DISCLAIMER: This thread is going to be a significantly longer than the recent progression posts as it involves roughly one hundred player characters while introducing a brand new storyline in the old progression format. This means that instead of a simple bullet list, this post is done in the style of an actual story. In the writing below, I believe I incorporated everyone in a natural and relatively fitting way based on the rolls they received. Some names have been mentioned twice or more for the sake of storytelling, but generally everyone should know where their character participated in the story. Anyone who is not mentioned may also include themselves anywhere on the Battlefield, the Regalian landing ships, the Regalian Battleships the day of or the Regalian streets the following day. All events in this progression post are fully knowledgeable IC to anyone. The events that take place in this post are able to be reacted to immediately at /tp WarCamp and in 24 hours within Regalia. This means to say that on midnight GMT tomorrow, news of the landing and its outcome will become known to people in Regalia. Have fun reading! ASSAULT PHASE 1 - The Signal Tower The boats creaked amidst the waves, stagnant and waiting for the go ahead to begin the invasion. An early morning fog had set in before their arrival, leaving the landing zones barely visible to the men and women aboard the ships. Two figures stood towards the bow of the lead ship, a vibrant contrast against the dull hues of the morning. Digmaan Cro-Zzhin Yaotl and Zzalangua Mu-Yaotl peered out towards the beaches, able to discern the faint outlines of obstacles littering the beach and it’s hillsides. “The troopsss grow anxiousss, Digmaan. They fear the missst will complicate our plan.” Zzalangua muttered to his leader. The Cro-Allar hardly gave a response, picking up a helmet from a crate nearby and shoving it into Zzalangua’s chest “Sssilence their doubtsss and have them prepare for battle.” The Mu-Allar took the helmet, donning it with a firm nod before heading below deck to prepare the others. Before long, a green flag was raised on the command ship, signaling the first stage of the invasion to commence. As soon as he saw it, Cro-Zzhin gave the order for his troops to bring the boat to shore. Oars emerged from within the boat, propelling it forward slowly towards the sands. Once the boat began moving, the troops emerged from below deck with Zaaliska Mu-Yaotl leading the first of the Digmaan’s landing teams. The moment the landing teams set foot on the sand, a horn blared from up the hill as Elven archers rushed forward, unleashing the first of many volleys on the first Regalians to hit the beach. Mozz quickly raised his shield, protecting some of his squad. After a few seconds behind the shields, Lloxern Mu-Yaotl spotted an alcove beneath a nearby rock formation, waving the others over as to avoid the ceaseless downpour of arrows. As the troops frantically rushed towards the pocket of safety, the bodies were quickly piling up in the sands. With chaos ensuing in the landing teams, the Elves moved to finish off the first of the Regalian Forces as they sent their battlemages to support the archers. No more than a moment passed before balls of fire rained down on the beach. The explosions kicked up scorched sand, knocking Ztril Al-Narrim off his feet as the force of the impact tossed him back into the surf. Images flashed through Ztril’s mind, memories of his landing at the Curag Fields as he saw a volley of arrows raining down towards him. Rin Kurasawa rushed to Ztril, grabbing a shield off one of the fallen Allar troops and diving on top of him at the last possible instant, blocking all but one of the arrows from his Allar comrade. Witnessing the frantic desperation that had spread quickly among the landing troops, Robert Carwell instructed the next wave of troops off the landing craft, led by Battlemage Taliandra Jouhari. A new detachment of Varran headed by Shae Wren protected her sides and shielded her from arrows as she began casting multiple firewaves, sending them skyward first to disintegrate the incoming arrows before turning her focus to the cliffs. With the Elven archers and mages unable to act, the third wave was finally led off the landing craft by Jazzousz Mu-Yaotl and. Among the advance troops was Kinoshita who quickly found themself outmatched as they reached the hilltop. Several archers took their aim at her, but were quickly interrupted as Mae Draylas had gotten behind them, killing two of the archers. Just as those remaining divided their attention between the two rogues, Jazzousz sprang up, quickly carving through many of the archers before he felt the cold bite of steel on his side. The Allar looked up to see an Elven warrior drawing back his sword for a killing blow, but was stopped by Sibyllad Lykke who practically exploded over the hilltop, lodging her warpick in the elf’s skull before casting them down the hillside. With the first defenders eliminated, the way was clear for the rest of the first wave to come ashore safely. Now that the beachhead was secure, Saira Kiran, Dora dela Mar and Zuzumi Al-Yaotl rushed ashore only to be greeted by rivers of red water among the sand, groans of agony and burnt husks of Allar and Ailor alike. The medics worked diligently, their nimble hands moving quickly to patch up those that they could, effectively saving more than half of the wounded from mortal injuries. The next off the craft were Mateo Silva, Katrina C’Aelrith and Eric Decimar who pushed up to the Vanguard, picking off any remaining stragglers along the way with relative ease. With the last enemy stronghold on their beach being a small coastal fortress, the last of the Digmaan’s troops were sent to secure the position. Tullion Kearny led his team to the entry to the small bastion, waiting for the others to ready themselves. As Syriel Valentalio brought up the rear, Praetor Elvor’acal kicked in the signal tower’s door. Kamau Izem was the first in, hurling himself at the Elves manning the outpost, struggling to fend off all four by himself. Sryiel was quick to aid him while the Tullion and Reina Kurakawa rushed up the stairs to prevent the signal tower from being lit. As they reached the top they encountered the signal mage and their guard. Tullion stepped in first, swinging his shortsword ferociously at the Elven warrior while Reina rushed the signal mage. The mage ducked under Reina’s strikes before emitting a blast of Starlight energy, sending Reina tumbling back off the tower and down the hillside below with several broken ribs. The mage now turned their attention to their signal fire. Tullion barely managed to overpower the warrior, casting them off the tower before lunging at the mage just a moment too late. ASSAULT PHASE 2 - The Beach The fire burned unnaturally bright through the fog as Wulfram Kehlen and William Howlester looked up at the signal tower. Without hesitation, Kehlen ordered his ship’s green flag raised, sending him and his soldiers into the fray. “Seems as though we should have sank more of them thirty years ago.” the graying Howlester grumbled to himself before tossing his sigg aside and raising his ship’s green flag as well. Within a matter of minutes, the ships were mere moments from making landfall. The elven infantry had already formed barricades and ranks along the shoreline in preparation of the Regalians. Both Howlester and Kehlen summoned their battlemages to the front of their ships, ordering them to create gaps for the men to storm the beaches. Merilya Jouhari and Keltie Ledsarge both did their best to create openings, casting as quickly as they were able to, but were both eventually hit by elven archers. With the mages only creating minute gaps in the Elven lines, the skirmishers were sent in next. Vhilomir Kade, Roselyne Howlester and Jean-Marc Peirgarten took positions towards the bow of the ships, launching arrows into the enemy ranks while Edair Wulfhelm pushed forward with a handful of knights at his side, clearing a path with his spear as he impaled several enemies. The combination of the archers and knights proved highly effective as the Elves quickly broke formation and began fighting the Regalians man to man. As soon as the elves turned their focus to the Regalians already onshore, a horn sounded from aboard the Howlester ship. Not a moment later, Ania Howlester vaulted over the ship’s side, landing amidst the chaos of battle and quickly cutting through at least two dozen Elven soldiers. Behind her was Valdis Kade and Hannah Lexen who fought with equal zeal as they brought down dozens themselves before an Elven lancer drove a spear into Hannah’s side, narrowly missing her lung before being struck down by Valdis. Fortunately, Maximus Krupp and Nathan Kade were next off the ship, storming a short distance before reaching their kin and taking over so they could retreat from the front line. Reinforcements quickly came from the Kehlen flagship with squads led by Frederica and Elric Norwood. With a steady stream of soldiers emerging from the boats, the Regalians were slowly gaining ground up the lengthy beach. Almost as if unwilling to be outdone by their own infantrymen, Mordred Howlester and Rothad Kehlen dropped down to rally their soldiers forward. The fighting was seemingly only getting more arduous as they advanced, with the positions becoming more solidified and their own numbers dwindling more with each press. Finally, they reached a choke point that led further up into the forests with Frederica Norwood and William Alexander leading the advance. As they drew nearer to the choke point, Elven lancers formed a barrier and began pressing towards the oncoming Regalians. Not one to back down from a fight, William charged forward, knocking aside several of the spears before barreling into one of the elves, knocking them on their back. Frederica charged after him, cutting down two of the lancers before finding herself back to back with Alexander. Elric Norwood broke into the circle as well, taking Frederica and attacking one side while William was left to deal with the biggest Elf of the lot. The elf was highly decorated, his armour intricate and adorned, his weapon similarly so. William struck out at him with his longsword, hoping to swipe the spear aside and create an opening. To his shock and horror, the Elf ducked under the swing, sweeping his leg with the spear. The Nelfin officer looked down at the man, grinning before thrusting his spear towards the man’s head. Just before the spear made contact a large, dark figure tackled the officer. William managed to make out the figure of the Url Lambert who was already bleeding from his chest as the Elven officer retreated up the path, limping as he went. William raised a hand to his face where the warmth was, his vision going blurry as he looked to the ground before he collapsed, the shock of his injury causing him to faint as Manus of Bhacstair dragged his officer back from the fight. Ania Howlester pushed forward to help compensate for the loss of one of the commanders, cutting down the enemy reinforcements and effectively taking command of the Howlester-Kade forces. Harald Drache took over as officer with aid from Reinhardt Ashultz, attempting to aid the Howlester woman in holding the line but was quickly snagged by several arrows, quickly making his way back to safety. As the forces clearing the beachhead rushed forward, one of the Elven spearmen managed to get a solid hit on Frederica as the metal tip sunk into her shoulder. Fortunately, Alexander Amsel was close-by and lodged his blade in the lancer’s neck, giving Jocelyn von Duerr time to come collect the wounded. The astonishingly large quantity of people injured, dead, or dying was something Jocelyn likely hadn’t seen before. One who had certainly never seen anything this gruesome was you Elizabeth Black who had volunteered as a medic. Oddly enough, this only seemed to drive her to work harder as she outshone even seasoned medics like von Duerr by treating and effectively saving more than double that of the other medics assigned to Kehlen. Back on the beach, the Howlester-Kade medics struggled to handle the overwhelming number of injuries and casualties that had started coming in. Klaus von Leitner directed supplies to various medical tents, ensuring many of the injured would survive. All the while, Nadina Haaven bustled about with a handful of medical aids, floating from soldier to soldier and tending to their wounds with ease, Dianne Black was less fluid. Her assistant Guy Pileran merely sat below deck on the ship, crunching on rations brought for the troops. Dianne’s mind seemed to fail her as her hands moved past the correct medicines to lesser herbs and salves. The clinic’s stress was in no way helped as some of the wounded soldiers seemed to be suffering from hysteria and hallucinations of their dead comrades. This grotesque and disturbing scene was seemingly too much for Gwenevieve to handle, who quietly slipped out of the tent after a few moments. Meanwhile on the front, some of the officers were attempting to break the stalemate in the choke point. Alexander Gale and Barrulf Blackmyre launched over the line, landing behind the Elven shield-bearers and cutting them down with ease. Edmure Howlester, seeing an opening, ordered his troops to push forward, drawing his shortsword as he followed the grunts through the breach. In a matter of seconds, things took a dire turn as a squad of Elven battlemages took positions, sending waves of fire down the path. Those inside were left with no choice but to try and climb, run, or try to shield themselves. Only some of the soldiers were able to escape or shield themselves with the bodies of their dead comrades while others, like Edmure, Anise du Clermont, Brydon Howlester and Eugenio Leocadio were caught in the fire, suffering second degree burns. Those closer to the front were far less fortunate, with Mordred Howlester suffering a fourth degree burn on his shield arm while Lucien du Clermont and Freya von Leitner suffered third degree burns. Rothad Kehlen was quick to push forward with the knights in an effort to stop the mages from finishing the troops off, clambering up the steep slope of the pathway and cutting down two of the mages before exclaiming “Spiritus Vult!” This call acted as a rallying cry for the rest of the troops who were quick to follow his example, with Joasaie Lloablen and Caitir of Bhacstair following after their guard commander as they cut through the remaining mages. Julius Peirgarten led a squad of his own up the slopes as well, ordering Reyes Velasquez and Heinrich von Hauger towards the trenches dug by the Elves. Once the pair dropped in, they were quickly swarmed by Elven skirmishers, Heinrich was quickly knocked down while Reyes was quick to take down his aggressor, planting her mace in the elf’s chest before Regalian reinforcements swarmed the trenchline. Jean-Marc Peirgarten stood at a distance, firing bolt after bolt from his crossbow in rapid succession, with varying accuracy while Otto Bergmann-Jäger led the remaining troops through towards the signal towers. Upon arriving, the Elves had already attempted to form a defensive perimeter around the towers. This did not deter Reinhold von Leitner who charged the Elven line with a handful of Tenpenny troops, including Jake Morgen who was quickly outmatched by an Elven field officer, cutting him across his back. Lazaruz d’Soleil attempted to cut down some of the archers, only managing to defeat two before he was struck in the shoulder by an arrow, rendering his arm ineffective for the rest of the battle. Alfred Rolfe and Markolf Siegward charged through into the tower, fighting a difficult battle but eventually overpowering the signal mages and warriors before tossing the signal fire off from the ledge. ASSAULT PHASE 3: The Cliffs From his ship smelling of wet hounds, Hengest Harhold grinned as he watched the signal fires falling to the sands below. “Like cold milk and fresh pastries! Har har har!” The Hound Lord exclaimed to his troops. The Harhold smallfolk among his forces gave a boisterous round of laughter before realizing they had the most difficult task of all the forces; scaling the Cliffs of Lavocui'ewen. Hengest gulped, hoping his troops could climb better than they could read as he raised the green flag. The grappling hooks were sent up the cliffs, latching into the firm soil above as the troops began climbing. First up the ropes was Deo dei Termini who managed to scale the rope quickly only to reach the top and be met with an Elven boot to his face, sending him plummeting back to the deck of Harhold’s ship. He landed with a thud and crack as several of his ribs snapped on impact, a howl of pain escaping him as Reginald O’Baeyleesson quickly dragged him below the deck for medical attention. The next batch of soldiers grabbed the ropes, trying to break over the cliff face, Garth Viduggla hauled himself up, unlooping his axe just as he reached the top, burying it in an Elven watcher and pulling himself up over the ledge. On another line, Nouveau Tempete reached the top himself but was quickly grabbed by one of the Elves. He struggled to reach his weapon, but the elf was quicker, tossing him back towards the sands below the boat. He landed with a sickening crack as his leg was jammed upward into his hip, breaking the bones in his leg and pelvis alike. Britta Sørensen was the next to reach the top, lodging one of her axes in the Elf watching their line and pulling them over the edge, her axe going with him as he fell. She hoisted herself over the ledge only to see another Elven warrior charging her, fumbling for her longsword, Britta managed to impale the warrior as he reached her. Anais Kehlen was the next over the ledge, fighting one on one with an Elven officer for but a moment before she was joined by Frenjir Viduggla who helped her overpower the veteran. Hansen and Grevvn Viduggla charged towards the hill before them, being met with few enemy warriors before they reached the top of the hill. The rest of the troops soon joined them in looking dumbfounded at what lay before them. Stretching for what looked like miles on end was a vast plain filled with nothing but cows. Simple farm cows seemingly left to graze freely. Ardige Viduggla checked his orders, making sure they were at the correct cliffs while the others began setting up a defensive perimeter. After several reviews, Ardige confirmed that they were in fact at the right spot. Just as Relveth Vinthracia began sending supplies up the ropes to the troops, the morning fog was illuminated by a devilishly red glow and the air was filled with a dreadful sound as a fireball went straight through the heart of Harhold’s ship. Relveth was able to launch himself onto the sands below, rolling away from the explosive impact, with Hengest not far behind. Deo dei Termini was dragged out from below deck by Loriette Haaven who, much to her dismay, was forced to toss the injured man over the side of the boat, only exacerbating his injuries. The troops on the cliffs looked down in dismay as they saw their comrades in arms burning. Siselle Haagenvig’s back was ablaze, forcing her to jump from the ship into the water while Aprilly Grey struggled to lift a burning beam from her chest. Cries of “Sweet fockin’ Spirit! This ain’t worth the loot!” could be heard from below as the Harhold levies burned. Fueled by the images of his brothers-in-arms burning and with their blood-curdling screams still ringing in his ears, Vedrfolnir Berdalfsson grabbed Moji Shimuzu and Nadiir Kahn, charging forwards towards the source of the trebuchet fire. To their surprise, Elven warriors and lancers emerged from hatches in the ground, the lancers mounting the cows and rushing towards the oncoming Regalian and Tenpenny squads. Rowan Haaven was the first to land a hit against the Lancers, lodging arrows between the visor’s of several cow-riders while Haelmir de Catlanio hurled one of his axes into the skull of an Elven battlemage. Seraphina von Ebene struggled to hold the left flank of the formation which was being swarmed by elven skirmishers. Just as the flank began to collapse, reinforcements led by Eleanore d’Vaud broke through to the front, stabilizing the Regalian front. Aedahron Jouhari and Tua Kapena swept around the sides, forcing the Elves to divide their attention while the Tenpenny troops pushed forward, cutting down the panicking elven retinues. Those that managed to avoid the abrupt onslaught of Regalian reinforcements fled the field, heading farther inland as the Regalian troops celebrated their hard-earned victory. After a long, painful and bloody morning, the Tenpenny troops and volunteers raised the Regalian Standard over the battlefield and the Generals were able to properly establish a staging area and camps for the troops. Medical teams headed by Julienne Peirgarten combed the beach for survivors, ensuring some of those that were able to be saved could be including Arjan von Abela who had been riddled with arrows. At the same time, other teams were removing the charred husks of burned Allar troops from the hillsides, the piles of dead Tenpenny troops from the choke point on the beach, and the remains of those who had been pushed from the cliffs. Eloen Soryn and Alice Malum helped unload the remaining supplies from the second fleet which had been held offshore until the beach was secured. With fresh troops ashore and a stable supply line, the Elven campaign was at long last re-opened. TL:DR & Notes: Regalians have successfully re-opened the Elven theatre of war with a beach landing. The new Elven War Camp at /tp WarCamp will be accessible for the duration of the Elven War storyline All wounds have a one week recovery time in roleplay All maims are permanent, but you are free to contact me in PM regarding any concerns. Rolls can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fFa2rVY8a1Lxn7AjqyTB5J8pMPNo5Bj-2ySROXCw1W8/edit?usp=sharing Rolling can be viewed here and were done in descending order on the sheet barring Generals which were done as the last four rolls: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16gqm_huruVtZMKALay2kXhSo3GLateLG/view?usp=sharing
In the late evening the Digmaan stood before a mass of cadavers covered in sheets stained red, sight lingering upon a scaled tail poking out from underneath one. "Time to carve a path to the heart." he muttered to himself, the fire of nearby bonfires burned to shine light upon the beachhead command post. The distant shore filling his ears with the sound of crashing waves. We've arrived.
Gwenevieve was shocked in herself. She never saw such grief, such torment, such pain in the hearts of the ruined Regalian troops. Even still, it was a shock to herself as she left the tent. The Alta-Altalar cursed herself in Elven, glancing back inside for a single brief moment. She knew she wasn't meant to aid them, she was to cause pain, but they suffered enough. It wouldn't have been her to already torment those on their deathbeds or close to it. Next time would be different, hopefully. The Regalians would need to be brought down even a slight peg to aid her people.
Marching towards Jazzousz, Mozz, and Lloxern, the staccato or ‘clicks’ and ‘taps’ procured from under the Rhax. With the extension of a bloodied taloned hand, aiming to rest it upon the pauldron of his comrade Jazzousz, the Mu would speak. “Remember the Chrysant, Kin. Who do you fight for, and what do you fight with.” @Utto_ @Dosier @Juan_Plays
While atop the tower the large Anglian man let out a booming war cry, letting distant ring from his shield carry on. Turning to Alfred with a laughing smile, he spoke in tongue close to home. <Ang> “This ain’t like ta’ farmlands back in Anglia!” A hearty laugh would call out while looking over the broken wreckage. @PaladinoGui
Dora greeted the sounds of war with a smile. She tapped the mace at her side. "Old friend, I won't be using you today." Dora muttered. Her hands went to her time tested and worn medical bag, and she opened it up. Naturally, she started with the first one she spotted. And then, once they were good, the next one. And again...
She clutched firmly to the hilt of her sword as she sat by one of the roaring fires. The cries of her fallen brothers and sisters in arms hummed in her ears only to be replaced by the memory of thunder roaring and the clanging of swords. Of a battle back home that had been won, but with a cost. Could have done, should have done better. Fight for your home, Von Ebene. Fight for those we’ve lost. Her mind murmured over the memories. Sera lowered her head slightly, letting out a small exhausted huff.
Siselle Haagenvig gave a scream as her back went up in scorching flames, unable to even notice Aprilly Grey over her own terror and the roaring flames that were suddenly aboard their ship. The Velheimer suddenly threw herself forward, vaulting over the railing of the vessel to throw herself into the waves below. Later that eve, once the battle had died down and she'd been successfully brought back to their camp after struggling out of the water, the Haagenvig recalled that her coming made no difference to the battle with her never earning the chance to strike down one Nelfin. A frown appeared on her face, though perhaps it had been brought from the medic that was tampering with her burnt back. "Papa would be so disappointed," she spoke to herself in Als-Tunge, resting her hand against her cheek with a sigh. "What a failed attempt."
Jean-Marc was bathing under a small water fall as he thought back to the fighting. Dragging a hand roughly through his hair to clean out the filth of the day. "How many shots did I fire, and how many Nelfin did I hit? I must prove my worth to this empire, and to the people. I missed a few of my shots. /Missed/. This is unacceptable, and will need disciplining to correct. I will make sure those Elven inferiors will never touch my family."
The Villiers-Eclaire made towards the Kehlen command tent after regrouping with the others, where he took off his helmet and placed it on the nearby table. He then began to clean off the crimson soaked blade with a rag, slowly turning it brown as it cleaned. Eventually he saw his elder brother walk by, giving a curt nod before returning to his work.
Klaus von Leitner stood beside Wulfram Kehlen and the rest of the tacticians in the gathered tent, constantly hearing about the progress of the war from informants that came in and out to the planning room. A stern glare rested on the features of his face as reports of the fallen and maimed reached his ears. Making a move to ensure that more casualties could be prevented, Klaus ordered the medical supplements be spread amongst the fields and handed to the soldiers of the Grand Army, saving many lives in the act with his movement. During the motion, he thought to himself about the rest of his family and their wellbeings. He knew that his sister and brother were in the field as footmen, and the more casualties were reported, the more nervous Klaus had become. His hands balled into fists, and after an informant reported that Freya von Leitner had received severe burns, Klaus was immediate to grab the man by the throat and pin him against shelves, shouting at him for details. His fit of anger was quickly dispelled by the other tacticians in the room who held Klaus back. The silver haired man stood back and exhaled sharply, stressful eyes awaiting to see the results of the war.
Kinoshita looked to Mae after the situation defused itself. Golden gaze focusing onto Masuyo. "Uh thanks! You saved my ass back there. - I owe y'one." she spoke quietly before moving back to camp. @Lumiess
Relveth suddenly heard the roar of flame, turning to see a great fireball soaring in the sky and straight for the ship he stood on. Without thinking, he suddenly jumped from the side to find refuge in the sand, narrowly making it as the fireball ripped the Harhold ship apart. He heard an explosion behind him, followed by the screams of Harhold troops still remaining inside the ship's scorching interior. Getting up from the sand, he turned and saw Hengest Harhold had followed shortly behind him, seemingly unscathed from the fireball. Relveth glanced back to the burning ship once more before looking up at the Anglian commander. "S-s-sir," he stammered, "what sort of nightmare have we gotten ourselves into?" @Jonificus
Harald Drache refused treatment by any mage or non-Ailor, finally agreeing upon von Deurr to treat his arrow wounds. His large shield had managed to capture a few vollies, though is left leg had suffered a several hits, namely his ankle and hip. As a result of these wounds his cape had become impaled to his leg, have to be torn off to treat the middle aged knight. A letter was drafted to his wife, informing her of his injuries recieved. Harald made mention of fearing his body was no longer fit for warfare and that he expected retirement to take him to serve the remainder of his years at the Viridian Castle, requesting that she come live with him in the capital city. @FireFan96
Anais trudged back to camp, glancing over to the likely Frejnir by her side. She held out a hand for a high-five. “You did good. Thanks for the help.” She gave a grin to her old friend and moved off to see where Wulfram was. @Walrusaur_ @OliverTheQu33n
Hoisted up by his bannermen, Hengest replies to the horrified auxiliary as he calmly adjusts his eyepatch and blows out water from his nostrils, "Five of my hounds.. Dead. The elves made this their own nightmare now. Find my captains, hell's not done with us yet."
Loud screams could be heard around her as the flames soared overhead, her fellow footsoldiers dropping around her one by one. She had tried to save them while she could, but no matter what she had done, it was for naught. As her last act, Freya von Leitner had dropped to the ground, crying as she felt her body burning. All she could remember was lying there, while others raced to aid her amidst the fighting. She blinked, and her world went dark, unable to keep herself conscious. Her last thoughts as she faded into the darkness were that of her brothers. She awoke several hours later in the medical tent, the whole right side of her body bandaged. To her left, she could hear the medics talking about her, but all she could pick out was 'third degree' and 'permanent scarring'. She sighed deeply; the breath almost too hard to carry out as her flesh cried out in agony. Freya tried calling out for anyone to help her, but her voice was raspy and barely even above a whisper. After a few more agonizing moments, Freya closed her eyes. Maybe sleep would take the pain away. @Yigit
Robert Carwell climbs out of the landing craft, moving through the ruin of soldiers at the beach, he looks up to the burning signal tower, gritting his teeth in frustration.
After the battle, Elric would take the time to glance back over the beach as he cleaned and sharpened his bastard sword, nodding to himself on the impact they had made. The Bloodcast would then look over to his twin sister, Fredrica, "You fought well today dear sister. Maybe this time we can put the elves in place for good." @Septanone
'To those who doubted me, the people who believed me to be weak.' With longsword and shield in hand, steel sharpened, wits alert, and body strong; equipped for the fight. With men and women surrounding her sides, who charged with weaponry in hand, and spirits raised. The sounds of war filled her ears. The scent of fire and its partnering smoke, the smolder of flesh, the cries of soldiers from both ends. The cry of the horn sounded them off. Her signal. It was time to begin. Dozens fell. Another dozen Elven soldiers. Ania persisted. Her combination of sword and shield cut down most everyone who stood in her way. Aid filed in at her sides. Joasaie Lloablen, a newfound companion, kept up with Ania all the while. Though they could not exchange their verbal gratitude, the fighting they did side-by-side spoke plenty. When friend or ally fell, Ania pursued the objective in their stead, leading the footsoldiers onward in their trail of battle. The Elves were met not with a mere indentured housewife, after all. At the head of that group was a face very familiar to few. As she had done in years past, cutting down Anahera guards, so too did she defeat Elven soldiers. Perhaps the fire within her never died.
Jake stepped into the field, his blades slowly unsheathing... "Come, Death... Dance with me!" He darted forth, his blades going for an elven soldier... And he felt something cut across his back. "Fuck." (The first one was supposed to be dance. The last word in that... Was not.)
Joasaie parried away an Elven sword, leading to Ania driving her sword into the enemy soldier's chest. A fellow atraves user was blocked with their own, the Yanar outmatching the other in skill and slicing their weapon's thin blade through his neck. They kept by Ania with the others, intent on protecting their commander through it all. Where one would block or defend, the other moved in to attack. Rinse and repeat until there were none more to face. ~Joasaie released a heavy sigh after the fighting had ceased, the once shining crysteel blade of their preferred weapon now bloodied along with parts of their armour. Their blue eyes searched over the people around; the wounded, dead, and unharmed; the familiar and strangers. How many did their actions save? How many did they fail? No. Now was not the time to think on the details. Now was the time to prepare, to get better, to protect more of those they would be fighting next to. This may be their first participation in a war, but that didn't mean they wouldn't give their all to do what they felt was right: Protect. @MantaRey
“At this rate the medical supplies will need a vast consolidation”, the Pileran concluded to his auxiliary, having performed a great many logistical calculations while the army was waging war against the Nelfin race. “It’s not that I care, though I am content that I don’t have to raise a sword myself. Bless the spirit for all I care.”
Hansen VidugglaHansen and his uncle Grevven marched the hilltop, eyeing each other tentatively as an eery silence plagued them. 'War changes you' is what the young Viduggla was told, and made certain from since before the beginning of the battle, and as the men crept upside the hill, and around him laid bodies and smoke of the former events that rattled the landscape, he pondered his morals, his religion that he fought for with every ounce- and as his relative and him enclosed on a small encampment of elven-warriors up within the hilltop it almost seemed as time slipped away, everything slowed to match his thoughts- even the smoke that rose above the trees. The unsheathing of two blades could be heard, and his uncle barking out toward Hansen that was still within his daze, but soon enough, just like that, there laid a total of six elven bodies in front of the Viduggla. He killed for his Empire, his family, his religion- though it was washed away so fast that he could barely remember his actions, cutting- slashing... it was now all so simple. And as the day progressed, and the Regalian camps were set-up the man could be seen washing his face of soot, and blood- but not his own, he went back to wondering about the events that passed, and that which was to inevitably come. Though this time there was no hesitation about what he had to do, it was almost like there was a need to finish what he started. To finish this war.
The masked elfess stood alongside her allies, Mateo and Eric, her crysteel shortsword and dagger primed to be the harbingers of death to the elves who dare attack her or her allies. Katrina's icy hues scanned the landscape watched the scene unfold, the sight of regalians and elves falling to one another- the glory of battle was something she had missed dearly. Then, time came to push her way up to the vanguard- it was their time to shine. She nodded to the slizzar and ailor who fought alongside her, charging forth with all her might, though remaining in formation with the others. Her crystalline blades swung, the crimson blood of her foes staining them more and more with each one she slew. Whilst her job was to pick off the stragglers, with her friends, and that could've been a challenge, the nelfin stumbled across few issues, and furthermore managed to protect herself from injury. Her role was nothing major, but the Isldar felt as happy as a pig in filth protecting her friends, and downing the enemy; every little helped.
After killing many elves with Markolf to fight his way to the top of the tower he looks towards him with a grin. “<Ang> I can only imagine what they will tell of us back at Anglia. The ones who lighted the fire!” He exclaims with excitment, thinking about his home. He looks towards the Harhold ships after he lights the signal with his comrade, even sending a salute towards Hengest. But his excitment soon turns into sorrow as he sees the burning of the Harhold fleet... @Jonificus @Bearacuda
Mid battle the thought had crossed her mind. "I shouldnt be here. I need to be out there." The overwhelming need to join the fight and be there for her comrades took great precedent in her mind. However, as split her mind was, her actions remained decisive. Her squad of Varran shifted to take any fire heading for her and Taliandra. "Keep the fire coming! There wont be a battle if everyone is shot down!" They pressed forward and any opportunity she had to pick off soldiers, she very well did to ease the burden of her shielders. Upon the defeat of the archers, and once reaching the cliffs, she gave a specific order to her men. Upon hearing it, half of them knelt with shields against the ground, the other half standing with their shield and spear pointed outwards, forming a makeshift barrier wall with a gap in the middle for Taliandra to work behind as well as a safe place to drag wounded soldiers from the fight and be treated by the medics. "Hold position!" With the battle over, and the carnage finished, Shae opted first and foremost to get the wounded back safely for treatment. She went about walking on all fours so she could pile at least two or three men on her back, depending on their size. Any of her Varran troops who were unharmed, she had do the same. Where needed, she chose to do emergency treatments on the battlefield with what basic medical knowledge she had, at least for the most severe cases who would likely die from movement if not treated first. Even after returning to the camp sight, she went to assist the medics in the clinic area, knowing any medical help would likely be needed. It had been a long day, and would likely be an even longer night. @Katiesc @Walrusaur_
Edair Wulfhelm leaned on his spear back at the camp. He let loose a sigh of relief as multiple emotions rushed over him. The rush he felt during battle was like nothing else, a far reach from the tame action of guard life in Gallovia. He joined the Regalian Army to prove his worth and bring honor to his family, and his success on the first landing certainly felt as it should make him feel he achieved that. Yet the intensity and brutality of the war left him feeling cold and drained. He slumped down onto the muddy ground of the camp, letting his armor fall off around him. Taking in the faces of the other grave and bloodied soldiers as they rushed by. He sat for a moment, collecting his thoughts and mentally preparing himself for what the next day of battle would bring him.
Overwhelmed by the men put in her charge by Robert Carwel and the utter shock of her first enlistment into the war, Taliandra Jouhari's attention was drawn as her heart attempted to jump out of her chest. Gritting her teeth, the mage's world spun about her as her group of troops moved forwards from the landing craft. She'd gather herself and her focus, flocking beside the team as her worn gaze panned across the way to scan the terrain over. However, the Halfbreeds attention was soon drawn towards the sky and oncoming wall of arrows. Raising a hand, she'd bark out to the troops that lined her, "Create a wall! Shields up!". Looking to Shae, the battlemage would motion in front of herself to create a sort of wall, placing herself between the gap of metal in order to cast. Once within a close enough distance, Taliandra aimed to disintegrate the first wall of fire; flames erupting from her branded palm to ignite the arrows that threatened those around her. As her troops beneath her charge moved forwards, the battlemage shouted her casts repeatedly, leading the way forwards for the troops that circled her. @flareskies
Wandering elsewhere, her mind was plagued with deeply buried emotions of guilt and hurt from seeing her own people perish under her fellow soldiers, the Avanthar clenching the hand around her mace even tighter as she managed to steady the erratic mess her breathing had become before she proceeded to bring herself down into the Elven trenches with her partnered footman. Surrounded by the deemed enemies with her previously standing partner-in-action now fallen, Reyes felt more determined than ever, buckler shield at arm, prepared to fend off petty attacks whilst she swung a heavy, spiked mace right for the Elf that had struck down the soldier that accompanied her with high succession, watching their last breath ring out before Regalians poured in.. "Home sweet home." Her voice pathetically rung out whilst it seemed that she weren't so welcome anymore. And yet she was going to follow the goal she had pinned for herself. Succession with fear.
Garth Viduggla let out an exasperated breath as he climbed upon the rope that lead to the edge of the cliffside. Above him were men risking life and limb to reach such edge, only to then be thrown off of it. The thoughts of that ran within his mind as he neared the top, the Battle Commander slowly losing his confidence as he saw the likes of Deo dei Termini being kicked off. Once nearing the edge, the Velheim unlooped the infamous Skagger Axe to his right hand, gripping the tightly with his left hand. Inch by inch he moved for the edge, and once his eyes could scan above, Garth spotted that of a Watcher on the cliff. Without a moment's hesitation, the Norrlander sprung himself forth, cleaving his axe into the Watcher- Effectively killing him on the spot. With an open such as that, he took it to heave himself up and over the edge. Alike to that of climbing up, thoughts rushed through the Berhednar's mind, leaving his adrenaline pumping. He sprung to his feet, unlooping the second Skagger axe on his waist. Eyeing around him for just a moment, the Viduggla readied his axes and went to work. @Mortisian
Llox would be cleaning his blades, sharpening them across the grindstone, and reapplying the blood of elves over where he once had light blue body paint. The smell invigorated him, and though he had never seen war, he felt almost in a trance. He would tend to his wounds, before taking his watch, his golden eyes ever watching the bloodied battlefield, looking upon Allar and Elf alike. “Remember who your Chrysant kin are, Llox. Fight for your kin, die for your kin.”
Dianne Black would be giving Guy Pileran glares for the rest of the war effort so long as he just suddenly vanished and re-appears afterward with the scent of food on him. 'This is going to be a long war effort.' She thought to her self. ' Maybe I need a new assistant.' Spoiler: Visual Aid
After leading of the first landing team the Mu-Allar where he killed a couple elves he was sitting at the camp with his kin sharpening his sword, And spear head, “Now I reek of blood...elven blood..”
Nouveau Tempete, dragged back to camp despite her failures for efforts to try to continue in her temporarily crippled state, grumbled and cursed beneath her breath, glaring at her leg with a careful and steady stare. With a long, beyond displeased groan, she flopped back onto her cot, raking a hand through her matted and messy white locks. “Next time. Next time I’ll get it. I ain’t goin’ down that easy,” she hissed to herself. And thus, the ashy Kathar quietly scolded herself, impatiently peering at the rest of the tent, “Next time..- Hrnn. Can’t a woman get a doc’ around here?!”
In the midst of battle, outnumbered twice by Elven warriors, Syriel came to Kamau's side. Releasing a flurry of twirls, ripostes, feints, and piercing stabs, the Mariposa expressively performed the elegant dance of death. Her movements and footwork appeared elaborate, as if choreographed. With her blade darting through the chest of an Elf, bloodying the steel, Syriel shouted a war cry. @romeowo @ShipIt @Jouster
Julienne Peirgarten slumped in her seat, hands dragging down her face. The yells, the explosions, everything simply raced in that poor mind of her's. She did horrible this day, though the nagging feeling of hope and to continue. The Peirgarten forced herself to stand, dusting her slacks off-- oh, that's a few more patients coming in, "Come, come! Rest your head, I'll see what's wrong."
Spoiler: Roll Geoffery Broussard was on the beach during the fight and had an arrow go through his shoulder during the fight. Due to this injury he was barely able to fight during the battle, even with his crossbow as the arrow went into his right shoulder. Disgruntled by his unfortunate injury, he stayed in the camp to get healed up.
