Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 8, 2007 18:56:47 GMT -5
Wolfgaard Keep
Galzin reads the letter twice, before contemplating his next move. Wolverines in Solace. And Wolverines at my font door, held back only by the crater from the black powder we set off before the attack. And Wolverines moving north from their base near Gateway. Galzin considers for a while of what his next actions must be.
He dons his heavy winter coat, then walks from the throne room, thru the keep, to the laboratory that the Bozak Draconian, known as Zark, has set up in medical quarters of the keep.
The General looks around at the goblin bodies scattered around the room, “Report Zark, what have you found out about this disease that is killing my men? ”
“Ah General Galzin, do not worry about these, they are uninfected specimens. I am having the bodies burned of those that have succumbed to the biological warfare inflicted upon us.”
“This was manufactured?”
“Most assuredly my General. These Wolverines are a crafty bunch to resort to such measures. The Solamnics would have never tried something such as this, nor would the elves. These Wolverines are quite thorough, it was lucky that it is winter, or we would all be dead.”
“You say you are having the bodies burned Doctor?”
“Why yes, and all of their equipment and personal effects, we don’t want to take any chances.”
“Can we use this germ tactic back against them? Say use catapults, and send them below our bead? They will have no way of burring the dead, the ground is frozen.”
“Alas, it would work, but I don’t think it will have the full effect we would like it to. I see no reason not to do it, it would be quite discerning to see bodies fly at them, for them to wonder whether they are infected or not. While we are at it, the Solamnic human bodies of the dead, we should send them as well.”
“I will get the crews on that, send word to your people to stop the burning.”
“Of course General, it will be done.”
Galzin then heads to the war room where his surviving staff is pouring over detailed maps of the Solace Vale and surrounding areas. The 2nd in command of the goblin hoard, General Hallk and Bozak military advisor Major Glock have given their full attention to the current situation. Others have joined in this task: The Hobgoblin Major Dalik, Goblins, Major Yareal, Captain Nass, and Captain Caul.
“I have received a letter from Lord Ortaz from Twin Peaks. They have confirmed the Wolverine presence in and around Solace.”
There are murmurings fro, around the table.
“Quiet! They did not get over the crater; they flew in air ships around the backside of the Solace Peaks. There are 300 to 400 troops stationed along the west road to Haven, they do not pose a direct threat to us as of yet. Lord Ortaz says he is having 2000 reinforcements move up from Haven to secure the west road, and stand ready to help us should the Wolverines attach from the south.”
“What of the Knights we know that went to Solace from here?” Asks Caul.
“They have joined with the Knights guarding the tomb in Solace. I was given a number of 1000 knights in all that is now in Solace. General Hallk, what are our final numbers here in Wolfgaard?”
“104,837 goblin-kin and draconian strong my general.” Hallk replies briskly, “We lost 10,039 in the fight and due to the plague.”
“We still outnumber the main Wolverine battle group by 50,000 troops General.” Glock adds, “And we have the benefit of dragon-support.”
“If Lord Beryl still supports us. She could pull the plug at any time, let us not put all of our faith in the dragons. I know what I speak nears the edge of blasphemy, but we are out here on the front lines staring down an impressive army, and sometimes the calls we make in field are because we see what the real situation is. This Graysword has eliminated my Airforce, taken my wizards, sicked a nasty bio-plague upon us, and they have airships and these Wolverines have highly competent planners. I would respect them a hell of a lot more if it wasn’t that they are coming to kill us!” Galzin allows. “Send out the hunter killer teams. Give each on a seashell and tell them to wait for the command to kill. Lord Ortaz believes we may be able to sue for peace.”
“You must be joking my General! Major Yareal says in disbelief, “These humans are coming, they have not fled from the dragon attacks, they do not fear.”
“I never joke about war or peace Yareal. You forget yourself! We have taken Wolfgaard, we have proved ourselves mighty to our enemies, but luck only carries a army so far. They could bypass us completely, and meet up with those of Solace, and move on to Haven and be at Beryl’s front door by spring. We must be smart about what our next move will be.”
“What is our next move General?” Hallk asks.
“We reinforce the door, and the walls, we send out our scouts, and we ready the oil. If they are to come, then we must be ready for their advance. We do everything exactly as we would to fight this battle, but we do not attack the humans until we get word from Lord Ortaz.”
Haven Road Outpost
“We must give a show of force, else they will not take us seriously. We must make them wonder if they could take us with our obvious superior numbers. They have no back up, they are without allies that can do much, and we must make them consider.”
“Ortaz, you know Galzin’s mission was take Gateway and Wolfgaard, and to apply pressure on Solace. So far, he has lost Gateway-.”
“A calculated withdrawal Lord Darret, Galzin could not hold Gateway, and take Wolfgaard. The appearance of the Wolverines made that choice a clear one. I do not hold that against him.”
“Well I do. He outnumbers them.”
“I am aware of that Lord, and I am also aware that Lord Beryl made it clear to take Wolfgaard. Galzin made Wolfgaard happen, and for that, he will be honored at this table.”
“But what you are suggesting is counter to Lord Beryl’s wishes. You will have made the sacrifices of the Horde, and the resupply all for not.”
“But you see, it was all for naught anyway. The resupply never made it. The Wolverines in the south cut them down, they had to redirect to Haven across the White Rage. It fattens your food stores anyway. Look, We have to reevaluate our plan to the Solace theatre, a plan that will protect our Lord Beryl’s interests and that of her armies in the north. I will send word to Lord Beryl of my intentions to sue for peace with the Wolverines, with her approval, I will then send word to the Graysword that we wish to parley with this General, and work to head off a conflict we are not ready for. My servant Kazak has already left to take the word to Lord Beryl of my plans, and you will continue to oversee the forward deployment of the troops to maintain control of Haven Road. We have an ally that will make sure that the Wolverines do not move on Haven.”
“I will do . . . You are quite commanding for a draconian.”
“And you are a Knight, who knows nothing of the baser instincts of the need of survival. You were put in charge of Haven, Darrat do you know why? Because you are timid and not worthy of the knowledge of the far-reaching plans of our Lord Beryl. I was placed in command of the Solace Vale theatre for the simple reason of knowing when to stick it out, how much to stick out, and how to burry it to the hilt. Deploy the troops, and wait for my signal. I leave you now Lord Darrat to go about your tasks.” With that, The Aurak Draconian Lord, raises from his chair, and leaves the outpost on the back of a Wyvern, to his lair on Twin Peaks.
Gannon Dirge arrives at the Keep of Gadar of the Black. He is awed by the sight of the hundreds of undead that have risen from the depths of the earth of ages past. The Undead stand still, even as Gannon lowers himself from his mount, and approaches the Keep. But when he reaches the steps, the undead come to “life” and turn toward him. He has suppressed thus far, but now, it grips his heart. He cries out as the hands grab hold of his body, ready to rip him in quarters.
“STOP! I command you to release this Dark Knight!” A black robed figure descends the stairs with an almost levitating grace. The undead follow the commands of their undead lord. “You have seeked me out Knight of the Skull, for what purpose. Quickly speak, for I have left my studies, and know this, if you bore me in the slightest, I will leave you to my friends.”
The Kapak can’t believe what it has seen this night. Flying ships come from the sky that land on the ground, and dozens of troops deploying around the West side of Solace. They camp on the banks of Crystalmir Lake, and number in the hundreds. Lord Ortaz will know of this. The Draconian gathers his unit, and moves out of the area. They were able to hear the name of the soldiers, “Wolverines.” Sangis knows of the Animal, but not why these warriors are called so.
The unit moves out, quickly and quietly, but do not notice the Rangers on their trail. The 241st Ranger battalion circle and close in on the enemy targets.
The Rangers on the outer perimeter meet the Draconians, and volleys of Arrows enter the scales of the Kapaks. But not all the draconians were destroyed this day. The Leader, Sangis moved on all fours and accelerated past the hand to hand, only managing it get hit with arrows in the back.
This area of the Haven Road in dangerous. Gader’s Keep. The Litch of Darken Wood, who rumors say, he lived in the time of Kith-Khan after the Kinslayer Wars. He was a Human Wizard of the Dark Robes, who rather then dying, with born into undeath by dark magics and began service to Chemosh. And still he lives in undeath. Recently, he pulled to life legions of Undead from the earth, collected over past wars. He is supposed to be on our side.
----
In Twin Peaks Vale, at he end of West Haven Road, and North of Haven North Road.
Lord Ortaz looks out his window from his stronghold on Twin Peaks, at the gently falling snow. He walks from the window to don his robe. His draconian love-slave lies on the their bed, and moans in her dream. It is nearing Dawn, and the view is spectacular. He sips on a Magical potion of Elven blood, to reenergize after the vigorous spawning of last night’s spells.
----
DM Note: Amazingly enough is the fact that Draconians have not lost spell powers in the last two years.
----
Lord Ortaz is an Aurak Draconian, and a powerful one at that. He and his brood left Tyer in 26 S.C. and later sold their services to Beryllinthranox, the Green Peril, and the Overlord of Qualinesti. If he can prove himself in this position to Beryl, he will be insured to gain control of Elven lands in the South. Thus applying pressure on Solace, and overseeing the military operations in gateway and New Ports. Disastrous notes have made him sit up and take notice over the last three Weeks. The Loss of Gateway and the appearance of an unknown Army of vast proportions based in the Druid’s Lands.
The Dragons in service to Beryl have been probing their defenses and has found these warriors lacking in defensives capabilities. But yet other happenings such as key Goblins being assassinated, and the Goblin plague that had been unleashed.
Cashing in on Wolfgaard Keep has made Beryl vary happy indeed, but now it has to be held. At all costs.
The seven-foot dragonman walks out of his room, and walks to his war room. And views a Draconian drawn map, of Abanasinia. Known in the south, there is at least a Division of Enemy troops at the mouth of Gateway, facing still thousands of Goblins. Chances are not in our favor. We must have a back up plan in case the Dragons do not succeed. The one thing about the enemy air force, they denied the goblins theirs. The Legion of Steel in the North West of Solace has been the problem for months. We need support, and that is paramount. He calls in Major Rellik. The Sivak enters the room and looks to his Lord.
“Alert commander Kazak that his battlegroup will accompany our envoy to the Overlord. This is a important to our control of the Solace Theater.”
The Sivak nods his head in understanding. “They will have to have papers to get them thru Lord Darrat’s Knights in Haven.”
“They will be given papers before they leave. Perhaps I will ask Darret for use of a Dragon. That will ensure the envoy’s arrival. I will make all ready for their journey. See it to it Commander, there will be no one to stop us.”
When the Aurak is alone, he goes to his desk, and pens several Scrolls, when he is interrupted. “Chief Sangis, what is the meaning of coming in uninvited? I should kill you right where you stand, but I don’t wish to dirty my walls with your filth.”
“You should, but you won’t my Master. They are called Wolverines my Lord. They have deployed on the Western front of Solace. They mean to deny you control of Solace and Wolfgaard. I don’t know how long the goblins can last.”
Ortaz glares at the Kapak. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t try to contemplate the unthinkable. If we lose Wolfgaard, and Gateway, our heads will be on stakes for the deathcrows to feast on. Tell me everything.
Ortaz records all the relevant details including the Kapak’s meeting with the Litch, Gader.
He also pens a situation report to General Galzin of the 8th Goblin Horde in control of Wolfgaard.
After the Kapak has been released from duty, and after the Envoys has been sent off with Commander Kazak’s Battlegroup with all the Scrolls, except for what will be sent to Galzin.
The Aurak figures out his next plans for the Solace Theater.
General Galzin sweeps into and stands in the Lord’s chambers of Wolfgaard. Galzin looks out the forward balcony and feels the triumphant part as The General of The 6th Goblin Horde of Beryllinthranox the Green Overlord of Abanasinia.
Sure it took thousands of troops, but we got here. He hears the boots of the newest Lord Dark Knight Advisor from Qualinost. Lord Blackmore of the Lily has only just arrived from Qualinesti.
“General Galzin, what is this about Lord Fronath disappearing?”
The goblin looks at the Dark Knight, think of the different scenarios of killing the usurping bootlicking Knight. “He left on his own business, apparently believing his own mission was more important then Overlord Beryl’s planned takeover of this Vale.”
“I don’t think I like your tone General. I am told that Akil Fronath was following official Knighthood business.”
“Perhaps it was Grey Robe Business, but I don’t really care. The Horde could have used his help during the Plague, and the taking of the Keep.”
“You had Dark Knight Support, why are you complaining?”
“I had support from soldiers under field commander Sir Daroth then anyone else. He rallied the troops when all locked like we would fail because of the Wolverine Attacks. Of all the Knights of this Talon, he is the greatest among you. And the Dragons that came was not because of you, Great Beryl sent them to help us, they were a deciding factor.”
“I’m sure Sir Daroth will include his own role in the report when I see him,” The Lord walks around the room, “This will do.”
“Your Damn right, it’s good, good enough to be my Throne Room! My people died, I get to sit here, and launch our strikes.”
The Lord looks at the 30 other Goblins in the near vicinity to his person, and takes leave to stake out another location for the Knights to set up shop.
The Hardened General Halkk, the 2nd in Command of the Horde steps forward, “We have done it. Long ago did we see this Human Base be delved, and we got it! True it should be you great General to take the seat of honor at the table of Victorious.
Galzin unsheathes and lifts the blade known as the Sword of Pain to the air. “We stay ready to stop the advancing army outside. We must hold the Keep now at all costs!”
Later, Major Dallik, 12th Divisional Commander walks up the stairs to the Lord’s chamber when he hears a frightful explosion. The Hobgoblin runs up the stairs and into the Lord’s Hallway and sees the front glass shattered. He looks to see the Wizard’s Tower in the town below is no more. He sees Goblin Generals Galzin and Hallk taken cover behind the throne.
It would later be found out that the Dark Knight Leadership save Skull Knight Gannon Dirge, entered the tower to use as Base Camp.
Military Advisor Major Glock Lands on the battlements of Wolfgaard Keep. Having just returned from the Dragon Raids with The Dragon, Midnight, who serves as Beryl’s chief spy. The Bozack Draconian known as Major Glock passes the goblin guards on his way to Galzin.
Once arriving into the throne room, he bows to Galzin. Master Beryl is pleased with your work Galzin. Any survivors?”
“We have sixty-three knights and commoners that we have kept for slaves. They are in the Dungeons which are quite secure.”
“Once the Keep is refortified, we will send in resupply via our Dragon Friends.”
“That is reassuring and I thank you Major. The Wolverines have many, many troops, but we still have the numbers on them. We believe they have a Dragon. It was seen many times by our Air Navy, and our scouts.”
We saw nothing of this Dragon you speak of, but that will be reported to Herself. I will let Midnight rest a little before returning, Let us drink to our victory.”
Draconian Information:
Bozaks are the magic-using Draconians derived from the eggs of Bronze Dragons. They are quick-witted, shrewd, and ruthless. Bozak are just over six feet tall and are covered with bronze-colored scales. They have dull yellow eyes and gray teeth.
Aside from the Sivak, the Bozak is the only draconian that can actually fly, albeit only for a single round. Because flight requires a great effort, its movement rate in the air is 6. Not only can it glide like other winged Draconians, it can sustain the glide indefinitely in a strong wind. On cold days, Bozaks spread their wings to increase exposure to the sunlight. On warm days, they slowly flap their wings to generate cool breezes.
Elsewhere in the Keep-
The Goblin Captain Caul, Frontline Commander, and his 1st Sgt. Kellth. Hobgoblin War Sgt. who Bears the Sword of Hell's Fury.
They’re unit has the night off and they are drinking tonight!! For the last 5 years, this has been the goal, to take Wolfgaard Keep.
Work detail is going on. Clearing the rubble and dead bodies. Hunter killer teams with Dogs are going house-to-house and room-to-room searches for possible human stragglers.
Skull Knight, Gannon Dirge looks out onto the frosted night, and at the single moon of the Age. His thoughts are insidious, and satisfying. He readies his Horse, and rides to North Pass.
Galzin reads the letter twice, before contemplating his next move. Wolverines in Solace. And Wolverines at my font door, held back only by the crater from the black powder we set off before the attack. And Wolverines moving north from their base near Gateway. Galzin considers for a while of what his next actions must be.
He dons his heavy winter coat, then walks from the throne room, thru the keep, to the laboratory that the Bozak Draconian, known as Zark, has set up in medical quarters of the keep.
The General looks around at the goblin bodies scattered around the room, “Report Zark, what have you found out about this disease that is killing my men? ”
“Ah General Galzin, do not worry about these, they are uninfected specimens. I am having the bodies burned of those that have succumbed to the biological warfare inflicted upon us.”
“This was manufactured?”
“Most assuredly my General. These Wolverines are a crafty bunch to resort to such measures. The Solamnics would have never tried something such as this, nor would the elves. These Wolverines are quite thorough, it was lucky that it is winter, or we would all be dead.”
“You say you are having the bodies burned Doctor?”
“Why yes, and all of their equipment and personal effects, we don’t want to take any chances.”
“Can we use this germ tactic back against them? Say use catapults, and send them below our bead? They will have no way of burring the dead, the ground is frozen.”
“Alas, it would work, but I don’t think it will have the full effect we would like it to. I see no reason not to do it, it would be quite discerning to see bodies fly at them, for them to wonder whether they are infected or not. While we are at it, the Solamnic human bodies of the dead, we should send them as well.”
“I will get the crews on that, send word to your people to stop the burning.”
“Of course General, it will be done.”
Galzin then heads to the war room where his surviving staff is pouring over detailed maps of the Solace Vale and surrounding areas. The 2nd in command of the goblin hoard, General Hallk and Bozak military advisor Major Glock have given their full attention to the current situation. Others have joined in this task: The Hobgoblin Major Dalik, Goblins, Major Yareal, Captain Nass, and Captain Caul.
“I have received a letter from Lord Ortaz from Twin Peaks. They have confirmed the Wolverine presence in and around Solace.”
There are murmurings fro, around the table.
“Quiet! They did not get over the crater; they flew in air ships around the backside of the Solace Peaks. There are 300 to 400 troops stationed along the west road to Haven, they do not pose a direct threat to us as of yet. Lord Ortaz says he is having 2000 reinforcements move up from Haven to secure the west road, and stand ready to help us should the Wolverines attach from the south.”
“What of the Knights we know that went to Solace from here?” Asks Caul.
“They have joined with the Knights guarding the tomb in Solace. I was given a number of 1000 knights in all that is now in Solace. General Hallk, what are our final numbers here in Wolfgaard?”
“104,837 goblin-kin and draconian strong my general.” Hallk replies briskly, “We lost 10,039 in the fight and due to the plague.”
“We still outnumber the main Wolverine battle group by 50,000 troops General.” Glock adds, “And we have the benefit of dragon-support.”
“If Lord Beryl still supports us. She could pull the plug at any time, let us not put all of our faith in the dragons. I know what I speak nears the edge of blasphemy, but we are out here on the front lines staring down an impressive army, and sometimes the calls we make in field are because we see what the real situation is. This Graysword has eliminated my Airforce, taken my wizards, sicked a nasty bio-plague upon us, and they have airships and these Wolverines have highly competent planners. I would respect them a hell of a lot more if it wasn’t that they are coming to kill us!” Galzin allows. “Send out the hunter killer teams. Give each on a seashell and tell them to wait for the command to kill. Lord Ortaz believes we may be able to sue for peace.”
“You must be joking my General! Major Yareal says in disbelief, “These humans are coming, they have not fled from the dragon attacks, they do not fear.”
“I never joke about war or peace Yareal. You forget yourself! We have taken Wolfgaard, we have proved ourselves mighty to our enemies, but luck only carries a army so far. They could bypass us completely, and meet up with those of Solace, and move on to Haven and be at Beryl’s front door by spring. We must be smart about what our next move will be.”
“What is our next move General?” Hallk asks.
“We reinforce the door, and the walls, we send out our scouts, and we ready the oil. If they are to come, then we must be ready for their advance. We do everything exactly as we would to fight this battle, but we do not attack the humans until we get word from Lord Ortaz.”
Haven Road Outpost
“We must give a show of force, else they will not take us seriously. We must make them wonder if they could take us with our obvious superior numbers. They have no back up, they are without allies that can do much, and we must make them consider.”
“Ortaz, you know Galzin’s mission was take Gateway and Wolfgaard, and to apply pressure on Solace. So far, he has lost Gateway-.”
“A calculated withdrawal Lord Darret, Galzin could not hold Gateway, and take Wolfgaard. The appearance of the Wolverines made that choice a clear one. I do not hold that against him.”
“Well I do. He outnumbers them.”
“I am aware of that Lord, and I am also aware that Lord Beryl made it clear to take Wolfgaard. Galzin made Wolfgaard happen, and for that, he will be honored at this table.”
“But what you are suggesting is counter to Lord Beryl’s wishes. You will have made the sacrifices of the Horde, and the resupply all for not.”
“But you see, it was all for naught anyway. The resupply never made it. The Wolverines in the south cut them down, they had to redirect to Haven across the White Rage. It fattens your food stores anyway. Look, We have to reevaluate our plan to the Solace theatre, a plan that will protect our Lord Beryl’s interests and that of her armies in the north. I will send word to Lord Beryl of my intentions to sue for peace with the Wolverines, with her approval, I will then send word to the Graysword that we wish to parley with this General, and work to head off a conflict we are not ready for. My servant Kazak has already left to take the word to Lord Beryl of my plans, and you will continue to oversee the forward deployment of the troops to maintain control of Haven Road. We have an ally that will make sure that the Wolverines do not move on Haven.”
“I will do . . . You are quite commanding for a draconian.”
“And you are a Knight, who knows nothing of the baser instincts of the need of survival. You were put in charge of Haven, Darrat do you know why? Because you are timid and not worthy of the knowledge of the far-reaching plans of our Lord Beryl. I was placed in command of the Solace Vale theatre for the simple reason of knowing when to stick it out, how much to stick out, and how to burry it to the hilt. Deploy the troops, and wait for my signal. I leave you now Lord Darrat to go about your tasks.” With that, The Aurak Draconian Lord, raises from his chair, and leaves the outpost on the back of a Wyvern, to his lair on Twin Peaks.
Gannon Dirge arrives at the Keep of Gadar of the Black. He is awed by the sight of the hundreds of undead that have risen from the depths of the earth of ages past. The Undead stand still, even as Gannon lowers himself from his mount, and approaches the Keep. But when he reaches the steps, the undead come to “life” and turn toward him. He has suppressed thus far, but now, it grips his heart. He cries out as the hands grab hold of his body, ready to rip him in quarters.
“STOP! I command you to release this Dark Knight!” A black robed figure descends the stairs with an almost levitating grace. The undead follow the commands of their undead lord. “You have seeked me out Knight of the Skull, for what purpose. Quickly speak, for I have left my studies, and know this, if you bore me in the slightest, I will leave you to my friends.”
The Kapak can’t believe what it has seen this night. Flying ships come from the sky that land on the ground, and dozens of troops deploying around the West side of Solace. They camp on the banks of Crystalmir Lake, and number in the hundreds. Lord Ortaz will know of this. The Draconian gathers his unit, and moves out of the area. They were able to hear the name of the soldiers, “Wolverines.” Sangis knows of the Animal, but not why these warriors are called so.
The unit moves out, quickly and quietly, but do not notice the Rangers on their trail. The 241st Ranger battalion circle and close in on the enemy targets.
The Rangers on the outer perimeter meet the Draconians, and volleys of Arrows enter the scales of the Kapaks. But not all the draconians were destroyed this day. The Leader, Sangis moved on all fours and accelerated past the hand to hand, only managing it get hit with arrows in the back.
This area of the Haven Road in dangerous. Gader’s Keep. The Litch of Darken Wood, who rumors say, he lived in the time of Kith-Khan after the Kinslayer Wars. He was a Human Wizard of the Dark Robes, who rather then dying, with born into undeath by dark magics and began service to Chemosh. And still he lives in undeath. Recently, he pulled to life legions of Undead from the earth, collected over past wars. He is supposed to be on our side.
----
In Twin Peaks Vale, at he end of West Haven Road, and North of Haven North Road.
Lord Ortaz looks out his window from his stronghold on Twin Peaks, at the gently falling snow. He walks from the window to don his robe. His draconian love-slave lies on the their bed, and moans in her dream. It is nearing Dawn, and the view is spectacular. He sips on a Magical potion of Elven blood, to reenergize after the vigorous spawning of last night’s spells.
----
DM Note: Amazingly enough is the fact that Draconians have not lost spell powers in the last two years.
----
Lord Ortaz is an Aurak Draconian, and a powerful one at that. He and his brood left Tyer in 26 S.C. and later sold their services to Beryllinthranox, the Green Peril, and the Overlord of Qualinesti. If he can prove himself in this position to Beryl, he will be insured to gain control of Elven lands in the South. Thus applying pressure on Solace, and overseeing the military operations in gateway and New Ports. Disastrous notes have made him sit up and take notice over the last three Weeks. The Loss of Gateway and the appearance of an unknown Army of vast proportions based in the Druid’s Lands.
The Dragons in service to Beryl have been probing their defenses and has found these warriors lacking in defensives capabilities. But yet other happenings such as key Goblins being assassinated, and the Goblin plague that had been unleashed.
Cashing in on Wolfgaard Keep has made Beryl vary happy indeed, but now it has to be held. At all costs.
The seven-foot dragonman walks out of his room, and walks to his war room. And views a Draconian drawn map, of Abanasinia. Known in the south, there is at least a Division of Enemy troops at the mouth of Gateway, facing still thousands of Goblins. Chances are not in our favor. We must have a back up plan in case the Dragons do not succeed. The one thing about the enemy air force, they denied the goblins theirs. The Legion of Steel in the North West of Solace has been the problem for months. We need support, and that is paramount. He calls in Major Rellik. The Sivak enters the room and looks to his Lord.
“Alert commander Kazak that his battlegroup will accompany our envoy to the Overlord. This is a important to our control of the Solace Theater.”
The Sivak nods his head in understanding. “They will have to have papers to get them thru Lord Darrat’s Knights in Haven.”
“They will be given papers before they leave. Perhaps I will ask Darret for use of a Dragon. That will ensure the envoy’s arrival. I will make all ready for their journey. See it to it Commander, there will be no one to stop us.”
When the Aurak is alone, he goes to his desk, and pens several Scrolls, when he is interrupted. “Chief Sangis, what is the meaning of coming in uninvited? I should kill you right where you stand, but I don’t wish to dirty my walls with your filth.”
“You should, but you won’t my Master. They are called Wolverines my Lord. They have deployed on the Western front of Solace. They mean to deny you control of Solace and Wolfgaard. I don’t know how long the goblins can last.”
Ortaz glares at the Kapak. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t try to contemplate the unthinkable. If we lose Wolfgaard, and Gateway, our heads will be on stakes for the deathcrows to feast on. Tell me everything.
Ortaz records all the relevant details including the Kapak’s meeting with the Litch, Gader.
He also pens a situation report to General Galzin of the 8th Goblin Horde in control of Wolfgaard.
After the Kapak has been released from duty, and after the Envoys has been sent off with Commander Kazak’s Battlegroup with all the Scrolls, except for what will be sent to Galzin.
The Aurak figures out his next plans for the Solace Theater.
General Galzin sweeps into and stands in the Lord’s chambers of Wolfgaard. Galzin looks out the forward balcony and feels the triumphant part as The General of The 6th Goblin Horde of Beryllinthranox the Green Overlord of Abanasinia.
Sure it took thousands of troops, but we got here. He hears the boots of the newest Lord Dark Knight Advisor from Qualinost. Lord Blackmore of the Lily has only just arrived from Qualinesti.
“General Galzin, what is this about Lord Fronath disappearing?”
The goblin looks at the Dark Knight, think of the different scenarios of killing the usurping bootlicking Knight. “He left on his own business, apparently believing his own mission was more important then Overlord Beryl’s planned takeover of this Vale.”
“I don’t think I like your tone General. I am told that Akil Fronath was following official Knighthood business.”
“Perhaps it was Grey Robe Business, but I don’t really care. The Horde could have used his help during the Plague, and the taking of the Keep.”
“You had Dark Knight Support, why are you complaining?”
“I had support from soldiers under field commander Sir Daroth then anyone else. He rallied the troops when all locked like we would fail because of the Wolverine Attacks. Of all the Knights of this Talon, he is the greatest among you. And the Dragons that came was not because of you, Great Beryl sent them to help us, they were a deciding factor.”
“I’m sure Sir Daroth will include his own role in the report when I see him,” The Lord walks around the room, “This will do.”
“Your Damn right, it’s good, good enough to be my Throne Room! My people died, I get to sit here, and launch our strikes.”
The Lord looks at the 30 other Goblins in the near vicinity to his person, and takes leave to stake out another location for the Knights to set up shop.
The Hardened General Halkk, the 2nd in Command of the Horde steps forward, “We have done it. Long ago did we see this Human Base be delved, and we got it! True it should be you great General to take the seat of honor at the table of Victorious.
Galzin unsheathes and lifts the blade known as the Sword of Pain to the air. “We stay ready to stop the advancing army outside. We must hold the Keep now at all costs!”
Later, Major Dallik, 12th Divisional Commander walks up the stairs to the Lord’s chamber when he hears a frightful explosion. The Hobgoblin runs up the stairs and into the Lord’s Hallway and sees the front glass shattered. He looks to see the Wizard’s Tower in the town below is no more. He sees Goblin Generals Galzin and Hallk taken cover behind the throne.
It would later be found out that the Dark Knight Leadership save Skull Knight Gannon Dirge, entered the tower to use as Base Camp.
Military Advisor Major Glock Lands on the battlements of Wolfgaard Keep. Having just returned from the Dragon Raids with The Dragon, Midnight, who serves as Beryl’s chief spy. The Bozack Draconian known as Major Glock passes the goblin guards on his way to Galzin.
Once arriving into the throne room, he bows to Galzin. Master Beryl is pleased with your work Galzin. Any survivors?”
“We have sixty-three knights and commoners that we have kept for slaves. They are in the Dungeons which are quite secure.”
“Once the Keep is refortified, we will send in resupply via our Dragon Friends.”
“That is reassuring and I thank you Major. The Wolverines have many, many troops, but we still have the numbers on them. We believe they have a Dragon. It was seen many times by our Air Navy, and our scouts.”
We saw nothing of this Dragon you speak of, but that will be reported to Herself. I will let Midnight rest a little before returning, Let us drink to our victory.”
Draconian Information:
Bozaks are the magic-using Draconians derived from the eggs of Bronze Dragons. They are quick-witted, shrewd, and ruthless. Bozak are just over six feet tall and are covered with bronze-colored scales. They have dull yellow eyes and gray teeth.
Aside from the Sivak, the Bozak is the only draconian that can actually fly, albeit only for a single round. Because flight requires a great effort, its movement rate in the air is 6. Not only can it glide like other winged Draconians, it can sustain the glide indefinitely in a strong wind. On cold days, Bozaks spread their wings to increase exposure to the sunlight. On warm days, they slowly flap their wings to generate cool breezes.
Elsewhere in the Keep-
The Goblin Captain Caul, Frontline Commander, and his 1st Sgt. Kellth. Hobgoblin War Sgt. who Bears the Sword of Hell's Fury.
They’re unit has the night off and they are drinking tonight!! For the last 5 years, this has been the goal, to take Wolfgaard Keep.
Work detail is going on. Clearing the rubble and dead bodies. Hunter killer teams with Dogs are going house-to-house and room-to-room searches for possible human stragglers.
Skull Knight, Gannon Dirge looks out onto the frosted night, and at the single moon of the Age. His thoughts are insidious, and satisfying. He readies his Horse, and rides to North Pass.