A Second Geneforge RP IC

[Sleeping Dragon]

Drypeak City:

 

“I shouldn’t be having this meeting, it’s a direct violation of jurisdiction. Learned Fand specifically created the Councilorship of Statecraft for precisely such matters!” Councilor Tamman protested as his assistants guided the ancient servile to the Council Chamber. The aged Councilor adjusted his robes and straitened his beard. He wasn’t sure what the protocol for accepting foreign dignitaries was.

 

Guardian Dak met with no resistance whatsoever entering Drypeak, and the same held true for the region’s capital, Drypeak City. They were met instead with baffled views from the local serviles when they gazed in awe at Ember as Dak and his entourage made their way through the city, towards the domed Council Chamber at its center.

 

The doors to the Council Chamber opened and the guardian triumphantly strolled in. Councilor Tamman stood with another 30 or so of the servile Council standing behind him in their usually places around the huge table that dominated the room. Tamman’s eyes widened as Ember entered the room behind Dak. A huge, blue, winged reptilian creature, Ember had to get down on all fours to enter the Council Chamber. Even though the door was built extra large to accommodate a drakon should Warmaster Sahz ever decide to grace the Chamber with his presence, Ember was at least twice as big as the average drakon.

 

This massive, alien creature caused Tamman to stutter as he spoke. “We’re Councilor… er, that is, I’m Councilor Tamman, I council… er, I, uh… Councilor of Infrastructure. I… uh… the roads…”

 

Dak let out a roar of laughter that echoed in the huge Chamber. He noted that the Council’s only security was two puny servile guards with shoddy swords standing at the main doorway. He looked down at Councilor Tamman, summoning up all the authority he could muster, “Get me something to drink, servile.”

 

“Sure thing, what would you like?” Tamman turned to get the Shaper something to drink, but was met with the angry stares of the other Councilors in the room. Tamman was old, and sometimes he regressed back towards servility. He was a bit embarrassed as he turned back to face Dak, “Oh, well, that wasn’t very nice. My colleges would probably say downright rude-“

 

“Silence!” Dak cut Tamman off, then turned to Ember, who waited patiently for orders form the guardian. “Ember, these creations here are rogues. They work with the ones that attacked us in Illya. Do with them what the Shapers do with all rogue creations.”

 

Tamman lifted a finger and protested, “Hey, I’m not sure what your talking about, but when Learned Fand returns I’m sure we can sort this mess-“

 

Before he could finish his sentence, the tiny servile was crushed under a single massive claw of the cryoember. The other servile Councilors all began immediately running in different direction and screaming at the top of their high-pitched lungs. There was only the one exit, designed to lock the Councilors in during a debate to encourage compromise, but now those same features had doomed them. Dak vaporized the two guards at the door with a flick of his finger and spoke one last command to Ember before he left the building, “Burn it to the ground when you’re finished. The blasphemy of a servile government must always be met with flame. Take your time. Catch up to us when you’re finished.”

 

The Drypeak-Illya Border

 

Dak and his entourage were surprised to find that the City had been mostly abandoned as serviles fled for the hills upon seeing their seat of government go up in a pillar of fire. He laughed at the situation, only regretting that Lord Spddn hadn’t just conquered this land when he came through here the first time. At least his lord would be pleased with what he accomplished here today.

 

Dak ordered his troops to stop in the narrow pass that connected Drypeak to Illya. Something was wrong. He could sense creations nearby, but he could not see them. Suddenly, two thorns struck the guardian in the chest. He stumbled back and yelled a single word, “Ambush!” His troops rushed to confront the attackers, but they were unable to see them in all the brush. A few more troops fell to javelins and thorns. One of them yelled to retreat. Dak was angered by this command, but when he tried to yell to stop them, he was struck by two more thorns from behind. The guardian fell to his knees. The thorns were poisoned. He shook his head as his troops fled the pass, leaving him alone there. Still, he held his head high, “Come out and fight me! Cowards!”

 

Serviles emerged from the cliff tops and brush when they realized the guardian was incapacitated. They slowly approached him, perhaps hoping to take him alive. Dak would have none of that. Power blasted from his fingertips as he incinerated the serviles nearest to him. Additional thorns as well as three javelins nailed him in the chest and abdomen. Covered in his own blood he let out a deafening war cry before finally expiring, collapsing in a huge metallic heap on the ground.

 

The serviles danced in celebration of this victory, momentarily forgetting the terrible tragedy that had happened back at the city. Their celebration was short lived, however, as the huge, winged Ember was soon spotted flying down the path leading from the city towards them. The serviles immediately scattered back into the wilderness. Ember landed, roaring in anger as he spotted his fallen commander. He considered hunting down the serviles that were responsible. But his commander was dead, so he also considered running away and maybe moving into a local cave to hoard wealth for himself. These thoughts confused him, so instead of doing either of those things he immediately took to the air and headed back towards his master, Shaper Spddin.

[Dantius]

Lord Kov and his entourage hiked up the long and winding trail at the Western Rise. As they reached the rise itself, they looked around. It was abandoned.

 

One of the Drakons spoke:

 

"Kov. Where are the gazersss we were to meet? I sssee noone."

 

Kov shrugged "We'll continue farther along tommorrow. Maybe we'll be met then."

 

The serviles set up camp, and the smal band prepared to rest.

 

.....

 

A massive explosion rocked the night. The camp was under attack! A dozen Gazers had cornered the eight Drakons and were systematically slaughtering them. As Kov watched, a fireball struck a Gazer in it's vulnerable central eye. It shrieked and fell, summoning a cloud of ice that blasted at the Drakon that killed it. Within a minute, the Gazers had finished, and the Drakons lay dead. One of the Gazers turned towards Kov. He noticed that, unlike the rest, this one was green instead of red. It bobbed slightly up and down in greeting.

 

"Greetings, Lord Kov. I am Gloral Eye, the commander of Azraph Camp Zeta, of the Eyes. We welcome you to our domain." it spoke, as if it had not mercilessly murdered eight of Kov's travelling companions not a minute ago.

 

"We presume that you were unaware of the fact that no Drakons are to be allowed into Eye domains, unless accompanied by an Eyebeast, with Dantius' specific permission."

 

"As it is, we will presume that nothing has changed, and Dantius has not withdrawn his offer. I will accompany you to Grosch., as the escort for the Class X forbidden creation that you posess. Please pack up and follow me. It should be about a day's march."

 

.....

 

Gloral had pushed them farther, and they arrived in Grosch as the sun was setting. It was still a miserable settlement, containing less than two thousand people, most living in poorly constructed wood shacks. Towards the north of town, however, the buildings grew larger and made of stone, cumulating in a small stone keep on the river.

 

A human led them to a wodden barraks in the center of town. Gloral and six of his Gazers remained.

 

"I expect you will be summoned in the morning. Do as you please until then. If you leave the city's walls, or attempt to enter the keep, you will be killed.". Gloral remaind floating, vigilant, by the only door.

 

"What, arn't you going to sleep?"

 

The Eyebeast gave him a level stare. To be precise, he gave him several hundred level stares.

 

"I will not belittle myself to answering petty biological questions from ground dwellers such as yourself!" he exclaimed.

 

Ah, so there was the famed arrogance of the Gazers, thought Kov.

 

Kov shrugged, set down his pack, and collapsed and fell asleep on the bed that had been provided for him.

 

#####

 

Several miles north, and hundreds of feet deeper, sleep was quite probably the last concern in Dantius' mind. He was currently communicating via Fareye with Revak and Kallinnin. Nihsun was present.

 

"I don't care how valuable an ally he could be, it is too dangerous! The Sholai themselves are trying to get rid of him! The last thing we need is scrutiny! If we ally ourselves with him, we set us up as an easy common enemy for everyone!" Revak was raging.

 

"Calm down, Revak. The Sholai can't see what we are planning, no one can. We can cloak ourselves even from their advanced scrying techniques. We are safe." Nihsun spoke

 

"We are not going to waste troops attempting to throw a wrech in the works of other factions. I'm not suicidal enought to attempt an attack on Khywhyss Uss or Isenwood's Spire with what few Gazers we have. We need allies to do that. Allies with powerful weapons and nothing to lose."

muttered Kallinnin.

 

"Yes, allies that will be furious when they learn we helped Kov! They are terrified of the Presence!"

 

"When did I ever say others would learn what happened? Kov was travelling to Burwood. That is where he will leave from. All evidance will point to him being helped by the Drakons, not us! And when whe conquer the remaining pockets of Drakon holdings, that is what the documents we unearth will support! Do you take me for a fool, Revak?!" Dantius thundered

 

"We need allies. More than that, we need humans, humans in powerful laces, humans that owe us something. Kov will be the first. My deal is simple: I will restore him his peer, and insure he keeps it against the will of the Sholai council, and for that, he will perform the will of the Eyes. There us nothing that can go wrong." he continued.

 

"Let it be known that I still do not approve. If you underestimate him, or that thing he controls, we are in a very difficult position"

 

"Revak out"

 

#####

 

It was noon the following day. Kov was dressed in his best armor, walking towards the keep with an escort of a dozen Gazers and Gloral-Eye. He eneted the keep, and headed into the main building. He followed a complicated series of twists and turns, until he fult himself go below ground level. He emerged at one end of a vast gallery, with side tunnels leadin off into small rooms with what he recognized as Shaping platforms. He was led the length of the gallery, entering into a small throne room. However, the seat was bare. His guide becomes him to continue. He was lead up a side corridor, until he reaves a massive, barred black gate. Gloral produced a key and unlocked the door. The room was empty save a staircase leading down. Gloral and the guide began to descend. Kov followed. They entered into a narrow warren of tunnels and laboratories. Gazers were everywhere. Finally, ther approached a powerful energy field. Gloral and the guide stopped.

 

"Go on through. It's been calibrated not to harm you" spoke Gloral.

 

Kov did just that. He felt a slight tingling on his skin. He entered a long, winding corridor. He strode down it. It was quiet here. Barely a sound could be heard.

 

Finally, Kov enetred the heart of the complex. It was a large room, perhaps a hundred feet to a side, with three large corridors leading off of it, and conpletley bare save a dais at the exact center. A high-backed chair rested on the dais, and on that chair sat Grandmaster Dantius, leader of the Eyes.

 

#####

 

Dantius was lounging in his chair, meditating and plotting war strategies when Kov approached. He straightened up, and checked to insure everything was in place. Kov entered the room.

 

"Ah, Lord Kov. How nice of you to be here. Right on time, too"

 

"I'm sure you know why I am here. The Sholai council ran me out of Dillame. I need aid." Kov spoke.

 

"But of course. I will provide you all the aid you need to insure your permanaent ascendance as te uncontested leader of the Sholai on Terrestia, so long as you acquiesce to a few trivial demands of mine. Incantrys Terrestia!"

 

A map of Terrestia, appeared in the small space between Kov and Dantius. Dantius pointed to a massive blotch of orange covering the entire western coast of Terrestia, with isolated pockets in the Storm Plains, Drypeak, and Illya province.

 

"That is the Shaper New Order. One of the more ambitious factions, it has acted rashly as of late- overextending itself military by attempting to exert simoultaneous control of Illya, Drypeak, the Mera Tev, and the Storm plains, while defending themselves from the Doctors to the south, stabilizing and defending both the Citadel and the Nodye Coast, and seeking complete war with all save the ESC, and them only reluctantly. While they could adequately defend themselves from a force of Shock and control eyes, they would be rendered completely helpless by an internal threat- the Presence. In exchange for my help, you must release the Presence deep within Lethia Province, as close to the center of power as possible. Killing some of their generals on the way out would be greatly appreciated, as well. In exchange for doing so, I will provide you with supplies, training, recruits from the Fens, half the canisters I secured when capturing the Fens (680 canisters were captured) and a very powerful magical item of a nature I am not yet willing to reveal. In essence, I will give you the power to retake Illya and the Forsaken Lands, and will send you advance warning of a Sholai fleet, so you will have time to prepare defenses. I think this is not so much to ask, seeing as otherwise, I will expel you into Burwood Province with the few dozen Serviles and humans you travel with, and without the Drakons, you will be forced to negotiate with the New Takers, who I think will be much less... receptive than me. Do you accept?"

 

Kov thought about this for a long time. Finally he spoke:

 

"Seeing as I have no other options as good as this, I will accept. Very well."

 

"Excellent. We will have to move quickly. Your supplies will be waiting at your temporary barracks when you return. Training is available from several of my Gazers in the keep. Do not descend here without my permission- it is forbidden. When you leave, you will head through our well-defended pass to Burwood. You will then head west through the Okanavo, south along the coast, west along the mountains, and into the Citadel itself- we know of a secret tunnel from which the Councillors could escape in danger that will lead you into it. Intelligence indicates that there is a large army of suceptible creations there. You will then release the Presence, enter the citadel, and, in the confusion, you will hopefully be able to assassinate several key figures, such as Ramada or Spddin. You will then leave, and head east until you reach the shore of Lake Terrestia. Then, smash this crystal, and you will be picked up and brought to my island fortress."

 

"How? Spddin is one of the most powerful shapers that has ever lived! I am not strong enough to kill him!"

 

"That is where I come in. I have, in my possession, a most powerful artifact. Well, four of it, but it is still powerful, nonetheless. I like to call it the Wand of Annihilation. It will fire a beam of magic that will do massive lightning damage to the target, probably killing anything weaker than a Drayk instantly. In addition, it will rain a host of negative effects down on the target: it will stun them, daze those around it, curse, weaken, and slow the target. It should prove quite useful. It has six charges, each to be used as you please. However, I have built several safety features into it. Firstly, it cannot attack a gazer, or anyone with Gazer genes. Secondly, if an attempt to disassemble or magically probe the workings is made, it will detonate, killing all in the immediate area. Finally, in order to insure that it is not replicated, after the final charge is used, a one hour timer set in the wand will activate. After it expires, the very same detonation will take place. Use it wisely, and sparingly as well."

 

Dantius rose, and reached into his robe. The instrument he withdrew was about a foot long, made of polished bone. It was covered in rings of runes, dyed a deep brownish red. Instead of a opaque stone set in the top, a large translucent black jewel with many facets shone. It glittered malevolently, as if daring the beholder to pick it up and use it for its given purpose. Kov took the wand, and quickly pocketed it. He bowed to Dantius, turned, and strode out, ready to begin his new journey.

[Spddin Ignis]

Ember landed in front of the Citadel. Not only could Spddin sense the creature, but he could sense its anger. Ember got on all fours and entered the Citadel. He then walked towards Spddin. Spddin put his hand on the creatures head and read its thoughts...he was everything. From the burning of the serviles and Dak, lying in a pool of his own blood... Spddin was angry, this is the first time he had felt such anger. He tried to keep his control, and for the most part he succeeded. The only visible signs of anger were the white nimbusses sorrounding his hands.

 

"Tell Kohler that I want him and his army to retreat. They are to report to the Citadel, the Nodeye Coast can wait! I also want you to tell our forces in the Lithia Province to go to high security and prepare for war if nessecary. Lastly withdrawl the creations from the Mera. What are you waiting for? GO!" Spddin was shouting now. "Calm down"' he thought to himself, "calm down". His hands stopped glowing and the halo of magic surrounding them dissipated. "Just bring them back, the troops, we have our own wars to fight...Dak will be avenged."

 

...

 

The troops got their messages by shades created by Spddin's mages. They all started marching back towards home. The Spike Roamers had just reached the main city of the Nodeye coast, Kohler himself was a weeks journey away. The Roamers would cause enough damage that the city would still be in horrible disorginization when the armies return. The soldiers spotted a large creature in the sky, it was ember approaching with a guardian on his back. The Guardian turned to Kohler, and in the secret tongue of the Shapers said, "Spddin wants you to return to the keep. You wil ride ember to the Citadel. He already knows where hes going so there shouldnt be a problem."

 

"Ok. Im assuming you will lead the troops back?"

 

The guardian gave him a nod, and ember flew away.Dak could see the landscape of the war torn continant as he and the winged beast moved towards the citadel. When they landed Kohler went straight Sppdin.

 

"Your brother has been killed by the serviles of Drypeak" Spddin Bluntly stated. "Im sorry for your loss."

 

Dak remained silent, absobing what he just had heard. "Have the vile creatures who have commited such a crime been captured yet?"

 

"No Kohler, they havent. But we must stay strong right now...revenge takes time. But if you want your revenge, we, the Shapers need your tactical genious. Folllow me to the war room."

Comanded Spddin. He led Kohler into a room filled with books, maps, how the land was formed and many other aspects needed to plan a war, and win it.

 

Kohler and Spddin stayed there all night discussing war plans. From what factoins they would ally with,to the ones that they will utterly destroy. They also relied on recent intellegence. They knew that the Doctors had some sort of pods, and they sent some to the Pass where they are guarding. They knew that the Arterials were in a deadly struggle for land, and the serviles were without a govenrment. They were also aware of the fact that Kov had dissapeared. What they didnt know was anything about the eyes. All the Shaper's knew about that faction is that they havent been openly hostile towards them.

 

By late night fall, all of the armies had returned. The orders were given to send a powerful Shaper to each major weak spot in the Shaper New Order Lands. This would prevent any rogues, well at least as much as rogues can be prevented. The most powerful Shapers can prevent a creature from going rogue with a simple look. The most important measure of protection was Ember, he was to stay in the Citadel, fore he was immune to all but the most powerful foes.

The Arterials were weak, The Doctors were about get destroyed by their over eagerness, Kov was weak, if he was still alive that is. The presence is nothing unless it controls several creation. Anything about they eyes was unknown, and the ESC, was in a war with the NewTakers.

The Shaper New Order was ready to keep the Chaos at bay.

[Spddin Ignis]

An Ur-Drakon and several drakons were spotted flying in from the Nodeye coast, ready to get revenge on the Shapers for killing so many of their kind in the Nodeye battles. Spddin's scouts and creations saw it long before it passed the border into the Citadel plains. Spddin ordered all of his creations and soldiers to stand down. Before long, a huge Drakon and his counterparts burst through the citadel door. All that was visible were Shaper Spddin and his creation, Ember.

 

"I will destroy you, Shaper" Roared the Drakon. Spddin's hands started to glow an erie red, but the Drakon didnt seem to notice. Spddin raised his hands towards one of the 8 Drakons, and watched as its chest ignited in flames that spread outward the Drakon collapsed and died, the magical flames still comsuming its corpse. The Ur-Drakon, angered, charged at Spddin. The air around the Shaper began to Warp and bend. It fired a magical bolt of energy at the Shaper, but it hit nothing but the wall for the Shaper was gone. A magical beam of light, about a 3 feet in diameter went through the creature. As it began to die, it turned around seeing Spddin behind him. His final words were to his fellow Drakons.

 

"Do. Not. let. me. die. in. vain...ugh." It collapsed and died.

 

"Ember, show these drakons what i think of them and their kind." Spddin Commanded.

 

Ember opened his mouth as and orange light could be seen behind his razor sharp teet. Not even seconds after a blue light could be seen. The 6 remaining Drakons shot energy beams at the Creation, only to have them disipate around the creatures magical shield. Then one of the Drakons fired off a lightning spell. When it struck ember, he roared in anger and shot a beam of blue and orange light swirling together, a mix of fire and magical ice. The creatures were destroyed instantly as Frozen Ashes fell throughout the Throne room.

 

"Kohler he called out. We must close all ways into our border. No one is allowed in or out of the Citadel plains without any permission. And have the Tunnels under the Citadel guarded by Guardians and some Arbors."

 

Kohler stepped from behind a wall, "Yes Lord." He responded. Kohler Commanded a few guardians to guard the pass. He then walked outside to see a camp of soldiers outside the Citadel.

 

"You are to guard the border that leads to the Nodeye coast."

 

"Yes Guardian. But may i ask you something?"

 

"Go on." Kohler responded bluntly.

 

"Can we have some creations accompany us. We fear that if we are confronted alone, we will not be able to survive."

 

"I cannot send you creations, fore the presence is roaming the lands with Kov, its host."

 

"Sorry for bothering you Shaper, the Soldier said as he walked back to his camp."

 

"I did not dismiss you outsider." Called Kohler

 

Terrified, the soldier ran back to Kohler. "I am terribly sorry Shaper", he studdered.

 

Kohler raised his hand and it started to glow, the outsider shrunk back.

 

"Im not going to hurt you soldier." Kohler stated as he looked at the outsider with pitty. "Im just sending a messenger shade to Guardian sky. He is to stay with you as you guard the costal border. As long as he is around, creations cannot be controlled."

 

"Thankyou guardian" stated the outsider

 

Kohler continued to walk around the plains, making sure everything was in order. Everywhere he went, Shapers were concentrating on creations, soldiers marching and practicing, staying in shape, and preparing for attack. All in all the citadel plains have become a camp for soldiers of all kinds. From measly serviles, who were receiving weapons training, and learning how to read and write so they could help with the war efforts, to the most powerful of Shapers.

[Sleeping Dragon]

Kayar’s Spire

 

When the blindfolds were removed from Learned Fand and his fellow serviles, they were confronted by a woman sitting on a very old Shaper throne. The Doctors had gone to the extreme to ensure the Spire’s security, to the point where Fand wasn’t even very sure of where he was now. He knew that the person before him was one of great power, however, as she wore the robes of a Shaper with all the pride and aura of command that would be expected of one in her position. Fand broke the deafening silence, “Councilor Vidara, I presume?”

 

Vidara’s expression did not change. Instead, she jotted down some words into the notebook she kept next to her throne. When she was finished, she spoke to Fand without looking up from them, “Proceed.”

 

Fand was confused. Clearly, this meeting was going to be very different from the one he had with Artemis just a few days ago. He cleared his throat and began, “Um, I’m not sure how much you know about me and my people, but-“

 

“Fand. Servile. Mid-eighties, 120 centimeters. Self-appointed Councilor hailing from Drypeak Valley. Population: 80% servile. Status: primitive servile government. Military threat: negligible. Shaping threat: negligible. Strategic value: in deliberation. Is this an accurate description of you and your… people, servile?” Vidara looked up from her notes for a second.

 

Fand gulped and scratched his head, “Uh, pretty much. I mean, I’m only 79. Politics hasn't aged me well I guess.”

 

“Continue.”

 

“Oh, yes. I’m actually here on behalf of the people of the Storm Plains. I wish to negotiate with you for the fate of the Arterials.”

 

“You are authorized to do so?”

 

“Please, just hear me out. What you are writing there anyway?”

 

Vidara looked back to her notes. “A new creation idea.”

 

Fand was a bit disappointed that he did not have the Councilor’s full attention, but he continued none-the-less. “You know, you’re right. What right does a servile have to interfere in human affairs? Sure, it is my dream to one day encourage humans and serviles to put aside their differences and work together, drakons too, even. But I can’t even begin to undertake this worthy endeavor. Do you know why?” Vidara did not answer, or even look up from her notes, which she continued to take. “The reason is simply that humans are too busy fighting each other. Just like the drakons did when they were in power.” Fand turned, speaking now to everyone in the chamber. “Strife between human and creation, or between drakon against servile, these are the signs of our times. If we wish to move forward, steps must be taken to remedy these ancient divides, yes. However, we can not move on to the next phase of our saga if humanity itself continues to fall backwards, making war with each other, holding back the development of all the species of the Tererestia! How can humans have peace with drakons and serviles if they are not even at peace with themselves? This conflict between the Doctors and Arterials must end, that we may face the even greater threats to both our peoples that the future will no doubt hold for us. The challenges we face evolve every day, and we must remain one step ahead if we wish to survive. You are all humans. You are like brothers and sisters. You should be working together to further your goals, together as one!” Fand’s fellow serviles applauded his little speech.

 

Vidara looked up, but if she was at all moved by the speech, it did not show on her face. “You spoke of negotiation.”

 

“Oh. Yes.” Fand grabbed some sealed envelopes from a nearby assistant. “Artemis herself is willing to compromise with you. I have here her proposals. Please take them under heavy consideration.”

 

“I will forward them to the High Councilor immediately.” Vidara had a nearby servile take the papers from Fand. Fand frowned when he saw the mindless look in the servile’s eyes. “You may stay in the guests quarters until tomorrow, when we will discuss the future of your own lands.”

 

Fand was a bit taken aback by this, “Uh, very well. If you wish.” With that, Fand and Krak Blade headed to their quarters to rest. Before the two friends headed to their separate rooms, Krak Blade was sure he heard Fand mumbling to himself, “I hope I’m doing the right then… how could I ever even know?”

 

Illya Safehouse

 

Learned Vess smiled at the huge mass of serviles that had made it to the Safehouse. Had the Rebellion even had this many supporters? How could it have? Were there even this many serviles back then? Oh, but they were a ragged bunch. They had lived under drakon rule for a century now, which meant that they were essentially living in anarchy, paying tribute to their overlords in exchange for not being decimated on a whim. They were left on their own, and were savage creatures now, most bearing the tattoos of their ancestors or at least a mad look in their eyes. It didn’t matter, they were exactly what Vess wanted.

 

“My servile brothers and sisters!” She stood before them, a huge amulet around her neck catching the light in a way that immediately caught the attention of the gathered cultists. “For too long have serviles stood on the sidelines of history! We served the humans for countless millennia in exchange for safety, a safety denied to us when rebellion tore apart their ancient regime and brought down their lofty towers!” The gathered cultists cheered in remembrance of the Great Rebellion.

 

“We then served the drakons in exchange for freedom, but it was a freedom marred by poverty and waste, until the very palace of the Conclave collapsed around their ears for lack of virtue to keep it standing proper!” The serviles booed at the mention of their drakon masters, who had brought them nothing but pain as long as they could remember.

 

“Now, you are beset by foreign invaders, intent on giving you nothing at all in exchange for your expected obedience! They seek the secrets of the Shapers and drakons! Secrets used to enslave you and your ancestors since time immemorial! Will you stand for this?” The serviles shouted in the negative. Great, now they were all riled up. All Vess needed to do now was send them out to cause mayhem.

[Hypnotic]

 

Occasionally a person will witness an event that cannot be predicted nor explained no matter how many people try to rationalize, theorise, meditate or ponder. Thus the Doctor council was facing one such moment after hearing the latest report from Perkalia. Dymas was utterly furious but he was rarely happy. Vidara even payed attention to the meeting rather than express her usual boredom. Hypno was thankful the meeting was taking place over farsight crystals rather than in person. He was sure Dymas would be able to arrange for him to have an accident. Hypno continued to relay the Perkalia siege.

 

“In the last few hours we were been able to break them. The Arterials were a lot stronger than we gave them credit for but they did not know how to make essence. Even the gargantuan stores of Perkalia could not supply an army of 800 indefinitely. At first we noticed they were making less creations and we were able to break into the Inner City. Lucky for them blessings and wards require the littlest amount of essence. Using Batons and Javelins they were able to pin down our forces outside of stormhold. We didn’t know they had lost essence but we didn’t want to wait around either for them to regroup. So we tried to overrun them at their moment of weakness. We lost a few Doctors while assaulting them. The arterials were losing ground extremely fast until at a last attempt to stop us they released an unbound. This caught us completely off guard but it was enough to stop us. As soon as we had slain the best their leader Artemis was before us. She was able to call the clawbugs she had used to dig the tunnel were we were ambushed. There was about eighty plated clawbugs surrounding our tired army. The Arterials also emerged, surround us and were prepared to fight us to the death. This however did not happen. Artemis saw that they did not have the strength to win and opened negotiations with us.” Hypno had very diplomatically left out the fact that the negotiations weren’t that peaceful and Artemis did posses a very vulgar and comprehensive profanity vocabulary. “Now I have told you about the negotiations already so will you please stop staring at Artemis as if she were about to kill me and welcome our new Council member!

 

The negations Hypno had had with Artemis at first went nowhere. She wanted the Doctors to retreat and the Doctors wanted them to surrender. After an hour of useless debating they agreed on a common idea. The fighting must stop. It was decided that the Doctors would gain the city of Perkalia and the orchards south of it. Meanwhile the rest of the Stormplains were to be kept in Arterial hands but as a client state of the Doctors. Artemis would be the mayor of Perkalia and would keep the arterial army at bay. The Doctors would be heavily stationed at Perkalia and have a few roaming Doctors checking up on everyone to make sure no Arterial rebellion sprung up. So Artemis had enough influence to govern Perkalia without the other Council members interfering, Hypno decided to make her a Doctor Councillor.

 

Under the Doctor law any vital Doctor settlement or fortress need a Council member or Mayor. Artemis had enough popularity with the Arterials to hold the Mayor position and to prevent the others interfering, he elevated her to a council member. The remaining Councillors could not reverse his position as His vote plus Artemis’s meant that she stayed in power.

 

Dymas was at a loss for words. He knew the Doctors would defeat the Arterials but to have one of them as Council member was unthinkable. Vidara on the other hand was able to see the wisdom behind the actions and asked a question. “So were did they get an unbound?”

Hypno forgot the he forgot to mention it. However Artemis bet him to the answer.

“The stupid Drakons had it in storage. It was an old decaying unbound that lost its power”

“And you are sure the Arterials won’t rebel?”

“Yes, they won’t.”

“And your forces are happy to guard the Mera passes”

“No, but they will.”

“You won’t abuse you new position?”

“Yes.”

“What?”

“Yes, I was agreeing with your statement. Yes I won’t abuse my authority”

Now Dymas spoke up. “Hypno you have made a mistake. I will oppose you and her in every possible way I can. If you will excuse me I have some Drakons to take care of”. With that Dymas left. Vidara spoke again. “She is wise, but temperamental. I am not sure what to expect from her. I feel compelled t tell you this. I have been approached by some serviles from Drypeak.” Artemis snapped into focus and listened carefully.

 

“They came wanting to help end our feud. To be a moderator of sorts well it seems they won’t need to. Their leader Learned Fand seems to have a rather odd way of looking at the Doctors”

Hypno responded. “You had your notebook out.” It was more a statement that a question. It still was enough to make Vidara defensive. Hypno liked this Councillor but she was one of the Doctors he was still a child. She was one of their best but her Diplomatic and social skills were sorely lacking. “Anyway they want to open negotiations with them. Proceed as planed?”

“Sure, but what was in those letters?” Vidara left no detail out. Even the very offensive language written but Artemis’s own hand. The letters were of concessions of land and various other treaties.

 

Pondering this information Hypno spoke: “What of Kayar?”

“Still secure. They know nothing. To be safe the buffer zone is closed”

“Thank you Vidara” With that the Farsight crystal shut down closing the meeting. It would seem Hypno still had Vidaras trust. Only Dymas would need to be countered.

 

With that Vidara’s farsight crystal shut down as well. Hypno was alone with Artemis. She spoke up.

“Why did they talk as If I couldn’t hear them?”

“Its democracy, get used to it.”

“Okay but….”

“Oh heavens help me! I’m stuck with you again!”

“Hey that’s unfair….”

“No, I am risking a lot trusting you. Do not betray me. Your smile will get you only so far.”

Now Hypno left Artemis in the Perkalia grand hall. Now she would have to prove herself.

 

Walking down Perkalia Hypno wondered if he made the right choice. Thinking of the positives. No more fighting, Doctors gained some of the commoners trust, Dera would have enough food, they had easier access to their Mera Safehouse, more resources and supply’s at their disposal, another reion is at their command. The only main negative he could see is Artemis staging a full blow rebellion against the Doctors with the remaining arterials as an army and using her Council influence to disorganise the Doctors. He tried not to dwell on that option.

[Hypnotic]

Kayar Spire

 

In a trance of total concentration, Vidara was holding her breath. Going ridiculously cross-eyed and putting her hands to her face, she waited. Timing was everything, as the slowest move of her hand would push the air around her target. Her tangled eyes focusing on the small follicle in front of her. With the barest movements she slipped her hand around the thread and wound it up. With a slight tug the rouge strand of hair fell out. All of her golden curly canopy was still intact and impeccably perfect. Slumping back into her throne, her advisor walked in.

 

“The serviles are ready”

“Well then send them in.”

 

Hypno had told Vidara that she needed to forget her precious notebook, and try to make a good relationship with the serviles. Much to her dismay she agreed and accepted. Shuffling in behind each other the serviles came in, Learned Fand at the head who was clearly the leader. He showed signs of being a neat person with his robes without a crease and his cuffs almost sparkling. Vidara began the conversation.

 

“It has been told that I was rather rude yesterday, and for that I apologise. There has been a rather high need for security here and I’m sure you understand the need for subtle secrecy.”

 

Vidara was not happy with having to explain herself but she understood the need to.

 

“You have clearly explained your view, and your beliefs. Now it is time for me to tell you ours. Simply put we believe that the world is made of opposites. Hot, Cold, Tall short, Left, Right and even simple maths; Positive one and negative one. When you put them together they cancel each other out and a balance is made, mathematically this is Zero. We want Terrestia to be the same. Shapers in their almighty power had no opposite and became the power that caused their own downfall. The Shapers were able to postpone their downfall but you cannot have something without its opposite. How can you be at peace if you have never been to war? The Shapers claim to everything made them let their guard down and so the Drakons took over.”

 

Learned Fand was able to understand this. Not an Entirely sane belief in his opinion, especially since it didn’t relate to anything he said the day before but he let her continue.

 

“The Darkons let history repeat itself but we won’t. If we do gain power, we will need someone to keep us in check. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who will Guard the Guards? So This is where you and the Serviles come in. If we control the West, and you the East then all of us will be forever vigil. Making sure we are always ready to protect ourselves from a war that will never start. Serviles will be moved from the West to the East and visa versa for Humans. He will have our own customs and cultures and prosper in harmony. The slavery of serviles will be at an end, while you gain the place in society that you always wanted. So Learned Fand, we wish to Ally with and create a balance in the world. We will fix all past mistakes. Restore wealth and end hunger. Learn Fand will you make the choice to make Humans and Serviles at peace?

 

Learned Fand was absolutely stunned to discover the Doctors were not as self-righteous as he thought they were. “So you want the world to be at peace, by causing more war?

 

“In a nutshell yes. We will unify the humans here on the west by force or peaceful negotiations. What you do in the East is entirely up to you but we will aid you whatever your choice.”

 

“I’m not sure, I will need to think this over with my fellow Diplomats. However I must ask, what is this so called Device”

 

Vidara did not even feel insecure about this knowledge. She knew the world knew about it but knew they did not know what it is or will be. “I’m sorry, I cannot tell you that. Only six of us know. All of whom are Doctors. But to quench your curiosity, it is not a means to an end, but more a way of explaining the inexplicable.

 

With that Vidara waved the Serviles back to their quarters and walked of to the buffer zone. Still clutching her hair she had an idea. Notebook or not she remembered that they needed her DNA to complete the template.

 

. . . . . . . .

 

Drakon Stronghold

 

Dymas was having a bad day. For an average person it would be unpleasant at worst but Dymas was feeling optimistic. He was leading the assault on the old bandit camp. This raid had been delayed but he felt it would not matter. Even so he was one for caution and so had brought fifty young Doctors with him. Peering down over the side of the valley he spotted seven of the thirty Drakons said to be here. They all seemed to be examining some rather tall green leafy vine like plants. He decided against pondering about the reasons they were here and decided to being the attack. Quietly and beyond sight they created an army of creations.

 

“CHARAGE” It was a delayed reaction before the Doctors charged as it was the first time they had seen Dymas display an emotion other than manic Depression. They thought it was almost enthusiasm before they clicked and ordered their creations to swarm down into the Valley and towards the waiting Drakons.

 

It only took a few minutes for the Drakons outside destroyed. They had no creations made and were focused elsewhere. When the assault came they were unprepared and overwhelmed. The still did manage to put up one heck of a fight until they died. Creation loss aside the assault had been successful so far. The lone fortress stood before them. Off to the side was a lone pathway that had been collapsed for some time.

 

A shaped door on the second floor and highest point of the complex opened. Stepping out onto the balcony overlooking the Doctors was an Ur-Drakon. A very large Drakon who radiated power.

 

“The new Shapersss have decided to show themselvesss. He still had a very good Hiss on him; He was unconcerned that the number of Drakons inside the complex was dwarfed by the number of Doctors. “We have need samplesss to test our new petss. This Drakon was confident to say the least and smiled as best a Drakon could. Summoning his inner Energy he became to shape.

 

At first Dymas was concerned as a large bulging blue nimbus extended out of the Drakon. It kept growing larger and larger until Dymas noted no particular shape was forming. On the edge of his sense he was picking up an incredible amount of essence loss from the Drakon but still no creation was being made. Dymas was about to order the creations to break down the gates when he saw a Kyshakk at the front of the Doctors. The Doctors made it but it was trembling slightly. Its scales also seemed faded and were cracking. The creation didn’t even notice as it was just staring straight ahead towards the fortress. Then its skin peeled back and disappeared. The flesh underneath was exposed and blood dripped out then dissolved into thin air. The bones were making a horrible grinding noise until they themselves dissolved. The Kyshakk still did nothing. Soon its entire underbelly was gone and only its head and shell remained. The Kyshakk had died as having no body. Then the Doctors spectators were absolutely stunned as the giant Kyshakk shell then burst into dust and was carried away into the air around them until it was no longer visible.

 

Dymas was scared. He figured that the Drakon was not shaping but was casting some sort of spell. The energy required was phenomenal if the essence needed to be outside the body to be used. Dymas ordered the creations to attack the Drakon perched above them. Wartralls let off a few stones and Vlish sent a few weak beams of energy towards the Drakon until they also stopped. Their skin was melting before their eyes and goo of all different variants leaked out. Dymas was about to order the Doctors to shape and destroy when a thought occurred to him. If the Creations felt not pain hen dissolving, then how would he know if it was happening to himself? He looked down.

 

His skin was popping and cracking. He could see his veins spilling a bit of blood only to have it vanish before his eyes. It was about then that he snapped to reality and shout some orders.

 

“Doctors, Heal now!” The Doctors looked at themselves and saw they were falling apart. Lights flashing from the doctors as skin began to grow and replace the missing parts. However as soon as they were fully healed they began to fail again. The creations in front of them were dying slowly and were letting out shouts of confusion, as they didn’t know what to do. Dymas ordered the Doctors to heal themselves for every known poison, acid, or harmful Aura they knew of. Nothing worked. The Doctors, masters of healing were fighting a losing battle. They had since cured most harmful effects they knew of. When some happened and they didn’t know what it was, a brute force spell had been created to remove everything. Even that did nothing.

 

“Dymas, what do we do?” A young Doctor was fixing skin on his arm, and looked with despair as the skin peeled back and dropped of him again. The Drakon stoped shaping and walked inside.

“Shields, regeneration Aura now!” The Doctors did as was asked and the disease slowed down. Dymas thought that it was the Drakon that was causing the Harm until he noticed that his shield was acting up. Normally invisible, the shield was now flickering in and out of focus as if something were attacking them. Curious he cast a Fire fountain over the resilient Doctors. What he saw confirmed his suspicion. Smoke had appeared. Normally when casting a spell no such affects happened due to no chemical reaction was actually taking place. Just burning of energy within oneself. Smoke only came when something was burning. An Invisible creation was attacking the Doctors.

 

“Aura of flames, fire fountain anything!” Dymas was not expecting an invisible creation. His commands coming in breaths between casting healing spells. About ten minutes later the attacks had stopped. Whatever was attacking them was gone and the Doctors were tried from the various quick fire magic. The Doctors walked to the entrance to the complex. The Door opened before them, so much for Drakons authority. The front door isn’t even locked! Dymas walked into the foyer of the complex. Shaped lights cast a dim glow and in the distance magic could be heard.

 

“The Doctors cleared the front and slowly made their way towards the rear of the fort. Only two Drakons were found and a combined effort killed them before an alarm could be raised. The Drakons clearly thought the invisible would have taken care of them.

 

The only place left unchecked was a large circular chamber. Looking through some shaped windows Dymas and the Doctors saw the remaining twenty-one Drakons. They were all making canisters. A large pile of them stood in the corner. Dymas walked towards the only entrance and addressed the Drakons. With a large grin he smiled.

 

“Your time plaguing the Dera reaches is at an end. We need strong Drakon tests samples.” As the raid had come full circle he pulled out an Acid fire pod and threw it into the room. Dymas watched as the glaring blaze plummeted across the room. At the same time the shocked Drakons realised their time had come when the sensors detected danger and closed the buffer zone into the shaping hall. The flames almost reached Dymas but the shaped dorrs closed sealing the Drakons in. Although the danger was over the screams of pain could still be heard. Moments later there was silence and the shaped doors slowly fell open. In the room beyond, acid was crawling across the room. No Drakon remains were found. The canisters destroyed.

 

“Dymas, we have secured the information you were after.” A few hours the raid Dymas had taken up office in what appeared to be the Ur-Drakons chambers. He was assessing the assault and making his official report when a young Doctor came in holding a rather filled out shaping journal.

 

“A quick browse through this has revealed their plans. The Drakons were making canisters to apply a new modification to themselves. The plants outside are resistant to nearly all types of magic and what does get through gets turned into essence. This resistance also has another effect. The creation that attacked us outside wasn’t one creation. It was many. The Drakons have unleashed many horrors onto the world but this one takes the cake. You have heard of the ‘Unbound’, well here are the ‘Unseen’.” The Doctor flicked the book around to show Dymas. A picture of a small shredbug with wings was before him.

 

“Thousands of these are in the size of our thumbnail. One can’t hurt us but all of them can. They eat our skin, digest it and turn it into essence that acts as a fuel for themselves. This makes them tireless when attacking and as a self-destruction method when the attacks are over. The thing is they only eat things with magical energy or essence. So your commoner won’t be affected but all of the people protecting them would be. If these got out a single Drakon with one of those canisters could re-take Perkalia in a matter of hours. Controlling this many creatures is impossible so they are immediately rouge, hence the magical resistance. So what do you want me to do with the research here?”

 

Dymas was thinking this over, then a though occurred to him. “This is too dangerous to be let into the wrong hands. The fact that they are totally uncontolaable makes them unstable. Although if directed in small amounts via pods. Then we could have a new weapon.

 

. . . . . . . .

 

Stormhold

 

Hypno was pacing around the fortress. He was looking for Artemis. That girl was causing him no end of indirect harm. She had disappeared and no one knew were she was. For all he knew she could be outside leading an uprising. Even worse she might just be eating lunch and therefore seem incompetent, as she couldn’t even leave a note. He needed to find her and talk over the Doctors next move. They had held Perkalia for about a week now and most of the escaped creations had been captured and killed so no rouges were pacing the lands. With Perkalia safe and the Mera-Tev border secure, he really needed someone to confide in.

 

Where is Artemis?

[Spddin Ignis]

Shaper Terra walked into the Citadel. She was stunned by what she saw. She walked into a huge open room with a beautiful dome. She was directed by a servile to take a seat on a near by bench and wait until the other 4 arrived. Agent Rayne was the next one in the room, along with Guardian Kohler. They were not stunned, yet, they were still impressed by the beauty of the citadel, though they have been in and out of the building several times. Terra looked at the two Shapers and how comfortable they were here. Kohler and Rayne were talking to Pheonix, the serville that had instructed Terra to sit. Terra was stunned to hear how crisp and intelegent the servile sounded, she also noticed his nicely made sword that he carried. Outside of the Citadel there was a large boom heard. Everyone in the Citadel imediatly jumped into action. Dak and Rayne drew their swords and so did all of the other guardians and agents within the Citadel. The hands of the Shapers' began to glow, ready to Shape in case of an attack.

 

A few minutes later, the roar of Embers flames burning through the flesh of a Drakon could be heard. Emeber walked into the room. Terra, suprised, launched a magical beam of energy at the creature. Agent Rayne held out her hand and the energy instantly dissolved.

 

"Thats Ember. He belongs to Lord Spddin, he is of the speices cryoember, and is the only one of his kind."

 

Terra looked embarassed and did not make another sound or motion. After abour 10 minutes of waiting, Guardian Ash walked into the room. Like Shaper Terra, Ash had only hoped to be invited to the Citadel. For him this was a dream come true. Behind Ash was Sky. He had come from guarding the west border. Another powerful guardian was sent to replace him. The doors to the throne room opened. The first to enter was Ember, he took his seat next to Spddn and watched as the meeting as it proceeded.

 

"You 5 have been called to me today for an important reason, fore if it were not important, I would have left you to continue our daily lives. I beleive that it is time for the making of a council again. Like our ancestors had done, but with changes. We will not each have our own provinces with our own laws, but we will all rule over all of our lands together, each with different positions and authorities. Rayne, you will be in charge of spies and scouts. Sky, you will be in charge of warfair to the east. Ash, you will be in charge of protecting the most important of our facilities, and generally protect us against domestic threats. Terra, I had selected Shaper Ramana to be the councilor of research, but he had denied and insisted that he send his best researcher instead. He selected you.

 

You will head research, and you will be in charge of the labs that exist under the Citadel. And lastly Kohler, you will head all warfair, mostly to the west though. I will be the head councilor. Unlike the councilors of old, we will not sit around. You will not only command people, but you will work with them. There are rooms in the Citadel that are available for you 5 when needed. but now, its time for the war to begin."

 

...

 

Shaper Terra looked at her new labs. Right now they were empty, but soon, Shaper Spddin would send her Shapers, and she would command research. She hoped that she could make a difference in the war. The labs were filled with several journals, some old and some new. She looked through them, absorbing as much information as she could. They were interesting. They discussed the manipulation of essence on such advanced levels that she had never seen them before. She also stumbled upon the instructions for the creation of a cryoember. She began to record ways to refine the design.

 

...

 

Kohler had recieved instructions to go to the west and finsih his conquest of the Nodeye coast. Kohler had a more powerful army now. After their time spent on leave, the soldiers were refreshed. They had also learned a few new skills. They marched pefectly in step. Human outsiders marched together, and the Shapers were each surrounded by packs of their creations. They marched until night fall without much confrontation. The group decided that they should set up a camp. A few temporary guard creations were Shaped, and the creations that were marching were ordered to go to sleep. Late in the night, all of the Shapers woke up imeadiatly, as the shriek of the a guard arbol was heard. It would be inperceptable to normal humans, but not to the Shapers. The Humans and creations were woken up by the shapers. The flaminf body of the winged creation could be seen falling from the sky.

 

Kohler and his group of Shapers could sense the poweful creations moving near, the were under attack by Drakons. The Shapers broke open essence pods and their hands began to glow with the magic that they were about to unleash. The Drakons charged, thinking that they could suprise the shapers with their tactics. But they were suprised when magic bursted forth from the finger tips. Kohler and the Human soldiers sprung into action. Kohler hacked away Drakon after Drakon. The Shapers shaped creation after creaton and casted spell after spell. The battle was long and hard though. Energy was fired from the claws of drakons, but Kohler continued to fight the battle. Just as the Shapers were running low on essence the Drakons and their creations withdrew. Kohler looked around to see the bodies of Drakons and Humans laying there on the ground, along with the creations of both sides. The Shapers absorbed a few pods and chased the Drakons.

 

The Shapers and their forces followed the trail of the Drakons to a small, lifeless town. Then they sensed it. It was an ambush. Luckily the Shapers had just refuled on essence, but that would barely help them, fore Drakons and Un-bound came from everyside. They Shapers were trapped and had no other choice but to fight their way through. Kohlers ungloved hand began to glow an eerie green as he began to shape.

 

A Powerful group of creations appeared around him. He gave them commands, and they rushed into battle. A drakon approached him from behind, he sensed it and ducked, the large enery blast that radiated from the Drakon's claw missed him and hit an unbound right in the face, decapitating it. Kohler then took his sword and thrusted it right into the Drakons heart. All around him he could see and feel the heat of battle. This is the biggest battle he has fought in a while, so there must be something important near by. He continued to fight. The shapers were keeping the chaos of the Drakons at bay. They shaped creations and sent them into the Drakons regime.

 

Kohler was alerted to the east by a roar that he recognized all to well. A spiraling beam of fire and ice was fired straight into the crown of drakons and unbound. The smell of burning skin and the skreiks of the Drakons could be heard as Ember flew in to join the fight. A Drakon approached the Cryoember and the creature slashed at the Drakon with its claws, freezing the point of contact instantly. The battle continued on. Kohler saw a beam of energy heading for a shaper. Kohler yelled. "MOVE!". The Blast hit the Shaper in the chest. He looked down to see a hole in his robes and through his body. He collapsed to his knees. A Drakon came up behind him with an extremely large sword and finished the job. Kohler pointed his sword at the Drakon as a magical blast traveled down its length and through the tip, finsishing the Drakon.

 

The battle was long and hard, but the Shapers finished off the last of the beasts. They then casted spells, destroying the bodies. Kholer sent his remaining creations to search the town and finish off anything else that might be living. After about an hour of inspection, they all went to what appeared to be a research hall.

 

The hall was huge. It was lined with healing pools on one side and essecne pools on the other.

 

"Charge up!" Commanded Kohler

 

"Yes Sir!!" His soldiers resoned.

 

Ember flew away. He was to meet Guardian Sky and his forces in the Mera-tev.

 

...

 

Sky had finaly arrived at the gates of Gorash-uss. He was to have a meeting with the ESC about helping them fight the war.

[Dantius]

Dantius stood in the research labs, listeneing to Rhakath's new breakthrough.

 

"We are amazed at how quickly we were able to crack it. Really, I put it down to the answer being so obvious that only non-Shapers would be able to crack it." he spoke

 

"Basically, when you shape anything, all you do is expel Essence from your body, the use magic to mold it into life. There is no practical difference between Shaping an Unbound and an Artilla, only the amount of essence expelled." he continued

 

"The trick with the Titan is to not use magic to mold Essence into a creation, but to merely change a small segment of it into a Gazer mind, while leaving the rest unmodified."

 

"The Gazer mind is, of course, powerful enough to hold this essence in place, and actually to mold the essence itself while retaining its elasticity, giving it the ability to change form."

 

"While a number of small logistical problems still recur, we are confident that, within a month, we will be fully able to Shape Titans. In addition, this will give us the ability to have tremendous insights into the workings of Gazers, perhaps even giving them the ability to Shape, a tremendous breakthrough."

 

"Excellent" spoke Dantius. "I have the utmost confidence in you"

 

"I will send the research back to the Island. We will continue it there, with our more advanced facilities. Permission to return?"

 

"Yes. Destroy every trace of research here. I do not want others to steal our secrets."

 

.....

 

Dantius headed upstairs to the Keep. He entered the meeting room, packed with Gazers and Eyebeasts. The noise instantly quieted.

 

"Sir" spoke Nemat-Eye of Farsight. "Our crystals have confirmed that Kov has negotiated with the Drakons of Burwood, and has passed the Western Morass safely. He is well into the Okanavo, and is now out of our reach"

 

"Well done. Are the logistics for our invasion complete?" said Dantius.

 

"Everything is worked out, with less than a 3% chance of deviation" spoke Kallinnin.

 

"Assemble the troops, then"

 

.....

 

Dantius stood atop the wall ringing Grosch. His army had been assembled in the fens surrounding it. There were two chief branches- the Northern Command, organized to take control of Burwood Province was led by Kallinnin, and the Eastern Command, meant to take control of the Greyghosts, was lead by Nihsun. Northern Command held three hundred Gazers and fifteen Eyebeasts, and needed to capture Valeya-Uss and Poryphera-Uss, then establish a defense at the Western Morass, driving out the New Takers, as well. Eastern Command was smaller, with ten Eyebeasts and two hundred Gazers, meant to eliminate Northforge Citadel and purge the Greyghosts of the last remnants of the Drakon Lords.

 

Finally, in the conclusive blow to the Drakon Lords, Dantius himself was to emerge at last, leading the remainder of both armies against Quessa-Uss, and kill the final remnants of the Conclave.

 

"Gazers!" Dantius thundered.

 

"We are now finally taking the next step in our conquest! We will destroy the last remnants of the Conclave and establish permanent dominion over a quarter of Terrestia!"

 

"We will show the cowards who hide in their citadels the power of the Eyes!"

 

"At last, vengeance is at hand!"

 

 

"GO FORTH AND CONQUER!!!!!"

 

....

 

Dantius stood in front of a scrying crystal, watching the battle of Northforge with interest. His Gazers hand crossed the Gulf with ease, and ascended the outer peaks of the Greyghosts without incident. They entered the Citadel through the Warrens, and were currently in the Breeding Pits, merrily wreaking revenge on the Unbound contained within.

 

Nihsun floated in the middle of it all, hurtling massive clounds of magical energy at anything that walked on the ground

 

"DIE, DRAKON SCUM!!! DIE!!!" he thundered, taking out an Unbound with a massive bolt of energy from his central eye.

 

Retreating back into the masses of Gazers, he quickly shaped a pair of Wingbolts and three Kyshakks, sending them forth ino the combat. They fell quickly, but managed to severly cripple an Unbound in the process. Nihsun finished it off with a blast of flame before rejoining the battle.

 

However, it seemed that for every Unbound killed, another took its place. Eye Gloral floated up to Nihsun and hissed

 

"We have already lost two dozen Gazers and two Eyebeasts. We need to finish them off quickly!"

 

"I know. If Dantius' calculations were correct, there are seventy Unbound contained in the Pits and another forty in the Inner Shaping Hall. We have killed sixty already, and our Fareye reports that the Inner Shaping Hall is empty, so they must have sent them all here in a last-ditch attempt to stop us."

 

At that, both Eyebeasts turned back to the battle, with Nihsun shaping twin Rothdhizons to wreak havoc amonst the enemy ranks.

 

....

 

Confident that the battle at Northforge was going well, Dantius turned to another pair of crystals. This one contained an image of Valeya-Uss from above, with shading to represent the various areas of control, while the other contained both images of the front lines and the image from Kallininn's base of operations. Unlike Revak, who had mastered the art of Shaping, or Nihsun, who had mastered the arts of combat, Kallinnin was a brilliant tactician and strategist. He had established a base area at a bridge not too far east of Valeya, and directed the battle from there.

 

One of Kallinin's Fareyes spoke:

 

"Master, reports from the battlefield suggest that a group of human mages have rebelled aginst the Drakons, and are now aiding us."

 

"Excellent. Where are the Drakons?"

 

"Preliminary scrying indicates that they have holed themselves up in the Anvil Chamber, surrounded by potent defenses, and are directing the defense from there."

 

"Hmm. Send our reserves sout, out of detection range, then west to the lake. We should be able to flank them from the water, bypassing their defenses. It will be a manuver that will be completley unexpected!"

 

"It will be done, Master."

 

....

 

Proud of the tactical genius that he had instilled in him, Dantius turned to the final crystal. It depicted the other half of Kallinnin's forces, rapidly heading to the Western Morass. Scrying indicated that there was already a major battle in progress there, between a weak Drakon lord, and the New Takers from the west. Both parties would soon be in for a big suprise when a hundred and fifty of the finest Gazers warriors beset them from all sides!

[Spddin Ignis]

Kohler and his forces were well rested and it was now time to continues their campaign across the coast. Most of the Shaper forces were getting ready for another day, while the sun could be seen rising. Kohler was exploring the town hoping to find useful supplies before they left. Just as he was about to turn around and go back to his group, he noticed a small building that his creations didnt explore. He cautiously went towards the door and drew his blade, there was something living in the building, he could sense it. He placed his hand on the doornob and opened it slowly. He peared into the room to see a lizard like creature. He couldnt make it out due to the lack of light. He cast a spell to illuminate the room. When he did, he was the several baby drayks and a room full of canisters.

 

Without a second thought, he approached the small innocent drayks. He knew what they would become, no matter how innocent they seemed now. He looked into the eyes and saw the terror of one of the creatures, and without remorse, he cut them down. One. By one. By one.Blood splattered on the wall and the shrieks of the creatures could be heard. He had killed them, the work of a Shaper. He then moved to the about 40 canisters. He cast a spell, shattering them. Their contents spewed onto the wall in the same way that the blood had a few minutes ago,but unlike the blood, the charged essence quickly evaporated.

 

Kohler finished exploring the building and as he opened the last door, an object could be seen glowing. He again lit the room with his magic and was suprised to see a magical anvil. Next to the Anvil was a sword, a golden crystal, and the shattered remains of an adult Drayk. Kohler wondered what exactly happened to this creature. He assumed that it was the mother of the creatures that he had slayed earlier, but he could only determine the cause of death as a strong magical blast. He turned his attention from the Drayk to the sword and was stunned to see a guardian claymore. They were rare swords. His father had used one, but it was taken by his killer.

 

Kohler picked up the sword, and due to its enchantment, he felt much stronger. He could swing the heavy sword with ease. A pocketed the golden crystal for later use and rejoined his army. Kohler shouted to his group

"Time to go!. Make sure you have everything."

 

Kohler was approached by a Shaper "General?" he looked at Kohler

 

"Yes."

 

"I sense that there is a legion of Drakons approaching."

 

"Like the force that we fought last night.?"

 

"I thought that at first, but i sent an Arbor to scout. The force last night doesnt compare." said the shaper

 

Kohler magically amplified his voice and spoke to his army. "There is a force of Drakons and unbound approaching. If we leave now and go out into the open, we are doomed. We must use the town to our advantage."

 

The soldiers yelled a cry of battle and took their positions. The creations stayed towards the front lines and the humans after them. The Shapers stayed in the research hall, next to the essence pools so they could keep wave after wave of creation coming towards the Drakons and their creations. The guardians and agents were among the humans, ready to destroy Drakon scum.

 

The Drakons,unbound, and many other creations that the Drakons had created charged. They unleashed magic and wielded gigantic drakonian blades. The Arbols swooped down, attacking the Drakons. The larges Drakon, an Ur-Drakon was covered in about 20 Arbols, clawing at him and biting him, all while using their magical attacks. He cast a spell and energy was discharged from all over his body. The Arbols were blasted off.

 

Kohler, who was in the front lines, saw the Drakon and thought he would be a good challenge. He lept striking the Drakon with his sword. The Drakon also took a huge swing with his own sword. Kohler jumped, dodeging the blow. The Drakon made a Rothizdon. Kohler quickly decapitated the foul creation and turned his head towards the Drakon. As he turned around, he could see the Drakon's blade, but it was too late. The tip of the blade struck him in the stomach. Kohler fell to his knees. The Drakon, satisfied that he has killed a shaper turned away. He was hoping to find more battles, but that was his first and last mistake. Essence flowed out from Kohler's body, and healed the wound. He lept onto the Drakon's back and stabbed him in the head. He then withdrew his sword, and flipped off. The Drakons huge body fell, crushing several lesser creations in the proccess. Day turned to night as the battle raged on. 3 agents and a guardian had been lost, and the Shapers in the research warrens still heald strong.

 

It took all day, but the Drakons began to notice the fact that wave after wave of creations were coming from the warrens. The Drakons began to attack it with spell after spell. Dust fell from the cealing, seconds before it collapsed. There were about 20 shapers in there when the building had gone down. Kohler burned with rage as magic flowed from within him. He cast spell after spell and cut down creature afrer creature. The Drakons fell to his blade. Kohler was the best of his kinds(guardians). Only his brother Dak, could compare and he was gone now.

 

Rubal from the collapsed building flew out towards drakon lines, striking many of them. Where the debris had gone, 20 shapers were there. They had hid in tunnels under the halls. Waiting to emerge and finish the battle. The Shapers created some of the most powerful creations known to their kind and sent them out. They then joined the battle themselves, unleashing magic that ripped down the walls of the town themselves. The battle was over and they had captured a Drakon for interigation. The Shapers took many human casualties, and few of their kind. The creations didnt really matter though, they could always be replaced, human lives couldnt.

[Hypnotic]

Kayar Spire:

 

Kayar spire was almost finished in its magnificent make over. The majority of the work was just cleaning of residual grime and toxic build up that the Drakons had no desire to clean. Only the northern part of the ancient cells remained cells. They now each had pylons in the corners and fully functioning air-tight shaped doors. Golems had been restored to patrolling the halls. The eastern side had been expanded to accommodate the living quarters for the Kayar academe. The west side had been converted into the school and a very large testing hall. The school had ten of the best Doctors present. The best of the Doctors did not fight but instead researched ways to better themselves or teach others. Killing an enemy was a task that the best could not afford time wise. Today the best had a new challenge. Councillor Vidara had decided to test the academes testing hall.

 

Vidara had just entered the final testing chamber. The Doctors testing grounds were liner so all rooms must be passed to prove that you have the requirements to be a Doctor. Vidara had breezed through the Healing Hall, Mined Maze, Diplomacy Domain, Shaping Summery, and the Magic Manipulation. They were all satisfactory for the prospectives that would come through. All she had to do now was pass the gauntlet.

 

The Final challenge in a Doctors graduation was to pass through a large room. This room however had four access tunnels that could be opened by their teachers to let creations in immobilise the prospective. When the Doctor had made it to the large central chamber a Golem blocked the door. Golems were the worst opponent a Doctor could face. They all had extremely high magical resistance and physical damage for Doctors were near impossible, as they did not train in weapons.

 

By special request Vidara had all the access points covered by a teacher and ordered them to not hold back like they normally would with a prospective. She also requested that a Static Golem be present. These Golems were time and essence consuming but they could deal both Physical and magical damage. They were also the only new creation the Doctors had made in their time of hiding. Vidara began her final challenge.

 

Standing atop the viewing platform she gazed upon the maze before her. To the left were traps and to the right creations. She could climb over the wall to the centre but she didn’t like the turrets on top of them. She chose to deal with creations. After all a Councillor had to know how to put down creations. She walked down the steps with her robe trailing behind her. Then the alarm sounded. The first wave of creations was being sent in.

 

She was keeping her hand on the left side of the maze and was following it. A few turns later she heard the first snarls. Pyro-roamers were bounding through the maze scouting her out. The Roamers had actually climbed over the walls and were not being targeted. Vidara smiled. While Hypno was know for Creation control and Dymas was for Creation quality. Vidara was known for her magic’s power and her energy reserves. The Roamers were literally running across the walls and sending globules of Acid at her when with a flick of her hand she casted a shield in her ears and casted Sonic Radiation.

 

Sonic radiation was one of the five new spells the Doctors had made. It was also the easiest to cast. This vibrated area around her at increasing frequencies. This distorted sound and destabilised weak buildings or flammable internal organs. Apart from burning ears there was no detectable difference around her. Then the Pyro-roamers popped one by one. There was no explosion as there organs had been shaken too much. The Roamers that didn’t pop were disposed of by Varying fountains of Fire and Ice.

 

Vidara slowly made her way through the maze and repeated the counter attacks for the creations that found her. They were:

 

Twelve Cryoras

Sixteen Plated Clawbugs

Four Battle Gammas

Eight Wingbolts

Four Rotdhizons

Four Kyshakks

Eight Wartralls

Four Glaahks

 

Then finally a swarm of twenty corrupted Thalds. Vidara had used mental magic and fountains and was starting to feel tired. She knew any prospective would have been exhausted by now as no pods, wands or crystals were permitted in the testing halls. Creations were allowed but Vidara preferred not to use them. She emerged onto the central chamber. An alarm sounded signalling no more creations would be sent in. Instead the teachers would emerge on platforms overlooking the chamber and fire magic at Vidara.

 

The Static Golem towered over Vidara. Its eyes opened and locked onto her. Its left hand was charging with acid and it right was charging with poison. The two different shaded green nimbuses started shooting poorly aimed bolts of magic. Vidara charged her shields and casted a regenerating Aura. She knew her magic was almost useless here. She would need to cast Amputate.

 

The fourth spell the Doctors had created in hiding was Amputate. This spell was created so large amounts of physical damage could be done using a magical spell. This spell would compress the air from gas to liquid then to solid. This would super cool the room and also darken it due to refraction of solid air. The air would then be sent towards the target in blades at high speeds cutting through nearly anything. This spell was the Doctors most powerful but also most energy demanding. To cast it would drain all the spell energy out of a person and would take hours to regenerate. Only Vidara had ever performed two Amputations consecutively while remaining conscious.

 

With showers of glassy spark raining upon her Vidara summoned her strength. Muttering the initial words the room grew cold. The sparks raining down flickered out. Blue orbs started to float around her. The blobs expanded and thinned into flat circular disks. The golem was no w moving closer after seeing its spells bouncing off Vidaras shield. When the Golem was a meter away from Vidara she stopped concentrating to and released the spell. There was an instant massive ebergy drain and she slumped to the ground. Gazing up she watched the spell while her energy left her via spinning disks heading towards the rocky figure. Her skin bulged as essence moved to the surface and tried to break free. The shards spun and impacted into the golem shattering themselves in a dazzling display of blue fireworks while breaking its shell. The disks let of a spray of glass shards then quickly melted then evaporated back into air. The golem was being compressed as the residual energy was flowing through its body. Writhing on the ground blue streaks flowed through its body until it puffed up died.

 

The only way for a Doctor to kill a Golem quickly is with Amputate and a prospective would need to cast it to complete their training. The spell is never practised as most people fall unconscious from a single spell cast. The first cast against the golem proves worthiness. Vidara was satisfied that the testing hall in Kayar spire was sufficient for training. Slightly dizzy from energy loss she walked in a zigzagged line out of the complex.

 

She hadn’t cast Amputate in a while but was glad she had. Being able to cast that in an emergency without falling unconscious may save her life. Standing back in her office she pulled a list out of a draw in her desk. She scrolled down to the bottom and crossed of the final words. She now officially had no more Jobs left to do at Kayar spire save working on the device. She hoped the Council meeting would confirm her request.

 

The Vault:

 

Dymas was dumbfounded. Making unseen was infuriatingly complex. The few times he had succeeded he didn’t even know they were made until his skin disappeared. He soon realised that light shields were needed to be cast to direct the unseen. They followed nature’s law and would always take the path of least resistance.

 

It had been a few days until he and his fellow researchers made a single pod containing unseen. Only to be disappointed they realised they would need to put the unseen in a stasis to ensure they did not expire after being confined. These pods were a nightmare but he knew he would finishes them.

 

Acid fire was more productive. The pods were fewer in number but provided a bigger bang. They no longer dissipated straight after being thrown. There was now a large Acid fire storage at the Vault.

 

Dymas was looking over his report of the vault. Once again he was not happy with the news. Most of the youth at the Vault had been moved to Kayar for their training. Large amounts of Doctors had left for Perkalia to aid Hypno. Only about three hundred Doctors remained in the Vault. Of those only one hundred could be called to battle as the rest were researchers, vital in the pod production or under six years old.

 

Dymas hoped the Council meeting would confirm his request.

 

Perkalia:

Hypno had had his desk moved from Zephyr to Perkalia. He was sitting behind it and standing in front of it was a rather dirty looking Artemis and two tired Doctors guarding her. He waved the Doctors off and was alone with Artermis.

 

Hypno was unsure how she was actually caught. “So what exactly happened?”

Artemis beamed with joy at being a nuisance. “At first I visiting my house when the Doctors first came looking for me. They would have found me but I was leaning to far out the window on the second floor and fell into a barrel of water. The Doctors had already checked that barrel so they walked past me when they left my house.”

 

That explained the dampness of her Hypno thought.

 

“Then the second time the looked for me I was in Stormhold! I realised I should have left a note but then I realised my writing equipment was still at my house. I didn’t think to leave a message with the guard who was stocktaking the writing implement stores. Sadly I slipped on a wet floor and kissed a poorly placed mud puddle.”

 

That would explain the mud on her front Hypno thought.

 

“The next time you missed me was on my way back to my house when I walked into a flower shop. The guard were leaving as I walked in but they didn’t see me because a girl walked past carrying a large bundle of flowers that obscured my face from them. A wasps nest was in those flowers and the girl walking mad them made and sent them out. They happened to attack me.”

 

That would explain the bumps over her arms Hypno thought.

 

“The last time you missed me was in the Ornk keepers hut. Apparently he had a good remedy for wasp stings. The Doctor patrol looked right at me and didn’t take a second look. By now the Ornk keeper had applied the Ornk dung on me but some of it spilled onto my clothes. They didn’t recognise me! So then I was walking back and then you…”

 

“Okay I get it” Hypno interrupted. “So now my question is this: Why were you at your house?”

“Hello? Its my house. Therefore I live there. Where else am I going to sleep?”

Hypno just stared at her with his mouth slightly dropping open.

“So your telling me that you haven’t been using the Councillors quarters provided for you here at Stormhold?” Hypno just couldn’t believe it.

“Of course I have used it. Its just the bed has a feather pillow and I prefer cotton.”

“You could change the pillow”

“The pillow case wouldn’t match the bedsuit!”

“The use the old pillow case!”

“But it smells like feathers!”

“You know what I don’t care! You manage to make the simplest task impossible.”

Hypno had a minute of quite time before speaking again. “I feel I should inform you about your duties as a councillor. Each Councillor must defend his/her region. They must lead the armies and set an example. As High Councillor I must also be present as technically this is all my region. As a Councillor you must manage your region to make it prosperous. You must make sure you people are fed and happy. Walking through a city to have a nap due to unsatisfactory pillows does not help you do this. Deal with it. We are having a Council meeting soon. Clean

yourself up and make yourself present. The meeting begins in an hour.”

 

Hypno had a sense of familiarity. Sitting behind his desk the two farsight crystals started to glow. The only difference was that it was not Zephyr Oasis and Artemis was sitting next to him. The ever punctual face of Dyams appeared first followed by a passive Vidara. After the usual string of introductions the Councillors gave their report. Vidara said that Kayar was now fully operational and the Device would now get undivided attention. Dymas reported that pods were being perfected and less people were in the Vault. Artemis strung the colourful tale her trek around Perkalia while the other councillors wondered how it was a review of the city.

 

Hypno led the meeting. “We have been consolidating the Storm plains for a week now. Most of the rouges are dead and our borders are secure. The Drypeak serviles are at peace with us, so no army lies to the east. The Lermans pass and Kratoa-Kel are currently occupied by ESC so we have about twenty Doctors stationed in small camps beneath each pass. For now our troops are just holding there. With our lands secure and trade restored between Dera and the Plains we are ready for our next move. We have three choices:

 

1) Aid the Drypeak serviles and the decisions in the East.

2) Join the Mera deadlock which if we win will result in ESC and the New Shaper Order attacking us as they have no where else to go.

3) Declare total war on the New Shaper Order and march East into the Coastal Provinces.

 

Vidara voted first. “I Vote option one as it may result in the conquest of the Sholai and obtaining Geneforge parts to quicker build the Device.”

 

Dymas was second. “I Vote option two as it will result in us having unrestricted access to the Mera-Fen and its resources. Our Pod production will skyrocket.”

 

Hypno voted next. “I Vote option three as we will liberate some commoners and unite more people under one banner. We will also be removing an obstacle to Victory.

 

Hypno turned to Artemis. “We are in a deadlock. Traditionally my vote would win but you have the choice to decide our votes. Consider carefully.” Artemis nodded and spoke. “I also Vote option three. Their leader Spddin will fall.” She had a sly grin on her face.

 

The Council meeting spent the afternoon planning how to best perform their task. It was decided that there would be two fronts. Hypno would lead the assault from Dera into Lethia with an army of Three hundred doctors. This front would have unrestricted access to their Acid fire pods. This front would be the main attack. The second front will be commanded by Artemis and her remaining Arterial army. A few Doctors will be present but mainly just to teach them proper control. One thing the canisters they used did not teach them. This front will be positioned at the Lethia and Shaper citadel pass crossroad. This Army is to hold its position and just send wave after wave of creations Into Lethia and the Citadel plains while the southern army does its work. This army would be in good supply from Perkalia to ensure it doesn’t fall.

 

With the plans set the Council adjourned. They each knew what they had to do. Preparations for the invasion would begin in the morning.

 

 

 

 

 

[Spddin Ignis]

Terra, Rayne, and Spddin sat in front of the scrying crystals in the Citadel room. Sky was in the mera-tev, using a crystal there, Ash was in the Lethia Province using a crystal there, and Kohler had found one under the research warrens in the Nodeye coast.

 

"I have called you all today because we are being attacked by the doctors. They are at our gates, and we must keep the chaos at bay." Spddin said, starting the meeting.

 

"Do you need me to come home?", questioned Kohler

 

"No, i don't. If i fall, the citadel will most likely go with me. We would need a base in the Nodeye. If he wants to eliminate the Shapers, all 6 of us would have to fall."

 

"What should i do?", asked Sky.

 

"I need you to defeat the Arterials who are going to try to come through. See if you can employ the assistance of the enlightened shaper confedaracy. They should be easy, but keep your creations under control. It is of course your specialty."

 

"What of me?", Guardian Ash entered the conversation.

 

"Get our borders protected. Make sure all major research facilities have the most security. You will lead the front that will destroy the doctors. Once you get them out of our lands, we will first set the storm plains to flames.Nothing, i mean nothing that lives will exist in the storm plains other then us and our soldiers. Not a single farmer, creation, doctor, or arterial will be left. Ashes for Ashes"

 

Spddin turns to Terra. "Teach them how to make Cryoembers. Each councilor should have one for security purposes. They will try to eliminate us, one by one. And they must not succeed."

 

Terra turns towards the crystals and begins to explain to the Shapers how to create these powerful creatures. They quickly absorb the information. Spddin gave everyone advice on taking care of the creations as he was the only one to have one in history.

 

"Rayne, have your spies anymore intellegence?"

 

"None that you do not already know high councilor." She responded.

 

"Well then,", started Spddin. "I dismiss this meeting of councilors.

 

The crystals blackened as each councilor said their parting words. Rayne and Terra left the room. Leaving Spddin to think.

 

He knew that defeating the Doctors would be no easy feat, but he knew that it could be done and it had to be done effectively. He made mental contact with Ember, who was flying over Terristia. He gave the Cryoember instructions to watch out for any doctors in the land.

 

...

 

Terra had left the room and was heading towards the labs. When she got into the labs, she found a nice open area and got settled. Her hands began to glow, and she held them out. Tendrils of light gracefully extended from her finger tips. It started towards the bottom of the platforms and it began to form a large shape. After about an hour of careful, meticulous work, she had a creation that was almost complete. She took a break, and then got back to work. She was placing the final touches on it. Teeth, claws, scales, and lastly the gigantic wings.

 

She slowly made it more and more substantial. Once the creation was complete, she made a mental connection with it. She looked it over and and gave it a name. Stone. She took a break and then began to research new creation types. Currently she was working on a creation known as a tekcor. It was essentially a new type of wingbolt. Instead of being curved into the C-shape, it was straigt and had 4 legs. So it looked like a rigid, flying snake with 4 legs. What made it so special was the fact that it could fly incredibly fast. It could shoot the characteristic energy beams of the wingbolt, but there was one huge difference. When this creation attacks, it flies head first into its target. When it strikes its target, something in its mind tells it to explode.

 

The explosion is unlike that of a roamers in the fact that it is a magical blast that can incinerate most living things. She felt that it was ready to test and Spddin already had it approved for testing. She was just re-checking the design for flaws before they sent it against their newest foes, the doctors. She had shaped the first proto-types, and tested them against powerful creations such as Drakons that had been captured. There were a few Drakons from the invasion in the Citadel, they have all died in experiments though.

 

...

 

Sky had just finished shaping his Cryoember, which he had named "East Wind". He was moving towards the fortress of the ESC. He and his force were confronted by about 10 Drakons and their creations. Eastwind looked towards his master and got a sign of approval. Flames played across his teeth and then magical ice entered the picture. The Drakons didnt notice the Cryoember until it was too late. The giant lizard like creature fired its signature attak of swirling fire and ice and it blazed through the Drakons and their beasts. Nothing was left but the tell tail frozen ashes... Sky was proud of his creation. The soldiers kept moving.

 

...

 

Kohler had completed shaping Kohl, his Cryoember. His soldiers were getting ready for night fall. Kohler established the link with the creation and gave the creation its instructions. He was to go to the main city and clear out the Drakons before they new what was coming. Kohl flew off ready to destroy a city.

 

...

 

Ash began to direct forces to guard the Lethia Pass from invasion. His Cryoember, Firestar, was already flying towards the Province. The Doctors were about to get an unexpected suprise.

[Lord Safey]

Faction: The Mad One

 

Location:Ashen Isles

 

History: 400 some odd years ago the shapers wisely decided to shut down and forbid the construction and use of canisters and the geneforge. Unfortunately not everyone was happy with this. One shaper not happy with this took his research to what is now known as the Ashen Isles dug deep beneath the earth and was forgotten. Down deep beneath Dhonal he made and used many countless creatures and canisters. Only occasionally interrupted by a tomb robber or overzealous guardian/drakon.

 

He has become heavily addicted to canisters. He saw that his pursteel production and crsytal harvesting operations would eventually run dry. So he prepared for the day when he would need to go the surface to gain the resources he need to make canisters.

 

Leaders: The Overlord, The mind collective

 

Ideology: Find/make canisters and use them. Kill,destroy,and maim anyone who gets in the way.

[Lord Safey]

The moment he had pondered for a long while. The mind collective claimed the root system was in place and just need to be activated. They spent 20 years putting in place. The mind collective said it was important to gaining more canisters. He wasn't sure how but then he didn't really care about the details. For in this turn of the hour glass, he would go to the surface and the surface shall learn to fear him.

 

He came down into the control throne the vlish blimp. His clothing heavy and in many layers was specially designed and enchanted for heat and magical resistance, though there was no obvious reason as to why. The servant mind in its tray told them everything was in place. The necessary tunnels had been dug and his armies where simply awaiting his commands. The plan, the servant mind collective had come up with, is to allow the root system to take over Dhonal Isle and for his armies to conquer the rest of the Ashen Isles before turning his might towards the mainland.

 

On the surface a group serviles dutifully harvesting crops on this unimportant stretch of an unimportant island chain. Suddenly the field is broken by a large fleshy pillar pushing up through the ground. If the serviles hadn't dropped all their tools to run in panic they might notice that every few hundred yards are so one was pushing its way towards the sky. Once the reached the height of 100 feet they extended long leafy but slender branches. Then the humming started and the serviles grew faint and withered the grass turned browned and died and the trees followed suit. Everything not tier three or higher soon was robbed of their essence and life force and little nimbus of light soon floated gently toward the flesh like trees. After 30 minutes are so the humming stopped.

 

The overlord just received word that the first phase was finished and the second phase was ready to begin. He then ordered his army to go to the surface kill anything that moves and bring him canisters.

 

Above the vlish blimps a hole was formed and the fleet flew up and out over the islands to spread destruction, chaos, and acquire canisters.

 

Soon theses islands would be void of inferior life.

[Acky]

A tiny circle of Drakons surronded the corpse of their fallen Warmassster. Desprete, they were quickly Shaping as many creationsss as they could to ward off the last of their attackers. Their focus utterly consumed with Shaping, they did not notice the swarm of Frostbolts diving on their position.

 

One Drakon, pointed up and screamed for his comrades attention. However, they were oblivious to the Frostbolts until they dived on them, releasing their ice shards upon their bodies. Two of the ten Drakons had their throats ripped open, killing them almost instantly. Four others stopped Shaping to fire upon their attackers. The Frostbolts reiled around, and then dove in for another attack. The Drakons frantically blew out steams of flame and ash, but being tired, desprete, and afraid, their attacks were very inaccurate. Their fire balls skewed in every other direction, unable to land a single blow against the Frostbolts.

 

The Frostbolts swooped down and eradicated the Drakon horde in one last fell swoop.

 

To the southeast, Markwakith finished burning away a crazed Battle Beta. All around him, dozens and dozens of Drakons were defeating the last of Pythagorass' followers. Serviles and creations were running into the buildings, trying to calm as many of the unstable creatures as they could. Sighing a breath of relief, Markwakith grinned. They had prevailed; and soon, they will be at Poryphra-Uss.

 

A Drakon messenger approached Markwakith. She bowed, and spoke, "Ssso, lesser one, what casualtiesss have we endured?" The Drakon spoke humbly, "Warmassster, we suffered little Drakon casualties, luckly. About all of our Exploading Kyshakks were killed; only a few dozen remain. About 20 Drakonsss and 10 Ur-Drakonsss were killed, several dozen more wounded, a few critically. A couple hundred Servilesss are dead, as well as a few human servantsss. Quite a few creationsss were killed, but our Blazesss are well underway to recreating them. Mostly Rotghrothsss and a few normal Kyshakksss. A couple Trallsss, but thankfully no Beta Tralls; they came in late to the battle. Not a single of the new Frostbolts was killed, although two were injured due to a confussed Tralls missfire."

 

"Good, good," Markwakith said. "A battle well won. Now, resemble formationsss so that we may begin marching east..." Markwakith was unable to finish his sentence.

 

An almost sobing Servile came running right up to Markwakith, falling at her feet. She frantically exclaimed, "Warmassster, Warmassster! There isss a horde of Gazers coming from the south! They'll be here before nightbreak!"

 

"Ssss. Servile! Bring in an Essence Pod! I musst send a Shade to his majesty!

 

 

..........

 

 

"....crossssed back into the citadel earlier this morning, Sire."

 

The messenger Drakon had just finished reporting to Jarkhiss the recent actions of the Shapers on the coast. Around him were several elder Drakons, acting as advisers to Jarkhiss. One spoke.

 

"Ssss. A feign move perhapsss?"

 

Another one, directly across from the first Drakon retorted, "Pfffh. An entire army to act asss a mere feign? No, no fool would do something like that."

 

A third Drakon answered, "Ahh, but you seem to forget the stupidness of humansss." The group responded with laughter.

 

Jarkhiss wasn't very amused. He bellowed, "But nevertheless, they are no longer a thread to us just yet. We can focus on those Shapers up in the mountains for the moment. Once we crush their puny armies, then we can deal with those Shapers on the coast."

 

This is when the fourth Drakon began to speak. "My lord, I do not think you see the bigger picture. To the southeast, we face the Sholai. They have arrived from their homeland to bring about the downfall of our ally, Kov, and his renagade followers. We have a Gazer rebellion in the fens of Aziraph; just south of our own forces. To the south, we will have to deal with humans and serviles, both of which are ready to die for their freedom. Past them are these "Doctors", that would slaughter usss like they did our brothersss and sisssters in the Dera Reachesss. We have an alliance of sortsss with these Sholai renagadesss, but everyone else wishesss to rule us or murder us in our sleep. Our victory is far, far from over. Even when we will defeat the Shapersss in the mountainsss, we will be surrounded by foes."

 

Jarkhiss smirked. He reclined in his chair, clicking his claws together in a menacingly fashion.

 

"It matters not. We are Drakonsss of Free. We can outdo any human, any gazer, or any servile that dares tries to resist our right to rule. We will....." Jarkhiss' speech was cut short a large shade suddenly appeared in the middle of the room. It looked remotly like a battle-weary Drakon.

 

"Ah! It isss Markwakiths report. Excuse me, Elders, as I much consult with my Warmaster on our latest victories."

 

Jarkhiss stood from his chair and slipped back through his rear-throne door. The Shade was instantly taken controlled of by Jarkhiss as he guided it to his private quarters.

 

Like all Drakons, Jarkhiss had a strange aptitude towards jewelry, shiny objects, or otherwise sparkly things. With his private gold, he went to no restriction to ensure that his quarters were ravaged by beutiful artifacts to be shown off to any visitors that came. Irony being that since Jarkhiss was very reclusive, he almost never got any visitors anyway.

 

Jakhiss waved his hand and the Shade spoke.

 

"Greetingssss Massster, I bring you newsss from the eastern front." Obviously, thought Jarkhiss.

 

"The Drakons of Pythagorass have been destroyed at the barrier. They are in full retreat, scattering all over the the province. Our troops are already overrunning northwestern "

 

"However, we have bigger issues. I hoard of Gazers are approaching from the southwest. If we do not act soon, they will overrun our armies and drive us out of our so recently won territory. What are your orders, Sssire?" Then the shade stopped dead in its words. It floated patiently, waiting for a responce.

 

A good 10 minutes later, Jarkhiss spoke.

 

"Prepare your defenses. Set up picket lines along the way to the barrier. Mine any backroads you find, and skirmish with them as they approach your main army. There, you will make your stand, and hold them, or die for glory. Reinforments will be there soon, my friend. That isss all" Then the shade decipitated, now on its way back to Markwakith.

[Sleeping Dragon]

Kayar’s Spire

 

Learned Fand was just going over the last of the negotiations with the Doctors. Despite the wars tearing apart most of the lands to the North, peace would be maintained between their two factions, at least. The Doctors would be sending food shipments from the Storm Plains to Drypeak. This would mean less serviles would be needed to work the fields in Drypeak and thus could go back to working the crystal mines there, as their ancestors once did. The Doctors would expect reciprocations in the form of crystal shipments, naturally. Also, the Doctors would be sending professional representatives to Drypeak to act as advisors and train a small number of serviles in the ways of shaping. In exchange, tutors from Drypeak’s famed School of Magery would be sent to train the Arterial soldiers in the ways of magic.

 

These negotiations were all fine and good, but the final part was by far the best. In the interest of maintaining positive human-servile relations, the Doctors had agreed to allow any servile who wished to immigrate to Drypeak and be ruled by their own kind. This was the part of the deal that brought a tear to Learned Fand’s eye. He turned to Krak Blade, “We did it, old friend. It is a good day for serviles everywhere.”

 

Fand suddenly received word that an emissary had come to him from Drypeak with important news. Before he could be received, another emissary appeared moments afterward, also from Drypeak. “What is the meaning of this? Who sent the two of you?”

 

The first emissary responded, “Governor Wanel sent me, Councilor.”

 

The second responded as well, “Governor Newor sent me. I… we probably have the same message for you.”

 

Fand shook his head. This was precisely the reason why he endorsed a more active central government. Having powerful regional governors like the ones the Confederacy has tends to lead to redundancies just like this. “What is the message?” Fand listened in silence as they told him of the destruction of the entire Council, weeks ago. His eyes, still wet from the tears of joy moments ago, were dampened again by tears of sorrow as he turned to his friend. “I am so sorry, Krak. Councilor Tamman…”

 

“My father lived a full life. He will be avenged.”

 

“I… we will have to leave for home immediately to restore order to the government. Oh, that I could be everywhere at once. If we and Councilor Vess are the only ones left, then…”

 

“Then we should get moving as soon as possible.” The two serviles nodded to one another and set out back for Drypeak.

 

Dillame

 

“And here I though that there was only one kind of human! Now I see they are not so different from us! Just as there are different varieties of servile, so there are different types of humans as well! The Sholai is a most primitive breed, isn’t it? I suppose it is at least some mark of prestige that you were the first of your kind! At least, I assume you are a prototype what with all the obvious flaws and mistakes that were made during your creation!” Learned Vess stood before the city of Dillame and shouted these words to the Sholai standing guard on the battlements.

 

On the walls above, two Sholai soldiers looked to each other in confusion, “What is that tiny person talking about?”

 

“No idea. Just ignore her. She’s been doing that for hours.”

 

“Hey, I think she’s trying to insult us.”

 

“Really? Nah, she just one of those crazy local serviles the General told us about. Probably doesn’t even know where she is. Poor thing.”

 

“No, I really think she’s insulting us. Or, at least, she’s insulting us in her own way. I’m not really that familiar with their insults, but it sounds bad.”

 

“Whatever, throws some javelins at her to scare her off. She’s woke me up this morning. She has it coming.”

 

“She’s just out of range. I can’t reach.”

 

“By the motherland! Fine, lets go out there and show her not to mess with the Sholai!”

 

With that, a small band of lightly armed guards opened the gates of Dillame and moved towards the lone servile outside. Vess smiled, and began waving her hands around frantically. By the time the Sholai realized what was going on, it was too late. Hordes of angry serviles poured out from the foliage. The Sholai ran back towards the gates with the maddened creations hot on their tails. They were unable to close the gates behind them as the angry horde flooded into the city. With the skilled mages of Drypeak backing them up, the city fell in minutes.

 

Rivergate Keep

 

Councilor Tavian approached Vess as she sat back in the ancient chair of the commander of Rivergate Keep. Serviles celebrated in the background, thoroughly trashing the once elegant halls of the Keep. Vess spoke, “A glorious victory for serviles! History has indeed repeated itself, as I expected it would. Not as grand and epic as I had hoped, certainly not the battle we once brought to Alwan, but I can live with today's outcome."

 

Tavian solemnly responded, “Councilor Vess, I'm sure you noticed, there were hardly any Sholai here at all. None of their leaders were present and their greater force seems to have relocated elsewhere.”

 

Vess toyed with the large amulet around her neck, “Perhaps they fled in fear of our mighty hordes.”

 

“Or perhaps they were not even really here for conquest as we once thought.”

 

“Don’t let the others hear you say that!” Vess leaned in close to Tavian and spoke in hushed tones, “Look what we have done! We have united all serviles against a common foe! Without that foe, we will simply fight amongst each other or regress into our little communes and cults. No, we will keep fighting, even if our foes is merely a phantom. Then, when we can charade this no longer, we will simple find or create a new foe and raise their vigor anew! I will not lose all that we have accomplished so far. I will not.”

[Hypnotic]

Lethia pass:

 

High councillor Hypno was leading a Doctor army of three Hundred through the Lethia pass at Dera. This would be the initial front and reinforcements would be coming soon. They would take time to assemble however as most Doctors were enjoying the surface after being shunned underground for the past One hundred years.

 

As Hypno left Perkalia he had a rather large shock as his War minister gave him news that the Shapers to the east knew he was going to attack. He only gave the order this morning to assemble. He new he had kept the news of the invasion restricted to the council until the morning. Hypno gave it a quick thought. If the Shaper know he is attacking, then were did his intelligence come from that he knew the shapers knew? And how did the Shapers find out so quickly? Well either way it was better than nothing. The only news he had on the Shapers in the Coastal provinces was they were lead by a young man named Spddin. He had been the leader due to some Monarchy system they had in place. He also knew they had lots of new creation types.

 

That information however had only come from the locals in Perkalia who travelled between the provinces so this was rather unreliable. That had stopped as soon as the Doctors took over the Storm Plains.

 

At the base of the pass no resistance was met. He regained his final supplies and ordered the fifty odd Doctors at the pass to remain their as a back up in case they should fail. He didn’t want a large opening into the heart of the Doctors lands. It wasn’t until the centre of the pass did they encounter resistance and the first of the new creations. Hypon gazed upon his foe and felt true concern. The Doctors may had made some new and truly powerful spells but they would be hard pressed to match them against these creations.

 

At first nothing happened. The armies of the Doctors and Shapers were staring at each other in silence. Even the rather dull-minded creations of the Doctors knew to be quiet. Hypno walked to the front lines were the creations stood. The Doctors weren’t foolish enough to be right at the front. Clearing his throat he addressed the shapers present.

 

“We will not harm you or your creations. We will have peace between us provided you surrender.” Hypnos response was an expect roar of laughter. “So be it.” Walking back a few paces to the Acid fire cart that was brought with them, he reached in and picked the largest pod he could find. He quickly shaped an Unstable firebolt, strapped the pod on and ordered it to attack. This was the same tactic used at Perkalia but the shapers didn’t really expect a single firebolt to hurt their army. They were wrong. This Pod was one of Dymas’s new and improved variation. As soon the firebolt died the pod erupted.

 

The Doctors cast their shield that was adapted to the acid fire and drove it back to the Shapers. The fire shot up and climbed the canyon walls. The swirling masses of fire engulfed themselves and rushed towards the shapers. The Shapers shields were powerful enough to protect themselves but not that of their creations. When the flames dissipated acid was dissolving the bodies of the new creations. Hypno at least knew now they weren’t resistant to magic.

 

This process was repeated again and again until the shapers realised they had no hope in the narrow passes as long as the Doctors possessed acid fire. A few hours later the Doctors had emerged from the pass and saw the Shaper Army in its full force. Roughly 350 shapers had assembled with Shapers at the back and Guardians and Agents at the front. Each one commanding a plethora of various creations. They were also cleverly spaced out so Acid fire would not be effective here. Hypno ordered it to the rear where it would be safe.

 

The shapers were not slow to react this time. All of their new creations and some of the old charged upon the Doctors. The Doctors did the same and sent their creations towards the Shapers. Both sides were in a battle of essence. Every time a Doctor or Shaper felt the consciousness of one of their creations fade, they would quickly replace it with another. At times some creations were unsure of what to attack as they all looked the same without any major distinguishing marks. When this happened the Doctor or shaper would let go of its consciousness and create a new creation to take its place. The remaining creation would turn rouge and attack anything it could.

 

Hypno and about seventy other Doctors were in reserve. They were going to rain fountains over the shapers ranks to damage the creations before they even got to fight until he saw one of the largest creations he had ever seen. He thought it was larger than a Drakon but couldn’t be sure. It had glimmering blue scales and large leathery wings. He had no idea what it was. Then he saw the creation lift off the ground at the rear of the shapers army along with a squadron of Wingbolts, and several other large creations he didn’t recognise. He immediately saw that they intended to attack from the rear and ordered the reserve to bring them down. They were largely unsuccessful. The creations managed to send bursts of energy at the Doctors as they flew overhead until they landed in the pass. They all turned to pass the Doctors. The Doctors were trapped.

 

Hypno stood forward. Sending his thoughts outward, he touched the mind of some the creations. Arbors were one of the unknown creations, Tekols another and Ember was the largest. As hard as he tried he could not move the ember so instead he took control of a couple of Arbors and managed to stall the lines of the advancing creations. He had enough time to grab a large pod before the creations got close. He didn’t have time to shape a firebolt so he relied on his luck and cast the purple pod. He sent a bolt of fire at the pod, it Erupted and engulfed the creations. Apparently the shapers forgot about the Acidfire. As the fire retreated he saw the Cryoember emerge. It was unscathed. From the fragmented memory scans he learnt that each councillor possessed one. What power did these shapers command? A few Tekols and Arbors survived. Using every trick they had the Doctors fought them. Ten Doctors had fallen but the ambush was put down. When the ember was the last creation left, it took flight and returned to the shapers.

 

Hypno turned to the reserve. He ordered five of them to continually cast Sonic radiation upwards. This would distort the upwards air currents that creations needed to fly. No more ambushes could be done to the Doctors. The battle raged uneventful for a few more hours until Hypno noticed some strange Draykes in the distance. ‘Strange’ in this case meant obese, since normally creations are perfect for immediate and optimum functionality. These Draykes where large but also had some wings but he knew under the current conditions they couldn’t fly.

 

The creations then opened an exceptionally large mouth. There were about Fifty or so and were screaming. The pitch was changing higher and lower but the effect was easy to detect. Shaper and Doctor creations were becoming harder to control and the pass behind them was becoming unstable. Phyli, one of the more clever Doctors rushed up to Hypno and between gasps offered a counter attack solution.

 

“Interference patterns by the waves. We need to be in the annulled area.” Hypno had no idea what he was on about and was about to dismiss him but stubborn persistence prevailed.

 

“Sonic Radiation. We adjust the magic flow to change the frequency. We find one that matches the Dryaks. Then we position ourselves so we are half a wavelength out of phase. The waves will be annulled so our creations are not effected and neither will the pass. If we time it perfectly the interference pattern will be perfectly in phase upon the Shapers and we can totally distort them.”

 

Hypno was still unsure about the concepts behind it but he gave the okay. More to get rid of the Phyli than anything else. Meanwhile he gave the order to cast mini shields within the Doctors ears to ease the sounds. A few minutes later, all was quiet. The pass which had been on the brink of collapse stopped shaking and a happy Phyli was directing the reserve Doctors to fire Sonic radiations.

 

Hypno was shouting orders but more the purpose of being totally in control than anything else. He noticed that the large Dryakes had been killed after a group of creations had turned on their shaper masters and killed them. Excellent, every step back the shapers had would help them, but as things stood the Doctors were still dangerously outnumbered

[Lord Safey]

The overlord was observing the destruction of the inhabitants of the Ashen Isles from one of his most power vlish blimps, while finishing of the latest group of canisters the serviles brought in. A group of battle gammas rounding up both the living and the dead to be dumped in a specialized spawner to fuel the creation of his army. Eventually specialized creations would be deployed to scrap these islands clean of every bit of organic matter that could be harvest but that would take time. A bit further off a deflated vlish blimp lies on the shore like beach jellyfish. In the distance he saw a group of serviles pulling a wagon. A wagon full of canisters and the first of many.

 

 

The exotic creations that have been made in the past four centuries where a bit more challenging then initially thought but his vast number of creations overwhelmed their defenses and although the templates for his creations archaic and perhaps antiquated they where powerful variants. Still he had lost about 30 or so vlish blimps and a sizable number of creations. Their where still pockets of resistance but the isles where his.

 

Interrupting his thoughts The servant mind spoke "My Lord it is the suggestion of the servant mind hive that you use the essence we gained from Dhonal island to fill the ranks of your army and attack the mainland. Every fool in mainland with a ounce shaping ability will have sense your emergence from your palace like a beacon in the night."

 

Letting the servant mind have it say The overlord turned and looked at him at lease it look like he did. It was hard to tell beneath the shaping robes and the heat radiating off of him made it hard to look at him.

 

The overlord spoke saying "We will attack the main land the canisters will be brought to me there. We will use the essence gained from the other islands but not Dhonal. I want to save that for something special. Rally the fleet and the army, leave only what is necessary to assure the smother gathering of essence. Bring forth the mind beacon. We have a world to purge."

 

The servant mind sent the necessary messages to the rest of the hive, most the monsters on the ground started heading towards the nearest vlish blimp and loaded up. The ones that couldn't fit waited to be picked up.

 

 

[Lord Safey]

A guard ran in to Grand Shaper Antares's office, who was talking with Learned Haron. Out of breath he managed to wheeze out "Sir 10 floating things where spotted too north east meandering their way through the mountains we were lucky to spot them."

 

Antares quickly cast his mind about, the thing he sensed to the north east near where the Ashen Isles are was nearer now. He was going to bring it up in a meeting this after noon but he guess that have to wait.

 

Antares "Rally the troops and anything that can fight or shape I want to engage these things."

 

Learned Haron "Shouldn't we hold up in here? Force them to come to us. Then have reinforcements come and break the siege."

 

Antares "No our forces in Mera can't afford to be cut off from supplies because we are under siege. Nor can we spare any forces to come and break such a siege. We must hit them now and hard and end this before it starts. "

 

Runners went out to every part of valley to rally the forces against the invaders.

 

The overlord was waiting in his floating Vlish fortress. Most of vlish blimps were about 1/8 the size of his. His was about a quarter mile in width and length. Navigating it through these cold mountains hadn't been easy. Here him and most of the fleet were waiting just above the clouds. Waiting for the armies of white spires to take the bait.

 

The Overlord was observing, via a telepathic connection with the blimps below cloud level, the approaching army. A large army approach on the ground where humans, serviles, drayks, shapers, Cryoglaahks and every other imaginable land bound creature approaching them. Above them where wingbolts and Icari. They were keeping pace with the ground bound army. Channeling themselves into a valley between two mountains.

 

When the army got into postion, the overlord ordered "Now". A large green bolt flew from the clouds and impacted the side of the mountain and from it an avalanched started. The avalanched formed quickly and grew large and came down hard on the land bound portion of the army crushing them.

 

50 large vlish blimps then descended beneath the clouds each one looking like a giant vlish turned on it back. Their tentacles were as large around as tree trunks. Their hulls plated with a chittan like substance and dotted with reaper turrets modified to be more stream line with the hull.

 

The Vlish blimps surrounded a much larger one. They open fire with both the vlish tentacles and the reaper turrets filling the sky with energy bolts reaper thorns. Most of the creatures where stunned and dazed as to what to do their masters were either dead or dying beneath the snow and didn't react as they got mowed down. All except Icari.

 

 

In his throne room the servant mind reported " A four winged griffon like creature is approaching our vessel Lord is seems impervious to our weapons fire"

 

The Overlord though about it for a moment, " Deploy the flying mines."

 

Servant mind " At this range we risk damaging ourselves. My lord may I suggest slapping it?"

 

The Overlord gave a brief nod of his head. The Fortress massive tentacles move with surprising swiftness delivering a feisty tentacle slap of pain to the four winged creature knocking it with incredible speed into the nearest cliff face. It then fell to the ground and it didn't get back up.

 

The Overlord turned to the servant mind "It trust you can handle the logistics and bring me more canisters."

 

Servant mind " Yes my lord"

 

A large and particular big battle gamma, that glowed faintly with two bulges running the length of his forarm, wave in a group of 4 serviles pulling a cart of canisters. The overlord started slurping them down with much gusto.

 

The servant mind started relaying orders to servant minds on the other vlish blimps. Sending some to take the complex, others to clean up the survivors of the avalanche, some to take the pass, while others to deploy the mind beacon,and others to take corpse of new creations back to the home isle for further study and retrieve reinforcements. Today was a good day.

[Dantius]

Dantius leaned heavily on his cane. Rain sleeted down around him, visibility was practically nonexistent. He felt, rather than saw, the three hundred and fifty Drakons arrayed against his troops. With a quick flick of his mind, he sensed the intentions of the party of three Drakons that left the bulk of the army. Hobbling forward, he set out to parlay with the Drakons of Quessa-Uss, the final stronghold of the Drakon Lords.

 

.....

 

The Drakon sent was a massive, umber colored beast wielding a frozen blade, with intricately decorated chest armor. Probably some high-ranking Blaze.

 

"I am Grandmaster Dantius of the Eyes. We outnumber you. We have superior firepower. We have superior tacticians. Surrender, and we will make your death quick and painless."

 

"I am Alekriss Blaze, fourth in command to the great Emperor Exonerus the Great, leader of all Drakons! Tremble before our might!"

 

"Seeing as your might consists of a city and about five square miles of territory, no, I will not 'tremble'."

 

Alekriss yelled in anger, swinging his great swor straight at Dantius. He reacted quickly, swinging his cane up to block it, while throwing the small athame he had concealed in his left hand for the duration of the meeting. A massive clang resounded throughout the battlefield as the blade hit the sword Dantius had concealed in his cane. The Puresteel held. Alekriss, however, was not so lucky. Dantius' missile hit his in the bicep, lodging in the muscle. Contemptuously brushing it away, Alekriss turned to deal a crushing blow to Dantius. Suddenly, his body seized up. He convulsed once and fell to the ground. The dagger was poisoned and the messenger was dead. Kallinnin and Nihsun quickly dispatched the two guards. The battle had begun.

 

.....

 

Nihsun had sent twenty Control Eyes around the battlefield. When the messenger's head fell, they immediately set about mentally attacking the creations of the Drakons. Each Drakon controlled about one dozen, all in the immediate area of said Drakon. They were successful in making slightly over one thousand creations go rogue. Chaos insured in the Drakon ranks.

 

.....

 

Five dozen Exploding Kyshykks lumbered forward into the confused ranks of the Drakons. Spreading out, they detonated, causing heavy casualties and massive confusion amongst the enemy ranks.

 

.....

 

Dantius, Nihsun, and Kallinnin were well behind allied lines when the Shock Eyes began bombarding the enemy with Kill spells. A Fareye floated up:

 

"Sir, our sight indicates that the opening gambit has resulted in slightly over one and a half thousand creation casualties, of an estimated 4000 present. Over seventy Drakons have been lost, severely curtailing any attack against us"

 

However, she was wrong. Almost as she uttered those words, a resounding "CHARGE" was cried from enemy lines.

 

"Eyebeasts, forwaaaard... March!"

 

Two dozen Eyebeasts lined up at the front. They immediately unleashes storms of ice and magic against the disorganized Drakons. Hundreds were killed in searing, freezing agony.

 

However, the Drakons had succeeded in their primary goal, and the hand to hand combat had begun.

 

.....

 

The battle had been raging for an hour or so. Gazer casualties were at around 50, while the Drakon's numbered well into the 200's, with thousands of creation corpses littering the field. Dantius had been cornered by twin Rothdhizons, and was backed up against a wall of corpses. He muttered a spell, and flame crackled up from the ground, creating a barrier between him and them. Quickly healing and buffing, he allowed it to drop. As they sprinted forwards, he raised his hands. Torrents of flame gushed out, taking off the head of one, and severely wounding another. He ran back to the battle, pausing only to finish off the wounded one with a blast of ice.

 

.....

 

The Drakons were retreating in disarray. They had lost about 285 of their number, and over three thousand creations, while less than a hundred Gazers and Eyebeasts were dead. It was a resounding victory for Dantius. Smiling, he stared up at the mighty walls of the fortress. One victory at a time, Dantius, he told himself. One victory at a time.

[Lord Safey]

Icari felt pain, bits of ice from the cliff impact were driven into him. The loose snow on the ground had broke his fall but now impeded his efforts to get up. After several minutes of digging he arrived to the surface. He saw the large floating things were dispersing. He thought about engaging them and then remembered the pain that one caused him. For now he would bid his time.

 

He however sensed something beneath the snow and felt compelled to dig it up. He went and started digging. The Blimps where for the moment out of range but two moved too engaged the fire talon. He quickly dug through the snow to find what he was looking for. He found the broken but still living body of his master. He then quickly but gently scooped. He then look to his escape. He realized the fleet was between him and and any remaining allies. While could possibly slip through mostly unharmed he think it would be too much for his master. He lifted his four aching wings and rose to the sky blowing snow in all directions. The vlish blimps fired shots but they flew wide as Icari made his get away.

 

Back in the floating fortress of vlishness, servant mind grimaced then spoke "My lord the four winged beast manage to get away it seemed to be carrying something, shall I send some blimps in pursuit?"

 

The overlord "WHAT? HOW, don't pursue." he turned to Smackems the puresteel battle gamma who had been standing guard. "Find it and the thing it was carrying and bring it back here, NOW." Smackems merely bowed and ran out with surprising speed.

 

Smackems was no ordinary battle gamma his bones where crafted separately from the rest of him. The bones where made of puresteel. It took many attempts to get it right. The overlord and his servant minds then laid their finest enchantments on the bones granting them resistant to destruction and healing properties till any more enchantments would have caused them to explode. The bones of course were hollow and the marrow was shaped into them. The the body was held in stasis as each organ and muscles was shaped and enchanted separately.The last thing that was added were two 2 1/2 foot blades one for each fore arm that he could extend and retract at will. The blades was sharpened and enchanted. It would almost never dull or break and could cut through all but the best crafted puresteel. It had pained the overlord to give up so many potential canisters but he felt it was worth it.

 

The battle gamma stopped by his quarters and picked up armor specially made for him. He then exited a vent right above one the large tentacles and slid down it. He got to the end and flew off it. Slinging him a couple hundred feet and burying himself into sixty feet of snow. Once he dug himself out he went to the area they saw the 4 winged beast digging. He bent down and sniffed the area and once he felt he could recognize the beast's sent he ran off in the direction it flew. His feet relentlessly pounded the ground as he sped across the ground.

 

Most of the fleet had moved to take the main valley while some stayed to clean up the survivors of the avalanche and some sent to take the pass. Most of those who where taking the valley were landing and offloading their troops. While a few remained aloft to provide cover fire.

 

They the Vlish blimps used their massive tentacles to scrap clean a landing area, which they where now using.

Creations were marching off and serviles were hurrying around, gathering assembling the components for the mind beacon as it was too big to be carried by a single ship.

 

Also being offloaded where several tunneling artial variants. They 10 feet in diameter and 13 feet in length Their maw could no longer shoot acid but instead was designed to dissolve stone with stunning speed and could tunnel even through the toughest rock at the pace of a brisk walk. They would process the rock and acid into a concrete like paste that they would excrete behind them. This paste would hardened and support the tunnels. While they could withstand the pressure of countless tons of rock they are not combat worthy. They had chiefly been used for expanding the overlords underground labs back at the Home Isle. Here they would be used to sap out those would dare oppose the Overlord.

 

 

 

[Dantius]

Dantius was inside Quessa Uss. He had never been so scared before in his life. The last time he had been here he had plundered the vaults and fled. Now he was here to stay. His entry was easy- he selected a spot of the wall, blasted it down, and his army streamed in. He left command to Kallinnin and Nihsun and struck off on his own. He rounded a corner and encountered a group of Gazers fighting two linked Drakons. He joined the fight and they quickly fell. He turned to the control eye leading the Gazers.

 

"What is your name?"

 

"Gannendhroth Eye, master."

 

"I see. You have six Shock Eyes under your command, yes?"

 

"That is correct."

 

"Come with me."

 

....

 

Dantius walked up a spiral staircase. He quickly navigated a long, twisting halllway that had obviously been abandoned for a long time, speaking as he did so:

 

"This used to be the quarters for the Lifecrafters. After they were Barred, it was abandoned. Some serviles cleaned out their possessions and added them to the hoards of various high-ranking Drakons. The corridors were supposed to be enlarged and made into quarters for Drakons. Nothing happened, and they were abandoned."

 

Dantius stopped. He had clearly reached where he was looking for. A large door, subtly more ornate than the rest was at the end of the hall. He pressed a spot on a carving around the lintel, and the door swung open. The room was bare, little more than a ten foot stone cube. Dantius headed through the north door, and entered into what must have been his bedroom. He scrounged around a bit on the bare floor, but he finally found what he was looking for- a flagstone that looked no different than the others. He lifted it up, and withdrew several pods, crystals, wands, and a slim wooden case from within.

 

"We're done here. I have retrieved my cache." he spoke.

 

Dantius and his entourage left the room.

 

.....

 

Dantius had led the seven Gazers through a well-hidden network of tunnels. They emerged in a bare dirt corridor. It was very hot here. He peered around a corner and saw a patrol of six Drayks. He reached into his pack and withdrew the wooden case. Opening it, he took out one of four glass tubes. It was filled with a clear solution, and a pale blue berry floated within. He tossed it at the nest, and then summoned a magical shield at the mouth of the corridor. With a roar, a torrent of ice filled the corridor, freezing the guards solid. Beckoning on his Gazers, he headed down the corridor.

 

A massive stone door, covered in runes, barred the way. Dantius fumbled with his neck and withdrew a key on a pendant. He inserted it into the lock and turned it. The chains fell away.

 

"Shameful. Not changing the padlock on the central labs for seventy five years? No wonder they are being overthrown."

 

He pulled the lever and entered the room. The four Drakons shaping a stream of creations within were startled, and Dantius and his eyes finished them off quickly.

 

"Hmm. If memory serves, cells are to the east, the Arena is to the north, and the library is to the west. But where is the Throne room? Ah, yes, southeast out of the Arena. Come on!"

 

He headed north into the darkness of the Arena. Skirting the edges, he climbed into the stands and headed southeast. He followed the tunnels for a few turns, then it widened and ended in another massive, runéd door. He quaffed a drink from one of his pods, muttered several protective spells, and healing himself.

 

"Wait" spoke Gannendhrot "Are you sure you can do this?"

 

"Yes. I will pay a terrible price, but it must be done."

 

Taking a deep breath, he he pointed his sword at the door and screamed a spell. It blasted inwards with immense force. He and his seven Gazers headed into a massive hall, on par with the massive scale of his fortress. Five Drakons lined each side. At the opposite end of the hall stood a Drakon he recognized: Warmaster Malaran, the Drakon who had held a death grip on Emperor Exonerus I's ear for the past century, and his finest lieutenant. Malaran pointed a huge, clawed hand at Dantius and bellowed

 

"YOU! YOU!!! You have the audacity to stride in here, and to attempt to assassinate the great Exonerus? To usurp his throne?! To kill him! Hah! You have always been a stupid little man! And now you will pay!"

 

Dantius screamed back a challenge:

 

"Your rule is at an end! The age of Drakons is over! Soon, I will be the sole ruler of this land, and I shall rein for centuries with my Gazers!"

 

Malaran spoke a single word

 

"ATTACK!"

 

The Drakons began shaping, forming blobs of raw essence into life. Dantius waited several seconds and then raised his cane above his head. He screamed a spell so powerful that the ceiling shook and rained down loose stones. He raised his sword high over his head and brought it crashing down on the flagstones. A blinding flash of light was emitted, and the sword shattered. A massive pulse of energy, accompanied by a sonic boom, echoed across the room, causing the delicate Essence to explode in the Drakon's faces, and hurtling them hundreds of feet from where they stood. There they lay, crippled, as his Eyes finished them off with powerful bolts of magic. Malaran had been thrown into th door, and its enchantments had won- his head lay several feet from his body. Dantius, however, exhausted from the effort required, slid to the floor. Gannendhroth quickly cast healing and energizing spells to keep him from fainting. After five minutes gasping on the floor, Dantius pushed himself up. He seemed a frail old man now, stumbling along, weakened.

 

"in.." he mumbled. "we must... go further in"

 

Gannendhroth took the key from Malaran's girdle and unlocked the final barrier between Exonerus and Dantius. Dantius hobbled into the chamber.

 

.....

 

Exonerus was a old Drakon. He had captured the Shaper responsible for designing and building Alwan's life-preservation device, and had him build him one of his own. He was well over one hundred years of age, and hardly a formidable fighter. His ability to Shape, however, still rivaled that of the legendary Ghaldring at his height. Dantius stumbled into his chamber, followed by his Eyes.

 

"So" Exonerus began in a mocking tone.

 

"It comes to this."

 

"One, lone human, exhausted from the effort of killing my final guards, accompanied by his creations."

 

"I am more than you match!" he exclaimed

 

 

"i... don't.. think... so!" hissed Dantius

 

"I am thr ruler of provinces!" Dantius continued

 

"I go forth and conquer, instead of hiding in my citadel having minions do my dirty work!"

 

"I rule, instead of allowing a conclave to rule for me!"

 

At this, Dantius slowly extended his hands. Too late, Exonerus realized a spell was about to be cast. He began shaping a creation, but to no avail. Bolts of blue lightning shot out from Dantius's fingertips, coursing all over his body. Exonerus screamed in agony. Conduits, supplying precious Essence to his body, ruptured, their contents evaporating. Delicate machinery sparked and fused. His life-support system failed, Exonerus doubled over and fell onto the flagstones. Dantius stepped closer and redoubled his efforts, shooting out more lightning, his expression terrible to behold. He convulsed in agony, then screamed out a single phrase:

 

"NOOOOOOOO!"

 

He let out a final cry, and the great lizard, scourge of Terrestia, successor of Ghaldring, and first and last Drakon Emperor finally died.

 

Dantius stood over his corpse, breathing heavily after exerting the last of his energy. The Gazers looked on in awe at him. Turning, he strode out of the throne room. His rebellion had only just begun.

 

 

 

[Lord Safey]

Guardian Goran was one of the few people left to defend the tunnels. Once their army was crush soundly he ordered everyone into the underground labs and the doors sealed. He hoped to last long enough to be rescue by forces in Mera-Tev. He had ordered anyone who could fight to wait at the doors to bog down the attackers at the entrances.

 

He was waiting for them to try to break through the door with the few remaining soldiers he had. Suddenly behind him he heard a rumbling. He turned in time to see a giant squat look artial burst through the wall and then continue into the wall on the other side. Coming through behind it were countless creations. Half engaged the now trapped defenders the others started swarming the rest of the facility. He shot a blaze of fire and magic at them cutting down the first two wave of creations with the help of his creations and comrades. A battle beta manage to get up close and swinging his great fist smashing in the shapers head. The shaper slumped to the wall without his support the others soon fell to the hoard of monsters.

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

Above them servant mind number 64 was giving the Overlord a report. "My lord we have taken their labs, They seem to call it the foundry. We discovered a number of completed canisters, canisters in the process of being made, as well as an assortment of various experiments and creations in process of being made in vats. It is my recommendation we take all research that can be safely moved to the home isle, we finish the current batch of creatures here and then can add them to the ranks of your army."

 

The Overlord pulling out another canister out of the crate,"Have we taken the pass yet?"

 

The servant mind ignoring the slurping sound "Yes my lord, its defenses were not meant for a force trying to get out, still we faced some casualties. They had employed a new experimental turret. We captured most of them and I believe with some minor modifications they could be more effective and powerful replacement for your floating fortress reaper turrets. A full refit would take about a month."

 

Taking a quick breath the servant mind continue "Most of the fleet needs to head back and bring back the captured research and recovered creations bodies for study and to retrieve the rest of your army. This will also give us time to bring our remaining vlish blimps online. I believe that if you take seat in the mind beacon you could control our army here with the help of 10 or so servant minds in their vlish blimps."

 

The overlord grimaced "How long?"

 

The servant mind "A month, my lord. If we don't do this we risk getting over extended and we are at tactical disadvantage until we can figure out the capabilities of these new creations employed by the shaper empire. This will also give us the time we need to fortify our positions in the White Spires."

 

The overlord nodded then spoke "Has Smackems reported in yet?"

 

Servant mind "No my lord."

 

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

Smackems had saw the winged creature leave a cave entrance on a canyon wall and had spent much time concealing himself above it. Smackems spotted Icari rounding the corner and heading to the cave. He kicked off the wall with his powerful legs launching himself at great speed at Icari. Icari had saw something out of the corner of his eye and tried to roll out of the way. He was a second too late and Smackems hit him full force in the side, knocking the wind out of Icari.

 

The two engaged in a slashing, bashing, stabbing and grappling plummet to the bottom of the canyon. Icari despite all of his slashing and twisting couldn't get the pesky gamma off his back.

 

Smackems was launching stab after stab on the creature with one arm while trying hang on with the other arm. Each stab slicing deep into the creatures body. Icari managed to reach around with one of its claws to slash at him. The swipes odd angle caused the attack to loose much of its force stopping at the bone. Smackems ignored the pain and continued stabbing with a single mindlessness. The two hit the ground Icari took the brunt of the fall landing on bottom. Smackems rolled off Icari stunned. The both lied there in the snow for a few minutes. Smackems was the first to get up. He walked over to Icari and extended his arm sword and with after several hacks of the blade cut off the beast's head.

 

Finished he looked up at the cliff pondering the best way to get up it. He then looked down at his wounds. They were already starting to heal. He left the head on the body of Icari and went to retrieve the near dead shaper.

 

 

[Hypnotic]

Lethia Provence:

 

Hypno was studying a map at the rear of his army. He was trying to figure out the best course of action. He decided that he would push the Shapers back past the cross roads a bit further down the path they were currently fighting on. First it would get the forces away from the piles of scorched and broken bodies with the smell of vinegar burning the air. Secondly if they pushed the army back, the road to the southern most city of Lethia would be unoccupied. Sending a team of fifty down should be sufficient to take that city. He rationalised that that city would be providing everything it could to this battle to prevent it being taken. The forest surrounding it was thick and too easy to get lost in. Thus if the Doctors took the cross roads they would gain their first foothold in Lethia.

 

Hypno himself was almost about to join the battle. His self-commitment to further the Doctors was slipping and the childish habits were surfacing in fatigue. He felt like a nice cake but couldn’t have one, nothing he wanted has happening and to top it off he was missing Vidara.

 

It was late afternoon and spells flying across the battlefield provided ghastly flickering illumination to the fight. The Doctors were concentrating on fighting the Agents of the opposing army. Their creations were of a lesser quality and removing the blessings they provided their army with would be a great advantage for the Doctors. The task was not a easy as it seemed as everyone was tired, too many essence pods were being used and their stubborn opposition did not make anything easier.

 

The Vault:

 

Dymas had recently acquired a pet ornk. While he was walking around outside the vault he managed to save it from a nasty Vlish. His lack of creativity gave him the perfect name for the Ornk. He called it Bob. Sadly bob was excitable and every time a Vlish floated down the sanctuary’s halls Bob would moo in terror. Dymas repeated the phrase “It’s okay Bobels.” He realised that would be a better name for his Ornk. Using a hybrid of that sentence he called the Ornk Etszuki Bobuls. Once Etszuki had calmed down he managed to have a good conversation with his Ornk. It turned out he was a descendant from a smart ornk that had fled the shapers and left for Okavano. From there his family tree had grown until he was born. He was an explored Ornk and was mapping Dera.

 

Dymas was truly fascinated by this Ornk and was happy it approved of its name. Etszuki shared a secret with Dymas. He was a new breed of Ornk that had the breath of a Kyshakk but sadly not the durability. Dymas and the ornk talked throughout the night. Dymas has happy for once. He had made his first friend.

 

Kayar Spire:

 

Vidara had finished all she could on the Device. In the central chamber the three assistants she had were shaping pylons similar to those in the vault. A powerful variety that could curse, weaken as well as cast a multitude of essence orbs. While these were being placed around the chamber in case of a break in or a rouge creation from the device, Vidara looked over the Device

 

The device itself has completed in shape and now just needed a few parts attached. The essence pool was filled with regular essence. To left and right were three power spirals with crystal conduits going into the essence pit. To prevent a power overload some power regulating crystals were needed. Vidara hoped she would receive a couple of high quality gems from the Drypeak serviles but crystals of high quality were rare so she didn’t expect them soon. The Template in which she had finally added her DNA looked like a canister with red goo instead of green. It contained the genetic material of every Doctors and was thus the only irreplaceable part of the Entire device. It had its own power supply to make it fully charged and ready to go. A single bolt of concentrated energy down the conduits connecting the template to the pit would provide the basics for the devices function. She needed to find the formula for the Geneforge essence as only it was powerful enough to sustain the essence pit.

 

She had a feeling that if he turned the device on now she would receive a mutant humanoid thing that would die straight away from poor shaping. The device still needed a few minor tweaks.

 

. . . . . . . .

 

Vidara was taking the casualties from the war harder than most. All the Doctors had grown up confined in the Vault. Everyone knew everyone else. With perfect health and not aging there had been a near zero death rate. When someone died it was their own choice of moving on and no one felt truly sad as it was their choice to go. Now the Doctors numbers had been reduced by about Two hundred and twenty so far. None of the Doctors were demoralised by this but Vidara was starting to crack.

 

Being a councillor no one questioned her. Never growing up had some very good advantages to the social system of the Doctors. Those in charge were in charge because hey knew best and no one cared who they knew. Those who weren’t in charge did their best to prove themselves as they hated their leaders to be ‘disappointed’. Vidara was now feeling disappointed. She was Fifty-three but was still stuck at twenty nine like all doctors. She was considered old as the Doctors themselves weren’t an old Society. She was feeling disappointed as her friends were dying on the war front and all she could do was finish a piece of machinery. Heaven help anyone who came near. She was by far the most powerful Doctor and the only reason she wasn’t high Councillor was due to her poor handling of others needs. She would change that. If she had to lead the assault on the shaper citadel then so be it. She had had enough of sitting around.

 

Perikalia:

 

The war minister had assembled the Doctor army. There was five hundred doctors present. All of them were to join Hypno in Lethia. He had also learnt some valuable information from some passing travellers. They had learnt it from their friends, friends, friend so he wasn’t sure how reliable it was. None the less it appeared that the Shapers army was stretched thin. Not only were they holding off the Arterials north of Perikalia and the Doctors at the Lethia pass. They were also trying to defeat the last remaining Drakon lords in the Nodye Coast. Unless they pulled their act together the war was looking favourable for the Doctors. The war ministers only concern was that if the Doctors at Lethia failed than only Two Hundred would remain as a fighting force. He wondered what the device was and hoped it would help them win the war.

[Lord Safey]

The overlord had already left his vlish blimp. This left Servant mind 64 in charge of organizing the gathering of everything deemed worthy of research too head back to the home isle and retrieve the rest of the army and other war supplies. It would mostly likely take multiple trips to retrieve the rest of the army, servant minds to be plug into the mind beacon and other war supplies. He was about ready to pump helium out of the tentacles (deflating them) and other take off procedures. When he sensed the presence of Smackems at the far end of the valley. He appeared to be pulling something very large. It took another hour for Smackems to get his haul on board. After that they took off the tentacles deflated to their normal size. Leaving behind one overlord, one puresteel gamma, ten blimps, and a lot of creations.

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

The mind beacon was finished being assembled. All in all, it stood up about a hundred feet tall at the base of it was a throne on a platform. The overlord was stepping onto the platform getting ready to take control of the entire army he had brought to the White spires. Normally this number would be far to great even for him but with this device he could do it. He goes and sits down in the throne. He closes his eyes and a chitinous heat shield forms over the throne like a shell. Their is a momentary sound of shredding clothing, next the shell starts glow and then a wave of heat comes from it instantly melting the surrounding snow ice to liquid.

 

The overlord with the help of a few remaining servant minds and vlish blimps had direct control of every creation in this valley.

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

Two vlish blimps where hovering over the remains of the fortification of the pass. They rest of the army had made camp a mile or two behind them.

 

They had ripped out all the turrets after a successful mental assault of the servant mind (which had also been taken for reprogramming)who controlled them. In the ruins stood various 2nd and 3 tier creatures that where under the control of the vlish blimps.

 

Beneath and a good hundred feet in front of them several tunneling artials were busy making pit traps 50 feet deep and wide enough to engulf an entire battalion. Behind them came mindless serviles coming behind them putting remote detonated mines on the supports that were left, giving a nasty surprise to whoever tried to take this pass.

[Sleeping Dragon]

Southforge Citadel

 

Learned Vess paces around the massive, abandoned halls of the Citadel. The place had been so thouroughly looted over the years that one could not even tell which room once held the legendary geneforge of the South. Some serviles approached her carrying armloads of papers. Her eyes widened, “Anything useful?”

 

“Not much, madam Councilor. Some noted on new creations, and some way outdated and terribly incomplete geneforge research.”

 

Vess sighed. She had arrived at Southforge to find that the Sholai had already moved on. If there was even anything here when they arrived, it was gone now. Still, the facility had far more space and equipment than the School of Magery back in the Valley. She would stay here and make this her new base of operations. With some work, it could be one of the paramount research facilities in Terrestia once more.

 

Her fanciful planning was interrupted by a serviles bringing news from the West. The Council had been destroyed… weeks ago. Fand was there now attempting to form a new government, with a new Compact. The thought of him undertaking such a feat with her absent was outrageous. She called Tavian to her side to discuss this matter.

 

“We can not allow this new government to be formed without our input! I’m going to send them representatives to act on my behalf as Governor of the Forsaken Lands.”

 

Tavian raised an eyebrow, “Governor of the Forsaken Land? No one even lives here.”

 

“Who cares? My old title of Councilor of Magic is worthless now. With this territory, I can demand representation like any of the other regional governors. Which reminds me, you need to take your place as Governor of Illya, that way we have twice the bargaining power in whatever government Fand is cooking up.”

 

“Very good, my lady. Always thinking two steps ahead of the rest. Shall I inform our new subjects that our military campaigns are at an end, then?”

 

Vess fiddled with the amulet around her neck, “Not just yet. It will be some time before our representatives can return with news from the capital. In the meantime, we should learn what we can about the North and how we can bring our way of life to the people of the Fens.”

 

Drypeak City

 

Learned Fand’s jaw dropped when he heard of Vess’s successes in the East. The old Confederacy was now three times as big as it was, and now he needed to form a government with a bunch of people representing lands he knew next to nothing about. Never the less, he stood before the gathered representatives from the provinces and began his proposal, “The new Confederate government should have some sort of council. This new council, made up of experts in their fields-“

 

The representative sent by Governor Vess interrupted Fand, “More of the same? The old Council failed because it was weak and didn’t uphold the interest of the Provinces. My Governor believes that the provincial representatives should play a larger role in the central government, now that the lands of the Confederacy are far more vast and diverse.”

 

Fand nodded, “This could work. Representatives would give the central government more legitimacy and, by extent, more authority. No one has ever attempted such a government before, but I suppose it could work. A representative from each region, then, each with one vote. Someone will need to take the responsibility of presiding over such meetings, however. In our turbulent times, a single head of state is necessary to take action when such is called for.”

 

A voice called out from the delegated declaring that Fand himself should take the job. He and Vess were the most recognized serviles remaining since the destruction of the old Council, and Fand was by far the more palatable of the two. Half of the delegates cheered the idea of Fand taking a leading role in the new government, while others demanded that the regional Representatives have the highest authority. Eventually, it was compromised that Fand would preside over the government, taking the title of President, and that the regional Representatives could overrule him whenever the majority were in agreement. The Provinces reserved the right to raise armies to defend themselves, while the President reserved the power to make diplomacy with neighbors.

 

President Fand was immensely pleased with the outcome. Everyone seemed to get what they wanted. He only wondered why Vess had been so accommodating. What was she up to in the East? For now, it didn’t matter, as long as she kept sending good news back home.

 

As a final motion set forth by the fledgling government, the Confederacy would be renamed to better fit its new organization. Eventually a name was settled upon: the United Provinces of Terrestia.

[Lord Safey]

Mind 64 was getting ready for the last trip back the mainland. They now had a total of 130 vlish blimps. They had finished building 50 and had repaired some that had been grievously wounded. They had already brought all of the army to the White spires. The past couple of trips had been to bring equipment need to supply the army with essence and augment the research facilties of the Whitespires so they wouldn't need to come back to the home Isle for reinforcements.

 

He observed the countless serviles mindlessly scurrying back and forth loading the vlish blimps with the various pieces of equipment. Once they finished the the roof opened up and the fleet descended. Ten stayed behind to continue the essence harvesting of the isles, five headed to Burwood province and the rest headed to the White Spires. Out after them, 2000 flying drayks moved into formation behind them. A special modification of the drayk.

Among the fleet 4 lightly armed and armored vlish blimps that where much larger and flew in the middle of the formation. These were carriers and they had much more impressive cargo capacity and slightly larger then the Flagship of the Vlish blimp fleet.

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

In a chamber deep beneath the home isle a circle of servant minds closed their eyes and entered into a deep focus. In the center of them was the chained, unconscious and heavily scared leader of the Enlightened Shaper Confederacy. He was held motionless by some unseen force. Four slender tentacles reached out of the walls and slipped into beneath his skin. A jolt of electricity then surged down them and he released a blood curdling scream. After five minutes the servant minds broke their concentration and then let their subject die. They had all the information they needed. Even now they were relaying it back to the Overlord.

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

Elsewhere in the tunnels was large pool of water and in where 3 half submerged gigantic vlish like things. On a pedestal in the back of vlish submarine bay was Servant mind. They where much like vlish blimps except much heavier armored and armed as they did not need to be as buoyant. He was relaying that the prototypes were finished and requesting permission to proceed with the test. When the response came in he opened the bay door and the three of Vlish subs left through the doors.

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

The Overlord had no need to control the army once all the Servant minds got plug into the mind beacon. This allowed the army to become much more alert and were now bettered control.This also allowed for them proceed with the building of fortifications. Fortifications upon which reaper turrets and essence cannons could be placed, in front of which the massive pit traps were already built.

 

They already completed the batch of creations started by the ESC and were already starting another one. The new exotic form of creations fleshing out his army.

 

This left the Overlord which much time to pondered the newly relayed knowledge that the shaper empire fell. He seethed with rage. He wanted to crush the shaper empire. The popping of stitches in his clothing reminded him to control his temper. He thought "Oh well these fools stand even less chance then Shaper empire did." The sound of maniacal laughter boom from the the mind beacon.

 

He returned his thoughts to the scouts he sent out. He observed the new takers building fortifications. The ESC was fleeing to the Noyde coast and shaper citadel.

[Spddin Ignis]

"We have one the battle for the Nodeye coast my lord" , Kohler told Shaper Spddin. "The Drakons were no match for the cryoembers that we had sent. We will finish purging the remaining Drakons and steal their research, but once that is done, do you wish for me to help in the southern provinces?"

 

"No, i need you there, without a constant presence in the NOdeye coast,it will fall to our enemies. Have you learned anything?" Spddin responded

 

"Yes, the drakons found a way to create unbound that can be controlled."

 

"Really? I'll send ember to get the research. They may be useful. But for now, scatter your forces and finsish our work. I will send shapers to populate the region with life and also guardians for defense. I will see you soon friend."

 

The crystal blackened and spddin went to Agent Rayne and asked her about the battle. She had told him how the Doctors lost many of their troops, but managed to infiltrate the south shore. Around 50 shapers had been killed. Spddin was furious, but you couldn't tell under the shadows of his black hood. If there was one thing that his father had taught him, it was that losing was unacceptable.

 

"But we did win the battle against the northern front and the battle for nodye!" She quickly reminded him, knowing the anger that he must be feeling. She could feel the energy radiating off of him. One of the traits that made spddin so powerful was his ability to hide his power from his foes. When angered, some of that power managed to leak out.

 

"Thank you councilor Rayne", he promptly said as he went back into the scying room.

 

He made contact with Sky. "How is the battle going down there?"

 

"We have obliterated the arterial army, the remaining few fled."

 

"Will you go back to the Mera-tev?"

 

"No, some un-known force has taken over and the ESC had been defeated...nothing is left but a few shapers who are fleeing to the citadel."

 

"Gather those soldiers and take them into your army...you are going to invade the perkailia. Our intel tells us that their are 10 doctors there. That is most likely where artemis is fleeing to as well. Crush them. I dont care at what costs, just know that you will have to use alot of magic resistant creations."

 

"Yes lord. Councilor Sky out."

 

Spddin was confident that he could take perkailia now, but he now knew to never under estimate the enemy. Every battle creates a new oppurtunity to learn he thought.

 

Another crystal lit up, revealing General Ash and his army. "I'm aware that you have lost. Tell me what course of action do you plan on taking."

 

"Lord, they are more powerful then we could have ever expected. But we have regained the pass, and blocked it off using the most powerful turrets and creations. We also placed spike mines...if anyone wants to get through then they'll end up, well, dead."

 

"And what of the captured city?"

 

"It has been surrounded by all sides. We have large living crafts in the ocean, ready to attack, as well as shapers surrounding the city by land. There is no way that they can keep the city with their small forces, but we are aware of their power. I have a weak spell that will work against them for now..."

 

"I trust you. Now you have a battle to fight."

 

The Crystal, like the others, blackened. Spddin had sent 10 powerful shapers to Drypeak. He was going to get revenge for Dak... 3 guardians, 3 agents, and 4 shapers...they had all ready made it to the edge of the dera reaches, and they were looking for blood.

[Lord Safey]

The fleet arrived an hour ago the two internal tentacles quickly unloaded the equipment A sizable group of creations hurrying about putting them in all their places. The flying drayks and cryodrayks had already finding perching spots to rest after a long fight.

 

Meanwhile the Overlord had taken his place in the flag ship blimp. He had been sitting there for some time weighting very impatiently for the Vlish blimps to unload listening to Servant Mind 64 drone on about the progress of various experimental creatures.

 

The Overlord playing with a nimbus of flame in his hand " Why do you bore me with these reports and why are we still sitting here? I have been sitting in these wretched mountains for over a month."

 

Servant mind 64 making a nervous gulp "We leave at your pleasure my lord. The blimps had just finished unloading."

 

The overlord "Then lets leave their is plenty of smiting to be done and canisters to be used. I want to at least get to Penta before that wretched ball of fire in the sky goes down."

 

With the exception of ten blimps the fleet moved into formation, the dryaks took flight and the creations started moving towards the pass.

 

High above Burwood province a vlish blimp was dropping out tiny little seedlings their leaves slowing their fall. The landed and their roots took hold and spiky, leafy vines sprouts forth from inching across the ground. Each once could grow up to several hundred feet a day and designed to devastate local ecosystems. Four other vlish blimps were repeating this elsewhere in the province.

[Sleeping Dragon]

Drypeak City

 

President Fand held his head in his hands as he listened to the reports from the Western front. The UPT’s border with the Doctors was supposed to be the safe one! However, it seems they were under attack by an army of Shapers under the command of the same faction that had annihilated the Confederate Council not long ago. The President shook his head as the scout finished his report. Their border guard was smashed, and the Shapers were headed for Drypeak City. “I can not allow two governments to fall within the span of a few weeks! I will go there myself to negotiate with them.”

 

The gathered Representatives from the various Regions simply muttered agreements, better that the President go than they put themselves at risk. Krak Blade, however, would have none of this. He approached Fand, “Old friend, I can not allow you to put yourself in such danger. The last time we tried to meet with these Shaper scum they murdered the Council and my father with them. I won’t allow you to suffer the same fate. I shall go in your stead.”

 

“Nonsense. This is a job for a head of state. I must shoulder this burden myself, it is only right. If you wish to accompany me, that is your choice to make.” With that the President headed to his quarters to prepare for the journey West.

 

Krak Blade called one of his officers to his side, “Captain, what word of our own lifecrafters at the School of Magery? Can they accompany the President on this mission?”

 

“Afraid not, sir. They have not completed their training. They will be unavailable for at least a few more weeks.”

 

Krak Blade lowered his head, unsure of whether or not to put into action the plan he was forming in his head. He looked back to the officer, “Tell me, Captain, we’ve fought alongside one another in many battles. I know your loyalty is to the President first, but would you trust me if I told you I truly had his best interests in mind?”

 

“Sir, I answer to the Councilor of the Blade. I know the Council is no more, but my loyalty will always be to you first. And I know you’ll always do what’s in the interest of leader Fand as well as serviles everywhere.”

 

“You are a good servile, Captain. And a fine soldier. I need you to confine the President to his quarters. I’m taking the Warbred with me to meet the Shapers myself. They had no problem taking out a bunch of unarmed old bureaucrats. Let’s so how they fare against the real warriors.”

 

The President was disturbed when his personal guard told him there was a security breach keeping him from leaving his quarters, especially now, when he was needed at the front. By the time he figured out his friends plan, Krak Blade was already long gone.

 

Zhass Region

 

Krak Blade had never been to Zhass-Uss before. Warmaster Sahz himself lived not too far to the North, at the lengendary fortress of Gaziki-Uss. He had never been there either, nor had he ever met their famed ‘leader’ the Warmaster. Krak briefly wondered if he had ever known anyone who had met the drakon, but his contemplation was cut short when one of his soldiers approached him, wearing the blue serviles robes of the Warbred. “Sir, the Shapers are here. They will parley with us, but they refuse to lay down their arms and creations during negotiations.”

 

“They’re not even trying to hide their intentions, are they?” With that, a score of serviles met with the half a score of Shapers. Sure, there was another score and a half of serviles lying in wait on the cliffs, but the Shapers’ numbers were bolstered by their creations. Krak wished he had Shapers of his own backing him up, or at least mages. But he was confident in the abilities of the Warbred. They were the best of the best.

 

The leader of the Shaper squad approached Krak Blade and spoke, “Are you the master of these serviles? The President we were told we’d be meeting?”

 

Of course, the Shapers did not know what Fand looked like. Krak responded, “I am. You are trespassing in sovereign lands. What have you come here for?”

 

The Shaper looked to his fellows, then back to Krak, “A land ruled by serviles? Sounds like anarchy. How can there even be serviles without Shapers? There can’t be. There can, however, be Shapers without serviles. You will surrender yourself unconditionally, rogue, or face certain destruction.”

 

Krak Blade grimaced. He almost reached for his sword, but thought about Fand first. What would the President say? What would his friend do in this situation? “There must be a way we can work out a truce. There does not need to be war between our people. We can offer peace and trade that would make both our nations prosper.”

 

The Shaper laughed, “What could you possibly offer Lord Spddin?”

 

Krak began to list off the resources of Drypeak and the lands beyond. He had only been speaking for a few seconds when he noticed the lead Shaper roll his eyes and look to his comrades. There was a half-nod exchanged. Krak Blade had been a soldier a long time, long enough to recognize an attack signal. Before the Shapers could mobilize, Krak shouted his own commands to his troops. They all hit the ground, dodging the massive spell that they flew over their heads and into the cliff faces surrounding them, shattering the rock and leaving massive clouds of dust covering everything. This gave Krak and his serviles a chance to regroup.

 

He commanded his troops to attack Shapers first, then Agents, then Guardians, and only creations that came within melee range. As there were no servile magic users or lifecrafters, the Shapers were unable to sense the freeborn serviles in the clouds of dust. One by one, the Shapers and Agents were cut down by javelins thrown by the keen hands of the Warbred. The Warbred, serviles that had been specially created for combat and only combat over a century ago in this very valley by a mad Shaper who’s name had been forgotten by the world.

 

When the dust had settled, there were only one Shaper and a few Guardians left. The lead Shaper threw spells at the cliff tops, bringing them down. Many brave serviles fell to their deaths or were crushed by falling rocks. Others engaged the Guardians in melee battle, swords ringing out across the canyons of Zhass. Krak Blade had earned his title long ago. He leapt gracefully through the air, landing on the shoulders of one of the Shapers’ own battle alphas, from there he leapt again, lifting his sword over his head, and bringing it down on the leader of the Shaper squadron, cutting him down with one strike. He was the last Shaper in the group. Without their creators leading them, the creations that still lived dispersed into the wilderness. The remaining guardians were overwhelmed by the serviles’ superior numbers.

 

Krak and the survivors surveyed the damage. They had lost more than the Shapers had, but they had won. When the other serviles saw that Krak was not celebrating, they gathered around him for new orders. He spoke, “This squadron was sent to test us. Defeating them was a small victory, if you can even call it that. You fought bravely, however, and each of us that fell today no doubt saved many innocent lives. But remember, there are many more where these came from, and I dread the idea of fighting them all. I will head back to the President at once and tell him that he must contact our allies. Fand will do all he can to stop this slaughter before it starts, but if his efforts are not enough, know that you will be the ones keeping these monsters from reaching our families in the cities. I must leave the fortification of our borders to you, for now. Stand strong. I promise help is on the way.”

 

Before turning back towards Drypeak city, Krak spoke a few final words to the brave Warbed, “My brothers, we once cowered in fear of these mighty humans when they first created us long ago. Show them that we do not intend to leave this world the same way we entered it.”

[Hypnotic]

Lethia Province: South Lethia City

 

An emergency council session was in progress. Luckily Hypno had his small portable farsight crystal with him, but the resolution was appalling. News on all fronts were not good, even Vidara had to pay attention. The council had even forgone their futile exchange of pleasantries, as the insubstantial faces appeared, glowing before each member. Hypno had the unfortunate task of telling his story of the battle at the pass. He told the council of the extraordinary stalemate and immense casualties both sides had while the Doctors were trying to break into Lethia. The damage to the lands would take years to heal. He told of Unintelligent Drakons Lord Spddin had managed to make that attacked from above, Screaming Drayks, Spike Roamers, Spike Tralls, Blade Tralls, Tekcors, Non-Rouge Gazers, Arbors, Cryo-Embers, Slaughtering Agents, and the unleashing all of the Doctors hidden spells. This had all happened at the pass battle for Lethia. Somehow in the confusion the Doctors had surged past their front line in a last ditch attempt to take South Lethia city. Now the Doctors had the city but the populace was uneasy and the Doctors were besieged.

 

Vidara had had no luck with the Device. Everything they had tested so far proved that it would work. Vidara sadly had to ignore Artemis’s colourful protests as she described how it would be beneficial for her to know what the Device was. Dymas was surprisingly the only one with good news. It was actually mediocre news but under the circumstances it was received as good. He had successfully defended the road between the Zephyr Oasis and Perikalia with twin Submission turrets every one-hundred meters. It would not stand up to an army of any sort but it would keep merchants travelling between the cities relatively safe from rouges.

 

Artemis had the worst report of all. Her grand army of Arterials that managed to hold the Doctors off at Perikalia had been defeated. Sent to the junction at the bottom of the North Lethia pass and the South Citadel pass were Five hundred Arterials. There orders were simply to stay there and make sure no Army could invade the Storm plains. Nearly all of her Army had been wiped out and only her top fifty Arterials remained. All her inexperienced comrades were defeated. This happened over about a week. Each day they lost more ground. They faced Elementals, Trall Golems and an Army lead by someone named Clouds. At least that was what Artemis thought. His name was some reference to the sky. What made matters worse was that they had managed to send a small army to the Drypeak serviles. They had no word of the proceedings up there and were not looking forward to the result. The good news was that the Doctors now control Kratoa-Kel and Lermans pass, If not the land between.

 

After hearing the news, Hypnos heart sank. His battle didn’t go as planned but to be defeated at the northern front was a disaster. His logic dictated that while he was facing an army of shapers down south, the north wouldn’t fall. Especially since the rumours were confirmed that the Shapers had also sent a third army to take Nodye. The Council broke up after plans were made to deal with the new circumstances. Hypno was relieved top hear that the reserve Doctor army had been sent to aid him. Their latest report put them somewhere in the South Lethia pass.

 

Following the Council meeting, Hypno was walking around South Lethia city doing some personal observations about the defences. The Doctors were reduced to about One hundred and twenty in this city. When Hypno arrived he was stunned to learn that this city was actually the smallest of the four great citys of Lethia. Even worse was the fact that the shaper hall was more like a converted barracks. The Barracks was barely worth mentioning. During the old rebellion this city appeared to have taken extreme damage. Of course years of repair had restored some of its glory but it was clear that the wealth of the Shapers was not kept here. He was pondering the history when here heard a cry of panic.

 

“ATTACK!” yelled one of the Doctors on the eastern wall of the city. Similar cries rang out from the rest of the city. As Hypno was running towards the main gate fireballs raced overhead. He turned around and saw several large water Drayks shooting fireballs over the city from the docks. He arrived at the gate and began to shape. It was futile, the gates burst open without much effort. The gates weren’t even puresteel like Perikalia. Soon a storm of Creations was coming through with their shaper masters. Hypno looked around in despair. Guardians walked through the streets and cut down Doctors without much trouble. A blade slicing the body in half is hard to heal. The reduced agent numbers were working in the Doctors favour as there was less blessing magic. Hypno ran into the terror, jumped onto a nearby Alpha and cast kill directly onto the head of the beast. Hypno jumped off, cast shield and dodged the blade of the Blade trall. As the trall was over extending itself he placed his palm to the coarse flesh and froze the arm as it retracted. Casting a firebolt shattered the arm making a hole that soon had kill cast into it. The creation died as the magic bolt reached its heart. Although the Doctors were able to temporarily stall the shapers, he knew it was a wasted effort. He ordered the retreat into the central courtyard. Those that couldn’t make it were soon dead on the outskirts of the city. The Doctors lined up in the courtyard with the tower of the barracks looming above them.

 

Hypno turned to a nearby Doctor in shock. “Did you see that!?”

The Drayks were still attacking the city, a firebolt just shattered a large inn.

“Yessir. Erm.. um…. Huh?” In the Doctors momentary distraction, the Shapers in their entirety had appeared before them.

“Cloaking” muttered Hypno. “Fall back!”

 

Hypno was not prepared for that. To regain themselves, he ordered them inside the citys Barracks. It was old and out of money by the looks of things. The ordered twenty Doctors into the tower so they could rain death from above whilst the rest of the Doctors held the shapers off in the foyer. The Doctors luck was still failing them as some creations broke their lines and made it into the barracks. A deadly battle raged for a few hours achieving nothing.

 

That was when he heard the rumbling. On the edge of his hearing he was sure he could hear something collapsing. As soon as the rumbling stopped, the stream of creations ceased and the Doctors could see the rest of the city, or what was left of it. Outsiders were lying dead in the streets as the Drakes were destroying the city. In the Distance he saw shaper casting Aura of flames at the base of some structures. Soon the Doctors were in the only remaining building made of stone.

 

“Oh Cra-.” Hypno was cut off as the Barracks was hit. The building was falling down. He ordered the Doctors out of the city and ran himself. Above him some Drakons were about to dive-bomb the Doctors until a large chunk of the Barracks fell on top of them, pushing them into the ground. Casting shield and Dodging things wherever he could, he ran out of the city.

 

A few minutes later he stood atop a hill overlooking the ruins. Sixty other Doctors had made it out alive. Hypno had just witnessed the Shapers destroy one of their four great citys in an attempt to kill the Doctors. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for all those innocent people that perished. He had underestimated the Shapers on the battlefield, and in their commitment to destroy the Doctors.

 

The Vault

 

Following the Council meeting, Dymas retreated to his labs. His friend Etszuki was feeling ill. It was a result of being underground in the harsh Doctor environment. The Doctors had grown accustomed to the effects of the Vault and most of them had been reduced but this didn’t matter to Etszuki.

 

“Moo?” Etzsuki had lost his voice.

“You will feel better Etszuki. I will help you.”

 

Talking in a monotone was the best Dymas could manage in the way of words of comfort. He cast a few healing spell and left the Ornk in peace.

 

In his research lab, Dymas continued to work on the unseen project. He had worked out that if the unseen were stored in essence than they would be preserved but eventually the essence would run out giving the pods a shelf life. This was short but it was better than the current situation. He turned to his assistant.

 

“Subject XX9.0 status?”

“Failed”

“Subject XX9.01 status?”

“Failed”

“Subject XX9.02 status?”

 

This banter back and forth was the usual when Dymas wanted his research done. He had a lot of simultaneous experiments. Little did he know that he had actually succeeded.

 

“Subject XX9.83.45.72GF43?”

“Success” replied the now verbally exhausted assistant.

“This is good news. I shall make pods for front line testing. Dymas said this with an almost smile.

 

Kayar Spire

 

Following the Council meeting Vidara had decided to take a break. She hadn’t done anything of great importance recently. She had once again finished everything she was supposed to do and was now waiting on Device parts. Still. For her break she thought she would personally inspect the Spires defences. Slightly Naïve, she had no idea that in most of her ‘breaks’ she actually did extra work that she tried so hard not to do. Forever did she wonder why people thought she was a good administrator.

 

“Pylon activate” A bright glow followed from the nearby pylons.

“Deactivate” The glow stopped.

“Golem approach” A huge nearby static Golem walked forward.

 

She walked around d the spire taking her ‘break’ until she walked into the spire record room. She spent a lot of her time her reading through Taygens research but never for anything but work. She scanned the titles and one stood out from the rest. “Agent Purity – Failed tests” Nearly every other book here had told of everything that worked perfectly and ways to improve. This one had nothing but Taygens mad rants about the creations slipping and messing with his work. There was a passage of interest:

 

“Agent Purity will not work on Drakons. Insufficient samples. Caluma is still dedicated but this may not get released. Alwan and Astoria have sent many Infiltrators so slow me. They still do not know of Plan B.”

 

“Plan B?” said Vidara. Every record in Kayar spoke nothing of anything but Agent Purity being researched at Kayar. This required investigation.

 

Perikalia

 

Artemis and the War Minister were having a chat. The shapers recent Victory had forced the Doctor/Arterial forces south back to the grand city. The South side of the city was still in disrepair and there just wasn’t enough resources to defend everywhere. The map of the Storm plains was not promising.

 

“Look if we just take a couple Doctors out of the Passes…” began Artemis

“No.” Replied the War Minister

“Than we pull Doctors out of the Rouge suppression.”

“We can’t, they double as spies within our lands.”

“Then it cannot be done.”

“Yes there is. You need to begin training troops.”

“Erm, dummy head. NO CANISTERS!”

“You don’t need canisters. You will call up farmers and train them in sword fighting.”

“Oh, well that might work, after all the Arterials are representatives of farmers everywhere. Maybe I could spark another revolution.”

“Do what you must, I will work on keeping the Line fortified.”

 

The War Minster left, leaving Artemis to plan for Perikalias defence. The ‘Line’ No longer referred to the line of decaying fortresses to the east, but rather the Fortresses defending from a Mera invasion. The War minister was currently in the process of trying to sneak supply trains past Patrols of shapers. He had a plan. If only the shaper forces would move closer to the lake between the Perikalia and the line.

[Dantius]

Dantius stood in the great Library of Quessa-Uss. Well, 'great' could hardly be an adequate descriptor, since, as their final revenge, the Drakons pinned down inside it decided to burn it to the ground as a final act of defiance. They really were foolish creatures. He extended his hand, and gently plucked a floating piece of paper from the air. As it crumbled into ash, he read the barley legible words "...able to take down a Warmaster with ease...". He sighed. Such knowledge, such power, within his grasp, reduced to ash at the whims of a few defiant Drakons. If only he had managed to reach the section on Shaping in time. Kallinnin floated up to him.

 

"We have recieved a communication from Nihsun. His troops in the Greyghosts have finished purging the last Drakons from the area- it is clear. All resistance has been eliminated"

 

"Excellent. What of the New Takers pinned down in the Morass?" replied Dantius

 

"They have erected a defensive line, and are making no move to attack."

 

"Leave them be. They will feel the force of my army soon enough."

 

"Any other news? How fare the New Shapers? And what of the disappearance of the ESC?" Dantius spoke

 

"Events move apace. Our conquest of Quessa Uss has lost us valuable initiative. First, the ESC has been wiped out. Entirely. Had we not had a spy in the province, we would have been caught unawares. Luckily, we have information that could prove valuable in the future. One of our shades managed to witness this:"

 

With a soft popping, Dantius was suddenly transported into a landscape filled with snow and ice. Memory shades, he thought. Able to plug their sensory input directly into your brain. Sometimes his inventions scared even himself.

 

He was on a cliff, probably in the Whitespires. Several feet away, a small force of gold-robed Shapers were fighting against a steady stream of creation emerging from a massive, pulsating red object floating several feet above the ground. They were losing. As Dantius watched, a second massive red object began to descend. Staring at it, Dantius had a revelation: it was a Vlish! Somehow, someone had increased the creation several hundered times, able now to carry cargo. He would pay dearly to get his hands on one of those. The massive thing slowly landed. A immense shaper, perhaps 8 feet tall, strode out. His skin was glowing so brightly he illuminated all around him. Dantius cursed, and muttered a spell. He was now standing in the midst of things. He strode forward, passing through a blaze of flame and a Battle Alpha. He carefully strode around this new shaper, examining him with a critical eye. He wore no metal armor, merely several robes thick with magical residue, no doubt heavily enchanted with all sorts of wards. His face betrayed no emotion. Based on the glow of his skin, this shaper must have used literally tens of thousands of canisters, and augmented himself dozens of times. This would be a formidable foe, indeed. Muttering another spell, the battle progressed at accelerated speed, until finally the forces of the new Shaper carried the day. The largest Shaper with golden robes was knocked unconsios and carried abord the blimp. Dantius caught only a fragment of his orders:

 

"Send him to the conclave. I want every last piece of knowledge picked from his brain. Now, where are my canisters?"

 

Shuddering at the cruel voice, Dantius muttered yet another spell, and the illusion dissolved around him.

 

"What is this, Kallinnin?"

 

"No one knows. We do not maintain a Shade on the Ashen Isles, the only place this could have emanated from. Regrettable oversight, but still. We know virtually nothing about him, only that he must be incredibly ancient to have consumed that many canisters and live. Our attempts to scry the Ashen Isles are fruitless- even the combined power of the entire Farsight department can only penetrate his veil by inches. Luckily, he cannot scry us either. What's more, three of those ...things... were recently sighted northwest of Dereton-Uss. They are moving slowly to the east, aimed directly for Poryphera. Should I give orders to intercept?"

 

"No! I will travel to Poryphera myself and engage them there. These things could be dangerous in ways unforeseen to us. Besides, I want to capture one alive.=, which may require my personal presence. Tell Nihsun I want him there, too. When will they arrive at the city?"

 

"Three day, sir"

 

"Should be plenty. Next item?"

 

"Well, we are recieving interesting reports from our spies within the United Provinces. Apparently, a mage had had enough with the twin leadership under Fand and Vess. Believing them to be possessed by some evil shade of a ruler long past, he attacked them both, screaming something incoherent about "flower power". They both survived, though. Using the chaos provided by this event, we could probably execute a power grab with some difficulty, using the human army we are training in the Fens. Bolstered with recruits from Burwood, we could probably minimize Gazer casualties."

 

"No. No more conquering for now. We have a solid power base, and a functioning army. Our primary concerns are figuring what is going on at the Ashen Isles and dealing with it, and driving out the Drakons from the Western Morass. When we have finished that, then we will begin to expand again. For now, I am content to sabotage the other factions from afar, and deal with the influx of research from their Shaping labs. Oh, and I picked up a few of my old experiments from my former quarters- you might want to have a look at those."

 

"As you wish my lord"

 

"I need to get back to the isle. I have much to ponder" he said, cradling the two books he was able to save from the library under his arm, and finding himself pondering, yet again, what the future would hold for himself and his Gazers.

[Spddin Ignis]

Rayne walked into the throne room. "We have successfuly taken perkalia."

 

"I assume artemis helped as instructed?"

 

"She did, she is on her way to the citadel."

 

"Good." Was simply the response from the great Shaper. "What was the out come in south lethia?"

 

"Take a look for yourself." Rayne handed him a type of scrying crystal that recorded events. Spddin Peared into the crystal and as he looked through, it felt like he was thrust to the scene of the battle.

 

He stood in the center of the city as orders were shouted and Doctors and Shapers fought in a never ending weaving combat. The light of the sun was replaced by glowing balls of fire that sailed over head, destroying buildings.

Shapers fluctuated in and out of invisability, killing un-suspecting doctors. Drakons flew over head, and Spddin was alarmed that they were being attacked by drakons and doctors until he relized that those drakons belonged to the shapers. The drakons dove and some were hit by the falling building as the city was destroyed by the water drayks on shore.

 

They remaining doctors flee as the city is burned to ashed. A run into guardian blades as they try to run. The doctors that remain in the city are hunted down and killed by the shapers. A doctor runs towards spddin's direction as suddenly blood begins to ooze from his abdomen and he is stoped in his tracks. A guardian behind him becomes visible, his magic no longer cloaking him, he yanks his sword out of the enemies abdomen and cuts off his head. The guardian turns invisible again and goes to hunt more doctors. Spddin recognized the guardian as ash.

 

 

The crystal then sends him, in his meditated like state to the city of perkalia, where the arterials sneak into doctor rooms and kill them. The next mornin 35 shapers arrive. 5 escort artemis and her band to the citadel, the others take control of the city, shape several creations and begin their conquest of the storm plains.

[Lord Safey]

The overlord was observing Pentil through the eyes of his Vlish blimp hovering above a recently made clearing. The only defenses this city has were the recently made turrets of the ESC. Who took all their creations when they fled. The vlish bombarded them from out of range with aid of gravity.

 

The most vlish blimps maintained a perimeter around the city killing all those who tried to slip past the creations now filling into the city. Flying dryaks and cryodryaks flitted between the vlish blimps occasionally swooping down and carrying off a screaming servile or human into the darkness of the night. A few ventured into the city as to better observe and direct the army. As well as provide fire support against the town militia. The quickly gather what few canister were left. The ESC was sure to use or take most of them with them, when they left.

 

After the army has scoured the area for any canister or shaping research, and their wasn't much, they filled out of the city and the vlish blimps moved in slowly. They bashed and blasted until the entire city was reduced to rubble, the sewer networks and any other underground networks collapsed. Vlish blimps landed and started placing the fungus that grew into spawners unto the ground.

 

In the Overlord's blimp high above the city. Overlord "Report"

 

Servantmind 64 "The city has been razed the ground we 14 canisters, some minor alchemical research, and outdated trade documents concerning pure steel and crystal caravans."

 

Overlord " The rest of this province as likely to be fruitless?

 

Servantmind 64 "Yes my lord."

 

Overlord in "Designate a third of the fleet to placing spawners and super kudzu in strategic places. The rest of the fleet will head to Gorash-Uss. We will raze them to the ground and then continue on to Kaz. Ensure no own finds this province inhabitable."

 

The Overlord paused and sipped another canister.

 

The overlord spoke again "What about the 5 we sent to distribute super kudzu and Burwood?"

 

Servan mind 64 "They are finished. Two are enroute to the home isles. Three are meeting up with the vlish sub prototypes near Poryphera too raid shipping, scout out the area, and monitor the subs abilities.

 

After a couple of a days of ensuring the spawners were properly set up. during this time the carrier variants arrived and resupplied the fleet with essences, reaper thorns, various war supplies, and food.

 

After this, two-thirds of the fleet headed for Gorash-Uss while the last third split up into groups of two and spread out across the province.

 

[Hypnotic]

Lethia Pass:

Hypno was unaware of the world around him. He was sitting inside his command barracks at the Lethia camp. After the Shaper forces had destroyed South Lethia City in an attempt to kill the Doctors leader, Hypno had fled north to the Lethia pass. He had arrived at the pass in time to see Doctor reinforcements arriving from Dera. It was the first bit of luck he had had in a while. With the new forces present he could continue to assault Lethia. Then he heard the latest news they had. Perikalia had been lost to the Shapers and Artemis had betrayed the Doctors. It turns out that in the middle of the night Artemis had arranged for her guards to assassinate the Doctors stationed at Perikalia as they slept. Eighty Doctors were presumed dead. Fortunately Hypnos war minister wasn’t present when Perikalia fell. When Artemis’s army had failed to hold back the Shapers at the Citadel pass, he’d left to try and rectify the situation taking twenty Doctors with him. He realised it was futile to hold the Shapers back at the pass and tried to make it back to Perikalia, only to find that the city was lost. The last news they had on him was that he had fled east and was holding back the Shapers from conquering the rest of the Storm plains. Thus Hypno was hiding himself. He could not bear the thought of the war he was facing. He was up against an enemy that had killed thousands of innocent lives to kill him. A person that had convinced Artemis to give him Perikalia. All he knew about him, was that his name was Spddin.

 

After a few hours of moping quietly to himself he pulled out him tiny farsight crystal. The current tactics he had for wining this war weren’t working and he knew how to change it. He was calling up Vidara’s farsight crystal when Dymas appeared.

 

“What the Artilla spit are you doing at Kayar?” asked Hypno

Dymas almost had a smile appearing on him. “Its finished” replied Dymas

“I’m sorry wha… you mean the Device is completed?” queried Hypno

“Yes. For something of this Importance when need Council permission to activate it. Therefore I am at Kayar to ensure the Device is activated. Why are you not currently fighting the Shapers?”

Hypno took in a deep breath. “As you know, Perikalia has fallen. The Shapers have stopped our advance and moral is low. I am revoking my opposition to your proposal. We are changing to DASA two. You know what that means so make it happen.” Hypno shut off his crystal and returned to seclusion.

 

DASA referred to Doctor Army Systematic Aggressiveness. Currently the Doctors were at DASA one. That is when the Doctors throw everything they have at their enemys and try to break them. DASA two is where the Doctors are a bit more reserved in their approach and build structures that enable the Doctors to fight their opponents at a distance. Vidara preferred DASA 1 whereas Dymas preferred DASA 4. Naturally this meant that is was Hypnos choice of when to change DASA. Hypno hoped for all the people on Terrestia that the Doctors never reached DASA 4. For now this meant that his army would do nothing. For now, all they would do is hold their position and force the shapers to do the same. This would tie up the bulk of the Shapers and disable their ability to reinforce the Stormplains. Hypno and his army of over five hundred Doctors were dormant.

 

Kayar Spire:

 

Vidara and Dymas were talking quietly in a corner, eagerly anticipating the performance of the Device. Naturally, they were discussing safety precautions.

 

“Okay, there are four control Batons. One for each of the councillors. Actually that means there are three and one extra since the betrayal of Artemis. Luckily she betrayed us now and not after she had the Baton, then we’d really be in trouble.” Stated Vidara who wasn’t thinking clearly.

“How do they function?” questioned Dymas.

“On the Device there are two slits. The top one will activate the device when the baton is Inserted and the bottom one will destroy it. For clarification the top slit is Green and the bottom is red.”

“How will it be destroyed if necessary?”

“The Baton will unlock every safety mechanism and send a power surge into the pool. The template will overload, the Power Spirals will die and the essence pool will disintegrate. Finally I have managed to add a kill function. Should the system go rouge, after the control Baton is inserted, all of the spawn will die.” Said Vidara

“How?” replied Dymas.

“Device will send out a subsonic signal out and will destroy the Inner scrolls of everyone. They will still live but they will not be able to heal or grow. It is a slow death.”

“Proceed.”

 

The Councillors left their little alcove in the Device room. Dymas held three of the control batons. One for himself and two to hide in the sanctuary until it could be decided what to do with them. The prospectives from the Kayar School had also joined them in the hall. In the centre of the room was the device. Normally it looked like a tangled mess, however a silver dome had been placed over it. Two crystalline conduits left the device into a swirling pit of red essence just before the device. A north and southern group of power Spirals were powering the Device. Halfway between the Device and the Spirals there was a power junction. The northern one had a perfect crystal inside that would easily dictate power flow. The southern junction had less impressive crystal.

 

‘Why is the power crystal unsatisfactory?” asked Dymas

“Since the shapers have overrun Perikalia, getting shipments from Drypeak is hard. We cannot hold out for a better crystal so we will have to make do.”

 

The prospectives had been silenced and the defensive pylons around the room were charging up. Vidara approached the device and inserted her control baton. The result was anticlimactic. The device worked as intended. After a few minutes of screeching emitted from the Device, the goo in the essence put drained away and a man emerged. An indecently exposed man.

 

“Eww! That’s sooo gross! OMG! That’s what this thingwhoppper does! Ornk Dung!” The naked man lying before them fascinated the prospectives. Vidara sighed and realised that’s what all the Doctors sounded like before they faced the dangers of the world. The naked man stood up and was looking rather confused. He burped sending a firebolt towards Dymas. The man looked around scared He then fell unconscious.

 

The two Councillors were standing outside Kayar. Dymas was about to leave. Dymas spoke first.

“How long before he is ready for action?”

“All the skills are still there and due to the spells he can cast, he has a basic grasp of our language. One month from now he should know enough about our views and understand what he is.”

“How many can be made?”

“One per day, indefinitely.”

 

With that, Dymas left. And Vidara walked back to her quarters. Vidara had completed the device. For the first time in the history of Terrestia, a person had been shaped from nothing. Using all the DNA of the doctors and purged into a canister known as the “Template” the doctors had created a machine that could read the scrolls of humans and recreate them. These copys of various Doctor had innate shaping abilities. Vidara managed to rectify that so the Innate shaping would eventually convert to memories so if the copy did not train they would forget what they knew. Vidara although reckless, would not make something completely dangerous. Vidara was nwo in charge of literally creating an army.

 

The Vault:

 

A few days after the lunch of the Device, Dymas had hidden away the Batons. Vidara held hers. Dymas held his. Hypnos was being sent to his by a large group of creations. The fourth baton was hidden in the deepest area of the Vault where most Doctors had never been.

 

Dymas had his lab shut down. The fall of Perikalia had stopped nearly all shipments of goo arriving from their Mera safe house. All that was being sent through was needed at Kayar. Dymas had other things to worry about. Since Hypno changed to DASA 1, Dymas now needed to find the resources to construct three bunkers beneath Dera. Since Kayar no longer needed building materials Dymas had access to some. Dymas would soon be turning Dera into a fortress. For now Dymas was playing fetch with his excitable ornk Etszuki, who had recovered well.

 

Stormplains:

 

Hypnos war mister had fled to Kratoa-Kel. He had pulled out the Doctors from Lermans pass and was holding the Eastern plains rather well. There are three key points he needed to defend. Kratoa-Kel, Hatra and a small fishing town called Gorph. As much as the War Minster respected the councillors, he did not like their war tactics. Dymas was off making exploding pods. Vidara was hiding in Kayar making a fancy Device and Hypno was leading ridiculously large armies only to have them get killed. Little did the War mister know that a lot of that had changed. The defence was simple. Hypno was holding the Shapers main army back so there were few Shapers to contend with. Most creations were being sent out from Perikalia being controlled via farsight crystals. By the time they reached Doctors they were barely under control and hard to replace. For now the Defence was easy but his hypocritical foe had recently been sending out Unbound to attack them. The War mister was at a loss of what to do.

[Spddin Ignis]

Shaper Citadel

 

Artemis entered the main throne room escorted by 2 guards "I'm here." she stated.

"I can see that Child."

"Child? I'm 2 years younger than yourself Spddin"

"It matters not, you are here because of your aid in our conquest of Perkalia. Normally your kind would be eradicated due to your heavy canister use, and the fact that you tried to destroy my army, but all of your past transgressions will be forgiven."

"Where is the reward you promised me?" Artemis blurted

 

Spddin was getting irritated by Artemis' blatant dis-respect.

"How much do you want?"

"10,000 coins"

"Phoenix!", Spddin called. "Give Artemis 10,000 gold coins."

 

The servile enters the room with a Kyshaak in tow. On its back were several pouches of gold coins. Artemis gathers the bags in her arms and starts out of the throne room.

 

"Escort her to her room in the north wing." Commanded Spddin.

"Yes sir." Responded the guard.

...

 

An hour later, Agent Rayne enters the room. "It is almost time for your meeting with your generals and commanders."

"Thank you for the reminder. Will Terra and yourself be attending the meeting?"

"Only if our presence is required my lord."

"I think that it is quite important that you 2 be there."

"I will get Shaper Terra Then."

 

...

 

The Shapers were in the Councilor Far-sight room. The room had Crystals on all sides and all councilors and generals could see one another.

 

"I call this meeting to order." Spddin Said. Around him he could see Kohler, Ash, Sky, Greene and Echo. "First, how is the Battle at the pass going Ash and Sky.

 

Sky began to speak, "We are at a stale mate. Our camp is nicely set up, we have turrets guarding and we have our weapon set up for when they attack. Supplies have been flowing nicely from the city as hoped and troops are will rested. Couldn't be better."

"I have heard reports of Drakons present at the battle. Is this true?"

 

This time Ash spoke. "Yes my lord. We are using the Variant provided to us by Shaper Ramana. They have the brain of an Alpha, making it easy to control them."

 

"Okay." Was Spddin's simple answer. "Greene, how is the front of Perkalia?"

 

"It is a Difficult Battle. Right now, I have sent out 9 Shapers to Hatra, I don't know how that battle is progressing, but there are only 10 doctors there. An Arbol I sent out confirms that they do have 3 extremely powerful Golems."

 

"Actually, Terra has a Golem Variant that has been extremely successful in the past. It was among the citadel archives." Said Spddin.

 

Terra began to relay instructions to the Shapers who quickly absorbed the knowledge. "It is called a Trall Golem. A very powerful Golem Variant."

 

Guardian Echo Began to speak now. He was among one of the largest Shaper Ships, "The S.E. Nagastar." Closely behind him was the "H.N.O. Niddps".

"We have not yet fought the enemy, but based on our intelligence, we soon will. The ship is Pure steel reinforced and it is armed with Several new types of turrets. Each of the turrets on the ship. We are also surrounded by several water Drayks."

 

"Is there anything you want me to do my lord?", Kohler asked.

 

"I know you are anxious to begin battle my friend, but the Coast must remain defended. I hope i may ask of you to continue searching the Nodeye coast for Drakonian Research."

 

"Yes Lord." Kohler said enthusiastically

 

"Is there any information that we need Rayne?" Spddin asked.

 

"There is something, but I'd Rather not relay it via far sight crystal."

 

"Ok then, this meeting is now Adjourned.

 

Storm Plains

 

2 Shapers approached the gate of Hatra, riding Kyshaaks. Standing there, was in infamous Dark Stone Golem. The Golem stunned, weakened, and slowed the Shapers. They fled, only to be chased by 5 of the 10 doctors within the fortress. They sped themselves up and healed themselves. The Doctors Shaped wing bolts and the Shapers each shaped a battle creation.

 

One Shaped a Trall and the other an Alpha. One of the wing bolts died and both of the battle creations died. The Shapers continued to flee. The Shadows of their hoods hiding the smiles on their faces. They shaped 2 more battle creations and continued to flee. The Doctors easily dispatched the creations and the Shapers, who were badly wounded stopped. They healed themselves and looked up at the 5 doctors who had been pursuing them.

 

A circle of 7 more Shapers appeared around the Doctors. The creations that had been wandering the woods for several days now also appeared at the scene. At the site of the Shapers and their creations, the Doctors Fled the area. The Creations and Shapers attacked. A few rocks from Tralls hit one of the Doctors in the back of the head. The Shapers Placed a seed type creation on his body. It quickly grew into a vine, tying up the Doctor. The vine constantly injected a chemical into the prisoner as well as electric shocks that caused the prisoner to lose control of this muscles. The Shapers had taken their prize back to Perkalia's dungeon.

 

Lethia Pass

 

The 2 councilors present at the camp, Ash and Sky, were talking about their strategy. They have their plan set up for when the doctors attack. The outer walls were now fully constructed and the creations were building up the inner walls and buildings. They were ready for the pending doctor assault.

 

Citadel Research Facility

 

Terra was using the Far sight crystal in her lab. She was communicating with her former mentor, Ramana. Throughout the laboratories, conduits powered all of her work. They ran through on the walls and the ground.Terra walked to a dial and turned it. Some of the conduits surged. The power was directed into several chambers. Terra stood on a platform and directed essence into the chambers. Next to her was a pool of essence that the Shaper was drawing from. The power died down, and the Shaper went over to one of the Chambers and opened it.

 

When the Chamber opened, steam came out. Inside was a Golem. It was severely upgraded from the original Trall Golem. This one was pure steel. It still had the spiked knuckles and the essence enriched steel would form small creations when it chipped off. Terra inspected the creature on a separate platform. She checked the hardness of the steel, she used her mind to see its power, and she also chipped off some steal to see if it would work.

 

After being satisfied with the Golem itself. She began to inspect the creature that existed inside. After being satisfied with the creation. She pressed a button that opened all of the chambers. She gave them their commands and they marched out of the labs.

 

She made another batch of 40 golems, but these were for the storm plains. They would be escorted by ship to the war front.

[Hypnotic]

Kayar Spire:

Vidara was screaming at the top of lungs. She was in her large chambers with a few assistants that were trying to calm her down to no avail. Occasionally a bolt of magic would fly across the room as she reached her crescendo again and again.

 

“They are ALL Idiots! The lot of them are all a pain in my AHH!” yelled Vidara, her voice becoming incoherent once again, at the most convenient of moments. Her assistants were trying to cast a powerful shield around her but frequently dodging blasts from Vidara disrupted the magic flow. “I want to cut them into little pieces, burn them, shape them back together and blow them to bits! I just wanna F...udgecakes that hurt! OW!” screeched Vidara as a Firebolt hit her foot ending her rant, resulting in her hopping on one foot. After casting a healing spell she sat down her bed and started at the ground. Her four pale-faced assistants emerged from behind various pieces of furniture.

 

“Lady Vidara, may I ask what’s wrong?” said one of her assistants. She liked the people at Kayar. They never called her Councillor. “Its those….copies” she said with disgust. She looked up towards the gathering. A few Doctors had entered from outside to see what’s wrong. “They are all stupid. Do you know why?” She didn’t wait for answer. “They don’t think. Their heads are empty, a Thahd brain would be more useful than what those things have!” Her voice was getting louder. “A Shaper servile is smarter than them! They…” She calmed down as she saw her hands starting to glow red with flames. After a few deep breaths she managed to talk again. “All of you enter and close the

door behind you.”

 

Her room was peacefully smouldering in the background and the swarm of worried Doctors were sitting on salvaged chairs. Vidara was personally in charge of training the new Doctors now the device was completed. Vidara addressed them using her quite voice.

 

“The copies are perfect. They are what we wanted. Each one is roughly one and a half times more powerful than any Doctor. All of the copies are faster and stronger than any of us. Each on can shape faster and better, they have more spell energy and can store more essence. Their skin is even harder than ours. Everything about them is superior to us, save one thing.” She was looking into the faces of the Doctors present. She looked at the ceiling in defeat and said, “They are perfect fighters but they are incredibly stupid. We were all trapped in the Vault our sanctuary, we were like children and behaved like them. We never needed to grow up, we did things in our own time. When we emerged onto the world, that changed.” She looked back towards the Doctors, she could tell they thought she was ranting again but no one was going to say it. “The people of the world influenced us and we grew up. It was like our self-preservation skills we had were suddenly needed so we changed. These copies are like that. Only they cant grow up. They are children in powerful adult bodies. The Shaper serviles are like that. They need constant attention to get the simplest task right. I realised something was wrong so I did a little test.” She smiled thinking of the silly test the copies failed. “I had one stand up and not move. I placed two hammers exactly one meter away from him. I told him I needed to hammer a nail and could he please pass the hammer closest to him. Well, he freaked out, as both hammers were the same distance. He than asked me with a terrified look on his face what he should do!” Her voice was picking up again.

 

Once again she calmed down. “They have no common sense. Another test I did was when I was shaping some creations. I told them defend themselves using magic. I even had to tell them what spells to use! I than changed the order from ‘Defend yourself’ to ‘Attack the roamers’. I than shaped some Fyoras and they just stood there as a Fyoras were eating their limbs.” If I give them a fail proof instruction they will annihilate anything. If I forget to say what spell they should use against a certain foe, they will just stand there waiting for proper orders. These copies are supposed to be our savoir and yet they can’t figure out how to kill a stinking Fyora!”

 

Vidara went on to describe more tests the copies failed due to their poor mental skills. After ten minutes of ranting and venting her anger, she asked for questions.

 

An assistant asked: “Are you sure they know all the proper magic and shaping skills?”

She replied: “Yes, everything we know they can do and better, the enzyme designed to remove the innate shaping from their DNA is working so they are converting it to memory as intended. Trust me, their actual abilities are not the problem.”

A Doctor asked: “Can we call them something else?” This surprised Vidara. Contrary to her rant, some Doctors just didn’t grow up and could not follow a story. The Doctor did however have a good point. “Okay than, ‘copies’ is a tad demeaning. Suggestions?”

 

The distraction of finding a better name helped to calm Vidara. Eventually they had a solution. It was a bit bland but it worked. They wanted the copies to surge over Terrestia and help the Doctors claim the land. The ‘Surging Doctors’ would be called ‘Surgeons’. At first Vidara was opposed, as it did not fit in with the Doctor persona they had, but it worked. The Doctors returned to the main topic.

 

“How am I supposed to train these Surgeons when they can’t be taught?” asked Vidara. One of her assistants who helped with the making of the Device spoke up. “Lady Vidara, you say they are like Shaper serviles and need constant attention. So why don’t we use them in battle like we would a servile in construction. If they follow orders as well as you say, a single Doctor could be in command a group of Surgeons without trouble.” Said the assistant. With a smile on her face Vidara replied. “That might actually work! It will be postponing the problem but I don’t see why it can’t work effectively. We have two months before enough are made and trained for an army. Lets get going!”

 

Vidara left her room and set out to train the surgeons, knowing she could overlook their flaws. Meanwhile the Doctors at Kayar sat in her chambers, not sure if Vidara was coming back to give them actual instructions. Kayar was making an army.

 

Storm Plains: Kratoa-Kel

 

The War Minister worked well under pressure. He had since outgrown his uncertainty and was determined to retake the Stormplains. He was currently briefing the Doctors captains on his plan. He had several large maps of the Stormplains sprawled out in front of the table before the meeting. He spoke with authority and all the Doctors were paining attention, as failure to do so would result in a speedy death at the hands of the shapers.

 

“As things currently stand the Shapers have the west and we have the east. They have the province Capital Perikalia while we have Kratoa-Kel, Harta and Gorph. Gorph is too far south for us, or the Shapers to worry about. This means we are defending Hatra and Kratoa. My plan is simple, we will besiege Perikalia and draw them out. Perikalia is their only stronghold. However large it may be, it enables us to focus our attention on one small area.” He looked around the room and the Doctors were following, he thought pointing to the map repetitively helped as well. “I have been receiving communication from Dera. We will need to assault Perikalia from the North and East while they will take the south. Attacking from all sides, we will pressure them and allow us to get some creations close. If we get creations close enough to the Perikalia walls, then we can fire over the walls and damage them from within.” He circled Perikalia on the map; just to make sure the Doctors knew what Perikalia he was talking about. “To further aid us, the Doctors at Dera have made some water Drayks. With some simple ingenuity, the have shaped some turrets onto the flat backs of these creations. They are currently patrolling up and down the Stormplain rivers, attacking Shaper creations when they can. This is thinning out their ranks enabling us to move our creations closer. The Dera guard has sent about twenty of its Doctors just south of Perikalia. They are acting as Infiltrators. They make creations, attack anything Shaper, and leave.” He looked up again and saw how relived the Captains were that Dera would be aiding them. “Currently we are already sending creation to the North around Stormlake. The Shapers are already sending some creations away from Perikalia to hold us there. This proves our plan may work. Now, to make things worse, we have received word that more Shapers have arrived the Coastal provinces. We also suspect one of their Councillors is present.” The war Minster had finished his briefing and was waiting for questions. He received one. “What happens if this works? We will have Periaklia, but once again we will be backed right up to the Shaper border.” Queried on of the Doctors. “Well, Hypno reactivates his Army and takes the pressure away from us. At least, that’s what I’m hoping.”

The meeting broke up and the Doctors started to get ready. Soon they would be attacking Periaklia in a multitude of ways from Various Directions. This would make co-oridantion impossible but it would make for a spectacular fight.

 

The Doctors also had a new weapon on their side. They Had ‘Tormentor Golems’. Thanks to the ESC research at the Stoneworks, they had accessed to the Dark Golem design that leaked Poison and Acid when damage. After some trail and error, they crossed this design successfully with the Kayar Golem design. Thus, they had a Golem that would Curse, Weaken, Slow, Acidify and Poison foes. Unfortunately the Doctors were only producing them at the rate of two per week. This meant they acted as support units. Regardless, they could potentially tip a battle in the Doctors favour.

 

 

 

The Dera Vault:

 

Dyams was sitting in his office, planning the constructing of the three new defensive bunkers. Since Hypno had changed to DASA 2, he was in charge of fortifying Dera. Each Bunker would contain four servant minds. Each servant mind would have its own spawner. The minds would control the Spawners creations and create patrols of creations that would aid in Deras defence. This would allow the Doctors to control their land without having to actually control it. Although, It was stretching the Doctors law to allow this form of bunker to be built. Creations are forbidden to create creations. Since the creations creating creations are controlled, albeit by a creations, it was excusable. He had his plans worked out, but finding the resources to undertake the task was nightmarish. He had herd nothing from the Mera safe house in a while, the Stormplains were cut off and Dera couldn’t provide anything more then what the citizens of Zephyr need. Since Kayar had been fortified, he had a bit of labourers laying around. He was thinking of what to do. He had the necessary materials for construction of one bunker. He decided upon building one between the Lethia pass and the Dera bridge. This would allow both places to be protected with extra forces. That decided, he began writing a letter.

 

Etszuki was going to leave the vault. His fellow ornks needed to learn of the “Helpful two-leggers”. This made Dymas rather sad but it was an opportunity. Having Kyshakk breath Ornk infiltrators on his side would help in the Doctors take over. His letter would be addressed to the Ornk Lord.

[Lord Safey]

The Drakon Commander had little trouble taking the city back after the ESC abandoned it. Taking out the turrets and subduing the populace had been little trouble. What ever had caused the ESC to disappear was a minor itch in the back of his mind as he savored this victory. Taking the warroom as his own throne.

As he was enjoing the moment a servile ran in out of breath

"My lord a huge *gasp* army approaches" The Drakon standing up "WHAT?!?!" smacks the servile sending it tumbling end over end until hits the wall on the far side of the room going limp.

 

He heads outside and goes to the top of the wall. He sees the a large host with a sixty some odd large floating objects above them. He clinches his fist and teeth his lips curl revealing his teeth. They hadn't had time to fix the holes in the walls and reshape the turrets.

 

Then a large set of green orbs fly from the blimps in a arching motion. The drakon lord yells "Take cover".

 

A few hours later and in the largest of the vlish blimps. A very bored Overlord "Whats taking so long?"

They are held up the central fort its walls and foundation are heavily warded it could take us days to break the wards.

 

The overlord "I shall take care of this my self." He heads into the hall with a thought golem suit hatch opens he gets in. He heads to the end of the hall opens the hatch and then jumps out.

 

Back in the control room

 

Servant mind "I hate it when he does that"

 

On The ground

 

A small crater formed were the slender golem landed. He goes up to door ignore the thorns and spells thrown at him. He brings up his hand and a torch flame forms in his hand he holds it up to the door and the wards flair up briefly before flaring out. He then cuts through the iron door like it was butter. Coming in behind him his army. The flood in the courtyard of the fort where the Drakon commander and his forces are waiting.

 

The Overlord is a gray blur of movement as he closes in with the drakon lord. The drakon raises his hands in defense but the overlord lands a blow in drakon's face he goes flying back, turning to mush when he hits the wall on the far side. It doesn't take much longer for the rest of the forces to be killed in a gruesome melee of swords fists, and clubs.

 

High above Burwood province

 

The three Vlish blimp was heading around Poryphera. The ocean was only a couple of miles ahead of them. One of the servant minds felt something at the edge of his conciseness like something was watching him.

 

 

[Hypnotic]

Kayar Spire:

 

Vidara was simultaneously cherry and angry. She was in a pleasant mood because the arrogance of the Shapers had turned in her favour. The Shapers had infiltrated the Dera reaches and had launched an attack on Kayar spire. They were under supplied in hostile territory and tried to attack the Doctor stronghold. The Doctors outside the spire kept the Shapers at bay whilst reinforcements from inside made their way out. When Vidara arrived with the Doctor teachers, the Shapers were slaughtered. Seven Shapers lay dead outside the Kayar gates and she had vented her anger in the form of violent blasts of magic. Vidara sat in the Kayar library pondering the Shapers arrogance when she was reminded of why she was angry. Hypno was stationed at the Lethia pass with the bulk of the Doctors, and yet the Shapers managed to sail in on boats and made his army pointless. Furthermore she had learnt what Taygen’s “Plan B” was. It turned out that Taygen was indeed mad. There was no “Plan B” in case agent purity failed. “Plan B” was just a name he had thrown out into the world to Panic his fellow councillors. Thus when councillors caught wind they spent their time trying to counter “Plan B” while he was unopposed until he could finish agent purity. His plans failed when he died but “Plan B” worked none the less.

 

While reading through other ancient books, she found “Plan B” had another purpose. A passage in a book stated:

 

“Whilst people uncover ‘Plan B’, the fools, no one will uncover the my secret. ‘Plan C’. Oh, how I wish I could see the Traitor Astoria and the Idiot Alwan’s face when they realise they have wasted their time chasing rumour. No matter, the simplicity of the ‘Plan B’ diversion will allow me to…

 

Unfortunately, it appeared that having books in a caustic environment was not good for them. The damage on the book was clearly old, from around when Agent purity was being made. The last part was thus unreadable. Vidara stood up and left the book where it was. She decided that she would be a good leader and delegate the responsibility of uncovering Taygen secrets to someone else.

 

It had been two weeks since the Device was started. Now there were fourteen Surgeons. She had already delegated the responsibility of training them to the Kayar School teachers. She walked briskly from the library out into the foyer, than to her Chambers. She wanted to talk to Dymas.

The Vault:

Lifts were undoubtedly Dymas’s favourite invention. The fact the he invented it was beside the point. Due to the geography of the Vault, it was hard to fully utilise the space they had. When it was originally settled, all they had access to, was a decaying research lab. Then they unlocked a secure area they believed to belong to Taygen. Eventually this was blasted to pieces and the Doctors dug deeper under the ocean. Using their collective strength they held back the ocean built and underwater sanctuary into a giant gap shaped like a bubble. The main problem they faced was space utilising. Then Dymas had the idea to split the Sanctuary into levels. This meant if they should ever face a leak, they could also block of an area of the vault. Thus for transportation between the layers of the Sanctuary, lifts were created.

 

The lifts were extremely simplistic. They were made of a platform, a spore box in the centre and four shaped wheels at each corner. The wheels were actually fungus blobs with the ability to move if agitated. The spore box would release spores according to the direction the lift was to move. Certain spores would cause the organic fluid inside the fungi to rotate it clockwise and certain spores would cause them to rate counter-clockwise. If all the fungi were attached to lift platform in a certain way, then the sporebox could agitated them and they would all rotate together, causing the lift to move up or down.

 

Dymas marvelled at his own intellect as the lift descended him through the vault into the Council chambers at the very bottom of the Sanctuary bubble. A Doctor had told him that Vidara was waiting for him on the farsight crystal. Dymas quietly walked into the Council room where a translucent Vidara head floated. Dymas couldn’t surpass a chuckle when he realised Vidara hadn’t seen him enter. She was busy pulling strange faces and rotating in odd directions. He realise that she must be checking herself in a mirror while waiting for Dyams. He cleared his throat to get the attention of the vain Vidara. He hoped this was important.

 

“What!” Exlaimed Dymas “Again, tell me Again!” So Vidara did. She had just told Dymas about the raid Kayar. She didn’t understand why he was so shocked until he told her his news.

 

“Really? How?” Asked Vidara as Dymas told her of a current attack on the Zephyr Oasis. “It would seem” began Dymas “That the Shapers have a considerable fleet at their disposal. You said you managed to defeat seven Shapers at Kayar but some still escaped. Meanwhile, the Zephyr Oasis is under siege by around twenty or thirty Shapers.” Hypno is blocking the Lethia pass and the Dera Guard is still blocking the Dera Bridge. There’s no other explanation.”

“So we know how they got here, but how can we help the Oasis? We still have to cross a desert,” explained Vidara.

“Already done. Mayor Yulia contacted me with the Oasis farsight crystal as soon as the Shapers appeared. I rallied the remaining Doctor here in the Sanctuary. We all shaped about thirty odd creations and sent them to the Oasis. The Distance has put a strain on us, but by the time the creations arrive, the Doctors and Shapers will be tired so this push will be able to defeat the Shapers. I think the creation we sent total around seven thousand. They can’t be lightly ignored.” said Dymas.

“And you didn’t think to tell me a bout a siege on the Oasis?” asked Vidara

“The situation is under control, there is no need.” Said Dymas, as if Infiltrating Shapers weren’t important.

“NOT IMPORTANT!” Yelled Vidara “Hypnos army is almost ineffective, Shapers have managed to infiltrate Dera and launch simultaneous attacks on our locations. How is that not important? Never mind. The Shapers are more cunning then we gave the credit. How goes our Stromplains war?

Dymas really couldn’t understand Vidara’s concern. They were only fighting Shapers. “Well, I have recently received a report from Hypno’s war Minster. Whom none of us know the name of. Regardless, he told me that…

 

Stormplains:

 

Hypnos war Minster was facing a setback. Shortly after he launched his plan to take back Perikalia, Shaper reinforcements arrived. He was still sending creations out to test the defences of the Shapers but was having little success. The northern most front was being fought around Stormlake. The Doctors and their creations had pushed back the Shapers past the river. They were aided by a constant stream of creations from Kratoa-Kel. Curiously enough, his Intel suggested that the Shapers were building a giant wall. He couldn’t fathom the reasoning. However he was a Doctor leader, and thus was happy about the Shapers silly decisions.

 

In the centre of the Stormplains, Hatra was sending its forces to engage the Shapers. This front was an absolute stalemate. So often he heard the word “Stalemate” in Shaper warfare but until now, he didn’t understand how it could happen. Teams of Doctors were sent out, aided by a stream of creations from Hatra, only to reach the battle halfway between Harta and Perikalia, run out of essence after a few days, then return for a refuelling. In one such battle a group of Doctors reported the arrival of a new type of Golem. They were curiously like Tralls but when attacked, they spawned creations. The Doctors attacked them using conventional methods however magic had little effect and they were not trained In the way of the sword. Grudgingly they saw the only option was to amputate it. Summoning all their strength, the air grew Ice cold in seconds while the familiar blue disks appeared. They released their magic, directing it towards these Trall-Golems to see them disintegrate before their eyes as the Disks dissected them. One Doctor of this managed to stay conscious after amputations, the draining effect left the rest of his group limp. She managed to fight off the hostile creations until her group regained consciousness to walk back to Hatra.

 

Battles were being faughtt all across the Plains and neither side was gaining ground. At least the Shapers hadn’t made something stronger than amputate yet. Should that day come the Doctors would be in trouble.

 

The War minter stretched his limbs and looked at the final report before him. The Shapers in Perikalia had managed to slay the remaining Arterials in hiding. Fifty dead magic humanoids would be soon be buried in unmarked graves. Only one reason existed for there to be a backlash towards the Arterials. Their Guardian Artemis lay dead. Rumours were being spread throughout Terrestia but only now did he believe them. The hero of the free people and farmers was gone.

 

With the Arterials dead, there was little chance of easily dislodging the Shapers at Perikalia. He needed his army’s numbers to spontaneously grow, and he knew how to do it. He began to write a letter to the Serviles to the east. More specifically learned Vess. If her bloodlust was anything like his scrolls suggested, than she would be invaluable in the fights ahead. He just hoped he wouldn’t alienate Learned Pinner in the process.

[Lord Safey]

Pass between Nodye coast and Mera

 

Terval was the Guardian charge with guarding the pass. Mostly ensuring that rouges didn't get through and that the refugees coming through weren't spies. The fort was also the first line of defense against invasion against what ever mysterious forces rampage in Mera.

 

He was in his office when heard a large bang and crashing noise and was knocked to the ground. He quickly got up and ran out of his office. He saw a large gap in the wall facing Mera. Three enormous floating objects were rising above the trees a half mile off from the fort and numerous creatures were poring through their gap. The guardian's forces blown to smithereens he gathers what forces he cans and retreats.

In the skies near Kaz

A fleet of seventy vlish blimps approaching the city with flying dryaks darting back and forth between them.

The Overlord "Does anyone come out to met us?".

Servantmind 64 "No my lord the seem to be waiting for us they don't intend to divide their airborne forces from their ground forces."

The Overlord simply gave a small nod of his head and the fleet fired its vlish tentacles and it 140 large blobs of magically charge essence goes hurling through the air sundering through wood and stone a like. After the fourth volley the drakons realized they underestimated the range of the blimps. They sent a large number of wingbolts which were cut down in a sky full of highly charged essences blobs those few the made through were cut down buy turrets and flying dryaks. After ten more volleys the city laid in ruins and the army was ushered in.

A couple days later

 

Servantmind 64 "The city has been leveled. The New Takers are retreating back to the Okavano Fens and the passes to the storm plains and noyde coast were taken using the tunneling artial sapping teams. Also we are in the last stages of depositing the super kudzu and spawners."

 

Overlord " What do you recommend now?"

 

Servant mind 64 "Secure the passes and make underground supply lines to all bordering provinces complete with resupply lines. After that we move in into the Okavano Fens."

 

Overlord "Do it."

[Balladeer]

In ET's stead:

 

President Fand has received disheartening news from the Forsaken Province. Governor Vess was not one to show weakness, ever. She was a canister user, after all. So when the President received word from Governor Tavian that Vess had been grievously incapacitated in some shaping experiment, Fand decided that he had best travel there himself to secure the United Provinces’ holdings there. When he arrived, he discovered things were far, far more terrifying than he could have possibly imagined.

 

Governor Vess was not injured, at least, not physically. She did not come out to greet him when he arrived, though, and when he entered her inner labs at the old Southforge Citadel, she hardly even noticed he was in the room. She poured over parchments full of calculations, went over tables covered in fluid-filled bottles. She seemed to be working on something massive, but she dodged question after question about it thrown at her by Fand. “I know we never really got along, Vess, but I am concerned. I received word that all was not well here, and you are acting strangely. Is everything alright?”

 

Vess was hunched over, her hood covered her face more than it usually did. Her head twitched as she answered her President, “All is fine. Working hard. Working to save Provinces. Project will change the world. Project will-“ At that moment she spasmed hard, her back arching in a most bizarre manner. “Grahh!”

 

Fand reached forward to catch Vess as she began to fall. She swatted at his helping hands, flailing around madly. As she fidgeted, her hood fell from her head, revealing her face. Her expression was twisted, her skin glowed brightly, and there were a great number of cracks around the edge of her face. Large clumps of her hair had fallen out as well, leaving her a hideous shadow of her former self. The President was now quite concerned, “What have you done to yourself, Vess? What madness is going on here?”

 

“No no no! You do not understand! My grand project. It was almost finished. Will be finished! A few more… glitches to work out. Will save us all! We will conquer all!”

 

“What project, Vess? As your President, I demand to know what you have been doing out here all this time. Look, I’ve made sure you were appropriated all the resources you requested from Drypeak because I thought you were building up the defenses of the Provinces, but I saw no such defenses on my way up here. What have you been spending all the government’s money on? Canisters? Vess, canisters are not going to save us!”

 

“No! Old fool! Obsolete! Canisters are obsolete. I have something greater. The greatest! There is no more powerful! Almost. Almost finished.” Her eyes shifted around nervously. Clearly, many of her own mages didn’t know what she was up to. She pointed at Fand with a newly gnarled finger, “I will show you. But only you! You can see the great work. You will help me to change the world with it.” Fand nodded to his guards, indicating that they he would go see her project alone. He was led into the far back chambers, which were protected by many huge varieties of creations. Fand shook his head, so many such creations should be defending the people, not some mad hidden experiment.

 

When they finally reached their destination, Fand gasped, placing a hands over his mouth as his eyes widened. Swirling perpetually in the center of the room, emanating a gentle pinkish light, was a pool of powerfully charged essence. Though he had never seen anything like it before, he knew instantly what it was. The President took a few moments to digest all this, and finally spoke, “Is that what I think it is?” Vess merely grinned widely, here eyes never leaving the precious pool the center of the room. “How? Why? I don’t-“

 

“Was a geneforge here once before. Drakon recipe is common knowledge. Needed only the parts and making minor alterations. For serviles. All for serviles.”

 

“Where did you get the parts?”

 

“Facility perfect for the manufacture of parts. All new parts. Shiny new parts.” They really were shiny. The whole device was actually quite beautiful.

 

Fand looked back to Vess and frowned, “You used it? Didn’t you?”

 

“Who else is more worthy? I made. I get to use first. Still not perfect. Needs more work.”

 

“I can see that.” The President watched Vess more nervously now. Such a device could have very unpredictable effects on someone, especially if it was not made properly, which this one clearly wasn’t. “You just modified the drakon recipe? Is that enough? Is that safe?” He wished he’d asked those last two questions in the opposite order.

 

“Replace drakon parts with servile parts. Serviles small, must compensate for many biological differences. Probably made it too weak. Needs more power. I do not feel powerful enough at all. Needs more power.”

 

Fand took a few steps away from Vess. She was actually quite powerful, he could feel it radiating off of her, like it was going to burst out at any second. And it just might. “Why, Vess? Why couldn’t you have just spent the money on training lifecrafters and soldiers? Why… this?” Geneforges were somewhat of a taboo these days. Sure, they had been a deciding factor in wars past, but they had long since been judged by civilization to be a weapon too terrible to use even in desperate warfare. The President was not pleased with Vess. He was even less pleased with himself for going over in his head how having an army of ur-serviles would benefit his side in the war.

 

“I am not a fool, Fand. Your allies are being smashed on west front. Eyebeasts to the north are powerful and unpredictable. Serviles need a new card to play. I give you this card. You are ungrateful and stupid if you do not see its value.” Vess’s head jerked violently to the side and she balled her hands up into fists.

 

The President frowned. She was right. Even this crazy, twisted creature could see that they were in trouble. She must have believed it, too, to be willing to put herself at risk as a test subject. He thought long and hard before speaking again, “How long will it take to finish the… it?” He couldn’t even bring himself to say the word.

 

“Not long. Very, very long. Needs more lifecrafters. Have more lifecrafters. Will let them in on secret project. They will be using it soon, after all. Needs more crystals. You send crystals. Yes. I will test again soon. Test again myself.”

 

“You can use it again?”

 

“No! Would die. Yes. Bad idea. Can still use canisters. They will fix me. Yes. Will test geneforge on others.”

 

Fand considered questioning Vess’s ability to continue governing the Forsaken Province, but reconsidered. He would just tell Governor Tavian on the way back to the Capital to keep a close eye on the Forsaken lands, picking up Vess’s slack while he himself would make sure she had everything she needed from the Valley to continue her work.

 

Damn the world for forcing him down this path. The President prayed that history would forgive him for the decisions that he had made today.

[Lord Safey]

Having just slurped down another canister. He decide it was time to listen the report of the servant minds.

 

Servant 64 "My lord we are in the process of securing the pass. The depositing of the super kudzu and spawners are nearly complete. Three of the vlish blimps heading out of Burwood province where ambushed once they had realized they had lost they dived into the sea and blew themselves up. Hopefully the fishes will eat up most of their remains."

 

His face not displaying his considerable anger "So how does the underground supply network progress?"

 

Servant mind 64 "Enough of it has be completed for the installment of a mind beacon. Also We have encountered a large group of unidentified tunnels. We have little reason to believe they know we have discovered the,. The tunneling artilas are using their tremor sense and echo location to map out the true extent. It appears to be inhabited."

 

Overlord "How is the super kudzu growth progressing?"

 

Servantmind 64 "The roads in burwood are becoming unrecognizable and small insects and rodents should be become scarce. Also crops will experience difficulty growing."

 

Slurping another canister The Overlord speaks "Bring additional 5 vlish blimps to guard each of the pass into province, place 10 to guard my eastern border, send 10 to investigate the discovered tunnels. Have 5 work on continuing the tunnels. Have 20 continue to patrol the province wiping out anything thing not under my control have the remaining 40 bring supplies from the home isle."

[Dantius]

Dantius sat in his inner sanctum. Before him, the two rarest books in all of Terrestia lay. He had saved them from the conflagration in the library of Quessa Uss. The first book even he didn't know how the Drakons obtained. Somehow, they had gotten hold of Alwan's personal journal. Truly, the memoir of the greatest military genius of the past millennium was a fantastic find. The entries were encoded, but that was no problem for Dantius. He had recognized that letters covering each page were gibberish, and served only to obscure the true text. Indeed, Dantius was busy smearing water all over the pages, a muddy mess of ink all over his hands. Finally, he finished. The book was now blank. Carefully casting a spell, the pages slipped loose of their binding and fanned out, in an aura all around him. Ever so carefully, he levitated them into a bucked of pinkish solution, carefully insuring that each page was fully immersed. Then, he levitated each page to rest over an incensed brazier, to allow the pages to dry. Sure enough, writing began to appear on the dried pages. Casting a cantrip to automate the process, in no time at all, Dantius wound up with a neat pile of crisp, warm sheets in front of him. Carefully casting another spell, two pens emerged from behind his chair. One began to trace the letters on the page, and another transcribed them into a heavy book, bound in maroon leather. Quietly sitting while the transcribing process took place, Dantius removed the second book. It could barely be called such. The initial pages nearly crumbled at his touch- to be expected, since they were nearing 250 years old! He carefully read the name inscribed at the top of each page, in impeccable handwriting. "Darian". Nothing more, and nothing less. Strange, that the greatest mind since Danette chose to not use her title. Most Serviles certainly did. Ah, well. Some levels of eccentricity could be tolerated from geniuses. Carefully lafting each page from their place in the folio, he began to immerse himself in the world of the Serviles.

 

...

 

Hours later, Dantius emerged from the chamber, mind reeling. Alwan's journal had been as expected, of course. Brilliant insights, but concerned with killing people. Or Drakons. Or Eyebeasts. Or Serviles. Hardly interesting! Dantius could kill people well enough already. But Darian's... wow. She clearly was the most important and critical figure in the Early rebellion phase. Such a pity she had been marginalized by Easss, the veneration of whom took second only to Ghaldring. She deserved all the credit, much like Litalia, traitor and manipulator she was, deserved most of the credit for Ghaldring's success. After a walk for nearly a half hour, Dantius found himself entering the Forbidden Record. This was the brain of his Empire- the penalty for entering without his specific permission was instant death. Carefully pushing aside a shelf of dry texts on Shaping any apprentice knew, Dantius opened a small wooden door, and descended down a twisting staircase. Finally, he emerged into a small, pristine, and well-lit chamber. Bookshelves ringed it. Carefully, Dantius put his two manuscripts into their proper places. This secret library was his pride and joy. In it, he had collected the compiled works and journals of nearly every Shaper, Servile, and Drakon that had influenced history during the war. He had Zakary, Barzhal, Pinner, Ellrah, Syros, Rahul, Akhari Blaze, now Darian, Greta, now Alwan, Rawal, Monarch, Astoria, Shema, and even some untranslated manuscripts from Drakons. And yet there were still holes. He lacked the works of Litalia, moldering in an unknown cave somewhere in Okanavo. He was devoid of the literature from Tuldaric or any of the Taker Triad. None of his works were produced by Khyryk. Maddeningly, he knew the location of Taygen's work on bacteriology in Kayar's Spire, but could not access it without fighting his way clear across the continent. Ghaldring's journal (if he even kept one) was sealed behind a mile of rubble in his tomb in Drypeak Valley. And, most importantly, the three pedestals in the center of the room lay bare. He lacked any of the work of Definel, Corata, and most importantly, Danette. He had no doubt that the manuscripts he was searching for were too well hidden to be found by the Shapers- Danette was more careful than that. However, the location of Sucia had died with the last Servile to leave it- an unknown Blade who lived out his life in Deretron, dying shortly after the release of the Unbound. However, he had a new lead. This 'Overlord' may have come from Sucia. He would be the lead that Dantius needed to complete his bizarre shrine to the god of knowledge. He would provide all the answers.

 

...

 

However, right now, the Overlord was posing to be more of a problem than a solution. Dantius now stood in a small meeting room off of his chambers. All three of his chief Generals were present.

 

"Action must be taken!" Kalinninn cried "We cannot merely sit back and wait as this madman takes control of the entirety of the Mera-Tev!

 

"Why not?" retorted Nihsun. "The vast majority is an inhospitable marsh. The tiny fraction that is arable farmland is located at the base of the Whitespires, which we are powerless to stop him developing. The fraction located by Kaz and the lake, the only area accessibly to us without major campaigning, which we are in no state fit to do, is too torn by war to be able to produce anything. We are literally helpless to stop him?"

 

"I don't think you understand" intoned Revak. "This "Overlord" is not interested in ruling. He would gladly let the people starve and die if he could get another canister from them. It's like Monarch or Samman all over again."

 

"All over again? Nonsense. At least those two had some vestiges of sanity. This one's completely insane. Do we have the precise data on the number of canisters used?" spoke Dantius

 

"Well, anylisis from the poor light and bad reception of the shade in the Whitespires indicated that he has been consistantly utilizing canisters for at least three centuries at a rate of approximately once per month, as indicated by the backglow, and then picked up to a rate of several per day in the last few months. This puts him at a total canister use in excess of 10000." said Farak-Eye, specialist on all things Geneforge or Canister related.

 

Dantius's jaw dropped "10000? You're sure?"

 

"That number, is, of course, the lower end of the estimate. It could be as high as 12000 canisters. Of course, he would present a unique opportunity to study. However, based on prior experiments, we can extrapolate the effect that this would have. First, of course, is the complete inability to communicate outside of his creations. He probably can no longer speak Terrestian, especially considering his prolonged isolation. Second, he will be unpredictable to an extent never before seen. He would totally lack empathy or emotions beyond the ability to seek more and more canisters. Extreme insanity is to be predicted. This is of course, a plus for us, as any tactics beyond "full frontal assault" are probably lost on him. Thirldy, and perhaps most interestingly, the use of canisters has modified him to the point where he no longer resembles any species currently extant. Dantius, did you bring the journal I requested?"

 

"Yes". Dantius withdrew a slim grey volume from his cloak. "This is the journal of one of the Shapers sent by the Empire to purify Sucia two hundred years ago. Listen to these entries"

 

"3-13-2075. Sent to investigate runs in NW of island for Shaper remains. Large temple to the west contains essence residue. Will send force to investigate. 4-23-2075. Entered ruin from the east. Made contact with a creature living immediately outside the ruins. Creature is horribly deformed. Claims that she was reShaped centuries ago, and this gave her immortality. I chose not to argue with the thing. Questioned on the temple. She stated that a Shaper named Gottech took up residence inside nearly 5 years ago. Shaper was killed by the Instigator nearly three months ago. I thanked, and left. 27-13-2075. Force of Guardians captured the creature living in ruins I had previously communicated with. She was analyzed and dissected. She was right- her internal anatomy bears no resemblance to any known species. Heavy traces of essence, backdated to nearly 2100 years ago. Incredible find. Remains being sent to the mainland for analysis. Creature "Heustess" will greatly benefit Shaping."

 

"That is where it ends. It demonstrates that the creature, shaped so heavily, actually mutated into a new species."

 

"Now. The third prediction that we made is that such excessive canister usage would literally alter the very fabric of such a being. We suspect that this "Overlord" no longer carries out most human biological processes, and has mutated himself to feed off of the energies of the canisters. He lived essentially in suspended animation for centuries, consuming very little of his food, but, with the explosion of canisters coming from his conquest, he now needs a constant supply of canisters in order to survive"

 

"Fascinating" reflected Dantius "If we can separate him from his supply of canisters, then he will die?"

 

"Actually, there is a more interesting suggestion. If we can persuade him to use a Geneforge, he should die. It would attempt to reshape him too much and too quickly, killing him"

 

"Fascinating. Hoist by his own petard?" said Dantius "Yes." replied Farak. "Of course, we would need to find a Geneforge, and then modify it to alter human genes, and then we would have to somehow convince him to use it."

 

"Well, that shouldn't be too hard. Just leave a trail of canisters on the ground leading to one, and have a big sign saying "Moare Powwar" pointing to the Geneforge." retorted Dantius.

 

"Right. I'll get my best men on it" shot back Farak.

 

"Anyways, there are seven Geneforges in existence recently." He began curling eyestalks, the Gazer equivalent of counting on fingers. "One. The Drakons maintained one at Quessa-Uss, which we now hold. Easy to control, we own it already. Two. One was maintained at Gazaki-Uss, destroyed with the Conclave. Three. One was maintained at the Isle of Spears, destroyed by the Overlord. Four. One under construction by the United Confederacy. For serviles. It may or may not be completed. Five. One located at the Citadel, destroyed by the arrogant fool Spddin. And, finally, six and seven: one possessed by the New Takers, for drakon modification, and seven the same; for human modification. That means that the four currently active, we have one for Drakons, in our control, one for Serviles, outside our control, one for Drakons, outside out control, and, most promisingly, one for Humans, outside our control."

 

"So, at a stroke, we could eliminate the two greatest threats currently: the Overlord, and Jarakhiss." hissed Revak

 

"Agreed. We have exhausted ourselves conquering. We currently have one hundred Gazers in each of our conquered provinces, two hundred plus a multitude of creations at the fortress, and one legion of 200 troops, our only currently mobile one, at Quessa-Uss. They are the quick response squad, able to mobilize from their central location to deal with any problem within our domains in days. Our only expeditionary force is currently the army of recruits under training in the Fens and Burwood. We have a measly 600 of them, and a mere 90 fully trained." Dantius read off a small note slipped to him during the meeting. "So, I propose this strategy: We play the Overlord off the New Takers by leaving clues pointing to Jarakhiss' citadel, then, we insure a stalemate between the Shapers and the Doctor/Serviles by aiding or harming each side. Finally, we send cells of the trained Lifecrafters to infiltrate each of the separate factions, and continue our policy of espionage via Fareye, Scrying, and various Shades. All in favor?" voiced Dantius.

 

The room thundered with choruses of "Aye!'s" from the Eyes.

[Lord Safey]

Deep in the Warrens beneath dhonal's isle was a library, but not very big library, and in it was a ancient servant mind deep in thought. It was clearly ancient even by their standards, its skin wrinkled and splotched, its eyes milk white and blind. He had also grown hard of hearing.

 

It was the Servant mind 1, the only servant mind or creation for that matter in the overlord's employ that wasn't made by him, directly or indirectly. Of course he had a name other then Servant mind 1 and The Overlord had a name other then The Overlord. Neither however had been used in centuries. It was doubtful the overlord remembered his own name.

 

Despite the careful planning of the servants mines and their painstaking repairs, a bad canister combination had damaged the Overlord's memory. They were fortunate enough to keep his skills and the essence of who he was, his memory before his recovery is in pieces. He remembers what he learned on Sucia Island, being denied the geneforge, and his hatred of the shapers, that fact that he is a shaper, but little else.

The very room he sat contained what little literature they had been able to smuggle from Sucia Island. A shrine to the life the Overlord left behind as it had no other use to the Overlord. The overlord had little use for books, or Servant mind 1 for that matter, as everything now was stored in the memory of servant minds specially designed for such things everything in these books were memorized by a least half a dozen servant minds in the base.

 

Between old age and being antique had been of little use to the overlord. He couldn't keep up with the younger servant minds who were developed with far superior skill. Still it was he who nudged the overlord into rebelling against the shapers it was he who pointed the overlord to greatness.

 

 

With his pondering finished Grelt smiled and then expired. A couple of hours later a two serviles came in and picked him up and carried him down to levels and threw him into a essence extractor destroying the last memory of the Overlord's true name.

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

Servant mind 178 was busy had scryed many things. There also several areas that had resisted the scrying attempts they were all marked as fairly important. Most of them were the know headquarters or research labs of major factions. The biggest of which was island in the inland sea. His latest failure at scrying was the newly found caverns in the Mera fens. Although even with his failure to penetrate he could still find its dimensions. He relayed this to rest of the mind beacon. Eventually it would get to blimps responsible for dealing with it.

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

Small group of starving serviles an humans were holding out in a cave. They are all refugees from the various village, towns, and cities now layed to waste. Even a Drakon hid among them only desperation kept them from trying to destroy each other. The strange weed had grown over the cave entrance hiding them. Or so they had thought. As vlish blimp passd over them. It pauses and casts a minor scrying spell and then unleashes a torrent of spell fire collapsing the cave upon them. The servant mind cast another scrying spell, satisfied everything had been eliminated it continued on.

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

Servant mind 64 sat in in his tray concentrating on staying in contact and with the warrens, and ignoring slurping noises from the Overlord. He just got a report on the trade documents they had uncovered. The amount of puresteel Jarkirass had was collecting indicated a large number canisters, research and possibly a geneforge. Scrying helped verify that a geneforge was somewhere in his territory but they still needed to narrow down the locations. Of course any geneforge found would need to be altered. They have know how to make one, they either didn't have the resources, had to figure how to make it compatible for the overlord, or didn't have enough resources. Needless to say all the servant minds agreed it was best to avoid mention geneforges. If they found one they be most likely not to tell the overlord, disassemble it, and use it to make one specially designed for the overlord. None of them want to have to repair the Overlord again.

[Dantius]

Epilogue for the Eyes:

 

The Eyes continued their policy of isolationism for another short while. However, unbeknownst to them, the strain of ruling over a quarter of Terrestia was beginning to get to Dantius. He withdrew further an further from the rule of the Gazers, until eventually he simply isolated himself in the fortress, refusing to see or speak to anyone. When several rebellions broke out from the peasants of the land, the Eyes suffered bouts of indecisions, and were unable to respond in a quick, coordinated effort, and although the rebellion was put down eventually, it demonstrated that the Eyes could be beaten. The Eyes began to suffer without his leadership, and their foreign policy became more and more erratic. Finally, the last straw was when the New Takers began to make forays past the Eye's defenses into the Burwood. Kallinnin and Revak broke past Dantius' defenses, and their worst fears were confirmed. He had gone completely insane- the shrewdest politician in Terrestia was now a raving lunatic. He was brought before the council, to decide what to do with him. Unable the bring themselves to execute the savior of their race, the Gazers exiled him to a remote isle far to the south of Terrestia, safely removed from politics.

 

Following Dantius's removal from politics, the Triumvirate of Kallinnin, Revak, and Nihsun ruled the Eyes for a time. However, with Nihsun attempting to follow the footsteps of Dantius, and Kallinnin and Revak attempting to expand, the internal friction was too much to bear. Kallinnin and Revak plotted to remove Nihsun from power. Nihsun was soon assassinated, and the blame shifted to Gannendhroth, the young Control Eye who aided Dantius in the conquest of Quessa-Uss. And yet, for all his political subtleties, Kallinnin was removed by Revak simply by denouncing him in front of the Council Kallinnin was summarily executed for treason and murder.

 

Free to rule over the Eyes, Revak soon began a policy of massive, rapid expansion. Declaring war on the New Taker, Neo-Shaper Empire, Doctors, and the Overlord, he began massive campaigns with the depleted Gazer army and the force of Human lifecrafter. However, without Dantius's tactical brilliance, the campaigns succeeded only in creating more violence and combat, capturing little to no land. As internal opposition grew in response to his disastrous leadership, he began strict crackdowns. Eventually, though, immediately following his declaration of war on the only remaining neutral parties, the United Provinces, he was assassinated by a confederation of Eybeasts lead by Farak on the steps of the Council chambers.

 

With the last clear-cut successor of Dantius eliminated, a succession of weak leaders took control of the throne- Farak, then Rhakath, the the exiled Gannendhroth, then Gloral, and finally a succession of minor Eyebeasts. Without a firm power base of a legitimate claim to power, the Eyes suffered greatly, facing massive defeats abroad and strong dissent at home. Finally, the Empire of the Eyes, a group that at one point seemed poised to obliterate all of Terrestia under ocular domination, simply collapsed under the weight of poor leadership, weakened military, and an exodus of brainpower.

 

They had achieved much in their short existence. They had quickly conquered a quarter of Terrestia, and, for a time, had ruled it effectively. They had saved the Eyebeasts and Gazers from extinction, and solidified Dantius' reputation as one of the greatest military and civil commanders of all history.

 

The Gazers themselves simply left. The great fortress lay bare and empty, populated only by the shades of the inhabitants long past, the secrets within still protected by powerful defenses erected so long ago. The Island was devoid of all life, its once-great forests reduced to ash. The Gazers fled to remote locations of Terrestia, carving out small, isolated areas to rule as their own. The Empire of the unwilling had died with Dantius, and never again would it be re-formed.

 

As for Dantius himself, he followed in the tradition of so many other Shapers driven mad by the power within: He built a tower, erected defenses, and lived out the rest of his extended lifespan in peace and isolation, no longer interested in the affairs of pithy humans. He contented himself with the rule of a small isle, even going so far as to crown himself Emperor. But in the end, he had changed nothing. But he didn't care. His time had passed, men like him would no longer be needed. The age of Empires had left Terrestia forever. The age of democracy, the age of the republics, the age of freedom, however, had just begun.

 

 

[Hypnotic]

Epilogue for the Doctors:

 

The war between the Doctors and Shapers extended for several months more without any major battles taking place. Eventually enough surgeons were created at Kayar to become a small army. Vidara, wanting to finally lead a battle besieged Perikalia. The surgeons worked as if they were just a single Doctor with incredible power. They managed to penetrate into Stormhold, only to find the Shapers were outside hiding and no blocking their escape. The Doctor-Surgeon army realised it was trapped. Vidara, cursing her foolishness lead the counter attack. The amount of magic discharged caused the air to become caustic. Blinding bolts of energy fired form human or creation soon brought the entrance of Stormhold down. The Doctors trapped on the inside and the Shapers outside in Perikalia. Vidara built massive essence pits inside Stormhold. The army trapped inside healed themselves of hunger and pain. Waiting to be released from their rocky prison. There, to this day does the queen of the Doctors waits with her army.

 

Meanwhile, with Vidara fighting, Dymas finally could take over the Sanctuary. Hypno, the only remaining Council member was not around to oppose him. He wanted to be the Dictator of his people and he got his wish. Dymas recalled the Doctor army into the Vault. Hypnos War Minister fighting in the north had heard about Vidaras failure and decided it was best that the Doctors return to their home. The Northern army took all of its research with it, and what they couldn’t they destroyed. Kratoa-Kel was raised to prevent the creation of any more Tormentor Golems. The remaining Golems were all placed at the entrance of the Vault to protect it should it ever be found.

 

Hypno heard about the evacuation two-weeks after it was made. His army was still fighting the Shapers in Lethia pass. He ordered a retreat to Dera. He saw that no Doctors were in sight and the Zephyr Oasis was in chaos. He knew he wouldn’t be allowed back inside the Vault while Dymas was in control but he knew his army could return. The Doctors as he found, never did learn how to look after themselves. He knew they wouldn’t rebel against Dymas. Cursing the situation he sent his troops back to the Vault. Those that didn’t want to stop fighting went north to Drypeak to aid the serviles. Only Fifty Doctors of the original One thousand six hundred went north to fight. Only fifty cared about the fate of Terrestia. Hynpo, was at a loss of what to do. He sent a message to all the lands under his control to now follow the guidance of the serviles, as he believed he was no longer fit to lead. He went to Kayar. There he found that all their research was still there along with the Device. He was about to destroy it when he saw a Gazer. He knew that Gazers were not found that far south. He knew that because he hadn’t seen one before but it’s hard not to know what a gazer looks like once you have heard about them. Hypno tried to control the mind of the creature but found even his skills couldn’t do it. He found his own mind slipping away. His last conscious act was to pull out his control rod and insert it into the Device. Kayar Spire no longer exists. Neither do the Surgeons.