Lord Oge: I know the way through the forest from every angle now. I think its time to attack. All in favor?"

All responded with "Aye".

Lord Oge: We will send him out terms of his surrender. If he does not agree, we will indeed attack this Sunday.

*********************************************************
*********************************************************
. TERMS OF SURRENDER

King Terri Shalonost,

The people of Shalonesti will lay down their arms, open the city gates, and permit entry of Lord Oge and the Marauders. Men of fighting age will report to Lord Oge and be given the opportunity to serve in the Marauders. If they refuse, they will be made prisoners.

If you accept Lord Oge's terms, he will spare your city from harm. He will leave your women and children in peace. If you do not accept his terms, but persist in refusing your surrender, Lord Oge will burn your city and house down to the ground, your men taken as slaves, your women given to the Ogres to do with as they wish and your children will be slaughtered before their mother's eyes. Lord Oge gives you until Saturday Morning to Surrender. if you do not, we will invade on Sunday.

Signed,
Lord Oge
General Grimlok
Admiral Chronus
General Bosik
General KrothGar
General Hammurabi

Oge: Chronus, take the 5th Regiment of Knights and head west along the Thaxonos Mountains. We will out flank them.

KrothGar: If we don't run into the lot of them in this blasted forest.

Chronus: It would be wise of them. The elves know this forest like the back of their hand.

Oge: Hmm, good point. Do it anyway.

Chronus boggled.

Oge: Trust me on this. If the hit us in the woods, we will sound the alarm. You will hear it I am sure. I have never heard such quiet in any woods before.

Chronus: Very well Highlord.

Chronus saluted, then took the 5th Knighted Regiment and headed west. He joined the 5 units of infantry that Oge had sent previously.

---------------------------------------------------------
The front line of the Marauder infantry walked as quietly as they could muster through the forest toward the city. No one heard a thing.
*THWOCK* a group of Marauders fell to their knees as elven made arrows made their way into their chests. Head to head the armies went charging and screaming. Sounds of metal against metal could be heard for miles. The battle began. 2 Shalonesti infantry units were immediately cut down by Marauder Calvary.
The overwhelming forces of the Marauders pummeled their way through the Shalonesti troops. Shalonesti warriors fell back and their cavalry charged forward. KrothGar's 2 Knighted regiment met them. The Shalonesti cavalry was not match for knights and fell quickly. King Terri had sent a group of elves to flank the Marauders, but then ran right into Chronus and was defeated. All in all, the Marauders were too many and the Shalonesti army fell. The last section of King Terri's army was his own command. They fought bravely trying to prevent the Marauder takeover, but ultimately were forced to flee into the woods.
------------------------------------------------------------
The gates of Shalonesti were pried open. Women, children and the elderly stared in disbelief at the slaughter. Some wept; most stood in shock. The Marauder army made way for Highlord Oge and his command.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Oge: Fear not citizens of Shalonesti. Obey my laws and NO harm will come to you. Disobey, and it will mean yours and your children's deaths. Go to the woods, bury your dead. Return home before nightfall. Tomorrow you WILL open your shops, and your stores or I will burn this city to the ground with all of you in it.

*thump* *thump* *thump*

'A few citizens looked up at the noise, interrupted from their daily life. It sounded like a large earthquake was approaching from the north. The pounding grew closer and closer, people in the northernmost part of the city saw a cloud of dust rising along the northern road.

*thump*

One particularly intelligent citizen ran to find the mayor. The plump, friendly old man was walking around the city, greeting citizens and making a general nuisance of himself. The boy, Geofry, clutched the mayor's sleeve.

"The Marauders are coming!!! Lock the gates! Save the city! They'll kill us all!!"

The aging man looked down at the boy's terrified face and mopped the sweat that began to bead on his forehead.

*THUMP*

The mayor wished the city had not been left in his hands. He tried to compose himself and think of a plan. Geofry clung to his arm and was eventually pried off by a few guards.

In his office, the mayor reviewed the status of the army, the city, and its citizens. They had fallen on hard times after King Havoc and Queen Cait had left them without a ruler. There was no hope of standing against Highlord Oge. The massacre would only be less than that of Shalonesti because there would be less military men to die. The mayor's hand fell on a scrap of paper that had been delivered to him by that brisk reporter. He reread it with interest. Her report indicated that Highlord Oge was not too harsh on the citizens of Shalonesti, and that those of the Marauders who had killed innocents had been punished.

"Bless you, Marti. You may have saved our people."

*Knock* *Knock*

A strong voice rang out from the northern gates. The words boomed across the city for all to hear.

"I give you the same terms that were offered to King Terri of Shalonesti. You may fight me, and be destroyed, or you may open your gates and allow me to enter."

Silence ensued. The citizens didn't know what to do. There had been no call for war. There was no one to lead them into battle. The mayor stayed in his office, afraid his presence would be a sign of resistance.
(CONTINUED IN NEXT HISTORY NOTE)

After a few moments of confused silence, Highlord Oge cleared his throat. There were no sounds in the city, no preparation of war, no calls for battle. Hammurabi looked at him, puzzled. Grimlok stood impassively, awaiting orders. Highlord Oge nodded at Chronus, who smiled eagerly and quickly scaled the walls of the city.

Inside the gate house there was no one. The mayor had already ordered everyone to retreat from the gates. Disappointed, the bloodthirsty elf opened the gates and Oge led his troops in. The line of knights, soldiers and cavalry seemed to stretch on forever. There was not enough room for them to walk more than 4 abreast. Seeing the potential problem, Oge sent Metrox with orders to have the rest of the army camp outside the gates.

The mayor awaited them on Main Street. With very little ceremony he handed over the keys to the city and King Havoc's crown.

"We will not oppose you, Highlord Oge. You may have the city"

Oge watched him, mildly surprised. He had not thought anyone would be intelligent enough to hand over their city.

"You may continue your duties as they were." Oge told the mayor, handing the keys to the city back. He raised his voice and looked to the people around him. They didn't seem very curious about him, except for one pale-faced boy that looked absolutely terrified. Oge grinned. "You now answer to me. You will go on about your lives as normal and none of you will be harmed"

A few people cheered. Most of them just kept going about their business. The apathy of the citizens was appalling. Oge snarled, turning to face his troops.

"You have your orders!"

At once his well trained army scattered, joining their particular battalion leaders and fulfilling their orders.

The whole time, the city was strangely quiet. The mayor had slipped away to his offices without notice and aside from a few curious citizens, everyone seemed to ignore him.

He almost preferred to win by battle. Some patriotism would do these people some good - almost.

The battle has begun, Sultan!, cried an Advisor. Get my armor ready, I shan't sit here and let them take it, replied Valen.

Oge sat outside the city watching the arrows travel back and forth. He called his commanders to him. "It is my belief our forces are more than 5 times as large as theirs. General Krothgar, take the entire Calvary to the South portion of their walls, and break it down. It they divide their archers up, we'll pummel them here; if they don't you'll invade there. Archmagus Hammurabi, take your mages with him. Cast any spells that may help. Set the place on fire for all I care, commanded the High Lord. Metrox, Punji, you stay with me. As soon as their archers are weakened by ours we'll knock this wall down."

The Marauders Calvary met some resistance and lost an entire regiment to New Thalos Archers before finding the southern wall. General Krothgar led the assault forward entering the New Thalos stronghold. The Calvary along with Krothgar's and Hammurabi's Knighted units met head on with several units of infantry and cavalry.

Highlord Oge led the assault on the west wall, penetrating it with little resistance. Swarms of Marauder infantry and Knighted units entered the city. The New Thalos archers were cut down in horrific style.

The Marauders stood some losses in all areas, but in the end, their army outnumbered New Thalos 12 - 1.

All Marauders units fought until there was no New Thalos army left to fight.

Highlord Oge asked a captured advisor "Where is your Sultan?"
"I do not know sire, I do not know!"
"The man doesn't even have royal blood in his veins yet you LIE for him?"
"I swear! I know not where he is!"
"Punji, kill this one, he lies."
Punji stuck his dagger in the advisors gut running it up to his throat, killing him. Punji looked pleased as the advisor's life left him, a horrified expression on his face.

(ooc)
No deaths by players, all New Thalos members escaped. It was a flank versus a defend strategy. The Marauder army was way too many to stop.

In Althainia, a ceremony where Highlord was named Emperor Oge stunned everyone. Silence filled the crowd as Oge spoke.

Citizens of Althainia, New Thalos, and Shalonesti,

I have claimed the throne of Althainia. Do not call me King. We are bigger and greater than any one King could hope to be. King Terri of the Shalonesti and Sultana Myra of New Thalos have agreed and signed a proclamation unifying us all to the Empire of Althainia. They will lead their kingdoms still, and we shall work together to increase the quality of our kingdoms under this one Empire. I will lead the marauders no more, I leave that task in the hands of General Krothgar. I will still pay for the marauder's headquarters on another continent, but not if they resist this ruling. If they do, they will lose, I have wealth and can beat them. Any attack upon Shalonesti and new Thalos, means you must fight the entire Empire! This is the beginning of the makings of the most powerful Empire ever known! I am confident that the Emperor of Verminasia and the King of Arkane will work with us. Long live the Althainian Empire.

*************************************************************
The interview!
Journalists: Will the Marauders back off?
Emperor Oge: They will if they want their new Headquarters. Without co-operation, they will have nothing except a homeless army and there is no telling how many of them will go with me.

Journalists: What prompted all of this?
Emperor Oge: I saw greater glory in this. A lot of Marauders have stopped being warriors and are instead becoming ruthless thugs. I only hope that KrothGar can do a better job than I.

Journalists: How much money did you take with you?
Emperor Oge: 99% of all money of the Marauders was collected by me. Most of the Marauders just boasted behind my accomplishments while I made the contacts with the backers.

Journalists: Do you still own New Thalos and Shalonesti?
Emperor Oge: They will run their own Kingdoms, but they belong to the Althainian Empire. We ALL will work together to better improve our Kingdoms. The first thing we will work on is our regeneration rooms in ALL kingdoms.

Emperor Oge: No more questions at this time, I have much to do.

The Verminasian army was startled. It had only been a few days since they had conquered the most strategic city on the continent. One Army Captain pondered what to do. "Arm the gates!" he yelled. A flash of light appeared into the room, a shimmering gate rising from he ground. Queen Finnadria stepped out of the gate as the gate closed quickly behind her. The Captain immediately kneeled before her.

"What should we do your highness?" He asked.
"How many of them are there?" the Queen replied.
"There's no way to tell yet, highness".
The Queen pondered. "Retreat to Verminasia, we are better fortified there," she proclaimed.
"Aye Highness. FULL RETREAT! Secure the gate and head home! By orders of the Queen!"
Everyone obeyed.

High lord Hammurabi paced. "You would think they would have put out those fires by now. Are they asleep?"
"Punji, scale the wall, take a peek".
Punji nodded and scaled the Arkane wall. He returned a short while later. "I saw no one but citizens and they were trying to extinguish the fire, sir. Perhaps a trap?" the Assassin reported. Hammurabi nodded his head and orders the battering ram to the front. A full 20 minutes later, the battering ram broke the gates open. There were no soldiers in sight.

Hammurabi smiled. "I bet Oge never had an army flee in terror." Hammurabi drew his sword. Here's to conquest! All Marauders present lifted their weapons in a glorious salute.

Marauders present:
Hammurabi
Dramyr
Punji
Thorne
Xanic (who died in the previous sim fight where I made VR defend, was just for fun)
Diamante
Solestri
Archmetes
Yarl
Stridar
Bakshra
Grraul
Esuna

Subject - War in Balifore

It is 12 o'clock am, Day of Thunder, 17th the Month of the Ancient Darkness. There is a rumble in the distance. Each second that passes, the rumbling continues to grow. Kender are stirred from their sleep. Suddenly, explosions ring through the air. A massive war cry is felt more than heard. The lone Kender guard peeks over the cities gates and to his amazement, there is a huge army advancing on his gate. He sounds the alarm and quickly turns back to watch, his eyes glazed with childlike wonder. Then, out of the trees, just as the army approaches the gates, flights of arrows come bursting towards the army. The cavalry and knights drop behind there shields, a protective barrier to their mages, healers and archers. The first melee went off with no casualties. Then the Marauders begin to fire their flaming arrows into the trees. The mages begin to wave their arms and several trees burst into flames. Several screams are heard through the trees as bodies fall like the leaves in autumn. All of a sudden, more arrows came flying out of the trees from across the path, cutting through the Marauder's archers unprotected backs. The knights of Marauders turn, catching a glimpse of the retreating Kender archers. The charge begins. All the while, several troops begin to push a giant log, laid upon some wheels, towards Balifore's gates. A summons goes out, a signal to all who have pledged allegiance to Balifore. Now is the time for action.

Subject Baliforian War People scream in pain and anger. A valiant Yinn, named Syghh comes running out of a burning house carrying with him a Kender mage. He then drops the Mage and runs his sword across the mages neck. The mage slumps down, and Syghh turns to find the other mage. Find him he does, as his fur bursts into flames from the mages attack. Syghh realizes his death is upon him and lunges at the mage, smothering the mage his burning body, the mage joins him in his fate. The militia fights hard and long but it is to no avail. The marauders and their allies finally wipe the militia out. Seeing the lack of hope, the allies and serving Kender of Balifore, make for the forests. Balifore has fallen.

Subject: Invasion Arkane.... again.

The Verminasian soldier looked at the Northern gate of Arkane. Well, that's what it was called, even though no gate stands there. None has stood since Arkane fell to his Army the first time. The only sign of resistance these last few days had been the continued boulder being launched from within the city somewhere. He had lost a few friends in those onslaughts but not nearly enough to sway their sizable force. Finally the order came down. "CHARGE!!!!" His adrenalin pumping into overdrive, he breaks into a full run, his battalion around him. The fallen gate looming before, still no resistance, other than the occasional boulder lunging into his army behind him. Blood lust fills his soul and he belts out a war cry, mirrored by the men who follow him. Still nothing. Something wasn't right, but by now they were in full charge, no turning back. Three whole battalions pour into the gates open archway. As soon as the third enters, loud yells reach out from behind. The soldier turns and sees his men burning; hot oil splashing over them. Then the arrows began. Seemingly out of nowhere, archers on both sides of the battalions start pummeling them with arrows and then the soldier sees them, two mages, and one on each side. Explosions rip through his ranks. The oil on his men is igniting and building a wall of fire. The Verminasian army still outside the wall cease in their charge. For the burning mass before them is impenetrable. Pike men rush out of the houses around the gate and close ranks melee breaks out. The soldier fights, taking down some the pike men, as his men fight with true valor. Of course with a wall of fire behind you and an army around you, you tend to fight with valor. The soldier and his ragtag battalion, what was left of it, continue to smash through the ranks of pike men. The soldier turns, slaying the young pike man who just ran his friend through. Then he feels it: the burning pain in his side. He turns slowly and sees the reason. A knight, bearing the mark of the Marauders stands before him, his sword dripping blood, an evil leer on his face. The soldier falls to his knees and with the last of his strength, brings his sword to bear and splits the knight in half. Before the Knight even hits the ground, the soldier drops. His blood pumps out in spurts and then gently slows to a trickle. The young soldier, known to some as Benigaris succumbs to the gods request for his soul and he perishes. The last of the three battalions that had entered. Silence then takes to the airs. All is calm as the fires dwindle to a mere whisper of what they were.

Subject... Verminaisia/Marauder war part II.

The fires die down as the smoldering bodies are finally robbed of their flammable composition. Anger surges through the hearts and souls of the Verminasian army. As the shock of what just happened slowly wears off, rages begin to flare. A new charge is ordered but first, some necessary precautions. A lone mage begins an incantation, the winds pick up then load explosion erupt thought the Arkanian city. Archers begin to send flight after flight of flaming arrows blindly into the city. Then the call is made, "CHARGE!" With that, a loud war cry is bellowed forth and the army begins to move.

Inside the city, Grimslade paces. "Why can't we go out there and face them. I hate all this waiting."

"Patience, my friend," Hammurabi said with calmness in his voice. "The battle will come to us soon enough. But when it gets here, they will wish they had stayed home. "

Grimslade turned to try one more tactic so that the waiting could end.

"I know how we could end this," he began, "and without losing a single man."

This of course piqued Hammurabi's interest. "Go on," he said.

"Well, we just YEAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGHH...," Grimslade screams out as flames shoot up his back. A stray Arrow has found its way to him and he succumbs to its flames.

Outraged, Hammurabi, orders the counter charge. Another war cry bellows forth and the battle begins in earnest. The armies clash screams and explosions, blood and smoke, turn the city into a grisly, yet colorful, exhibit.

Hammurabi grabs Dramyr and says, "Come with me." They rush into the fray, determined to make Verminasia pay for the life of their friend and confidant. Two unfortunate souls stood between them and Arakayd: Kristian and Eegore. They were hell-bent on protecting their general. Hammurabi and Dramyr engage them. Sparks fly everywhere as their weapons collide. Eegore lands a slash onto Hammurabi's shoulder but all that does is increase his rage. He feigns a low strike but then shifts up and catches Eegore off guard. Eegore slumps to the ground as his head rolls off on a path of its own.

Meanwhile Dramyr crosses swords with Kristian. His blade dances the dance of death and welcomes Kristian into the dance as he slices deep within Kristian's abdomen. Kristian falls, nurturing the ground with blood as does so many this day. When they regroup, Arakayd is no longer in view.

Hammurabi swears, "He will die as will that wench queen of his. This is my oath."

Raije claimed 3 more lives this day. May Grimslade, Eegore, and Kristian rest in peace.

Subject - Arkanian War part III

Hammurabi surveys the scene in front of him. Bodies line the streets in a Kaliope of destruction and devastation. He watches as Atreyu and Saivan fight Morgian and Rendel. He watches as Morgian is slashed to the ground by Atreyu's weapon. He watches as Saivan falls to Rendel's might. Atreyu and Rendel square off. They fight in a battle that Raije himself would have been pleased with. Equals they seem to be, each parrying the other thrusts and each swaying in a rhythm of glorious battle. Each dying as the pikes and swords of surrounding warrior interfere with their dance. Hammurabi is in shock at the amount of deaths he has witnessed, but this is war and war means death to those who Raije calls home. Then he hears it. "Hammurabi...," The ghostly sound spoke. "Hammurabiiii..." "You have served me well. Come home my child, come home. "

Hammurabi looks to the sky then collapses to his knees. He feels his life blood flow from his back, pooling up at his feet. He gazes upon the battle before him as his vision blurs. He smiles, content with what he has brought about, and succumbs to the calling.

Standing behind Hammurabi's corpse, stands a young girl, holding a blood soaked dagger. Tears stream down her face. "That was for my family," she sobs. Asia then dries her eyes and jumps back into the fray, a tornado in a storm of bodies.

The battle continues. Soldiers on both sides are sliced to ribbons as neither seems to draw an advantage. Dramyr fights with determination as he waylays a few unsuspecting soldiers. Then he comes across the body. "NOOOOOOOO," he lashes out. "This can't be." He reaches down and takes Hammurabi's head in his lap. "They will pay for this, my lord, they will pay."

He then leaps to his feet and charges the nearest soldier of Verminasia. He is deranged with anger and those he approaches either flee in terror or fall to his rage.

Elsewhere, Arakayd leads his troops into yet another hit and run on Marauder's flanks. By now he is starting to see that this is turning into a war of attrition. If only the gods would grant him some luck in this.

The Marauders swiftly go to plan B which in essence turns over control of the army to a triad of commanders. Orders are issued and the war continues. An explosion goes off in the battlements, bringing down a battalion of archers from it walls. Arrows thud into the armies on both sides. As a mage prepares to cast at the marauders Archers again, he is pierced through the heart and drop where he stood. Many more fall from the chaos of the melee. Both sides are dragging now as fatigue from days of battle creeps in. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, more foot soldiers arrive, bearing the marauders crest. They attack the fatigued Verminasia's driving them back to the walls. The smoke starts clearing from the battlefield and the devastation is finally seen. Bodies lie everywhere. Death has claimed many men from both sides of the battlefield. The battle still continues. Marauders are moving in on the now much smaller, Verminasian forces.

Three more heroes fell this eve: Praxsis of Verminasia, Stridar and Xanic of the Marauders. Raije receives them with open arms.

A loud horn blares over the battlefield. Swiftly the Marauders withdraw from battle and begin to regroup. Another, different, horn blows. The Verminasian soldiers quickly retreat to the gates. As the first battalion hits the opening, hot oil splashes down, halting their withdrawal. Flaming arrows infiltrates their numbers. The screams are awesome as the men burst into flames and die an agonizing death. Being a smaller group than when this war started, the fires die more rapidly. The rest of the Verminasian army bursts through the smoldering bodies and head for home at full gallop. As soon as they rush out the busted gates of Arkane, an explosion goes off. Under their feet the ground had been saturated with oil. It bursts into yet another wall of flame. Many more soldiers fall to the marauders clever use of fire and oil. Still, they push on. Weakened and tired, they push onward, seeking their home and safety.

No player deaths were encountered this day. The war in Arkane is OVER. Marauders hold the city.

Subject - The retreat

The battle weary Verminasians push their limits to make time between them and the city of Arkane. They are now one days march to their city gates and are starting to relax a bit. Then the message is received. "Word from our eyes to the south, my general, " the messenger said as he hands Arakayd the rolled up parchment and places the pigeon in its cage.

Arakayd unrolls the parchment and reads, a look of alarm on his face. Swiftly he issues orders and the Verminasian army comes to a halt. Archers notch there bows awaiting the inevitable. Then, out of the misty night, they see it. Marauder knights bear down on them at full charge, their mounts foaming from the hard ride.

The archers unleash their arrows sending a devastating swarm into the midst of the knights, bringing down a large amount of them. But it is not enough. The Knights are upon them with an almost sinister speed. The first line of archers is cut down without any chance of retreat.

Arakayd rallies his soldiers and advance on the now engaged knights. "Where is that damn escort," he mutters.

Just then, in the distance, he hears it, the welcome horn blasting from the east.

As silent as possible for a large army, the Marauders make their way towards Verminasia. Suddenly a mage reports to Archemetes. "Sir, we have detected a presence of two battalions just east of us." Just as he finished saying these words, a horde of arrows begin their decent upon his forces.

Archemetes swiftly orders a halt and places his men in defensive postures. Other orders are given out and a couple of battalions move. However, the arrows stop as swiftly as they had begun. The first battalion returns and its commander reports, "Sir, the forces east have fired their volley and fled. We were to late to stop them. It is obvious however, that they know we are coming." Archemetes mulls this over a bit, then, his mind made up, places new orders. This wasn't going to be as simple as he had hoped.

The Marauders catapult reloads and fires as fast as it can possibly go. The mages begin their chants and explosions are heard in the distance. Then they hear it, not only is there the sounds of explosions, but there is also a fierce war cry. Just then, the Verminasian army bursts into view. Archers from both sides begin pounding their adversaries. Then, they collide. Blood and gore spill forth upon the battlefield. Screams of rage and pain spew forth accosting those who would listen. The catapult is silenced as the crew working it is crushed beneath the charge. Men on both sides die grisly deaths yet the fighting continues. Skill is thrown aside and replaced with sheer reflexes as the will to survive overcomes all involved.

Three have fallen this day; Malinche and Quar of Verminasia and Cryl of the Marauders. May their Gods take pity on their souls.

The fierce fighting continues just south of Verminasia. Units are chopped down like stalks of corn on both sides in the melee. The last of the Marauder's Knights falls to the mass that encompasses them. But they are swiftly avenged as another Verminasian battalion falls. Many, many more are slain in the chaos that war chooses as a companion. Several battalions on both sides then retreat from the battlefield, leaving many more to hold their own.

No Player Deaths this Glorious Day.

A horn blares loudly to the south and the Marauders begin their retreat. The Verminasian army attempts to give chase but is stopped by arrows being fired from the archers of the retreating army. A command is uttered and an explosion goes of in the marauders ranks. Arrows plummet into those retreating as they begin to gain distance. Then all is once more quiet.

One death this day; Jemadar has succumbed to the blade. His death was an honorable one.

Once the Marauders where out of earshot, the Verminasian army receives its order to return to the city. Something big was afoot. Apparently something had happened to the king. Speculation began instantly. Rumors of a Marauder assassin infiltrated the army's core and their anger began to grow. Their new leader, Drakkon, swore to investigate this untimely death and if the Marauders were responsible, they would die a thousand deaths.

Meanwhile, on the trail back to Arkane, the Marauders army is called to a halt. A lone messenger rode up at full gallop coming to a swift halt just before the three High Lords. "Sirs, important news from Verminasia, the king, King Arakayd, has died. Details are sketchy but Drakkon is now in control of the kingdom. Rumor has it that you ordered Arakayd's death. Anyway, they are investigating." The High lord's immediately call their generals and begin to deliberate. What will happen? Only time will tell.

Canoes carried this army to the beach where they snuck silently into the thick forest near their homeland and prepared to surprise those who had kept them under their control for so long.

Tamrinith walked into the Kender city to scout the Marauder troops stationed there only to find them removing Balifore's stash of food and supplies. An overweight Sergeant of the Marauder army was yelling orders while eating a chicken leg.

"What we can't carry, we burn! Solestri said we are to starve these creatures out!"

Tamrinith walked directly in front of the ordering Sergeant and drew his attention.

"What do YOU want?" The Sergeant blared being obviously more angered by Tamrinith's intrusion.

"Not much sir. I was just curious why you were removing our food? I mean, if most of your soldiers are as fat as you are, we should be stealing your food." Tamrinith smiled innocently at the Sergeant only to get a glare in return. Tamrinith's eyebrows squished as he began to speak again. "In fact, the last time I saw something as fat as you, it moo'd at me. You're so fat, I bet if you go to war and get cut that hog grease comes out of you. You're so fat, I bet you sometimes stare at other people and wonder how they taste. You're so fat I bet your nickname is DAMN. You're so fat I bet women have to roll over twice to get off of you. You are SO fat you have to roll down your pants to get into your pockets!"

The Sergeant put down his chicken and picked up his sword. "Another word, Kender, and I'll be finding out how YOU taste!"

Tamrinith grinned. He knew that he had him right where he wanted him. "So I guess I should not mention that you are so fat you fell in love and broke it. Or that you are so fat the Gods could not light the Planet until you moved. You are SO fat you wake up in sections! You are so fat that when you jump in the air, you get stuck! You are so fat animals at the zoo feed you! You are SOO fat that when you lay on the beach, the elves try to roll you back into the ocean! You are SOO fat..."

The Sergeant screamed a war cry that shook the camp and charged at the Kender swinging his sword 2-3 swings per second. Tamrinith duck and skipped and parried with grace and style. The sergeant quickly ran out of energy and collapsed onto the ground, his face red and his gasping for every breath like it was his last. He placed his hands over his heart while making a sound similar to "WEUUUUUUGGGGGHHH, WEUUUUUUGGGGGHHH!" This sound caught the interest of most nearby Kender as they all stood over the Sergeant pointing and smiling obviously very excited to see what would happen next.

Several Marauder soldiers ran to the Sergeants aid. ((THWWWWOCK)) Arrows burrowed themselves into the chests and neck of the approaching marauder soldiers. Dark Elves hidden in the brush that outlines the city loaded and reloaded hitting their targets with an accuracy that only elves could display. A Marauder Corporal ordered the unit of infantry to advance into the woods. The remaining soldiers that did not receive fatal blows from the archers either had to deal with the Kender army that appeared from the woods, the citizens of Balifore that had picked up arms or the Animated Hoopak that the Dark Elf Enchanter Calinde has created and sent after the soldiers. The battle did not last long. The lone survivor was the overweight Sergeant, who had regained his breath, but not his strength.

Tresletop looked down at the Sergeant curiously. "Well, you didn't explode like I bet you would. Tell you what, if you make yourself make those WEUUUUUUGGGGGHHH sounds again, and if you do blow up, I'll share my winnings with you. Please?"

The Sergeant's face turned red again in anger but was interrupted by the King of Balifore's presence. Tonious spoke. "Soldier, thank you for what you've done or us. I'm sorry that this was the only way things could be resolved. We are declaring ourselves as free from under your reign. Go home and ask your people never to bother us again."

The sergeant was given a horse (yes a stout one) and was helped by many Kender upon it and rode off. Balifore celebrated into the night.

Pyxis Wierwind was in charge of this Great Galley. It carried a couple of hundred soldiers, most of them young, scared and ill with sea sickness. He was human in his mid 50's with warm blue eyes and a comforting smile. Handsome by most standards, he had a youthful vigor about him that made him appear to be half his age. Pyxis plotted the course with care and did all he could to keep the Arkanian soldiers feeling confident and in high spirits.

His first officer was Morin, a seasoned human mariner who had spent years at sea without setting a foot on dry land. He had a pained look about him. Many speculated it was from being the sole survivor of a former ship wreck in which he lost 25 sailors to the great ocean. Morin's efforts to keep the ship sailing were invaluable to everyone on board.

"I estimate we'll arrive by land in 40 minutes, Mayor" Morin said matter of factly to Mayor Rhyanna. Rhyanna nodded silently with an obvious look of concern of events to come. Pyxis leaned towards her.

"Rhyanna, act like I said something mildly funny. Your look is worrying the troops. And they look up to you," Pyxis said with a warm smile.

Rhyanna brushed back her curly red hair and smiled brightly at Pyxis. An act that seemed to instantly relieve everyone.

Pyxis returned the smile before a commotion began.

A sailor perched high in the Great Galley's crows nest began to shout. "There's a ship ahead, due east! A Ship.."

Morin yelled back, suddenly angered. "Quiet down! That could be a Marauder vessel!" Morin leapt to the ladder leading up to the crows nest for a look of his own. "By the Gods, NO!!!" Morin said and he slid back down towards Pyxis and Rhyanna. "That's a Marauder Light Cruiser ahead! We need to steer clear before it spots us."

"GO!" Pyxis said and rushed over to the troops. Morin steered the ship in an attempt to avoid detection from the Marauder ship.

"Arm the cannons, be silent and await my command!" shouted Pyxis at the cast of sailors.

The Great Galley slowly turned northward passing out of sight and range of the Marauder ship. Their seemingly good luck turned bad as they ran into the thick fog that accompanied the colder waters of the north.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I expect the loot to be loaded in half of this amount of time! Let's quit messing around!" ordered a brown Yinn wearing the rank of Lieutenant. Siemowit was part of the Blade battalion and was on board this Marauder light cruiser getting his latest loot shipped back to headquarters. A strong and proud Yinn, Siemowit was a good leader, his only flaw being that he was sometimes quick to cut someone's throat, a skill mastered by this assassin. Siemowit's crew suddenly stood at attention. Siemowit seemed irritated and turned around to see what "royalty" had ruined his loading drills.

Douji Darksun, Admiral of the Marauder Fleet stood before him with a calm and calculating smirk. Siemowit gave a quick salute which Douji returned and went back about his business.

Douji Darksun was inspecting almost every sailor and every item on board this ship as per his monthly inspections. Douji took a lot of pride is molding the Marauder fleet into one of the world finest. Douji was known as cold and calculating, normally saying very little. Like many great officers, he understands that you could learn more by saying little and instead listening. A human who crusaded for Turpa, he loved the sea and all of the different issues associated to commanding a ship and a fleet.

A young out of breath sailor approached the Admiral.

"Sir! We have a ship headed due east right in our direction. I can't be sure, but I think there are soldiers on board with what looks like Arkane uniforms!"

Douji nodded showing almost no emotion.

"Make your way calmly and slowly below, and instruct all personnel to arm the cannons and prepare for combat."

The sailor saluted and ran below deck.

Douji made his way to the mahogany wheel. Pulling out his spy glass he stared a moment and then smiled as though pleased.

"It's turning north. Allow it to pass us."

The navigator replied "But sir that could be Arkane tr...."

A subtle look from Douji silenced the navigator and the Great Galley turned north and headed out of site.

Douji prepared his next orders.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I think we got lucky. They didn't appear to have seen us." Ryhanna stated.

Pyxis sighed in relief. "I am going to post double the lookouts."

A loud shattering ((CRASH)) disrupted his order. A blast had hit the star side of the boat, shattering a small part of the galley's side.

Through the fog the Marauder Light Cruiser visualized from the Arkanian ships eastern cannons.

((BOOM))

((BOOM))

((BOOM))

Cannons erupted from all of the Marauders ships 10 cannons. Splashes of water from cannon fire rose above the ship like great waves. From below, Pyxis could hear Morin shouting. "Pyxis, we are hit bad and taking in water!"

(To Be Continued Tomorrow, NO RP past this point SHOULD occur until then)

Morin ran above deck. "Water is rushing in, I'm sure we'll stay afloat if that is the only hole we have. But their light cruiser is already much faster than us, they have us outgunned and the holes will slow our speed down even more. Basically, we are screwed."

Rhyanna and Pyxis both nodded.

"Our only chance here is to make it shore. Full speed southeast." Pyxis commanded. "Order all cannons to return fire. Maybe it will help slow them down. Have one cannon dedicated to hitting them above deck. If we can knock out their wheel, we can at least steer away from them."

"I'll order all archers to fire flaming arrows at them. Perhaps we can slow them down more if they have to put out some fires as well. Maybe we'll get lucky and burn down a sail as well." Rhyanna added.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Siemowit approached Douji above deck. "What's going on?" Siemowit asked Douji.

"We have intercepted an Arkanian Galley stocked full of Soldiers. I believe its an invasion force. If we can sink them here, you land lovers will never have to soil your blades." Douji said without emotion.

Siemowit seemed disappointed at the remark. "Soiling a blade isn't such a bad thing" he said.

Douji smirked and walked back to the wheel, putting his attention back to battle at hand.

As Siemowit turned to walk away, the Yinn was struck by a flaming arrow. In a blink's time, his fur burst into flame. Siemowit screamed with pain. Somehow keeping his wits about him, Siemowit dove off the edge of the ship into the ocean. With the flames extinguished, he swam back up to air.

"Damnit, throw me a rope!" He screamed.

The only thing that was headed to Siemowit was not a rope. It was black and round and made of steel. An Arkane cannonball. By sheer luck, or unluck by Siemowit's standards, the cannonball hit Siemowit directly. With a quick splatter, this Marauder Lieutenant lived no more.

The returned fire and the flaming arrows did indeed slow down the Marauder light cruiser, but not enough to stop their ruthless attack. For the next 15 minutes, the Arkanian ship took fire and returned as much as they could. By the time land was visible, they had already begun to sink.

------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone abandon ship!! Jump overboard and swim your way to land!! We will regroup there!" Pyxis ordered.

Soldiers by the dozens poured overboard. Knights stripped off their armor so to avoid drowning. Many jumped off losing their weapons in the process. It was then Rhyanna realized that even if her army made it to shore, many would be weaponless and weakened. The Marauder vessel had crippled them drastically.

A large group of soldiers crowded to the edge of the boat preparing to jump when cannon fire hit them directly. Bodies and parts of bodies blew into the air. Blood thinned by sea water covered many of those left on the ship, including Mayor Rhyanna. Shell shocked, she stared at the scene around her. Then she realized that the noise had stopped. "Have they stopped firing?" She thought to herself. But the scenes of battle continued but with no noise. Rhyanna had lost her hearing. In a panic she searched for Pyxis. "He was standing RIGHT with me" she thought. His bladed scimitar covered with strange coral design was on deck, but not him. She grabbed his sword and leapt overboard into the water.

Reaching shore she saw her forces in the woods ahead seeking cover from the continuing bombardment of cannon fire. Dragging the sword with her she saw Morin. Pleased she smiled. His returned look was anything but comforting. His mouth moved, but no sound came out. She could not make out anything he said. Frustrated, she yelled.

"Where is Pyxis? He'll want his sword, where is he? I can't hear ANYTHING!"

Morin only shrugged. Pyxis had not returned.

---------------------------------------------------------

Douji smiled at the sight of the Arkanian Great Galley sinking.

"Victory. Stop the bombardment of land. We can not reach them if they made it to woods. I am sure reports of cannon's fire this close to land has alerted headquarters, but if not we'll make our way back."

Douji again grinned evilly. Another victory under his belt.

"Where is Siemowit?" He asked.

(end battle of day 1)

As I flew over Arkane I focused on a large Minotaur gathering civilians to reclaim their city from the hands of the Marauders. As interesting as that was, it was not today's assignment. Today, the ocean was calling.

Just as I passed Arkane's western wall, one event of notice occurred. One if you do not count the Ogre shouting "A balanx, a balanx, look!" before shooting a quiver full of arrows at me. It seems a rather large force of Marauders were heading away from the city northwest. They were looking for the crippled Arkanian troops no doubt.

As I reached my destination over Roully Bab Binb, there sat the victorious Marauder light cruiser, commanded by Admiral Douji. They were sent back to this very spot of the Arkanian Great Galley's sinking to search for something to salvage. They will have no luck.

The crew has suddenly took their battle stations. Ah, there they are. Three Heavy Cruisers from Balifore have approached firing their cannons. Another war. Yes Raije, I can feel your pleasure. These 3 Balifore heavy Cruisers are commanded by Dupla, a Tinker Gnome, Quillath and Faldyr Fortunefinder, two Kender. Douji has instructed his ship to seek an escape course while slowing the heavy cruisers with return fire. Alas, his tactic was failed as he has taken 3 damaging direct hits. Quillath has pulled her ship up next to the Marauder vessel and seems to dumping crates of fire dust upon it. The Marauder upper deck is slimy manned due to the already harsh blows. I see now, they are moving away and intend to ignite... Oh! Dupla fired too soon, the Marauder ship is in pieces but Quillath's ship has taken grave damage too. Douji didn't look very content as he used that teleport spell to avoid being kept prisoner. It looks like this battle has belonged to Balifore. I will move on to my next assignment now.

(Two Hours Later)

There they are; the Marauder patrol. I sense they will find their target. What is minutes to me must seem like an eternity to them, especially at times such as these.

Hmm, I must have wondered off in thought. The battle is already over. Raije will not be pleased. I focus back in time and record the events.

Grokh's Marauder Calvary spotted the Arkanian army. There was one unit or Archers led by Morin, and an infantry united by Remus. The Arkanian archers open fired upon the Marauders, but the attack was unsuccessful due to the density of the forest. Remus and his infantry were quickly defeated by Captain Chroak army. The Marauders were by far superior in this battle bringing about various types of troops and outnumbering the Arkanians greatly.

Deaths of note: Morin was killed when his head was crushed under the blow of the Marauder macemen leader, Executioner Zaratal. Remus was stuck by a crossbowmen's arrow in the shoulder and narrowly escaped with 2 of his infantry soldiers.

This battle could not have been more one sided. The Marauders suffered no major injuries or deaths to any of its officers and only a few of their soldiers perished. They must be pleased.

Today's events were pleasing to watch. Perhaps not for those who do not understand the ways of Raije, but I found today most pleasurable. If only these armies only knew what awaits them soon. By then, I shall be most busy.

-Balanx of Raije.

(OOC: Sorry for the quick matter of fact type history, I didn't have much time and didn't want to keep everyone waiting. Regardless, this concludes ALL events of day two. I will be looking for events from day 3 Friday evening)

"Sent me? No one sent me! I was just minding my own business when.." Andinyre's sentence was cut short by a sudden backhand from a large Minotaur known as Palleon.

Blood dripped from Andinyre's mouth to the floor. The Minotaur grinned and glanced at Teilk for permission to strike again. Teilk nodded. Palleon closed his first and struck Andinyre hard in the center of his face. You could hear the crack of Andinyre's nose breaking from the next cell. Andinyre screamed in agony before giving in to the pain and blacking out.

Palleon seemed disappointed at Andinyre's low tolerance for pain. Teilk had to remind him that pounding on his head would do nothing to help wake him back up.

A cold splash of water woke Andinyre up. The blazing pain shot through his head like an arrow through its target. Andinyre looked up to see two blurry figures before him.

Teilk grabbed Andinyre by the back of his hair and pulled his face up as to make eye contact. I do not of a joking nature. "When I give you my word, I keep it. You will tell me all you know or Palleon is going to beat you with a wooden club until your head cracks at the bone, and your brains spill onto this floor. He's done it before. It's not a pleasant way to die, I assure you. So again and for the last time, who sent you?"

Andinyre stared blankly at the wall for a moment. "Do what you must."

Teilk nodded at Palleon.

Palleon picked up a medium sized wooden club. It was thick and short, much like a hammer's handle.

Andinyre closed his eyes and prayed.

Palleon beat Andinyre all over his head and face repeatedly, beating him far beyond death. Teilk kept his word. Andinyre kept nothing from within his head.

Suddenly, a Marauder guard burst through the door.

"Highlord Teilk!!! " he said as he gasped for air. "An army is approaching the south gate and it is quite large. Arkananians, Baliforians, New Thalos troops, the Althainian army..." Again he gasped for air. "They have come for Arkane my lord."

(ooc: Day 4 history comes tomorrow)

The army was large, and considering that it was composed of 4 kingdoms only made it more impressive that they moved quickly, orderly, and without hesitations.

"All units halt and prepare for battle!" Vangar shouted. As commander and future potential King of Arkane, Vangar had the burden of stress and responsibility. Regardless, his face showed no worry, only strength.

The armies all re-equipped themselves, the only delay being a few units looking for items the Balifore Archers found interest in.

On command they marched in formation towards the Arkanian Southern gate. The Marauders guards sealed the gate and rang the alarm. From a distance, the Coalition units could see the Marauder troops atop the Southern walls of Arkane. All standing still, all waiting for their arrival.

The battle began with the coalition forces attempting to set up a Catapult only to picked off by marauder sharpshooters. To counter this tactic, the Arkanian and Baliforian archers fired back only with less accuracy. Eventually they were set up and began assaulting the gate with Boulders, launching one in every 3 at surrounding wall to weaken the wall as well. Walls made of lumbered trees were placed as a shield for the catapult team providing them good protection.

Many hours later following a direct hit on the gates edge, part of it fell.

"Battering Ram Team, form up!" Vangar yelled. An Arkanian unit of infantry grabbed the battering ram with one arm while holding a shield with the other. A massive Minotaur who led this unit seemed only mildly annoyed when a Marauder arrow caught his arm. Under a barrage of arrow fire, the ram pounded on the damage gate.

Faelson, a half elven officer, leader of the New Thalos Knights looked into the sky with sudden interest. "By the Gods.... Look at the clouds!" The sky had suddenly turned dark and clouds of black rolled over the city. Lightning shot through the sky at an amazing pace. The wind blew over the Coalitions wood shields that protected the catapults. To make things even worse, Dragon fear overtook the coalition troops and two Great Wyrm Reds circled Arkane.

Getting over the initial fear of the dragons, the coalition forces went into a defensive formation. The battering ram crew went back to work on the gate eventually removing it from its place.

"Hahahaha! We have the gate removed!!!" Fraga shouted back to Vangar.

Just as he finished, a large fireball from above consumed Fraga and most of this unit. Constance stood from behind the gate with a wicked smile, obviously very proud of her fireballs damage.

The mages victory was short lived. One of the Reds swooped down into the gate.

(((CRASH))) Pyros' sides removed several feet of stone surrounding the gate as he flew down hard into Constance. Constance was knocked back unconscious. Pyros watched as the Marauder troops behind her stood in both fear and confusion. A smile crossed the Great Wyrm's face as he violently thrust his great jaws down upon the motionless Constance snapping her body in two pieces. Pyros quickly feasted and then jumped back into the air and resumed flight among the other Great Wyrm Red.

The coalition troops wasted no time charging the gates wide opening. The battle had started with all units engaging from the outside the South gate into well within the city. The surge on the Marauders was working well. The coalition had a red dragon to thank for that oddly enough.

(continued in next history note)

Admiral Douji had volunteered to lead a macemen unit for the Marauders. Feeling embarrassed, he sought to reclaim his honor by fighting viciously in battle. He certainly earned the respect of the men under him. Who knew a sailor could fight on land with such skill and aggressiveness. Douji never seemed to tire.

Wiervian with lance down yelled a battle cry for the Coalition and charged at Douji. Douji stood calmly waiting for the mounted leader of cavalry to approach and with one swift move he ducked and rolled aside forcing Wiervian to miss his charge. Wiervian turned his horse to charge once more on a new target but he received a surprise as his mount turned. Douji had ran to the mount and crushed the side of its head with a swift and powerful mace blow to the side of its neck. The horse fell and Wiervian's leg was stuck under it. Douji grinned and raised his mace high above head preparing to crush Wiervian's skull. From nowhere the co-leader of this Althainian cavalry unit charged Douji. Denis made perfect contact to Douji's chest with his lance knocking him several feet back. Douji had lost his mace in the blow and had received a huge dent to his chest plate armor. The breath had been removed from him and all things blurred in and out. Denis unsheathed his sword and leapt off his mount to strike Douji with a final deathblow. Denis sword came straight down at Douji's heart but missed due to an instinctive reaction by Douji. The blade pierced Douji's left shoulder. Denis violently pulled the blade out and prepared for another strike. Another miss of the heart but again the blade pierced Douji's right shoulder. Denis changed position and swung his blade down in a chopping motion as to remove Douji of his head. His chop was cut short by a flying tackle by Klintauk. The force of this blow made both men drop their weapons.

This hand to hand combat was no contest. Klintauk being a Minotaur had a clear advantage over Denis the human. Within minutes, Klintauk had left Denis bruised, beaten, and unconscious while he went back for his weapon so that he could continue fighting.

The coalitions forced gained the upper hand after a half hour of continuous battle. Almost all of their forces had moved within the city. The dark clouds above moved with an uncanny fury. Something supernatural was above and it seemed only the two great wyrm reds knew exactly what. Gliding in circles the two reds sneered at each other, both wanting to outdo the other but neither came down. It seemed as if they were waiting for a command. Lighting struck in a violent ancient pattern and Sear swooped down. He inhaled a great breath and shot fire from his mouth and nostrils. On the ground a unit of Baliforian archers burned alive. Sear swooped low enough to take 2 Kender up into the air as if to show Pyros his prize. Upon reaching a high enough altitude, Sear bit the heads off both Kenders and shot them then down to the ground ablaze with his fire. Two streaking fiery heads collided with Vangars mounts knocking the Arkanian commander from his mount. Sear roared in delight as Pyros sneered. Swooping down low, Pyros place a single finger over one nostril and blew a stream of fire out the other. He had cut the last few Coalition forces out of Arkane. The Dragons roared in delight.

The black clouds dispersed with a sudden and magical effect and the two dragons flew west towards the ocean and out of the battle.

(part 3 continued in next history)

The cut off units had little time to complain. From the southern forest ran in 2 units of Marauder axe wielders. They wasted no time in slicing through the archers. Pyxen, as all Kender, felt no fear and he approached Cromlek. Pyxen aimed his crossbow at Cromlek with perfect accuracy. With quick reflexes, Cromlek parried the arrow with his great axe. He followed the parry by raising the axe behind his head and lunging it into the skull of Pyxen. This Kender was sent on his final adventure.

The axe wielders defeated the archers and crossbowmen with little resistance. The two units then ganged on the sole Coalition unit remaining outside the city gates, an Arkanian infantry unit led by the Kender Pepe.

Unusual for a Kender, Pepe was skilled with the sword. Many times he narrowly avoided the swipes of axes and countered with skilled thrusts of his blade into the sides of Marauder men. One by one Pepe's unit was falling. Pyros's flame had burned down quite a bit and the battle outside the city walls was visible to the fighting armies inside. Cerias, a marauder axe wielder cornered Pepe with a combination attack of two small axes. Pepe's blade parried the strongest swipe, but his blade shattered into peices. Pepe knew it was his time to die. Without fear he watched the axe of Cerias raise up above him.

The loud neigh of a mount hurdling the flames caught Cerias's attention. His reaction to this event was too late. The New Thalos Knight Faelson had leapt on his mount over the flames. With sword drawn to his side he slashed Cerias in the front middle of his throat. Cerias died choking on his own blood.

The axe wielders surrounded the Knight and Pepe. They could not defend against them all. Luckily for them, Althainian Calvary led by Epyon and Lenith came to the rescue. Aside from a few mounts with missing limps, the Calvary rode through the axe wielders ending their domination.

The forces rejoined the other inside the Arkanian south gate and full battle was restored for many more hours. It wasn't until an hour after nightfall that the Marauders forces were forces to retreat to the northern part of the city. The hurting Coalition did not pursue and both sides made camp well equipped with scouts and guards. For the remainder of the night, this city was to be divided.

Under the night sky, not a cloud was in sight, dark or white. The only thing to be seen was the bright light that seemed to grow brighter from the heavens each day, and a white and red moon.

(End of Day 5)

Executioner Zaratal took his unit of macemen down a dark alley heading towards Main Street. Their orders were to hold their assigned block from advancing coalition forces. Zaratal nodded towards Sagar and the unit sub-commander motioned one of the young macemen ahead to scout. They watched carefully as he crept towards the end of the block and disappeared around the corner. A few minutes later they heard the all clear signal and set out once again. As they neared the next cross-street a distant thunder could be heard. A thunder that was coming closer, and fast.

The cavalry spurred their horses around the corner and began their charge. Before them the surprised unit of macemen scrambled backwards and sideways in an effort to find sanctuary from the oncoming slaughter and a fortified place to strike at the passing flanks of the mounted unit. Executioner Zaratal found himself pressed into a doorway by two men from his unit. He watched as down the street his men were mowed down, their bodies cut and broken by the hooves of the heavy warhorses after they had been impaled by the wall of lances. Behind him the door gave way and he fell into a deserted shop. The two men with him saluted him briefly and then closed the door. Through the window he watched as they strode out to buy their commander time to flee and report. He rushed up the stairs and onto a small balcony just in time to see Sagar throw his mace at Epyon before he was ridden down. Cursing the coalition forces he climbed up to the rooftop and made his way back towards the Marauder camp.

Out of nowhere the doors along the sides burst open and a unit of Marauder pikemen charged out catching the coalition cavalry unawares. Over half the cavalry were slaughtered before they had a chance to fight back. Nihknor yelled orders at his pikemen and they closed ranks and began to assault the remaining cavalry. It was a bloody battle but closed in on both sides with no place to turn and no room to build up speed all advantage of the cavalry was gone. E'lun called for a retreat and the pitifully remaining few charged into the rear line of pikemen. Nihknor and Skeler congratulated their men as the four surviving coalition cavalry raced back the way they had come.

As the morning wore on the skirmishes continued all across town, neither side really gaining an advantage. Towards noon things had begun to look like they might remain slack for the remainder of the day. The heat had begun to get to Tobii and his unit of infantry. It was all they could do to keep their post and not go seeking a shady place to relax. A noise down the way caught Tobii's attention. Around the bend halfway up the block a unit of knights came into view. The Baliforian infantry unit charged to meet those screaming battle cries and taunts. The knights led by Captain Chroak and Brox met the infantry with determination and hatred burning in their eyes. Tobii fighting his way through the men met came face to face with Brox and engaged the knight's second in command. The battle was heated and the outnumbered knights fought well. Around them lie scattered the bodies of fallen infantrymen. Brox tripped over one of the corpses at his feet and sprawled backwards on the street. Tobii leapt over him and the down stroke of his blade nearly cleaved Brox in half, or would have if Captain Chroak hadn't stepped in and stabbed him through the heart at the pinnacle of his upswing. Their commander fallen, the infantry redoubled their efforts. It was to no avail. The knights slaughtered the remaining infantry in a matter of minutes.

General Ha'thorne and Cromlek were discussing the best way to hold their position. Behind them Lynader was directing the infantry in fortifying the street as the crossbowmen under Velkyn's watchful eye took positions behind overturned wagons piles of crates. Suddenly a massive fireball slammed into the building to their left. From around the corner stepped a Kender mage who had begun chanting another spell. Ha'thorne and a few of the quicker reacting infantry charged towards Calinde just as the war cry of a brigade of knights led by Faelson came rushing in from behind the crossbowmen. The crossbowmen turned and began firing into the knights as they came within range. The knights pushed forward until the first of their ranks reached the rear of the crossbowmen. At these close quarters the crossbowmen were forced to use melee weapons and were greatly outmatched by the knights. The infantry, led by Lyander, turned and charged into the battling knights and crossbowmen. General Ha'thorne ran at breakneck speed toward Calinde, as she was finishing the words to her spell he threw his full weight into her body. They slammed together into the wall. Calinde crumpled as Ha'thorne stepped back and fell to the ground as she desperately fought to refill her lungs with air. Stepping away Ha'thorne swung his blade back and hacked into Calinde repeatedly. Behind him the last of the crossbowmen was cut down by the knights and his infantry were in bad shape. Lyander called a tactical retreat and was surprised as the knights didn't press their advantage. Ha'thorne and Lyander led the men down side streets and alleys until as evening was falling they reached the fallback point.

A guard ran up to General Ha'thorne and reported that a force of infantry and what looked to be local militia has been spotted heading towards their position. The unit commanders looked eager to put their combined forces against the coalition militia and infantry. The Marauder forces dug in and waited for what would easily be a victory to turn in on.

The Arkanian soldiers headed up the street. They knew what was ahead of them. Their scouts had reported the three enemy units falling back to that position. Purrin took his infantry unit and headed for the right side of the enemy position and Kodi and Rhyanna headed left. Soon a shower of arrows arced out from behind the makeshift embankment. Several arrows found their targets and troops fell in both the militia and the infantry. But by then the embankment had been reached. The infantry clashed with the pikemen and the din of battle drowned out all else. The militia surged into the ranks of the Marauder infantry and frenzy broke out. Fighting for their homes, their families, and their sense of nation, a bloodlust seized the militia and they became as one. As one they surged through and over the Marauder infantry, hacking, slashing, tearing with their hands when disarmed, they decimated the infantry, and then began to surge through the archers. The pikemen seeing their infantry destroyed with such rage lost heart and the coalition infantry led by Purrin swarmed over them. The Marauder unit commanders seeing their troops cut down, their fortifications overcome, and the sun descending left their remaining troops to buy some time and raced towards Marauder headquarters. (End day 6)

It never came. Marauder headquarters had ordered the remaining of their troops home. Arkane was once again in control of its own destiny.

(Day 7 over, Arkane/Coalition wins the battle)