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| Thread: Annals of the Banner - War for the South (IC) |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 · «PREV / NEXT» |
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Neraus
Promising
Legendary Hero
Pain relief cream seller
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posted August 05, 2018 09:32 AM |
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"And so the battle ended as it began, with the goblins throwing themselves hopelessly on the pikes of the brotherhood."
Federigo finished writing the latest events in the chronicle, he felt uneasy, while he despised the greenskins with a passion, killing families always gives a lasting effect. He felt it could be justified, after all the caravans crossed paths and the greenskins attacked without warning and too often these caravans raid villages and slaughter the townsfolk.
He started plotting down a theory on his notes, that the increasing presence of the cult increased the likelihood of developing episodes of madness, he did experience for himself the nightmares induced by the voidspawns, so he felt he wasn't that far off, he ascribed the goblin attack to a general sense of paranoia in the group of greenskins, since he thought that they would have probably fled of they saw the numbers of enemies.
When he heard that they were getting nearer to the site of the oracle he decided to intensify his studies of elvish, so that he could be more helpful in deciphering any artifact they would come accross.
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Noli offendere Patriam Agathae quia ultrix iniuriarum est.
ANTUDO
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted August 10, 2018 08:06 PM |
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The meager loot was secured, along with any other salvageable materials, and the goblin corpses disposed of, lest they become hosts for void spirits if the Cult was to discover them.
Domerth now sat in the officer's tent reviewing the report on the findings. not much to show for. roughly 100 forints worth of coin, along with a half a pood((one pood is about 16kg)) of gemstones, mostly semi precious gems like garnets and peridots, nothing worth much. They were moved to the supply wagons, maybe some use will come off them later on.
Before retiring for the night, he studied, with the aid of Halfman, the map they've found in the temple of Calista.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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AlkarRahn
Promising
Legendary Hero
Divine Arcanist
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posted August 12, 2018 02:27 PM |
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Orryth's bond with the water spirit was, at least to him, strengthening at a fairly rapid rate. In the past, it seemed to be water style spells he had the most issue with. Though, that may have just been due to the fact that that was the element that came forth in his castings most often. Now, not only had he got the spirit to do things on its own, he even got both his bound spirits to work together on a few things. Feeling pleased with himself, Orryth decided it was a great time to do a bit of exercising, and went for a few laps around the camp.
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted August 17, 2018 08:06 PM |
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A couple more days had passed, and the Brotherhood entered the site of the supposed oracle.
It was a megalithic stone structure inside an oasis, which was somewhat hidden by a jagged rock formation, which was no doubt erected using magic. The structure was build from seven slabs of granite. Strangely, or not, there was no Cult presence in or around the site. It was a quite serene place, with several colorful birds occupying the tree branches, as well as several other small animals roaming the area.
The megalith stood by the source of the stream that grew into the oasis pond.
- This is it I guess - Domerth said whilst observing the megalith. - Strange there isn't any of it's defenders. - The other Oracles were protected by various beings. The oracle in Dhamann was defended by Clan Therium. The one near Grovestead, was protected by a clan of Dryads. The Menhir in the North had a tribe of Giants looking after it. This Oasis had nothing of the sort. Or at least it seemed this way, since Domerth couldn't shake the feeling that he, and the rest of the Brotherhood is being watched. Closely.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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Neraus
Promising
Legendary Hero
Pain relief cream seller
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posted August 20, 2018 01:47 PM |
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-I daresay, this place is most peculiar... Almost too peculiar...-
Federigo turned around, examining the sorroundings.
-I'm starting to fear this is just a mirage, how come nobody preceded us?-
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Noli offendere Patriam Agathae quia ultrix iniuriarum est.
ANTUDO
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted August 20, 2018 08:48 PM |
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- It does seem pretty real - Domerth said as he picked a riping lemon from a nearby tree and tossed it to Frederigo. - Besides, if it was fake, our Samann would be deconstructing the magics as we speak. This place must have guardians more powerful than dryads or giants, or even Conclave mages. Can't you feel it? We're being watched.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted August 24, 2018 08:21 PM |
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As The Brotherhood seniors kept examining the site of the Oracle, Domerth and a few others noticed their observers.
They seemed human for the most part, save for their horned heads, lizard like tails, reptilian eyes, and gold scale patterns on their skin.
One could hear wings in the distance, yet closing in. Moments later, a gold dragon had landed nearby the Oracle. the others, dragons in their human form, moved out from their spots. The wyrm that landed, most likely the patriarch of this nest of dragons spoke.
- Who are you? What brings you to this place? - He spoke in a rather distrustful tone.
Domerth stepped forward. Wyrm's Fury seemed to be idle, the amber runes on it's hilt were dormant.
He bowed to the dragon and began speaking in a courterly manner.
- I am Domerth of House Dragonheart, current captain of the Brotherhood of the Tattered Banner. We're here on a quest to rid the realm of Emerdina from the influence of the Cult of Jagnir.
The Dragon's look shifted a bit.
- This place was secluded before the event humankind calls the Culling. How did you found the entrance?
- We've found the map leading here inside a hidden temple of Calista. With the war starting we've figured to secure it, lest it falls to the wrong hands.
- The Oracle is dormant for now Domerth of House Dragonheart. - The dragon said. - It is of no use nor to you, nor to your enemy. We do not know how to wake it. You can go with ease on your mind. We have been defending this Oracle ever since the Dominion rose to power.
- With your kind permission my lord - Domerth began. He figured addressing the elder dragon as "my lord" would be within the terms of courtesy, since after all it was the first time he held a conversation with a dragon. - We would like to resupply our water stocks for the journey. - The water in the pond was crystal clear and perfect for drinking.
- Go right ahead, Domerth, of house Dragonheart. - The dragon said as he morphed into his human form. He looked a lot like his brood, but had an aura of age and wisdom about it.
Domerth gave a signal to the others to fill up their water vessels.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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AlkarRahn
Promising
Legendary Hero
Divine Arcanist
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posted August 26, 2018 04:01 PM |
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Having filled his own water supplies, Orryth decided to take the opportunity to allow his water spirit to take the opportunity to be within its element on the physical realm. He called it forth and told it to do what it will within the pond. Though, to not be playing favorites, he called the earth one forward too, and had it do as it will as well.
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted August 30, 2018 08:48 PM |
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Orryth's bound spirits seemed to be enjoying themselves within a pure, untainted environment, even without causing much unnecessary ruckus. one could say they've been drawing in some of the energy lingering in the environment.
Domerth kept conversing with the dragon elder. The elder gave some information regarding the movements of the enemy, but seemed like he, as well as his brood were keeping a neutral position, and held great importance on guarding the dormant Oracle, as it was their duty since before the first Age of Heroes, so Domerth dropped the idea of asking their aid rather quickly. The elder Dragon also seem to note Wyrm's Fury, and had complimented the blade, yet evaded any further questions about it.
With the Oracle site seeming to be secure and well, and with water stocks resupplied, it was time to get back to marching. After all, there was another siege to break.
As the Brotherhood were on the move again, Magnus asked Domerth.
- So lad, no Dragons?
- No Dragons. They take their duty of guarding the Oracle very seriously.
- Did he said anything about yer blade?
- Nothing much, just gave the impression that the forging of it, and I assume other such weapons if they're out there, was very peculiar. That's all I got out from him.
- Heh, we sure be blessed on this me thinks. Gold Dragons lad, think of it. That's the stuff of myths. Songs and epics from the Age of Heroes.
- Honestly Magnus, with all of the things we've been through, there's little that would surprise me now. - Domerth said.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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Neraus
Promising
Legendary Hero
Pain relief cream seller
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posted September 08, 2018 07:53 PM |
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Federigo wrote of the encounter with the dragons, he kept a little too much discretion regarding the precise location of their whereabouts, and just mentioned an oasis, one which he adorned with the details of its bounties and richness, the smell and exquisite flavour of its fruit and the crystal clear waters, details that would have perhaps made sense only to those who participated in that expedition and that most readers would have dismissed it as the author attempting to elevate the story.
Their skepticism wouldn't have waned when they would read the description of the dragons, familiar yet special, as most were acquainted with the more famous lizard-like appearance, rather than a more human-like form.
He would have loved to remain there to document the ways of the gold dragons, and describe every little facet of their existence, but his duties called (and he would have been an undesired guest, for sure)
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Noli offendere Patriam Agathae quia ultrix iniuriarum est.
ANTUDO
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted September 12, 2018 06:13 AM |
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It took a couple of weeks to reach the besieged Sequat. The situation there was somewhat different than at Kree, since there was an active fight going on. Clan Vizjeq were throwing everything at the forces of the Cult, yet there were cultist and voidspawn reinforcements flowing in through a void rift, that was out of reach from the sorcerers defending their city-academy.
As the Brotherhood set up camp right behind the forces of the besiegers, Domerth, Magnus and Halfman were observing the situation. The besiegers were to busy trying to take the city to notice what was happening behind their backs.
- There's our target right here, the cultist warlocks maintaining the rift.- Domerth said as he passed the spyglass to Halfman.
- I see it. Disrupt the channeling, and the rift will collapse.
- No repercussions?
- No, the rift just closes. no explosions of void energies.
- Hopefully this'll be simple enough. - Domerth said, as they retired to the officer's tent to plan the final assault on the besieging force.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted September 19, 2018 07:03 AM |
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The plan was quickly prepared, and soon enough Domerth mustered his troops in order, for the preparation of the charge. The center of focus were the warlocks maintaining the rift, whilst the rest of the cavalry would surround the remaining troops, giving the chance for the Sword-Brethren to move in and finish off the rest.
As the Charge began, Domerth blew his horn. That was the signal for the Vizjeqi sorcerers to stop their attack for a moment, giving the Brotherhood a window of attack.
Domerth shot his pistols at the cultist warlocks maintaining the rift, whilst Nightshade hurled a spell at them, a bolt of arcane lightning, before the Blackwings of the Brotherhood piled in the Emerdinan army, wrecking havoc among their lines.
The rift collapsed the minute Domerth's shots and Nightshade's spell connected with the warlocks, effectivelly cutting off any reinforcements of the cult to quickly arrive. It was now only a matter of time when the besieging army was slain to the last man and voidspawn, of which the latter was plenty, including several of the larger variety, namely Void Gargants.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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Neraus
Promising
Legendary Hero
Pain relief cream seller
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posted September 27, 2018 07:55 PM |
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"Federigo dear, remember what Domerth said about void gargants?" A little voice waltzed through the air.
"Uh? They're bigger than me?" He replied, confused as to what those words meant
"And you know what you do to things bigger than you?" Another voice said
"I CRUSH them like an ant!" He shouted, while decapitating a glowing red ghastly form.
"No! You have to be careful! They mangled your arm once already!" The little voice reprised
"What's an injury to us? We're heroes, we do not stop before danger!" the other voice said "Prove your worth! You did it once, you can do it again!"
"Does it really matter? There are others who have a more proper approach to killing a giant beast" A third voice waltzed in. The voices and Federigo continued arguing back and forth while he continued slaying shadows, clearing the path.
Then silence, the voices ceased to talk. A giant shadow, tinted in red and purple approached, he started foaming with rage and struck the back of the beast. The shadow turned, but before it could strike him it fell to the ground, its arm barely reaching the knight.
He paled and froze snapping out of his confusion. He realized laterwhat just happened.
He gathered the rest of his strength and continued fighting, carefully avoiding any further injuries.
He thought about how he managed to snap out of his rage, but what puzzled and terrified him the most was how unusually vivid the memory was and how did he lose his mind in the first place.
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Noli offendere Patriam Agathae quia ultrix iniuriarum est.
ANTUDO
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AlkarRahn
Promising
Legendary Hero
Divine Arcanist
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posted October 05, 2018 02:17 AM |
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- Alright. Time to put your combined efforts to the test! - Orryth called out while driving his weapon through one of the lesser void spawn that was attempting to get at his two bound spirits. A quick back swing took another in the head. - Aim for that big fellow there, would you? - He pointed at one of the gargants.
The earth spirit nodded, and then took a few seconds forming a tube of rock while the water spirit stepped up behind it. With the tube finally formed, the water spirit wrapped its hands around the one end, and shot water through. The earth spirit adjusting the aim, the void gargant was hit with an extremely high pressure blast of water. Though it wasn't an instant kill, the creature was fairly rapidly turning out for the worse. Orryth smiled as he took a quick glance at their work, then went right back to protecting the two.
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted October 07, 2018 09:13 PM |
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The Battle continued on, with the Brotherhood pushing on the emerdinan besiegers onto the brink of defeat.
Having took the besieging force by surprise, the Brotherhood had the upper hand, even though the emerdinan army with their voidspawn reinforcements fought ferociously. The defenders of Sequat resumed their attack, further dwindling down the numbers of the besiegers.
As the sun began to set, the battle was over. The emerdinan army's detachment sent to subjugate Sequat was destroyed, in no small part thanks to the Brotherhood.
Domerth observed the cleanup of the battlefield, as again, fires burned to rid the world of voidspawn corpses. Bigger problem was to move the gargant corpses, so it was decided to burn them where they lied, as no one had the strength to move them to the larger bonfires.
Domerth looked at Sequat. Seems the city-academy suffered some sizeable damage from the trebuchets the besiegers brought. Domerth ordered the enemy siege weapons that survived the battle to be added to the Brotherhood's arsenal.
Domerth ordered the support corps to move the camp closer to the city. He also was notified that the elder of Clan Vizjeq would speak with him on the morrow.
Domerth retired to the relocated officers tent, to report on the success to the queen.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted October 16, 2018 09:02 PM |
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The Brotherhood left the mages of Sequat to recuperate and rebuild.
From the communications of yesterday, Domerth learned that the Grand Hetman along with General Zhaoshin had taken a lot of Emerdina, along with losses, as they too ran into the voidspawn warbands meant to police the population.
It had seemed that the caliph's armies were scatterred too far and wide to efficiently counter a full invasion into his kingdom. Domerth only hoped to end this campaign in Ysmarkand, and capture the fallen caliph. However, with the clues that the Brotherhood found that can lead to another Relic, part of him knew, that this war, will too be long.
As evening dawned, and camp was set up, Domerth began writing in his journal.
"Twentyfifth of the Month of Seeds, Forty Seventh year in the Second Age of Heroes
We had, with some losses, successfully broken the siege of Sequat. We caught the Cult by a surprise attack from the back. We've lost over two thousand men in this battle. As compensation we've aquired some emerdinan siege equipment, which will no doubt come in handy whilst besieging Ysmarkand. The time has come for us to join the offensive.
The welcome of this Conclave bastion was, to say the least, cold. I guess due to the impression that the Brotherhood gives some sort of favorable disposition towards the Samann. Or it was just Conclave politics in general, who knows.
Speaking of the Offensive, the reports from both the Grand Hetman and General Zhaoshin seem to draw a favorable picture. The Hetman's hussars keep the enemy army of regrouping and mounting a counter strike against our troops. From what we can gather, the scattered Emerdinan army is moving towards Ysmarkand in an effort to defend it, however, the main force keeps intercepting small warbands and destroying them. We have however, no intelligence about the strenght of the army barricaded inside Ysmarkand itself.
Given the current course, The Brotherhood should arrive to Ysmarkand in three weeks.
I pray to the gods every day, hoping their favor will end this war quickly.
The next day the march was resumed. the Brotherhood passed through several razed villages, with their inhabittants executed and their bodies left to the crows. Unfortunately there wasn't time to give these victims of the cult a proper burial. Domerth encouraged the men to keep a brisker pace. Within two days, the Brotherhood should reach the city of Naramak, and Domerth was expecting a fight for the city.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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Neraus
Promising
Legendary Hero
Pain relief cream seller
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posted October 21, 2018 12:48 PM |
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Federigo's health worsened by the day, his manic episodes started getting more frequent, at the point of exploding in fits of rage during the night, worried about a possible accident he ordered his squire to restrain him to his bed each night, so that he could hopefully remain there. He also experimented with sedatives, many of which had lasting effects during the day, numbing his senses during the morning, or in the worst cases for the entire day.
Sedated and restrained he couldn't help but to have night terrors which kept him awake during the night and haunted him during the day. He initially brushed it off as simple fatigue, so he didn't take action in the days before the siege. However, seeing his condition getting worse he decided to first ask the healers for assistance, but their healing couldn't mend his mind. Knowing they would soon arrive at Namarak he felt he had to finish this business as quickly as possible, and so he went looking for Halfman, hoping that he could unravel the mystery sorrounding his mind.
However, that morning he was still stunned by his lack of sleep, and wandered off outside the camp. When he realised he started straying away he found something on the ground. It was an oddly shaped black rock, faceted like a gem, but opaque from the dirt. For no apparent reason he decided to bring it to the camp to clean it and kept it in his pocket, almost forgetting his previous intentions.
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Noli offendere Patriam Agathae quia ultrix iniuriarum est.
ANTUDO
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted October 26, 2018 06:29 PM |
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Domerth had noticed that some of the troops, Frederigo included, were getting more and more aloof.
Honestly, no amount of drills, training and Halfman's lectures on the nature of the enemy could fully prepare the troops. The Healers of the Brotherhood did their best to counter these issues, however the results were not pleasing so far. most retained a passive state, with senses dulled for the most part. It was a temporary, and not the best solution.
Upon reaching Naramak, The Brotherhood marched right into a battle in progress. Blue clad emerdinan men wearing turbans were preparing to assault the city gates.
Before Domerth could issue any orders, He was greeted by the appearant leader of the turban headed troops. He seemed to be an old man, but with a lot of fighting spirit in it. his blue garb was decorated with gold accents, signifying his rank. Upon seeing the numbers of the Brotherhood he seemed to be most relieved.
-General! Your arrival couldn't be better! We're storming the city, could really use your aid in retaking Naramak from El-Harron's fiends!
- Will do my lord. - Domerth replied, and then shouted out the order to form up in the siege position.
Sword Brethren carrying heavy, siege shields to set up the line for the Arrow Brethren to set up formation. The cannoneers moved their kit by them, aiming the cannons to the city walls. The trebuchets looted by Sequat were also deployed and put to use.
Soon enough the catapults hurled their first projectiles at the city walls and gates. After the walls received significant pounding from the siege weapons, the gates opened, and the cultist initiates swarmed out, in their usual tactic, trying to break the siege before they were cut down to the last man.
Domerth and the others readied themselves for another brutal melee.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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AlkarRahn
Promising
Legendary Hero
Divine Arcanist
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posted October 31, 2018 12:35 PM |
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Keeping the earth spirit helping with the siege engines, Orryth and his water spirit turned their focus to the approaching cultists. Orryth chose to begin with his pickaxe in its shield form, while the spirit formed a weapon in the shape of a spear. Waiting for the melee to begin, Orryth started a chant.
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted November 02, 2018 07:15 PM |
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The Brotherhood's organ guns took out a significant chunk of the cultists charging at the Brotherhood, however, the volleys alone were not enough to dissuade the fanatics from attack.
And so, the cultists and the Brotherhood clashed again.
This time the cultists were slightly better armed than from previous engagements, most having reinforced gambesons and some even having coats of lamerall mail on their person.
Domerth clashed with the few of them that managed to get through the forest of pikes erected by the Sword-Brethren. The blue clad emerdinans also put up a fight, engaging the cultists in a ferocious way, although way more focused, than the sheer blind fanaticism that the cultists show in combat.
More and more cultists piled through, and the rest of the Broterhood took up their swords and other sidearms to fend off the enemy, as a hefty melee ensued.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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