[caeso]

 

"I adhere to the terms of our agreement.

From rampart to rampart, there will be nothing left."

In the western steppe, there is the rumbling of hooves and horses. Sand rises in the wake of traveling parties: a single banner hoisted over the horizon.
Recent events have not flagged determination, and the window of peacemaking begins to close with the first strikes exchanged.

What rides on Audhild is not an organized army in neat and orderly ranks, but savages with spears and bows. Volleys of arrows wreathed in the fire of the Dunes to turn the homes of families into no more than a winter's night kindling: each day spreading the encirclement to chip away at the defender's morale. Their intention is made clear: not to accept negotiations or diplomacy, but to make an example of the tradecity for some cause left unspoken. Not even the Khan appears to issue some declaration or speech: only occasionally weaving through ranks and reinforcing his people.

The relative quiet of the far west ends with the onset of a storm most foul, dark clouds of ash and smoke blotting out the skies. For all of a moment, it might appear as if an eclipse had come upon them: and what will follow is the height of their first offensive to pierce into the underbelly of the city. A number of bloody skirmishes were sure to come before any peace could be found on the savannahs that dot the edge of the Silent Expanse.

TARGET: Audhild.

OBJECTIVE: Razing, siege.

DATE: Wednesday 31st, 630 PM EST

 

[Truwarrior119]

"A new threat rides towards our home! Into the field Guard! Let's show them the strength of true progress. Fight with me!"

Audhild, a refuge for many who sought peace, now find its residents once more have to face the horrors of war.

The calls for battle have been made throughout the streets of Audhild, a call for volunteers and any willing to take up arms to defend their growng home. A response to rising tensions within Meranthe, it no doubt would not end here.

Regardless, the constant sound of marching troops signalled one thing...

War.

Mustering within the Golden Guard's ranks, a rapid preparation was made as their enemy would soon face a wall of red uniformed soldiers. Thousands of gun barrels aimed along the wall, with artillery and cannon fire prepared and let loose to shock their cavalry charge. Audhild was now full swing in mobilization of supplies and resources, all of which have now been directed to the front line to handle this incoming threat.

What the Horde Barbarians faced was a determined force of unity, no more would Audhild take such an attack without response, no more would she idly wait.

It was time to match the blood thirst of the world, wasn't it? A familiar thing their Commander knew quite well.

The Maw of a thousand teeth prepared to scream.

[HikikomoriHoney]

"Admonish vermin amid the reeds for they are a herd of beasts stalking the brood of nations; scatter societies who relish in ill-mannered war, soon-to-be humbled creatures paying their remorse."


Quietude purveys the mountainous cliffside for months. Metal chimes reverberated where the Ascended Sanctuary stood soon enough; they were low and singular in existence, initially.

The following days featured  extra tolls which ramped up in volume, then pacing. These announced religious services, more than in previous times. Hummed invocations enhanced this increased stirring as parishes draped in white constantly enter their temple.

Events, some non-negligible, provoke the sands before whipping them into a fury.

The communities devoted to the Sainted Enclave buzz with war-time arrangements; clerics designated themselves towards differing facilities, assisting farmers and alleviating clinical duties. Stockpiles start to line roads.

Gilded Jur'a militants chant in formation occasionlly as one, recognizable figure closely assesses battalions: their Incandescent Diviner observes every happening.

It has become abundantly clear that the Golden Horde transgressed for the last time. The time nears for the Enclave to assist Audhild in exterminating the pestering existence that is the southern tribe.

[Nitsah]

With word of the Enclave's involvement, Delphina stirs with activity. Elzara detachments are seen moving large amounts of supplies across its territory, reserves called upon to practice and prepare.

"This battle is not yours to involve yourselves in, Enclave. You and yours are the last group I would expect to defend Audhild, and it is a mistake I will prevent you from committing.

Audhild is an abomination built as an affront to all that is good in Meranthe. Where the realms came together to do battle against the Deephold, those too craven to involve themselves ran away to the then-hamlet, only some precious few joining the battle independently. Its entire existence is built on the back of deserters and defectors, apostates of Nemea and the entire Pantheon alike. In recent years, even a home of witches and fleshcrafters.

It has been allowed to exist for too long, and this will be corrected at last: whether that's as a pile of rubble, or as a vassal in servitude of Delphina for Her inquisition to pick through matters not. If you would stand in the way of such over a separate conflict, we will not hesitate to show the same treatment to their collaborators.

Nemea's lost children, whether apostate or defector, will be brought back under her banner one way or another. None will stand in the way."

Thus spoke Nemea's Chosen and Queen of Delphina. The Elzara's standing orders are changing from mere non-intervention to preparing an offensive of their own.

[Nova Lycan]

A conversation was had, negotiations made. Payment was doled out and there was a commitment to be fulfilled. One that was made long before the current leader had taken the reigns. And thus, trudging the dunes would be armored clad individuals with half-cloaks of crimson and filled with determination. Shields would be met with weaponry of all kinds to create a symphony of preparation as they march to rally behind the defending force.

At their front would be a snow-haired Drakanite with a hammer at her back, and behind her would be a giant that was in possession of a legacy that belonged to his family.

"For a while we have been stagnant and complacent of the Horde's activities for we did not have ample reason to fully strike save for a promise, and yet that was turned into a conversation. Was. Now, with recent and older information being given on certain affairs, as well as honoring that promise in full instead of holding off once more we The Dauntless stand with Audhild and The Enclave against the attacking force."

Though the giant seemed to have words to share in regards to the most recent addition to the coming battle...

"Aemiliya.


I never thought you to be one to fight alongside Occultists -even after they assaulted one of your beloved Faeborne, allowing her to then be ravished by a member of the Deep-  one that you personally cared for and mended afterwords.

Cease this attack on Audhild. They've fought with us at Ragnarök, nearly losing their own lives in the process. They have dedicated themselves to hunting Demons, and they have temples for worship.

Do -not- fight with the Golden Horde.

If you truly have something to say, something you want addressed, then do not -lower- yourself into joining these savages and occultists. Come to us, we can all have a discussion as there are bigger threats to Meranthe."

The Dauntless marches with Audhild to fulfill a promise, honor a deal, and to strike at The Golden Horde.