♖Ultima Ratio Regnum - Part 2 ♖|MSL|
by Marcus Leocadus
Topics: Tyranoth, Marcus Leocadus, Fantasy, Gryphon, Istiana, Elves
Upon a foreboding rocky prominence overlooking the stormy seas of dread, thunder cast its glow upon a jagged obsidian fortress which cast its dominance above black cliffs. The dark elves called this place Gal'drannor, the vigil of malice, representing one amongst a line of key fortifications that kept watch over the dark elven dominions, the house of the talon had not only consolidated territories far beyond the reach of their homeland but within it as well and the cove beneath the fort was host to one of their more formidable naval wings, overlooking a string of islands and supplied by a slave colony masquerading as a village upon the shoreline, though formidable, lengthy campaigns in Tyranoth's heartlands and over its seas kept the dark elf fleet occupied, a reign of terror cast over the lands, such that no one expected a maneuver quite as mad and bold as to strike the serpent at its head, history would not soon forget this day at Gal'drannor, as over the horizon the keen eyes of a dark elf guard caught sight of red sails over the horizon, darting across the walls to sound the alarm, just as the guard reached the tower, a meteoric bolt of flame smashed into the wall incinerating the watcher, and glassing the surface of the stone as the pitch continued to burn.
The Battle of The Cliffs of Gal'Drannor
Earlier, At The Break of Dawn
Marcus's gaze had not left those vicious waters for a while, his own rage simmering beneath the surface, with a singular intense determination that hearkened Ahab. It had been many nights since he had seen his beloved mountainhome and though one part of the mind cast a worry as to the fate of Cornaeth in his absence, it was silenced by the longing and by the anger, his hands clutched a purple garb, grip tightening slowly as he breathed out with a slow growl... soon... soon they would know why he was called The Wolf. The dark elves took the one thing that mattered to him, his wife the archoness of Cornaeth and the queen of his realms, his mind wrestled with all the worst twists of fate but now his frustrations were turned into a singular urge for vengeance. " I swear upon the Deus, if she is harmed or slain, then may I become the hand of fury upon the realm... all shall burn… this I swear upon my name, Deus, hear me, see to it that such a fate does not befall this realm ! for all that you are, if your infinitude hold true, cast your protection upon my beloved... see to it that I may hold her once more " Marcus had never been a saint nor wisened to the ways of prayer, yet what was a man to do when all that he loved was taken away from him? there was a fierce anger but deeper than that, a desperation to know she was safe, a desperation that denied to believe that anything had befallen Istiana she was his mate, his she-wolf, he knew deep in his heart she'd survive.
"Istiana, I am Coming"
" Hold fast men, hold fast, row with your backs " the commanding voice of Legate Arnor Lucretius sounded over the decks as legionaries carried Cornaethian dromons through some of the harshest waters in Tyranoth, spells in the surf made these waters vicious and torrential and these waters were barely without storm, it was evident that it had been a long and grueling voyage but then the old imperial saying a starved dog fights harder had some weight to it all the same, to say this was an expedition was an understatement, the weight of such a grand gamble hung heavy upon the 700 troops that formed up Marcus's ranks 600 of his own and two ranks of dwarven siege engineers manning their vessels as mercenaries. Resolve had not faltered in these unforgiving conditions and the spirit of the legion held true.
Legio, Aeterna, Aeterna Victrix ! Legio, Aeterna, Aeterna, Victrix ! Legio Aeterna, Aeterna, Victrix !
And with each chant, the red sails were carried upon these black waters, Arnor cast a glance to his sides making sure the other ships were in position, signalling to each other with flame and bronze mirror. He nodded, the preparations seemed to be in place. In his full suit of armor he made his approach to the Archon.
" My Archon, Frumentarius Aegos succeeded in his mission to plant false plans amongst the dark elves, it seems there was enough discord amongst the dark elven houses to lend them amenable to our offers of gold, rarely have the masters of deception have themselves been duped, but the House of The Spider seemed cooperative atleast for now, I doubt they can be trusted... it is necessary we exercise caution in this regard unless they attempt to lure us into a trap "
" I am aware Lucretius, but then you well know every battle is a grand gamble but we are not surrendered to fate, my edict is thus, we open multiple fronts, the brunt of our forces engage the fleet at the cove, the dwarven auxiliaries and their escort advance from the far west towards the inlet, the escort takes the right flank of the elven armada and the dwarves get to work besieging the barricades to clear entry into the cove for our forces... we will run the gauntlet advancing from the southeast, the walls host defensive emplacements for which purposes we will not be able to draw close upon dromon, we will use the ships fire to create smoke against the walls and upon the land, then depart from the ship, you and I will access the inlet at the base of the cliffs and scale upwards, the rest of the men will set to work, against the northwestern gate of the fortress... it will be a false front the bulk of our forces will get to work on the southeastern front where access is more manageable. "
" So it would seem there isn't circumstance for which we can avoid casualties, is that why you took these initiates onboard Marcus, to see to their slaughter for the fate of one woman ? "
Marcus erupted grasping Arnor by his collar and looking fiercely into his eyes, as an aggressive tension erupted between the two,
" Hold your tongue, lest you forget who has lead you to countless victories before... that woman, be that you may have your reservations, has done much for our people, for the laws of this land and for the cause of the Empire... everything else being put aside Arnor, she is amongst the last of what remained of us, of what was, I cannot lie to you that there will be losses this day but tell me did you not swore an oath to the Empire and her people, she is one of us Arnor, and I will not leave her behind, even if it meant losing myself to this... the Legion does not yield, does not back down from a challenge... we have fought many battles from the high hand, from the advantage... but with the Deus as my witness, this battle we fight with courage... these initiates have lost families and loved ones to the dark elf menace, some of them have been slaves... they know what they fight for... and they are men of the legion... they will have trial by fire as we did... Arnor Lucretius... will you stand by me and you queen ? "
Arnor relented seeing the spark in Marcus's eyes stirring his soul and his own conscience,
" Aye, my Archon "
" Then let us show these craven knife-eared bastards how the Wolves of Cornaeth fight "
Marcus raised his sword.
VALOR VICTRIX !
A resonant, powerful warcry echoed throughout the ships as the red cloaks raised their spears and swords.
Theme 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unNX9XJsMvU
Red sails bearing the black wolf emblem dawned upon the horizon en masse, approaching the fort of Gal'drannor from multiple angles, the first round of bombardments carried out via traction trebuchets battered against the walls inconclusively, yet the thick black smoke and continuous burning afforded by valradic fire concoctions, proved to be a boon, the dark elf corsairs mobilized their fleet to meet the central front of Valradic ships head on, faster and more maneuverable than the dromons, whilst the rest of the dark elf forces moved to fortify and defend the harbor from incoming attacks.
As the Valradic ships moved forward they unleashed the first devastating attack upon the enemy, spewing thick gouts of flame upon the dark elf galleys and setting the water itself alight, one of the Corsair's ships was engulfed entirely in flames as a result, the other managed to push through, smaller dark elf boats began making their way towards the Cornaethian ships, just then on of the dark elf ships launched a massive harpoon into the bow of one of the dromon's locking it in place.
" Shield wall formation ! Prepare for boarding " was the command issued by the legionary captain Barvenos, though the ship still seemed to be recovering from the impacts, any stragglers were quickly shot down with a flurry of poisoned arrows before the elvish blade dancers moved in for the kill making short work of any unprepared soldiers, though once the legionaries gathered in formation they were able to mount a formidable defense, striking down their wieldy and fleeting foes with their javelins. Several duels erupted above deck, with the heavy armor of the legionaries proving advantageous in some situations, it was brutal unforgiving and vicious combat, one scene yielded a heavy legion bashing an elf with his shield, using the gladius to sever an arm before bashing the skull in with his pommel, another scene showed a dark elf skillfully avoiding sword strikes before driving both blade through the neck and eye socket of the helmet.
On the other ships dark elf elites boarded en masse and combat erupted, seeking to disable the Cornaethian ships, it was a brutal and hellish deadlock and blood spilt upon the decks and the dark elves danced and leapt around in a frenzy of murder and bloodshed, legionary shield walls and defensive positions proved static and the lack of balance of the ship made unstable footing on heavy armor where the dark elves were more at ease with a lack of balance, " We're taking on water ! " stated one of the crewmen looking at the legionary captain for direction.
" Hold ! " he added raising his spear " You men !! Do You Want To Live Forever !! Charge !! " he added stirring his ranks with inspiration as the legionaries broke formation and charged at the elves enmasse cutting down a swathe of the invaders, " Back, back quickly ! Tetsudo ! " added the captain as the dark elves capitalized upon this to send another barrage of arrows that took out a chunk of legionaries with it, baiting them with frustrating hit and run tactics despite the legionaries making a slow advance holding the defensive.
Relief finally came when the escort and dwarven auxiliaries took the right flank of the elvish front, seeming to emerge from behind the islands, the brass boar shaped mast on a dwarven ship slammed into a dark elven ship smashing it apart and severing the harpoon chain, greeted by the cheer of impressed legionaries, another wave of flame rained down upon the dark elf vessels breaking the blockade. Dwarven sapeurs advanced, firing their crude gonne's at the dark elf ranks and taking down their ancestral foes with pickaxe like weapons, the dark elf elvish reserve fleet had been defeated.
Legionary Captain Barvenos, marched forward upon the mast sounding a massive warhorn to signal to the Cornaethian left flank that a breakthrough had been achieved. Now the legion would take the slaughter to the fort.
Warhorn Sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEEbU-C8ZEM
Theme 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWLnIcOgK4E
" Hrn.. Damn Them " Marcus held upon the ropes, as legionaries yelled and raced across the deck, the dromon bounced upon choppy waves as it caught a strong headwind racing towards the jagged cliffs, " Now ! Unleash the Valradic Fire " Marc added issuing the command as the ship unleashed gout of flame upon the beachhead and towards the high walls of the castle, ballista bolts slid into the sea beside them and any one could spell a watery grave though the smoke screen generated by the flames gave about just enough cover for the ship to draw near.
" Quickly ! Disembark ! " Marc added as the legionaries boarded smaller vessels at the sides of the dromon and began rowing in the rough waters, several of them departed upon the beachhead and began advancing in shielded columns towards the walls, others still hauled siege contraptions onto the beach and began assembling them under the cover of their comrades.
Mark and Arnor however found their boats at the base of jagged rocks beneath a narrow grated entrance, " We'll be smashed against the rock Marcus " Arnor yelled gritting his teeth as sea spray hit him, but his words fell on deaf ears as he began swinging a grappling hook, before tossing it over a rocky ledge, the first attempt failed " Marcus, now ! " Arnor added his frustrations obvious as looked at another boat veering off course into the rocks " Damn it " another throw of the hook this time towards the other boat, pulling it away from the rocks and towards them, Arnor smiled with nod, fastening the boats together " A good wave will send us under Marcus, its now or never "
Another mighty throw towards the rocky ledge above, the hook caught, everyone on board breathing a sigh of relief " Quickly, you dogs, up the rope ! " Arnor exclaimed, the studs affixed to their shoes provided leverage up the wet rock face, a force of fifty men made their way into the fort of Gal'drannor beneath, Marc assembled them in the wet undertunnels.
" Glory awaits each man ahead, what is your due ? " , " Victory or Death ! " , " What is your call " , " Valor Victrix ! " , " What are you called " , " Wolves ! " , " Again ! " , " Wolves ! " , " Let's gut the talon elves ! no quarter ! "
The legionaries battered their shields and charged from the tunnels below utilizing the element of surprise to their advantage. Arnor moved forth with his men, a stab of the sword disembowelling a guard, a shove with his shield throwing the other off before ending him with a downward, stab, deflecting a blow with a swipe, sparks of metal against metal flying, raising his shield to block a few arrows, finishing off the other with a slice to the throat and picking his spear up off the ground before hurling it towards the archer, as it hit across the chest, sending him into the rocks below, the legionaries gathered in a vicious shield wall, charging up the stairs and slopes, throwing the elves off and pelting them with javelins and firebombs, forcing a retreat upward from their foes with few casualties of their own.
The deafening blast of cannons announced the siege of Gal'drannor, dwarven cannons split apart iron gates and stone battlements as they were mere twigs, paving the way for the advance of several legionary sloops, which traversed the harsh waves, traction catapults launching flaming projectiles upon the walls and the fortifications as the legionary boats advanced into the cove, yielding to hundreds of red cloaks disembarking with a menacing war cry towards the fortress proper, crimson banners were hoisted upon the cliffs of Gal'drannor in a menacing and sudden assault that had taken the dark elven forces by storm, spell sigils fired into the air, a desperate plea for aide, yet with the dark elvish fleet split apart by leagues of ocean it was a futile venture.
There was slaughter upon the cliffs, as the Cornaethians yielded the full might of their forces upon an immense charge, ladders were laid against the flaming walls as the dwarven engine drew close, with elvish bolts and harpoons stuck in its side, " Khaz' Arn ! " another deafening thunderclap as a cannon fired upon the main gates and walls before legionaries got to work picking and battering at the walls with hammers, chisels and pickaxes, traversing the walls through myriad means, keeping the brunt of the forces occupied, the legionaries gathered their shields against undermined and broken sections of wall forming a ramp which men traversed with a running start, many fell against the walls but the siege was utterly relentless.
Ultimately Arnor lead his forces from the base of the fort, surrounding and routing the enemy from behind, and charging up the towers, the gates were flung over as a sea of crimson clad legionaries unleashed themselves into the fort, the sights of brutal battle and slaughter commenced as the dark elf forces now took to flight, a sorcerer powered a last might spell against the ranks only to be thrust in the chest by a spear from a legionary behind them, blade dancers held out in a final attack, jumping above a shield wall only to be impaled by spears from below.
" Saurian Riders ! " exclaimed Barvenos as he rallied his men against a charging rank of reptilian mounted dark elf knights that took their flanks, but the legion was too innumerable to be harried by such a sight, as the beast cut through some legionaries more surrounded it, legion spears thrusting into the creature as another legionary took down the rider yanking him off the saddle, the mass of men brutally stomping and bludgeoning the rider, still more used firebombs to confuse the beasts, soon the combat became utter chaos and looting proceeded, but it was evident the battle was won, where once the dark elf had used these shock and awe tactics, they proved useless now that they were in a rout, the rest of their forces were able to make a breakthrough for a retreat.
-
Theme 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHfE682mm3c
Marcus walked the halls of the fort, rage manifest, dark elf elite guards running inwards paused as they ran into him, a tense and fierce face off as the five dark elves considered their chances against his formidable stature, his icen blue eyes and merciless scowl the only thing to meet them, they drew their blades, Marcus drew his, the leonine blade, consumed by preternatural flame they paced against one another in a slow calculating duel, sizing one another, vicious combat then commenced.
With lightning reflexes and blinding moves, sword strikes landed upon sword strikes, sparks of metal and fury flew across the room, as Marcus pulled his guard, the dark elves astonished at such martial prowess possessed by a man of such stature, they moved in relentless and assured of their skills as the heat from Marcus's blade singed at their eyes, landing a single cut upon his brow.
"Enough"
Marc added as they lunged for the attack once more, deflecting one and using the moment to deliver a strike at the shoulder that cleaved down to the torso, another he grabbed by the throat, slamming them into a wall, a gory disgusting crackle sound as the pommel of the sword made contact with a jaw, before the assailant was hewn through with the sword, Marcus exclaimed as the heat of the sword intensified, causing blood to boil and the eyeballs of the stabbed foe to explode from their eye sockets in a blast of pressurized steam, behind them another was incinerated by a gout of flame, "Hyarrghharrghh... It burns.. Hraarrgh.. Achrghh.. " barely recognizable as an elf anymore the charred corpse wheezed out its last breaths as it reached out against Marcus only for him to raise his boot and shatter the skull. Gllrttchh The elf who was stabbed had a black glassed crated in the middle of their torso stood for a while but soon crumbled...
With flaming blade in hand Marcus marched across, a dark elf crossbow bolt, flying past his face as another hurried to load another only for Marcus to hurl his mighty blade and impale the dark elf into the wall, still another leapt from behind, as Marc turned to deliver an elbow to the gut shattering a few ribs in the process, grasping the attack and hurling them out a window into the cliffs below, blood dribbled across his flaming blade, hissing at the still flaming sword, pulling the blade out of the stone before making it to the arch-chamber. An opulent palace of debauchery where dark blood flowed in fountains and tortured slaves were hung upon the walls, amongst other trophies.
A slow clap resonated, with a subtle snicker, clad in a jagged obsidian armor, a pale skinned dark elf warlord marched forth with tattoos etched into his face, Caelys Thronn, The Claw of Gal'drannor, The Cormorant Baron " I must say I am impressed with the level of carnage your forces have wrought Wolf of Cornaeth, perhaps we are not so different after all, from the very first days our ancestors knew you to be a savage breed and it is you, not we that taught us these ways, no matter, your resistance against the house of talon is futile... the death throes of a dying beast serve only to entertain us... what did you accomplish here other than the deaths of your own men ? look around you, all of Tyranoth burns... do you think this day will mean anything when your ships are burned at sea... you've only invited ruin and reckoning and all for your poor little raven "
Marcus did not yield nor entertain discussion his flaming blade met Caelys's blurred visage in a second, sword locked against sword "Where is she ! Where did you take her !" Marcus exclaimed gritting his teeth, only for Caelys to issue his fangs with a laugh, " Know that she suffered greatly at the hands of our host, pathetic imperial sow... after we were done with her, we ripped open her belly and served her womb, the rest... WE FED TO THE HYENAS !.. hrn... I have plans for you Wolf " Caelys erupted in a blinding array of strikes as his blade was covered in purple vorpal energies, seemingly teleporting between strikes in flashes of black smoke, Marcus's armor deflecting some, struggling to block each blow that came so fast before he re-materialized.
" Your man Aegos was captured yesterday, did you really think I don't keep count of my own slaves... I already dispatched a messenger for reinforcements... this will be your last great battle General Leocadus... do you want to know what happened to Aegos, that wretched little rat? did you think you duped us hm? men are weak... you've always been weak... little dog couldn't help but drool at a little elven skirt... I sent my slaughtermaid after him... crept into his tent she did... a friend... a lover... and poor Aegos... not a woman's touch in months that one. Hrahahah... you humans are so weak.... he wanted to get a little spit on his pintel... but he must have forgotten these " he added flashing his fanged teeth..
" SHE BIT OFF HIS TESTICLES AND RIPPED OPEN HIS BOWELS LEAVING THE GULLS TO DINE ON HIS INTESTINES ! "
He added in a twisted voice, lunging at Marcus once more in a flurry of strikes, dodging the blasts of flame as fire engulfed the room..
" NOOOO !... Hrk... NOOOO !!... NOT MY ISTIANA !!
Marcus added lunging forth, striking viciously at the air as metal collided against metal, in a fit of rage and overwhelming grief, before being intercepted by Vect, several swipes connected with his armor as he fell back, before the sword plunged into his shoulder, a swift boot to the carapace having Marcus fall back as Caelys mounted him moving a dagger swiftly towards his neck as Marc blocked it with a single hand wrestling with the dark elf upon the floor,
" Hrn... Hrnnn... We will never yield to a breed of inferior... apes... our empire is eternal... we... will... never..... Hrgahhhrrhh... Khuff "
Marcus's grasp upon his blade wielding arm twisted and shattered Caelys's arm, before sending a fist to his jaw, sending the dark elf reeling back as Marcus stood up, pulling the blade out of his shoulder... his expression emotionless and cold, with a singular unyielding scowl of hatred.. Caelys turned in fear to bear witness to Marcus's visage.
You will all burn ! , this I promise
Noorghhhh !
Marcus unleashed the flame of his blade upon Caelyss until nothing was left but a black glassed effigy of the elf, he then walked back and lounged upon Caelys's throne, watching outside as legionaries hoisted the flag of Cornaeth.
Pondering the future of Tyranoth, of his people and of himself... the window beside Marcus had never called out to him as it did, the cliffs below beckoning him, for although this battle was won... it was surely at the cost of the man's spirit.
No... It is not what she would have wanted..
Marcus added clenching his fist.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/rgzwsPj.jpg[/img[[/img]-END-
by Marcus Leocadus
Topics: Tyranoth, Marcus Leocadus, Fantasy, Gryphon, Istiana, Elves
Upon a foreboding rocky prominence overlooking the stormy seas of dread, thunder cast its glow upon a jagged obsidian fortress which cast its dominance above black cliffs. The dark elves called this place Gal'drannor, the vigil of malice, representing one amongst a line of key fortifications that kept watch over the dark elven dominions, the house of the talon had not only consolidated territories far beyond the reach of their homeland but within it as well and the cove beneath the fort was host to one of their more formidable naval wings, overlooking a string of islands and supplied by a slave colony masquerading as a village upon the shoreline, though formidable, lengthy campaigns in Tyranoth's heartlands and over its seas kept the dark elf fleet occupied, a reign of terror cast over the lands, such that no one expected a maneuver quite as mad and bold as to strike the serpent at its head, history would not soon forget this day at Gal'drannor, as over the horizon the keen eyes of a dark elf guard caught sight of red sails over the horizon, darting across the walls to sound the alarm, just as the guard reached the tower, a meteoric bolt of flame smashed into the wall incinerating the watcher, and glassing the surface of the stone as the pitch continued to burn.
The Battle of The Cliffs of Gal'Drannor
Earlier, At The Break of Dawn
Marcus's gaze had not left those vicious waters for a while, his own rage simmering beneath the surface, with a singular intense determination that hearkened Ahab. It had been many nights since he had seen his beloved mountainhome and though one part of the mind cast a worry as to the fate of Cornaeth in his absence, it was silenced by the longing and by the anger, his hands clutched a purple garb, grip tightening slowly as he breathed out with a slow growl... soon... soon they would know why he was called The Wolf. The dark elves took the one thing that mattered to him, his wife the archoness of Cornaeth and the queen of his realms, his mind wrestled with all the worst twists of fate but now his frustrations were turned into a singular urge for vengeance. " I swear upon the Deus, if she is harmed or slain, then may I become the hand of fury upon the realm... all shall burn… this I swear upon my name, Deus, hear me, see to it that such a fate does not befall this realm ! for all that you are, if your infinitude hold true, cast your protection upon my beloved... see to it that I may hold her once more " Marcus had never been a saint nor wisened to the ways of prayer, yet what was a man to do when all that he loved was taken away from him? there was a fierce anger but deeper than that, a desperation to know she was safe, a desperation that denied to believe that anything had befallen Istiana she was his mate, his she-wolf, he knew deep in his heart she'd survive.
"Istiana, I am Coming"
" Hold fast men, hold fast, row with your backs " the commanding voice of Legate Arnor Lucretius sounded over the decks as legionaries carried Cornaethian dromons through some of the harshest waters in Tyranoth, spells in the surf made these waters vicious and torrential and these waters were barely without storm, it was evident that it had been a long and grueling voyage but then the old imperial saying a starved dog fights harder had some weight to it all the same, to say this was an expedition was an understatement, the weight of such a grand gamble hung heavy upon the 700 troops that formed up Marcus's ranks 600 of his own and two ranks of dwarven siege engineers manning their vessels as mercenaries. Resolve had not faltered in these unforgiving conditions and the spirit of the legion held true.
Legio, Aeterna, Aeterna Victrix ! Legio, Aeterna, Aeterna, Victrix ! Legio Aeterna, Aeterna, Victrix !
And with each chant, the red sails were carried upon these black waters, Arnor cast a glance to his sides making sure the other ships were in position, signalling to each other with flame and bronze mirror. He nodded, the preparations seemed to be in place. In his full suit of armor he made his approach to the Archon.
" My Archon, Frumentarius Aegos succeeded in his mission to plant false plans amongst the dark elves, it seems there was enough discord amongst the dark elven houses to lend them amenable to our offers of gold, rarely have the masters of deception have themselves been duped, but the House of The Spider seemed cooperative atleast for now, I doubt they can be trusted... it is necessary we exercise caution in this regard unless they attempt to lure us into a trap "
" I am aware Lucretius, but then you well know every battle is a grand gamble but we are not surrendered to fate, my edict is thus, we open multiple fronts, the brunt of our forces engage the fleet at the cove, the dwarven auxiliaries and their escort advance from the far west towards the inlet, the escort takes the right flank of the elven armada and the dwarves get to work besieging the barricades to clear entry into the cove for our forces... we will run the gauntlet advancing from the southeast, the walls host defensive emplacements for which purposes we will not be able to draw close upon dromon, we will use the ships fire to create smoke against the walls and upon the land, then depart from the ship, you and I will access the inlet at the base of the cliffs and scale upwards, the rest of the men will set to work, against the northwestern gate of the fortress... it will be a false front the bulk of our forces will get to work on the southeastern front where access is more manageable. "
" So it would seem there isn't circumstance for which we can avoid casualties, is that why you took these initiates onboard Marcus, to see to their slaughter for the fate of one woman ? "
Marcus erupted grasping Arnor by his collar and looking fiercely into his eyes, as an aggressive tension erupted between the two,
" Hold your tongue, lest you forget who has lead you to countless victories before... that woman, be that you may have your reservations, has done much for our people, for the laws of this land and for the cause of the Empire... everything else being put aside Arnor, she is amongst the last of what remained of us, of what was, I cannot lie to you that there will be losses this day but tell me did you not swore an oath to the Empire and her people, she is one of us Arnor, and I will not leave her behind, even if it meant losing myself to this... the Legion does not yield, does not back down from a challenge... we have fought many battles from the high hand, from the advantage... but with the Deus as my witness, this battle we fight with courage... these initiates have lost families and loved ones to the dark elf menace, some of them have been slaves... they know what they fight for... and they are men of the legion... they will have trial by fire as we did... Arnor Lucretius... will you stand by me and you queen ? "
Arnor relented seeing the spark in Marcus's eyes stirring his soul and his own conscience,
" Aye, my Archon "
" Then let us show these craven knife-eared bastards how the Wolves of Cornaeth fight "
Marcus raised his sword.
VALOR VICTRIX !
A resonant, powerful warcry echoed throughout the ships as the red cloaks raised their spears and swords.
Theme 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unNX9XJsMvU
Red sails bearing the black wolf emblem dawned upon the horizon en masse, approaching the fort of Gal'drannor from multiple angles, the first round of bombardments carried out via traction trebuchets battered against the walls inconclusively, yet the thick black smoke and continuous burning afforded by valradic fire concoctions, proved to be a boon, the dark elf corsairs mobilized their fleet to meet the central front of Valradic ships head on, faster and more maneuverable than the dromons, whilst the rest of the dark elf forces moved to fortify and defend the harbor from incoming attacks.
As the Valradic ships moved forward they unleashed the first devastating attack upon the enemy, spewing thick gouts of flame upon the dark elf galleys and setting the water itself alight, one of the Corsair's ships was engulfed entirely in flames as a result, the other managed to push through, smaller dark elf boats began making their way towards the Cornaethian ships, just then on of the dark elf ships launched a massive harpoon into the bow of one of the dromon's locking it in place.
" Shield wall formation ! Prepare for boarding " was the command issued by the legionary captain Barvenos, though the ship still seemed to be recovering from the impacts, any stragglers were quickly shot down with a flurry of poisoned arrows before the elvish blade dancers moved in for the kill making short work of any unprepared soldiers, though once the legionaries gathered in formation they were able to mount a formidable defense, striking down their wieldy and fleeting foes with their javelins. Several duels erupted above deck, with the heavy armor of the legionaries proving advantageous in some situations, it was brutal unforgiving and vicious combat, one scene yielded a heavy legion bashing an elf with his shield, using the gladius to sever an arm before bashing the skull in with his pommel, another scene showed a dark elf skillfully avoiding sword strikes before driving both blade through the neck and eye socket of the helmet.
On the other ships dark elf elites boarded en masse and combat erupted, seeking to disable the Cornaethian ships, it was a brutal and hellish deadlock and blood spilt upon the decks and the dark elves danced and leapt around in a frenzy of murder and bloodshed, legionary shield walls and defensive positions proved static and the lack of balance of the ship made unstable footing on heavy armor where the dark elves were more at ease with a lack of balance, " We're taking on water ! " stated one of the crewmen looking at the legionary captain for direction.
" Hold ! " he added raising his spear " You men !! Do You Want To Live Forever !! Charge !! " he added stirring his ranks with inspiration as the legionaries broke formation and charged at the elves enmasse cutting down a swathe of the invaders, " Back, back quickly ! Tetsudo ! " added the captain as the dark elves capitalized upon this to send another barrage of arrows that took out a chunk of legionaries with it, baiting them with frustrating hit and run tactics despite the legionaries making a slow advance holding the defensive.
Relief finally came when the escort and dwarven auxiliaries took the right flank of the elvish front, seeming to emerge from behind the islands, the brass boar shaped mast on a dwarven ship slammed into a dark elven ship smashing it apart and severing the harpoon chain, greeted by the cheer of impressed legionaries, another wave of flame rained down upon the dark elf vessels breaking the blockade. Dwarven sapeurs advanced, firing their crude gonne's at the dark elf ranks and taking down their ancestral foes with pickaxe like weapons, the dark elf elvish reserve fleet had been defeated.
Legionary Captain Barvenos, marched forward upon the mast sounding a massive warhorn to signal to the Cornaethian left flank that a breakthrough had been achieved. Now the legion would take the slaughter to the fort.
Warhorn Sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEEbU-C8ZEM
Theme 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWLnIcOgK4E
" Hrn.. Damn Them " Marcus held upon the ropes, as legionaries yelled and raced across the deck, the dromon bounced upon choppy waves as it caught a strong headwind racing towards the jagged cliffs, " Now ! Unleash the Valradic Fire " Marc added issuing the command as the ship unleashed gout of flame upon the beachhead and towards the high walls of the castle, ballista bolts slid into the sea beside them and any one could spell a watery grave though the smoke screen generated by the flames gave about just enough cover for the ship to draw near.
" Quickly ! Disembark ! " Marc added as the legionaries boarded smaller vessels at the sides of the dromon and began rowing in the rough waters, several of them departed upon the beachhead and began advancing in shielded columns towards the walls, others still hauled siege contraptions onto the beach and began assembling them under the cover of their comrades.
Mark and Arnor however found their boats at the base of jagged rocks beneath a narrow grated entrance, " We'll be smashed against the rock Marcus " Arnor yelled gritting his teeth as sea spray hit him, but his words fell on deaf ears as he began swinging a grappling hook, before tossing it over a rocky ledge, the first attempt failed " Marcus, now ! " Arnor added his frustrations obvious as looked at another boat veering off course into the rocks " Damn it " another throw of the hook this time towards the other boat, pulling it away from the rocks and towards them, Arnor smiled with nod, fastening the boats together " A good wave will send us under Marcus, its now or never "
Another mighty throw towards the rocky ledge above, the hook caught, everyone on board breathing a sigh of relief " Quickly, you dogs, up the rope ! " Arnor exclaimed, the studs affixed to their shoes provided leverage up the wet rock face, a force of fifty men made their way into the fort of Gal'drannor beneath, Marc assembled them in the wet undertunnels.
" Glory awaits each man ahead, what is your due ? " , " Victory or Death ! " , " What is your call " , " Valor Victrix ! " , " What are you called " , " Wolves ! " , " Again ! " , " Wolves ! " , " Let's gut the talon elves ! no quarter ! "
The legionaries battered their shields and charged from the tunnels below utilizing the element of surprise to their advantage. Arnor moved forth with his men, a stab of the sword disembowelling a guard, a shove with his shield throwing the other off before ending him with a downward, stab, deflecting a blow with a swipe, sparks of metal against metal flying, raising his shield to block a few arrows, finishing off the other with a slice to the throat and picking his spear up off the ground before hurling it towards the archer, as it hit across the chest, sending him into the rocks below, the legionaries gathered in a vicious shield wall, charging up the stairs and slopes, throwing the elves off and pelting them with javelins and firebombs, forcing a retreat upward from their foes with few casualties of their own.
The deafening blast of cannons announced the siege of Gal'drannor, dwarven cannons split apart iron gates and stone battlements as they were mere twigs, paving the way for the advance of several legionary sloops, which traversed the harsh waves, traction catapults launching flaming projectiles upon the walls and the fortifications as the legionary boats advanced into the cove, yielding to hundreds of red cloaks disembarking with a menacing war cry towards the fortress proper, crimson banners were hoisted upon the cliffs of Gal'drannor in a menacing and sudden assault that had taken the dark elven forces by storm, spell sigils fired into the air, a desperate plea for aide, yet with the dark elvish fleet split apart by leagues of ocean it was a futile venture.
There was slaughter upon the cliffs, as the Cornaethians yielded the full might of their forces upon an immense charge, ladders were laid against the flaming walls as the dwarven engine drew close, with elvish bolts and harpoons stuck in its side, " Khaz' Arn ! " another deafening thunderclap as a cannon fired upon the main gates and walls before legionaries got to work picking and battering at the walls with hammers, chisels and pickaxes, traversing the walls through myriad means, keeping the brunt of the forces occupied, the legionaries gathered their shields against undermined and broken sections of wall forming a ramp which men traversed with a running start, many fell against the walls but the siege was utterly relentless.
Ultimately Arnor lead his forces from the base of the fort, surrounding and routing the enemy from behind, and charging up the towers, the gates were flung over as a sea of crimson clad legionaries unleashed themselves into the fort, the sights of brutal battle and slaughter commenced as the dark elf forces now took to flight, a sorcerer powered a last might spell against the ranks only to be thrust in the chest by a spear from a legionary behind them, blade dancers held out in a final attack, jumping above a shield wall only to be impaled by spears from below.
" Saurian Riders ! " exclaimed Barvenos as he rallied his men against a charging rank of reptilian mounted dark elf knights that took their flanks, but the legion was too innumerable to be harried by such a sight, as the beast cut through some legionaries more surrounded it, legion spears thrusting into the creature as another legionary took down the rider yanking him off the saddle, the mass of men brutally stomping and bludgeoning the rider, still more used firebombs to confuse the beasts, soon the combat became utter chaos and looting proceeded, but it was evident the battle was won, where once the dark elf had used these shock and awe tactics, they proved useless now that they were in a rout, the rest of their forces were able to make a breakthrough for a retreat.
-
Theme 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHfE682mm3c
Marcus walked the halls of the fort, rage manifest, dark elf elite guards running inwards paused as they ran into him, a tense and fierce face off as the five dark elves considered their chances against his formidable stature, his icen blue eyes and merciless scowl the only thing to meet them, they drew their blades, Marcus drew his, the leonine blade, consumed by preternatural flame they paced against one another in a slow calculating duel, sizing one another, vicious combat then commenced.
With lightning reflexes and blinding moves, sword strikes landed upon sword strikes, sparks of metal and fury flew across the room, as Marcus pulled his guard, the dark elves astonished at such martial prowess possessed by a man of such stature, they moved in relentless and assured of their skills as the heat from Marcus's blade singed at their eyes, landing a single cut upon his brow.
"Enough"
Marc added as they lunged for the attack once more, deflecting one and using the moment to deliver a strike at the shoulder that cleaved down to the torso, another he grabbed by the throat, slamming them into a wall, a gory disgusting crackle sound as the pommel of the sword made contact with a jaw, before the assailant was hewn through with the sword, Marcus exclaimed as the heat of the sword intensified, causing blood to boil and the eyeballs of the stabbed foe to explode from their eye sockets in a blast of pressurized steam, behind them another was incinerated by a gout of flame, "Hyarrghharrghh... It burns.. Hraarrgh.. Achrghh.. " barely recognizable as an elf anymore the charred corpse wheezed out its last breaths as it reached out against Marcus only for him to raise his boot and shatter the skull. Gllrttchh The elf who was stabbed had a black glassed crated in the middle of their torso stood for a while but soon crumbled...
With flaming blade in hand Marcus marched across, a dark elf crossbow bolt, flying past his face as another hurried to load another only for Marcus to hurl his mighty blade and impale the dark elf into the wall, still another leapt from behind, as Marc turned to deliver an elbow to the gut shattering a few ribs in the process, grasping the attack and hurling them out a window into the cliffs below, blood dribbled across his flaming blade, hissing at the still flaming sword, pulling the blade out of the stone before making it to the arch-chamber. An opulent palace of debauchery where dark blood flowed in fountains and tortured slaves were hung upon the walls, amongst other trophies.
A slow clap resonated, with a subtle snicker, clad in a jagged obsidian armor, a pale skinned dark elf warlord marched forth with tattoos etched into his face, Caelys Thronn, The Claw of Gal'drannor, The Cormorant Baron " I must say I am impressed with the level of carnage your forces have wrought Wolf of Cornaeth, perhaps we are not so different after all, from the very first days our ancestors knew you to be a savage breed and it is you, not we that taught us these ways, no matter, your resistance against the house of talon is futile... the death throes of a dying beast serve only to entertain us... what did you accomplish here other than the deaths of your own men ? look around you, all of Tyranoth burns... do you think this day will mean anything when your ships are burned at sea... you've only invited ruin and reckoning and all for your poor little raven "
Marcus did not yield nor entertain discussion his flaming blade met Caelys's blurred visage in a second, sword locked against sword "Where is she ! Where did you take her !" Marcus exclaimed gritting his teeth, only for Caelys to issue his fangs with a laugh, " Know that she suffered greatly at the hands of our host, pathetic imperial sow... after we were done with her, we ripped open her belly and served her womb, the rest... WE FED TO THE HYENAS !.. hrn... I have plans for you Wolf " Caelys erupted in a blinding array of strikes as his blade was covered in purple vorpal energies, seemingly teleporting between strikes in flashes of black smoke, Marcus's armor deflecting some, struggling to block each blow that came so fast before he re-materialized.
" Your man Aegos was captured yesterday, did you really think I don't keep count of my own slaves... I already dispatched a messenger for reinforcements... this will be your last great battle General Leocadus... do you want to know what happened to Aegos, that wretched little rat? did you think you duped us hm? men are weak... you've always been weak... little dog couldn't help but drool at a little elven skirt... I sent my slaughtermaid after him... crept into his tent she did... a friend... a lover... and poor Aegos... not a woman's touch in months that one. Hrahahah... you humans are so weak.... he wanted to get a little spit on his pintel... but he must have forgotten these " he added flashing his fanged teeth..
" SHE BIT OFF HIS TESTICLES AND RIPPED OPEN HIS BOWELS LEAVING THE GULLS TO DINE ON HIS INTESTINES ! "
He added in a twisted voice, lunging at Marcus once more in a flurry of strikes, dodging the blasts of flame as fire engulfed the room..
" NOOOO !... Hrk... NOOOO !!... NOT MY ISTIANA !!
Marcus added lunging forth, striking viciously at the air as metal collided against metal, in a fit of rage and overwhelming grief, before being intercepted by Vect, several swipes connected with his armor as he fell back, before the sword plunged into his shoulder, a swift boot to the carapace having Marcus fall back as Caelys mounted him moving a dagger swiftly towards his neck as Marc blocked it with a single hand wrestling with the dark elf upon the floor,
" Hrn... Hrnnn... We will never yield to a breed of inferior... apes... our empire is eternal... we... will... never..... Hrgahhhrrhh... Khuff "
Marcus's grasp upon his blade wielding arm twisted and shattered Caelys's arm, before sending a fist to his jaw, sending the dark elf reeling back as Marcus stood up, pulling the blade out of his shoulder... his expression emotionless and cold, with a singular unyielding scowl of hatred.. Caelys turned in fear to bear witness to Marcus's visage.
You will all burn ! , this I promise
Noorghhhh !
Marcus unleashed the flame of his blade upon Caelyss until nothing was left but a black glassed effigy of the elf, he then walked back and lounged upon Caelys's throne, watching outside as legionaries hoisted the flag of Cornaeth.
Pondering the future of Tyranoth, of his people and of himself... the window beside Marcus had never called out to him as it did, the cliffs below beckoning him, for although this battle was won... it was surely at the cost of the man's spirit.
No... It is not what she would have wanted..
Marcus added clenching his fist.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/rgzwsPj.jpg[/img[[/img]-END-
Moderators: Ravenesque Istiana Komenenos (played by Ravenesque) Marcus Leocadus (played by Tyranoth)