Fantasy A league of nations.

[Robertaka123]

Ja'far opened the door and held it open for the other two men, gesturing for them to enter. Within sat Masrur and Yamraiha, both smiling at the men when they saw it was them. They were gathered around a small table with a world map on it, along the walls was a plethora of books. Small orbs of light illuminated the room, floating in the corners around the room. "We simply wanted to talk to you two about the future of our agreement before we leave. With the sudden appearance of the earth dwellers we must be prepared for them as none of us have any idea about their tactics and habits when it comes to foreign policy. Although it is our policy to welcome outsiders to Sindria I do not know if our King made the wisest choice in the matter." Yamraiha spoke up, smiling and waving her hand for the men to sit down.

 

[Branden2396]

Jason and Alec both took their seats at the table, Jasons nerves had been settled as one of the Generals spoke up about the reason behind this late night meeting. "I don't trust them, not even in the slightest." Alec spoke with a cold tone. "Their arrogance and complete disregard for the other nations strikes a bad nerve in me. They just began to explore travel outward, I know for a fact both my nation and Jasons are protected by border patrols." This has been the first moment he has been able to speak about his true feelings towards the earth dwellers. "I say we just begin a sweep from the southern tip of Heligdom and just continue to travel north until we reach the sea. Then from there we can split into two parties, one to travel south to Somalia and one to travel North to the threat Estre spoke of." As Alec spoke Jason just sat quietly, thinking his proposition over before inputting his own feelings on the matter. "Im not entirely sure that is the smartest directive to make. For all we know the other nations could have banded together just as we have. And does anyone know of the Dwarves allegiances? There are many factors to weigh here. That being said i agree that measures should be taken to ensure the safty of our nations. I havent yet passed a judgment on the earth dwellers though, even if I agree with you that they seem to be set on some high horse."

 

[GrieveWriter]

[Eldan: Aboard the Asteria

@Rook]
​

As he picked apart the Queen's words piece by piece, Eldan glanced at the Liutenant behind her for only a moment as she spoke. He mentally stored the young soldier's likeness away for later. Once she finished, Eldan's eyes settled on her for a brief moment before he closed them and took a deep breath through his nose. He placed the Halthen's cage on the table before loosening his pack and taking off the hide-bound headdress he wore. The Halthen jittered about slightly as its cage touched the table-top before settling down. Eldan sat down as well before setting his headdress on the table before him and placing both hands atop it.


"Well first I plan on having your little scout accompany me to a library, I would be remiss to deny the offer of an escort, where I shall spend the rest of the day until said library either closes or I finish the necessary volumes I'm looking for. Mainly history, though an Encyclopedia would be quite convenient. Afterwards I'll have him lead me to some out of the way woodlands so that I may get an idea of any specific traits your wildlife possesses in comparison to those of the other nations we have perused through. Afterwards... Oh maybe I'll take a stroll along a river, visit some historic landmarks, sample some local cuisine and be back to my nation within the next few days."


As he finished Eldan tapped on his headpiece several times before removing his hands and placing them on the sides of it, idly toying with the long leather straps that stemmed from it.


"I don't suppose there's much trouble with my intended plan, Your Highness?" Eldan asked

 

[Rook]

Estre was impressed. This Salbarcian was far more... bearable. More polite. "I have no problems with your plan. But, before I send you off on your mission, i have some words of advice," the queen answered, holding out a scroll. "First of all, this is your key to being allowed into our cities. The Andorians don't look kindly upon outsiders, but they should stay clear of you if you have my blessing.


"Continuing on our discussion of my people, i should warn you about them. I'm assuming you do not know how Andor came into existence. I'll make it simple- we were once the weakest nation in the world. Restricted to two islands, and seen as a mere fishing nation. But all this changed when Emric and I took over for my late parents as the High King and Queen. The Andorians rallied behind us, and stormed onto the mainland, burning across the countryside like a wildfire. Our enemies fell like trees under the weight of a hurricane. This was around a century ago.


"The point is, the Andorians didn't follow us into battle because we demanded it- the followed us because they wanted their land back, which had been taken from them. They are the epitome of patriots. So allow me to warn you- do not make yourself seem threatening. Make respect your sword, and honor your shield. I wouldn't believe this possible with the Archmage, but you..." she trailed off. "You seem different. And I;m not sure if that's a good or bad thing."


Her lieutenant placed a hand on her shoulder, leaning over to whisper in her ear. "We have arrived at Kalina, my lady." She nodded, standing.


"Well, Salbarcian, we seem to have arrived at our destination. You may either go back through the portal, or full fill your desires of knowledge in our capitol city, the City of Light." The White-Gold tower rose behind her, a monument to ancient Elven architecture.

 

[GrieveWriter]

[Eldan: Aboard the Asteria

@Rook ]
​

Eldan nodded at the Queen's words as he mulled over the brief history lesson. He took a look at the scroll, scanning over it in several seconds before picking up his headdress and re-equipping it. He glanced up at the form of Kalina as it rose behind the queen, letting his eyes roam over it a minute before shrugging.


"A pleasant Offer, your highness." He commented before sighing "One that I am pleased to accept"


He stood up and grabbed the Halthen cage, before adopting a slightly somber tone "My apologies for Feasili's lack of tact. Unlike more... optimal members of the Salbarcian Hierarchy, he has not accustomed to you surface females. Coupled with his... 'lesser' qualities in socializing I still find it hard to understand why our ruler decided to have him represent us at your meeting instead of one more capable."

 

[Rook]

Kalina Docks


"And I thought human males had a superiority complex... glad to see you two are not alike. Follow me, the citizens will know to look the other way if you are with me and the royal guards." Estre led the Salbarcian onto the wooden docks, glancing at him. He seemed more... refined. He must be what is considered knowledgeable in his country, such as her cousin, the scholar in the royal archives: cunning, wise. She silently thanked Myrah that he was in her nation, rather than the archmage.


"I shall take you to the stronghold around the tower, where you will be escorted to our royal archives. There are many sections you will be denied entrance to, and you are required to abide by those rules. Very few of us are actually allowed in there- only 5 of us have the keys to the doors, anyway." The guards opened the gates leading from the docks to the first section of the city, the market district. Vendors called out sales, children rushed by, the sound of chickens calling out to each other- it all sounded alive.

 

[GrieveWriter]

[Eldan: City of Kalina

@Rook ]
​

Eldan just gave a small chuckle "I trust he never mentioned Salbarcian females during the meeting. They are... exceptionally different from what seems to be the norm up here on the surface."


He followed the High Queen through the streets of their city, his eyes darting around hastily to imprint a memory of the area as quickly as possible from his position. After finishing with that he took in the appearances of the locals, big to small. Though there were several pointed looks here and there the sheer presence of the High Queen must have stemmed any possible open caution. Eldan could respect that.


"Several small sections shall be more than enough, I shouldn't need much to paint a picture." Eldan stated as he idly glanced around to keep tabs on every movement that fell within his line of sight. He could see some similarities between this market and the underground plazas that dotted the great caves underneath Salbarcia. Though with much more noticeable colors. Indeed the variety of surface dwellers was noteworthy, instead of the large numbers of near identical Drones and Large Salbarcians that made up the bulk of their numbers. Usually only physicality and armor could be used to differentiate Salbarcians, other than those in the Hierarchy of course.


Just like the other races, variety comparable to the War Beasts. Eldan actually closed his eyes a bit, being able to keep up without missing a beat or step by mentally adding imagery to the sounds around them. As he mulled over the bounty of information he had gathered so far, he came up with an unsolved variable that he felt would at least need to be addressed during his stay. A variable that had first been introduced by the Andorian Scout and pieces of information Feasili had gathered during his conference with the national leaders.


"So tell me, your Highness, if you don't mind my forwardness..." Eldan began as he opened his eyes and switched the Halthen cage to his free arm while stretching it to relieve stress.


"...What exactly is ailing your husband, the King?"

 

[Rook]

Estre kept her calm expression, but alarms were going off in her head. Her lieutenant seemed to want to say something, but she held up her hand, signalling for him to stay quiet. "Its fine, Kira. I do not want to withhold free information and risk war with not only Somali and Heligdom, but also Salbarcia and Angmon as well." Her lieutenant stayed silent, but was still visibly angry at the intrusion of the queen;s personal affairs.


"I shall tell you everything that i feel is public information. My husband, High King Emric, is a unique man. Even though he is human, he has been blessed by Myrah with both long life, intelligence, and strength equivalent to that of a Highborn Elf. This of course included our ability to resist disease. But we did not count on his mind being attacked.


"I'm assuming you haven't encountered any forms of necromancy, thanks to its incredibly rarity. It is generally looked down upon, thanks to its cruel abilities, but still practiced in secret. There are three men whom you may not have heard of: Mannimarco, king of worms, and his lackeys Boethia and Sacrib. These three men rule the island kingdom to the north- well, to call it an island is an understatement. They have created a tower that rises higher than the clouds, and in this tower, they give rise to legions upon legions of undead. My husband and I are the only reason they have not invaded the mainland and claimed dominion over all of us."


She paused, waiting for the gate from the market district to the residential ring to open. "Of course, necromancy isn't restricted to only the dead. The rat Boethia has made my husbands mind a playground for his magic. Emric has held his ground against this assault for years, and continues to do so thanks to his incredible willpower. But still, the attack is relentless..."


She trailed off, continuing through the city as the gates opened. "I have shared with you everything that my citizens know. Any further intrusions will be countered with contempt. Are we clear?" she said with finality, keeping her eyes trained on the stronghold in front of her.


The plains of Hammerhold


Torryg looked out over the burning village, searching for any trace of the attackers. His eyes scanned every inch of debris, as well as his scouts. The 4th and 6th legions shifted nervously, ready for a fight. Then the general noticed something: a small dart, sticking out of a charred corpse. A blade sticking out of a burning pile to his right indicated it was a guard. He pulled the dart out, inspecting it. He growled, breaking it in two between his fingers, throwing the pieces to the floor.


He turned to his soldiers, anger burning in his eyes. "This was no Angmonian attack, but a weak attempt at inciting war between our nations! The Helig dogs have insulted our intelligence! Your Andorian brothers died here today, thanks to the over-confident assassins, and I will not stand for this. I command you- March! March to the land of Heligdom. We shall match blood for blood, and then take some more!" he shouted, and the legions joined in, their captains turning to lead them west. If it was war that the Helig's wanted, it was war they would receive.

 

[GrieveWriter]

[Eldan: City of Kalina

@Rook]
​

Eldan had known his query was a major overstep of his boundaries. The setting was right, so he felt the need to ignore the hypothetical sensitivity of the subject in favor of the possible information.


As he listened to the High Queen's tale, he immediately took notice of the underlying fury that raged within her every time she mentioned the necromancers. Feasili's summoning abilities, though not centered on necromancy alone, did allow him to summon corpses. Though not on the scale of those island necromancers.


Eldan decided to do the Archmage a favor, not like he deserved it, and will refrain from mentioning that to the high Queen. Not like she needed more reason to despise him.


So powerful necromancy was able to raise armies. Their king is under mental seige by a Necro Lord, and their Queen is made to cover for him. Each and ever piece of info was welcomed into the black hole that was Eldan's memory.


"I commend you for such honesty, your highness," Eldan complimented as he followed her "I shall hold my tongue concerning matters like these in the future."


As they passed through the gates, several moments of silence passed before Eldan stated with absolutely no provocation or explanation "My name is Eldan, High Scholar of the Salbarcian hive."

 

[Rook]

"Eldan... much more simple than the others of your kind I have met. I like it" Estre mused, before raising her hand high into the air. A magical connection formed between it and the final gate, slowly opening as she poured a bit of her magical energy reserves into it. As they fully opened, she lowered her hand, the magical connection disappearing.


As they entered the palace, she sent her guards away and turned to face the scholar. "I shall have you know, 'high scholar', that I am not the diplomat my husband is." She began to push him slightly, forcing him back with magical energy. His back pressed against a pillar, where he was stuck. "I am a warrior. My job is to lead my people, and kill their enemies. If you pry any further into my personal matters, i shall name you an enemy. You are currently in one piece because i must lead by example for my people." To prove her point, she allowed a bit of green energy to crackle over her arms.


"I am the vessel of the magics of our people, capable of clearing an entire battlefield with a single spell. Remember your place." she growled, but dropped the spell and allowed him to move once more, acting as if nothing had happened. "To your left is the archives. my cousin Symmachus the scholar is currently in charge of all visitors. Simply show him the scroll, and he shall give you entry.


The White-Gold Tower


Emric looked over his city, watching the merchant ships arrive and leave the docks. Nothing seemed amiss. He'd received word from scouts of the agreement Estre was forced into by the Salbarcians, but he knew her well enough to know that she wouldn't give the scholar diplomatic immunity. A sudden wind blew through the city, and it was heavy... it felt alive. "For the love of Myrah, Estre..." he muttered, turning to the stairs to find his over-zealous queen.

 

[GrieveWriter]

[Eldan: Outside the Archives

@Rook ]
​

Eldan had swirling his tongue around once the guards had left, his many altercations with the Archmage and several other members of the Salbarcian Hierarchy leaving him resigned to the impending. Yes, the High Queen, knowledgeable as she was, she was by all means nothing like a proper diplomat. He could see it from the way she acted and dressed, though he supposed given their circumstances she did quite well. As the Queen issued her warning, he switched the Halthen cage to the next hand again. If her own statement was any indication, the constant reveal of national fallacies, with or without her tension, led Eldan to wonder if she would've rather had someone else besides royalty greet the High Scholar. He withheld mentioning this, however, if her encounter with Feasili was anything to go off of then she deserved a little showboating.


So the High Scholar stayed silent through her little show of power and just resumed walking as she did, "That sounds lovely your highness," he said as he redirected his slow steps toward the Archives "I will get on with my studies then, a pleasure speaking with you."

 

[Rook]

The Queen chose not to respond, and exited the large entry-room of the palace, arriving in the council chambers. Her body still hummed slightly with magical energy, unable to dispel itself. With a small grunt of pain, she allowed it to conjoin on her hand, leaving a small burn- continued use of her magic was destroying her ability to contain it. She shook her head, trying to estimate how much longer she had until it took over... a year, maybe two if she kept her magic in. But Andor was at war, and she couldn't sit on the sidelines, issuing orders from a tent miles away from the battles.


A slight shuffle indicated that she wasn't alone. She froze, hoping no one important had seen her moment of weakness. "Glad to see you've returned, Estre," the person said, placing a hand on her shoulder. She smiled slightly before turning and saluting.


"Emric... glad to see you are out of bed and moving," she greeted, looking up at him. "I must admit I'm surprised by your quick recovery. Why did Boethia relinquish his attack so soon? Normally it lasts for weeks."


Emric sighed, scratching the back of his head. "The healers aren't sure. They said that I'm totally healthy, so I shouldn't worry about fighting... or anything else war requires, which means that I can take some of the pressure off of you."


Estre nodded, crossing her arms behind her back. They had never enjoyed the typical relationship married couples had in Andor, and generally avoided outwardly showing their love. "I heard that Torryg took the 4th and 6th legions into Hammerhold a few days ago. Was it the Angmonians?"


"I can't know for sure. Couriers have not reported back yet, so we can only assume so. But we have more pressing matters to discuss, such as the creature that was brought into the palace in your escort. I thought we were against allowing outsiders into the palace?"


"Oh, we are. The magical ward around the palace is currently tracking his location- its all being transmitted to my head. He wont be going anywhere without my knowledge. The guards have been ordered to notify me if he leaves the palace, and my lieutenant is shadowing him right now. The 'High Scholar' isn't going anywhere."

 

[Robertaka123]

"I believe we should continue with the plan, and then when they are least expecting it launch a full scale attack on the earth dwellers to wipe their forces out and send them underground for a few more centuries." Masrur spoke up, offering his opinion. Yamraiha and Ja'far sat there, nodding along with the idea.

 

[Branden2396]

"While I agree that measures should be taken against the earth-dwellers it begs a few questions." Alec stood, as to get a better scope of the map on the table. "Do we even know a rough estimate on their numbers, what about the scale of their forces. Also say we do by some chance manage to drive them back underground for a century or two, what will happen after that? They will come to the surface with nothing more that a determination to wipe us all out. So i propose we take car of the threat at the source. The hive is still mainly underground. As the scouts said, they've only just begun to travel outwards. Their nation hugs the coast. I said we flood them. There is a large number of warriors in my nation with the ability to manipulate water, much like my own, i say we drive in from the coast slowly creating new canals and such. Your men could dig them mine could then pull the water in. We continue to do so until the canals all reach the hive, fill it up and either drown or smoke them all out." Alec sat back down, not meaning to sound long winded. As he did so Jason just stared at the map, Alec's plan made a certain level of sense, unless the eradicate the earth dwellers they will always pose a problem, yet Alec's method seemed so cruel. Jason decided to just wait and see what the other generals had to say about the matter, before voicing his own opinion.

 

[Robertaka123]

The other generals sat quietly while Alec talked, and continued to stay quiet a while after. His plan did seem efficient and would serve their purpose. "I see a flaw in this plan, how will we get on their land and move all of that water without them noticing?" Yamraiha asked, not quite agreeing with genocide of someone who isn't really that much of an enemy yet.

 

[Branden2396]

Jason sat there for a moment, thinking over what both Alec and one of the generals said. The general had a point they would surely noticed any form of invasion. Unless. Jason sat up in his chair. "We form a false front. Come in from the east. Or we could always side with them for a while get them to fight against heligdom. Once they're preoccupied with that fight we come in form the coast. Wipe them clean."


 
Jason sat there for a moment, thinking over what both Alec and one of the generals said. The general had a point they would surely noticed any form of invasion. Unless. Jason sat up in his chair. "We form a false front. Come in from the east. Or we could always side with them for a while get them to fight against heligdom. Once they're preoccupied with that fight we come in form the coast. Wipe them clean."

 

[GrieveWriter]

[Eldan: Outside the Archives

@Rook ]
​

Eldan walked into the Archives slowly, humming to himself as the Queen took her absence. Such promise... He made his way in, approaching what he assumed to be the Andorian Scholar that had been mentioned.


"Pardon me," the Scholar said as he approached "My name is Eldan, and I was told you could generously point me in the direction of your history texts."


He stopped and raised the Scroll he had been given, idly thinking about the books his consciousness would soon devour.

[General Vaas: Salbarcian Capital Airship Dock]

​

"You sure bout this General?" A drone asked as he watched the large airship set off from the Capital.


"Just a slight change Grub." The General stated as he idly toyed with the raw skull of a peon he had killed recently "I want to see if we can hasten the colonization of the over world. We'll need that if we're to make it happen."


The general pointed to the cargo on the Airship, hanging from it was a massive cage containing a Tamed Crawler, the Beast's many legs scratching idly at its cage as it viewed the distant ground.


"Using their terraforming abilities, we may be able to expand the surface outposts quicker. The same way underground, if we can find large enugh mountains or hills, we can use the natural formations to set up sturdy forward posts around. Would make it easier to defend, and with the end of the Heligs coming, I demand a defense be orchestrated. Who knows, we may be able to set up proper ports once we finish sorting out the Leviathan swarms."


Vaas turned and walked away from the railing, heading back inside "We'll also have to see about those northern lands, if we can stretch the hive north we'll have a fall back plan should we need to initiate the Scorched World Policy."


The drone turned and grumbled at those words before following his superior.

[Feasili & Haycinth: Devlin Docks]

​

Haycinth continued staring at the water, at some point as the day wore on Feasili had taken his leave to go lord knows where. Haycinth glanced at the Sindrian Ambassador's ship. He had witnessed the Devlin and Wendat ambassadors board it, and though suspicious, Haycinth had resolved to leave it be for now. He was in the nation he was supposed to study, but in all honesty he was already doing stuff like that as a scout. He figured come daybreak he'll just go about his ordinary job after speaking with Devlin's ruler.


As Haycinth pondered what he would do large footsteps approached him, a shadow fell over the scout turned scholar. Haycinth turned to see a Large Salbarcian looming over him, the remnants of what appeared to be a chicken poking out of the side of its mouth. Haycinth jst stared at the giant for a while, when he moved to speak the Large Salbarcian raised a finger to signal him to wait as he chewed. Finally the last meaty bone of the chicken disappeared in the Large Salbarcian's gullet, and he patted his stomach while giving a sigh of content.


"Scout," the recently fed Large Salbarcian said as he idly picked the remaining meat from his maw with a single claw "I have come to study Wendat."


And then Haycinth momentarily blacked out once the Large Salbarcian made his claim.


Okay, first Feasili representing the Salbarcians at the meeting, then sending a Large Salbarcian as a Scholar?!?! As Haycinth groaned at the horrid predicament the Large Scholar continued "Yes, I wish to inquire upon the location of Wendat, I was not provided with a map.... or directions... or an explanation of What I am meant to do."


Haycinth stared in barely suppressed horror, there was no way he could let a completely uninformed Large Salbarcian loose outside the Salbarcian borders without instruction. The political ramifications would be exponential.


Taking a slow breath, Haycinth stood and gestured "Come, I brief you. Start in morning."

 

[Rook]

The Andorian Archives


Symmachus turned to the earth-dweller, examining him. He'd heard scout's reports of the Salbarcians, but never had the chance to see them for himself. He turned back to his scroll, continuing to read. "I presume you came with proof of access?" He asked complacently. Now that he'd seen the earth-dweller, his interest had entirely dispersed. Unless, of course, he would be willing to allow the elf to dissect him... But, of course, he would be denied the pleasure. Symmachus had not once met a single foreigner willing to give his life for knowledge, though he had confidence that one day, someone will. Oh, he was getting off-track. What were they talking about again? Ah yes, the decree. "I hope you will not simply waste my time, foreigner. I have little patience these days, and would hate for there to be an... accident."


@GrieveWriter

 

[GrieveWriter]

[Eldan: The Andorian Archives

@Rook ]​

"Quite right," Eldan said passively before presenting the scroll "I take it this will sufficient?" Eldan wished not to hold himself up much longer, and as a fellow scholar he assumed the Hominid would as well. His mannerisms will be gone over, but for now they must hasten to the end of this would-be conversation, there were books awaiting him.

 

[Rook]

The Andorian Archives @Archangel Galdrael


Estre sighed, signing another decree. This war would be the death of her- or at least, her hand. Her only light was a single candle, illuminating a large map, as well as the last few decrees she must sign. Angrily, she threw her quill on the desk. She was stuck between angering her people, and possible war. The Salbarcians would be powerful allies, but if she made a wrong move, they could also make a powerful enemy.


She picked her quill up, but stopped, seeing where it had landed. Orezmoth... the dwarves. Her father before her had fought a minor border discrepancy with them, but nothing important enough to be written in history books. They could be a determining factor in the future wars, which were almost guaranteed. Immediately, she pulled out a piece of parchment, dipping her quill in some ink, and began writing.


King Wyer of Orexmoth,


Vedui' melon, or in the common tongue, greetings. I am the Queen of Andor. I desire to speak with you, by letter or in person, about the events that are currently, and will, take place in on our borders. I am referring to Heligdom, Somalia, and Salbarcia. I believe it to be in our best interest that we settle our own affairs before my armies move near your lands, so as to avoid unnecessary war. I come foreward with humility, in hpes of at least peace between our lands.


Coid ar' ayla,


Estre, High Queen of Andor





She handed the letter to her attendant to be sent off with a courier before leaning back in her chair once more. This was a risky move, but it had to be done. If there was any way for her to secure peace in Andor before her son took over, which would be soon, this would be a step in the right direction.

 

[Robertaka123]

The generals thought this over for a long while, since after all they were contemplating genocide. Masrur was the first to speak up. "I say we have some troops in place, waiting near the coast so that as soon as either the war is over or they betray us." He offered looking to Alec and Jason for their input.

 

[Branden2396]

"I will divided my best elementalist." Alec said. As much as he would prefer to wipe to slate clean of these earth dwellers he understands the precarious views on such a slaughter. "I will send half of them to await the possible betrayal while the rest shal stay with me and fight on the front lines."


"I too will send some of my men." Jason said. "I'll send you the finest set of ships as well. They will be sleek and fast. Able to get you in and out if need be." Jason was still on the fence with these salabracians. He wasn't sure if he should trust them or have them eradicated.

 

[steevenajj]

Lanaya still attempting to unlock the Hidden Temple, some people might say that all that knowledge unshared is greedy and the wanting for more is selfish too. She then whispered to her self: "Where the Hidden Ones send me, I go without question. I do not even question why I question not." She then quickly ran to their armory " I need 30 soldiers with me girls! We have a long journey to Andor, I think i might have an offer that would interest them." Lanaya then got little food with her, long meditation had helped her last longer without food. They started their journey this night and reach three nights later to Andor. Night Elf agility especially atnight helps them run at an incredible speed, but the great distance will beat them and so they go walking wanting to save energy for what they might encounter on the way. @Rook

 

[Archon]

Wyer approached the balcony over looking the mountain city before him, his orders had been received - as he had expected. Countless dwarves rushed around, clad in armor, armed with weaponry, each heading towards the training grounds. Excitement visible in the air, many had shared his notion on dwarf tradition, they were warriors. They needed to be warriors, the continent was entering a state of war. Wyer would be damned to not act, he would not hide in his stone city in safety any longer.


"My King, a courier has arrived at the gates. Claiming he was sent by Estr-" The man was cut off, Wyer raised his arm stopping the steward's speech. "In case you haven't noticed, we're preparing for war, the dwarves haven't received a message in over three decades, don't you see? The whole country is preparing for war... Keep him at the gates, I'll write my own reply, we may have friends yet, we can't win a war alone. Not with everyone involving themselves in it." He told the steward, then approached his desk. Ready to respond.


@Rook


Estre, High Queen of Andor,


Greetings in return. Though I'll skip the formalities. I'm aware of the evident threat of war within the world. My ancestors would not care for the matter, the dwarves have been adsent from serious conflict for over a century. Though now the winds are changing, I wish for the dwarves to be warriors once more. War is our calling. Yet all nations need friends, and I'm inclined to discuss a potential alliance, though letters are not the way to do it. Unsafe, I suggest we meet. I trust your judgement on a location.


Sealing and marking the parchment, Wyer approached his steward, handing the man the letter. "Give this to the courier, a response to his Queen." He nodded to the steward, who bowed in return. Before leaving to complete his task.

 

[GrieveWriter]

[Eldan: Andorian Archives

@Rook ]
​

Eldan nodded to the Scholar and headed over to the public sections before acquiring several books and placing them at a small table. After massaging his eyelids for a short moment before flipping open the first book to read it over. As he practically flipped through page after page, stockpiling every syllable he could, Eldan accepted the fact that he'd need to work through the night even with his exceptionally abnormal reading speed, he did have many public books to get through. Eldan leaned back slightly before preparing for a long night of reading.

[General Vaas: The Underground/Breeding Arena]

​

General Vaas moved through the seats in the underground cavern, several dozen of the higher echelon of the hive were seated as well. They were all staring down into the Arena below them, where several drones sat down patiently. Sitting off to the side in the seats was an average drone, only this one had a faint tinge of red mist floating from his form and his eyes glowed a dangerous form of red. General Vaas narrowed his eyes a bit before approaching.


"General," the voice of the Red Patriarch stated from within his unmoving host "as early as ever I see."


"Yes your greatness..." General Vaas said with a small before taking a seat next to the host "Will the Female for this session be noteworthy?


"In comparison to her sisters no..." the Red Patriarch stated "but that shouldn't take away from the entertainment."


General Vaas chuckled a bit before getting comfortable to wait. As the time till the Female's release neared, the Red Patriach's host turned to look the General slightly.


"Not participatining this one?" the Red Patriarch asked before humming smoothly "I never thought I'd see the day."


"Bah," the General snorted "haven't fully recovered from last month's session. Besides, we have other matters to attend to for now."


"Is that a hint of worry there, General?"


"Nah, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't at least be a little cautious." Vaas stated "You know that we must tread lightly in unchrted waters."


"True, but-" the Red Patriarch began to say some thing in reply, but was cut off by the sounds of the massive gate at one of the Arena beginning to slide open. Out of respect for the harrowing practice, the Red Patriarch stalled for the Caller to issue the same orders that had been issued to those poor, poor breed fodder that was the drones.


"Now then!" the Caller, a Large Salbarcian wielding a horn, stated from his position among the seats "You fodder know the score, keep her distracted long enough to plant. Many will not survive. Remember your contribution to our glorious hive!"


As the Caller finished and two Beast Tamers wielding massive chains began leading the beast out, the Red Patriarch continued speaking.


"But that doesn't mean we should step up on the drive for conflict, this war with the enemies of our Hominid neighbors will do pleasantly in its intended goal. Just keep it going for now and no problem will come of it. The Hominids will accept our aid for their soon-to-be decisive victory against the mutual aggresors known as Somalia and Heligdom, and the High Scholar seems to have been learning some things about other threats to them. We must be-"


He was silenced by the massive roar of rage coming from the Arena, General Vaas but his head in his palm as he watched the utter carnage unfold once the beast recognized the lack of pampering for the past twenty minutes.


"As I was saying," the Red Patriarch began slowly "we must be open to the knowledge we can acquire, even with the rate of birthing it means nothing unless we have-"


The brutalized torso of one of the Beast tamers was launched out of the Arena, sailing right by the Host's head before embedding itself in the wall behind him. Below in the Arena, a Drone and the remaining Beast Tamer tried to restrain the beast once more with her chains as the others approached cautiously.


"-proper assets to exploit and-"


Once it was done beating the Beast Tamer to death with the severed leg of the drone it gripped its chains and turned on the others. Whipping the chain through the air, the Drones unlucky enough not to throw themselves to the floor soon suffered from shattered bones as the sheer force of the swing broke through their Armor, hardened skin, and into their skeletal systems.


"-posing the current cave systems in those areas and drawing back to-"


After it was done prying the remains of two drones from its foot, the beast turned on another who was using what remained of his fallen comrade as a makeshift shield. Rearing back, it let loose another shriek before charging directly at him. Tossing the corpse at the Female, the Salbarcian dove to the side as her head punctured the corpse's body and tore through it.


"-maybe an emissary or two just in case things don't go according to plan-"


A single drone held on ferociously as the Female charged into every wall in its vicinity trying to shake him loose. Clenching a blade fragment from the broadsword that had been destroyed earlier in his teeth, the Drone sought a specific place on the Female's back.


"-afterwards I might even send the Archmage to learn from them as well seeing as-"


If there was ever a thing in this world that could cause General Vaas to be distracted by the Great Red Patriarch's words, it was the sheer magnificence of Salbarcian procreation. Many drones would be denied the pleasure of course, but General Vaas could say for certain that those who rise victorious would be labeled as those who completed the ultimate culmination of life. The challenge of fighting for your right to pass on your genes, only the strongest in the hive may do so.


After accepting the fact that he'd have to wait until after the session to get his point across, the Red Patriarch's host turned back to the bloodbath below to view. The general actually grinned at the glory, eyeing as much of the Arena ground as possible before his eyes widened and he stepped back. He braced himself before reaching out and catching the severed head of a drone that had been thrown out of the arena.


"Maybe," he began as he looked over the head fondly, then back to the arena "maybe I will partake in the glory after all."