A Second Geneforge RP IC

[Acky]

Prologue:

 

For nearly the entire last century, Terrestia had been under the oppressive rule of the Drakons. After they had destroyed the last of the Shaper Order on the western coast, the Drakons began assuming final control of the other rebels groups. Under the harsh leadership of Ghaldring, the Drakons stomped out any seeds of resistance from within the rebellion. Famous and powerful leaders were cast aside and stripped of their influence. And so, the final fate of Terrestia was subject to the will of the Drakons. With neither the Shapers nor the other rebels to oppose him, Ghaldring replaced the Shaper Council with the Conclave, a group of Drakon officials that had complete and utter control of the continent and its people, with him at its lead. Despite the years of pain and hardship, no change had come from the rebellion. The Drakons took complete control of the Shaping art, and even went as far as to ban any-nondrakons from learning the simplest of magics. Political power of Terrestia was reserved for the Drakons alone. Even the Gazers, who were once considered equals to the Drakons, now were forced to submit to the will of the Drakon Conclave. But that was a long, long time ago.

 

Now the Drakons are but a shadow of their former self-proclaimed glory. Similar to the Shapers before them, their arrogance had lulled them into a false sense of security. Many of the Drakon rulers were so convinced that no one could threaten them that sparingly traveled around with creations. In their own laziness, many of the secrets of Shaping escaped their grasp. And so, a second rebellion was wrought from the years of torment and domination at the hands of the Drakons. Annually, the members of the conclave would leave their domains and gather to conduct the the business of running their empire. It was then that the lesser creations and humans gathered in mass and cut down the members of the Conclave in their own dorms.

 

Once again, Terrestia was thrown into turmoil. Groups of rebels fought amongst themselves and the remaining Drakon lords. Some fought to bring back the fallen Shaper Order. Some fought because they wished to bring about a peaceful world. Others fought simply because they enjoyed fighting.

 

Who could end the violence before it began?

 

OOC:

 

This is a faction based RP. I got the idea off of a gaming forum I frequent (a game called Dead Frontier, FYI). Basically, you create your own faction, with its own beliefs and goals. Ideally, you would play the leader of said faction. I won't give any hard-line limitations on how powerful you can be, but I do ask that you keep in mind that nothing and no one is invincible.

 

Rules:

1. No God factions

2. No God people

3. No God objects

4. No stealing other peoples factions ideals. Try to make them different if you really want to go a certain path. I have faith in you.

5. No posing as other people or their faction

6. No not having fun. This is the most important rule. If you do not have fun, you will be kicked from the RP. I mean it!

7. This thread is for IC, save this message. You can use AIM (or another messaging system), the OOC thread (which is preferred) or PM's as you see fit.

 

A few last quick points;

 

You are allowed to create NPC factions for the game. The same rules apply for these factions (can't be too powerful etc.) You can only make a few factions, unless some are destroyed; no dropping random names and forgetting to use them.

 

You are allowed to make your own creations. Make sure that they abide the rules and common sense. Don't make me regret it.

 

Always try to be logical when writing a post.

 

Thats all. Good luck!

 

-- The Great Archon

[Dantius]

Faction- The Eyebeasts/Gazers:

 

Created by the mad Shaper Barzhal centuries ago, they were once regarded as the pinnacle of the Shaping art. Powerful, intelligent, cunning, and potently magical, they epitomize all that the Shapers would have destroyed. They rose to semi- importance in the rebelling, with a single Eyebeast able to take down even the most powerful Drakons. Sadly, they were far, far, less numerous then even the Drakons. With only a few hundred Eyebeast having existed in the entirety of history, and less than a thousand Gazers currently alive, the Eyes are one of the smallest factions in existence, however, they manage to command a small, yet important, fraction of the balance of power.

 

The Eyes were Barred by order of the Drakon Conclave over 75 years ago, when the Drakons attempted to wipe them out in a single blow. Sadly, they failed, and several dozen Gazers and Eyebeasts escaped to a large island in the center of Terrestia, where they set up powerful defenses and waited, biding their time and rebuilding their numbers. They are led by a human Lifecrafter who orchestrated the escape of the remaining Gazers. This Lifecrafter, only known as Master Dantius, is a political genius, a capable mage, and a competent Shaper. However, his real asset lies in the fact that he utilized the secrets of the Eyes (who live more than four times longer than a human) to greatly increase his lifespan. At one hundred and six years old, he is feeble and frail, but a force to be reckoned with both magically and politically, and is intent on dominating Terrestia with his power.

[Sleeping Dragon]

Faction: Drypeak Serviles

 

History: Warmaster Sahz was put in charge of Drypeak Vale after the First Rebellion. As the territory was tactically insignificant, the vale's aged leader has grown weak and complacent in his position. Rather then immediately repress his subjects upon the death of the Conclave, as many other drakon overlords did, Sahz instead chose to delegate rule to the Vale's primary populace: the serviles and their leader, Learned Fand. The serviles of the Vale have since become self governing, their only contact with their drakon 'leader' being when they pay him his yearly tribute gold. This benevolent agreement has made the serviles of the Vale very peaceful and diplomatic creatures, but also ones that would likely fight to the death to keep their independence.

 

Location: Drypeak Vale

 

Leader(s): De Jure: Warmaster Sahz; De Facto: Learned Fand.

 

Ideology: Being the former servants of Drakons, they have a bit of a creation hierarchy imprinted on their society. Drakons are deserving of great respect, though they are not always particularly trustworthy. Serviles and humans are about equal, but since serviles outnumber humans in Drypeak, they generally lead society (humans had their chance). Non-intelligent creations are simply animals that should serve if they can and be taken care of if they can not. New creations are rarely made in Drypeak, as the few lifecrafters and drakons that there are only make them for personal use, not for the greater society (probably because most lifecrafters and drakons are crazy canister users who care only for themselves). Almost all new creations now are bred, and a bred creation owes you nothing.

[Artemis~]

Faction: Angry Farmers

 

For the ongoing years of the rebellion and predating, The agracultural peoples have done everything but flourish. Without anybody to put in their time and investment into our crops, there would be no food for ANY faction whatsoever. And yet the source of the very life of Terrestians is belittled and entwined into the unforgiving wrath of war. Crops were ravaged by rouge creations and the ones who had to suffer from this devistation were the innocent maintainers of life. Finally, the farmers could not take the mental and physical abuse any longer. Aided by their leader Artemis, the furious farmers rose up against the rule of all, and are forcing for their voices to be heard. Finally, there will be a vast collection of angry citizens who fight using only their words and peaceful protests, their goals aimed on grasping the unheard voice of the people.

 

This faction of furious commoners are refusing to offer their services to any faction whatsoever unless they recieve supplies from them. This way, every other warrior in Terrestia are forced to aid the enemy. Finally, after months of bartering, the farmers were still not ready to fight. If they perished in war, where would the food aid come from? This problem sparked an idea in the mind of Artemis. Whenever a rouge aimed on destroying the farmlands appeared, it was captured and gently coaxed and tamed to do the bidding of the farmers. half of all of the farmers in Terrestia geared up for war with their pet-captives and set out to purge the Mainland of evil, Leaving the other half to watch over crops and fend for the farmlands.

 

Leader Artemis, the Kind Mage

 

Beleifs That everyone who dwells in the lands of Terrestia will have as much say in the maintenance of their homeland as the Almighty Drakons.

 

Location The Storm Plains

 

Creation Rights stance Screw the creations. They are like animals: They are incompitant to make their own decisions, but do not deserve to be abused. However, creations are not a top priority at all.

[Spddin Ignis]

Faction:Last of the Shapers.

 

After the Drakons Rampaged through the lands, destroying all that they could, most of the shapers were destroyed. The remaining Shapers are more powerful than their now deseased counterparts, fore the weak have fallen at the claws of the Drakons. Their leader, Shaper Spddin commands these few remaining Crafters of life. Unlike the shapers before them, these have only heard stories of the former glory of their sect.

 

Spddin is a decendant of Andras, the shaper who discovered sucia, so many centuries ago. The shapers beleive in returning to power. Througout the last century, they have adopted ideas that wouldve been considered rebel if they had lived in centuries past under their ancestors' laws. They have learned to treat their creations with kindness and are willing to fight along side them in battle, unlike their people of the past who stayed within their fortress walls.

 

These Remaining Shapers are bent on destroying the Drakons, and unlike the other rebelling factions have creation types that have been unseen by the drakons. This is becuase shaping was the art of their people, and they have still been practicing it, long after they fell from power. The other rebels had to steal drakon secrets, but not these rebels, fore they have practiced this art for centuries and are ready to take back their rightful place and practice it for centuries more.

 

 

The shapers plan on bringing their power back to heel and reinact laws that forbid shaping by all people. Because to keep the chaos at bay, rules are necesarry.Their Philosopy: WInning isnt everything, its just the only thing that matters.

 

[Nioca]

Faction - The Enlightened Shaper Confederacy (ESC)

 

The Drakons had imparted one powerful lesson on the Shapers: You cannot unring a bell. However, the drakons had apparently forgotten that lesson. They never realized that, while vanquishing the Shapers was certainly an achievable goal, destroying their ideology was impossible.

 

While one uprising had launched a bloody assault against the Conclave, another, far more silent one had taken place in the Whitespires. A small group of humans had infiltrated the highly-guarded Foundry. Unbound, normally loyal to the Drakons, suddenly turned on their masters. And when the Drakons tried to activate the Unbounds' inbuilt failsafe to destroy them, they found that it had somehow become ineffective. They learned, quickly and violently, that having creations more powerful than the creator without the ability to control them was the ultimate folly.

 

With a foothold hidden from the prying eyes of the world, the Enlightened Shaper Confederacy began. Led by Grand Shaper Antares, they established a new dominion. From there, they intend to further the Shaping Arts, and dispose of any who would try to stop them.

 

A dreadful prospect indeed, for there are almost no limits to what the Enlightened can or will do with Shaping... As evidenced by Antares terrifying new weapon.

 

Leader: Grand Shaper Antares (Human).

 

Ideology: Knowledge is power. Their goal is to push the Shaping arts as hard, fast, and far as physically possible. To discover new purposes and powers, ensure no knowledge is forbidden, and destroy any who would repress it. They are, in essence, the Anti-Trakovites.

 

Creation Rights Stance: All creations classified Non-sapient are considered servile labor, to be bent to Shaper will. All qualified Shapers are allowed to shape Non-sapients.

 

Creations classified as Sapient, however, are treated as intelligent beings. They are to be treated as one would treat a human being of equal status. To deliberately shape a Sapient earns an immediate death penalty.

 

To be classified as a Sapient, the being must demonstrate near-human levels of reasoning and the ability to make independent decisions. If these criteria are not met, the creation is classified as Non-sapient, and treated accordingly.

 

One notable exception to this are the Drakons, the only creation that's Barred by the Enlightened. Anyone caught shaping a Drakon is subject to the death penalty, and any Drakon found without special clearance from top authorities is to be killed on sight. As they see it, the Drakons are too egotistical and too dangerous to be trusted. They are, however, willing to make exceptions.

[Goldengirl]

Power. Everyone wants it, desires it. Feels the need to grab for it. The desire for power overthrew the Natives, Shapers, and the Drakons. It is through power that we shall rise to dominance over Terrestia, finally.

 

After the Rebellion had eliminated the Council in the great Battle of the Shaper Citadel, we took quick action. Panicked civilians fled from the doomed last stands of Nodye and Lethia, to the seas with us. Litalia's last stand, and Bennhold's, too, sent Trakovites and natives to our folds, where they rested, defeated. When we sent our envoy to the conclave, we were told that our presence in Terrestian lands would lead to war. We left, and bid our time.

 

And now is that time. Our own people have forsaken us, just like they had forsaken Trajkov before us. They say war is not our way, and that Shaping is forbidden. But power will lead us to be the rulers of two continents, if need be.

 

Faction - The Sholai (Renegades)

 

After the Sholai heard of the great battle at the Citadel, they sent a fleet to Terrestia. Led by the ambitious grandson of the controversial Trajkov, the fleet arrived in time to catch the final moments of the war. Picking up refugees, the admiral secretly hoped to learn the secrets of Shaping. Panicked citizens on the west coast brought nothing but wealth, and the wary defeated Trakovites and bandits from further east brought nothing but stories. Dismayed, a diplomat was sent to the Conclave to discuss trading. The diplomat's head was returned, severed.

 

They returned to the Sholai Lands, with refugees and their wealth as cargo. A city was made for the refugees, and the admiral was the ruler. Eventually, he died, leaving only his son, and then his grandson, Kov, to lead these people. Kov, power-hungry, rebelled against the Sholai, and took his followers to Terrestia, which was illegal.

 

Fortunately for Kov, the Conclave had just been brought down. Not knowing this, Kov attacked and seized Southforge Citadel and the Forsaken Lands, learning quickly of the Conclave's fall, and started preperations for conquest, with his fleet as his strength.

 

Leader: Lord Kov of the Sholai

 

Ideology: Kov is greedy for power, but he has heard many of the cautionary tales about his ancestor Trajkov, and other figures of the Rebellion. As such, the Sholai believe in seizing Shaping for themselves, even canisters and the Geneforge, but ultimately know that there will be a need for regulation in the end. They want as much power in the short-term as possible, so they can survive, but plan to bar self-Shaping in the indeterminate future.

 

Creation Rights Stance: Serviles, cultists, humans, and even Drakons or Gazers, if they wish, are all allowed to join the Sholai as equals in the new order. All other creations are beasts, possessions, to be treated well and kept alive as long as possible, as seen by creation hospitals.

[Acky]

Faction Name: The New Takers

 

Faction Info:

 

Many years ago, there are tales of a great clan of Drakons that broke free from a cruel Shaper, that had created them to be her personal servants. That a great Drakon, named Easssum, railed the Drakons and broke free from this Shapers grip (who's name has long faded away). They fled further into the the mountains, and waged war with this Shaper and her followers, which included humans, serviles, Drayks, and the newly made Gazers. They say that through the strength of the Drakons alone, her power was broken and killed in her own fortress. Before the other Shapers came and wiped them out, of course.

 

Little believe that this tale is completely true, but it has symbolism. Symbolism for the Drakon race.

 

With this ancient memory, the Ur-Drakon, Jarakhiss, had long been at work to ensure that the Drakons rightfully dominate the other races throughout Terrestia. Unlike many other Drakon lords, he had purposely tried to maintain his territories with the most update creations. He had warned the Conclave many, many times that their arrogance and weakness would be in their own undoing. This is the reason he was constantly looked over to become a Conclave member.

 

And now he looks at them. Pfffh. Their corpses can drown in their own blood for all he cares now.

 

And so, immediately pending the fallen Conclave, Jarkhiss and nearly a thousand other Drakons and Ur-Drakons broke away from the other Drakon lords. He and his followers, most of whom are in his service out of fear, act in separate with the other Drakon lords, all of whom, in his eyes, are either too weak or to willing to give in the demands of weaker creatures to be fit to call themselves Drakons. He plans to rebuild the Conclave at him at its head, and punish those so called rebels for their disloyalty.

 

Faction Beliefs: Any creations that are not Drakons are to be treated as servants are should be used as such. Self-Shaping is encouraged, although its only for Drakons. Any humans who resist them are to be killed off; the remaining enslaved. No exceptions. No sympathies. This is how it must be if the Drakons are to remain the top race of Terrestia.

 

Faction Location: The Citadel of Kywhyiss-Uss. Just east of the city of Mera, which currently is in ruins.

 

Faction Goals: To crush all other resistance on Terrestia and secure the Drakons as its master forever more.

[Acky]

Jarkhiss peacefully sat on his throne as the inhabitants of his Citadel flurried around to conduct their daily routines. He gazed down on a moderately sized map that laid in front of him. It showed the immediate area around his Citadel, listing numerous labor camps and work sites that his serviles were conducting. Immediately in front of him were the reports from the camp Kaz to the south. Several serviles were causing unrest among the other workers, and were whispering of treason. The report continued as the Drakon overseer stationed there, Naga, took their bodies and feed them to a pack of hungry Roamers. Jarkhiss marked his approval and moved on to the next report.

 

As he was beginning to read the next message, another Ur-Drakon walked into his throne room. She had a large scar on her left cheek, which left this whithered Warmaster in a bitter tone. Never was there a more loyal servant then this Ur-Drakon. Jarkhiss gleefully forgave her intrusion.

 

"Ahh. Warmasster Markwakith. I hope your intrusion is well warranted. Ssss. You know I do not like to be disturbed without proper reason," Finished Jarkhiss, as he twirled his Essence charm in his left hand. Warmaster Markwakith bowed, and then proceeded to speak. "I am humbled by your generosity lord. However, I come before you with unfortunate newss," Markwakith waited for a sign to continue. None was forthcoming. "The weak Drakon Pythagorass, to the east in Burwood, has refused your demands. He has said that we will never bow before you, nor surrender his territory. He says that he will die before that has come to passs. A true fool he is, my lord,"

 

Jarkhiss ticked his hand on his thrones armrest. "Ssss.......I was afraid of this. But we have no choice now. To prevent the destruction of our people, we must be united under one banner." Jarkhiss said, without the slightest bit of remorse in his voice. "Prepare your troops, Warmasster. We will kill Pythagorass before he has a chance to strike first," Jarkhiss said as he rose from his throne. Several guard Drakons straightened their backs as he passed them. Markwakith waited until he passed him before following him. Jarkhiss waved for her to follow.

 

"You believe he will strike uss?" Jarkhiss nodded. "I have met this Drakon before. He is far to hotheaded to remain in power. Now that he is aware that I wish to lead, not him, the Drakon race, he will feel threatened. I have little doubt that he will prepare an army to destroy this place. So we must strike first, before he can martial his strength," Jarkhiss ended. Unlike many other Drakons, he did not hiss unless he was stressed.

 

Markwakith nodded "I see my lord. I will bother you no more with my questionsss," Jarkhiss nodded in response. "Good. Now, see to your troops. I expect them ready to march by tonights eve,"

 

"They will sir," Markwakith bowed one final time and left Jarkhiss alone in his hallway.

 

 

..........

 

 

Had Opagriss known that mixing a War Tralls eye with a Glaahk's liver created a stench so foul the world had never seen, he would had made another Drakon do it.

 

Opagriss had been entrusted by Jarkhiss to oversee the Shaping of new, cutting edge creations that Jarkhiss was planning to use in battle. Unlike any other Drakon lord in Terrestia, Jarkhiss did not like using Unbound. He claimed that they were to hard to control and therefore not reliable creations to use. Opagriss did not agree with this, but for the life of him, he would never shape one unless directly approved by Jarkhiss himself. Instead, Jarkhiss was interested in improving existing creations and creating completely new templates. And thus the work that Opagriss and his peers had been doing.

 

As of now, several separate experiments were underway. Opagriss approached a large tank filled with water, containing several Artila. They swam around, mindless, trying to constantly understand what they were meant to do. After all these years, the Drakons had finally developed a way to keep complete control of creations that were in laboratories; a short-term memory loss virus.

 

Every few seconds, a creation's brain would be wiped out, leaving only an empty mind. This stopped it from developing rebellious thoughts. From thinking until it was under complete control. From going rogue. With no maintenance from a Drakon or Lifecrafter, one could theoretically keep hundreds of creations in stasis. Jarhkiss, however, was far more causes then other Drakons. He only kept a few around at a time. The others would be destroyed.

 

On rare occasions, of course, these viruses were know to be overcome with a bodies immunity system. Hence the defense Pylons and the packs of War Tralls and Golems that lurked around.

 

A human lifecrafter was studying the Artila's when Opagriss walked by. He bowed, but before he could speak, Opagriss cut her off, "Sssso, little human, how are the Artila's doing? I do hope you didn't ruin them with your inherit incompetence," The Lifecrafter Khall absorbed the insult; he was used to them. "They are growing quite well, might Opagriss. They should be ready to test in the field in a matter of a few days." Opagriss nodded, "Good. You didn't ruin anything. Now run along; there's a spill by the Trall nests," Khall passed him, trying not to make a face. Opagriss could just feel the presence of his control tool as he passed him.

 

Once Khall left, Opagriss walked a bit closer to the tank. Before him lay 6 Artila's, all specially modified. They were designed as an underwater weapon. If any enemy ship or craft were to get close, it would latch on to the bottom of the ship. Using its natural acid, it would burn through the bottom of the ship and poke holes in its hull. It someone tried to hurt it or cut it off.....Opagriss grinned, making an involuntary look at the Pyroroamer organs that laid next to the tank.

 

Opagriss continued to the next station. In this one, two Wingbolts fluttered in one spot each. A firm layer of frost covered both of the Wingbolts, including their surroundings. These two creatures, for now called Frostbolts, were uniquely designed creatures. Unlike regular Wingbolts and Firebolts, these creations would shoot large gusts of ice, like a Cryodrayk. Only stronger, and much faster then regular Wingbolts. What made them so potent was the acidic vapor mixed with its breath. Its attack, theoratically, would also cover the victim in acid. They were far into the future, but the Frostbolt was well underway.

 

There was several other things in production, but Opagriss started working on the Frostbolts instead.

 

 

..........

 

 

Jarkhiss stepped into the meeting. About a dozen other Drakons and Ur-Drakons were among them, with several guard creations watching from the corners. One seat, the seat imediatly to Jarhkiss' right, was empty; this was Markwakiths. A few older, more respectful ones stood and bowed before Jarkhiss could step through the doors. The younger, more energetic Drakons waited until he waved them.

 

Jarkhiss took his seat at the head of the table. Unlike other the other Drakons, he kept the majoreity of his treasures in his private quarters, with the rest of his hoard. The one exception was his Essence Charm, which he enjoyed twirling in his hand when he needed to think.

 

"Assss I wassss saying, before his Mightyness had joined us, the Mera-Tev is open for assault. The Drakons there are not unified under one banner. We must secure as much as we can, to defend this place, and to put as much distance between this place and the factions to the south," Jarkhiss nodded in approval. "Thank you for bringing this to my ears, Lysisssth." Lysisssth, almost as old as Jarkhiss, bowed and sat down. Jarkhiss continued. "It is obvious that we can not ignore the Tev any longer. We must send strong Drakons to rule the underlings. Not those weak fools. They are unfit to even serve. The Drakon's nodded and banged their claws in agreement. Jarkhiss waited to see if another Drakon wished to speak. He was not disapointed.

 

A huge Ur-Drakon, named Hariss, standing at almost thirteen feet tall, rose up and bowed to Jarkhiss. In his left hand was a map of the Mera-Tev. In his right was a small piece of jewelry that took up the entire palm. She waited until Jarkhiss waved for her to speak, which he soon did. He bowed again, and then spoke, "Thank you for your time, my Lord," He cleared her throat; a very strange action for a Drakon. He continued, "....As you of course know, Warmaster Markwakith is going to gain a foothold in Burwood. Seeing as how she is not available, I was hoping that I could lead the assault force into the Mera-Tev," He finished, with almost a quiver. The other Drakons turned to Jarkhiss simultaniously. He looked down, twilering his trinket in the process. He perked his chin up, and spoke to Hariss. He said, "Tell me, Warmaster Hariss; have you undertaken a campagin before?"

 

"...no, my Lord, but that is why..."

 

Jarkhiss continued, "And have you won many victories in battle?"

 

".....a few my lord, but that is the reason...."

 

"A few. Then tell me, why should I trust you with a mission of ssuch importance that the Drakon race may hang in the balence?"

 

Hariss said nothng. He sat back down in his throne.

 

Jarkhiss nodded towards another Drakon, who sat a few seats to his left. He spoke, "Warmaster Kepma will lead." He turned his head to Kepma, "Prepare 5 battalions for march. We will discuss the details of the war plan tommorrow. Almost blashful, the Drakon nodded, "Yes my Lord."

 

"Now, this meeting is adjurned. Good day to you."

 

 

...........

 

 

Markwakith was approached by two Drakon subordanites. "They are all ready, Warmasster," Markwakith nodded, taking a good long look at her force. About 80 Drakons, each with a few creations. War Tralls, Kyshakks, and Rotghroths. Wingbolts hoovered above them. Human slaves and Serviles, all in the hundreds, walked among them. A very deadly force, if used properly. "Begin the march," Markwakith ordered. "We must be at the West Morassess in two dayss, no less."

[Artemis~]

Inside of a small, relitively cozy room, sat Artemis.

 

Artemis...

 

Artemis the loner. Artemis the nobody. Artemis the rebel.

 

Even deep into her meditation, she wondered if she'd gone too far. 'Fight...' She thought. 'we must fight. Claim what's ours. Free ourselves from oppressive rule. I can do it...i can do it...'

 

'who am i kidding? I cant do it. I can't defend our farmlands. I cant defend my bedroom from spiders. And I most certainly cannot defend the freedom a whole land. I am a NOBODY.'

 

She was shaken from her treasonous thoughts by a pounding to the door of the neat, quiet shack. Reluctantly, she shifted the unwiling bolt and tugged at the ghetto door. Without hesitation, her ratty and hopelessly thoughtful "assistant" Shauhn stumbled in. He certainly was worth a second look. He sported pitch-black hair that stopped just short of his eyes. Shauhn's facial features were almost perfectly crafted, as if every peice belonged...

 

She shook the thought away. No. No no NO. He reminded her of HIM.He deserted her. Left her to die. If she'd fallen in love with ANYONE but a nogood shaper-

 

"I have some good news and some bad news." Shauhn began. Artemis pinced her arm and forced her sleep-deprived mind to focus on the words presented to her.

 

"Oh, heavens. Bad news. Now. Go."

 

Shauhn made a tiny noise that Artemis assumed was clearing his throat.

 

"Well almighty gatherer of commoners," He began. She would have taken the pleasure of rolling her eyes if she wasn't afraid of them closing for a couple of hours.

 

"Some sources tell me that Shapers and Drakons alike are making new, more powerful creations to power their onslought of...well...eachother. I do not exactly think that we're in the picture yet, but I assure you that we soon will be."

 

Artemis' ears perked up a bit.

 

"I have a plan."

 

"Like I haven't heard THAT before."

 

Shauhn smiled. "This one is actually worth a second thought. I was thinking about those glowy-thingys that One of the farmers found stashed in his shed."

 

She frowned. Artemis could see where this was going.

 

Shauhn noted her reluctance. "Think Artie. We could change ourselves so that we would actually put up a match against these guys. Of course there are risks..." I flinched as I remembered what happened to HIM. To Saraph. He said he could help me. He said that everything would be okay...until he lost himself to power. Power and greed: all of which fuled by those cursed canisters.

 

She sighed. "You musn't expect for a pletura of glowing canisters of death to fall out of the sky, do you?" My mood directly contrased my assistant's.

 

"No. But I certainly do know where to find some. It's going to be VERY easy. One of our scouts found a whole stash: beleived to be temporary. We must act quickly."

 

"Where at?"

 

......

 

Shauhn was right. The package was being wheeled on a cart by a trio of careless servile packmules. It was beyond easy to shatter their useless hiding ploy and rid of the serviles; seize the cart and haul it to their headquarters.

 

When safely under the Arterial's roof [Artemis had been rather honored to have about 800 people adopt a title in her namesake], the protecttive blanket on the wagon was pulled back, to reveal about seven glowing canisters, swirling under the moonlight, begging to be consumed...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Spddin Ignis]

The black robed Shaper swiftly and confidently walked through the shaping halls of what was his domain. As he walked passed the many new creation types and stopped at one...this was it, the creation that they had worked so hard on, it was an Arbor This was a creation that stretched the art of shaping to its absolute limits. A cat like creature with 4 tails, powerful jaws, 3 inch claws, and the ability to fire deadly magical bolts of energy at its foes. It was truly a pinacle of shaping, with the speed of a plated bug, and yet strength of a Battle Alpha. It seemed mentaly stable and it seemed to lack intelegence also, which was another very important thing to look for. Though everything seemed to be in good condition, the shapers couldnt afford to take a chance, this creation had to undergo more testing before it would be approved for battle.

 

The black robed figure turned towards the main researcher of the facility and thanked him, without any warning, he turned around and started walking towards the training halls. If you could've seen his eyes under the shadow of his hood, you wouldve seen an expression that had been on no Shaper's face for the last century...it was an exppresion of hope, true hope.

 

The training halls were huge.Guardians were practicing their swordsmenship on one side and Shapers practicing magic on the other. The one group of people that were common on both sides were the spies,the infiltraitors...the Agents.Throughout the years of opression and hopelessness, the shapers had managed to keep the order that they have kept for centuries. Guardians, Agents and Shapers. The man took a breif look into the room to see if everything was in order and left, going towards his throne room.

 

....

 

 

As he walked through the hallways lined with Kyshaaks and War tralls, he contacted the one creation that he had, and told it to meet him in his throne room. This Shaper was one of the most powerful,but kept one creation around at a time, though he could create about 90 if need be. usually to ensure that he can use most of his mental abilities to make his plans that would help him win in this deadly struggle for power.

 

He reached the massive chamber at the end of the hall and took his throne. This was Shaper Spddin, the leader of the Shaper New Order. His black robe a symbol of his power. In combat with no creations, he could take on 2 of the dreaded creatures known as the unbound on his own, he has done it before and he knows he could do it agian. What made him stick out so much from the leaders of other factions was not his power, but his age. He was 23 and very, very powerful.

 

Just as he had instructed moments earlier, a massive creation entered the room. It was a highly modified war trall...it was the only one of its kind because it had been deemed to intellegent for more to be created. This one had undying loyalty for Spddin, fore he had saved it from death. It was essentially a large wartrall with a hunched back, sharp spined running down the length of its back and 4inch claws on its hands... A truly deadly creation. It took its spot next to its master and waited for any instructions that might be given later.

 

.....

 

A Guardian walked in and bowed before the Shaper. Both of thier faces remained expressionless, then Spddin decided to speak "Get off of your knees Guardian Kohler. I am just like you, a Shaper. You nor any one else of our kind should have to bow to me."

"I am sorry old friend,its a bad habbit of mine" He chuckled. "Your father used to tell me the same thing when i was a student..." The guardian stopped himself. Though Spddin's face remained expressionless Kohler knew that it was a sensitive topic to bring up fore Spddin's father had been killed at the hands of a drakon 8 years ago. He quickly changed the subject. "Our agents indicate that the drakons are moving towards the mera-tev. I know they are not yet a threat since we are this far away, but i thought you might want to know. Also, we have sent scouts to the Dera reaches. There are small colonies of drayks and serviles there, but we can easily destrot them and take the land."

 

Shaper Spddin Responded "Send a group of 3 guardians and 4 Agents to purge the lands of all creations, and send in a few Shapers to create plants and an entire ecology...we will end what Andras started hundreds of years ago." Guardian Kohler began to bow and caught himself. A small semblance of a smile appeared on both of their faces as he left the room.

 

One more thing the Shaper called out to the guardian "Prepare a force to retake our citadel, that is our priority." The guardian made a sign of understanding and continued to leave.

 

"Get me Agent Rayne", Spddin comanded the armed servile that was in his throne room. This was Pheonix, the servile that Spddin father gave him when he was still young. This servile was almost as young as his master fore Nagastar, Spddin's father, had given it as a gift to his son when he was only 5. Pheonix was well educated and was very skilled with a blade, and he was loved by his master greatly because that was all he had left.

 

Pheonix returned with Rayne "You requested me?" She asked.

"Yes i have" the Shaper replied. "I need you to call a meeting to order, it will take place in 7 hours and it will take place in the meeting room of our fortress."

"It will be done Shaper"

 

...

 

7 hours later, The Black Robed Shaper Walked through the center of the meeting room. Unlike most meetings that were going on in terrestia, this one was in perfect order, no screaming, or talking over eachother, but peace quiet and respect for their leader. Spddin walked up and took a seat at the large round tabel in the shape of their Symbol and a gem in the center. The Gem represented one life form, the large circle represented all life forms, and the 3 branches that connect the 2 represent the connection they have. This symbol is there to remind the Shapers that everything they create have reprucussions, this is something that the Drakons have long forgotten, if they had ever known.

 

"Ive called you here, the generals of my army, my main researchers, and our most skilled scouts; to discuss the war at hand. Outside forces are begining to mobilize, and we must do the same." he called out. "We must abide by the rules we created, fore without the order that we have mantained, we are no better than the beasts at our door. This war is something that we can win, but i cannot do it alone. I need the help of you, all of you, our kind needs you! I am ready to restore the peace of centuries past under our kinds rule. But when we retake our thrones, we must not grow arrogant like our anscestors past, and we must not break the loyalty between us. My father once said that winning isnt everything, its just the only thing that matters. Never more has this been more true that now, with Drakons, and serviles, and all the other scum of the earth at our fortress walls. We will fight and we will win!" The Guardians and Agents, as well as the Shapers stood up in applause. This was the first time in centuries where shapers felt like they had an obligation to the world, not the other way around. The rest of the meeting discussed the new creation types the Arbor who had viewed about 9 hours earlier was one of them. As well as a less intelegent version of the Modified wartrall that Spddin owned. and their plan to take back the coast. He was told about all of the newly approved creations,the and all of his newly created troops. Spddin was ready for war, and he would be merciless. His first action, take back what was rightfully his peoples...the Shaper CItadel.

 

He told General Dak, a guardian like most generals, to take the citadel and Kohler would take care of the Dera reaches as it was a much tougher targer.

 

"This meeting is adjourned", he anounced.

 

 

[Goldengirl]

The land will take care of you, if you work it right.

 

Kov was a mere novice, in years, at Shaping, but had taken to it quickly. Canisters abounded in Southforge Citadel, which he had indulged in to an excess. At some point, the Conclave had discovered a puresilver mine at the Boiling Caverns. The mine had long since been worked over, but Southforge Citadel, long since converted from turning Serviles and humans into Lifecrafters into a canister workshop, had reaped the benefits in full, and had still been processing the puresilver when the Sholai came.

 

Even with the Forsaken Lands being a valuable source of canisters for the Conclave's will, it was sparsely populated. A few agricultural colonies, primarily Therile, flourished off of heavy Servile labor, but they were more a punishment for rebelious underlings of the Conclave than anything else. The Drakon who ruled this desolate land showed talent as a leader, but had crazed ideas of equality. With only a few other Drakons with him, he was forced to allow loyal humans and Serviles, with control tools, of course, to become Lifecrafters.

 

It was those very Lifecrafters which now trained the Sholai, having nowhere else to go where there weren't Drakons would enslave them, or worse. But, most important to the Sholai's present endeavour was the library that was the lower floor of the Citadel. And it was in that library that Kov lurked, reading the histories of the Rebellion, looking for a recipe for a new Geneforge...

[Dantius]

At precisely 0800 hours in the morning, the eyes of Dantius snapped open, like a trap in reverse. He quickly cast out his mind, like a net, and ascertained the position of all those around him. Nihsun-Eye was at locaition 26,89 in the fortress, 34 yards to his southeast, Kallinnin-Eye was 50 yards NNE of Nihsun (42 yards NE of Nihsun) , and Revak-Eye, his second-in-command, was 195 yards due east, and heading towards the door to his suite at a slightly slower pace than usual, indicating bad news. Ah well, such is life. Rising, and quickly and efficiently washing himself and dressing in his customary black cloak and belt, he turned towards the door at the precise moment that Revak entered the room. A pulsating, glowing green orb of flesh covered in eyeballs floating a yard above the floor would be a disconcerting sight to many, but Dantius was used to it. In fact, seeing how Gazers despised reflective surfaces, a human might have a disconcerting effect on Dantius, as he had not seen one for three quarters of a century

 

"Report" he spoke curtly.

 

"Master, the reports from out spies and fareyes are coming in at an alarming rate. A full meeting of the Council has been called to discuss the options" spoke his lieutenant.

 

"Excellent. We must reveal ourselves and strike while the iron is hot. The meeting starts when?"

 

"0950 hours, master"

 

"Excellent. I will be there".

 

Nodding his eyestalks in a gesture of respect, Revak-Eye departed.

 

Pausing only to grab his cane, Dantius strode out of his chambers. Heading east down the long hallway from the quarters, Dantius entered the central grotto of the fortress. He paused, as he always did, to admire it. A third of a mile long one and a half miles wide, and a thousand feet high, it was dominate by two sets of two parallel strips of water, each a half-mile long and 500 feet wide. Columns lined the side of the chamber, and Gazers constantly flitted through it in every direction, going about their daily business, whether it be research, combat training, guard duty, or relaxation.

 

Strolling to the wing across from the quarters, Dantius entered the library. It was equally impressive, a rotunda two-thirds a mile wide, ringed with three tiers and covered in books, with separate reading platforms for each reader. Gazers absolutely loved to read- even more so than Drayks, who were famous for it, and, like the Shapers of old, were legendary for their fury when interrupted. Dantius stared at the hundreds of doors ringing the dome, each its own sealed chamber for the more dangerous types of tomes, and then at the massive steel door, covered in runes, leading to the Forbidden Records, and contemplate entering and losing himself in a arcane tome for an hours. Abruptly turning, he left the room.

 

Heading south, he entered another of the six doors out of the main hall. A wide grotto curved out of sight to his right. The hall was filled with nearly a hundred gazers, each concentrating on various aspects of the combat arts, whether it be flinging energy, bending minds, or hacking away at each other, eye-to-eye. Following the curve of the hall, Dantius remarked on the alcoves in the walls, in which any Gazer or Eyebeast could enter, and meditate in silence, or practice more dangerous arcane arts without fear of harming what precious few hundred troops they had.

 

As he reached the end of th grotto, Dantius stopped short of another massive steel door, fifty feet high and covered in runes. Casting a spell under his breath, the door creaked open. Dantius strode into the Arena. Another massive dome, it was here that the Eyebeasts practiced and sparred. Two Eyebeasts were dueling in the arena. Dantius watched in a combination of pride and fascination as the Eyebeasts summoned massive storms of flame, razor-sharp lances of ice, and powerful blasts of magic and hurtled them at each other, each staunchly taking whatever the other could summon, while blasting with everything they had. Deciding not to interfere with their duel, Dantius left, closing the blast door behind him.

 

Once again crossing the main hall, he entered another of the doors. Heading down a hallway, 50 feet wide and fifty feel high, and stretching a mile down, it was perfectly straight, as if each foot had been carefully carved by a master mason. Of course, this concealed the fact that the entire length of the corridor was ringed with explosives, ready to permanently seal off the advances made by the Gazers. This corridor, of course, lead to the Research hall, a series of five laboratories, each staggered below another, where the research of the Gazers took place. Dantius prided himself on the research conducted here. He fondly recalled one of the more successful creations he made- it had been a modification of a shade that was completely invisible, and capable of traveling anywhere in Terrestia within a week. It could then relay, real-time, any events that it saw back to its Gazer controllers. Regretfully, it dissolved in the presence of magic, so it was completely useless for stealing the magical and shaping secrets of the opposition. He also congragulated himself on the engineering of a truly brilliant piece of Shaping, a bacteria that broke down carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen, and also killed any other bacteria present, effectively sterilizing the entire fortress. Beginning to become worried about time, Dantius turned around halfway down the corridor, and started back towanrd the main hall.

 

As he reentered the main hall, he cast a glance at the southernmost door in the hall. It lead to the Catacombs, the maze of traps, defenders, alarms, and watchmen that must be passed to enter the fortress. Making quick, purposeful strides, Dantius headed the mile north the the entry to the Council chambers.

 

 

. . . .

 

The doors swung open, and Dantius confidently strode into the heart of his empire. The Council chambers were immense, even compared to the gargantuan size of the rest of the fortress. It was a dome two miles across, and a half-mile high, terraced and divided into many different sections. Doors lead east to the Shaping hall, west into the Hall of Sight, and north into the Inner Sanctum. Each section, about a thousand square feet, contained a single Shaping platform, and four pylons for generating a constant supply of energy to it (Gazers did not eat, but instead fueled themselves by extracting pure Essence from their surroundings, enabling them to live almost anywhere). In addition, a pair of defensive pylon provided more than adequate protection for each inhabitant. Th lower quarter of this was inhabited, yet 90% still remained empty. Stepping down into the center of the arena, he seated himself in his throne, opposed by his three Ubereyes, and ringed with the Eyebeasts. Gazers terraced upwards, and he felt all of the eyes in the room turn toward him at the same moment.

 

Standing up, he cleared his throat and began to speak.

 

"As you all know, Terrestia has been thrown into chaos once again. The Drakon conclave has been murdered, and without their guidance, each Drakon reverts to their basic unit: A Drakon, with his creations, takes land and holds it until death."

 

Kallinnin-Eye spoke "The same could be said of us! With the instruments of our demise vanquished, why can we not depart and seek our luck individually?"

 

"No. We have built up a powerful army, strong magic, and new creations. Why should we abandon this power and revert back to the wilderness?" replied Dantius. Hisses of agreement echoed from the arena.

 

"The Eyes are strong. We should demonstrate our power. Indeed, we now have the perfect opportunity. The center of power for what few Conclave members remain is the Fens of Aziraph. Surrounded on all sides by friendly territory, they think themselves safe. We will show themselves the magnitude of this error. We will send an army of Eyes to the Fens and purge it of all hostiles and begin our conquest of Terrestia!" Sibilant hissing, indicating great applause, echoed off the walls and dome.

 

"I motion a vote! All those in favor of showing the true power of the Eyes, speak Aye!" The room thundered with 'Aye!"'s

 

"It is decided then! An army of our finest troops, commanded by Eye Nihsun, advised by Eyes Fala, Lifdan, Kelfin, and Andusssin."

 

"We will be strong! We will rule! And the Eyes will show their true power at last!" he thundered to tremendous hisses.

 

"Come, my friends, my compatriots, my comrades! Terrestia will be ours!"

[Sleeping Dragon]

“This meeting is called to order. The Council recognizes Learned Vess, Councilor of Magic.”

 

The servile in dark robes stood, she had a soft yet determined voice. “Learned Fand, esteemed Councilors. I stand here today to propose a new path for us all. No longer can we be complacent to wait here in Drypeak, as the serviles of old did before us. They choose to wait and it was their downfall. Only through swift action, like that taken by the drakons of the Great Rebellion, can we secure our independence!” Her words were met with cheers from some Councilors, and glares from others.

 

Learned Fand tried to show little reaction, but he was clearly not pleased. He rose to address her, the Sergeant-at-Arms called out, “The Council recognizes Learned Fand, Councilor of Justice.” In Drypeak, the ruling Council tried its best to divide power among its leaders. Whenever one seemed to have too much power, that Councilor’s responsibilities would be divided again into two or more Council positions. This had led to the Council having 37 members currently, and constantly growing in the interest of keeping any one servile form becoming too powerful. Yet even with this system, it was clear that some had more influence than others, Fand and Vess were perfect examples of this. Lucky for the people of Drypeak, their coalitions tended to balance each other out.

 

Leanred Fand spoke, “To where would you expand our influence? There are no serious threats around us. Peaceful farmers to the west and tranquility to the East. We have neither the threat to our existence nor the abundance of power to justify an aggressive expansion.” Fand’s supporters clapped, and Vess sat down, unable to defend her position, for now.

 

When the meeting was over, the Councilors left, leaving Learned Fand and his friend, Krak Blade, the Councilor of the Sword, remaining. Krak Blade spoke to Learned Fand, “My friend, Vess will not give up her quest for power. Perhaps it is time to divide the Magic Councilorship once again?”

 

“We can’t do that, if we suggest dismantling the Magic Councelorship, she’ll simply try to take down the Justice Councelorship. Both are due for a divide, I would prefer if neither had one… again. Politically, we are very limited here. Her call for war has rallied many zealous young serviles throughout our land.”

 

“I stand ready for anything that you decide, Fand. I will defend the land if things go your way, and I will fight in the name of Drypeak if things go hers.”

 

“You are as loyal a servile as they come, Krak Blade.”

 

“Your words are too much, old friend.”

[Nioca]

At long last... Success...

 

Grand Shaper Antares leaned back, letting his golden robes caress the floor. How many iterations? How many wastes of essence had he created to reach this moment? How many melting messes before he had finished his father's vision? A legitimate answer to the Unbound... and then some.

 

But it wasn't easy. Not by a long shot. And it still was untested. Examinations of the new creation were underway now. Dozens of serviles surveyed it, noted imperfections and flaws, possible improvements... This was the first prototype to survive, but only time would tell whether it actually worked.

 

Still, there was much to celebrate. His and his crews' month of hiding from, collecting samples of, and examining the Unbound had paid off. They had discovered how to turn off the inherent failsafe in the Unbounds' essence that allowed the Drakons to quickly dissolve those Unbound who went rogue. From there, it was a simple matter to nudge their already unstable minds into full-out rampage. The look of shock and horror on one arrogant Drakon's face as it was quickly brought down by an uncontrollable creation was a worthy reward in and of itself.

 

But now, they had the Foundry. One of the leading research areas of the Drakon regime was now in their hands. Experimental creation ideas, an excellent number of resources. And, not to be forgotten, only one way into the mountains. Perfect for defense. The uprising had quickly overthrown any Drakon resistance. The only area left unsecured was the Repository.

 

"Great Shaper." A hesitant, sibilant voice said. Antares paused for a moment, then stood up to face the arrival. It was a young drayk. But this was no usual drayk. Its skin glowed slightly with power, as if something within yearned to be unleashed. An odd blue coat was wrapped around its torso, embroidered with the ancient gold Shaper symbol upon its back.

 

"Yes, Shaper Triss? How goes the cleansing of our new home?" Antares said blandly. His eyes opened, revealing a bright silver light behind them. If the chamber wasn't as bright as it was, the glow on his skin would be visible as well.

 

"Sir, the Repository is secure. All Drakon resistance has been eliminated." The drayk stammered.

 

"Excellent!" Antares exclaimed, a wide smile on his face. "Clearly, we are favored by fate! This has gone flawlessly!" Antares was almost giddy with happiness. "Now tell me, where is Warmaster Uhitsss? Were you able to bring him alive?"

 

The drayk swallowed. "Actually... we've got a problem."

 

"Problem?" Antares asked, the joy rapidly disappearing from his visage.

 

The drayk was almost trembling now. "Sir, we finished off the last pocket of resistance, but it leaves six Drakons unaccounted for. Including... Warmaster Uhitsss."

 

Antares swore loudly, pitched into a rage. "That... that reptilian scum slipped through our fingers?!?" He was utterly enraged. He had thoroughly looked forward to experimenting on Warmaster Uhitsss. After all, how often could you get a real live Ur-Drakon as a specimen?

 

He calmed down. "How." He commanded bluntly.

 

"That-that-that's the other problem." Drayk Shaper Triss was now utterly terrified. If Antares had used even a quarter of the canisters everyone said he did, delivering news like this was taking one's life into one's own hands. "A-after we-we finished the d-Drakons, we scoured the area for..." He took a shuddering breath. "for any remnants. O-one of our serviles got lucky a-and found tracks leading into the east Repository cliffs. There's a secret passage back there. They m-must have left the last bit of resistance to distract us and keep us from finding it."

 

Antares showed no emotion. "They tried to keep the passage hidden." It was a statement, yet the question was there.

 

"Yes." Triss nodded, terrified.

 

"I see... So they expect to come back in through it." Antares started pacing.

 

Then he whirled about to face a servile tech. "Servile!" He snapped his fingers and pointed at the ground. The servile shuffled to him obediently. "Find the Learned and tell them we're calling a meeting. Tell them it's urgent. Then report back to your usual duties." He fired off. "Dismissed."

 

The servile hurried off.

 

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

 

Antares stood tall as he looked over the crowd that had gathered. The crowd was gathered into three groups, each headed by a representative of their species. All of them were wearing heavy shaper robes.

 

"Shapers. We have a situation." Antares intoned. "We had hoped to have a week, maybe more, before our presence was discovered. Unfortunately, that is now down to a day or less." The crowd murmured at this. "Six Drakons escaped to the Okavano Fens using a secret escape passage in the Foundry Repository."

 

He paused.

 

"They do not know that we have found this entrance. I suspect that, soon, they will attempt to retake the Foundry, likely using this secret route. We need to be ready. Learned Cameron, have we retaken control of the Unbound?"

 

The woman leading the human shapers stepped forward. "Yes, Great Shaper. There's a total of twelve Unbound out of the original forty. But..." She added ominously. "I thought we were to destroy them? They're too dangero-"

 

"Yes, I know, but there's a change in plan. You're to turn the Unbound loose in the secret passage. Turn them loose, and try to make them go rogue. Then seal off this side of the passage." Antares cut her off.

 

Cameron nodded.

 

"Learned Qariusss," Antares brought his attention to an elderly drayk wearing Shaper robes. "we need four things. Manpower, intelligence, resources, and chaos. Now, I want to send agents down south. Each of these agents needs to Shape, therefore, they must be drayks to avoid detection by the Drakons. Now, four agents will each go to the Okavano Fens, Mera-Tev, and Nodye coast." Antares paused, making sure that everyone was comprehending his orders. "The agents for each location will be in two groups. Two agents will run reconnaissance. They'll keep an ear out for information and possible recruits. The other two will run interference using the information, taking out important caravans, killing important people, stealing supplies, and running information back to us. This group will also be accompanied by a small group of heavily-armed serviles to provide extra support and to get messages back."

 

The elderly drayk leading the others nodded. "It shall be glorious, Shaper." He said, his eyes glowing from self-modification.

 

Antares nodded again. "Finally, Learned Haron. You were the one who found the method that deactivated the Unbounds' failsafe, correct?"

 

"Yes, Great Shaper." The young servile stated. Her skin glowed with the many canisters she had used.

 

"Would it be possible to create pylons that emulate that effect?"

 

"Um..." Learned Haron looked startled. "Well... no."

 

"No?" Antares cocked his head.

 

"The modifications involved require a living being to make them. Specifically, one that can Shape. A pylon just couldn't do what was required. Great Shaper." Learned Haron looked nervous.

 

"I see. Very well, would it be at least possible to create pylons that would drive any Unbound that approached rogue?" Antares asked, disappointed.

 

"Yes."

 

"Then do so. You have any and all resources at your disposal." Antares nodded with a bland smile. "Now, as for the rest of you. We're going to turn the Whitespires into a fortress. I want mines, pylons, turrets, anything that can make this place impregnable. I also want some of you working on the Foundry's texts. The Drakons likely made some interesting developments here, and I want to take full advantage of it. Finally, and this one goes for all of you. If there are any creations your essence can spare, create them. We need to be as ready as possible for whatever the Drakons send at us."

 

The crowd murmured slightly.

 

"That is all."

 

As the crowd started dispersing, a servile approached Antares. "Sir, Shaper Goit sent me to tell you that the Icaran is ready for testing. He wants to know how you're going to test its combat abilities."

 

Antares smirked.

 

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

 

Those... foul...

 

Karissss opened his eyes, returning to consciousness. How dare they? How dare those pathetic worms treat a Drakon this way?

 

Kariss slowly pushed himself up. He was in a wide open field of snow. Surrounding him were numerous lesser creatures. Over three dozen serviles, humans, and drayks surrounded him, along with a myriad assortment of creations. The humanoids were holding batons and blades. The drayks were working magic with their jaws parted.

 

A bald man wearing gold robes approached him. "Creation!" He shouted. "Do you know why you are here?"

 

Karissss snarled. "Creation? I am your master! You should bow to me now, so that I can be merciful when consuming you!"

 

"I think not." Antares stated. "A Shaper should never bow to his creations. However," he said with a sly look, "I am willing to offer you a deal."

 

"A deal?" Karissss sounded mortified and disgusted. "What trick is this?"

 

"No trick. I have a creation that I need tested. You kill it, I let you go. You can run off to whatever Drakon lord is closest and tell them all about us. Bring back an army to crush us. And we won't lift a finger to stop you."

 

Karissss stared at him. "You cannot honestly expect-"

 

"If you refuse, you die." Antares stated harshly. He made a curt signal. The serviles and humans raised submission and reaper batons.

 

Karissss looked about. Finally, he decided. "Fine. I will destroy your pathetic creation. And then I will feast on your blood for this insult."

 

As Antares walked past a Shaper, he muttered, "I sincerely doubt that."

 

Indeed, it was true. If Karissss had been paying attention, he'd have realized that there were far too many guards for just one Drakon. Far too many weapons to keep just him in line. And, most importantly, how each and every person was putting as much distance between themselves and him as possible.

 

The sound of snow crunching came to Karissss's attention. Haughtily, he looked toward the other end of the valley. He could see a shadow at the other end. An odd sound came to his attention, something between a coo and a squeal. The shadow grew as a large creature's footsteps could be heard. He watched the shadow. It was growing. So it might be a challenge. The shadow was getting larger...

 

Much...

 

Much larger...

 

"HOLY SALISSAR!" Karissss exclaimed, terrified.

 

The sound of a fireball being launched and a large creature charging echoed through the valley. It was followed by a screech of agony, and the sound of flesh and bone being deftly rended. The snow was peppered scarlet for yards around.

 

Then three thunks as Karissss's body fell to the ground.

 

Antares, who had showed no emotion during the brief fight, now beamed widely. "That should do quite nicely, I think!" Everyone watched, staring at the new creation. They were waiting, on edge, for it to go berserk and charge at them. But it didn't. Instead, there was a soft crunching noise as it settled down into the snow.

 

"Very nicely indeed." Antares repeated. He stared into one of the great orbs that constituted eyes, finding a hidden cunning there.

 

A new weapon was born.

[Triumph]

Faction: Lord of the Ashen Isles

 

Located: the Ashen Isles

 

History: The Ashen Isles have been largely forgotten since then of the Great War. Even during the war, Gull Island soon became ignored. Once the war ended, and the drakons had secured the Terrestia, the Geneforge in Benerii-Eo was removed and transported to a move convenient mainland location. With the isles no longer serving as a secure strategic base, they were ignored...and in the past century they developed their own peculiar culture. Among other things, despite the general ban on magic use by non-drakons, groups of serviles and humans in the far-off Ashen Isles slipped through the tightly clenched claws of the mainland drakons.

 

An usual degree of peace and equality amongst humans and creations prevails in the Ashen Isles. The immense underground fortress of Benerii-Eo, on the Isle of Spears, remains, but (as one of most frigid places in all Terrestia) the fortress and island are now predominantly a colony for cold-loving cryodrayks. Since the beginning of the war, Gull Island has been home to a thriving population of drayks and serviles (and a few humans), all getting along and otherwise enjoying being left alone. A statue at the Stonespire Servile Magic School honors the shaper traitor and rebel general Greta who originally helped mediate peace between serviles and drayks. The human rebels of Harmony, gifted with magic by the rebellion, have thrived, continuing to farm the swamps, and always ready to defend themselves with the magic that has been passed down. With the destruction of Dhonal's Keep, the immediate demand for crystals the mines on Greenwood Isle declined, but since peace was restored that island has become a thriving mixture of farmers and miners, still mostly humans (though overseen by a drakon).

 

Once the war moved beyond the Ashen Isles, the island instead became a center of research. When the legendary Akhari-Blaze destroyed Dhonal's Keep, thoughtful (and book-hungry) drayks took care to save as much of the vast Shaper library as they could. From the secured caverns guarded by the Creator-creature at the west end of the island, and in the old Darkstone mine, drakons, and magically trained serviles, conduct magic and shaping research.

 

Given their distance from all centers of power and civilization, only eccentric drakons seek to live in or rule the Ashen Isles. Consequently, the Isles' administrators have, by self-selection, tended not to be the most arrogant or ambitious of drakons - they are more often like famous rogue drakon Orois Blaze, possessing other interests. This has facilitated the peace that exists between the various groups of creations and humans living in the Ashen Isles. One of the more wealth-focus drakon administrators actually helped open a quiet, unofficial, small, yet thriving trade with strange seafarers called the Sholai.

 

Leader: The current leader of the Ashen Isles is Puross-Blaze. Like other drakons who seek to live in the isles, he is slightly eccentric. Unusually philosophical for a drakon, he grew sick of the endless scheming that dominated drakon politics (and tired of having people either try to assassinate him, or expecting him to try to assassinate them). He rules the isles from the old Shaper Fort Wilton (the only large port facility left on the isles after Dhonal's Keep was razed), aided by a council of four, a representative from each of the other isles. Given the strong fortifications placed on every island during the war, the colony of cryodrayks, the drayks, the magic using serviles of Gull, the magic using humans of Harmony, and the various drakons scattered around, the islands have been peaceful for the past century, and Puross has been free to spend much of his time collecting knowledge and writing down his thoughts on problems with drakon culture.

 

Agenda: mainly peace, and not getting killed by all the lunatics on the mainland.

[Triumph]

The bright sun, the calm blue water, the fresh breeze...it was all so incongruous, thought Puross-Blaze. From the highest pinnacle of Barzahl's Legacy (a tower ironically named by a drakon architect with sense of humor), the drakon looked down at Fort Wilton harbor, toward the south, watching yet another long-range wingbolt cross the sea from the mainland. No doubt it, like the other four sent by his mainland agents in the past week, was reporting that the Drakon Conclave had somehow been wiped out by unknown forces. Now (if rumors could be believed) there were rogue Sholai attacking in the east, Shaper remnants rising in the west, and not a shred of central authority left to even try to maintain order. Chaos worse than anything the old Shaper regime had feared was breaking out.

 

Puross contemplated the deceptively calm sky a few moments longer, then descended the tower to his main audience chamber. Already waiting for him were Lucca, representing the humans of Harmony Isle; Friosss the cryodrak from Isle of Spears; Learned Pemmican from Gull Island; Foreman Balbus from Greenwood; and Puross' majordomo Ophis-Blaze. Silently, they sat around a large wooden table.

 

"I trusssst you've all read the reportsss?" Puross asked without preamble. The council members all nodded. "And?"

 

The drakon's advisors glanced among themselves, "We must prepare to defend ourselves, and we must learn more of what is happening," declared Learned Pemmican. "With our ships, sea-going creations, magic, and fortifications, no foe will find it easy to assault us, but if we hope to do more than survive, we must find out what is going on and who our true enemies are." The other councilors nodded in agreement or murmured their assent.

 

"Very good. Ophissss...dispatch some of the sea-ferry drayks (the unintelligent creations that Shapers had long used for aquatic transport) to each island; each of you others, return home and assemble volunteers for reconnaissance to Terrestia. They shall as soon as they are ready. Find out what's happening, who the powers that be are and what they want; perhaps diplomacy will be possible with some. And prepare for war." With a wave of his claws, Puross dismissed his council. The resources in the Ashen Isles were great, perhaps greater than of the self-absorbed mainlanders knew. However, only with great care would there be any hope of preserving the pleasant quiet that had become so distinctive to his oceanic domain.

[Spddin Ignis]

Spddin stays in his seat while the others exit the room. The last Shaper in the room is Guardian Dak. The Guardian approaches Spddin and asks "Are you sure im the right man for the job?"

 

"You are more than qualified. I have faith in you, and you must have faith in yourself, fore every battle that is fought from this point forward brings us closer to winning this war."

 

"I understand. Do you have any advice for me or Recomendations for the creations I should use for the attack?"

 

"To give you advice on how to lead the attack would certainly not be wise, but you should talk to Guardian Kholer before he departs in the morning. As for creations, I recomend a force of Kyshaaks, the "Spine Tralls", and bring some Arbors just to see how they preform. Also you should bring a few shapers because clawbugs might be necesarry."

 

"Thank you my lord" said the guardian as he departed.

 

Spddin walked to his private quarters, and took off his robe so his dark brown eyes were finaly visible. In those eyes, one could see wisdom that was much beyond the age of 23. Eyes that have seen much suffering, and many tears. But he no longer could shed tears for the father that the Drakons had taken away, fore he was the ruler of a kingdom now. And the entire fate of his kind rested on his fortitude. There was no longer time for his weakness, he had to be strong.

 

...

The following morning, Spddin opens his eyes, only to sense hundreds of creations within the city. He quickly goes through his morning routine, places on his black robe pulls the hood over his face, and briskly walks to the doors of his palace. He pushed open the large doors only to see his tropps leaving the gaits of the City. It was a wonder to behold. Even though there were hundreds of humans, creations, and shapers alike,they were in perfect rank and file. One group going north and the other east. He watched until the last being had left the city gaits. He then watched as they were closed by 2 massive tralls.

 

It had been a while since he had been out of his fortress, about a month. he decided to survey the city. Everywhere he went he received bows. Mostly from the lowly outsiders that he had let into the city, giving them a place of refuge. The city rules were strict, and there were either 2 punishments for crimes. Banishment from the city, and death. This encouraged everyone to live honest and just lives.

 

The shaper gazed out at the cities seemingly voulnerable weak spot, the ocean to its east. Spddin would like to see the look on an unsupecting enemie's face when they tried to attack from the ocean. To bad that they would never know what happened. They would just be thrust from there existence in the blink of an eye. Forced from the land of the living to that land of the dead...it was time for the Shaper to go back to his duties. "That's enough wasting time for the week", he thought to himself.

 

...

 

Upon his arival into the fortress, he went directly to the war room. He looked over the geography and the landscape for hours trying to figure out where he should move his army next. He assesed the landscape, thinking about what creations would preform best for each one. He also assesed each of the known factions and assigned them a number from one to 10 on how much of a threat they were. He spent many hours in that room. Reading on commanders and generals of old, assesing their mistakes. Lord Rahul, Councilor Shema, General Greiner, General Alwan, and lastly, but most importantly, Akari Blaze. Akari was the most important because all of those other generals and comanders had lost their war. But Akari was important to Spddin for another reason... That fiery beast had not only slaugtered the council members, but Spddin's father as well. Spddin was genuinly upset when he heard that all of the conclave was slayed because Akari was among their ranks. Spddin wanted the chance to thrust a sword into the chest of the creature, hoping to hit the black hole of a heart that it contained. But alas it was not meant to be. After several more hours his plan was decided...but he would not tell his generals, at least not yet. He would wait until the right time...

[Goldengirl]

The great task of Shaping was under way in Southforge Citadel.

 

The search for the Geneforge had been, momentarily forgotten, but no one was complaining. The scent of essence was thick in every corridor of the great Citadel, and there was a constant buzz of excitement and activity. Lifecrafters and their apprentices rushed about, vials of mysterious liquids and misty vapors clutched close to their robes. Guards waited anxiously in the hallways, discussing the gossip that was this mysterious discovery of Kov's.

 

Throughout the Forsaken Lands, a great search for materials was taking place in order to complete the great ordeal. Fortunately enough, the required materials were not exceptionally rare, and were gathered quickly; the true issue was in generating enough essence in Southforge's breweries to make the creation perfect.

 

Kov, in the meantime, had travelled to the edge of his domain, to the Cairn Gates. The reports from the scouts where true, the smokes of a warcamp at the Illya checkpoint were present. His scouts had even confirmed that the forces gathering were growing, and were of some concern. Kyshaaks and tralls waited in pens, while bizarre serviles danced around bonfires, chanting ominously. It seemed that the Drakons of Rivergate were preparing for war.

 

Kov was not worried though. Litalia's masterpiece, the Presence, could disrupt their armies, bulstering the Sholai over the lower creations that the Drakons threw at them. Kov grinned madly, as he pictured the look on those heavily tattooed faces as their creations turned on them mid-battle, and devasted their forces.

 

He continued beaming, as he patted the dusty tome that had detailed Litalia's last creation, which had been hidden so deep within the archives of the Citadel. A Trakovite masterpiece that surely could have ended the war, had Litalia not been so hasty to Shape it. Well, it was now a Sholai masterpiece that could end the war. And they had all the time they needed to Shape it perfectly.

[Hypnotic]

Faction: The Doctors

 

History: Once the Drakons had defeated the shapers in the western provinces a few surviving shapers and nomads in the Dera reaches fled. A surviving shaper vault served as their sanctuary. During the first week their numbers were 3 shapers, 1 mage and 40 outsiders. To the outside world this group was dead and to themselves they might as well be. Without a leader they collectively voted on a single strategy. Survive. Stealing at night all that was needed to live they created hordes and a mini society hiding in ruins. Over time living in harsh chemicals devoted most of their time to curing lingering effects of disease. Thus the bases of the Doctors were born. The shapers among them were broken with no respect for their former beliefs. This allowed everyone training in magic and limited shaping. At first simple cures were created but being shapers side effects were noted down. Self shaping was one law the shapers were able to retain during their hiding. Gene therapy was completely different. Notes stolen from Kayar Spire provided the knowledge for genetic modification. Being in perfect health was the standard for these refugees. Eventually even old age was cured. They would simply age normally to an age the body considered healthiest and stop. Health care had a downside, it required vast amounts of herbs and goo normally found in fens that the Dera reaches were lacking. Disguised as outsiders they would occasionally leave to collect ingredients from the northern fens. Over years hydroponics allowed them to become a self-sustaining society though no to the degree they would like, with numbers in the 1600’s. This was speed up by the human reproduction cycle shorten to roughly 3 months. By this time a government was created. A high Councillor and two council members. They are to be chosen by a combination of Management, Magical ability and leadership. A decision would be carried out if the high councillor demanded it or if the Councillors did. Only the two councillors unified could reverse a design by the High councillor.

 

Location: Dera Reaches

 

Leader(s): High councillor “Hypno” Vaughn, Councillor Vidara, Councillor Dymas

 

Ideals: Humans are to return to their place of power. Creations are to be allowed to live if not hostile but are regarded like household pets. Free to come and go but to stand attention if called. Serviles are to be exiled. Shapers made a mistake in creating them, this allowed them to further their laziness and further their downfall. Canisters and Geneforges are to be destroyed. Only by reproduction can human alterations be made. The original alterations are done to a few select parents. Magic is broken up into 3 areas. Shaping is done for military purpose but is not widely improved. Old rebellion creations like War tralls are still in use. The second area is spellcraft. The most common area to train in for a Doctor and has been vastly improved since earlier times. Eg Spells give a bigger bang for their buck. The third and final area is Medicine. This is the core for any Doctors training. Basic training will require the breaking of a subject’s leg and getting them to fix it to graduate. Doctors are highly disciplined and understand the need for secrecy. Their techniques are shared only with other Doctors. Ultimately peace needs to be achieved.

 

Other info: Kayar Spire is the heart of the Doctors training as the equipment seized in the raid allows for a perfect school. It also acts as a research centre. The Vault is the Doctors sanctuary and has since been renovated into a mini-city where the population of the Doctors reside. The Herbs needed for their alchemy and pods come from the fens. Two outposts are in hiding from pre-rebellion. Their locations remain a secret.

 

Simple Overview: Mages with shaper skills and very good health storm Dera reaches.

[Hypnotic]

The High councillor was looking around his new quarters in the Zephyr Oasis. Hard to believe that in 12 hours a systematic take down of the Dera reaches has actually been achieved. He took part in seizing the Zephyr Oasis. He and 30 doctors marched thought the night and made it to the cities gates by sunrise. Using hordes of exploding Kyshakks, and Pyro-Roamers to disrupt the city and it’s defence. The doctors charged. Powerful bolts of magic were used to subdue the drakons they encountered. Surprisingly little resistance was met. It turns out the city was rebelling with the drakon councillor recently slain. A collection of unhappy creations and humans had been rioting all day and the new attackers provide the confidence needed to rebel. Cornered in their owns streets the drakons created wave after wave of creations. Councillor Hypno was pleased thinking about his part. He had a special knack for controlling creations even, those belonging to someone else. As soon as the drakons made creations they started attacking their masters. This required great concentration that Hypno possessed. 2 Hours was all it took to slay the drakons. The doctors quickly secured the city and took in the situation. It was around now that reports came via farsight crystals that Kayar spire has also fallen to the doctors. Apparently ancient golems performing long forgotten duties has played a significant part there. Luck had played a huge part in phase one of he Doctors regime.

 

With sun shining through his window and onto his large desk that he was so fond of, the 89 year old leader called a meeting. Farsight crystals had been turned into a good communication device for people at distances. Sadly they were hard to produce with their limited recourse so were reserved for people in high positions. The two giant red crystals started to glow in front of him. The tanned face of Councillor Vidara newly appointed leader of Kayar spire appeared. She was secretly Hypnos crush. Simultaneously Dymas appeared, leader of the Vault and the Doctor secret sanctuary. Clearing his throat Hypno began to speak. “Yes, Yes, YES! We have taken the Dera reaches, can you believe it!” Realising his joyful yet inappropriate outburst Hypno calmed down. “So as you are aware we have taken the Dera reaches. I have dispatched Doctors to secure Lethia pass and the Dera Bridge. Although this is a major victory there are a few problems we now face. We have defeated the drakons here but it was too easy. There must be some in hiding. We need to find out what they are planning. Secondly we must make sure our borders are secure. If we have taken the Dera reaches others will have done the same elsewhere. I will send spies to find out what is happening.” The high councillor looked specifically at Vidara when saying this. “So what of the device. Can it be made?”

The high councillor in his cherry mood was hoping their luck would hold for a bit longer. Vidara replied “It seems parts of the purity agent still remain. The drakons attempted to make on of their own to remove the Eye-beats but apparently it didn’t work as intended. We should be able to modify it to our purposes.”

Hypno smiled.“That is good news indeed. What of the essence pit there. Will it be suitable?”

“Unfortunately No. It was mainly for storage of the Purity agent.” The facility needs major repair and renovations for our task but it can work. I think we will need geneforge parts after all.”

“Are you sure? Is there now other way?” Hypnos famous luck was failing him.

“With research into the matter but it would take too long. I can only prepare for now.”

“Very well then.” Hypno now faced Councillor Dymas. “What of the pod?”

“With the border resections removed due to us now controlling the reaches, I think we will be able to retrieve sufficient herbs.”

Hypno liked the councillor and his ability to organise but his words never told the whole truth. The meeting downgraded into simpler matters of region control and resource distribution from this point onwards.

 

The High Councillor left his chamber after the meeting to talk with his war Minister who had accompanied him to the Zephyr Oasis. He was unusually muscular for a Doctor. This made his rather imposing, especially when he had 3 Kyshakks and War Tralls behind him. “Walk with me General.” Dust floated around the desert city like a rouge creation. “Any luck in finding out where the Drakons have gone?”

The general had a uniquely deep voice. “There are two locations of importance: An old workshop east of here that helped with the purity agent and a bandits keep to the southwest.”

“Thank you general, any clue why the Drakons are hiding?”

“Well it would seem they too also had some vital research happening here. Making the Dera reaches seem unimportant to them was a good cover”

“It would seem that today was not as successful as I had thought.”

 

With that the Doctors returned to their Jobs, arranging their forces and preparing for a sudden assault. The hunt for the missing Drakons had begun.

[Dantius]

It was several hours later. Dantius sat calmly in his throne in the Inner Sanctum. Unlike all the other rooms in the fortress, which were built on a massive scale, the Inner Sanctum was relatively small. It was shaped like a cross, with four branches of equal size (about 100 feet by 100 feet) radiating off of a central dome, which was only 250 feet across and dominated by a massive magic circle in the center of it. Dantius sat in the northern throne, Revak-Eye hovered in the branch to his right, Nihsun-Eye in the branch to his left, and Kallinnin-Eye across from him. Dantius felt the procession of eyebeasts approaching the entry, and made a gesture with his hand towards the door. The massive stone door slid open, and the Eyes floated in. They took up their customary positions surrounding the circle.

 

"Very well. I will begin" spoke Kallinnin "Since it has been decided that we will reveal ourselves with an attack, we should plan it carefully"

 

"We are lucky. We can float, enabling us to cross large distances of open water with ease, we can feed off of our surrounding, and we can sense those around us. Nonetheless, we must still be careful" she spoke

 

"I concur. I would suggest launching out army from the south side of the island, and landing just south of Grosch. We can conceal ourselves among the fens and strike under the cover of darkness, undetected." spoke Dantius

 

"Yes, we are in agreement" spoke Nihsun "As the commander of this expedition, I recommend that we depart immediately"

 

"Impossible!" hissed Revak "Are you aware that there are still many Drakon researches studying the works of that madman who used to live there? We could never reach their research warrens before word of our attack got out! They would begin to shape, and our forces would be wiped out!'

 

"Ah, Revak. I thought you, ever the pragmatist, would say that. Luckily, Rhakath-Eye, our brilliant research head, has something to say about that"

 

Rhakath floated into the center of the circle. He began to speak "I beg to differ. We have produced a major breakthrough that will be quite potent. I have been developing, along with Dantius, a unique modification fo the Gazers. It will increase our mental abilities to the point where we actually can bend the fabric of space, exerting a effect that we are immune to, but will exhibit a potent dazing and stunning aura on those around us. It would be impractical to use in large-scale assaults, but it will serve quite niceley for demonstrating out massive power. Thoughts?"

 

"Yet again, Rhakath, you impress me. Well done. I have the utmost faith in you" uttered Revak

 

Dantius waved his hand dismissivley "Let us discuss another matter. Incantryus Terrestia!" A map of Terrestia, made entireley of light, came into existance hovering at eye level (for gazers) in the middle of the Gazers. "Our reports indicate that there are several factions that have come into existance. Some would appear to be deadly, yet have little power over us. And some would appear harmless, but pose a fantastic danger. Well?"

 

Nemat-Eye, head of Farsight, began to speak. As far as we can see, we can divide those among us into three princial categories. Those who seek to dominate us by power, those who seek to dominate us by technology, and then there are those who seek only to survive, and perhaps capitalize on the outcome through subterfuse and political manipulation. The Enlightened Confederacy, the New Takers, and the Shaper Remnants fall into the first category. The Doctors and the Sholai fall into the second. And finally, the Drypeak Serviles, the Arterials, and the Ashen Isles fall into the third. Luckily, none of them can harm us here. They are not strong enough to seize our fortress, they cannot penetrate our technology, and we can outmanuver them simply by outliving and outwaiting them. However, when we begin to exert our influence outside this isle, we will begin to have problems. However, I believe that these could be overcome."

 

"Excellent. Now, to yet other matters." The metting continued on for about another hour. Tactics, logistics, and other matters were discussed. Finally, though, Dantius lifted a hand.

 

"That will be all. We will now embark on our grand journey. The army will be prepared, and launced in 4 hours, you say, Nihsun?"

 

"Yes" was the only reply

 

"Very well. Our conquest of Terrestia begins now. The Eye shall soon not only see, but rule as well."

 

As if one, the Eyebeasts around the circle smiled. Seeing a Gazer smile was a truly terrifying event. Their mouths were filled with razor-sharp teeth, and for some reason their way of digesting essence absorbed light. When a Gazer smiled, the room went dark. This was appropriate, considering the events that would make a Gazer smile, would make the rest of the world a very dark place, indeed.

[Nioca]

"Shaper Antaresss." A sibilant hiss reached across the room.

 

Antares looked up from his text. Learned Qariusss was standing at the door to the throne room. "Yes?" Antares asked blandly.

 

"We're encountering some issues with the Icaran." Qariusss stated.

 

"What kind of issues?" Antares asked, his hairless brow furrowed.

 

"We're having trouble feeding it." Qariusss continued. "It just ate five Ornks for a single meal. And it's still hungry. Food is already going to be an issue for us, but at the rate this thing is eating, we'll be starved out within the week."

 

"I see... And what would you suggest, friend?" Antares stated casually.

 

"I don't know. This thing is powerful... isn't it? Wouldn't it be capable of feeding itself?" Qariusss offered.

 

"I suppose that could work... In fact... that could work very well." Antares stated.

 

Qariusss shifted his weight slightly. "That still leavesss the food issue, though. Asss much asss I'd like to, we can't stay in these mountains forever. We don't have enough food to support the number of creations and people here." Qariusss shook his head. "We've only got enough for about a month. Maybe two, if we stretch it."

 

Antares looked down, running a hand across his bald head. He hadn't wanted to take aggressive action against his neighbors. But it was quickly becoming apparent that there was little choice. "Gather the Learned again. We've got things to discuss."

 

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

 

It was a small gathering this time, yet it was infinitely more noisy. The three Learned Shapers were bickering back and forth, discussing options and simultaneously shooting down others.

 

Antares, meanwhile, was reclining on the throne platform. Generally, whenever a meeting like this was held, the three Learned Shapers would bicker, and Antares would reach a decision. This one was no different, and Antares had no interest in keeping any air of dignity. His back hurt from sitting in that accursed chair.

 

"We need to hit Gorash-Uss with everything we've got. We take that fortress, and the Mera-Tev will have no choice but to bow to us." Learned Cameron insisted.

 

"No!" Learned Qariusss hissed. "Taking that fortress would weaken us substantially. With Kywhyiss-Uss in Okavano and Cali-Uss in Nodye, our forces would get cut off from the Whitespires, surrounded, and killed." Qariusss paused ever-so-slightly; he couldn't afford a long one without getting cut off. "We need to take a cautious approach. Spread our influence out from the Whitespires slowly over Mera-Tev. That way, we get the needed farmland, and can easily defend ourselves from Drakon attack."

 

"Yes, and have three fortresses full of angry Drakons pounding us from every conceivable angle?" Learned Haron intoned. "We'd wind up no better off than if we just stayed up here. We have a month's supply of food. I say, we stay up here, build our strength, and let them fight each other. Then we'll be able to move in and take them all down in one massive strike."

 

Cameron scoffed. "We don't have the time. Scrying from earlier today indicates that Kywhyiss-Uss is already mobilizing forces into Mera-Tev. If we don't take it now, we never will. Look, from what we can gather, Nodye is in total chaos right now. We could march into Mera-Tev blowing an army's worth of trumpets, and they wouldn't even blink. The Storm Plains are having their own problems right now, so there's no enemy reinforcements available from there. The only direction we'd have to worry about is the Okavano Fens. And possibly..."

 

Antares perked up. "And possibly what?"

 

"Great Shaper..." Cameron said, suddenly more humble. "We noticed strange activity from an uninhabited isle in the center of Lake Terrestria. We couldn't gather much because our scrying was blocked..."

 

"...but the fact it's blocked provides damning evidence that something powerful is on that island." Antares finished for her.

 

"Which is why we need to stay put." Haron spoke again. "We need to stay hidden in shadow, keeping the full extent of our power-"

 

"Which will become negligible if the Drakons reassert a foothold on Mera-Tev!" Cameron cried.

 

"Quiet." Antares raised his hand, sharply cutting off the argument. He stood up and paced back and forth. He was getting an idea. "Learned Cameron is right. We can't sit by and let the Drakons regain control of Mera-Tev. But Learned Qariusss is right in that, by assaulting Gorash-Uss, because of the great attrition that'd result from taking the fort, we effectively suicide the forces we send if reinforcements arrive. And Learned Haron is right as well... We need to stay hidden."

 

Learned Qariusss hissed, irritated. "We can't all be right, Shaper."

 

"Oh, but you are." Antares smiled. It was an attempt to show confidence. Unfortunately, the effect landed somewhere closer to creepy. "Learned Qariusss... I think I need to brush up on my history."

 

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

 

The sun was starting to set. An army of Shapers, all of various species, marched out toward Mera-Tev, escaping the cold icy mountains. They were accompanied by a glorious array of creations, ready to tear apart the enemy on the slightest command. Podlings, War Tralls, blue Glaahks that left a trail of frost, roamers with what looked like thorn batons mounted on them, and many others... all marching to take on whatever Mera-Tev had to offer.

 

Upon reaching the crossroads at the mouth of the Whitespires, the army turned west toward the Murkwood.

 

Meanwhile, up in the mountains, Antares was staring at the evening sky. He had sent the Icaran out to hunt. Hopefully, it had gotten its fill and caused some carnage while it was at it. But he had hoped it'd be back by now...

 

A brief flicker of shadow on the ground caught his notice. Squinting, he looked up in time to see what looked like a massive bird come swooping down toward the road. Antares smiled as the massive creature pulled up, flaring its wings and bringing its six massive legs to the earth. Despite its size, its landing was fairly gentle.

 

It trotted up, folding both pairs of massive wings. Its feet made a distinct clicking sound, as a result of its bizarre combination of hoof and long, razor-sharp talons. A long, sharp orange-and-black beak accented its face, bloody as the result of some kill it made. Antares became vaguely aware of the fact that he only just came to the tip of its beak.

 

What unnerved Antares, though, was its cunning. He had seen it before, and now he was sure. There was a gleam of intelligence back there. He had made the Icaran intelligent, so as to keep it from going rogue or easily falling prey to mental tricks. But whenever Antares looked it in the eye, he couldn't help but suppress the notion that he may have overdone it.

 

That's when he noticed the burns. "What did you get yourself into?" Antares asked. He put a hand on the creature's shoulder and closed his eyes. Flashes of vision... of strange colors... through its eyes...

 

Antares broke the contact. The Icaran had accidentally gone through an unexpected test; it had encountered a wandering, rogue Unbound in its journey. And it had prevailed. The small burns were from the Unbound flinging its powerful magics at the new creation. But its wards had been stronger. The Icaran was specifically built to kill Unbound, with powerful wards against raw energy and caustic substances. Other wards provided a protection from fire, to enable it to fight Drakons without going up like a woolly Ornk.

 

Antares let his eyes meander to its talons. There was a yellowish-green liquid dripping off of them, causing the snow to melt underneath. A concoction Antares was particularly proud of; Discipline venom mixed with a potent acid. And of course, the talons themselves were both fatally long and sharp.

 

The Icaran shifted slightly and squawked. Opening its beak wide, a bright yellow flame poured from its mouth. Antares leapt back, surprised. It then closed its beak and settled down onto the massive, now-smoldering spot it had created on the ground. Antares looked it over carefully. He was becoming increasingly enamored with his creation. He had worried that the beast was just a massive waste of essence; He could have easily created six or seven War Tralls with the essence he had poured into it, and indeed, seven War Tralls could probably take down an Unbound as well. Yet they lacked the utility of this creature. Or just the sheer power this creature's presence conveyed.

 

"I haven't given you a name yet, have I?" Antares said casually. "Hmm... Talonfire, perhaps?" The Icaran looked up at him, as if listening carefully. "Yes, I think that's fitting. Well, Talonfire, I have an assignment." Antares ran his hand down Talonfire's body, healing the wounds it had sustained. "The Drakons in Okavano are sending forces to Mera-Tev. Their purpose, I don't know. But they musn't gain too much ground. We need to buy our group time. So... I want you to find the enemy group, and attack them. Don't try to kill them all, but slow them down. Buy us time. Kill a few, if you can, but get out if it starts getting serious."

 

Antares, for a moment, could swear that Talonfire had nodded. Then it stood, spread its massive wings, a leapt into the air. It flapped its wings hard for a moment, struggling to gain altitude. Then it started rising toward the sky.

[Spddin Ignis]

Kohler and his massive army were marching towards the Dera Reaches when a Spddin's Spine Trall caught up to them. Spine Tralls were one of the fastet known creations...well it was only known to the shapers no other faction had seen its abilities...yet. "Yes Spike?", Kohler asked the creation

"I have a message from master." The creation responded. The intellegent articulated language of the creature suprised Kohler because all of the spiketralls in his army spoke with grunts and growls...but of course they were much less intelegent. All the others like spike had been killed, deemed to intellegent to live.

 

"What is the message?" Koler asked. Spike handed him a note.

It read.

 

"Dear Kohler,

There has been a change of plan.Turn your armies gaze towards the nodeye coast. Our spied indicate that there are strange things occuring in the lands of northern terrestia. They also found out that there is a new faction within the Dera reaches that has just imerged from hiding yesterday. They are powerful and have taken out most of the drakons in the area. We should gain more power before we think about fighting them. Though there is little doubt in my mind that we will lose, there will be heavy losses if we choose to combat them, and that is something i cannot afford at the time.

It is a 2 day journey to the coast. But there are enough shapers there to march the entire army to the north of our province, and from there the journey to Nodeye would only be a few hours. And i am aware that that will drain our forces of energy, but there is a giant shaping outpost in that area that contains one of the largest shaping halls in the area. It is underground and there is a secret passage. Use your senses to find it and give the researchers the pass that Spike is carying. Spend an hour there to rest your troops and creations, and then get ready to attack the Drakons of the Nodeye coast. Leave them with nothing, no hope, no order, no life. Raze every city to the ground and make sure there is not one creation of the Drakons left. Arbors are the best choice against Drakons as they are fire reistant, but Spike Tralls work too. Soon the coast will be ours...

-Shaper Spddin"

 

Spike hands the general a pass and runs back towards home. In 3 seconds, he is out of sight.

Magicaly amplifying his voice, Kohler tells the Shapers what to do. He yells at the soldiers to turn around and tells them the new plan. "We wall march day and night until we reach this outpost!" he shouted. The Massive army turned around, prepared for the 2 day march to the northern out post. The army began marching, as they were being watched by Spddin from a scrying crystal from the Lethia province.

...

 

As researchers in the halls under northern lethia province stare out the crystals that allow them to see from there underworld, they saw an army approaching. a day ago, another army consiting of almost the same types of creations had past, on their way to the shaper citadel. The undeground Shapers watched as Kohler and his shapers walked straight to the entrance with the pass in hand. One of the Shapers sent a command to one of his creations to open the door. When Koler and his Shapers walked through, there were 2 guardians on either side of the door, ready to protect the facility if neccesary. The shapers roamed through the halls, still concentrating on the creations they had left outside, but it was hard, they were exausted. Mantaining creations is a difficult job. The main researcher appoached the shapers.

 

"Can your shapers mantain our creations for a short amount of time?" Kohler asked the shaper.

"Anything for our brothers Kohler."

"Thankyou Shaper Ramana."

...

Kohler was well known throughout the lethia province because when he and Spddin were students, they both had helped re-take the lethia province. After years of hiding, Spddin's father decided it was time for the shapers to attack and destroy the drakons of the city. The battle was a hard and tough one. Unbound everywhere, Drakons and many other deadly creations. Some of the forces decided not to back up Nagastar, Spddin's father. Those last moments were crystal clear in the minds of Spddin and Kohler. Nagastar had been surrounded by dozens of creations and 2 unbound. He held up his hand and a huricane of ice surounded the Shaper Master. It had frozen and killed all of the creations, but Nagastar was exausted. Kohler and Spddin had tried to carrt Nagastar to safety, and were confronted by a Drakon with 2 unbound. Akari Blaze chuckled at the sight. Nagatar, who was being supported by the 2 students looked up. He stood up on his own, and said a spell under his breath, using the last of his essence to save his son and kohler...he had placed the most powerful spell of protection on them...it was so powerful that to this day, it cannot be replicated...Akari raised his claw and pointed at Nagastar as a huge ball of magical energy struck him...he was dead. Nagastar, the one who had almost succeeed in bringing the Lethia province under shaper control was dead.

 

Akari walked off, leaving his unbound to attack the 2 student shapers. The unbound tried relentlessly to break the sheild. After about an hour of their raw power, they started to succeed. The sheild finaly broke, leaving the 2 Novices to fend for themselves. They won the battle.It was hard, but the did it. From there Spddin took control of the shaprers, with Kohler as his general, and they won. But agian, that was 8 years ago.

 

...

 

Shaper Ramana, the creator of the Spike trall, lead the small band of Shapers to the shaping hall.

"Also, Shaper Spddin sent me a message.He told me to have you absorb some of your creations and teach you how to make a few newly approved ones."

 

The shapers absorbed some of their creations from afar, stood next to the essence pools as they read on new creaton types. One that Kohler found interesting was a new variant of the roamer. When this creation was struck hard enough it exploded,but that nothing new, its what happenes afterwords that caught his attention. He read the passage out loud to the group.

 

"This particular variant of the Roamer, like the Pyroroamer, exploders when struck hard enough. But when this variant explodes, there is very little fire involved. Upon the explosion, dozens of spikes fly in all directions, these "thorns" are living creatures that fly around searching for targets within the vicinity. When they find the targets, they insert themselves into the skin and inject a deadly acid, venom mix. The next part in the process is much more painful for the enemy. After its venom is injected,the creatures become parasites and travel towards the hearts of the enemies, once it gets there, it explodes...

 

When using this creation, it is important that you send them in a few hours before you send in the rest of your force, because there are so many that the spikes are hard to control. If the spikes dont find a targer within 10 minutes, they explode to keep them from infecting creatures outside a certain area."

 

Kohler passed the book around so the shapers could see how to make it. Ramana entered again and told Kohler to absorb all of his Arbors. Kokler asked why, and Ramana expalained there is a new variant that Spddin wants the forces to use. Kohler and the other Shapers followed Ramana into the research halls where they kept creations. And there they were. The new arbor variants.They were amazing creatures. They were slightly larger, but that was the least important of the modifications, fore they now had wings. In addition, some of them left frost where they traveled, and others left burn marks. Ramana explained to them how to make these majestic creations, and the shapers Replaced all of the old Arbors with the new generation.

 

"Thank you for having us Ramana."

"Anytime"

 

Kohler walked out side and peered over at his new army...they were ready for war. He sent out the Spike Roamers and waited. A few hours later, the rest of his army marched towards the main city of the Nodeye coast. The battle has begun.

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

When Learned Fand finally arrived on the scene, Krak Blade debriefed him. “My friend, Learned Vess has assembled what can only be described as an army. She claims her intentions are to pacify the borders, but she clearly means to move into the surrounding territories.”

 

“She can’t command an army, you’re the Councilor of the Sword, right?” Fand spoke as he looked over the serviles assembled. He realized quickly that nearly all of them were mages, and thus under Vess’s command, not Krak’s. There were a lot of mages in Drypeak, legends say it was here that the discovery was made that first allowed serviles to use magic.

 

The duo was soon approached by Learned Vess herself. The arch-mage was decked out in her finest robes and carried an intimidating staff. “Councilor of Justice, you have come to see us off? How noble of you!”

 

“No, Vess. You’re not going anywhere. What gives you the right to march without the approval of the Council?”

 

Vess smiled as she answered, “I invoke Article 4 of the Compact of Confederacy.” Fand put his face in his hands when she said this. “In accordance with the Compact, each Province of the Confederacy of Drypeak reserves the right to raise it’s own army and choose its commander. All but the Southeastern Province have chosen to raise troops, and I have risen to command them. The Council has no jurisdiction here.”

 

Vess was correct, this was legal according to their laws. Fand just couldn’t believe the Provinces would invoke Article 4. They must truly be scared with the fall of the Conclave, and Vess was surely nurturing that fear. Plus, since she was using mostly mages, even Councilor Krak Blade was unable to object. Fand fumbled with his words as he thought aloud, “You can’t do this… you…” He eventually thought of something, “Ah! You deal with foreign powers! If you intend to engage in diplomacy, I insist on acting as ambassador myself!”

 

Vess rolled her eyes, “You go too far, Fand, your Councillorship has no right to claim more power, and the Confederacy has no precedence for dealing with foreign powers. No one was risen to claim Illya Province as of yet, so I will march there whether you like it or not. How about you form a committee or something to decide what to do with the Storm Plains?”

 

Fand sneered, Vess was joking of course. Committees, though technically legal, have never accomplished much of anything historically. No, Fand would have to go to extreme measures to stop this war from happening, “I propose a Councillorship of Statecraft. I will divide my own power to accommodate the new position.” Krak Blade shook his head in disappointment, if only there was another way.

 

Vess was most pleased with this development, “Very well. You divide your own power, and you get to decide what to do with the Storm Plains. Hopefully, you’ll have something worked out by the time I return, eh?” Vess mounted a Kyshakk drawn chariot and ordered her forces to march towards Illya.

 

This left Fand to decide what to do with the Storm Plains. He quickly decided that he would assume the position of Councilor or Statecraft himself, leaving the Councillorship of Justice to one of his protégés. Along with a small entourage of warriors including Krak Blade himself, Fand set out for the land of the Arterials.

[Acky]

Scourge Lavbanak knelled down into the muddy earth. Being a much smaller Drakon, he was much less uncomfortable then other Drakons might be. It was still rather awkward though.

 

He gazed his eyes at the Okavano Barrier, an ancient fortress built by the Shapers to control movement going to and fro Burwood. It has long since been abandoned by the the Drakons, and because of that, most of it foundations had fallen into disrepair. The Drakons to the east, those loyal to Pythagorass, however, were hard at work trying to reconstruct the fallen fortress. Multitudes of serviles, as if they were bees, swarmed around the walls, trying to repair as much as they can as quickly as they can. Groups of Drakons paced back and forth, part guarding and part helping. Several groups of Battle Gamma's stood at the fringes of the work site, doing the heaviest of labor.

 

And then there were the guards. A standard complement of Podlings and Rotghroths waited by the fringes of the camp. War Tralls sat on elevated ground, ready to pelt intruders with rocks. They didn't deploy Wingbolts to keep watch from the air though. Fools. It'll be easy to ambush them.

 

Having seen all there is to see, Lavbanak and his other servile scouts snuck away from the camp and headed back to the rest of the army.

 

 

..........

 

 

Markwakith stood at the front of the army. Behind him was a jumble of near perfect formations. The army itself was separated into several groups, each lead by several Drakons. The human and servile warriors were pushed along by larger creations. Very few of them had control tools in place -- the Drakons controlled them by installing fear. For the most part, this worked. Serviles, being creations, are easy in particular to place an aura of control over them. Humans were more challenging, but the occasional Mental magic and cracked whip seem to do the job.

 

Markwakith was, however, a bit concerned about the current vulnerability of his......Jarkhiss' army. The swamp broke up the path in several places (hence the groups rather then straight lines.) This made his force spread out much more then necessary, which could lead to problems if they needed to form together. On the flip side, who was in a position to interfere with them all the way out here?

 

As Markwakith continued to ponder to herself, a small servile approached him and his group, hands open to signify that he is not a threat. After waving for his group to stop, the servile came closer. Sweaty and panting, he spoke, "Warmas.....Warmas....Warmaster Markwakith. I have news from Scourge Lavbanak," he finished. Markwakith nodded at the servile, "Ssss. Well, let's here it,"

 

 

..........

 

 

Making a large sigh, Opagriss put down his scalpel and stepped away from the platform. So many projects in this citadel yet so few Drakons to conduct them. Jarkhiss had just ordered a Geneforge be made to turn Drakons into Ur-Drakons, to reinforce his army. The recipe for a Drakon Geneforge was not the problem; just the work. That, and the many different experiments going on that he was in charge of. The Frostbolts. The Water Wyrms. A Geneforge. If only they had a few more Drakons.......but wishing would get him nothing but wasted time. Opagriss got up from the table to check on another experiment.

 

Almost in a stalking manner, Opagriss gazed on each work station. Drakons sat with pieces of fresh flesh on slabs, looking into it, trying to manipulate the scrolls inside. Serviles, who were allowed to shape, aided them in any menial way possible. Under Jarkhiss' stricter ways, serviles must be under control, like they were creations, in order to be allowed to shape. And they were under control, in some sense of the word. Their wills had long been broken, and rarely did they act out. While they weren't "controlled" in a literal sense, they were as close as they ever were going to be.

 

Opagriss left the main study to the more secluded northern section of the research halls. This is where the more important research takes place, things that only a select few of Drakons knew about. The large living doors slowly opened as Opagriss passed through (it had been Shaped to only open for a handful of people, Opagriss included. This area was protected completely by Crystal Golems, each with some sort of magical ability, and very potent Pylons.

 

Upon entering the room, Opagriss could see several Drakons each in near a cubical, some observing the tissue mussle from creations, and others concentrating on some act of Shaping. Opagriss skipped them all for the most northern section of the warren. This required moving through another living door.

 

One he entered this more secluded room, he approached the only other Ur-Drakon present. She was standing near a huge, flat creation that was almost 14 feet in length. Small wing-like fins sprouted out from all sides. It hovered several feet off the ground. Opagriss turned his attention to the Drakon next to it, "Good day, Gywhanisss Blaze. How is the Narghal doing?" Gywhanisss nodded, "It seems to have grown its last wing. I believe it is ready to be tested soon. All I am worried about is the aftereffects of its weapon," Opagriss looked up. It was not often that a Drakon be fearful of a creation. "Oh? What is the problem?"

 

Gywhanisss took a glance at the Narghal next to him before continuing, "Well, as you know, the Narghal is a meant to bombard enemies from the air," Gywhanisss pointed at the sacs of flesh under its main body, "Once it hoovers right above its enemies, its sacs open up, releasing acid right above its enemies," Opagriss nodded, "Yesss, yesss, I am well aware of its purpose. But what is the exact problem?"

 

Gywhanisss answered, "I am not sssure that we can control these creations from long distances. Its extremely unintelligent, especially for a creation. I am not confident that it can be relied upon unless a Drakon is present nearby. This could be a problem for long range attacks,"

 

Opagriss swore under its sulfurous breath. It was completely equipt to go on long term missions physically. This could really set the New Takers back if it was unreliable. Opagriss spoke, "Can we replace the thahd brain with something more complex?" Gywhanisss shook his head, "We can but we would have to weeks at least to ensure completely that the new brain didn't comprimise other parts of the creation," Opagriss took a deep sigh. "Very well. Report back to me for further developments," Opagriss exited the Narghal chamber.

 

 

..........

 

 

Warmaster Kepma was surrounded by powerful Beta Tralls, each capable of flinging rocks at twice the strength of a regular Trall. Their silver skin glistened from the swampy sun light. His army was just leaving the swamp area.

 

What could possibly go wrong?

[Goldengirl]

With a final discharge of energy, and one last searing flash of light, the Shaping was completed.

 

Kov exhaled and inhaled in long breaths, standing in the empty vat that once contained the Geneforge, and hopefully would once more. His mind registered the Presence, growing in his mind cautiously, soaking up information. Curious Lifecrafters and Sholai started filing in through the now-open blast doors. Their leader, however, Lifecrafter Boon, stopped them. He led in a rogue cryoa, and released it from its chain.

 

The action was simple, and natural, like what he had learned from the canisters. Simply raising his hand, the Presence shot forth from him, like a mist, and possessed the snarling lizard. It instantly became pacified, its eyes reflecting the torchlight and a mist developing around it. Kov heard the Presence sigh, satisfied, in the back of his mind.

 

The next test was even more simple. Turning his back to Boon and the rest of the observants, he raised his hands to Shape. A battle alpha coalesced upon the platform, and showed the distinctive reflective eyes and misty aura that indicated that it was possessed by the Presence. Curious, Kov looked into a pool of water, and saw that he, too, had those very same eyes, that reflected light. There was, as of yet, no aura, though.

 

It had been indicated that the Presence had to have a host creation when Shaped, or it would simply take one. It had been decided that the host had best be intelligent, so that the Sholai could use it properly. Also, a host capable of Shaping would make the best weapon for the Sholai's army. As no serviles could, as of yet, Shape, Kov volunteered, seeing as he had used the most canisters, and therefore was the closest one to a creation.

 

Boon came in with robes for Kov, who quickly donned them. After questioning him on his condition, the two of them went down together, to the throne room, where the rest of the Senate waited. They had been discussing the state of the Forsaken Lands while the Shaping took place.

 

"The... cultist army oustide of the Cairn Gates grows larger every passing day, Lord Kov. If we do not do something about that situation soon, they could overwhelm our forces and invade the Forsaken Lands," reported General Whittaker, a Terrestian by blood, descended from the refugees taken by the Sholai in the last days of the Rebellion. Whittaker was present on the Senate only due to his popularity with the army.

 

"Then we shall attack them, with my new weapon turning them against each other. I shall lead the attack myself. And, also, I do not believe we need to engage our grand fleet in protecting our fishing fleets; the Sholai are, after all, the rulers of the ocean-sea. Instead, have them tour Terrestia, to see what other nations are arising," Kov said, standing up, "Are there any other issues?"

 

Admiral Zeke stayed silent. Lifecrafter Boon brought up the Geneforge and the continued training of Lifecrafters, to which Kov said would have the Citadel's full focus now that the Presence was completed. At this, Kov's mind twitched; the hazy creation realized that it was being discussed. Mayor Therese of Therile brought up industry. Kov told them to do as they saw fit, farming, practicing alchemy, mining, smithing, and whatever other sectors arose.

 

With the Senate's concerns allayed, Kov dismissed them. Admiral Zeke prepared his fleet to set sail for the Ashen Islea, while Lifecrafter Boon continued combing the archives, searching for the recipe for the Geneforge. Meanwhile, Kov strode confidently, pondering the Presence's power over him as he arrived at a glaahk-drawn chariot. As the glaahks drew him swiftly over the arid landscape of the Forsaken Lands, Kov decided that he was the one in control of the Presence, which was, after all, a mere creation.

[Dantius]

Dantius stood on a Shaping platform in the Shaping hall, carefully molding raw Essence that was being fed into him into a new creation. This was one of the Messengers, powerful shades who would go forth and contact the other sects once the Fens were conquered.

"..alorthan nivok lotho nokan efta nokan faan Dantius" he finished the invocation. The creation took shape. It was a simple gray translucent humanoid, like so many shades. However, when he took control of it, it would assume his form. He gently shepherded it onto another platform, where magical energy bound it into place, along with its seven companions.

 

Revak-Eye floated into the room

 

"A gathering of the Eyebeasts in in the Inner Sanctum. Nihsun has established a Fareye link, and is going to be reporting."

 

"Excellent. Let's go"

 

...

 

Once again, Dantius sat in his throne. However, for the first time in three quarters of a century, the platform to his left was bare. Instead, Nihsun hovered in the center of the magic circle.

 

"Report" spoke Dantius curtly

 

"We landed in the southwest fens, and then immediately stormed Grosch. The Bending Eyes proved invaluable- most Drakon we came into contact with were stunned and poor fighters. The powerful defenses in the Black Pit proved little trouble, and we were able to reach Titan's Lair and seize the research with just a little trouble. Clearing the fens was simple, with our power. We reached trouble when we got to the lab and camp- we lost an Eyebeast and a eight gazers in the lab, and eleven gazers taking the camps. We have secured the gates to Burwood, the tunnel was collapsed as per your orders, and both the rises are heavily guarded. We are sending back the research to our main labs via Fareye. We were lucky we struck when we did- it looks as if the Drakons were less than two years from unraveling that madman's secrets. We could have had an army of shapeshifting Titans on our hands otherwise. Anyway, to summarize- The Fens are ours- losses amount to one Eyebeast, nineteen Gazers, and all seven Bending Eyes, totaling 27, or 12.7% of our army. Enemy casualties totaled 28 Drakons- one escaped as per your orders- one hundred forty nine Servile warriors- six escaped, again as per orders- and thirty three human Lifecrafters- two escaped- and an as yet unknown number of battle creations. All passes have been secured, and the Fens are now completely in our possession. We have won a stunning victory, unprecedented in perhaps all history today. Is this all to your satisfaction?"

 

 

...

 

 

All at once, Dantius began to laugh.

 

"Very much so. You have amazed me once again. I am thoroughly impressed by your actions. I will be sending reinforcements, commanded by Aftan-Eye, to hold your position. Return here at once to discuss our next move. I will send my Messenger shades to the other sects to discuss possibility of an alliance. Fareye out."

 

At once the image wavered and disappeared. Dantius waved his hand at the assembled Eyebeasts.

 

"Dismissed. Leave me. I have much to ponder."

 

One by one, they left the room, without a word. Dantius reclined in his throne, contemplating the future and what it might hold for the Eyes.

[Nioca]

Night had fallen over the Mera-Tev. And Penta was in turmoil. Inside the city, flames could be seen as serviles and humans rioted, rebelling against the harsh Erosss. But the riots were starting to die out. People were fleeing in all directions.

 

Erosss stood over the city square. Most of the pathetic lesser creatures were fleeing, scared by her presence. Or perhaps it was the Unbound standing behind her. Either way. "FOOLS!" Erosss roared. "YOU DARE STAND AGAINST ME?!"

 

Only a few brave souls remained now. Each and every one of them was terrified out of their minds, holding rather pathetic weapons and wearing questionable armor. The servile leading them stammered, "We-we are your servants no more! We get freedom, or die free!"

 

Erosss glowered at them. "You want death?" She hissed. "I can agree to that!" She clicked her claws, indicating the rebels to the Unbound. Its mouth parted wide, and dancing energy was visible within.

 

A kill spell flew from the woods, striking the Unbound in the face. The Unbound staggered, its blast flying off and taking out several trees. There was a thwipping sound as a storm of thorns perforated Erosss and her Unbound. Cryoglaahks and clawbugs charged out of the woods, stinging the now screeching Unbound and bringing it down.

 

A woman, wearing blue Shaper robes with poorly concealed platemail underneath, stepped out into the plaza. A wicked-looking Puresteel Blade was wielded in her right hand. Her left was held aloft and filled with energy. "I am Learned Cameron of the Enlightened Shaper Confederacy!" She shouted. "Surrender, or be destroyed!"

 

Erosss scoffed, but she looked worried. "Never." She hissed. A glowing light appeared in her clawed hand as she started an incantation.

 

All at once, blasts of energy flew from the surrounding woods. A blast of yellow energy in the shape of an arrow leapt from Learned Cameron's hand. All the spells struck Erosss over the heart, and the raw energy knocked her back into a building. There was a loud crunch as Erosss collapsed, looking thoroughly like a massive ragdoll.

 

Then all was still.

 

Through all this, the servile rebel hadn't budged an inch. He was staring, petrified, at where the Drakon had been standing It was only as the Enlightened's army filled the plaza that he finally started to move. "...how? Who?" Was all he could manage.

 

Learned Cameron looked around. "Okay, according to Learned Qariusss, it should be close by..."

 

Another shaper approached. "What's close by? I thought we were just taking control of Penta?"

 

"No. Tell the locals the score here. Then help me out with the search." Learned Cameron stated.

 

Looking thoroughly confused, the Shaper approached the rebel servile. People were starting to filter back into the city. But Learned Cameron didn't care about that. Time was of the essence. She knew that Antares could only stall their opponents for so long.

 

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

 

The Drakon army marched purposefully toward the Mera-Tev. Going through the swamps, they were forced to split into groups. One such group was led by a rather young, cocky Drakon by the name of Rastasss. Surrounded by an army of creations and several lesser creatures to back him up, he felt invincible.

 

That was, until a massive cloud of flame washed over his group. Screams echoed across the fens as the less flame-resistant creatures were incinerated. These screams were answered by cries of alarm from the other groups, as they rallied against the new foe... Or tried to. For the perpetrator was nowhere in sight. Clouds had chosen an unfortunate time to cover the moon, and the surroundings were almost completely dark.

 

Rastasss tried to rally as well. Unfortunately, the number of humans, serviles, wingbolts, and glaahks in his group had dropped to zero. The cryodrayks he commanded were crippled from burns, the rotgroths looked ready to collapse, and everything else was thoroughly seared. As he desperately tried to shield them from attack, he felt a rush of air and a sharp object pierce through his back. He was carried for several yards before dropping back into the fens, where he drew his last breath.

 

Moonlight graced the fen, revealing the Icaran as it swung toward another group. Now with a target, hundreds upon hundreds of projectiles filled the air, firing at the new creature. Drakons commanded their wingbolts toward the Icaran. The air quickly became filled with hundreds of serpentine creatures as they lofted toward Talonfire. Talonfire started to flee, pursued by the wingbolts.

 

As the army watched tensely, Talonfire suddenly banked. Making a hard turn, it came about and opened its beak. Golden flames enveloped a large number of wingbolts, and glowing bodies fell from the sky. As the wingbolts opened fire, Talonfire launched an attack run on them, spewing orange flames all the while. The battle between Talonfire and the wingbolts was decided quickly with one last gout of flame.

 

The army started throwing everything it had against Talonfire. Rocks, thorns, magic spells, and clouds of essence lightning filled the air. A screech indicated that something had found its mark. Talonfire banked toward one group of creations, flaring its wings. Landing at a gallop, it charged the leader of the group. It reared back in front of the unfortunate Drakon and smashed him aside with its deadly talons.

 

Another Drakon in the group launched a kill spell at the massive creature. However, the grey bolt of energy struck some sort of magical shield a few inches off the Icaran's hide. The bolt diffused, and when the light faded, there was only a small, smoldering dot on Talonfire's feathers to indicate where the spell had struck. Blasts of essence lightning from the Kyshaaks were suffering the same fate, striking the same invisible barrier. The only thing ultimately accomplished was attracting Talonfire's attention and wrath.

 

Talonfire quickly swatted aside the second group's forces and lifted off again. Blasts of flame hit a similar shield on Talonfire's skin, though it seemed somewhat more effective. Attempts to daze or charm the beast were getting nowhere. When a rotgroth struck, its acid had rolled off. Indeed, the only thing that was proving halfway effective were the War Tralls.

 

Which was why, when Talonfire advanced on the third group, they took advantage of their new-found knowledge. Rocks flew at the Icaran, hard and fast, while the ineffective creations were sent deeper into the army's ranks to protect them. However, it still failed to slow Talonfire down. A gout of flame enveloped the War Tralls and Beta Tralls, igniting them and causing panic. Talonfire then charged the group, slashing the creations with its talons and beak. But it was becoming clear that Talonfire was slowing down somewhat. The rocks were now causing tangible harm.

 

Talonfire took off, banking up toward the night sky. For a moment, it looked to be over. Then Talonfire swerved and struck at another group. It was Warmaster Kepma's turn to experience the wrath of this beast. Talonfire landed, trampling several serviles and drayks. As the War Tralls started fighting again, Warmaster Kepma noticed something different. Despite it being to the beast's advantage, the Icaran was not using its deadly fire attack. A glimmer of hope had appeared for the Drakons; Talonfire's breath was out of flame.

 

But it still was little consolation. War Tralls were thrashed left and right by the increasingly angry Icaran. Warmaster Kepma started getting worried; the beast would come for him next, and it seemed that it wasn't being stopped.

 

A rather brazen Cryodrayk leapt forward, its jaws parted. A blast of frost and ice flashed from the cryodrayk to Talonfire, and a rending screech of pain filled the air. A particularly nasty hole was visible in its feathers from where the ice had struck, and the thick skin underneath was burned from cold. Seeing an opening, Warmaster Kepma started casting spells of magical ice, firing blasts of cold at Talonfire. Each hit was causing the Icaran to flinch or shudder in pain.

 

After two more hits, Talonfire decided it had enough. Making one last charge, it took a swipe at Warmaster Kepma. The Ur-Drakon leapt back, but wasn't quite fast enough. One talon caught, digging a massive, searing gouge across his chest. Turning, Talonfire took off at a gallop and leapt skyward. It flapped its wings furiously, struggling to get air on its damaged wings. But slowly, it managed to get lift and head back out toward Mera-Tev.

 

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

 

The sun was starting to rise. All in all, it had just been a very bad night for the Mera-Tev Drakon population.

 

Learned Cameron winced as she felt the burn on her hip. She had gotten a little careless with an Unbound, but it didn't matter. It had been a simple matter to find the Shadow Road. Everyone knew the legend of it, of course. An old, underground road that creations had used to travel across the Mera-Tev. But Learned Qariusss, having been around at the time of the Rebellion, knew where the two points it connected were. And, more importantly, that a sidebranch of the road led right into the back of Gorash-Uss.

 

They had locked the fortress in the sights of a quick and brutal surprise attack. They had lost several Outsiders, and one rather careless Guardian, but they had otherwise kept the losses to a minimum.

 

More than that, they had discovered something else. A Drakon, kept locked away in a cell. Yokarisss was his name. He had been imprisoned for arguing with a higher-up, and then disobeying an order to kill a camp of disobedient serviles. They were planning on executing him. But now, Learned Cameron was at the crux of a dilemma. On one hand, it was a Drakon. A dangerous and unpredictable creation, to be certain. On the other, Yokarisss could prove helpful. And if the others had locked him away, it seemed like a good a reason as any to assume he might be willing to help.

 

A rather enthusiastic servile ran up to her. "I can't believe it! We've got the Mera-Tev!"

 

"That's because it's not true. We've got Mera-Tev's main fortress. But it's no more than a foothold in the Mera-Tev."

 

The servile glared at her. "You really know how to drain all the life out of victories, don't you?" He muttered as he walked away.

 

Learned Cameron shrugged. When it came down to it, they needed all the help they could get... even if it came from a less-than-trustworthy source. "Servile! Tell them to release Yokarisss and have him meet me!"

 

Happy with her decision, she pulled on her essence. A wispy shade formed. A messenger.

 

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

 

Talonfire snoozed next to outdoor healing and essence pools. Essence slowly reached out to the numerous wounds on the Icaran's skin, healing them and pushing out debris and the occasional thorn. New feathers started sprouting on its wings and hide.

 

Antares stared at the creature. He knew of its success through the bond Shaper and Creation shared. He also knew that he had commanded it to come see him when it had arrived back in the Whitespires. A command Talonfire had received... and duly disobeyed.

 

It had instead chose to come here. Resting by the pools to receive healing before coming to him. Antares had feared it upon seeing the intelligence in the creation's eyes, and now he knew it. Talonfire was sapient. It obeyed commands not out of the compulsion of a Shaper, but out of loyalty and devotion to Antares. Ultimately, Talonfire was free-willed, and Antares could not force it to bend to his will. Thankfully, Talonfire seemed loyal.

 

If it was the old Shaper Empire, Talonfire would have been destroyed in short order. As it was, Antares simply noted that future Icari needed to have their intelligence scaled back slightly. He supposed that it wasn't the worst flaw that could show up in this prototype.

 

A wispy, vaguely humanoid shade appeared. "Great Shaper, this is Learned Cameron." Cameron's disembodied voice began. "We have taken Gorash-Uss. Furthermore, the people of Penta have agreed to help us in any way they can. We've received some reinforcements from their population, along with food and weaponry. We also found an imprisoned Drakon who has agreed to help us. Minimal losses. We should be able to hold the fortress should we be attacked. We've also got people exploring the other end of the Shadow Road, and hopefully liberating and making contact in Kaz. Give Learned Qariusss my thanks. Cameron out."

 

The shade dissolved. But as Antares pondered their victory, another shade appeared. This one was more substantial, and appeared as robed man. "This is Grandmaster Dantius, of the Eyes." It croaked. "I send you this message in hope of an agreement. You, of the Enlightened Shaper Confederacy, are of interest to me. I hope to purge this land of our Drakon oppressors and return it to its rightful owners. I believe you want the same. I believe that we can work together toward a common goal." The shade stopped.

 

Antares stared at it. It was as if the shade was waiting expectantly for something. Then he realized that this was some sort of upgraded shade. Rather than deliver a simple message, it also waited for a reply. "This is Grand Shaper Antares." Antares started. "Your offer is of interest to me. However, I must know whether or not I can trust you. As such, I will meet with you or a representative. Such a meeting must take place either here or in neutral territory. If you are who you say you are, then I look forward to working alongside you."

 

When it became clear that was all Antares would say, the shade turned and departed.

[Hypnotic]

Sunrise came as the stars blinked out one by one. Rising from a four hour sleep, the High councillor was glad such time consuming tasks have been reduced in length. The need for sleep has been roughly halved from his generation onwards. After a quick fresh up he prepared himself for looking over the Oasis’s needs. Gaining a victory was easy enough for the Doctors but the real challenge would be utilising the victory. Checking over his list of things to do in that day he was still hyped over yesterdays win. Being ageless removed the aspect of growing up. Certain childish behaviours could not be removed. Looking around himself he quickly began the days work. Starting with an interview of the towns mayor.

 

“Mayor Yulia. Welcome, please take a seat.” The weathered woman held the title of the towns Mayor but it held no responsibility. It was used by the Drakons to keep the commoners content. To make them think they actually had a say in how things were run. Up until now her tasks were limited to crop rotation and sealing scrolls Drakons brought before her. Time had worn her down and now she was twitching at any sudden bump. It was clear she had no idea what the meeting was about.

 

“As you now know the Drakons from the Dera reaches have been driven away. Your city now lies in a phase of transition.” A nod was the only reply. “The Drakon Conclave has been destroyed but their armies still remain. We are lucky that the Dera reaches insignificant to the rest of Terristia. This is why it was easy to take. This leaves the state of this city an enigma. This is the only city in Dera Reaches so naturally it has become very large. Holding this city basically means holding the Dera reaches. Introducing us. We call ourselves the Doctors. At the time of the shapers great fall a few shapers and nomads hid from the Drakons. We have needed to be strong, we made ourselves stronger. We know the shapers made the world what it is today. Their thoughts were noble but their actions unjust. We are the Doctors and we are to fix past mistakes. There are just over 1600 of us. All of us trained in Magic and shaping. If you can’t do this you’re not a Doctor. The Shapers were researchers at the simplest level. Curiosity was in their nature. They were not leaders. We have lern’t from their mistakes. Mayor Yulia. You are to be the sole commander of the Zephyr Oasis. We will be the army, guards and law enforcers. The land we take will be the peoples collective country for us to guard. What say you?”

 

After the long speech Yulia was at first petrified to say anything that might offend the helpful strangers. Parts of her being did just then click back into place. She replied “You wish the best for the people, want to rid us of tyranny. How can we be sure we aren’t replacing the current Tyrants? You wish to be the guards? Tell me, who will guard the guards?”

 

A simple smirk flashed across the Councillors face. “You can’t, and no one.”

 

. . . . . . . .

 

The meeting went rather pleasant he thought. He realised that most of his time was occupied by making long speeches. That had not be changed. He was now sitting alone in the great Library, a place where Drakons had humans scribe simple notations of how great one Drakon was compared to another. One such entry said “Tress’lss has remarkable power.” It was amazing how simple a complement had to be to keep Drakons content.

 

At the back of the grand Library was the War Minister. “I have your requested report sir. All current information from our safehouses has been added.”

“Thank you”

 

. . . . . . . .

 

Translucent faces where staring at the High councillor waiting for his first words. Meanwhile his mind was pondering why Farsight crystals could not project a solid image. Being timeless there was little need for focus. Habits that would soon need to be removed. Hypno began by reviewing all current information. No change on the device and only three pods had been made and where being sent to the front lines.

 

“We have had our fears confirmed. We are not the only uprising” A briefing on all the factions was given. “From what little we know, we have serval distinct opponents to be faced for the future. For now all are to be dismissed save the New Shaper Order and the Arterials. Early this morning reports have been coming in about a massive army heading this was via the Lethia pass. Had we not secured that bored we would have now been overrun. It turns out the army has withdrawn.” Choosing his words carefully he spoke the next words. “I am ordering a permeant post of One hundred doctors to be stations at Lethia pass as a precaution.” A eerie silence followed by a rather surprising response. After years of hiding the Doctors wanted to gradually emerge from their sanctuary. Dymas was the first to respond.

“Very well, if we are to protect ourselves we need to stand tall. I will send out the necessary forces.”

Vidara seemed be unconcerned about this and just wanted the rather tiresome meetings to finish. She responded with a simple nod. Hypno continued. “As the pass is small their numbers would take a long time to break through waves of creations. Upon the Doctors arriva,l remind them not to invade.” Taking in a deep breath he prepared for an onslaught. “The Arterials currently control the farming output the Arid reaches need to survive. I am going to leave the Zephyr Oasis and lead an assault on Perkalia with Five hundred Doctors.” It was more or less now that the other councillors responded. However Hypno continued.

“Following the river up from the bridge our flanks will be secure…”

Dymas Interrupted. “This is madness! We know naught of their plans!

“…The southern orchards will be abandoned or seized leaving us to siege the city….”

Vidara was starting to take interest in the unusual preceding.

“… The Arterials have no current significant threat to us, losses will be minimal. We can…

By now the councillors were interrupting together and picking a voice became hard.

“Aterials need to be reasoned with”

“Whatever, I am not leaving the Spire.”

‘It is likely the Arteirals will surrender. We share some common views”

The discussion continued for a few more minutes until the red faced council decided upon a vote.

The high councillor voted Yes. Dyams no. Vidara wanting to aggravate Dymas more than think of the good of the Doctors voted Yes. It was settled, the Doctors were to invade the Storm plains.

 

Dymas at a loss of what to say specifically responded. “I am not happy with this meeting but will support your actions. Anything else, Vaughn? The high councillor was Happy and outright enraged. He had permission to invade the Storm plains but he was called by his name. No one had called him Vaughn in years after the Council election. As a sign of respect most people called him Counciller, Sir or Hypno. He regain his composure by bragging about success.

“Actually yes. Mayor Yulia has agreed to help our cause. Apparently being honest has gained her trust. The Oasis will be under our complete control for now. Also the Drakons have been found, they are residing in the Bandit stronghold south of Lethia pass. We are keeping tabs on them. Their grand research is Intelligent Plants. The old shaper lab was of no importance.” Thus the council was over after a brief recap of their plans.

 

At midnight that night, the Doctors left behind twenty of their order to protect the Zephyr Oasis, One hundred at Lethia pass, and the High councillor gave his Farwell to the Dera reaches as he crossed the Dera bridge entering the southern Storm Plains with an army of five hundred. In the Dera vault Dymas was letting out his rage. Only one thousand Doctors remained in their hidden sanctuary. Dymas had taken the responsibility of maintain the Vault as hopes of being able to command most of the populace. Instead his future seemed to be looking after an ever-shrinking amount of eager explorers.

[Artemis~]

Flabbergasted and alert, Artemis ran through the Stormhold,accross the feilds, and into the Perkalian library. She couldn't beleive it. If Shahn's sources were correct, then the Arterials were in deep doodoo. [Which she happened to step in on her way here, but that was beside the point.]

 

"Those nogood, dirty, rotten, mother-"

 

Artemis stopped to catch her breath, and stumbled back a bit. Conciquently, she tumbled into a bookshelf, supporting herself with a nearby shelved book. When she maintained her balance, she attempted to regain her composure, but only managed to slip on the unmentionables stuck to her shoe. Artemis fell to the ground, the book still in hand.

 

warily, Artemis cursed her luck and set the book on her lap. She looked down to see what book she beheld. It read:

 

DOCUMENTS OF THE REBELLION

 

How peculiar: an old shaper book. Intrigued, Artemis sat down on a nearby stool and opened the book... And gasped. Inside was a map, and pinpoints of what she supposed to be an underground tunnel. But there was something else...

 

"...Are the seized canisters from the collection of rebel employs. Handle with care."

 

Oooh. Jakcpot.

 

Artemis raced once more accross the fields of Perkalia, and ran right into Shauhn, landing on top of him. But Artemis was too excited to be embarassed. "Book! The...the it! Rebellion! Tunnel!" Shaun gently her from off of his chest.

 

"Calm. Down." He inquired slowly.

 

She tried. Artemis recalled her visit to the library with the best grammar she could in her frenzied state. Shauhn flipped through the book.

 

"This is the map of a small corridor and room under the stormhold. It's stocked full with canisters, charms, and other valubles confinscated from rebel captives during the shaper-rebel Terrestian War." He paused for emphasis.

 

"You'd better go send some poeple to check this out."

 

Artemis laughed. "Ha. You make me laugh. Why do you think I have you around? Now go supervise a search party down there...and stop being such a punk, would you?"

Shauhn smiled.

"Good old Artemis. You never change."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"I should go now."

"Yes. You should."

 

...

 

About a half hour later, soldiers were emerging from the Stormhold tunnels with armfuls of canisters, weapons, and other valubles. Artemis couldn't help but point and laugh at Shauhn, who was openly releived to be aboveground.

 

Bolts of magic were flying everywhere, as soldiers tested their newborn magical abilitles, supplied by canisters.

 

Artemis screamed.

 

A shade had materialized beside her, casting it's ghostly image unto her form. Without warning, it drifted off and dissappeared. Laughing.

 

Wait...laughing?

 

Shauhn was helplessly rolling in the grass, laughing as if someone'd told the best joke in the world. Artemis started laughing too. "Why are you laughing?" Shauhn inquired through is fit of giggles. "YOU'RE the on who just made a fool out of yourself!" Artemis didn't stop. "YOU'RE the one who's rolling a heap of ornk dung!" Shauhn's face turned ghastly.

 

...

 

A very intimidating army indeed. Every commoner in the Storm Plains was a commoner nomore. They were Warriors. Fighters. The Arterials now had a strong foundation: one of magic, swords, and rage. Should the "Doctors" choose to attack their homeland, they had soemthing else coming to them.For Artemis now had a battle plan. Artemis the loner. Artemis the rebel. Artemis the Warlord.

[Acky]

A small medic servile approached the wounded Kepma, muttering healing incantations.

 

If one were too stick a log next to Kepma, it would ignite in flames. "What in Salassars name was that thing!?" he thought. "How can a single creation take out 4 groups of creations in one shot!? Not even Unbound could do that!" Kepma finished his thought with a swore. He was not looking forward to reporting this to Jarkhiss himself.

 

Kepma shoved the servile to the side and moved past him. All around, he could see his army stopped dead in its tracks. The attack had effectively wasted an entire day of movement. They could have been to Gorash-Uss by now, had it not been for that monster.

 

A young Drakon approached Kepma in his rage. A large bruise swelled right above his rib cage. A War Trall's rock probably ricochet off that creature and firmly smacked him right in the chest. At least it didn't leave any permanent wounds. The Drakon bowed and introduced herself, "Ssss. I am Ywarississ, my Warmasster. I was tasked with counting the dead," Kepma signaled him to continue.

 

"5 Drakons were lossst in the attack. About 14 Draykss, as well as several dozen Sserviless. At least 50 Wingboltsss were lossst engaging the creature in the air. Asss of yet, we have not confirmed how many other creationsss were killed, but we must estimate a bit above a hundred," Ywarississ finished.

 

Kepma waved the Drakon off before her struck him out of frustration.

 

Two other much larger Ur-Drakons approached Kepma after they saw the messenger leave. They were Warmaster Waylass and Magakirss, Kepma's brigadier commanders. They both bowed and tried to look as respectful as possible. Waylass spoke first, "My Warmaster, we sseek instruction. This attack has effectively put us on hold. The day is almost over. If we do not make camp and recover, and continue to move, we will be susceptible for night attack. We should stop and wait for day break," finished Waylass.

 

Kepma looked unconvinced, "I am sceptical of that. If they had ground forces nearby, they would have followed up on the attack. They did not, which leads me to believe that they only had that thing available,"

 

Warmaster Magakirss broke in, "Which iss exactly why we should wait and recover," she said. "If that thing comess back, it iss better to be in a defensive formation rather then broken up, marching," Waylass pressed the advantage, "Besidess, our scout Wingbolts have returned. We saw the Shaper sign on the backs of humans. These "Shapers" have retaken Gorash-Uss. Tommorrow, we should take refugee in the ruins of Mera and Haria-Kel, where we can protect ourselvess and formulate a plan," Kepma stepped back from the other Drakons, and took a long look at the horizon. He simply could not compete with logic.

 

"Very well. Assemble the army and have them pitch tents and rest. Have Cryodrayks stationed at each camp site. And have our Blazess reshape the creations that were lost. Make sure they are under complete control. I don't want our own creations attack usss in the night,"

 

 

..........

 

 

Markwakith was surrounded by his lesser Warmasters. A large desk was in front of them. It was a map of Burwood and the skinny isthmus that connected it to the Okavano. They had been arguing for several hours on how to approach the gate to the east.

 

"Ssss. We can not let them build it up any longer. We need to act fasst," This was met with a general roar of improvement by the Drakons present. Another said "Yess! Which is why we should launch a full assault right now, before they complete their defenses. We must take them down before they stand up," Before the Drakons could growl their approval or disapproval of this idea, another Drakon rose up with his own suggestion, "No, no. We must conserve our forcess. Let usss take ships and circle around them, and then smack them from both sidesss," A few of the Drakons agreed with this plan. A few did not.

 

Markwakith was silent during this fierce debate. He consulted the two options in his head. A frontal assault is not a horrible idea; they aren't prepared just yet for a fight. On the flip side, that could cost valuable Drakon lives; lives that cannot be replaced. Markwakith was well aware that the battle was heating up in the west. Jarkhiss would not give troops to a dull front if that were the case. So a naval attack perhaps. Overwhelm them from both sides before the could mount a defense. On the other hand, they could see them approaching from the sea, and solidify their positions. That could be even more deadly.

 

As the Drakon Warmasters continued to debate, Markwakith finally had enough. She rose from his chair at a frightening speed. All of the Drakons immediately turned to listen to her. She began, "Enough, my Drakons. We can not afford to argue anymore. It is nearly night, and the sun is almost out. Our Blazes will shape as many Exploding Kyshakks as they can control. In the night, we will bombard them with the Kyshakks. Once they are in disarray, we will run in and seize control before they realize what is happening. We must be lightning quick; they cannot be allowed to fight back. Dismissed."

 

 

..........

 

 

"....Once you reach Mera, use the city as a base for your operations. Secure it, and turn part of the city into a fortress. I will give you more detailed orders once you arrive. And worry not; we will avenge the massacre of our people. Those animals can not slaughter our women and children without paying for it." Jarkhiss waved his claw, sending the messenger shade through to Kepma.

 

Jarkhiss reclined into his throne. That was not how he intended to start this war.

 

Jarkhiss was old. Very old. Old enough that some mistake him for being around during the Terrestian Rebellion (which was not true). But we was nearing one hundred. Jarkhiss had seen the Drakons fall from control at the beginning. His warnings, however, were never taken seriously. He was thought to be an old fool, crazy and unstable. He was old. And maybe he was crazy. He believed it. But no matter what, he knew that the Humans would never give his people peace; they will never stop hunting them. They must take their freedom before it is ripped from him forever.

 

Jarkhiss summoned another messanger Shade, this one addressed to Naga of Kaz. He began, "Naga. As you may already know, the Shapers have sacked Penta and murdered our Drakon people in cold blood. Before we can retake the Mera-Tev, we must ensure that we are not flanked from behind. Do you remember the ancient tunnel I told you to avoid? I command you to colapse it with Tralls; ensure nothing can ever come through it. Place guards near wreckage to counter attempts to break through. Mine it as well. That is all."

 

 

..........

 

 

The evening had settled down into a deep night. The guards of the worksite were trying to remain focused, but they weren't well dicaplined. Most of them leaned on posts, some even sitting on the ground. The creations snarled and moved erraticly; they weren't well controlled.

 

And as the calm had set in, it was ripped away. The swamp hills revieled dozens and dozens of Exploding Kyshakks, all of which charging directly towards the defenders. Suddenly, the defenders ripped into action. Flustered Drakons tried to rally a defense amoung the creations. Drakons ran in all directions, attempting to make a line to prepare for their opponaunts. A few Drakons actually managed to form a straight line near the gate. But it was too late.

 

The Kyshakks splattered over the confused creations. Many of them bit into the thick skin of their enemies. Rotghroths smacked their fists against the creations, trying to get them off. This, however, only ignited the explosive organs inside the Kyshakks. Massive explosions began pulsing throughout the camp. Body parts of creations began flying around, blood filling the air.

 

A pair of Exploding Kyshakks bipassed the defenders, making a break for the gate. The Drakons guarding the area were to busy fighting off the incoming Kyshakks to kill them. There was nothing to be done when the Kyshakks ran right into the wooden part of the gate, blasting it into the night.

 

Markwakith stood there on top of a hill, looking down on the battle. Behind him, nearly a hundred well-trained Drakons and creations stood ready to charge. At last, Markwakith gave the signal, "SOLDIERS! CHARGE!"

 

 

..........

 

 

The sun now just rising, Kepma ordered his army to march into the ruins of Haria-Kel. Nothing was going to stop his revenge. Nothing.

[Spddin Ignis]

 

"For the most part, but they each have their own individual weaknesses,though their resistance to mental effects is uniform."

 

"What are the different variants?" Asked Spddin

 

"Fire elemental, lighting elemental, ice elemental, and magic elemental. Fire and ligtning are both vulnerable to ice attacks, ice is vulnerable to fire, and magic is only vulnerable to physical attacks."

 

"Are they ready for battle yet."

 

"Yes they are. We have already tested them against the unbound and they have been successful."

 

"Send them to help with the attack of the citadel."

 

"Yes my lord."

 

"The battle is about to begin."

 

Shaper Spddin walked out of the room and to his thrown, where Pheonix the serville was patiently waiting.

"Master?"

 

"Yes Pheonix"

 

"Agent Rayne is here to see you."

 

"Let her enter."

 

Agent Rayne rushed into the room.

"Shaper, I have information that our spies of gathered."

"Very well,I am listening." Responded Spddin

 

"To the north, the Drakons of the Okavano fen are moving an army into Burwood. I feel as though this is good for us, because it signals that after the fall of their council, the Drakon are in disarray."

 

"Continue."

 

"Well, there seems to be another group of Shapers to the north."

 

"Do they share our ideals?"

 

"Not in the least." responed Rayne."They are essentially the opposite of Trajkovites, and beleive that everyone should be able to practice shaping, which would throw the world into madness. They have taken over the main fortress of the Mera-Tev, and seem to have a very very powerful creation in their hands."

 

"They are to be worried about...who else?"

 

"The Farmers to the west have apparently found a stash of augmetation canisters...making them more of a threat then initialy thought. And as you know there is a new faction to the east. The doctors they call themselves They are sending 100 men to the borders. Should we act?"

 

"Not yet. We will, but currently taking the citadel is priority. Thankyou for the information."

 

"I will have more for you soon, our spies from the far east have yet to return"

 

 

...

 

Guardian Dak, who had past through the Shaper research facility about a day and a half ago, sent a Flame Arbor to scout the citadel. As it was flying he established a mental link with it, seeing what it saw, hearing what it heard, he was deciding on the best way to attack.

 

The wards around the citadel were filled with Drakons and their creations. Dak's force consisted of the flying Arbors and Spike Tralls, along with a few wingbolts, Wartralls, Rothgroths, and Kyshaaks. When he had stopped at the research facility he decided that Spike Roamers would do him no good because he had to be close to the citadel to attack it, and the Roamers would take out more of his forces than the drakons ever could.

 

After Dak had scouted the Citatadel, he was ready to set his plan in motion. First, he sent out all of the Arbors, the ones that could fly and the few that couldn't. At first sight, it looked as though a cloud of fire and ice was enveloping the citadel and the creations swooped downward using their specialty attacks. The Drakons were caught off guard and many of their creations were lost.

 

Once they regained their senses, they started firing into the air, incinerating the ice Arbors, leaving the Flaming Arbors to deal with the unbound. Those tempered beast shot raw energy into the skies, sending the winged creatures to the ground like meteors from the heavens.

 

A few seconds after, waves of Kyskaaks, Wingbolts, War Tralls, and Rothgroths rushed into the gaits,spreading throughout the fortress taking what life they could out of the enemy. It was a feirce battle and creations were being killed on both sides. The Drakons that were defending the Citadel fought this wave of creations because they knew it was the last, it had to be...but it wasn't.

 

Like blurs, the Spine Tralls rushed into the gaits, destroying every visible enemy. The Drakons outside the citadel had fallen. All that was left was to destroy the ones inside. The Spine Tralls, painted with the Drakons blood, looked at their masters for aproval. When they got the sighn they were looking for, they rushed into the Citadel to destroy the Ur-Drakons within. The only sounds that could be heard from the citadel, were the blood curling shreaks of the Spine Tralls, as they fell to the power of the Ur-Drakons within.

 

"Charge!!!!!" Yelled Dak, as he and his army of outsiders and Shapers rushed into the citadel, the elements behind them. The elementals were roamer like creatures, but instead of essence, they were made from raw energy, making them Shades essentialy. The outsider forces fell first, unable to handle the high magical energies of the Drakons power.

 

The Shapers fought valiently, Agents using their magics, Guardians, their swords, and the Shapers, molding their essence into life. The lightning elemental was hit by a huge blast of energy. When it was struck, it simply looked at the attacker and ran towards it. It jumped, going through the Drakon, sending huge pulses of elecricity through its massive body, coming out the other side, back in its roamer like form.

 

The Drakons fell to the ground one by one. The elementals, finished with their task faded. And the Shapers sheathed their blades and used magic to incinerate the lifeless corpeses of the citadels fallen defenders. Dak Shaped an Arbor to deliver the news to Spddin, they had won back the citadel. The Shapers were on the track to becoming what they once were, and Dak smiled, because as Spddin had told him 3 days ago, from this point, every battle counts...

[Artemis~]

Artemis was getting a little tired of seeing Shauhn. Whenever she did, good news was never present. This visit wasn’t any different.

 

“ARRRRRTIE!” Shauhn opened the door to the library, where Artemis sat reviewing battle plans. She would need them sooner or later. She sighed.

 

“Who died?”

“Nobody.”

“What went wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Who’s about to die?”

“Would you let me talk?”

“Alrighty.”

“This relationship really needs some work.”

“That tunic really needs a wash.”

 

Shauhn cleared his throat. “Well,” He began, ignoring Artemis’ comment. “I actually have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?”

 

“Bad.”

 

“The bad news: the “Doctors” don’t want to fight, but they will if necessary. The thing is, they want us to join their psychotic regime. Which I can only guess what you have to say to that.”

 

Artemis smirked. “Tell them they can take their offer and shove it. We work solo, with only alliances and enemies. Good news?”

 

“I’ve heard that there are many factions who are interested in trading with us, and even a couple of potential allies. You are definitely expecting some representatives in the near future. So what do you plan to do about the Doctors?”

 

Artemis frowned. “What’re my options?”

 

Shauhn pondered. “You’ve not got many. We could surrender to them, but then we’d practically be out of the picture. It’s like giving up. We could fight them, but if you choose this you should probably converse with your allies first.”

 

“Possible allies?”

 

“The Drypeak Serviles are sealing the deal. The New Takers are interested, but so is the New Shaper order. The only problem with that is that the latter of the three are mortal enemies. The NSO and the NT don’t like each other, so you’re going to have to pick one or the other. They are equally strong, but you’re going to have to decide which one is not to be reckoned with. That will definitely pose a problem. Thoughts?”

 

Artemis gazed at the ceiling for a minute, trying to decide what to do.

 

“I admire the views of the New Takers, but they aren’t very kind. The NSO at least are trying to change, but shapers are shapers, no matter how hard you try to change that. Powerhungry and cruel.” Artemis shrugged.

 

“I’ll wait until the other factions decide their actions before I make any arrangements.”

[Goldengirl]

Illya

 

Lord Kov broke General Whittaker's jaw.

 

"These serviles think the Presence is some sort of god, and are worshipping me now! These cultists are our allies! It reached out to them, and touched something in their primitive minds!" Kov yelled at Whittaker. A great buzz of anger and fury started to manifest itself as words in Kov's mind. The Presence was growing in power, as it conquered the receptive minds of the cultists, and their spooked pets. And with every mind it took, it's "voice" become louder, and more clear, in Kov's head.

 

Puffing himself up, he extended the Presence out over the creations, as head had done at the beginning of the confrontation. This time, instead of terrifying the kyshaaks and tralls, and causing the cultists to think they had been touched by God, it stayed firmly in them, sinking it's misty tendrils into the depths of their brains, and taking over.

 

Suddenly, a shade appeared before Kov, in the form of a translucent Shaper. "I am the messenger of Dantius, of the Eyes of Terrestia..." it murmured, "We have positioned ourselves upon the Fens of Aziraph... and wish to discuss the possibility of an alliance with the Sholai... Your response?"

 

"Tell your master that I will come to Grosch, personally, to discuss the possibility." Kov said, and watched as the shade vanished back from whence it came. Very strange.

 

Another messenger appeared, telling of imminent destruction. It left back to where it was from, only to be replaced momentarily by yet another messenger, asking for spare Geneforge parts. Kov told them that there were no spare parts to give, and that was that.

 

With the messengers gone, Kov and the Sholia marched on, augmented by the cultists and their pets, towards Dillame, and the imposing fortress of Rivergate Keep off in the distance. Three hours later, they were there, facing the cultist garrison of Dillame that had assembled itself along the walls. Anticipating a dangerous battle, the servile civilians of the city had been hustled north to Rocky Point to wait out the inevitable victory.

 

The defenders on the city walls, however, didn't get the chance to fight. Involuntarily, Kov's arms rose and fired out rays of mist onto the cultists, who spasmed, before the mist consumed them and they stood erect. The gates of Dillame were opened to them. Good, hissed the Presence in his mind, to Kov's surprise.

 

However, Kov didn't have time to react, as a dozen Unbound suddenly came into view, charging straight for his forces. Rushing, the cultists started flinging spells at the mad beasts. Meanwhile, the Sholai drew their blades, and started shooting their batons at the rabid creations. The kyshaaks and tralls that the Presence had comandeered ran ahead of everyone else, and some were now fighting the Unbound up close. Kov, meanwhile, was Shaping pyroroamers en masse to weaken the Unbound as much as possible.

 

Eventually, the Unbound were defeated, although the kyshaaks were now all dead on the streets with them, and only half of the tralls remained. And it was at this point that the lords of Illya, the five Drakons who directly ruled the province, fled north. They might have been arrogant, but they knew they couldn't defeat an army single-handed.

 

Kov had only started to survey his new domain, when he saw a band of armed serviles coming in from the west. They were clearly not the cultists who ruled the land.

 

The Okavano Fen

 

Meanwhile, the fleet of the Sholai lay down anchor off of the Okavano coast. A smaller rowboat, with an envoy, was sent out, to the actual shore. By the time he got there, a host of creations loomed ominously, prepared to assault at any time. As the boat came to a stop in the murky waters, the diplomat rose slowly, with his arms out, hoping silently against hope that the rulers of this land were friendly...

[Hypnotic]

Inside the Dera reaches at Kayar spire, a rather bored councillor sat upon her bed in her rather small bedchambers. Vidara had been working tirelessly to get some sort of defensive perimeter at the spire but it seemed impossible. Pylons had been placed and so had some reaper turrets. The defences would hold for now but so long as the prison entrance remained uncollapsed they were in trouble. Every sort of magic she had tried to bring down the ceiling resulted in a rather painful backlash of magic directed towards herself. Thus thinking about the days tasks, she just wish she were somewhere else. Shaper magic was just so stubborn in her opinion. She also had to figure out where to get geneforge parts. Attacking the Sholai was out of the question and taking a Drakon geneforge wouldn’t work. What a dilemma.

 

Dymas on the other hand was overseeing the Pod production. New resources had arrived from their Mera safehouse. The Doctors in the Azirpah Fens, whom had been posing as rebel lifecrafters, had sadly been recently destroyed by a large amount of Gazers. This meant less Fen goo had been acquired and their secret base hidden beneath the Swamp now lay dormant and in the path of detection. Dyams had been able to create a few more Pods. These ones were to be sent to guard the Lethia pass. After receiving some colourful messages in various forms about the pass defenders, reducing the guard seemed best. Fifty doctors was still an adequate number to defend the pass since its Narrowness meant that only a certain amount of creations could fight no matter how many were sent at them. Still Dymas was concerned and thus sent the Pods to the Lethia camp just in case.

 

. . . . . . . .

 

Hypno was gazing out across the Perkalia orchards. From his vantage point atop a hill, he was able to see a remarkable sight. The Grand orchard extending for miles until reaching the gates of the Gargantuon city Perkaila, with the Great River flanking it on the east and Giant mountains to the west. He began to march back down the hill to his ever loyal War Minister.

 

“I have seen the city that we must conquer. We have had little resistance to this point apart from those rouges that seemed drawn to flesh. There are farmers in the fields but they will likely retreat to the outer wall when the assault begins.” Farmers that could drive out Drakons would certainly not surrender but they also wouldn’t be stupid enough to face trained Doctors in an open field. He felt sad. Restoring power to the people seemed hard without having their support. He really didn’t want to fight these people but Artemis had left him no choice. “I have noticed something else. Taking Perkaila will be harder than anticipated; they seem to have obtained some training since our report was made. Still we should be able to pull off our original plan albeit it will take longer. I think the pods will get a good chance to prove themselves. The outer wall should be the hardest to take. The central city and its Inner wall should prove to be easy. Those Drakon sure liked to keep themselves private.” The deep voiced general and Hypno spent the day planning for assault.

 

At sunset the Doctors marched the final few miles towards Perkalia. It wasn’t longer before the Alarm was raised. Hypno smiled “I fine day for a test.” The last few workers in the orchard we now running towards the city as fast as they could. Two hundred meters before the city the orchard ended. The Doctors lined up in three rows. The next few minutes were spent making creations although with the sun setting the creations where made in darkness. The Doctors simultaneously cast a spell. Using their collective energy, the Orchard lit up along with the wall in front them. To those watching from the walls in quite anticipation it seemed as though the army before them had increased tenfold as creations were now appearing from Doctors everywhere. One lone Doctor stood directly in front of the Puresteel gates. On the ground before him lay a purple pod. Slightly larger than other pods but still a pod. Quickly he created an unstable friebolt and attached the pod to its tail. With a single command the will creature rose from the ground flew towards the impenetrable gates of Perkalia. Some inaccurate and some accurate bolts of magic were sent at the creature. Weather it lived or died did not matter to the Doctors below. Only the reaction. As its body gave into death, a blast of lightning fire erupted from its tail shattering the pod and propelling its contents onto the wall.

 

What happened next is not exactly sure but what is known is that when the pod made contact with air it exploded in a matrix of fire. The blast temporarily defended all those watching while at the same time a torrent of fire was racing up the walls and towards the Doctors. The Doctors were prepared and cast a shield forcing the flames back onto itself. This amplified the flames until the shot over the ancient wall and into the sky. When the flames retracted, acid was seen crawling over the walls melting all it came in contact with until it dissipated. The walls were damaged but intact. However the Puresteel gates had dissolved into a puddle with remnants dripping of the wall. The path was open into the heart of Perkalia.

 

“Creations charge!” Hypnos amplified voice carried across the distance to all the waiting War Tralls, Kyshakks, Wingbolts and Rotgroths. Bumping into one another they waddled towards the open gates. “Time to show them some new magic! Fire fountain now!” With this new command the rows of Doctors turned their left side to face the wall. Pulled their hands back as if ready to punch. Subsequently they did punch but the resounding boom carried various sized bolts of fire up and over the wall where, directly above the city they exploded into millions of sparks of molten fire. “Ice Fountain now!” The same effect was repeated this time tiny specks of frozen glass shards were raining upon the city. This time the War minister stood forward. He took over shouting commands and randomly Fire and Ice was flung over the wall.

 

Hypno and the fifty Doctors nearest the gate ran fourth and began to replacing fallen creations fighting at the gate. Most of the creations were in a deadlock at the gate. The Arterials seemed to be creating a steady line of improperly made creations. Some had odd sized scales, missing eyes, Half ears, extra toes etc. Cleary the signs of those new to shaping. This did not matter, they didn’t need to live long nor be perfect. All they had to do was hold the Doctors at the gates where numbers meant nothing. They were succeeding. Hypno was confident the barrage of magic could hold for a few hours before rest was needed and so could the gate creations. It would seem a stalemate had happened. Hypno was confident they would win, he had two more pods of Acidfire to use if necessary. The next move was up to the Artemis and the Arterials.

[Artemis~]

Creations of excellent make and quality pounded the walls of perkalia, forcing their way in with a stady waterfall of fire and every other element in the book.

 

It was time to unleash her plan.

 

Only Artemis knew what happened.

 

About half of the Arterial army fell back. No, they didn't fall back, they walked back.

 

Distracted in the heat of battle, only the front lines were to be seen by the enemy. To them, nothing happened. Nothing at all.

 

But to the world, 400 Arterials vanished into thin air.

 

The steady stream of high-ranking creations came coming at Perkalia. When one perished, another came to replace it. Some creations were never seen by the eyes of any other man, and some were freakishly powerful. But they couldn't keep coming forever. Eventually, essense would depleat. Energy would drain. And Artemis knew this.

 

The Arterials attacked.

 

One hundred Arterials with swords rushed into battle, slashing their way through the enemy lines. In the initial shock of it cut down more of the enemy's creations then could be replenished quick enough.

 

One hundred creations rammed right into the enemy forces, mindlessly knawing down the Doctor's forces.

 

About 5 minutes later Artemis saw fit to release one hundred mages that were hidden in the forests around Perkalia. At once, the mages released lightning Aruora unto the Doctors, greatly wounding the last half of their army greatly.

 

But Artemis wasn't watching the battle. She was somewhere else.

 

Random magical bolts of energy were hurled at the enemy army. By this time, the brute force of the Arterial's onslought had halved the number of creations on the enemy lines, for they couldn't be replaced quickly enough.

 

Nonetheless, the Arterial army was quickly depleating. The mages had been sought. The creations disposed of. The warriors weary.

 

 

[Spddin Ignis]

An hour after he had heard the news of the citadel battle being won, Shaper Spddin and his 4 Guardian escorts were saddling up a group of black Arbors. These Arbors were specially colored for night assaults, but worked equally well as air transport vessels. The large cat like creatures sprinted, gaining speed. When they were fast enough they started flapping their enormous wings. The Shapers were in the air.

 

As they were flying Spddin looked towards the east to see the city of Perkalia in flames. It looked as though the Arterials were no more. Taken over by the Doctors. The last few visible Arterial Soldiers were falling quickly. Than Spddin relized something. Only about half of her army was there, well, atleast it seemed that way. But he wasnt worried about his cities, because there was no way that the 400 missing Arterial soldiers could attack the Shapers, who had numbers in the Thousands.

 

As he looked north from his position, which would be looking towards the Nodeye coast, he could see that Kohler and the army had advance quite far. What he could not see was the fact that there were several dozen Spike Roamers way ahead of the rest of the army, heading for the main city.

 

The Arbors Started to descend, he could see his new palace, the Shaper Citadel, where his ancestors have ruled from for centuries. As he and his escorts landed in the narrow pass leading to the citadel, they noticed reaper turrets, one row on each side of them. He was glad to see that his soldiers had made the neccesary preparations, should someone attack. They got off of the Arbors and walked in front of them, towards the citadel. Once they were at the front door, they gave the Arbors the job of watching the lands of terrestia, fore they not only had good night vision, but they could fly. This would let the Shapers know if any enemies were coming, far in advanced.

 

There were 2 guardians standing on either side of the door. When Spddin looked at the one to the left, he relized who it was. Dak. General Dak.

 

"We have cleared out the citadel."he said. "We have searched everyinch of it, including the underground research facilites, and it is clear."

 

"A mighty fine job you have done Dak. I am proud to call you a Shaper. I know that you have just fought a very tough battle, but i must send you off once more. We must gain as much ground as possible."

 

...

 

" I will give you a choice on where to go. You can either march your troops to the Nodeye coast and assist general Kohler or you can march through the storm plains while it is chaos and the through the Wastes into eastern Terrestia. If you choose the second option you must leaven within the hour while the Plains are still in chaos."

 

"What if the Arterials refuse to let us through their land?" asked Dak

 

"These are dark hours for them. They occupied holding thier enemies at bay and i doubt they have time to stop you, considering your just quickly walking through."

 

"And what if when we get to Drypeak, they refuse to let us through?"

 

"If those serviles dare challenge the shapers, they are not smart enough to live. In that case, incinerate them..."

 

"I will take the second option my lord."

 

"That will be best for our kind. Since you and your army have already recharged and shaped new creations, you might want to leave now."

 

Dak took his troops through pass and into the Stormplains. They could see the flames that were surrounding perkalia. They marched by as quickly as possible avoiding the eyes of the fighting troops. By day break they were far past the city and almost into the wastes where drypeak resided.

 

...

 

All through the night, Shapper Spddin and his Soldiers were Shaping defenders for the fortress and exploring. A little after dawn, Pheonix arrived on Spike's back. Spddin took his new throne and contemplated how he was going to win this war. His old fortress was being turned into an army base, as well as a research facility for new creations. Most of the Shapers that trained in the Citadel stayed there. The more important Shapers such as Rayne and his genrals came with him to the new head quarters of the New Shaper Order...they were on the fast track to winning the war.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Back in Drypeak City, an older servile sitting at a desk was approached by a younger one. "Councilor Tamman, we've received envoys from a foreign army. They seek passage through our lands."

 

"Why are you telling me this? I'm just the Councilor of Infrastructure."

 

"I know, sir. You're in charge of roads, right? They want to use our roads, so I figured, you know..."

 

"No. That's not how it works. At least I don't think that's how it works. Try asking Councilor Fand, he'll know what to do."

 

"Learned Fand is no longer the Councilor of Justice. And we haven't picked anyone to replace him yet. And he's away in the Storm Plains currently."

 

"What? Why doesn't anyone ever tell me these things? Uh, what about Councilor Vess? Did you try asking her?"

 

"Vess is also away. Though I don't think this would be under her jurisdiction even if she were here. Hmm, should we form a committee?"

 

"Maybe. Wait, no, this matter actually seems pretty important."

 

"Should we go to Warmaster Sahz?"

 

Councilor Tamman shivered at the thought, "Sweet creation no. Uhg, I don't know. Just let them through. If they cause any trouble, the provincial prefects can deal with it."

 

"Very good, sir. I'll relay your message immediately."

[Dantius]

Dantius sat in his throne, pondering the message he had just received. The door opened, and his three lieutenenants floated in. Making up his mind, he stood up and addressed them:

 

"Prepare to move. We are moving our base of operations to the Drakon research halls in the Fens. I want to be closer to the action. I want the support staff, a legion of two hundred Gazers, ten Eyebeasts, and Revak to stay behind to guard the fortress. It is our most precious asset. Kill anything that comes withing twenty miles of the shore."

 

"Kallinnin, I'm giving you command of the northeastern expiditionary force. You are to take control of the Grayghost mountains, with another legion of troops. Head across the sea, and land at the Northforge docks. That should give you the advantage of surprise."

 

"Nihsun is to take another legion and a half, and drive out the New Takers from Burwood. He will establish a powerful defense at the Okananvo Barrier, and I mean powerful, and then send half of his army back to me. I will use it to personally take control of Quessa-Uss and kill the last remaining Drakon lords."

 

"In the meantime, I will be conducting diplomacy from the Pit, seeking if we can gain any allies in the coming war. Is all this satisfactory?"

 

"Yes. When will we relocate?" queried Kallinnin.

 

"Three hours. My ship will be prepared by then. In the meantime, I'm going to go finish a little something up. Dismissed!"

 

...

 

Two hours later, the fortress was abuzz with the movement and excitement of the Gazers.

 

Dantius stood in the hall of Rhakath-Eye. The great beast floated out.

 

"Yes, Dantius? What is it you need?

 

"Supplies. Weapons and armor. I already have a belt and cloak and shield, but I would like a little more protection."

 

"Well. We have forged several sword for this specific purpose. Come have a look."

 

Dantius eneted the storge chamber. With typical Gazer efficiency, everything he wanted had already been laid out. Armor was easy- he seleced a long black tunic that splayed out in the bottom. It was remarkably simple, but Rhakath assured him that it was actually make up of long hollow tubs, thousands of which were woven into a single thread, and the tight weave meant that there were tens of thousands of threads, making this armor a powerful defense against physical blows.

 

Swords, though were difficult. While Dantius technically had a sword of his own, the Puresteel Soulblade, it was too large and unwieldy to practicly use by him. After all, he was over a hundred! First, he selected a short, curved sword, with a thin blade.

 

"I have enchanted this sword to give the user great speed in combat. It should serve you well, even if you never have to draw it."

 

Dantius gave the sword several swings

 

"No."

 

Then, he selected a long, thin rapier. Almost as soon as he picked it up, he set it down.

 

This ritual continued for another half hour, with Rhakath recommending a blade, and Dantius rejecting it for a trivial reason.

 

"It's almost time to leave, Dantius. Just pick one!"

 

Dantius pick up the penultimate sword. It was a puresteel blade, about two feet long, and with a blade less than an inch wide an a quarter inch thick. The handle was eight inches long, and made of a black material that had been artfully cut away in places to reveal the red surface underneath.

 

"This is a beautiful blade. How is it enchanted?"

 

"It will cause you to give greater damage in your spells and blows, and you will tire less quickly when casting demanding spells. It will also give you protection from blows from an enemies sword."

 

"I'll take it. Thank you, Rhakath." he said bowing and turning toward the door.

 

"One more thing" called Rhakath.

 

"What?"

 

"Be safe- it's a mad world out there. If we lose you, the Eyes will crumble into nothingness."

 

Dantius smiled "I know. That's what I worry about"

 

With that, he turned and abruptly left the room.

 

...

 

It was several hours later. Dantius stood in the prow of a small boat, surrounded by over five hundred Gazers floating along side him. He sailed toward Grosch, and to an uncertain future ahead.

[Nioca]

Talonfire gently came down, breaking into a gallop as its wings folded up. As it slowed to a trot in front of Gorash-Uss, Antares dismounted. After regaining his balance, he stared at the newly-taken fort with curiosity. Learned Cameron was hard at work here; new defenses were quickly being shaped to fend off any attack that came their way. Among them was a yellowish turret. It looked like the old-style turrets; rather than a seemingly shapeless mass with a top extremity to shoot thorns, the thing was upright and fairly solid-looking. More importantly, it was glowing.

 

"Like them?" Learned Cameron approached Antares. "They're a new breed that was being researched in the foundry. Brought the book on it with me. They're meant to defend high-security areas. Watch." She quickly shaped a War Trall and sent it toward the edge of their vision. She then signaled a yellow turret to fire on the Trall.

 

A yellow beam of light shot from the center of the turret, where the thorns were supposed to come out. It struck the Trall dead-center, causing it to collapse. Antares watched, fascinated, as the Trall writhed, covered by what looked to be lightning. "It fires essence lances?" He asked as the Trall's twitching ended with its life. "Impressive."

 

"Yes. The Essence Turrets are very effective. But in case of things like Wingbolts or Kyshaaks, we're also shaping Reaper and Submission Turrets as well." Learned Cameron stated.

 

"Excellent." Antares said. He motioned for Talonfire to stay, then ushered her inside the fortress. They arrived in what Learned Cameron had taken as her office. "How goes the preparations?"

 

"We've got the fort secure. Scouts sent to the Kaz end of the Shadow Road found it a no-go. Someone on the other end got word of our takeover and collapsed it. Nevertheless, it's guarded in case they try to open it back up. We also found a lab within the road. Seems that it's some sort of ancient Shaping station used by the rebels when the Drakons first took over. We're trying to get it operational now. And finally, we've got people securing the rest of the Western Mera-Tev. The town of Opala had overthrown its Drakon, so they were easy to convince to join us. We've got creations patrolling the roads. Several squads of Cryoglaahks, War Tralls, Wingbolts, Podlings, the works. Each group lead by a Shockwave Vlish. We are ready for whatever the Drakons try next."

 

Antares' eyes drifted to the pasty white Vlish hovering in the corner. Its center tentacle could release a wave of essence lightning on command, and its side tentacles could heal and shield the creations under its purview. "You gotta give the Drakons credit. They certainly knew how to make powerful creations." A smirk crossed his face. "Too bad they're getting used against them." Antares paused. "So you heard about the other Shapers?" Antares asked.

 

"Other Shapers?" Learned Cameron looked confused.

 

"There's another faction of Shapers. They're trying to restore the old Shaper Empire. And they're making a bid for power. They're invading Nodye Coast as we speak, have taken over the Shaper Citadel to the Southwest, and are sending an army regiment through to Illya."

 

"An ally?" Learned Cameron ventured.

 

"Maybe. But I somehow doubt it. From what I can tell, they intend to restore all of the old controls. No self-shaping, hoarding of Shaper secrets, barring of sapient creations... so forth. All the rules we've broken without hesitation. I doubt we'll have trouble with them now. In the grand scheme of things, we're both on the same side. However, trusting them would be a crucial mistake." Antares looked around for somewhere to sit. "Of course, it may never be an issue."

 

"Why not?"

 

"Because these Shapers are fools." Antares mused. "They're overextending themselves, trying to take on all of Terrestria. It would be easy for any half-competent faction to march in and start taking the territory they've won away from them."

 

"So you want to attack?" Learned Cameron ventured again. She looked worried.

 

"No, of course not. Why repeat their mistakes?" Antares said bluntly. Cameron sighed in relief as Antares continued. "No, we worry about the Drakons for now. The people too the south are to busy squabbling to be a threat, though we will have to contend with them later. And..." Antares trailed off.

 

"And what?"

 

Antares sighed. "And we've got other fools to deal with. Sholai have taken over the Forsaken Lands. They're quickly utilizing the art of Shaping without a clue as to the consequences."

 

Learned Cameron looked baffled. "Surely they aren't a threat to us?"

 

"Their mere existence is a threat to everyone on Terrestria, even themselves. You've heard of the Presence?" Antares quizzed. Cameron shook her head. "Learned Qariusss told me about it. It's a creation, but not like any normal one. It takes the minds of other creations... possesses them. Drives them rogue. The only one known to history was released in our very Foundry, where it drove creations out of their minds, despite being under the direct control of one of the more powerful Shapers to grace this land." Antares paused. "If Qariusss hadn't described it to me, I wouldn't have recognized it. I did not fly directly here. Talonfire and I flew south, scouting southwestern Terrestria from on high. We followed the alternate Shaper army to Illya. And it was there I detected it, if only as a brief cloudiness within my mind. The Sholai created another Presence. And it's strong."

 

The two lapsed into silence. Finally, it was broken by Antares. "There's nothing we can do now but wait. There's no way for us to directly engage them. For now, we focus on securing our hold on the Mera-Tev." He paused. "Is there any way to make some sort of mobile version of those Essence Turrets?"

 

"I can have people work on it."

 

"Good. Keep the fortress ready for battle. The Drakons have moved into Mera and taken over the city. It's won't be long before they go after us. I'll stay here with Talonfire. I'm sure he'll appreciate the warmer climate, and you'll need all the help you can get. The Foundry is fully prepared for an attack should the Drakons attempt to make a move on them. Minallah's locked down like a citadel at this point." They both exited the office. "How goes your work with Yokarisss?"

 

They both looked out through a window. A young Drakon could be seen guiding some of the Enlightened's forces to weak points in the Fortresses defenses. "Cooperative." Cameron stated. "We've had no trouble. We gave him a talisman that allows him to be go past the various patrols and turrets unharmed. All the defenses are primed to automatically kill any Drakon, Ur-Drakon, or Unbound on sight."

 

"As well they should." Antares stated. "Any-"

 

Antares stopped. One of the Essence Turrets had stiffened and swiveled toward the southern end of the road. Both him and Cameron watched as several other turrets followed suit. A Drakon, followed by an army of armed serviles and creations, marched from the south. "REBELS!" The Drakon roared. "I AM-"

 

What the Drakon was, exactly, the Drakon never said. For at that moment, the turrets opened fire. A hellstorm of energy and thorns cut the Drakon down before it could say another word, leaving the army of creations and serviles looking lost and confused.

 

"Well." Learned Cameron put her Reaper Baton away. "I suppose we know that works."

 

"That looked like Tyonosss." A hiss reached them. Yokarisss had ambled over to the window. "He commandssss a workcamp to the ssssouth. A real idiot."

 

"Yeah, I figured out the idiot part myself." Cameron muttered. "Hey! Hey you!" She shouted to a Shaper. "Get control of those serviles and creations. The serviles seem to be the stupid kind, and we could use the labor!"

 

As the Shaper scurried off, Antares spoke up. "We need to keep our borders secure. Send two strike forces down south, one to each of the passes. Have them gain control of and secure the passes. Also, send a small detachment of Shapers to the Citadel pass and Nodye pass. Nothing in or out without the permission of myself or one of the Learned."

 

"Anything else?" Cameron asked.

 

"Send a message to the Shapers up in the old Shaper Citadel. Ask them what their intentions are toward us, and what plans they have for expansion."

 

"Got it. I'll shape the sha-"

 

"Paper, Learned Cameron. It's rude to drop a shade right into someone's headquarters without prior permission. We'll have one of our Outsiders deliver it."

 

Learned Cameron nodded. She wanted to argue, but knew it was useless. She headed off without another word.

 

Antares, meanwhile, looked to the southeast. A storm was coming, he was sure. Never should a Shaper fear a creation. But he still couldn't repress the involuntary shiver as he thought of what the Sholai were doing. Indeed... The Drakons would be the least of their troubles.

[Acky]

Jarkhiss paced the war room. Several serviles wrote out the orders of their Drakon commanders and prepared to deliver them to the noted recipeient. A large metal table, nearly 10 yards in length laid in the middle of the room. A huge map of Terrestia (which included the Ashen Isles to the northeast and the Patrona Reefs just to the northwest) sat on top of it, both acting as a strategic assets and a table cloth for meetings.

 

As Jarkhiss contemplated the recent actions of the other groups nearby, a relatively old Drakon entered the room. He bore a large scare on his right cheek that slid down all the way to his shoulder. Probably a wound from a large Clawbug.

 

He bowed to Jarkhiss and spoke, "Massster, I have important newsss to transfer to you. If your mightynesss hassss the time, of courssse." Jarkhiss waved his hand, "I always have time for important things. Tell me, fellow Drakon, what has happened to the west?"

 

Then the Drakon began. "Warmasster Kepma has partly refurnished the old city of Mera. Currently, hisss forcesss have re-inhabited the ruinsss of Haria-Kel and the part of Mera around it," The Drakon looked up to see if Jarkhiss had grown angry at Kepma's failure. He was, but he hid it completely. The Drakon continued, "The Shapersss to our wesst, up in the mountainsss, have sprouted their forcesss, like a venom, to the lands of the Mera-Tev. They have already taken Penta City and Opala. They have been sssslaughtering our people left and right. What is worssse isss that they control the ancient fortresss of Gorash-Uss. Our scoutsss did not report any damage to the structure. We are not sure how they managed to do that."

 

Jarkhiss, of course, was well aware of how they did it. He waved for him to continue. He proceeded, "Asss I wasss saying, they are infecting the Mera-Tev to the wessst and sssouth. They are moving forcesss to the passesss in and out of the Mera-Tev. Kratoa-Kel, Lermansss Passss, the Citadel Passs, and the Nodye Passss. They have not, however, attempted to move to the eastern part of the Mera-Tev, which we continue to hold completely." The Drakon finished.

 

Jarkhiss spoke, "I see. What have our scouts reported aside from the Shapers?"

 

The Drakon replied, "My Lord, there appearsss to be another Shaper group working in the former halls of the Shaper Citadel. They do not seem to be allied with the other Shapersss, however. From what we can tell from our aerial reconnaissance, they are far, far more like the Shapersss of old. The refuse to self-shape themselves. They've sprouted and taken control of most of the western coast, save the Nodye Coast. The city of Cali-Uss still stands, but that might end within the week; they are being very aggressive in their expansion. They are also dispatching a force to the eassst to deal with the Drakons of Illya, asss well asss some serviles from the Drypeak mountainsss and a group of Sholai that have landed at the Forsakened Landsss,"

 

"Also, my Lord, there is a massive battle at the city of Perkalia. A group of Shapers to the south, in the Dera Reaches, have risen up and slain the Drakons there. They are currently trying to gain more ground by moving northward. The local group of farmersss, lead by a human called Artemis, are striking back. That entire area is in chaos.

 

"But we have the most unnerving newsss; a group of Gazersss have appeared from nowhere and taken control of the Fensss of Aziraph. They've collapsed the pass to and fro to Burwood Province. We haven't been able to see what they are doing currently."

 

Jarkhiss nodded. He waved the messenger away without another word.

 

Before the messenger had left the room, another one, a small servile, ran in. He looked like he had been running non stop for several hours. Before she collapsed of exhaustion, she spoke, "Mas...Master.....a fleet of Sholai is anchored to the north of Okavano. They....they wish an audience."

 

For a split second, Jarkhiss was about to dismiss them. Then a slight stroke of genius hit him. He grinned, and answered the servile, "Of course. Let them in. Tell them I have a proposal.

 

 

..........

 

 

The Drakon army of the Mera-Tev had taken shelter from the storm in the city of Mera. The vast part of it was still in ruins. But the armies servile laborers had quickly rebuild a small portion near the northwest part of the city. Just enough to provide decent shelter for the weary soldiers.

 

In the fortress of Haria-Kel, a thunderous argument was taking place. The Drakons had gathered in what they thought was the audiance hall of the fortress. It had grown in such disrepair that they could not be certain. In the middle of the room was placed a large round table where the Warmasters of the Drakon army were centered. All of them through shouts at another, each trying to pitch their version of the battle plan. This had been going on for a good two hours. About average time for a group of Drakons to agree to something.

 

One younger Drakon spoke, "We should strike now, while their forces have spread out to cover the whole of the Tev. They won't be able to withstand a full assault."

 

Another older Drakon responded, "You are young and too brass. They may not have many humans there, but they have plenty of turrets and creations. We would be throwing ourselvesss at a wall of spearsss!"

 

The younger Drakon replied, "Ssss. You are old and weak. They are not a match for our power." And this cycle would continue for hours on end.

 

Kepma had reached his limit, however. He aprubtly ended the argument with a small flame of breath into the air. As it decipitated into ash, he spoke.

 

"We can not let ourselves get wrapped up in our own petty arguments for this long. Our enemies move, and we must act. Now from what we know, these Shapers are moving across the Mera-Tev and securing the passes. The four passes to the west and southwest are out of our reach for now. I have spoken to his Mighty, and he has given usss a ssset of orders."

 

"We are to send a force just to the northwest, to the mountain pass to the Whitespire Mountains. They have spread themselves out to the rest of the Mera-Tev so much that they left this crucial choke point largely unguarded. We will take it before they realize their error and correct it. A force of a dozen Drakons, supported by 6 platoons of Servile warriors, will depart tonight with packs of Cryodrayks and Rotdhizons. Several of the serviles will have the fungasss neccary to create Spawnersss with them. Once they secure the checkpoint, they will quickly set up the spawners and begin bombarding the mountains with roguesss. Who would like to lead this misssion?" Rygraasss, a young and capable Ur-Drakon, quickly rose before any other Drakon present. "I will be honored, Warmassster Kepma," Kepma shook his head and Rygraasss sat down.

 

"Very well. We will meet again tommorrow to discuss the productsss of our victory."

 

 

..........

 

 

Had the Sholai ambassador Milenchov been aware of the comfortable surrondings he had been provided, his new opinion of Drakons may have rose higher. Him and his personal escorts were briefly placed in a large den built for the Drakons; Kywhyisss-Uss never had human visitors. But regardless, the serviles had quickly, almost like beezes, refurnished this den to provide adequate holding for the guests. About 30 minutes had passed before they were eventually greeted by a servile and brought to the throne room of Jarkhiss.

 

Jarkhiss approached the ambassadors. Ready to speak the language of Terrestia, the sholai were caught off guard when Jarkhiss rose his left hand up to his shoulder and bowed; a common sign of respect of the Sholai. Before the Drakon guards in the room could understand what had just happen, Jarkhiss escorted the ambassador to a moderately sized room just behind the throne room.

 

Milenchov sat down on an actual human sized chair, which must have been incredibly hard for the residents of Kywhyiss to come up with. Jarkhiss opened up with an unnessary question, as most diplomats did. He said, in Sholain, "Good day, Captain Milenchov. Was your trip comfortable?"

 

Milenchov responded (in Terrestian; he was well aware that Jarkhiss was merely trying to butter him up by speaking in his language) "Of course. We the people of Sholai are very skilled sailors," he finished, trying to erase as much of his accent as he could. Seeing as how his buttering was not working, Jarkhiss dropped the charade and got right to business at hand.

 

"Very well, Captain. I will not tarry your time any longer. As you well know, there are many forces at work in this land. The Shapers to the west and southwest move to retake their former territory. Rebel farmers and serviles are rising up and trying to seize control of our land. Maniacs are rising from holes in deserts. Sacs of eyes have appeared, and are spreading out in every direction. They are fighting us, and each other for now, but they could soon turn their eyes to you without hesitation. In order for the more sane and enlightened people of this land to come out on top, we must band together. We will support you with canisters and new techniques. In return, we ask that you aggressively attack the Gazers in the swamps of Aziraph. That way, you gain more power, and we gain a better footing. Whats say you?"

 

At this point, Milenchov spoke. He replied, "While I do see your plight, I am still not convinced that you are being reasonable nor you are just looking to us as mercenaries."

 

Jarkhiss responded, "We are certainly not seeing you as something so cheap. But our offer stands. We will equip you with powers, and you will assault an enemy that would have otherwise struck you. I hardly see what is unreasonable about that."

 

Milenchov retorted, slightly ticked, "We have come here to secure a place for Sholai who do not wish to follow the ways of the old country. You come to us for help, remember, not the other way around. If you wish our assistance, show it. Or this discussion is over."

 

Jarkhiss silently moaned to himself. He had no wish to reveal all of his cards to the Sholai. But to win a war, you need to get your hands dirty.

 

"Sss. Very well. In exchange for military alliance, we will give you massive quantities of canisters and creations to fill your army out. In addition, we can lend you several dozen Drakon Blazes and Serviles to you. They will train you further in the art of war. They will share with you all of our creation advancements, as well as our new templates."

 

"As well, we will give you the recipe for a Geneforge to be used by humans. It will further augment your abilites."

 

Without missing a beat, Milenchov greedily responded, "You have a deal, my friend." Perhaps he was sincere in his offer of aid. Perhaps he was merely dumbstruck by the amount of power he might soon gain. Either way, Jarkhiss and Milenchov began getting into the finer points of the treaty.

 

 

..........

 

 

"Success! At last!"

 

Opagriss exclaimed as the Narghal flapped its wings. After many sleepless nights of work, he and Khall had finally managed to replace the brain with a more intelligent mind. The creation functioned completely normally.

 

In his haste, Opagriss created a message Shade and sent it to Jarkhiss to inform him of his success.

 

 

..........

 

 

"...And I ask you friend, ally yourself with the Sholai in their defence against the Shapers. They will need the aid in the fight to come. After the fight has been won, the Sholai have allowed you to be ferried over to the Okavano. Together, we can rid the world of the damned shapers and free us from their tyranny once and for all."

 

The Ur-Drakon Saolariss, nearly as old as Jarkhiss, nodded. "Very well, old friend. I will trussst your judgement. My forcess will aid the outsiders in their fight,"

 

The Shade then abruptly ended. Something must have happened to break Saolariss concentration.

 

But it did not matter. Soon, the Shapers will be turned back. They could not hope to match themselves with the power of three different armies.

 

Relaxing in his throne, Jarkhiss still had one peace of buisness to take care of before the night was out. He quickly summoned Hariss to his audience.

 

The young Drakon, still just as strong and as lethal as Jarkhiss had seen her last, bowed to Jarkhiss.

 

She spoke, "Sssss. My masster, why have you summoned me? What may I do for you?" There was never a more sincere voice in all of Terrestia.

 

"My servant. What I am about to request from you is completely secreat, and cannot leave be told to anyone. Do you understand?" She nodded. Jarkhiss continued, "Many years ago, near the end of the Terrestian Rebellion, a group of rebel serviles built something called the Shadow Road. It is an extensive network of undergrounds tunnels. They would ferry serviles in captivity of the Shapers and bring them to rebel lands." She nodded and continued to listen. "At one point, a powerful Drakon build a massive Shaping hall down there. It was meant to release a terrible plight on the land of the Mera-Tev. For now, I will not tell you what is was. I think it is better for you not to know. However, be assured that if our enemies find it, they will surly use it against us."

 

Jarkhiss paused for a brief second. He turned around and exited the room. After a few minutes, he returned with a large crystal ball, about the size of a small pumpkin, wrapped in cloth. He continued, "I gained this one time from a Drakon that looted the fortress of Haria-Kel. "I do not know who made this, but it is a sphere of essence rolled up into a ball. Given enough force, it will shatter and explode, killing everything around it for yards. I have long studied these, and after all these years, I have created another one, only this one is far more potent. I order you to travel to Kaz. The watcher there, Naga, is already aware of the situation. A very small part of the debris from the entrance to the Shadow Road we so recently made will be opened. There will be just enough room to squeeze you and 5 other Ur-Drakons through. You will take this ball to the center of the cave network. Once you get to an island of Shaping platforms, head west. You will once again encounter Shaping tubes, only these will be for something far smaller. Keep heading in until you reach a lab. Head as far into the lab as you can, and then smash this crystal to the ground. Flee as fast as you can; you will only have a few minutes to get out in time. The mist it will create will then explode, incinerating the lab and destroying that abomination forever more. Now go. And do try to stay alive.

[Spddin Ignis]

Spddin sent out an arbor to illya to see how the battle was going. He linked with the creature and saw how the presence was making the battle difficult. He sent Dak a message. Just as he was Shaping another batch of creations and Arbor flew to him carrying a message.

 

"Use the cloaking spell and get out of there. We cant afford to lose you...the battle is not important, the soldiers are..." Dak and his Shapers used almost all of their essence and Shaped a huge amoun of creations, by the time the Sholai destroy them, it is too late. The shapers had fled by sea. Now that the Serviles of Drypeak were hostile towards them, allies of the Sholai, that was their only route of escape. The cloaked themselves and and fled for the shore. When they got to the ocean they made their living crafts and fled for the Lethia province, they knew it wouldnt be long before the sholai were on their tail, but they also knew that the sholai would be utterly destroyed if they tried to attack Shaper homeland...

 

"We need allies Rayne!" said Spddin, trying not to lose his composure..."The Drakons are said to be working with the Sholai now, the Sholai are working with the Drypeak Confedaracy. Who would make the best allies for us, fore we cannot fight this entire war alone?" he asked

 

"The Arterials would help us not, neither would the Doctors. We and the Enlightened shaper confedaracy share the same common goal, we wish to stop the Drakons."

 

"Fine, speak to them."

 

"I will send an Agent to contact them."

 

"Thank you" he said as he dismissed her.

 

...

 

Shaper Spddin got up, his black robe inches off the ground. He walked down the hall and took a left. This was the scrying room, there were Shapers on both sides, looking through crystals and commanding the creations around the citadel. Shaper Spddin continued past the Shapers to a room that was at the very end. This part of the Citadel was made specificaly so a comander could see the movements of his armies. It contained 5 scrying crystals, each could show him different points of view, or even different places. He looked into one and focused. He could see Kohler's army fighting the Drakons of the Nodeye coast. At current, they were taking one of the smaller towns of the province, but of course just because it was small, didnt make the battle easy. There were Drakonian creations of all kinds surrounding the Shapers, but they were fighting valiently.

 

Spddin watched for hours as Kohler and his forces cut down the creations one by one. Then the moment came where the Drakons were out of essences...their time had come... The shapers took down the Drakons of the village one by one. This battle had been won, but the war for the province is was far from over. Pleased with his army, Spddin turned towards another crystal. It was time for him to speak with Ramana. As he looked into the Crystal, Ramana appeared before him.

...

 

"Good afternoon Ramana, are you prepared for our meeting."

 

"Yes I am Shaper." Ramana responded "There are several new creation types. Some of which I beleive will help us win this war."

 

"Go on." ,urged Spddin.

 

"Well the first is a new speices of Arbor. It is covered in a plate of armor almost like a clawbug. Its only vulnerable spots are its wings, eyes, munderside, and the spots inbetween the plating. It also move faster than any other speices allowing it to ram into fort walls and fly away without injury. It is also one of the more intelegent creations that we have, makes it resistant to most mental attacks, but it does make them more independant than we usually like.

But we have observed a strong sense of loyalty from the creature, meaning that it is very un-likely to go rogue."

 

"Very interesting, when will you give me the instructions of making them so i can relay it to my army?"

 

"I will give you all of them at the end of this meeting."

 

"What other creations are there?" Spddin inquired.

 

"A new speices of Turret. 2 actually. One shoots the enemy with a thorn that releases a chemical. This chemical, once in the blood stream, acts as a type of acid that eats through the walls of the blood vessels, this causes the victim to die of internal bleeding. And the second one has thorns that are infused with a substance that freezes on contact with the victim or electricutes them."

 

"Very interesting." Remarked Spddin.

 

"The creation i am most proud of currently is the electric trall, it is a spine trall with the ablity to channel lighting through its spikes. It also has 2 4-foot bones coming out of the top of its wrist that it could use in combat. There are 2 more creations, and i think you'll be particularly impressed with. One is a similar to a Drayk, its slightly bigger and it can actually fly...it also has the intellegence of a Trall meaning that it will not go rogue easily. What makes this creation so impressive is the fact that it shoots large sound waves from its mouth, not only dis-orienting foes, but it also has the capability to destroy entire forts when they are in large enough numbers.

 

And the second one is a creation that i wasnt sure what to do with...It is a large, 3 or 4 times larger than a living craft, creature. It prefers water and it seems unusualy intelegent. It is a great creation if you were to carry out an assualt by sea. It has the ability to shoot both fire and ice, causing great damage to ports and cities that are close to water such as rivers as well as oceans. There was one in existence but it was killed because it was deemed too inteligent. "

 

"It might be useful though."

 

Shaper Ramana gave Spddin the instructions for making these creations. Spddin wrote them down and had the Citadel Scribe (Who was Pheonix) record them and place them in the library, with the exception of the Cryoember. That was recorded and placed in the Deepest restricted lab of the Citadel... Spddin went outside and walked to the River that was near the Citadel, and he began to Shape for the first time in a while. It was a long and difficult process but he succeeded. The creation came out very nicely and Spddin could see the intelligence in its eyes. The creature was very large, with a coat of thick blue scales and powerful wings that it somehow used to propel itself under water. This made Spddin wonder if it could fly as well. He concentrated on the croyember and told it to fly. As it lifted its wings out of the water, much of the liquid was thrown onto the land and towards Spddin. The massive creature started to flap and it was air borne. When it landed on the soft terrestian earth next to Spddin, it was standing upright. He could sense the magic that surrounded the creature, and if he had not been as powerful as he was, he wouldve been worried.

 

Shaper Spddin walked the creature to the citadel. It had to squeeze to fit through the door. As Spddin walked past Spike, his Spike Trall, he absorbed it, ordering the serviles of the Citadel to clean it up. This creature was the answer to the war. It took its proper place beside its master and spddin looked at it.

 

"What should i name you?" he asked the creature, not expecting an answer of course.

"I think ill call you Ember...Ember, i like that. Well, ember, your going to change the course of this war."

 

 

 

[Goldengirl]

Kov looked at the devastation that was Dillame, and sighed.

 

Fires were slowly burning themselves out near the break in the wall, and an estimated twenty soldiers lay dead in the rubble. Some were cultists, some were Sholai, and some were of the mysterious band of serviles that had banded together with them during the furious fighting that had taken place as the bizarre Shapers made wave after wave of their strange creations to attack Dillame's walls. Had it not been for the power of the Presence...

 

The battle, it seemed to Kov, was mostly attrition. Surely the Shapers would not have fled so quickly, if they had not been running low on essence. Kov's heightened senses told them that they were fleeing south, to the sea, but Kov felt too unprepared to pursue an army of Shapers with only the Presence giving him an advantage.

 

The Presence! How it's voice surged during the battle, to the point where Kov watched from his eyes as the Presence directed him! Oh, but such glorious power had erupted from him when he surrendered control of his body like that, such magnificent strength had burst forth when the line between Lifecrafter and creation was dissolved.

 

"Lord Kov?"

 

Whittaker's innocent request shook Kov from his introverting. "Whittaker... I'm leaving you in charge of Dillame and the rest of Illya, understood? I want these walls patched up immediately, and I want these creations sent to Southforge for study," Kov said, gesturing to the corpses of Arbors, Spike Tralls, and the warped remains of the Spike Roamers, "I want them reverse engineered, weapons built to fight them, and better designs built immediately. And... negotiate with Vess, here. Treat them honorably. Do you understand?"

 

After Whittaker gave his affirmative, Kov departed into the dusk. Silently, the cultists rose and followed him, north: to the Fens of Aziraph, where he planned on negotiating with the Gazers. Milenchov had not yet been able to communicate his deal with the Drakons to Kov, so he came in peace.

 

The Open Sea

 

Milenchov smiled wistfully as the sea sprayed its wonderous aroma onto the faces of the Sholai. The imposing warfleet had gained knowledge of the current political landscape of Terrestia, and had decided diplomacy with the Shapers, who were openly hostile with the Sholai, or the Doctors, for that matter, was a lost cause, for now. Instead, they would continue sailing across the sea, far from lunatics waiting on the coast. Soon, they would be back in the Forsaken Lands, with news of the great alliance that was formed.

 

Sholai Lands

 

The farsight crystals were, initially, a Sholai innovation. While the mages of Terrestia studied Shaping with nearly all of their devotion, barely even dabbling in other forms of magic, the Sholai were not so fortunate. Instead of such a magnificent field of magic that had so easily define a civilization, the Sholai studied in-depth other fields of magic, including crystals, and war magic.

 

It was because of their innovations with crystals, and farsight crystals in particular, that the Council was able to follow Kov's actions as he carved an empire out of Terrestia's landscape. They saw his emersion in the arts of Shaping, and his creation of the Presence. They gave it all little regard, until they saw how he had, more or less, fought back an entire army of Shapers with the strength of that one creation.

 

It was at that point that the Council knew they must do something about this tyrant.

[Hypnotic]

At Perkalia, fatigue was setting in. The Doctors had longs since abandoned shooting magic over the wall. Smoke could be seen rising from the city behind. The tactic to reduce the Arterials ground had worked. Slowly the Doctors were able to push through the outer wall. The puddles of puresteel gates had hardened again. Hypno was leading the charge. He was able to control the minds of the hostile creations to their further advantage and push through. The sight he saw beyond the wall had horrified him. It turns out that a lot of the Arterials had withdrawn themselves from the front lines and the Doctors were being held back by a few Farmers. These farmers had long since ran out of essence and where shaping their very life into the creations. Every move they did hurt them and their creations were looking weaker and weaker. Yet the Arterials there continued to shape. With the creations holding the front Hypno ducked behind a building, ran around it until he was standing behind them. He took careful Aim and cast a Firefountain into the chest of each Arterial. They died instantly, not even a final gasp escaped their lips. Looking around he saw that the building nearest the wall were ablaze and dead humans could be seen everywhere, most likely the falling Ice and Fire shards. Beams of light lit this ghastly seen. It was sunrise. The battle had been going on all night.

 

Hypno and his War Minster had been lucky enough to survive the initial assault and were now preparing for the second phase of the assault. They were in a large military barracks just off the main street. A large map of Perkalia was laid on a table before them. “War minister, your suggestions?”

“The Arterials are holding the rich Inner-city and Stormhold. We cannot assault Stormhold as the entrance to that fortress is inside the Inner-City. Our forces are currently rounding up the last of the Arterials in our section of the city. We have been able to take all the gates to the world outside so the Arterials are cut off. A large pocket of Arterials is currently guarding Northern city barracks. Once we take care of them we have secured ourselves.” Hypno knew this but he also knew that his War Minster liked to state facts before he gave specific advice.

“We need to use a pod to remove the Arterials in the barracks to the North and use another to bring down one of the inner City gates.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong but we only have two Pods, if we use one on the Farmers in the North how will we break down the Stormhold gates when the time comes?”

“Simply put we can’t. The arterials are more stubborn than we thought. We will have to wait them out. Food stores in Stromhold cannot last forever.” The War Minster looked worried.

“Can’t we just defeat them without the use of a Pod?”

“We could but it would take too much time. The arterials In the Inner-City are resting. Soon they will be ready to sally forth and split our forces within their own city. No we must remove them now and secure our sector before that time.” Something was still left unsaid.

“I assume you have more?”

“Yes. Our assault of Perkalia at the front gate was too easy. I mean it took a while, but still easy. Since then we have been killing Arterials. However they seem a bit too unorganised. Just randomly appearing to stall us for something. What that is, I do not know.”

“Very well. We must be cautious. Let the attack commence.

 

It was afternoon. Fighting had been going on all day but only in small battles. Neither side had the strength to put up much of a fight. Until now. The Doctors were reforming and were preparing for the assault. Looking over the city before descending to the streets below, Hypno had a very strange feeling. He looked to the north where about this time a Pod was to be released to destroy the last of the resisting Arterials. He had wondered why they did not flee to the inner city but such things had no time for thought. The large barracks looked a bit odd. Slightly tilted. In fact so did the buildings around them. All on a lean facing towards the courtyard below. “My God” was all he had time to utter before he heard it. “Ambush, Defensive positions”. Followed by the sound of an avalanche. Descending the steps two at a time he ordered every Doctor he saw to follow him. It took about five minutes too sprint around Perkalia to the Ambush. He had assembled a team of Sixty Doctors following him. Then he saw it. A hole, right in the middle of the ground. Sounds of battle could be heard below. Looking over the edge he saw about Two-hundred Arterials fighting the Doctors. He also saw the Acidfire Pod near him still above ground. Quickly acting he threw it down to the Arterials, whom he saw were emerging from an underground tunnel. “Fire fountain, shield now!” Instinct had been trained into the Doctors. Simultaneously they saw the Pod flying, saw the Pod erupt and then quickly cast a shield. The familiar flames were directed at some shocked Arterials. As the flames had nowhere else to go the walls started to quiver. “Well be back!” Shouted a female Farmer. She gave a quick wave then the Farmers had disappeared as quickly as they had come back down the tunnel. Following them down the tunnel was a torrent of raging fire.

 

The Acid compromised the tunnel and it caved in behind them. Hypno was unsure of exactly what had transpired. Helping the surviving Doctors out of the hole, he has able to learn the following. The Arterials had gathered at the Northern barracks to make it looked like they protecting something. Thus a large number of Doctors would be sent. They had. Then a hoard of clawbugs had tunnelled under they city weakening the ground outside the barracks. The Arterials raced down the tunnels and attacked the Doctors with various Batons and swords. The Arterials had noticed how effective hacking Magical people was, and were egger to try it again. A full report showed that so far in the, siege Two-hundred Doctors had died. Slightly more arterials had died. Some humans had died in the crossfire. Amazingly the entire servile populace had survived unscathed. Apparently they all ran to their quarters as instructed should a rouge appear, and waited the whole thing out. Hypno was happy that the Serviles had survived but sad they thought the Doctors were rouges. Outer Perkalia had been taken. The Arterials had been locked within their owns walls. The Doctors almost held the farming Capital of Terrestria. Once that fell, so to would the rest of the Stormplains. All that was left was to wait and see what surprise was in store for them next.

[Spddin Ignis]

"Finaly, land." said Guardian Dak as he stepped off of the living craft. He was at the Citadel docks. The second he stepped off onto the banks of the river, he and his Shapers were surrounded by guards and powerful creations.

 

"Shaper Spddin told us to have you escorted to him." said one of the guards.

 

"Lead the way" responded Dak

 

The Guards led the band of Shapers to the throne room. They stood there until Spddin dismissed them. "Pheonix, lead Dak's soldiers to their quarters in the North ward." Comanded Spddin Pheonix got up from his seat and led the Shapers to the newly renovated a ward.

 

"Dak, I need you to follow me." Stated the Shaper. Spddin led the Guardian down a series of magnificent halls and through rooms of every kind, until they reached a wall. Spddin placed his hand on a stone, and a passage appeared. As they were going down the dark stairwell, Spddin created a ball of fire in his palm to provide light. After decending the long flight of stairs, they were in a room, but no details could be seen due to the darkness. Spddin took one step, and the motion sensing light giving creations in the room brightened.

 

The 2 walked past many shelves of books, the council records. The Drakons seemed to be using it as well, that was before the Shapers re-took the citadel that is. Past all the shelves, there were huge Shaper Labratories, containg huge open spaces for creations to be evaluated in. In one of those open spaces, was Ember.

 

"What is that?" asked Dak, intrigued by the large creation."

 

"Its a Cryoember."

 

"Wow...its so powerful...and...and...smart?"

 

"Extremely."

 

"Can you tell me everything you know about it? I mean its abilities."

 

"Ah. I Shaped it yesterday. His name is Ember. He is the only one of his kind, the ones that Ramana had created were destroyed due to their intellegence. I beleive that it can help us win this war, so i shaped one." Spddin stated. He then walked over to a desk where he had books containing everything he knew about the creation, from what Ramana had told him to what he learned himself.

 

"I have done several tests", continued Spddin. "I have discovered most of its strengths weaknesses, abilites, and most importantly, what it can do for this war. Its main attack is either fire, ice, or a mix of the 2. But it can also strike an enemy with its claws, causing frostbite on contact. For defenses, it has its thick scales, but also, its magical shield. I couldnt find out where the shield was coming from, so i consulted Ramana about it. He told me to look closely at the scales, and so i did. I then noticed small discolorations that formed patters. But i soon relized that these just wernt any patters, they were magical runes.

 

The creature has 2 main weaknesses, the first is its speed, well atleast on land. When it is in the air it is fairly fast, and manuverable, but in the seas is where it is truly at home. And the last downfall to this creation is its vulnerability towards lighting.Lighting is a fairly new spell, even though it was created 75 years ago, it is a baby compared to the spells we have used for hundreds of years. But because of its age there are virtually no runes that protect from it completely. Since we are on the topic of the shield, i have learned that if the creature concentrates strong enough, it can extend the shield around people within a few meters of it. Only about 1 or 2 meters though.

 

"When will it go to the front lines?" asked the intrigued guardian.

 

"Within the next week, we are helping the ESC fight for the Mera-tev. You need rest my friend, the battle at Illya was hard, i watched it by crystal. But before you go one thing, i am sending you and your soldiers to drypeak after a day or 2...you get to take Ember for a test run..."

 

Dak smiled, "Thank you my lord."

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

At the Stormkeep:

 

Learned Fand was still new to this whole diplomacy thing, but so was Artemis. The leader of the Arterials stood and thought for a second about the meeting she had just had. “Hmm, so does this mean we are allies now?”

 

Fand thought as well, and then answered, “Yes, I suppose it does.”

 

Artemis nearly leapt forward with joy and embraced the short, old servile, “That’s so great!”

 

Fand gasped as the air was crushed out of him by the human's big hug, “Oof! Yes, uh, indeed.” The two sat back down, and Fand fell back into doing what he did best: talking. “With the turmoil that this land threatens to fall into, it is best that like-minded, benevolent leaders like ourselves stick together to avoid a greater conflict that would consume us all, as it did during the Great Rebellion all those years ago.” Fand’s serviles applauded this.

 

Artemis nodded. “That’s all well and good. As long as the Drypeak Confederacy has no intention of spreading past its borders, we should get along just fine.”

 

“Fand shook his head, “A land populated mostly by humans should be governed by humans, just as serviles govern Drypeak, a land populated by serviles. Each race has the undeniable right to govern itself if it is able to. Drypeak and the Stormplains are the same in that I believe we both share this conviction in our hearts.” More applause from Fand’s supporters.

 

With that, they ended their meeting. Artemis did, after all, have a siege to deal with. The two faction leaders agreed to exchange ambassadors and, if possible, to support each other in battle. Krak Blade, who had remained silent during the negotiations, spoke to Learned Fand after the meeting adjourned, "Shall I order our troops to attack the Doctors alongside the Arterials?"

 

Learned Fand looked to make sure no Arterials could hear their discussion, then spoke, "No. I do not wish us to get involved in this conflict just yet. I must try to negotiate with the Doctors first. We will see if we can mediate this war rather than immediately exacerbate it."

 

Krak Blade was pleased by this response, “My friend, truly this is what you were meant to do with your life. With luck, great conflict like we have had in the past can be averted altogether.”

 

Fand sighed and nodded his head, “Yes, a good day for Drypeak it seems. At least, I hope Learned Vess is having as good an experience in Illya as we are here.”

 

Meanwhile in Dillame:

 

After the servile finished pouring her mug of mead, Vess clinked glasses with the human nearest to her. She spoke, “Ha! Today the Shapers of old learn again the folly of attempting to oppress strong-hearted creations!”

 

The human next to her spoke as well, a bit louder, though, “This great victory will mark the Sholai as a force to be reckoned with in Terrestia!”

 

Vess’s mouth fell open. Immediately she reached for her sword and drew it. Her serviles all drew theirs, and all the Sholai had soon freed theirs from their sheaths. “Sholai! So, in our moments of weakness, you invade, thinking to take Terrestia for yourselves!”

 

The large Sholai stood over Vess, looking down on her. “And if we were, what ever could serviles hope to do to stop us?”

 

Anger flared in Vess’s eyes. Luckily, the Sholai before her was also a canister user, so neither’s temper completely overcame them. Soon enough, a man with the rank insignia of a general stepped into crowd, shouting orders, “Sheath your blades, all of you! Do you wish to completely tarnish our victory with mindless bloodshed? You, servile, I am General Whittaker. I appreciate your help in the battle against the Shapers, but I think you’ve worn out your welcome.”

 

Vess’s rage was building up again. “My welcome? These aren’t your lands, Sholai! We’ve come here to liberate these people from the oppressive rule of… whoever… and you’re clearly here for conquest! We serviles will not let this insult stand!”

 

Whittaker wished Kov hadn’t left in such a hurry. It was always difficult for someone like him to negotiate with someone who had clearly used many canisters in her lifetime. Still, the general looked around, noting his tactical advantage. The fortress was filled with his warriors, and this band of serviles wouldn’t last long if things turned ugly. “I apologize for insulting you. Everything else aside, we liberated this fortress from the drakons before you arrived. It belongs to us now.”

 

Vess still had enough of her senses to know she was outgunned. This was not the time or place to start a fight. She motioned to her serviles to make for the exit. As she backed away from the General, she spoke. “You haven’t seen the last of us, Sholai. A hundred years ago, we threw off the yoke of humanity. Don’t think for a second that just because you don’t share our history that you couldn’t quickly become a footnote in it.”

 

Illya Woods:

 

Learned Vess soon met up with her basecamp, which consisted of the serviles of her entourage that were less capable of fighting. There, she was greeted by Councilor Tavian, another member of the Confederate Council that she had taken with her on this misadventure.

 

After greeting her and before asking her how everything went, he commented: “Uh, madam, I don’t think you've been fighting alongside who you think you were.”

 

“Thanks for the newsflash, genius.” Vess sat on the ground and folded her arms, “I knew I should have brought the Councilor of Intelligence with me on this mission. Now I’m stuck out in the woods, surrounded by hostile foreigners, with no one but the Councilor of Public Relations to watch my back. Great.”

 

“So we're at war with the Sholai now?”

 

“Pfff, no. Even if we got reinforcements from Drypeak, and there's no way we would, not after this debacle, we don’t have near the money to outfit our troops as well as these guys have. They are trained soldiers, with real… armor and stuff. We’re just a bunch of peasants and mages.”

 

Tavian stroked his little servile-beard in thought, “We may be that, but the serviles in these lands are fighters. While you were away, I’ve been doing what I do best. I’ve been meeting with the locals, and though most are the savage cultists, they know that they are beset with human conquerors. Or, if they don’t quite get it yet, I’m more than confident I can convince them of this.”

 

Vess smiled for a second, Tavian was good at inciting fear. It had been he whom convinced the provincial governors to give her her 'army' in the first place. Still, there were problems, “I like the way you think, Tavian, but even with an army of crazy cultist, even with the leadership of my fine mages here, they have shapers, and they seem to be getting canisters from somewhere as well.”

 

Tavian’s lips curled, “There is another ally we may yet recruit. The cultists inform me that the drakon lords of this land are no friends to the Sholai. If we can find them, we could use the weight of Warmaster Sahz’s name to convince them to help us.”

 

Vess stood up and prepared to move out, “If we can find them. Take half our forces and scour the land for information or local drakons we can get to join our forces. Tell all willing cultists to come join me to the southwest.”

 

“What is to the southwest, Madam Learned?”

 

“Hah, one advantage we have over the Sholai is our simple knowledge of history. The abandoned cave network once known as the Illya Safehouse lies to the southwest. It was from there that the Great Rebellion made it’s successful siege against the Shaper general in Dillame. If this… Whittaker… wishes to be my Alwan, I’m more than happy to repeat the events of the past with him. Move out!”

[Goldengirl]

Southforge Citadel

 

Chaos reigned, and in the confusion, people failed to notice the fleet of ships arriving at the harbors. Lifecrafter Boon had finally nailed Shaping, with the help of canisters and tomes, into the minds of his pupils, and they were all intensely studying the corpses that had been shipped in from Dillame. As such, they did not notice the army of Sholai coming in from the harbors until the armies started marching towards the citadel. Yet they recognized the imposing figure that led the forces; they recognized the banners and flags adorning the soldiers and their vessels.

 

High Councillor Ood walked right into Southforge Citadel, and took control. Lifecrafter Boon could only stare in confusion, at this figure he had heard about when a Sholai's lips had been loosened by alcohol. And his confusion only magnified, as Ood lead Boon, and Boon alone, into the war room. There, it was that Ood informed Boon personally of the Sholai Council's quest, and its urgency.

 

Then, most astonishingly of all, Ood Shaped a messenger shade, and programed into it a message to all of Terrestia.

 

Throughout Terrestia...

 

A shade manifested itself, floating in the air. It hovered there, silent, for minutes; people noticed it, eventually. Finally, it's wispy mouth opened, and Ood's voice projected through it, magnified to carry.

 

"People of Terrestia, this is the messenger of High Councillor Ood, of the Sholai. We are here on a mission of justice, chasing a renegade from our lands, the warlord Kov. Kov is a megalomaniac, and has resurrected a strange and powerful creation, known as the Presence. With this creation in tow, Kov is incredibly dangerous; the Presence allows him to take all but the most tightly controlled creations and seize control of them. We seek only to find this man, and bring him to justice for his heinous crimes against life."

 

The shade vanished.

 

The Fens of Aziraph

 

"We are to flee to Okavano, where my brothersss wait," hissed one of the Illyan Drakons, who had told Kov of what the New Takers had planned for him.

 

Kov nodded grimly, as they made their way towards Aziraph Freehold, that barred the passage into Burwood and the Western Morass beyond it. The swamps, as they were, were more miserable than ever to travel through. Before the current political vacuum had formed, the Fens of Aziraph had been neglected. Monarch's empire-building scheme had depopulated the region of many of it's inhabitants, and the ones that remained had struggled to rebuild life in Grosch.

 

That, along with serious competition from the Okavano, had led to this region being neglected until fairly recently. As such, the road system was poor; a proper road led from the Eastern Rise, through Grosch, to the Aziraph Freehold. Kov, and his band, were not on that path, allowing them to avoid detection, as the Drakons advised him too, but also, lowering morale through all the ranks of cultists, and the handful of Drakons, that travelled with him.

 

Dillame

 

High Councillor Ood had arrived, and gotten the report from Whittaker. The renegade had fled north, into the swampy marshes of Aziraph, to negotiate with the Gazers there. Enraged, Ood had Whittaker make for the Western Rise to try to catch him at Grosch and have the Eyes aid in his destruction. Whittaker, glad to no longer be responsible for the rule of a city, accepted, and left, leaving the servile forces of his army behind, and taking Lifecrafters with him to make up for the difference.

 

Ood, meanwhile, sent a single envoy into the woods, unarmed, to try to find Vess and discuss peace with the Confederacy. Lifecrafter Boon was to be the envoy. Conquest was not Ood's ultimate goal, though neither was killing Kov.

[Spddin Ignis]

Dak and his soldiers were walking towards drypeak while Ember was flying above them. He had only taken human soldiers because he figure the Cryoember would be more than enough to handle a few serviles. This was the second time he had taken the journey down here in 2 weeks...and this time he was intent on murder...

 

...

 

Shaper Spddin had just recieved news from the Nodeye, Kohler and his army were almost a quarter of the way through the province. They had just found a Drakon research lab and took it over. Apparently the Drakons there were researching new, horrible creation types. These types of creations are the ones that the Shapers would never use. Not even in the most desperate of situations. Kohler had his army burn the entire facility. Though the structure itself was not damaged, almost a century's worth of research was lost forever. There was one Shaper lost in the entire battle, and she was an Agent that was killed by an unstable expiremental creation. It was an unbound of sometype, it was hardly recognizable due to its consideral modifications. It really worried Kohler because not only was it more powerful, but it also had wings, which would enable it to fly over cities and totaly destroy them. This would make the Shaper's jobs alot harder because its hard to kill a flying creation, especially one with such power.

 

...

 

Shaper Spddin was in one of the 4 Scrying rooms. This one had just been designated for use in the Mera-tev. Spddin was going to help exterminate the Drakons in that area. Outside the fortress was a huge force of Spike Tralls and Arbors. The Shapers took their places by the crystals and began to concentrate. The army started to move towards the Mera-tev. There was a guardian leading the creations, this would keep them in control even if the Shapers in the Citadel happen to lose concentration for any specific reason. The Guardian was Guardian Sky, he was one of the most powerful of his kind, his most notable abilities include his skill with a blade, and his ability to control creations.

 

Not long after they had began to move, the army of creations was out of sight and on their way to the Mera-Tev. The Shaper's were now fighting several battles. The Shapers can only hope that they havent bitten off more than they can chew.

[Hypnotic]

Vidara was feeling please with herself. She had managed to seal the jail entrance of Kayar spire and bring down its ceiling. This had been accomplished by making four Battle Betas and the same number of Fyora’s. The Fyora’s had been slightly modified so their flames were hotter but could reach only about one foot in front of them. The battle Betas then each picked up a Fyora and used it as a welding torch to cut out the Enchanted Ceiling. Carefully carrying the Ceiling, the Betas dropped the Fyora’s and positioned the Ceiling over the entrance. Vidara observing from the outside, then created a few more creations to move boulders and plants in front of the Entrance to conceal it. Anyone now lucky enough to find this rear entrance would first have to dig it out, blast a reflecting wall, destroy some turrets, then get past some spore Pylons, regular pylons and some mines set to go off with the slightest touch.

 

Just to be sure Vidara planned to position the Pylons and mines so they could only be deactivated from the spire side. Then to make the defences more superfluous, A shaped door would be added and enchanted to only open for a Councillor and be near damaged proof. Satisfied her plans would hold the rear entrance in case of an assault she prepared to return to the spire. Only then did she realise she was on the outside of the Spire and the only entrance now was a few miles away. Cursing herself, walked briskly back to Kayar. She also made a note to review the front defences.

 

. . . . . . . .

 

Dyams seemed to become more displeased every day. With Vidara busy making Kayar impenetrable so the Device could be safe, Hypno off fighting farmers, he was now left to deal with the Drakon problem. Add to that his city was rapidly becoming empty as more Doctors were feeling brave enough to emerge into the world. His sanctuary now only contained about seven hundred doctors. Three hundred had left in the past few days to either join the siege of Perkalia, prepare for the assault of the Drakon hideout, or simply to practise skills killing rouges. At least his Pod production had picked up slightly. Now about ten Pods had been shipped to the Lethia pass in case of assault. Recent reports from the Perkalia siege had given the their first real info on the Acidfire within. Dyams was now making sure the next batch would be twice as powerful. This requires more goo so overall fewer Pods could be made. To him this did not matter, as he was a firm believer of quality of quantity.

 

The reports of the Drakon hideout suggested they were nearing completion. That or they were simply getting desperate with the amount of magical discharge detected. At nightfall tonight he would leave his sanctuary and at start the attack. While Hypno had become councillor for his unique mind control abilities, Dymas had become councillor for his creations quality. His Pyro-roamers exploded like Kyshakks and his Kyshakks went of like a mini Pod. He hadn’t needed to show his strength in some time. This would be a good chance for him to prove himself.

 

. . . . . . . .

 

 

The latest battle report from Hypno at Perkalia showed not too much of a change. An acid fire Pod had been set of at the south gate to the inner city. A quick footnote added that the pods reduced possibly days of wasted magic, and greatly helped conserve energy. The Doctors had begun to re-shape creations and the Arterials had done the same. Both sides were in good supply with their respective Lifecrafters hiding behind the front lines. Yet again a stalemate had popped up. The last line was Councillor Hypno complaining about there being no Decisive battles.