TSGL3 Finale Mission Report: The Judgement of Der'al

[Narrator]

Prologue:

He was called Lord Azrael the All Knowing by his followers, but in heart of hearts he would always be that young being who stood before the Border of Consciousness and stepping into it hoping for knowledge to make all worlds a better place.
Looking down at the places his withered skin was wearing away, feeling the deadest skin flake away, barely replaced by the regenerating flesh underneath.
He was no undead, though at times he wished for the deep pain and rage he always felt to be swept away by the cold collected thoughts like his old friend I’tash enjoyed…
He was living, barely, kept alive by sheer willpower and an unwillingness to release his own spirit to be recycled by the universe. .
Here he was another three years of immense work put into saving the folks of the Goblin Lands, Earther and Olgog alike. He hoped his efforts, though known to cause some pain, had brought the best out of the heroes of Refuge.
He hoped he had helped them reach their true potential, showing them the pitfalls both the world and their own prejudices and beliefs had put in front of them. But despite his long vision of the future, and his skill at seeing the patterns emerge, Azrael never really knew for sure.

Now would be that moment all his people would be surely tested, as would the Olgogs of Der’al.

Azrael allowed his mind to walk through the memories of so many of the leaders on their respective battlefields.

He felt the wearyness of so many, who thought it merely the joy of winning a kingdom without ever realizing the work that goes into caring for those folks.

He knew some of the leaders would fail their people, some would ignore their citizens cries of fear and need and instead focus only on their immediate needs. Azrael could not blame them. Before he had understood the universal phenomena of our reality, he had been much the same. It seemed to the nature of many beings.

Azrael ordered his armies to mobilize. Uth Raiders from countless dimensions converged on Refuge. Uth and Pelebor Falsewyrm Riders took to the skies, while hidden shadow-walkers made their way into the cities in question, preparing for the Krato.

Azrael called upon his most loyal Akalus Hak’u and even the Blood Dancers and the Nightmare Skinners. The Krato wished for war? Then then Azrael’s Fallen Legions would answer it.

[Narrator]

Part 1: Simonsburg, or how the Defenders learned a valuable lesson

Tal’al’oon of Fort Lendill would sadly have to ask the residents of Simonsburg to shelter in place. The tree teleporting network Auf Laylan described seemed like a trap when dealing with a race of master Earth Leyas users like the Krato.
Any who wished to help defend the town had been organized into a reaction force which would try to repulse any enemies that tried to breach and enter the town. The Omala would be the primary defender of Simonsburg.
Unknown to him, they would not be alone.

Jeremiah Strykker signed deeply as once again alert sirens screamed all over EEF high command. He rushed to the command center.

“What have we got?” As he strode into the room.

“Sir, multiple dimensional incursions in the wastes. Early reports indicate a major Krato invasion. They’re hitting every settlement worth the name, but main attack seem to be Brez, Simonsberg and Tla’lo’cal Station.” Captain Jeffers informed he as he stepped to the holo table.

Jeremiah looked up at the map. Ugly red blips covered it by the dozen with more opening each moment. He nodded, “That is a lot of Krato. What is our disposition of forces in the waste?”

“We were just stating to rotate them out now that we are fairly sure the mirror crystal forces have all been mopped up. But everything except the ships are still mostly in position in orbit with the fleet.”

"Good, tell everyone rotation is canceled and they’d better dig in now. All force are to render whatever aid they can to local defenders. Get VLAD moving to if they aren’t already and get me the fleet. I want them to hit any large concentration that aren’t too close to settlements. RCT 2 gets Simonsberg, Giffords and RCT 1 can cover Brez and get RCT 4 rolling to Tla’lo’cal Station.

So it was at that moment, that the Omala picked up the friendly signals of countless EEF AAVs that dived over the horizon. They landed inside the walls of Simonsburg, picking up the new colonial citizens and lifting them off before the true battle began.

In their place were the Armies of Eloga. The Olgogs loyal to the Krato Ur-Kings were there, with weapons crafted by their Ur-King allies. Their chariots were armored, and pulled by Armorfiends. Each street was defended by a pair of chariots, and a ring of them held the outside of the walls of Simonsburg.
In the distance there was a rumble. From one edge of the horizon to the other were giants walking shoulder to shoulder. Their arms held up shields made of the same material as the Grey carapace armor of Warmonger’s Dead.

The Armies of Eloga began the offensive first, not being willing to stand for a siege by the Krato. Some Elogans kept watch for Krato trained Stoneworms, and other burrowing troops, while others began to act as acid grenade artillery.

Tal’al’oon couldn’t understand the tactic at first. Then he realized what the Elogans were doing. Even though the Acid grenades did not affect the Krato Giants, they all did find their shields beginning to melt, as well as their weapons and gear. All that remained was the Krato Giant’s clothing also woven from the acid proof skin of defeated Krato foes.

The Krato were visible, and Tal’al turned quickly and spoke into his commsystem.

“Aim for the sections where the shields are missing,” he ordered.

The Omala pivoted in mid air with the grace of a sparrow despite its size more akin to a whale Weapons studding its hull extended from their technomantic sheaths, and began to fire upon the Krato Giants.
Like felling timber, the alien giants died, their acid blood washing down into the sandy terrain. While their blood did not dissolve their skin, bones or organs, everything carried by the Krato were destroyed. Where their blood splashed, the sand altered, after sizzling away for a while. What was left afterwards were corroded looking stone and pebble tracks and ridges.

The Krato army attacking Simonsburg, seemed to split from imposing giants. In fact it seemed at first like the Omala had destroyed them all, but in reality only a few squads were killed while the rest went into their tiniest form.
The Omala used its best sensors to try and find the approaching Krato, but it was Tal’al’s own personal Eye Spies that spotted the Krato formation breaking apart. In triangle formation, made up of five tiny Krato, the squads went straight for the walls.
Tal’al signalled down to the Elogans to warn them. Then he finally heard what they were trying to say back, it seemed the Omala was visible for a moment. And a moment was all it took.

A single of the tiny Krato saw the Omala, and drove Earth Leyas into the side of the ship. All metal components onboard were suddenly elongating with immense force in the opposite direction from the enemies. It forced them right into the crew of the Omala.
Tal’al’oon watched as a few shiny bits on a console in front of him suddenly became spike projectiles moving straight for his face. He dropped to his knees watching the spikes sail past him, and then felt a section of floor move up towards him.
The entire vessel was about to crush him, and he was not ready for that. He turned to run for the door, trying to yell out an evacuation order, but he felt something pierce his stomach long before the walls closed in.

As he fell, feeling so much pain, he reached down and realized that his own springshot ammo had been reversed through him. Like being struck with every round he carried on him at once, the Fort Lendill Gun Monk sank to the floor. He bled from every wound and thankfully lost consciousness before the Omala was crushed in on him.

All around Simonsburg, the downing of the Omala caused the defenders to quake in their fortified positions. Some prayed, and a tiny majority wished for Uriel to return from the afterlife and defend them once again.
Uriel was very far from the wastes when the attack started. But still he felt the forces moving, and the begging minds of those who thought of him.
The Warmonger’s anticipation was like far off storm rolling toward him. He almost went to communion with the other Ascended but he know what they would do. Squabble until it was all over. No help would be had there. For a moment he considered that perhaps they were right. His involvement, no matter how well intentioned could greatly complicate matters. Then he felt the fighting start and knew st he couldn’t ignore it. No he had to act. He concentrated a moment and felt his spirit lurch. For a moment his vision swam and doubled. He saw his small cold tent and the crowded streets of Simonsberg over laid for moment. Then his visions cleared and separated. His ascended mind easily filtering the information from his two avatar bodies. Simonsberg, it was good to be back but he had work to do.

Across from him a tiny Krato was standing triumphant over a pair of dead Elogans. Uriel could see he was trying to open an Energy Bridge to the Land of the Krato to let the rest of the army through.
While the Krato were perhaps the greatest Earthmancers and equals of the Sylvan in many ways, the Krato’s power paled in comparison to an ascended being. Uriel snapped the energy bridge closed as soon as the Krato opened it. And extending his will as far as his natural eyes could seem, he began to blanket the block with an Earth Ward so powerful it actually frightened the Krato causing the tiny one to flee.
It was then that Uriel thought he could hear his name being spoken. He turned a corner and saw a crowd of Simonsburg’s defenders. Folks who lived here and would not leave on the AAVs. Folks who would defend their home with their lives.
Uriel was just in time to hear as Tla’al gives a rousing speech, with Eve by her side. “Once again, our city is under attack. It never ends.
Last time, we had the great Uriel to save us. Today, we do not. But let his sacrifice not be in vain. We save our city, again and again and again.
Let’s do this for Uriel. And for the glory of our city!”

The battle cry is “For Uriel!”

Uriel felt more than a little bit of pride at that. After all his sacrifice it was rare to hear a genuine word of praise. Then he remembered a little trick the other Ascended Beings had spoken of. Something that the Godheads of Refuge, including Candy and Krodnok, could do in the presence of their followers. Something an ascended being could call upon without ever breaking the rules that prevented open war between the Ascended Beings and the Ancient Evils.
Pulling in the power of the faithful all around him, Uriel began weaving the most perfect Earth Ward. With the wills of the hundreds of defenders of Simonsburg praying for him to protect them fueling it, the Ward grew till it encompassed the entire city and pushed out the power of the Krato.
The Krato began to flee, fearing the worst as the ward sapped them of their immense power. And as they fled, the Krato found the deployed forces of the Great Northern Army waiting for them. Just as the Krato had originally encircled the city, the GNA forces had now encircled the Krato. Going giant sized once again, the Krato smashed into the GNA cavalry.

[Narrator]

From under the sand popped up four hundred Ferals, all friends and allies of the GNA, and well-versed in hiding their numbers. The Ferals struck the feet of the Krato with clubs. Fighting alongside the ferals were the Gogs of the Hateful Word, who used their Hobtor Axes to devastating effect on the kneecaps of the giants attempting to dodge the feral swarm. All the while, the GNA Mancers were slicking the surfaces under the Krato,
Individually out numbered and seperated from the Krato army, these Krato were easy prey once they could no longer stand. The GNA Cavalry smashed into the Krato on the ground, cracking open metal skulls, and spilling acid dripping brain matter across the sands.

Many a gog suffered permanent acid scars that day. And wear the Burns of Simonsburg with pride…

The main Krato army’s morale broke as they saw some of their finest champions fall to the GNA. Above them, descending were more starships bearing the EEF and firing lasers to deadly effect.

Suddenly Energy Bridges to the land of the Quall N’drone opened up, and the Krato army used the opportunity to flee enmass.
From the walls of Simonsburg, stood Uriel. He could sense the hand of the Avatar of Warmonger in the timing of the Krato escape. Suddenly, Uriel felt more assured that what he had done here was right and proper. He could only imagine the horror wrought if he had not held on so tightly to his personal restraint of power. He was sure it was all that limited Warmonger to just saving his army for another day, instead of striking directly at the innocents of Simonsburg.
Before allowing his form to return to the cosmic stuff of the universe, Uriel walked over to the wreakage of the Omala. It had been compressed down to half its original size. He allowed his shadows to become nightmarish tentacles. As they reached and probed through the crash he would pull out a bit of bone, or one of the SU-ARM robot’s indestructible data cores, he would place it on the side.
Converting enough lifeforce to return Tal’al’oon to life, he left the bewildered Gun Monk alone next to a pile of data cores that accounted for the full crew of the Omala.

Tal’al’oon met with the Elogans and the defenders of Simonsburg. Many had died, but the quick thinking of comrades and allies had gathered enough of the flesh and bone to fill the entire council audience hall of Simonsburg. Seeing so many dead, despite their best efforts angered Tal’al’oon for a moment.
If only the Krato had not attacked so suddenly, catching him on the ship. His own plan had been to be down among the Chariots, but seeing how the tiny krato spread out after the initial bombardment he saw the Elogans were actually ill prepared to try and chase down the tiny Krato. Instead it had disrupted the chariot ranks, and caused the Elogans more losses as Armorfiends attacked Armorfiends on nearby chariots instead of the tiny Krato that raced between their legs.

Tal’al’oon had also seen up close as a result of the unexpected attack how vulnerable the starships of the modern age were against an Earthmancer powerful enough to smash through wards. He would have to make a full report to Ar’goon Blazefist upon his return to Fort Lendill.
But first Tal’al’oon led the assembled people of the Simonsburg and the Armies of Eloga in an Ohm for the Ages. Together they meditated on their great victory today, on those they loved and wanted returned to life, and their collected experience as sentient beings. This ohm reverberated across Refuge, drawing in powerful Leyas, and soon the entire audience hall was glowing as the largest attempted conversion in history took place. Hundreds of soldiers were brought back to life, a small bit of the community’s life force given to restore so many. While everyone felt tired, and some still needed additional healing, or help, Tal’al’oon was pleased that all who had fought in the battle had survived.
He let out a small thankful prayer to the universe, and gathered his bag of memory cores.

[Narrator]

Part 2: The Defense of Rhug Tor in Absentia

The monster stood just under six feet tall. His mutated form was horrific to those who witnessed him, which was why the poor guy was currently hiding himself deep in the tunnels under Rhug’Tor. The tunnels were leftovers from the Mirror Crystal Invasion, and had served the monster well as he tried to hide from the Olgogs of Rhug’Tor.

Once the monster had been a well respected high priest of the Order of the Bladed Sun. Beloved on the prison dimension of Les’tas’tral, he had been known simply as Lance. Even in his home town of the City of the Gods, here on Refuge, they spoke about the high priest of the Bladed Sun, whose compassion was only matched by his good works for those around him.

Seeing an opportunity to help his old pal Uruf aid the local Olgogs of the Southlands in rising up to achieve independence, he had come to Rhug’Tor and set up a small Bladed Sun chapel. Its only real goals were to protect the locals from Church of One Knights, and to heal the sick and maimed of Rhug’Tor.

The attack by the Mirror Crystal Fleet had changed all that. The Mirror Crystal Glog of Or’Lur had unleashed the full power of the TearDrop Hammer on Lance. His body broken beyond recognition, only his mind remained, kept sane by his long forgotten bond to the Yellow Godsword. Even though the real bearer of the Yellow Sword was miles away at the time of the attack, the high priest had still felt its power envelopment him and protect him from the worst of the mental damage caused by the TearDrop Hammer.

But now so unlike how he had been, this Reaver was trapped, afraid to set foot on the surface. Afraid the olgogs and Earthers he helped would harm him. And that fear was so profound that he waited the weeks after the Mirror Crystal invasion, in the dark, under the city.

Only today, as he began his hunt for the Krato that threatened Rhug’Tor, did Lance realize that even this horror he had experienced might well serve the balance…
Hours later, exhausted and tired, Lance was slammed up against the wall by a giant Krato. The stone behind him hurt his muscled back. Acid burns scarred his chest and shoulders, but Lance would not be stopped.
He cut down at the wrist, and severed the Krato’s wrist for his first attack. His second, extended that cut up the wrist, severing the arm with a wide stroke. His third attack was a swing that cut out the same Krato’s hip bone, and his fourth attack took out the Krato’s spine as he passed behind it.
Landing in a roll, he healed himself once again. Using the Leyas he could restore even the acid burned skin, and his mastery of Healing was quite impressive for a human.
Breathing hard he saw a light at the end of the tunnel, and thought he saw Abel Dragonsbane dressed in golden armor. His olive skin was healthy looking, and his dark beard and fierce eyes softened when they fell upon Lance.
There was a flash of light, and Lance found himself on the surface for the first time in weeks. Above him, Krato were being driven off by a ghostly army of K’ias Spirits. All of them were streaming from a massive floating fortress that took up the sky above Rhug’Tor.
Lance recognized it as the Artificed Keep of Yohai, and Lance bowed his head in reverence for a moment. A K’ias ghost looked upon him and seemed to be ready to attack, then as if listening to a faraway voice flew off after a nearby Krato instead.
Lance wondered what had happened to the defenders of Rhug’Tor, but the Rhug’na’ru were no where to be found. It was a moment of sadness for the heroic knight.
Lance turned and again he saw Abel Dragonsbane, and the golden knight placed a hand on Lance’s head.
Visions filled the man’s mind, visions of a frozen place where a Dragon that haunted his dreams was sleeping. He had hundreds of Visions of the Dragon known as End of Worlds on the Prison Dimension known as Les’Tas’Tral, but since escaping the prison, he had been free of his fear.
Now that fear returned.
Yohai found Lance the Broken Reaver, seemingly under a fever and near dead from dehydration and starvation. Yohai found nearby a pair of vicious looking maces the former priest had fashioned from Krato bone nearby. One lodged in a Giant Krato’s skull, another crushing a tiny Krato in a ditch.
Yohai gently lifted up the former Champion of the Bladed Sun, and brought him to the Fortress for medical attention.

The City of Rhug’Tor had been saved, but the lack of organized defense of the Rhug’na’ru would always stay with the citizens of the city.

[Narrator]

Part 3: The Lessons of Tla’Loc’al Station

More than a handful of kilometers north of the Caverns of Tla’loc’al was the city of Tla’loc’al Station, home to Lost Colonies Ex-patriots, Colonial rebels, Tla’loc’alan Cultural experts, and a Museum dedicated to known Olgog History.
When the Krato attacked, Aufgog Lalder himself came to its defense.
Lalder said to the group “The Krato wish to either enslave us or wipe us from existence. Keep an eye out for the Uth or Pebelor, they will be our allies today. Also the Sylvan undead, our friends who are always there for us, will help us. Even the Krato send help to fight these krato attacking us. Those attacking us are in service to the Warmonger. Let us protect our own, let us protect those who cannot do that. Let us strike a blow against the warmonger.

Listen to your comm crystals, if the Feral Sylvan show up, we may have to give them space or avoid them. They will be here to help, but their is a danger in that.”

And set them off to do their duty, knowing these veterans of the War against Unit 111, the War against the Church of One, and the War against the Yyan would not give up nor surrender.

Lalder was immediately interrupted by Hobzhol Gul and Urka Gul of the Nine.

Lalder said to the representatives of the Nine “As we are attacked, I remind you that you destroyed our defenses. I hold you responsible for those I cannot save because I could not help them. You were not here to save us from the Oners or free us from the persecution we faced. You were dead on a wall.

The Sylvan were here for the Olgogs. The sylvan risk their existence to help the Olgogs now. And today I recognize this as I should have done before. The Warmonger is in a Quall body today and his allies are on the attack. The Sea kings, his followers, control much of the world. I have learned the full consequences of my actions. Maybe you should think more about the consequences of your current or future actions as Olgogs fight to live. Learn about the world today vs the world you knew before.

You are not my elder and I do not follow you blindly. If you wish to advise do so, I will listen. But do not attack mine again. Remember You turned down my offer.”

Hobzhol Gul leaned in to Urka Gul well within earshot of Lalder and said, “This guy’s arrogance about his warmachines are almost as bad as Vul and Mar’un’ga.”
Urka Gul snickered.

Hobzhol Gul created a pillar of stone so he was eye to eye with Lalder and said to the much larger Olgog, “You may not realize you and your United Tribes freed all of the Goblin Lands except the part we were trapped in? I guess you just though liberating the center was too hard.
The GNA went north, and you left it to the Earthers. I am sure it was a tactical decision. Did you ever think maybe we saved your fleet. You young gogs never see the long view.

If your ships were active, who would everyone expect to save them? You? And instead in every city and land in these southern parts of Der’al, the Olgogs are defending themselves.

Let me show you what your GREAT SHIPS would be in the face of a Krato invasion.”

Hobzhol Gul leapt across the terrain to a nearby Carrier, and split it in half with a simple touch of his hand. Then concentrating he formed it into a massive and beautiful tower, with each floor a different room on board the vessel, like a stone and crystal tree.

All the crew were freaking out and drawing weapons, but Hobzhol Gul restored the carrier to its original form, with not a single loss of life or material. Even all the artificings onboard had been safely shifted from form to form, and Lalder was frankly impressed.

“Yes, Lalder, tell me again how your fleet is the only defense that Der’al could ever hope for,” said Hobzhol Gul coldly, “The Sylvan learned this lesson at the start of the K’ias Wars. That is why the Falosini had to fall back on using ground troops like the K’iorn and Bastards in the great wars. Don’t you think they would have just flown in and destroyed every enemy in sight if they could but do so?”

“Do not rely on the weapons of the Sylvan when you fight the Krato,” whispered Urka Gul, “The Krato have fought against their style of combat, more so than any other style.”

Turning on a heel, Urka Gul erupted in flames and leapt into the sky. Flying away on wings of fire.

Hobzhol Gul leapt back over to Lalder, “I say again we mean the Olgogs no harm. You have declared yourself and the UtR a vassal of both the Sylvan and the Earthers. No Gog may have 2 Masters, and as an Aufgog you are a caretaker of Gogs first.”

The Nine’s Earthmancer melded into the Earth and waited for the Krato to approach.

Suddenly explosions rocked the terrain, and sink holes appeared across the terrain surrounding Tla’loc’al Station. Poison Gas spewed from them, as Krato scrambled from the holes trying to get to safer air outside.

Coughing up their acidic blood, Krato stumbled over each other like crabs in a barrel. From deeper in the caves, Elogans struck with Krato bone poleaxes, cutting important arteries on the fleeing Krato.

But as Krato tried to rise to the surface, water was already flooding the deepest tunnels the Krato were using. Earth was being turned to mud by the flowing water, and the Krato found themselves in water up to their heads. The water flash froze, and the water as it froze increased in size. Much like water working away at the cracks in the pavement, the icy action devastated the structural integrity of the ground around Tla’loc’al Station.
There were terrible earthquakes as the hydralic fractures caused by the infusion of water and pressure worked together to deadly effect. Across Tla’loc’al Station the streets and buildings began to crack and shake, and many a wall tumbled down.
One of the Elogan Captains called in on a secure commcrystal, “Aufgog Lalder, my brave Ur-King Tribals have retreated from the effected areas but the water has caused permanent damage. Even with our most powerful Earth Mancers, we cannot hold up the city.”

Aufgog Lalder grew angry, “What do you mean?”

“The damage, it is too extensive, the entire city and miles around it are in danger,” said the Elogan, “I must go, my gogs need my help.”
Aufgog Lalder felt a small hand tug on him, he turned and saw it was Hobzhol Gul, “You said you would accept my assistance if offered freely? I have an idea to save your city. Take me to the lowest place in Tla’loc’al Station.”
The Aufgog led the member of the Nine deep below the city, to a tiny service cavern that was already starting to fill with mud.

Hobzhol Gul said, “Relax, Lalder, your city will not sink away under the mud.”

There were enough Earth Leyas flowing into and out of Hobzhol Gul that it pulled up pillars from deep below the caverns. More and more of Tla’loc’al Station began to sink, but more and more pillars rose below it. Bedrock pillars slowed the descent of the city.

When it finally settled in position over an hour later, Tla’loc’al Station was now deep underground. Its tunnels were extended by Hobzhol Gul so the Hovertrain could still get in, but it had massively changed the landscape of the station. Where it had once stood on the surface was now just a muddy pit, but deep below the muddy pit was a hardened stone cap that kept the buildings that had once been on the surface safely contained underground.
Hobzhol Gul built in air holes, so the city wouldn’t suffocate. But it would change life for Tla’loc’al station in many ways. Luckily Hobzhol Gul had protected the city. Soon after the Krato army was defeated, the Undead Sylvan Refugees began to arrive. They helped the Auf Lal’al rebuild and further enhance the underground city of Tla’loc’al Station.

[Narrator]

Part 4: Another Underground City, and the benefits of GodHood
Krodnok summoned all of his followers into the massive cavern that had been built for gatherings like this. Doing so was the easiest way to get this announcement out.

“We are under attack,” he began. “Krato warriors are on their way here as we speak.”

The assembled mass before him began to make noise as the pepole began to talk. Krodnok just waited for them to stop, and he held his hands up.

“This cavern is the center of the city. I need ALL of our Leyas users to stay behind here once everyone is dismissed. Anyone who isn’t Leyas proficient, I need you at the few exits we have from the city locking these exits down. The only exit I want to remain is the main concourse, by the Tower outside. That’s under open sky, mostly. Tough to close that off. Let’s get started. One preparations are complete, all warriors assemble in the main concourse. Non-Leyas, non-warrior, get down to the bottom layers of the city.”

And everyone left. The smaller entrances were closed off, meaning a large slab of dirt-covered stone was slid into place over the opening, then covered in more dirt.

Once word reached Krodnok that the exits were sealed, he began to create an Earth Leyas Ward covering the city, his followers channeling Leyas energy to him, making the ward as strong as possible.
The Ward was powerful, and his followers helped him bind the ward so that none could break it short of an ascended being or an ancient evil.

Once done, Krodnok will join the warriors at the main entrance to the city, bringing the Leyas-users with him, then warding the floor and walls of this area.

He took a position in front of everyone. “Ok, here we go. Dead up front,” he said, as warriors began re-arranging. “Krato bleed acid. That won’t hurt us that much, or, at all. Magi-cannons, along the outside, fire in on the Krato. Leyas users, give them lightning, give them fire. As much as you can, as hard as you can.”

Krodnok turned around to face where the enemy should be coming from, drawing his Fiendish Greatswords. “Let’s get this done.”
The wall ripped open, and the first giant was through. Krodnok met it with a strike from his greatsword that crippled the beast. Letting a salvo of twenty magi cannons from his Dead Disciples kill the Krato, Krodnok was already attacking the next one.
The wall crashed down as more and more Krato streamed out.
Deep in the fighting Krodnok heard his commcrystal activated. “My Lord Krodnok, the gate to Mt. Rhug was momentarily taken. The enemy got through it carrying some sort of artifact. We retook the gate, but it was compromised for a good five minutes.”
“Excellent work retaking the gate,” said Krodnok, “I have followers here, who must be defended but alert me immediately if the situation at the gate changes again.”
“Blessed be thy name,” replied the Disciple on the other end.

[Narrator]

Part 5: The Warmonger Beseiges Mt. Rhug

The Krato soldiers were few in number but carrying an artifact of ancient lore. It was an altar built by the Nightmare Lords in a long lost cult, and the Krato dropped it in the dirt on the slopes of Mt. Rhug.
Already the Kalokian Guard was stirring, but the Krato knew their sacrifice would not be in vain.
Each of the Krato tapped themselves with a bone blade in a major artery and bled out on the Altar. There was a flash of unsavory hellfire and above the altar grew a hole to the Hell Dimension of Warmonger, and from its dark depths charged the demons of warmonger.
Mt. Rhug was fully encircled by the demons of Warmonger, and the Kalokians found themselves truly under threat.
The largest demon prince of Warmonger in the army stood forty feet tall, and carried a pair of SMGs equal in size to a naval ship’s main guns. As it approached, hundreds of lesser evils fell off its body.

Kharos, Avatar of Kalok, walked out from his palace and yelled down to these interlopers.

“Kalok’s mountain will consume you all in its fire,” roared the Avatar of Kalok.

The Demon Prince bowed, “Mighty Kharos, Avatar of Kalok, you misunderstand why we are here. Our master the Warmonger wishes your fealty.”

“Kalok bows before no one,” roared Kharos.

“Let us see how months of siege affect that belief,” said the Demon prince, raising his SMGs and firing the first shots in a long war.

[Narrator]

Part 6: The Karovian Front

The Herald of Wintermuter was now rightly sick and tired of this sand filled wasteland, he had a plan and that plan was constantly being screwed up by the never ending threats to it. Idiotic native leaders, undead hunting fools, alternate timelines, and now Krato.
The Gul’tor’uf were consumed by a desire to care for their clan and was unresponsive to his calls to mobilize the city’s defense, so it was up to him to save Karov. The Herald didn’t truly care about the city, all the Herald ever wanted to do was study.

The Wintermute forces would remain within the Shadow Dome and attempt to defend Karov against the Krato. The civilians would be pulled away from the tunnels and put on the surface where they would be safer while the shadow mancers would attempt to prevent infiltration of the Dome. Enemies who tunneled under the dome would be shadow walked into the Dome itself to be consumed by the Dome’s tendrils. Or so was the plan. And unlike so many plans had that day it worked beautifully.

The Dome itself was intent on countering any attempts to lay siege to it directly. Its tendrills ripped apart and then froze any Krato that tried to break it, and the dome was extended down underground by the power of the Wintermute Shadowmancers.
Soon it was more sphere than Dome, covering the city of Karov from attack from all directions. Meanwhile, the Herald found himself with a new “challenge”.

Within the Shadow Dome, his Wintermute Blight guard had found some Yagogi Karovians trespassing. The Herald of Wintermute was aware of many who passed through this region so he was on one level not surprised to find it was Mawen Rapider, Bazman along with Yayi the Trumpeter.

Yayi was trying to explain, “Mr. Herald Of, the wise Yagogi sent us to help defend your city. Not just us we have friends. And we mean well.”

“Meaning well does not undo tresspassing during a time of warfare. Did you know I sent Captain Puhza of Wintermute to meet with you, just so we could plan out some tactics for our mutual defense here in Karov. I believe poor Puhza is still waiting out in the desert for you to notice the diplomatic tent. Ironic you end up here when the Krato arrive…but no messenger came to announce your intentions.”

Bazman muttered, “Hey Herald, it was simple. Just like Yagogi’al commanded.
Lalder will be sent Or’on Der’na, and Zhor’ab the gor’abs, then Cougar and Maggul.
Kul’Gul Rapi will be sent Uf Tor , and Urgog Mag’on the gor’abs, then Da King and Onigor the Fierce.
Tor’lallur will be sent Darlur Auf and Kalok Mag’ab, the gor’abs, then Flint and Der’ LooDol Lucky Fate Squad will be sent Sa’na Ol and Gor Ime’gor the gor’abs, then Gibbs and Ol’Yyangog Lord G will be sent Orgog’ol and Magi’tor the gor’ab, then Capo and Zhgog’ol MakLur the Tribe Uhryu.”

Mawen Rapider looked at Bazman like a fool for sharing all that information about the Yagogi troop movements, but Yayi simply agreed saying, “Yeah, yeah, we have a chance to work together here. The Yagogi wish to work with everyone.”

“Yes I’m sure your Yagogi’al thinks this is a wise and momentous time to spread his forces thin across the entire Goblin Lands,” murmered the Herald snarkily,

“And I am sure sending his shadow walkers out without telling anyone of their planned assistance will get them right in the best place on the battlefield and not detained for spying like you three.”

The Herald sighed, often these Olgogs truly confused him with their erratic behavior.

“You know if you had met with me we could have discussed tactics, planned a defense, perhaps brought together the armies of Wintermute and your Gor’abs against a real threat for once,” said the Herald, “Instead what happened…did you get split from your forces when we erected the shadow walls?”

Bazman nodded and gave a mopey look.

The Herald sighed again, this time for emphasis and leaned back in his chair.

“If I have my Blight guard escort you back through the Shadow Dome, what will you do?” asked the Herald lifting up a quill and making a set of small marks on a piece of parchment.

Mawen Rapider said, “We will cut down your enemies, the Krato. That is why we are here. In leading an army of Yagogi olgogs against the Krato we are trying to protect ALL of Karov.”

“Where is Yagogi’al himself?” asked the Herald finishing the markings.

“Our great wise leader is at the Island of Mag Buskt,” said Yayi the Trumperer, “The Island must not fall.”

“So on top of spreading his forces across all of the Goblin Lands, your leader went to an island of little to no tactical significance to the mainland?” asked the Herald not even surprised at this point.

“It has a volcano…if it went boom it would affect the Goblin lands harshly,” countered Yayi the Trumpeter.

“Half of the Tla’loc’alan mountain range is volcanic, just look at Mt. Rhug, or at least look where it once was,” said the Herald in frustration, “If the Krato were attacking using volcanos, they could just open an energy bridge close to their holdings in those mountains and wipe out much of the Goblin Lands.
Luckily the Krato need slaves, and have decided a more direct approach is applicable. Well lucky in so far as I don’t have any solutions to a Goblin Lands devastated by volcanic misery, but I do have a solution for the Krato problem.”

[Narrator]

Bazman brightened up, and Yayi looked ecstatic, while Mawen looked on suspiciously. Yayi the Trumpeter tentatively asked, “What is your solution?”

“First lead my soldiers to your location, and you will see the solution in action,” said the Herald, giving them the note as a passport to cross areas defended by Wintermute soldiers.

Bazman, Yayi and Mawen Rapider were led through the tunnels under Karov by a Wintemute Reanimator until they passed a shadowy wall that opened for them. Another mile and they reached the surface. With light in front of them, they were finally able to see the surface.
Across from them, Mawen Rapider made out the form of Og-Orgog in full Olgogolem form. His body swirling with powerful Leyas tied to a pendant. Mawen sighed finally seeing the Yagogi as the Wintermute Knights saw them, primitive nomads. Here they were obviously creating Wards against Earth, while the Krato would easily tear through those wards.

Mawen wasn’t sure if he should alert Og-Orgog that he would be a giant glowing Leyas aura to the attacking Krato. But he simply wasn’t fast enough.
Og-Orgog was pulled under the sand by a giant hand. It happened so suddenly that Mawen had to blink twice. Then the Krato rose up together. There must have been at least ten Krato out here just in this patch of sand, and Mawen visibly gulped, while drawing his Zela blade.
He saw similar bands of ten rising from the sand around the Shadow Dome. With their eyes set on the city of Karov, the Krato began surrounding the Shadow Dome with trench-lines and bunkers and fortresses. The speed at which the Krato built astounded the defenders of the Shadow Dome. It seemed the Krato were intent on taking the city for some reason.

The Wintermute forces were ready and experienced with trench warfare, and they began sending out human wave attacks. But even after the first wave, the Krato could tell the warriors attacking them were not alive. Animated dead ranging from Skeletons to bodies with a little more flesh were charging the Krato fortifications in droves. The Krato tried crushing them and breaking them with stone, but the Reanimators of Wintermute were quick to raise their dead to battle ready status as soon as possible.

The Krato were unimpressed by the masses of undead. They could barely hope to pierce a krato’s hide, but the numbers did keep the Krato on the surface fully distracted. Those Krato who were not careful would find themselves falling through shadows leading within grabbing range of those deadly tentacles of the Shadow Dome.

While the Krato drew the defenders attention on the surface, a smaller Krato contingent in their tiniest forms came up from below. They were met underground by the charging forms of Mighty Yadols. Like monster alien millipedes they came through the unprotected flanks of the Krato, eating the tiny monsters faster than they could transform.

The Yadols succeeded in killing the burrowing Krato, but they finally rose to the surface themselves. Pulling themselves from the sand they inched themselves across the sand before finally collapsing. Their stomaches and much of their lower halves were beginning to melt from the krato’s deadly flesh. The Krato may have died, but they killed their consumers in an acidic death as they did so.

As one Mighty Yadol gave forth its last breath, was Or’tor of the Yagogi. She pressed a gentle hand to the creatures carapace, soothing its pain in its final moments. She said a prayer for the spirit of the yadol, and the rest as they died. Sadness filled her Olgog eyes.
Would this be the fate of Karov? A siege of unprecedented proportions? And more dead feeding the armies of Warmonger…

[Narrator]

Part 7: The Council of Al’ya was not forgotten

Dar’ab and Kor’ya were on a mission, a mission to defend Council of Al’ya. Tor’lallur mobilized all forces to do this.
The first wave of their attack was their 50 feral Plague Vampyrs led by Kor’ya. On the sandy slopes leading towards the Fortress Hob Rhug Dol, they engaged the Krato, shadow jumping around sending Vampiric blasts and raising walls of shadow to try to divide the Krato. The Vampiric blasts and shadow walls were more effective than Kor’ya could have realized.

Even ten feet underground the Vampiric blasts would strike their foes as they tried to tunnel up. And even a mighty Krato was easy to fell once they passed through seven or eight vampiric blasts on their way to the surface. The shadow walls caused a Krato variant of frost bite, and it helped prevent too much acid from being spread during the attack.

The Krato kept coming, now bringing waves of stones and mud to engulf the plague vampyrs. The Ferals were quick and tried to flee by way of a crevasse that was parrelled on both sides by high dunes. As the angry Krato charged after Kor’ya and the Plague Vampyrs, the Krato began to assume their giant size. Hoping to use it to catch up to the fleeing Ferals. Yet instead it raised their heads high above the dunetops, where Dar’ab, some vampyrs, and a coterie of young Yyan giants armed with lever action sprinshot cannons were waiting. Each cannon fired a projectile that seemed enormous as they were chucked through the air by the weapon’s internal springs. Each time the young giants fired, in salvo, a Krato found their Leyas shields went down, and they were pelted by spikes that wounded the monsters.

But Krato are hardy beings and some survived the ambush and turned to crush the offending Plague Vampyrs and their Giants with pillars of stone. Moments before the pillars of stone crushed Dar’ab and his Skirmishers, the entire sky went dark above Al’ya. There was a strange sound, like a groaning, and the sky and earth were both suffused with Shadow Leyas.

The Pillars cracked forward with enough force to split the vampyrs and their yyan allies like ripe fruit. Pulped between rock and stone, their bodies did not survive, and the pain was impressive. Their deaths would have been inevitable or at least that was what the attacking Krato thought.
Then they noticed a tiny two foot tall Olgog with a black bandana and a black pair of forearm guards stepping from the shadows of Dar’ab’s position. It was none other than Nakalok Gul. His power over shadows was so great that the sky seemed to go as dark as night by his will alone.

His power suffused the Plague Vampyrs with enough energy that they began to regenerate as soon as the stone pillars began to shift. And their energy was so great they could increase their strength enough to rip apart granite with their bare hands. Rising from the rubble, Tor’lallur’s elite vampyrs converted their Yyan allies back to life, and renewed their attack. Increasing their speed using the power gifted by Nakalok Gul, the Tor’lallur vampyrs were diving between shadows faster than the Krato could target them. As pillars of stone rose harmless behind them, the Tor’lallur were much more precise creating pools of Fleshworms beneath the Krato that bit into their feet and ankles.

As the Krato were hobbled, Kor’ya wheeled around the retreating ferals and set them loose upon the Krato soldiers. Ferals leapt upon them, drawing life from the Krato in one vampiric bolt after another.

At the imposing Fortress Hob Rhug Dol, the defenders of the Al’ya Oasis waited for the battle to come to them. For three years, King Kitty, Captain Kol Rapi, and Auf Uf had watched Hob Rhug Dol grow into a mighty fortress. Its once quite halls were often now filled with the voices of young gogs learning their apprenticeships.

Mag’ol Mag’gog and Pan Og-gog had been in agreement that the Hob Rhug Dol forces should go out to meet the Krato in combat. To Drive them from these lands in their own way. Yet the Nine had set a meeting with General Kamo’tla, King Og-gog, Captain Gor-Tor-Lur, General Gol’og, Ka’Lur, Lok’ab, King Kitty, Mag Ka’ab, Gol’ab, General Kol’og, Captain Kol Rapi, Adam Ford and the Pack of Gor’na to discuss the fate of Hob Rhug Dol.

Nakalok Gul had made an impassioned speech, about letting their allies in the Tor’lallur prove themselves once and for all. Mag’ol Mag’gog had wondered if it was a wise decision to agree then, but now he had no doubts.

From his window he could see the Krato warriors fighting with and losing to Krato corpses instilled with Nightmares. He could see the shadow under the sun, and the many vampyrs attacking the enemies of Hob Rhug Dol. And Mag’ol Mag’gog knew the Nine had been right.
That day the Tor’lallur were granted special protected status as allies for Al’ya as long as they maintained their less destructive course of action. For the Pit of Tor’lallur it was a week of celebration. Never before had those who did not worship the pit send the Tor’lallur so much food and supplies.

Word was even said of the Nine granting the Tor’lallur a site hidden in Karov where they might make a new pit. One monitered by Nakalok Gul, and fed anew by the garbage and refuse produced by the Hob Rhug Dol.

A place where a new young generation of Tor’Lallur might grow up without fear of persecution and hunting by the Karovian Uhryus and their Gor’abs. Officially none knew of this new Pit, except the leaders of the Tor’Lallur and the Nine.

With the Nine’s blessing, the Tor’lallur also no longer needed to fear for their fate. As the unexpected but truly appreciated defenders of the Pure Waters of Al’ya, the Tor’lallur were granted another gift beyond the week of feasts and the hidden Pit. This gift was far more secret.
Nakalok Gul whispered to Dar’ab and Kor’ya that if a loyal and honorable Tor’lallur gog had suffered so greatly his hunger threatened to turn him into a monster, the Tor’Lallur could call upon Nakalok Gul himself and the small gog would restore enough to that plague vampyr so that he might once more return to service. Few among the Tor’lallur understood what such a gift meant, but those wise enough to understand it realized it again gave the plague vampyrs a new hope.

[Narrator]

Part 8: The Unenese Giant Mecha Battle

Candy was in a bit of a mood, she had such plans a while ago but complications had gotten in the way of her plan. So when she heard that Krato were invading the Goblin Lands she thought this might be a good challenge…actually now that she thought about it, perhaps too much of a good challenge. She could actually get hurt here, well, no risk no reward. She didn’t become a god just to twiddle her worshipers after all.
She had teleported into Port Unen hours earlier, preparing Wards across the city in the event the inevitable Krato attack began. Now she was sitting in the canopy of a binber tree, enjoying a succulent fruit probably intended for the backyard still she saw in the corner of the yard. She wiped away the blood red juice from her pale skin, and her gaze fell upon one of her servants. An Olgog, shaved bald and marked by clown-like makeup of a Mime, approached her before bowing low.

“Ahh Trog, my beautiful boytoy, what news do you bring?” Candy asked with genuine interest. The Olgog Mime/Serial Killer was often quite entertaining when Candy was feeling bored. Since she was considered a living god by the shaved Olgog, she felt quite invigorated as his will drew Leyas to her.

Trog smiled a menacing smile, and opened a shadow cocoon and dumped out a small kumfei carrying what looked like a metal bird feeder. The Kumfei bowed saying, “Mighty Goddess, allow me to show you the future. Near enough that it is the future of today.”

“You see the future?” said Candy with a laugh, “How far in the future?”

The Kumfei seemed to be calculating some very large numbers and then said, “Seven point 5 seconds.”

“How oddly close to the delay the human mind needs to understand the reality around it,” said Candy finally piercing the obscurements that covered both Kumfei and the Bird Bath. She instantly recognized the Kumfei as a former Tal Hanon TechnoMagi by his aura and the technomantic artifacts he carried. Looking at the Bird Bath she realized it was simply artificed to create Eye Spy mekanoids and project their views onto the water in the bird bath.

“The Bird Bath is a nice touch,” muttered Candy.

“Goddess, do not be fooled by its humble appearance,” said the Kumfei, “And In exchange for twenty ghaz I will peer into its depths and show you the future.”

“Yes…seven seconds into the future,” Candy replied with cutting sarcasm.

“You forgot that .5 seconds,” said the Kumfei in pride.

“How long have you been in my faith?” asked Candy.

“Exactly two days, Mighty Goddess,” said the Kumfei, “I arrived from Borvis yesterday. It was the only kingdom whose ports were open to trips down to these Goblin Lands.”

“Trog, take the Kumfei and find out his true story. No Final Death,” said Candy.

Before the Kumfei could react, the Olgog Mime had him in a death grip, only a bit less pressure than needed to choke out the little technomagi. The Olgog mime drove a zela spike into the kumfei and prepared to drag him off.

Candy whispered, “Leave the Bird Bath.”

After Trog and the Kumfei had left, Candy used levitation to right the bird bath, and converted Water Leyas into water for the bird bath. Once the bird bath was full, Candy could see the four different images from each of the Eye Spies the Kumfei must have hidden across Port Unen.
Candy realized the Kumfei must be quite the con man with such a polished way of hiding such obvious technomancy. She wondered how much money he had bilked from people. Then again, she had to give it to Trog, he definitely found a perfect solution to their problem of not knowing when or where the Krato would attack.

Watching one image on the flickering water surface, Candy could see the Krato army gathering around a menacing Krato General. It seemed the Krato required pep talks just like humans did. An interesting fact to put a pin in for now.

She listened to their attack plans, and was surprised to see the Krato was discussing it so close to their target. The Krato General finished arguing with a lesser Krato about tactics. She watched with a giggle of glee as the General literally smashed the face in of the Krato who argued with him. Even as a Goddess, Candy wouldn’t try that shit with her followers.

Out of the shadows of the dead krato crawled three Bruskti Vampyrs. Candy moved closer to the display, having to slide down the tree to get a better look. She clapped with joy as the three Bruskti stalked their prey so expertly. They trailed the Krato General, keeping to the shadows.
Touching the side of the bird bath, Candy urged the Eye Spy to follow them. She wanted to see this kill up close.
The Krato General stepped off to the side, in between two Dunes. Turning to his smallest size, the Krato General whipped out his giant member, and began a slash across the sand that was legendary. The sound of the General’s urination was nearly echoing, and seemed to go on forever.
Candy wondered how Krato avoided acid burns on their genitals, and while she pondered this conundrum of epic proportions, the Bruskti vampyrs moved into action. One went low, striking the Krato General with enough chill to freeze the sand to his feet and cause all his weeping wounds to close up with green scabs. The other aimed high, using a monster slingshot to fire a trio of Fleshworm bolts into the Krato’s face. As the General was struggling with three pods of fleshworms trying to eat his eyes and face off, the third Bruskti moved into action.
This one fired off a pair of fleshworm bolts into the knees of the Krato, and while those bite over and over again, he used the distraction expertly. The Krato felt like he was being hit from all sides, and as he counter attacked, he completely missed the Bruskti who was now inches from him. The vampyr reached out and tapped the Krato’s temple and delivered a Vampiric bolt directly to the brain, finishing off the general before any of his guards realized he was not just peeing.

The Bruskti gathered around the Krato General’s tiny body. One opened a shadow cocoon sack, and from its dark insides began to pull copious quantities of oil soaked grasses, that had been steeped in animal fats. The combo caused the grass to burn hot, and cook that Krato flesh like old hamburger. The sizzling sound filled the air, drawing in the Krato bodyguards.

They didn’t know what to do, and began to look around in anger and upset.

There was a flash of Blue Light and a massive da’uhnb appeared dressed in heavy combat armor. He looked unimpressed by the army of Krato.

“Your General is dead? Yes, and you are filled with fear. But fear not! I have come from the Temporal Empire to tell you that you my friends are the heroes of the day. All you need do is continue your attack, and take the Port of Unen. If you succeed you must demand the Karovians and Tla’loc’alans capture and deliver the Kotine the Krato for punishment by your master the Warmonger,” said the Da’uhnb.
One Krato spat at the fire that still cooked away at the flesh of their former general, and stepped forward, “I am General now. Call me General Callexi. If we are the heroes of today, then you will know me.”

The Da’uhnb gave a respectful bow, “You are recognized by the grateful future, General Callexi.”

“And who are you…Normally the Da’uhnb have thought of the Krato as beneath their notice. Your kind left us to be slaves of the K’ias in the ancient days. Why bother with the Krato now?” asked General Callexi with genuine suspicion.

[Narrator]

“I am Hurniker Guerre, and I am here to help all those who worship the greatest of the ancient evil, the Warmonger,” said the Da’uhnb, “Can you not hear him calling in the air? Can you not feel his influence in every politician turned tyrant, every military commander turned despot, and every sheeple that turns the other way? Feel him sweep you up in his coup, feel him drive you to acts of power you never imagined, each time crushing your enemies with so much force that none can question your obvious right to rule! Can you hear him?”

“I hear him,” whispered General Callexi.

“Can you hear him?” asked Hurniker Guerre again, this time of the entire Krato army.

“I hear him,” they said in unison.

“Now follow the voice of Warmonger, follow General Callexi and let none in Port Unen escape their inevitable punishment,” roared Hurniker Guerre who promptly disappeared in a flash of blue.

At that same moment miles away in the center of Unen, in a small three tree binber grove in someone’s backyard stood Candy looking into the pool of the birdbath. And there was a flash of blue light. Candy was already in motion, drawing in her followers willful power to enhance herself.

In fact her beauty was so extreme that Hurniker Guerre found he couldn’t shoot her.

Candy meanwhile realized she would have to thank that Kumfei that Trog brought home. It seemed that extra .5 seconds did buy her enough time to defend herself in a way so uniquely Candy.

“Hey Baby, do you flash blue often?” she purred.

“Ohh you are good, my dear,” stuttered Hurniker Guerre finally holstering his pistol, “Not many could stop me from killing them. I didn’t expect to see a Godling here in Unen. And certainly not such a sexy one.”

“I’ve been blessed, and so I gift others blessings,” Candy said, using a set of hand signals to keep her hidden followers from trying to attack the Da’uhnb. She suspected they would die if they tried. “Speaking of gifts and blessings, perhaps I can gift you something you need. You need a Krato named Kotine?”

“Yes Kotine is a princely bastard of that old Ur-King Jarl. The other Ur-Kings want to elevate Kotine the Krato to Ur-King Kotine. Depending on the timeline, an Ur-King Kotine could possibly unite the Krato settlements. Possibly even get the populaces of some of those settlements to turn on their generals,” said Hurniker Guerre, sharing more than Candy suspected he would if he was not so enamored with her immense charisma.

“Then I will have my followers find this Kotine,” said Candy, “But I will need a way to contact you…?”

“I wish it could be so easy, beautiful creature,” murmered Hurniker Guerre, “But the Unit 7756 has been using the dead Krato’s blood to poison the soil near most major Olgog cities. The next few years will be an unfolding environmental apocalypse for these Goblin Lands.”

Candy was confused by this and shared just enough, “Your vision is long. Yet I don’t see your tactical advantage in creating this environmental apocalypse. Kidnap some slaves to make the Krato happy, yes, and use a Dead Unit to poison the land with any Krato corpses created. I like how you think, if its just for style, you definitely get style points.”

She layed it on thick, and he ate it right up.

“The tactical advantage is twofold. Firstly, the Olgogs are getting injured because they supported the Sylvan. This will force the new Sylvan Empress to come to their assistance. And an environmental threat of this magnitude along with additional Krato raids are a perfect trap to draw out the Sylvan Warloechs from their hidden lairs.
Secondly,” said Hurniker Guerre, “The Olgogs are turning out to be some of the best servants of the Warmonger. They desire to claim land, impose their will, create warmachines, and fight needless and meaningless wars with their neighbors and themselves.
To quote my dear friend Captain Castiel of Unit 7756 when the Olgogs and settlers near the battle grounds realize the land was poisoned they would seek places unaffected and the result would be glorious.

I mean seriously, the GulTur’Uf and Auf Lal’al wasted an entire year building towards war with each other, while ignoring the rise of Kalok.
If you took the condensed actions of these Olgog leaders, wouldn’t you say they fit so clearly into the descriptions of the Goblins as the Church of One describes them? They make deals with demonic beings (for Mt. Rhug), use Leyas to destroy the homes of god-fearing humans (for the Massacre at Bartsport), they steal from their neighbors (for the Teardrop Hammer Affair), they spread sickness and illness (for the Pit of Tor’lallur), and they will deploy Leyas attacks of mass destruction on their enemies (the Radimancers of Unit 817).

Three years ago…ha…the Olgogs were using stone tools and wooden spears. Now, every township that has been built has blackmarket Sylvan Magi weapons and airships everywhere. In fact, a leader of UtR has been quoted multiple times saying that the UtR can only survive because of its extensive networks of Sylvan style air vessels shuttling food back and forth.

Is this the Olgog civilization that is the best of all possible worlds, or simply the Olgog Civilization that is willing and deeply desiring to be the servants of Warmonger?

I am just giving them the opportunity to truly become the servants of Warmonger they seem to unconsciously wish to be…”

Hurniker blinked a few times uncomfortably, then seemed to realize something was wrong and that he was talking too much. “Exceptional Goddess Candy, I see why they call you that. Truly sweetness incarnate. Too sweet for my taste, so I will take my leave. But if you do see Kotine, we will see each other again.”

And Hurniker Guerre disappeared in a flash of blue light.

Realizing she had a key aspect of their plans, that none other had, Candy made her way to the location of the Unenese Rebel base. Hopefully she could get a quick meeting with some of their leadership.

[Narrator]

Forge decided he could get to like Unen now that the Warmonger stink was finally clearing up. He sat on the docks watching as locals went about “repairs”. He shook his head. Couldn’t they see that the load baring wall was too weakened to support the second floor now? He stood and started to walk over to offer some helpful advice.

“What in all the hells are do people thing you’re doing!?” He demanded of them worked stopped as they all looked at him with confusion. The brief stand off ended when the Krato showed up. Dozens of them suddenly began pouring out of energy bridges attacking and trying to snatch up anyone they could. One in its giant form strode around a corner and looked on laughing as the locals ran off in a panic. It was a moment before he noticed Forge glaring up at him.

He drew his ax and the Havok Hammer. “I could really get to like this town.” He laughed as he charged the surprised Krato.
The Havokhammer hit the ground and sent a wave through it that tripped up the Krato. The Krato spat acid right at Forge, who dived and rolled underneath them before springing up. One part uppercut took his axe into the Krato’s chin, and using it for momentary support, he swung the havokhammer with enough force to shatter the Krato’s spine. As it fell dead, Forge landed next to one of the Unenese Rebels.

“Are you Forge Havokhammer?” asked the shocked Earther.

“Aye,” grumbled Forge wondering what fresh hell this was going to bring.

“A little bastard was asking about you back at base…could you come with me?” asked the Rebel with earnest.

“What was the bastard named?” asked Forge kinda worried about the answer.
Leading up to it he was thinking in his head, Don’t be Scout, Don’t be Scout, Don’t be Scout.

“It was like Recon, or Sniper or something like that…” muttered the Rebel, “Im sorry I just met him for like a second before I headed out for the fight.”

“It wasn’t Scout was it?” asked Forge finally.

“Yeah that is what it was Scout.”

Meanwhile in the heart of the Rebel base, Scout the bastard stood across from a smaller Bastard named Linus. With an excited look on his face Linus was reading from his notebook.

“Seizing the opportunity to take part in duties from his youth, something that had earned him a bit of personal reputation for merit and being just an overall nonconformist trouble maker for his race; Scout heard that Warmonger’s Krato Generals were moving in with force looking to take away as many of the good lil’ goggies that they could carry,” Linus said with pride, even though the primarily Olgog Rebels were giving him stink eye at that one, “It was not cool to think they could just enslave another race, no matter the troubles they brought down on themselves by lying and making bad deals, oh yeah and possibly carrying fleas.” Another set of dirty looks. “Ever since having that horrible thing removed from his skull, Scout was very proactive about not having fleas- you could even check with the Tsoagari or Forge, but then again you probably shouldn’t bother.”

Scout was thinking “Or maybe Rogarth, he knew lots of interesting things…wait what was that about Khered…no way couldn’t be”.
Then he noticed Linus was looking at him, “Hey Scout. The part about fleas is great but what about the rest of the story…how will the Troubadours tell the tale?”

Lost in thought, Scout asked himself “where was I again…hmmmm? Oh YES, sabotaging the Krato Generals.
See way back when, like when the first bastard were being sent out on suicidal missions and didn’t like how that would play out they discovered two things: 1) Bastards could actually figure out how the traps worked and remove said trap. 2) the Krato Generals worked independently, so each clan used their own set of highly obscured , highly effective traps that could cause major damage. This made sabotaging things extremely easy giving the right skill set, because without communication between clans, the Krato would have no idea what was going on.”

At that moment, Forge entered from the far entrance and rushed over to Scout picking the little bastard up into a loving hug. Then dropped him without ceremony, as if the hug was something that Forge didn’t normally do, and definitely hoped no one saw him do.

“I have so much to tell you,” said Scout, “But with all the Olgogs around, here is not the place.
Hey Linus, you wait here with the goggies. The adults are going to talk.”
Linus muttered, “But I am an adult…” But he never did get up.

Scout and Forge walked outside rather excited to tell each other about everything they have seen down here. So many stories, and so many questions. But no stories were told and no questions were asked because they ran smack dab into a trio of Morgothian Knights.
Forge growled as he looked at the big dumb looking Olgog in the Morgothian plate mail.

The Morgothian said, “My apologies, Ser K’iou. I am Sir Mag’Nrs and this is Sir Beast and Sir Og’Bow we are using this area to…” When he was cut off by Forge roaring like a madman.
Sir Mag’Nrs had suffered a grave defeat from within his own ranks at the hands of the despicable Morgothian Stout the Qual. It was the pride he had in serving through the Port of Unen that gave him strength, so now here was his chance to rise up and come to her defense again. In fact he was on the street preparing his two knights to lead an evacuation effort.
But Forge never heard that, or saw that. All he saw were a trio of Morgothians in the middle of a city under attack by Warmonger’s forces.

Forge roared “Did you know its not a day until you kill a Morgothian?”

Sir Mag’Nrs felt something painful, looking down, he saw the K’iou had driven an axe into the Morgothian’s chest. Forge lifted the knight up, and hurled him across the town square. Forge’s next two attacks involved using the Havokhammer to shatter all four legs of Sir Beast and Sir Og’Bow. Once they were crippled on the ground, Scout zipped forward and mercifully killed them quickly.

“Well that reminded me of home,” said Forge.

“Yeah I don’t know if all their Morgothians are criminals here,” said a passerby.

Both Scout and Forge had a belly laugh at that one.

“So why are you here?” asked Forge.

“I snuck into the Krato caves, I know how their traps work. I had a great plan about switching traps and setting up different Krato communities to face each others traps instead of us having to face them,” said Scout.

“That seems like a brilliant plan,” said Forge.

“Well I got a bit late to the planning meeting and Bo’gan and Lalder and all of them were already rolling out, so I never quite got to tell them about it,” said Scout, “And their armies keep sending me away. They said they have no knowledge of my plan being approved by their leaders. Approved by their leaders? What is that noise??”

Forge sighed, “Sounds a lot like that meeting before the GodsWar. Pissing off every ally?”

“Hey we won the day,” countered Scout, “And it wasn’t every ally, just the ones I didn’t like.”

“It seems if we are going to do your plan, we are on our own to do it,” said Forge.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile the Lucky Fate Squad was having their own weird luck.

Mag Buskt Isle had been a bust, apparently some ancient peace treaty between the Mag Buskt and the Yyan shown on a bunch of Pillars on the island had worked. A few Krato had appeared to officially deliver the message, and thank Mag Buskt for his past respect for the Yyan and Krato armies. In a way it was a great deal for the people on the Island. But even Yagogi’al and other leaders from the mainland had come out to show their respects for the Mag Buskt, so they found themselves all in a hall feasting while Olgogs died across the Goblin Lands.
As a result the Lucky Fate Squad found themselves racing back to Port Unen aboard the Metal Discord Kuelo. Along with them was Bo’gan, leader of the Armies of Eloga, and they landed in the middle of the Port being overrun by Krato acting straight up like Berzerkers.

“As you see Bo’gan, you can use leyas pretty well in here,” said Naiel while she cringed watching him shove another giant rock up the another giant Krato’s backside. Honestly it is better than the seeing earth quakes and whatnot crushing them into paste. The gog did make digging though rock easier to ambush the Krato and the Krato did had what was coming to them she thought.

The first five minutes were going well.

As Bo’gan piloted the right arm, Ani G. blasted bunches of smaller Krato with the right arm. Turning to Naiel he had a question: “Where does the ammo for this thing come from? I don’t see an ammo indicator. What up with that?”

“I don’t know and I don’t think it matters. Besides this thing being unbelievable easy to control…”

“You da do no moving with the legs hon,” stated Loo Tla on left leg.

David on the right leg agreed. “Yes. Also, how does thing even work?”, as he kick another giant Krato into another one so hard they became splatted mess."

“…and it kills things dead, it just works. Hekeriki would have a clue,” Naeil said as she finished off more Krato troops with eyes beams from the MDK.

Satisfied with that answer in the middle of battle, Ani G asked another one: “Do you have any…?”
Over the comm Hekeriki yelled at the rest of them. “Stop getting in so close. You’re our god damn gog way. Can’t hit them with the quad rail guns like this.”

“…words of wisdom or coolness?”

Naeil cracked her knuckles, “Stealing this line from a friend: I don’t have anything witty to say.”

The giant robot was swarmed by five Krato. One lifted one leg, and one lifted another, but Bo’gan created a trio of pillars of stone to help the MDK keep its balance. Then both arms grabbed a Krato and used them to beat the other three to death.
Then the MDK was faced by a line of Krato. Each of the Krato raised a hand pointing it at the MDK, and Earth Leyas began to flow towards it.

Bo’gan asked aloud, “Hey Lucky Fate Squad, does this thing have any protection against Earth Leyas?”

“Hmm,” said Der Too Tla.

“Errr” said Ani G.

“Oh…I don’t know,” said Naeil, about to radio Hekeriki to find out if she knew.

Earlier that Day

Urik sat down heavily and took a long drink of water from a canteen. It had been hard work repairing all their vehicles and weapons and then moving the Outcasts to help rebuild Unen form the devastion all the recent fighting had caused. But they were making progress. Urik had to admit, even if only to himself, it felt good to build things instead of blow them up for once. He sat for a moment watching the others work. And for the first time in ages actually felt content.

That’s when the screaming started. A panic crowded rushed passed the building they were working in. Yelling and screaming for everyone to run for their lives. “Krato! Their snatching people off the streets. Run!”
He heard one gog bellow as he pelted by. Krato. Wonderful.

“Dreg! Get he guns out! Everybody get ready.” He shouted All the outcasts were carrying. It had to unsettle lately not to. Graf, get to the bunker get Flora, Rum-blood, Rags and the others out here now. Everyone else dig in here for now. Once we link up we’ll take the fight to them. Hit and run." Just then he heard a deep rumble moving toward them. He turned to look and saw Rags driving one of their combat bikes at a reckless speed. Well more reckless than usu.

“Boss,” Rags shouted as he pulled up. “We just got word Karto are attacking Drewsport need help.” Just then a giant Krato stomped into view and knocked the roof off a near by building.
“Oh,” Rags said lamely.
“Light that thing up!” Urik bellowed at the Outcasts pointing. Which they happily did. He turned back to Rags. “As you can see we got problems here to. Still can’t leave GUTs partners totally high and dry. Where are the others?”

“Coming up behind me. We figuered you’d want everyone to go on this one.”

“Fine, go back and get them you all head to Drewsport and help out Flora is in charge. Tell her to take half of Rum-bloods boys and sent the rest to us.”

Back to the Present

Then at that moment, one motorcycle after another rode between buildings. Riding on them were the bad asses of Urik’s Outcasts. Their firearms opened up on the Krato line, drawing their attention, and causing them to divert their attention for but a moment.
That was a beautiful moment when the Krato turned to focus their fire upon the bikes that were firing at them. And in so doing, held position just long enough for the Lucky Fate’s Quad Cannons to target them and fire. The rail cannons thumped with a subdued sonic boom, and pulped two of the Krato.
Another two went down from focus fire from the Outcasts on their bikes.
And the last three found themselves cut down where they stood by the mighty Metal Discord Kuelo.
Then all those feelings of success ended as four of the bikes twisted as if picked up by a giant invisible hand. The Outcasts on board were badly injured in the crash but would live. The same giant invisible hand crushed the magnetic rails on the Quad cannons. Waves of stone and mud flowed upward to catch the MDK to its waist.

A single tiny foe darted across the cracked and blasted terrain. Bullets raced towards him, but a single wave of his hands sent the bullets flying back at the guns that fired them. It was impressive and terrifying to watch this one Krato move across the battlefield.
And finally as he reached the ground underneath the MDK, the Krato drew an ornate krato bone blade. The Blade grew as he grew, keeping its proportions with his body, much as his Krato skin Leather clothing did. And finally standing before the MDK was a Krato who was already driving his massive nodatchi style sword through the chest of the MDK.

Ani G looked down at the readouts and said, “That was a great shot, but it didn’t do that much damage. We can fight on.”

Bo’gan said, “Look down Ani G, whomever that Krato was…he is gone.”

And Bo’gan was right, this Krato had already gone small and disappeared from view. He had struck quickly and efficiently, in a way the rest of the Krato attacking didn’t seem to want to.

“This is deeply concerning,” said Bo’gan.

“What is concerning buddy?” asked Naeil not liking the tone in the Elogan’s voice.

“The Krato we just faced. THAT is how the Krato fight. Not like most of these mindless Berzerker-style attacks. An army of twenty of those Krato fighting in their traditional style would have wiped out our defenses,” said Bo’gan.

“So what is making them go all suicidal?” Naeil pressed feeling her own worry grow.

“What if they want to die…what if they are sacrificing themselves in battle to feed the Warmonger,” said Bo’gan suddenly and with deep growing concern.

Ani G laughed at that, not understanding why Naeil and Bo’gan looked pale, “Hey Guys, if the Krato want to die on our weapons, why don’t we just oblige them?”

[Narrator]

Part 9: The Brezan Front

Gant was busy. There were orders everywhere around Brez. The Great Northern Army didn’t even give him orders. But such was the way of things.
Gant looked down across the broken pavement, and saw Ollurug sitting with crossed legs and leading a large group of Brezans in a deep and moving prayer. The Brezans ranged from GNA members to local gangers to some of the larger fathers and mothers who didn’t want their kids to be Krato food.

Gant joined them for a bit, feeling more clear headed than ever. It was obvious that direct action against the Krato was their only current option. That didn’t make the threat any less real, both of their enemy the Krato, and of what the Krato might make them all become.

Gant raised up the Bow of the FrostGiants, and it gave off little puffs of cool air as it was strummed.
There was a small prayer to father said, and then the Bow was taken to the Brezan front, to freeze those Krato foolish enough to attack the United Tribes.

Yet in a distant part of that same metropolis, Tusk, the beautiful chieftain-in-training of the Uf Mag’og was drawing in the light of the sun in a wave of energy. It became a swirling set of symbols and runes in High Falos. Finally an energy bridge opened, and Tusk stepped through.

From the sounds of battle of Brez, she suddenly found herself in a relative silence. The only sound seemed the sound of air as it whipped by. Tusk blinked realizing the Leyas sight she had up before she walked through had litterally blinded her for a few moments when first stepping through. Now it was just a bright shining light of air leyas that didn’t allow her to see anything. She dropped Leyas sight and was greeted by the most beautiful sea she had ever seen.

Tusk smiled wide despite realizing she was falling through an endless sky dotted by floating asteroids with castles on them. Tusk finally saw a nearby one, and saw a pair of baribur fly up and grabbed her. She glanced behind her. Hikiti had been falling with her, and Tusk was relieved when she realized two baribur caught him as well.

They pulled her down to the nearest tower and in through a wide window and before a tall female Falosini in a green hood with eyes like sapphire stars. She interrogated Tusk for what felt like hours without giving a single bit of information in return. Then Tusk was brought before a massively muscled Falosini with a blue cowl, leaning on a menacing blue polehammer.

He appraised her for what felt like an equally long time, and finally said, “The Olgogs of the United Tribes have been reaching to many dimensions for their allies. Some I respect like the Sylvan Warloechs. But the evils of Kolgol and Kalok are known across dimensions.
I know it was your UtR that powered Warmonger’s ability to claim a Quall Body. This was an unexpected turn of events. My name is Berototh the Blue and I rule these lands as a Sovereign among Falosini.”

Tusk replied, “Refuge is under attack by the dangerous and deadly Krato soldiers who serve Warmonger’s Generals. I do not speak to any of the UtR’s past sins, though they are many. Return Hikiti to me, and join us in battle against the Krato Generals.”

“Impassioned speech, but I say nay,” said Berototh, “I will not mobilize the last of the Falosini armies to defend settlements of Earthers and Olgogs on one side of the continent, while the armies of the Quall Avatar of Warmonger mass off the opposite coast.
It is a feint, of course. Designed to draw our armies in for extreme losses to the acid blooded Krato. A tactic they have used before…
It is not personal. Part of being a leader is letting some suffering occur now so a larger suffering can be averted.”

“You aren’t going to help at all?” asked Tusk.

“No not at all. And you are impertinent to demand it since your communities made deals with the Djinni a long time before giving my own people respects,” said Berototh finally relenting, “But if you wish a Falosini with an army to spare, and a hatred for Krato bordering on foolishness, you should seek out Ceroj the Red.”

And that was how Tusk and Hikiti found themselves riding on the back of a levitating skiff pulled by a pair of domesticated Maelstrom Divers. The powerful airspirits took the skiff aloft with enough speed to make Hikiti feel quite queasy, but he held tight to the railing of the skiff and let the spirits do their work.
A few hours later they finally arrived at the magestic palace of Ceroj the Red. Out in the courtyard, hundreds of young Falosini wearing heavy all concealing helms, and carrying two handed metal swords swung them in wide arcs. They were dressed in a variety of motifs, but all showed the Red Sword. The Red Sword, a godsword, and once the battleblade of Ceroj the Falosini but long since lost to the prison dimension.

Ceroj stood watching them train. Every few moments he would smack a soldier with the flat of his steel battleblade, and made a remark about what to change. They landed nearby, and before they disembarked, they were already surrounded by the Falosini soldiers. Their many steel battleblade pointed at what felt like very exposed throats of Tusk and Hikiti.

Tusk said, “Your brother Berototh sends his love and affection, but also his cowardice. I thought you would show that Falosini never have been and never could be cowards.”

“I’ve slain your kind for less, Olgog,” sneered Ceroj, his red eyes twinkled like angry stars in his red cowl, “But Im listening…what was Berototh to cowardly to do?”

“Our lands are being invaded by the Krato,” said Tusk, “I have come seeking the brave Falosini Warriors of legend, to help us drive the Krato from the lands of Refuge. Specifically, I live in Brez, but lots of settlements need help.”

[Narrator]

Ceroj stopped, “Did you say Krato were attacking? And Berototh refused to help? Blast his cowardice and fear, we must Fly now!!”

Ceroj turned to the hundreds of assembled Falosini warriors, “For a time you have trained and worked and bettering yourselves. Now is the moment you have been waiting for. A moment of truly glorious battle against the Krato serving our enemy the Warmonger.
Let them die by our lightning, let it cauterize their blood in their veins,. Let not a single acidic drop fall errantly, so that all our Falosini Warriors may come home. Baribur of the Reliant Spear, and the Baribur of the Kinetic Shield, you are to pair up with Falosini Warriors. Keep them safe, even at the cost of your own lives.

The Krato must die final death, leave not a single scrap without shattering it or melting it. We will be victorious as Lord Falos himself demanded.”
Hikiti and Tusk were once more in the air, this time followed by a massive Falosini Army supported by two full Aeries of Baribur dressed in finest armor. Tusk just hoped it would be enough.

When they passed back through an energy bridge to Refuge and arrived in Brez, they discovered it was a pitched battled. The Krato had been equally able to use the Brezan underground to move as their own Brezan Stalkers, and the UtR army was being pushed back in every field.
But actual deaths were few, as EEF RCT 1 provided enough fire support to allow the Brezan defenders a safe and ordered retreat when needed. And Zlattan’s directives on how to counter giant tactics served the GNA forces well when they actually did meet the Krato on equal footing. But more often than not, it was actually a few popping up tossing balls of corrosive acid and bringing down buildings on defenders while the defenders killed those few Krato but still lost ground each engagement.

Vektor was sitting in Yaog’s old base under the Brezan Grand Central Subway Station. It was a surprisingly effective base to coordinate a direct set of strikes back at the Krato formations. While Krato used little formation in their above ground combat, their traveling in packs of five seemed to give Vektor a good idea on what to advise his scouts to look for.

Despite Shirley and Urog’s valiant engagements against the Krato, the Krato had larger numbers than the Brezans by far. It was one of the few battles where the Brezans experienced the meat grinder their enemies usually faced. So many forces attacking, and nothing seemed safe.
Then suddenly huge stone worms were summoned around the city, and Vektor feared the worst. His own could not banish the dokrician giant vermin fast enough, and they were chewing through building, highway and bridge supports.

Vektor wasn’t the only one worried about the state of affairs.

Burke hated Krato, ever since he was trapped in that alley held down by robots while Krato cultists summoned a demon into an alternate timeline evil clown giant who then proceeded to molest him.

The Krato invasion was bad, he had heard enough about Krato to know that he didn’t want anything to do with this invasion. On the other hand he had a gang who was armed with rocket launchers and magi cannons so that was something.

On the other hand if his gang was killed he wouldn’t have a gang anymore, so he had to look like he was helping more then he actually was. So Burke would climb a tall building with his laser sniper rifle and try to track targets. He would radio in positions to the Lobbas who would attempt to keep an eye on the invaders but not engage them directly. They would allow other defenders to initiate a fight and then attempt to flank the enemy invaders.

Or at least that was the plan. It did work in so far as getting the Lobbas into positions of defense where the Krato weren’t. But more than once the Krato seemed to try and track his Lobbas more closely, and he found himself having to put down a Krato with a well placed trio of shots to the back of the head.

Then suddenly the sky above Brez began to glow.

[Narrator]

Multiple energy bridges opened at once, and there was a gust of air leyas that brought with it a massive storm. Lightning began to rain down, striking the ground, and sending reverberations that sent the Stone worms fleeing out into the open deserts to the south.
Meanwhile the Falosini Army of Ceroj the Red arrived at Brez. With sword in hand, Ceroj directed the Falosini and their baribur skyknights into dive attack after dive attack. To Tusk and Hikiti’s disgust, droves of Baribur died final death in the scorching baths of acid created by dead Krato bodies. While they died, their Falosini Warriors went on to cut down droves more Krato, one could admit, but the race politics at play was quite evident even to the untrained eye.
What other Falosini Leaders like Berototh considered a mantle of honor and restraint, Ceroj saw as a license to send countless children of the Falosini to their deaths. And on the battlefield of Brez it was evident. As the losses mounted, an orange cowled female Falosini carrying a poleaxe approached Ceroj respectfully.

“My Lord Ceroj, I worry that the Baribur losses will cut too deeply into your breedable populace. Already we have lost more than half our veteran skyknights and one third of our rookies,” said O’wnya, neice of Ceroj, and holder of the lands once owned by the Orange Sword, “Even if I were to call in my own holdings from Ses’rus to bolster your own, it would take one day to mobilize them to this location in enough force to make a difference. And by then…your Falosini Warriors will have begun to fall in the numbers as your baribur.”

“That outcome is unacceptable,” said Ceroj, “I will return to the front lines, with my sword, and set things in the right direction.”

“While your desire to lead from the front is admirable, it would be more successful,” said O’wnya , “If it was accompanied by an end to the wave attacks. Instead a few strategic Falosini Warriors at key points in the city could prevent the Krato from taking even a single city block.”

Ceroj looked angry at being countermanded in war, but he nodded his red cowl none the less.

“O’wyna, make it so,” he whispered, “Maybe more of our brave soldiers will live to see tomorrow.”
And with that he flew down to the battlefield to swing his mighty two handed sword in aide to the Olgog defenders.

Tusk and Hikiti watched the battle from O’wyna’s own personal skiff. And realizing how dangerous it was, they were suddenly both so glad that Urog had chosen them for this mission.

With O’wyna’s new orders in place, the united Olgog and Falosini forces drove back the Krato from the city. Urog and Shirley led seperate pushes that finally cut down the last of the Krato.

Summoned Hydras were literally to get in the way, slowing down the attacking Krato. Then sword fiends will be summoned behind the Krato, cutting the ankles and using earth to create environmental distractions. The Earth Elementals just distract, moving and shifting Earth in response to the Krato moving and shifting earth. All the while Growlings are nipping at their heels. The chimeras, however, were summoned to do damage. Their Breath weapons were employed when a Krato was isolated, otherwise, dive attacks with void claws made short work of them.

All in all, the Brezan army got more than a graveyard’s worth of Krato bone to work with. Hopefully that made up for such an extreme loss of life. No it didn’t, and for the mourners it was just a reminder of the pain.

But for Hikiti and Tusk who each sported newely fashioned Krato Bone Swords in hand tooled leather sheaths made by the Falosini, they seemed a reminder of a better time. A time when Olgog and other species stood side by side against the truly savage enemies of civilization.

[Narrator]

Part 10: The Drewsport Defense

The forces of the Shield of the Redeemer were split under the command of Captains Torlok’ab and Tormag’ru. In a wise move on the part of their leadership all Troopers were using Spirit Scopes to detect their enemies. However a significant tactial error on the part of the Shield of the Redemeer sent most of their heavy defenses down to defend New Holys, a city currently primarily inhabited by the undead and therefore financially worthless as slaves to the Krato. So while the main Krato force attacked Drewsport to the north, New Holys faced little more than small bands of Krato that were no match for their Deadwing Airforce and Scarab Necro-Strider defenses.

Drewsport was defended by the cannons of the Hobnail Wing and refurbished CoO warships, but their attacks only had value when the enemy was attacking from outside the town. During the first few hours of the Krato assault, both vessels made exceptional work of Krato emplacements and Krato attempts to make fortifications. However as the day wore on, the Krato went underground, and while the Redeemer forces could see them burrowing for while, eventually they would disappear under the tons and tons of rock, and the Earth Leyas that came with it.

Drewsport suffered its first losses by midday, as a single room school house for orphaned children simply disappeared into a sinkhole. The twenty children inside were never found again, probably taken by Krato as slaves or food.

Then the Beezos and the Proud Mary offered the Drewsport folks to evacuate their children for the course of the battle. As a result, not a single additional child was taken by the Krato that day. The Krato hated water (not for any real reason) other than drowning didn’t seem fun to them, and most had not bothered learning the fine art of boat building and shipwright. So the Krato stayed on shore, and made life quite difficult for the people of Drewsport. Knowing the Redemeers had a fast response team who could hit a Krato incursion with multiple magi cannons within a matter of minutes made them hold back except for hourly test attacks.

Each time Torlok’ab succeeded in rooting them out, but the wise undead soldiers could tell the Krato were merely buying time. When things went quiet at night, Torlok’ab knew something was very very wrong.
He knew they had not done enough of a hit to the numbers of the Krato to make them feel it with their forty cannons and their ships. So why?
Torlok’ab posted guards and settled into a long boring night of waiting.

But while Torlok’ab waited defending the walls of the city, it was the Bruskti who braved the Krato tunnels to take the fight down. Deep below Drewsport, the Bruskti discovered the Krato had been building a set of Energy Bridges. It seemed their intent was to drop the entire city into the energy bridges and just convert any living matter back to slavestock when they got back to their dimension.

The Bruskti had fed upon the city’s fear, and the fear of the children on the Beezos and the Proud Mary. And they burned that fear and the extended life it gave in exchange for speed, strength and regeneration that quickly outpaced the wounds dealt by the Krato.
In a bloody battle that lasted nearly thirty minutes, the Bruskti defeated the Krato guarding the energy bridges, stole the artifacts creating the energy bridges. Then they drove off the Krato trying to retake the tunnels, with enough force a Krato General herself showed up to the battle.

General Ganlia had heard small bands of vampyrs were devastating her forces at Drewsport and she wanted to know how. So she arrived with her WarGuard and prepared to storm the Drewsport town center. From above came a glint of blue armor as a Hydraulic Knight dropped onto the back of the Krato General. Ganlia reached back to acid strike the Hydraulic Knight, but VLAD Agent Brooke was faster. She drove her hydraulic fist into the back of the giant krato’s head, pulling out Ganlia’s brain stem in one motion. Tagging it with Zela, Brooke then defended the body while a VLAD capture team moved in. Firing hydraulic blasts and tsunami forces at the Krato WarGuard she held them off until the body was secure. Giving the Krato WarGuard a giant Hydraulic middle finger, Brooke escaped with the Krato General causing the army to flee back with completely broken morale.

Above ground Torlok’ab’s forces were quick to run down and eliminate any fleeing Krato they found, especially those trying to carry off Ferals as snacks for later…

[Narrator]

Part 11: The Der’al Collective and the Armies of Absalom and Hebron repulse the underground invasion.

Lord Ridgly was in charge of the counter offensive against the Krato, of course he knew next to nothing about the Krato except they were very dangerous and could change form. As most of Lord Grimaldus’ army was exhausted from the civil war the remaining armies would be defending the cities directly and helping to protect the civilians. The local EEF garrison would be in charge of the defenses.

A group of six Red Bishops joined with the Armies of Eloga nearby, armed with Plasma rifles, rocket launchers, and each having a laser targeting device. Red Bishop Archibaud Tobin made a few notes in his journel as he approached the Elogan lines. Seeing the only moderately sized Elogan Olgogs carrying their immense poleaxes imparted an impressive sight, and Red Bishop Tobin proceeded to draw a few sketches of it as he approached.

The Elogan leader was Subcommander Muriyah Greybeard, kinsgog of Filan Greybeard, and she frankly didn’t seen to trust the humans by her body language and her eyes. But her love and respect for her leader, Bo’gan, was unwavering, and she swallowed her own racist words before saying them, and greeted the Red Bishops with only the words, “The Armies of Eloga are here to protect the cities called Absalom and Hebron. I am here with half our forces, and the other city is protected by my Raider Captains.”

Tobin watched his CO nod, and the CO and the Elogan Subcommander retreated into her tents for a while to discuss strategy. Tobin took a few thermal readings, getting ready for the inevitable Krato attack. It seemed the ambient temperature of the desert was damn hot, and the Olgogs looked just as uncomfortably hot as Tobin knew he was feeling as well. He did what he had been taught by an old Knight Errant who traveled with the Red Bishops at the height of Gul’al’s Crusade. He grabbed his metal canteen of coffee, heated by the sun to a piping hot temperature. A quick spin of the cap and he poured himself a small shot of expresso. He downed the black coffee in a single slug, wishing milk survived out in this heat. The hot beverage actually did make the hot environment a little less hot feeling in an oddly satisfying way.
Tobin lifted his binoculars and scanned the horizon. Nothing. Hmmm.

Above him there was a quite sound, and he looked up seeing ten hovercopters flying in formation.

Tobin checked his thermals again, noting an uptick in the heat coming from nearby manhole covers leading to the sewage systems of the city. Recently installed, like much of the city, it was designed just as much for rain water diverting as it was for those homes which refused the Leyas upgrades offered by the allied Loremancers, both Olgog and Earther.

Tobin noticed the heat was increasing dramatically, and pointed it out to his CO when the old man got out of the tent. The CO agreed it looked suspicious since it seemed arbitrary which manhole covers had the increased heat.

Tobin listed to his CO, as it was called in via radio. “Lord Ridgly, Sir, my Red Bishop 1st Class Archibaud Tobin discovered heat anomalies moving under the city, Sir.”

Tobin could hear Lord Ridgly’s reply, “The Holy Star, and the Wrath of Yahweh will hold in sub orbital positions and provide fire support for you and the Armies of Eloga. Their orbital lasers are precise enough for you to direct their aim.”
One of his collegues whooped, “Now that’s the type of Judgement from above I can get behind.”
Tobin and his team-mates opened their pack item labeled with a giant Iron cross Banded by a Red Sword and Shield. From inside they lifted ornate pistols that were little more than complex laser pointer connected to a dedicated GPS rangefinder computer and encrypted transmission software. The best part was it also acted as a physical laser to paint the target for more archiac targeting scanners.
All six prepared, waiting with their target designators pointed at a different manhole cover. And in unison, as the manholes seemed to liquify, and Krato heads poked out of their respective holes, Tobin and his team were pressing triggers. The beam tapped the Krato on the head. As the smaller creature leapt out onto the ground, Tobin continued his trigger pressure.

The Duskan Destroyers sitting in sub-orbit were easily able to pick up the laser designator. Multiple orbital lasers swung into position, preparing to lase the specific targets. Lasers hot enough to burn through starfighter armor were also able to cook through Krato flesh, bone and hide.

Like a perverse game of Whack-a-Mole, the Red Bishops kept designating new targets as the Krato tried to rise up from different holes and gutters. Tobin worried, as time wore on. Bodies littered the streets, and each bled acidic blood. Luckily the lasers cauterized the wounds, so most of the deathblows were rather bloodless. But Krato did have naturally bleeding wounds all over their bodies, and this acid was scarring stone and melting composites.
Everytime the Krato tried to open energy bridges, the Elogans were there, attacking with chariots in deadly charges that kept the Krato from linking up with their allies on the other side. In the moments while the energy bridges were open, an Elogan would run through, using the Leyas to signal to Ur-King Krato Soldiers on the other side to take out the enemy Krato.

Lord Ridgly never expected to hear word from the front of Humans, Goblins and Giants working side by side against the enemy giants. But it came, and it came with a sense of renewed solidarity among the people of Absalom and Hebron.
In fact watching the solidarity of the Olgogs and the Oners in this strange predicament opened up a new dialogue about the end to civil war and reunification.

Some even whispered about a council seat for Lord Ridgly, but it would of course be up to Lord Grimaldus.

While the Bastion had proudly patrolled its mighty gun had never fired. Instead it was the orbital superiority of the starships hidden at the edge of orbit that
won the day.

[Narrator]

[b]Part 12: The Sylvan Connection

Dimension of Do’krice
Date Relative to our own Timeline: Jan 1st 2220 A.R.
Location: The Council of the Sylvan Warloechs, Land of the Sylvan
[/b]
The chamber was massive, but seemed tiny in comparison to the size of the single tree from which it was lovingly shaped. The canopy of leaves went from one corner of the chamber to the other. Even here on the ground, as one’s eyes followed the path of large vines that snaked across the floor, one could see leaves large enough to be used as seats and benches.

In the center of the chamber were stocks made from hand carved Zela metal ore, studded with crystalline Zela outcroppings. Held inside the stocks was none other than I’tash. The elderly Sylvan Warleoch was bent and his old mummified skin was being ripped at and rended by the spikes on the stocks. He did not struggle in any way, and luckily, his undead nature meant he simply avoided breathing. But the pain was unbearable. It was one of the few things that set his animated nerves instantly into torment.

Sitting on a massive leaf was Iessa, and on her head was a regal crown made from crystalline flowers.

I’tash, former Grand Magi of the Northern Kingdoms, looked up at Iessa and said, “May I be the first to give thanks that you have taken over the Warleoch Council, and brought us up from the Necropolis to the surface again. Your wisdom is only equal to your beauty, Captain Iessa.”

“Empress Iessa,” she corrected, “And your flattery is as skillful as your management of the planet Refuge, and more importantly Warmonger’s imprisonment on Les’tas’tral. By that I mean incompetent and quite clearly above your skill.”

“My Empress, may this humble servant ask if you have considered my descendant Boriel’s request that I be released into his custody for a long retirement?” asked I’tash.

“Forced retirement is too good for you former Lord I’tash,” the newely risen Empress declared, “You had one responsibility as custodian of that planet. Prevent Warmonger from escaping Les’tas’tral by any means necessary. Warmonger now roams free, in a super powered Quall-Avatar body. A host of such destructive potential that even the Hive Queen Council had sent me their own diplomats demanding an alliance against this abomination.”

“I succeeded in holding Warmonger in check, until Calphas removed me from power and allowed a slave uprising to divert the focus of my PeaceLords,” countered I’tash thinking his logic might win him a way forward.

“Calphas may not agree with my rights as new Empress of the Sylvan, but he and I did agree on one thing when we spoke,” said Iessa, “Your slaver kingdoms were just used for a handful to live richly while the rest suffered. Your slaver kingdoms were only a riot away from full civil war, and in fact wasn’t that really what took you out of power, I’tash?”

“Just let me take control again, I can bring Warmonger’s Avatar in for containment. I can fix this,” said I’tash with so much passion that he ripped the entire arms of his clothing on the spikes holding him.

“No I’tash. You will be sent to be a slave of the Grand Magi of the Northern Kingdoms. You will serve as his slave and the slave of the I’tashi Alliance until such a time as this Empress decides you have felt a fraction of the pain of the victims of your slavery.”

“I did not invent slavery, the Falosini bred those creatures to be slave soldiers,” replied I’tash in confusion.

“If you had limited your slavery to the Children of the Falosini, I wouldn’t like it but I would agree with your premise. But you added new species to your slave stables didn’t you? Yyan Giants? Dragonkind? Earthers? And Olgogs?

I have recently been saved by Olgogs, I’tash, and I like those fuzzy green fellows for the most part.
And when I learned that the Earthers committed genocide against them, and you did nothing??? Those your alleged PeaceLords took in were simply enslaved? You consider that good stewardship of this planet?”

“Might Empress, please, you were not here, you did not see how the K’ias manipulated us all. J’kutu built an entire false religion just to draw us into war with the Earthers. But my PeaceLords knew it was a trap, and let the Earthers learn their own place on this planet,” said I’tash, “As for the Olgogs, just look what happened after I was removed from power? They turned to worshipping a false idol and created Kalok, a Greater Evil of such power even the four original Ancient Evils fear him and his followers.”

“You want me to believe that because of one misguided tribe and their influence, all the Olgogs of the planet deserved the slave collar?” asked Iessa, “Did not the other Greater Evil of this age rise under your own rule in the form of the Unity?”

“The Unity was a rebellious force, Techo Magi who would not stop until they unleashed a terrible demonic force upon the wireless networks,” said I’tash slowly, “I admit I did not understand Earther technologies they introduced nor the Technomancy it gave birth to, as fully as I should have.”

“Good,” said Iessa, “You will learn all that must be learned. As a slave to the Alliance. So declares the new Sylvan Empress.”

“An excellent decree of course my Empress,” said I’tash, “And what should I tell detractors from your great rule, the fools who ask, Isn’t a Warleoch excluded from the rights and ranks of Empress of the Sylvan because only the living may rule the living just as only the dead may lead the dead?”

“There are no living Sylvan who have not been poisoned by the bestial curse, and are little more than animals in behavior and thought,” said Empress Iessa, “The Earthers and Olgogs and their fight is an example of failure of the Sylvan to lead. Refuge is still a split world, a contested world.

Entire chunks of it were Nightmare Lord territory even after the K’ias Wars, and only the Uthvelor and Pelebor drove them from those places. They were siezed by martial force, but not by the Sylvan.

Many other sections were claimed by the Peace of Falos, though most were forgotten by the Warcouncil of S’vana.

And two small sections on one continent are held by Earthers.

But still half the planet is held by the Sea Kings, Warmonger’s most devout followers. Until they are driven from their holdings, these Sea Kings represent the greatest support group to the Avatar of Warmonger.

Our council has already recognized the United Tribes as the true heirs of the ancient Olgogs of Der’al. And I will formally recognize them, and the other settlements of Olgogs as the true heirs to these lands we retake from the Sea Kings.”

“That sort of world war…you would be feeding the Warmonger, can’t you see that Iessa,” said I’tash in exasperation.

“Don’t you see Warmonger has already won,” Empress Iessa, “He has been freed, and is now physically gathering his army. Either we side with the Olgogs, or we leave them to be rolled over by his armies.
They protected me once from Warmonger’s forces. It is time we returned the favor.”