. If they started off bold, striking at a main gate and fixing it in place, they could potentially create a large enough distraction to get Cavalry in through such a sally port. From there, they could easily bypass the walls without worry of Siege engines. The large problem was going to be surviving for long enough...

Destrin held up a hand. "My Apologies, everyone, we need another 'elper fer this kinda plan." He walked over to the opening, stuck his head out, and shouted, "Oi! Someone go grab me Grecious! I need an update on the status o' some things! An' Jogarl, too!" Before walking back to the table.

[Tolvo]

Jogarl was nowhere to be found. Grecious came after a bit of time. All the while King Richgarde seemed to be a bit dumbfounded by Destrin's plan. He didn't appear angry, he did not yell at Destrin. Instead the old king was just confused. He relaid their plans to bear as if Destrin simply hadn't listened. The Monarch stifled a giggle at the affairs unfolding before them. "Gianluigi said you were entertaining." Prince Gianluigi huffed then calmed down after a moment. "Destrin you're not leading the charge on this one!"

Narcisse spread their hand out over the map. "I was informed by my chevaliers that this one can turn people into steel. As silly as his plan sounds I see what he wants to do." Grecious touched a low hanging lamp that had yet to be lit. "There are a few that could work to help get the gates open. But that's all they'd do. Bunch of cowards they are."

Some more figures entered the tent. It was the Dominion's leaders. With them was a frightening looking woman, Khanna. Kurush and Salha led them and their captains. The Desert Storm was coated in wrappings that looked rather warm. Richgarde yet again repeated his plans to them. The Monarch fanned theirself. Prince Gianluigi kept staring at the maps when suddenly it clicked. "Destrin wants us to turn our best into statues then launch them, then un-statue-ify them? It'll never work!" Kurush looked to his left and right, "What is going on here?"

[cashpop]

It was loud and irritating. The musk of unwashed, muddy, and sweaty bodies of warriors wafted into Khanna's nose, furthering her annoyance. The musk only intensified when entering a tent. She could only imagine having to endure the odor when getting close to one of those demons. If that wasn't enough, Khanna was deprived of witnessing a glorious wall of fire and explosion of the Dominion's cannons because apparently some giant trolls decided it's fun to throw rocks around.

It became very apparent to all those that would turn their heads toward Khanna when she entered the tent that she woke up on the wrong side of the bed this lovely morning. Looking around, she could see valuable individuals standing about, valuable potential targets, especially the one with the crown. She also noticed a rather stout, but muscly individual standing among them. His equipment and scars seem to suggest he was a brute in the field. If sent loose, he would make a lovely mess of things, she'd bet.

For now, she simply stood hooded with her arms crossed and eyes on the map, awaiting explanation.

[Eddren]

Destrin chuckled, "Well, ah like ta think that my battles're always a bit o' a show, an' a bit o' a game. But ah think you'll 'ave plenty o' time ta see fer yerself. An' yer right. Ah can turn people inta steel." He gestured to Grecious as he entered, giving the update he'd...Well, really hoped would be a little better. "An' we 'ave jus' the person I wanted ta see 'ere, now, so ah can show ya just 'ow tha plan'd work."

Destrin glanced over at the prince and shook his head. "Other way 'round, ah'm afraid. Ya can't cut off their lines fully, 'cause they've got more mobility'n we do, an' we can't hope ta' win in an upfront fight, 'cause if we fight outside tha walls, we've lost afore we even began an' otherwise we 'ave no way inside. But!" The Commander grinned, "Tha city's a 'ole diff'rent story, though. 'Ow many o' those buildings, ya think, are built with tha' fightin' style o' demons in mind? Tha inside o' the city is tha best terrain fer us ta' fight in, because our men're better trained ta use it. Usually, we'd jus' break out tha siege engines an' tear inta tha gates, but they 'ave demons that mostly make those sorts o' measures useless."

Destrin went ahead and traced a line over the map from the trebuchet line to the inner city walls. "A straight shot. No chance o' the rocks o' tha Demons interceptin' our soldiers, an' no extended fight. Twenty o' our best in, ta take tha inside. Those twenty'll first take a main gate--Grecious'll get out a signal, an' get our spies inta position ta take one o' tha smaller gates. The main un'll be a distraction, allowin' fer tha internal makeup o' tha forces ta favor one region over another."

He now pointed toward Narcisse's forces, "Now, ah'm sure ya don't want any unnecessary casualties, but frankly, yer soldiers didn't used ta live in this city. Tha King's good men did, so ya'd probably take more goin' inta tha city than 'is would. That bein' said, as soon as they figure their gates ain't droppin', they'll be expectin' a 'ard push from us. So we need ta' give 'em one, so that tha jig doesn't play itself out. Yer forces would best be used ta' engage tha enemy at the main gate, where they'll prolly send out a force ta meet ya. Tha battle won't be in yer favor--At all, really--But ya don't have ta fight those odds fer long."

Destrin now pointed to the King's forces, "Tha King 'ere," He bowed his head having said so, "Sorry fer my impudence, anyhow, jus' try'na make sure we take as little casualties as possible--The King's forces 'ave tha best cavalry in tha Kingdom. An' that's good, because we need tha distance between tha sally gate an' our lines closed as soon as possible. Tha demons might get tha gate open, but they're cowards--I dunno 'ow long they'll keep it open. So once it's open, we need tha Cavalry ta be quick as all hell, 'cause they need ta take tha region right quick. Afterward, my men'll take ta tha walls an' attempt ta wrest control away from tha Demons. They're used ta concentrated charges, so ah think tha walls should be a better fight fer us if we're keepin' 'em in than it would be try'na keep 'em out."

Destrin now gestured from the sally port he proposed the demon infiltrators open to the main gate, "From there, tha King's forces should make fer tha main gate an' attempt ta get it open. Wit' that outta tha way, Monarch's forces should be able ta' advance an' reinforce, jus' as soon as the Prince's an' my men 'ave cleared tha walls. After that, it's jus' a matter o' securin' tha last gates an' cleanin' tha trash."

He looked up at them, waiting for their analysis. He already knew the plan sounded like madness--Actually, if they had some way of reliably opening up the gates, it would be perfectly sane. But to hinge the entire plan on approximately thirty people, at most--Forty, if the handlers were accounted for as well--Was unprecedented. The fact of the matter was, though, that Destrin was confident. He knew the power of their paladins, the power of his own Generals, and more importantly--His own power. His people could make this happen. The Dominion had to have people who could help. And he'd already witnessed some true badasses from the ranks of the Prince. The King should be no exception. "Ah can guarantee ya this--They'll survive tha landing. An' ah myself believe 'nough in this, ah'll go as well. This plan can work. It sounds crazy as all 'ell, even I can see it, but it's no crazier'n tryna lay siege ta tha largest army o' Demons we've seen yet when they've got not only solid walls, but apparently a strategist o' their own as well. An' worst case scenario, ya lose twenty o' yer finest--You'll replace 'em quicker'n ya would twenty thousand blades."

[cashpop]

Before anyone could have a chance to offer their opinions on how this plan was suicidal and stupid, Khanna smirked. "I like it." She nodded, her golden bangs jostled. "We get behind the stitching, unhook the armor to allow the sword to thrust in." Khanna stepped forth past Kurush to glance at the map. "The strike force will also have the element of surprise as the demons would simply see the 'statues' and most likely ignore them." Khanna herself wasn't sure if this power nor was she so trusting, but it was either this or to sit here for several more weeks of bashing heads together with no progress made.

"Of course, I do have concerns. Obviously, if we are to be shot past the walls, we best be sure our landings are ideal and close. No doubt some of the strike force could be wedged inside a building or up a troll's ass if not shot properly. The moment the statues are 'restored', the demons would be upon the strike force relentlessly, just as intended. However, that will make it that much more difficult to take the main gate. The gate of which those trolls are perched upon. As you know, even if the main and smaller gates are open, those trolls with their rocks could easily bowl over the calvary before they even reach them, that is if the calvary were able to get past the demons in the battlefield. And if they did, the trolls would simply leap down and use their enormous bodies to block the entrances and take out whole lines of calvary with swings of their mauls. Before the calvary can advance, those trolls are needed to be dealt with or at the very least to thin out a sizable portion of them, and I doubt a small strike force of twenty or so would be enough. But maybe I can. All I need is a good position. Probably in one those stone turrets on the walls." With those trolls lined up on the wall as they are, this could be possible. The strike force would need to trudge through demons in the city before they can reach the gate. That would take too long, and she would move faster without having baggage weighing her down.

Khanna then turned her head toward Kurush. "Governor, have the cannons advance the moment those trolls are down or thinned out. Once the gates are dropped, the cannons should concentrate fire upon the demons around the gates. That will allow a much smoother passage for the calvary to charge through. Oh, and I should inform Usha to lead my own calvary behind the Kingdom's. I'm sure he will love that. If it wasn't already obvious, I volunteer to be shot...from a trebuchet, as well an assassin I shall bring with. The rest of my mercenaries will be fine on their own." She then narrowed her eyes upon Destrin as if implying that he better not leave her and the Dominion soldiers to be left as statues. After that brief of moment of glaring, she addressed Kurush once more. "I ask that you provide some your own best fighters to volunteer. If they refuse, offer to triple their pay." Khanna glanced away, but then turned back. "Oh, and...I would like a butcher to be brought along with, if there is one hanging around. Most likely in the food tent."

Finally Khanna turned toward Salha, the Desert Storm herself. With respect and reverence deserved to one with such power and reputation, Khanna spoke. "Shall you lend us your power for this battle?"

[Tolvo]

Kurush nodded. "Yes I planned to move in our siege weaponry when the trolls are dealt with. Or provided the opportunity with culverines we could attempt to snipe the trolls. If they are out of cover from behind the walls and are throwing stones we have a chance of hitting them." Gianluigi groaned audibly. "Destrin you are such a headache you can never just do things the simple way!" Narcisse was rather amused. They brushed off their shoulders. "Truth be told it doesn't alter plans too much. He can have his strike force and we can still keep our main army formations. As well I planned to do a lot of magnificent charges today, what is but one more for me and my knights? Though-" The Monarch poked Destrin on the nose. "-Our dear king does not have the greatest cavalry in the land, I do." Richgarde nodded and seemed to still went over the original battle plans.

Afterwards he looked around at everyone and threw his arms in the air. "Fine, whatever. He can have the strike force. Maybe I should just take a gatehouse myself on a flying Pegasus." Kurush was startled by this and pressed a hand on his chest, "You have a Pegasus?" "Of course I do I'm the High King. And I never joke around. This is serious. With all of the commotion they'll be causing I'll fly out there and capture a gatehouse my damn self. I'm not letting anyone steal my glory." Salha raised a hand and blew a gust of wind through the tent knocking about important papers, thankfully Richgarde still had a hand on the map. "Bravado, suicidal tactics, is this what we joined with the Southern Kingdoms to do, join them in death?" Some of the soldiers present put their hands to their blades but the High King raised a hand to halt them. She continued, "I can pledge my powers to this battle. And keep the wind at our backs, letting our missiles fly further and our flyers reach them more quickly. Do not expect me to join in whatever idiotic crusade you plan behind the enemy walls. I'd rather just weather the city with a true storm."

[Eddren]

Destrin chuckled. It always made him laugh how mad people thought him when he proposed these kinds of antics, but the truth was that the situation was just that--Completely in the Demon's favor. It'd take a risky play to take the city back, and this was the best calculated risk they could take. A total of twenty...Well, twenty one, now that tha High King's joinin' us soldiers. "Ah, don't be like that Prince. Ah've yet ta use a plan ah didn't think wouldn't work. An' any plan o' mine that succeeds always brings a huge profit!"

He looked over to the rest of the generals at the table. It looked like, for the most part, they were coming around to his idea. More likely than not, the idea of a glorious charge of twenty elite soldiers spoke to their egos, but to Destrin, it was cold calculus. Twenty soldiers, even lead by a good general, wouldn't sway the battle. And Destrin himself had a solid spy network to bust him out, should he get captured. The High King would be similarly protected. "Ah'm glad. If all our Generals were in tha city at once, ah can't image our Armies'd be that efficient, eh? An' a counter-attack'd be pretty devastating, too." With calm poise, he picked up a few of the scattered papers nearby and placed them on the table. "Anyway, tha line between idiocy an' genius is in whether ya succeed or not. Ah'm pretty sure we'll succeed, so it's genius." Well, my part o' tha plan, anyway. The High King? That's jus' reckless.

[cashpop]

Usually the best of plans were the most risky. How can one earn the most gold if he is too shy to wager it all?

This plan was indeed risky, but it was the only plan that can be relied on. Khanna was obviously not going to sit idly by and shoot lazily at the ranks of demons for weeks on end. However, she knew this was a big gamble as it would only be her, her own assassin, some Dominion men, and this man's stoutness with his cohorts against a horde of demons and monsters. Not only that, she must place more trust than necessary for this man they call Destrin. Of course, she was not too worried about being left behind as a statue. If Destrin did not want another faction on his plate to worry about, he'd do well to be sure to attend to her once the strike force was deployed. Funny how Khanna would trust one clearly with not much class and of another faction, more than even some her own governors. That was saying something. How strange his name sounds nearly similar to Destruin.

This battle was the first the two factions joined forces and this would either help tie this alliance together or set it on a path to ruin and betrayal. It was obvious who her first target would be if it comes to that.

Khanna nodded to both Kurush and Salha. Now the only thing that was left was to prepare for the launch and perhaps inform a butcher. "Destrin." She said to the man. "I place my faith in you to see this through. I hope you do well to keep me and my men alive as I and they will with yours. We are after all...allies..."

[Tolvo]

Everyone got to work on the plan. To test their aim with the trebuchets they launched sacks of earth filled with enough weight to match that of the average human. After a few tosses they managed a good deal landing around the main gatehouse. Grecious took to a raven and used it to send a message into the city. Hopefully the demons would think little of a simple bird. With preparations done the High King took off on his flying gleaming white horse towards the city. Each trebuchet was ready and loaded each fool-hero into their position. When released they'd be sent flying. As planned Destrin turned them each to statues and they were released.

Wind from the flight hit every steel statue as they flew. They could see, hear, but not really feel. Down below the fields looked very corrupted, the ground was sick with demonic disease. Richgarde landed before they did as he had left earlier. They could see him fighting for his life as demons swarmed him. With sword in hand he cleaved rows of them apart and began to work on opening the gate. His Pegasus helped him by kicking and ramming into monsters that went after him.

Then there was a loud ringing in their ears as they landed.

Khanna landed in the street just outside of the gatehouse. Even when made of steel it had hurt a deal landing, she had broken the stone where she hit. Down the streets were minotaurs that began to charge in her direction howling. Someone rushed past her, a knight in golden wolf armor with a large shield and sword. One of those they had sent with them. "I'll hold them off get the gate open!" Through windows Khanna could see demon infused people, but they didn't look enraged. They were afraid, clinging to their demonic friends and families as they hid during the battle. One house had been struck and from within it barged out a stout and robust man with a tankard. As he stepped out he opened his mouth releasing a swarm of bees he had kept within. "Fly and sting kill the monsters let them know the might of Hogarl!"

When Destrin's eyes had opened he realized he had landed atop the main gatehouse. He'd hit it dead on and landed exactly where he wanted to. Unfortunately everyone else missed and was either in the streets below or on the walls where they now fought for their lives. Looming over Destrin was a mountain troll with a stone in hand ready to crush him by merely dropping it. But it didn't. Infernal knights gathered around radiating with demonic energy and green fire. Dezeroth was surrounded by the most elite units that Destruin had, but they did not kill him. Instead they parted to reveal a large Adonis-like man. His muscular body was bulging with every movement as veins under his skin pulsed green. He took a step towards Destrin and sashayed with a hand on his hip. The other extended and bent harshly as he leaned forwards and twisted his head until his cheeks were parallel to the ground. "You there! Identify yourself at once, you stand before the great General Pilla!" Around them half naked tainted tried to rush in but the knights kept them out with one being ripped in half by the general with ease. Afterwards he returned to his strange stance with an accusatory finger. "Who dares to assault my gatehouse alone? Who is this bold, stupid, and big balled human who stands before me/ Speak!"