Post by Dexomega on Aug 17, 2011 23:08:06 GMT -5
Prologue:
Fifteen years ago.... there was a war.
Well, war broke out here plenty of times before. The Five Isles has always been a center for warfare. The nine towns spanned the outer four isles, while they constantly fought with each other over the massive and resource-rich fifth isle, centered between the four outlying islands.
The wars over the fifth isle never lasted long though, the towns never could maintain conflict for long, and eventually the war would bog down before yet another Armistice was called.
But on that fateful month in July 1039, the towns began their latest war, renewing the ongoing resource wars, but this war would be different.... and not in a way that anyone had foreseen.
The nine armies clashed on July 23rd 1039 on the fifth isle, and shortly after that, all contact with them was lost.
This was the beginning, of the end.
-Excerpt from "Heroes and Demons, Why We Fight"
Captain Leo, Larow Patrol Squad #2, Personal Logs, July 27-29
Captain Leo, July 27, 1039, Entry 1
We lost contact with our strike and occupation forces on the 23rd. The beach encampment is deserted. My squad is going inland to track their movements and figure out who screwed up this time.
I hope I get back for my daughter's birthday on the 30th.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 2-
We made landfall and are heading inland. They definitely moved through these forests, evidence of it everywhere. Some of the men think they hear movement in the trees, it's probably those stupid Grog again.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 3-
We've set up camp near the what appears to be a massive battleground. There's not enough bodies here to account for even an eighth of our men. What is going on here...
-END ENTRY-
We lost contact with our strike and occupation forces on the 23rd. The beach encampment is deserted. My squad is going inland to track their movements and figure out who screwed up this time.
I hope I get back for my daughter's birthday on the 30th.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 2-
We made landfall and are heading inland. They definitely moved through these forests, evidence of it everywhere. Some of the men think they hear movement in the trees, it's probably those stupid Grog again.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 3-
We've set up camp near the what appears to be a massive battleground. There's not enough bodies here to account for even an eighth of our men. What is going on here...
-END ENTRY-
Captain Leo, July 28, 1039, Entry 1
We sent Greg and Sam out to get water this morning, neither came back. We searched for an hour, no sign. The men are getting even more anxious, they say they heard voices in the woods last night. I'm worried about morale, this is bad.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 2-
We moved even further into the woods, we found Sam. He was butchered to hell, all his gear was taken. No Grog did this. I'm starting to hear things in the forest too, there's only five of us left. I'm getting us out of here tomorrow.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 3-
We lost Peter. A Javelin shot through the trees and pinned him against a tree. No human or Grog can do that. What the fuck is going on.
-END ENTRY-
We sent Greg and Sam out to get water this morning, neither came back. We searched for an hour, no sign. The men are getting even more anxious, they say they heard voices in the woods last night. I'm worried about morale, this is bad.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 2-
We moved even further into the woods, we found Sam. He was butchered to hell, all his gear was taken. No Grog did this. I'm starting to hear things in the forest too, there's only five of us left. I'm getting us out of here tomorrow.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 3-
We lost Peter. A Javelin shot through the trees and pinned him against a tree. No human or Grog can do that. What the fuck is going on.
-END ENTRY-
Captain Leo, July 29, 1039, Entry 1
We're trying to get back to the beach fast. Somewhere along the line we also lost Xen. We aren't sure what happened to him.
We're about halfway to the beach.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 2-
We're getting there, but while we were running Lori tripped some kind of wire. A spike trap smashed through his rib cage. We heard some kind of crackling laugh in the woods. They're toying with us.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 3-
I went out on my own to take a leak, not barely a few yards from the rest area. When I got back Hal was dead. Whatever killed him, it was silent and efficient. I'm the last one. If I don't make it out of this forest, whoever finds this, tell my daughter I wish I could have been there for her first day of class.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 4-
I made it to the beach, but our ship is gone. Totally gone.
Night is falling, but I caught a glimpse of one of the things. It was human and wearing a Frion Uniform.
We know what happened to the armies then. It's them. They're coming for us. For all of us.
Whoever finds these logs, good luck to you. They won't leave you alone for lon-
[Blood Splatters are across the page here. He died while writing]
We're trying to get back to the beach fast. Somewhere along the line we also lost Xen. We aren't sure what happened to him.
We're about halfway to the beach.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 2-
We're getting there, but while we were running Lori tripped some kind of wire. A spike trap smashed through his rib cage. We heard some kind of crackling laugh in the woods. They're toying with us.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 3-
I went out on my own to take a leak, not barely a few yards from the rest area. When I got back Hal was dead. Whatever killed him, it was silent and efficient. I'm the last one. If I don't make it out of this forest, whoever finds this, tell my daughter I wish I could have been there for her first day of class.
-END ENTRY-
-ENTRY 4-
I made it to the beach, but our ship is gone. Totally gone.
Night is falling, but I caught a glimpse of one of the things. It was human and wearing a Frion Uniform.
We know what happened to the armies then. It's them. They're coming for us. For all of us.
Whoever finds these logs, good luck to you. They won't leave you alone for lon-
[Blood Splatters are across the page here. He died while writing]
Chapter 1: The Plan
Fifteen years later: Unknown Date
Location: --- ----- ------[/b]
"WE'VE GOT TO KEEP MOVING" said a voice through the haze of the blizzard. All around men were screaming. We weren't sure who was dying and who was simply moving forward. I pressed on.
I fumbled with my grip and lost my hold on the cliffside. I fell into the snowy abyss below. I tried to scream, but my lungs froze. I was gone.
July 20th, 1054
Dex's Shop, Larow, Alliance of Towns[/b]
I closed the aging book with a light thud and set it back on the bookshelf behind the counter. I had collected dozens upon dozens of letters and journal pages over the years looking for anything I could use to understand the Mountain People better. Anything to explain what happened. Which is why I found Captain Leo's last logs just a few weeks ago.
Regardless of my efforts I never got any closer to an answer. As I had found out shortly after I reached Larow, I was a shopkeeper first and a scientist second. I constantly put my employees and myself to work in the mines to scrape out the dwindling resources left on Larow's comparitively small isle. Since Ferk's Shop had shut down recently, I have been stuck with the vital but time-exhausting job of replenishing the weak spots along the wall with solid Obsidian. Needless to say there was little time to analyze logs even before that came along. Now "time" was nonexistent.
I had found Captain Leo's journal on a brief expedition to the fifth isle. Since then it's intriqued me immensely, it was the first contact with the Mountain People, as they have since been called. Since that day the Mountain People have repeatedly attacked the Nine towns of the Five Isles (Formerly ten).
Just then the front door opened to my surprise. "Hey, I'm closed for the day. We'll be back tomorrow after we restock." I said not even looking whom it was. "You would be Dex then I assume?" Said the person with a somewhat feminine voice.
"That is correct, but I'm closing up" I replied with an annoyed undertone.
"Well, "Dex", I've been told you're one of the best fighters here in Larow. Something hard to come by these days." She said.
"Perhaps, but I'm not from around here. May I ask what you're doing her-" As I turned around I saw her. She shared a striking resemblance to the late Captain Patrick Leo I'd been reading so much of recently.
"What?" She said inquistively.
"Err, are you by chance related to the Late Captain Patrick Leo?" I asked in query.
"Yes, but you still haven't answered my question yet." She fired back quickly.
"Well yes, I've had to defend my shop and home in the past and picked up skills in my travels." I said. "But that isn't what you came here to ask me. You wouldn't have come this far from Frio Bay to ask if I could."
"How did you-" She started to ask, but I cut her off. "Standard issue AT Army boots with lava sands only found on the Southern coast and Port of Frio Bay. So go on, ask."
"Well then, you're as good as they say at least. The Alliance of Towns is assembling an army to strike back at the Mountain People this winter. I'm here to request your participation." She said calmly.
"You realize we just lost the Dark Fortress outpost on the Fifth Isle not two weeks ago, and now you're saying you want to punch them in the teeth again? It's gutsy and likely to fail, particularly in the Winter." I queried.
"I didn't come here to explain, I came to ask if you want in. It's a simple question." She said aggitated.
I sighed. I didn't come here to fight wars, especially ones that were likely to get me killed. Although if I said no, she'd probably just invoke the Alliance Conscription Clause, which I did not want.
"Alright, where and when do I have to be." I said anxiously.
"Frio Bay, 25th. Eastern Barracks." She said walking out the door. "I'll see you there."
Great, just what I needed. Joining a war.
Two days later: July 22th, 1054
ATS Provo, Entering the Frio Bay Staging Dock, Alliance of Towns[/b]
I watched the sparkling sea float by as the Captain brought us into dock at Frio Bay's tenth dock. Frio Bay had always been the largest and most prominent town. After the arrival of the Mountain People, they pioneered the technology to create seabourne walls. The Port and town were a gigantic fortress protected by a massive Obsidian outer and inner wall.
The ship stopped abruptly as it smashed the side of the dock.
The captain shouted at the midshipman. "Dammit you idiot! I just got the siding replaced at the Roma shipwright last week. Watch where the hell you are going."
The midshipman who made the error scrambled to fix the ship's moorings and get docked.
I retrieved my cowhide pack from below deck and jumped off the Provo without waiting for the gangway and walked into the organized chaos on the Military sector. To the left and right, men were rushing to do various jobs and retrieve equipment. To the right men were unloading a massive cart filled with the finest arms and armors from all across the Alliance.
I walked into the Larow sector. Compared to the others, we were a quiant old town. Barely taking up two houses in the district. I saw my team's sign on the second house.
"ALPINE DIVISION; LAROW - BASEMENT"
I walked into the basement to see everyone sitting on their bunks.
The man in the nearest bunk acknowledged me. "Everybody please welcome our civie contractor, Dex."
The basement laughed and exchanged a bit of playful banter over the fact that a storykeeper would be accompanying them. One said, "Sarge, is he going to buy off the MPs for us?"
"Now Jeffries, you should know that Dex here has driven many people just like you into the dirt before, be nice." said a voice I recognized as Cale, my old friend who had joined up with the Larow Dagnor Fortress detactment months prior.
"Hey there Cale, I see they conscripted you into these Shenanigans on the fifth isle." I said to him.
Cale turned on his bunk to face me with a smirk on his face. "Well Dex, you know me, I'm a big believer in the Alliance's idealistic future with Frio Bay at the head of an alliance spanning the five isles and destroying the evil MPs once and for all."
We both stared for a second before bursting into laughter, along with the rest the room. Even a few people upstairs heard the exchange and laughed.
"You haven't changed a bit Cale. Same old cynical bastard."
"Just the way I like it Dex."
I looked around at the names on the bunks. Meaghan, Wen, Jeffries, Cale, Solomon, Peter, Jacobson, and of course myself. We were going to be part of that valiant division which would climb a mountain in the middle of winter. Whoever came up with that obviously NEVER leaves their house.
I took my pack and threw it in the corner before throwing myself on my bunk. I saw a sign on the wall detailing our orders. I was about to be in a strike force poised to hit the fifth isle in the largest attack in Alliance history. The ship-out date was tommorow. I paid no mind and went to sleep.
Before I knew it we were headed for the primary landing site on the ATS Jeriap. From there we would go to Dagnor Fortress, now the last stronghold left on the fifth isle, and make the final preparations. Our squad was in good spirits and despite the cold sea, we were all getting along and talking about our lives back at Larow.
We never knew what we were getting into.
Chapter 2: Sea of Chaos
Unknown Date
Location: --- ----- ------[/i]
I felt myself hit a rocky outcropping and stop my descent down the mountain. As I tried to sit up pain shot through my leg, I tried to ignore it, but I fell back in excruciating pain. I watched the snow fall from above.
I was resigned to my fate. I closed my eyes.
One day later: July 23th, 1054
ATS Jeriap, Sea of Psov[/i]
The Jeriap floated with the supply fleet over the silent sea towards the long-used Dagnor Fortress landing site. The Sea in question has its history with the Alliance. The first major battle was fought here between the towns in ages past. It was fitting that this would also have been the site of the first battle with the Mountain People back several years ago. That was also the first time we learned that they were stealing our own ships to use against us. The Battle of Psov was a decisive victory for the Alliance, the first of a select few winning battles against the MPs as they’re referred by many.
I awoke with a start to the sound of footsteps up on top deck. I looked around at the other men on the boat, all asleep. I grabbed my sword and sheathed it, walking towards the door. The ship did seem mysteriously quiet as I walked down the lit corridor.
Suddenly I was grabbed from behind and pulled into the Armoury. Unsheathing my weapon to their neck, I realized it was Lieutenant Leo. She motioned me to stay quiet as two figures passed us in the corridor.
“So, you going to open up your little chamber pot of secrets, Leo, and tell me what’s going on?” I said quietly.
“I’m not entirely sure how. The MPs took the top deck about five minutes ago. It was a quiet job.” She replied.
“Typical MP fashion. Probably nine, that’s the usual boarding size. Got a plan?”
“Not particularly. Wake any of the crew and they’ll probably notice.”
“Well that’s reassu-“
A massive explosion tore my attention away from the conversation. Out the window we saw one of the escort cruisers in flames.
“Alright, I’d say that woke everyone up. We’re out of here.” I said.
Everyone was running for the top deck in a scramble through the corridors. I stuffed my way through the crowd and off onto the deck. I saw what probably caused the cruiser explosion, a methodically set explosive armament.
“Everybody OFF! OFF! ABANDON SHIP!” Several people were shouting.
Standing near the edge, I didn’t even feel it when it happened. The explosives flung me overboard into the water along with dozens of others. I struggled to stay afloat with my wind knocked out of me.
I was grabbed by another bobbing survivor. He dragged me under with him. I struggled and kicked at him, but he just grabbed on tighter. I couldn’t hold us both up and we sank. Despite all my efforts I couldn’t get free. My breath was gone and I was in a panic.
I grabbed my Sword from my sheath and struck across his midsection. I gasped for breath, but all I received was salt water, and the faintest taint of blood. I struggled back to the surface, looking down though, I saw the other man slowly floating down into the dark. No movement at all, just a trail of blood through the water. I killed a man to save myself, was it worth it?
I broke the surface and a hand grabbed me again. I thrashed and kicked until I realized it was coming from a rowboat. I got in and laid back, gasping for air and spitting out salt water.
Sometime later I felt a hot air upon me. I was sitting on the deck of a small Merchant vessel. I turned my head toward the side and saw the ship dedication, standard on all Alliance ships.
“ATS Larow” it was called. I smiled slightly and fell back to sleep.
Chapter 3: Rough Start
One day later: July 24th, 1054
ATS Larow, Approaching the abandoned docks, Fifth Isle[/i]
I peered out over the horizon. The sun was just rising as the Larow stood in line to drop us at the long-abandoned Fifth Isle docks. Around me were the bustling movements of twenty men attempting to get up and ready to disembark with their clumsy armor sets.
I had been offered a suit of heavy armor for the campaign, however I opted for my trusty Iron-reinforced leather armor that had seen it's share of action. It offered me greater flexibility in battle. Just then the ship pulled into dock.
I found myself being practically bullrushed by the crew and passengers in attempting to get off the ship.
"LETS GO YOU PEOPLE! WE DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!" Shouted out the temporary harbormaster.
I jumped off the boat onto the dock and walked over the the Larow rally area. Arriving there I saw that Jeffries, Meaghan, Peter ,and Cale were already waiting packs off. Cale saw me walking up.
"Well if it isn't Dex. Still not dead I see." Cale said in a vaguely sarcastic tone.
“Well if it isn’t Cale, still not funny I see.” I replied. “So Cale, who did we end up losing?”
Cale replied, “The first lost Mckay, Larry, and Muck. We still haven’t heard from Solomon, Wen, and Leo-“ I cut him off.
“We haven’t heard from Leo?”
“Nope, she’s still MIA. That attack through a wrench in the works. Half of the regiment still hasn’t offloaded or reported in. We lost our arrow stocks though, so we’re limited to Swords.”
A runner came through the area.
“Hey you, you seen the Larow team?” He asked a few men. “Any of you guys seen the Larows?”
“Hey! Over here.” I shouted from our shaded area.
The runner came up to me looking somewhat exhausted.
I spoke first. “Take your time kid.”
He finally spoke, “The Commander wants the team’s Officer up front ASAP.”
“Well I guess that means you Dex. Leo stuck you in Second for a reason.” Cale said smugly.
“Oh shove it you lot.” I said as the squad exchanged smirks. “I’ll be there.”
I picked up my pack and headed up to the front of the forming column. The squads from both First and Second Regiment (The Second was our outfit) were getting ready to move out as the last of the ships moved off from the shore. I walked up to the strategy table with the rest of the expedition commanders.
Commander Zoll was talking. “So the First will head up this causeway, clear out the remnant village here at the river fork. After that they’ll cut a hard right and use the mountain road to move up to Dagnor.” He looked up from the table. “Thank you for joining us Dex. Now the Second gets the heavy lifting today folks. You’ll be taking the old road, which need I remind you has gone into disrepair over the years. It’s incredibly mountainous. I’d suggest putting at least one group on overwatch here, on this cliff, to monitor things from above.”
Our Regiment commander Hal spoke, “Dex, I’m going to put you guys on overwatch duty. You know the drill, danger is three whistles.”
Commander Zoll continued. “Command will bring up behind the First and runners will connect the two regiments. Any questions?” There was silence. “Alright, lets roll.”
I got back to the shaded rally point to hear Cale ask, “So, did we get sunk with the crappy job?”
“Every time Cale, every time.” I said in a fairly sarcastic tone. “The second is going to be taking the Old road.” There was a universal feeling of annoyance that swept over the group. “We’ll be taking overwatch on this cliff adjacent to the road.”
The five whistle rally signal went off. I said in a dreary tone, “Alright let’s move people. Solomon, thank you for not being dead, you get point.” I heard him mutter under his breath.
We split off from the First Regiment after we crossed the Danz River and headed up the ‘Old road’. It is named as such because the road was constructed to serve as the first road inland long ago. It is also said to be the site where the armies went mysteriously missing so many years ago.
As we continued on we came to our climbing position. Peter chimed in, “God damn it, we have to climb this?” I replied.
“We’re Larowian, we’re the best climbers. That’s what they tell us at least. Now get your climbing gear ready, we’re going up.”
We unpacked our earthen ropes and climbing picks and began ascending while the rest of the regiment took a rest break. We exchanged some friendly dialogue.
“Everybody, check out the mountain moles.” And “My mother can climb faster than you lot” were popular from the rest area below.
Eventually we reached the top, and looking down it was easily 50-100 feet. The column started moving again and we kept pace, watching the road ahead. We noticed that a storm was coming and temperatures were falling, so we broke out the winter gear while on the move.
Sometime later we had reached the near-halfway point of the trek, when we noticed a peculiar sight ahead on the road. It was being blocked by fallen trees. Many fallen trees.
“Cale, you see that?”
“Yeah, that’s a textbook MP ambush. Solomon, danger whistle.”
Solomon complied, giving the three whistles, but by the time he’d finished, we realized that the column was already getting hit.
“Alright guys, looks like we’re going down. They look to be in trouble.” I said.
We primed and started moving down the cliff. Solomon exclaimed,
“Dex, the regiment looks like it’s about to fold.”
I looked back to see, they were indeed taking losses, their left flank was totally folded. “Let’s pick up the pace!”
Just then Meaghan was thrown off the top of the cliff with force. Screaming in agony, I saw sword marks. The ropes started jerking around. I shouted, “EVERYONE OFF THE ROPES! OFF THEM NOW!”
I threw my climbing pick into the cliff with force and achieved a foothold. I let go of the swaying rope. I was safe. Then I saw Cale.
Cale was screaming as the rope fell. I watched in slow motion as he plummeted the seventy foot drop. I cried out, “CALE! CALE!”
I realized fast that there was nothing to be done. He fell and hit the ground. I heard a large crack as his back hit the ground. He was dead. I dug into the cliff and stood for a moment. Thinking and hoping.
I felt a snow flake hit my face.
Chapter 4: Rendezvous with Destiny
The preceding was based on the Five Isles RP event that took place over the course of one RL week. Events have been dramatically and length enhanced. Some characters have been condensed and others created.