Dawn arose and they attacked New Thalos. As Koltar's army approached the gate, from the high gates of New Thalos the largest force of archers in history appeared. They drew their bows and arrows and slung them into the approaching army. Soldiers fell quickly. Koltar's army swarmed the gate and began to pound down the doors! In the meantime, the archers continued their work. Koltar's archers returned fire but not with the same effectiveness. A few archers from New Thalos fell, along with archers and soldier from General Koltar. After suffering heavy losses, the army of general Koltar swarmed inside the gates. New Thalos soldiers and cavalry were waiting inside and the ground battle began. Blood was spilled on both sides but in the end, the New Thalos army was too many. The New Thalos Calvary pummeled the remaining ground archers of King Koltars army. A Knight unit of King Koltar's perished to them as well. Another Knight unit, half beaten, managed to destroy one of New Thalos' veteran knight units.

King Koltar's army was beaten and about to die, when they regrouped and withdrew.

Bodies lie dead from all over. Most came from outside the gate, arrows stuck in them. This battle would lead one to believe that all did not die in vain. A lost battle hardly means a lost war. Although they took a few nasty hits, New Thalos won this battle.

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.

Althainia under Attack.

The guards over Althainia's East gate had been relieved to see the goblin army disappear from sight the other day. Their passage through Althainia had been tense at best. But now they were gone so the guards relaxed a little. Then came the alarm, Goblins had been sighted in the sewers. A call to arms was issued and many rushed in. Politics then got involved and no orders were issued. It was believed that the goblins were trying to catch up with their other force en route to New Thalos to join in New Thalos' defense. The belief was mistaken. Before light had fallen on the city, the goblins emerged from the sewers. The flaming arrows began devastating the houses and people. Then the war cry. An eerie sound of pure hatred and vengeance. All those who heard it knew what was to come. The city folks began to panic and to run out the gates to try and seek safety, those who left out the east gates where cut down by a waiting army of goblins. A bugle blares and then another war cry. The city was under siege. The guards closed the gates as fast as they could but the goblins where upon them in no time. The gate never finished closing as the guards fell. The forces of Althainia rallied together and began to defend their city. Explosions resounded, huge rocks pummeled the walls and houses of the city. Everywhere you looked there was destruction and mayhem. The Althainian archers began to send flight after flight into the oncoming goblins taking down many and leaving a stench that no amount of cleaning would ever remove from the kingdom streets. Soon the first 2 elements of archers where overrun by well armored and well armed knights and cavalry. The archers fell. The Althainian forces are being pushed back to the center of the city and are defending like mad men. Many Goblins fall to their fury as do many Althainian's fall to the goblins sheer force.

The battle continues...

No kingdom deaths have happened this day.

Two ships where found today by an Armada warship. The carried the flags of Althainia Empire, Althainia Kingdom, New Thalos, and Dolund'ir. One was burning and rapidly sunk into the ocean. Armada sent out armed divers and quickly boarded the other ship. They report that goblins where lighting small fires on the ship and that yells and bashing noises could be heard from below. The divers quietly took out the goblin guards over the cargo holds and unlatched the hold door. The sight was nothing short of astounding. In the hold were several battalions of elven and human soldiers. The soldiers were quick to group and aided the divers in recapturing the ship. On board the rescued ship was none other than Culain. He is now commanding the ship as it returns to Althainia. The crew of the sunk ship has also been captured while attempting to flee in a lifeboat. The captains of the ships have walked the planks and are no longer among us. The Undauntable now tows the crippled surviving ship in for repairs and to reunite the survivors with their families and leaders.

The gore and masses of bodies continue to pile up as the battle next to the sewers continues. Goblins, humans, and elves alike continue to fight with vigor, even as they become more and more exhausted. The fighting has been going on for days and both sides are starting to feel it. The goblins forward progress has once again been halted, but they do maintain their position.

At the East Gate, The goblins finish off the archers on the walls. They then enter the city and attack a small horde of soldiers protecting some mages. The mage sets a round of explosions off in the goblins ranks sending body parts flying into the air. But the goblins overtake them. The East Gate has fallen.

Outside the east gate, goblin Archers sent flights of arrows into the advancing New Thalos forces. Then all becomes quiet. Then it happens, a variable wall of arrows comes pouring into the goblin forces, then explosions. When the dust clears, no living goblins remain outside the gates.

Inside the gate, Goblins rush to close the gates. A barricade is quickly thrown together to reinforce the gate. Archers take positions on the walls, and the waiting game begins.

Two player deaths this sorrowful day, Azog of Dolund'ir, and Callak in support of Althainia and New Thalos.

The ground started off soaked in water. Then the first sound of metal on metal began, The war cries shouted as if starting in mid yell. Screams of pain and rage filled the air. The statues have thawed. At the sewer entrance the Althainian's mount a valiant defense but are forced to retreat deeper into the city, for the goblins are way too many. Many fall on both sides. It is impossible to tell just how many. At the East gate, New Thalos crashes through, met by a legion of pike men. Both sides tear into one another in a clash that defied the ears and eyes. For many years, these forces have waited, but to them, this has been going on for days. The battle subsides, all sides withdraw and regroup. Their commanders report to their kings. New Thalos is a bit shocked by the fact that it has a new king, but they recover quickly. Now it is dusk, the wounded are treated, the plans are made. What will tomorrow bring?

"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)

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)