Burd takes an offensive stance, puffs out his chest and looks down at Daemonis. His grin stretching from antler to antler, he speaks through his teeth. "What else are you willing to endure mortal... I think you forget you stand before a demon, elf puke.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Tue 07 July 2009.

Na-Wa minds his own being as they travel.

Play nice Burd or I will finish castrating you. I still have that rusty grapefruit spoon in my possession." The diminutive hooded woman coos as she strokes the agony whip at her side suggestively. She turns her attention from her demonic minion knowing that obedience, at least in his case, is a foredrawn conclusion. She motions Tyirrak ovre to join her and Severin. The lithe wizardress looks almost comical between the two towering reptillians yet she manages to maintain an air of authority. Astride her mystic hovercycle she reaches into one of the saddlebags and pulls out what looks like a small crystal ball and holds it aloft for everyone in squad two to see.

"Attention everyone this little piece of fluff is apparently some sort of weapon of mass destruction. We shall soon discover the veracity of its potency because our mission is to deliver it. Should I fall in battle Severin will place it in my stead. Should we both perish then Tyirrak here will deliver the goods. If all three of us die than one of you others take it and contact Major Karno for instructions. For this part of the mission we do not expect too much resistance.

She places the crystal back inside her saddlebag and looks back up intently.

"However we do plan to intercept a renegade Tolkeen unit that was about fifty members strong at the time of our last intelligence report. Here is what I know;

They are lead by Captain Theodore Kitt, and his second in command Lieutenant Dragana Kovacevic. They are both shifter-mages and none of them have any trouble killing Tolkeen soldiers. They firmly believe we are the enemy, and will stop at nothing to ensure the Coalition victory.

Their troops consist of :

7-8 other mages (line walkers, warlocks, necromancer etc)
3-4 full conversion cyborgs
Drake - a seasoned mind melter
2 Dragon Fly Juggernauts
6-7 Battle Mages
Renszath - A former politician - Raksasha Demon
10 various rifle men
5 master psychics (bursters, zappers etc)
6 summoned gargoyles
2 Mystic Knights
1 High Magus, and his Colossus Automaton from Dweomer

Photios get your ass in the ATV and get to work making scrolls and amulets. Use anyone in the unit in any manner you see fit to accomplish this goal. I want defense and heavy hitting shit. Save the fancy stuff for impressing your mother and your girlfriends. With a name like Photios I hope they are not one and the same.

Portia dismisses everyone with a semi-salute wave off. Leaning over to Tyirrak and Severin she points to a map and whispers.

   Lotus listens to Portia's instructions intently.  Lotus likes the woman and her directness.  When Portia begins listing the roster of the renegades, Lotus is at first looking forward to the opportunity to cross blades with something other than Coalition grunts.  But then two mystic knights are mentioned and Lotus ponders this.  She is far from her days as a fresh recruit, but neither is she a veteran.  She knows the code well however and will follow it to the letter.

   "Portia, I would speak with you privately in regards to the mission when you can find the time.  Or I will keep silent if you prefer."

Moving up towards the APC, Photios blows Portia a kiss before looking over the others gathering to leave, "You heard the Lady, who's got energy to give? Unless we stay close to a ley line we won't be getting much more done unless you non-casters offer up your potential energy."

Focusing his attention then on those who were actually spellcasters he examines them, "Are any of you capable of putting up a heavier shield then I can?"

Casting a spell of protection, he gives an example to the others of his strongest personal shielding and lets them assess whether or not they can best him.
(5th level Invincible Armor)

Severin nods as Portia speaks, "They'll be killing me first ma'am. Ain't getting to you without it." Severin wasn't necessarily happy about it, but it was true, he owed Portia his life.

Daemonis backs down from the conflict with the demon, feeling at least that he didn't lose face. That part was important when dealing with demons. Still there was no long term security, a fact he would hopefully remedy if a situation presents itself where he can speak to Lt. Lynn discreetly. He'll try first in Elven, hoping she speaks the language. Otherwise English will have to do.

"Lieutenant. I would like to ask if you could order your demons specifically not to harm anyone within the platoon. I know how tricky demons can be, and 'play nice' might not be sufficient to prevent incident. It would put my mind at ease if you could say specifically that, just 'don't harm anyone in Pluto company'." He is most respectful in his request and seems to have some small amount of charm that Dyvalis lacks completely. The same, but different.

PM

Portias eyes narrow dangerously at the blown kiss but the corners of her mouth quirk up into a small smile that would give most men the shivers. Turning her attention to Lotus she regards her silently for a moment. She has of course heard things but then rumors are as worthless as the mouths they come from most times. I do not believe the renegades have any Rahu-Men with them if that is what you are worried about. She says and watches closely looking for any reaction. She turns her attention briefly to Daemonis. "Done and done private. If you have any of the magic ability that your other self has then please join Photios in the ATV and help him with the scrolls. Otherwise fall in and prepare to move out. Turning back to Lotus she pulls an apple out from underneath her cloak. A black asp curled around her wrist and forearm shuffles further back into the voluminous sleeve of her silk robe when it is revealed. Speak freely Lady Knight. Portia says and then starts eating her apple. The Lieutenant does not dismiss Severin and obviously means for him to hear anything that she does.

As they travel Na-Wa does his best to ensure his Silonar doesn’t make meal out of anybody ging in the opposite direction, or fellow members of Pluto company. Oddly the beast seems to obey Na-Wa in this regard. Knowing noting of magic but being able to sense it Na-Wa stays out of the conversation the Mean Boss Bitch Lady has with the others regarding magic.

   Lotus' reaction is one of mild surprise.  "You mean Arven?  I've put the gunslinger out of my mind.  Actually, I wanted to speak of the mystic knights you mentioned in this group of renegades.  I wish an opportunity to speak with them before we meet, if possible.  I have a method which may work."
   Lotus towers over the petite lieutenant, but doesn't seem to be trying any intimidation at the moment.  Not that it would work, but it is possible that the simple submissive act of asking permission instead of just taking what she wants might give Lotus a better chance at getting it.

Daemonis is not wholly at peace without hearing Portia give Burd the order. He tries to put it out of his mind for now, but he can't be sure until he hears the utterance. Demons are forever looking for loopholes they can exploit to satisfy their malevolence. They are a lot like lawyers in this way.

All the same, Daemonis sits with Photios to offer his assistance. Presumably they are on a ley line and thus will be able to get a great deal of work done in the time of their travel. "I cannot write scrolls, but can I lend my spell base? I don't know if you are capable of harnessing anti-particles, but they are some of the deadliest forces known. You could make a scroll of this?"

Nodding his head, Photios smiles at the other mage, "Are you referring to summoning a Sphere of Annihilation? I have quite a few scrolls of that spell prepared already but if you are referring to something else please do let me know. As it is... if we travel along a ley line the more of us we can get drawing power the more Amulets of Invincible Armor we can create."

Portia leans in closer to Lotus her voice is low and pleasant as it has ever been. "In all honesty I do not know or care to know anything about your situation with the gunslinger or your fellow knights. I respect loyalty more than almost anything else and I will leave it at that. This war is a win-win situation for me. When Tolkeen prevails then I will rise in the military ranks as long as I can prevent my charges from blundering to noticeably. Should Tolkeen fall then I believe I will fit very nicely into your Federation of Magic. My first instinct is to deny your request but if you care to explain to me how you will accomplish your goals without giving away our platoons position or intent then I am willing to hear you out."

   Lotus removes the skull mask so she can convey her sincerity more effectively.  "I'm sure you are aware of the psychic ability of astral projection.  I can leave the confines of my body and visit my comrades psionically.  All I need is their general location, which I assume you have.  If you would prefer, assign another member of our group to join me.  I anticipate this venture taking less than half an hour.  In fact, I can't maintain astral projection any longer than this."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Fri 10 July 2009.

"Actually we do not know their current location we are to be notified when they are located so we can coordinate an attack with all the available units in the area. I do not see how you contacting them would do anything other than tip our hat and make them aware of our attack. Personally I do not care if a few Mystic Knights perish. That is their own fault for making poor decisions. Officially your request is denied. Lets move out." The Lieutenants Eyelor hovercycle responds to her mental command whicking her silently straight up into the air at breakneck speed and she is off to lead near the front of the pack.

Mah half turns his head back to ask the others riding in his crusader. "So do you guys have lots of injuries, or are most of the wounded killed like my last assignment... most people were killed before I could even perform standard triage..."

Daemonis nods. "Alright then. Invincible Armor. I don't have the spell, but I can help create the talismans and supply you with force. Would also like to create an Energy Sphere as a reserve of potential force." The use of the word 'force' seems to be a mistranslation of some kind, just because most tend to refer to it as 'energy'. The unfamiliarity with energy is another thing that required some adjustment in this world. He had seen technological worlds, but the stakes were high in this dimension, on this planet, where so many worlds collided.

Mah's comment further underlines the intensity of the warfare he was up against. He had already encountered species he'd never even seen written about using technology he didn't understand. But it was true, they seldom left someone wounded. Either you get out unscathed, or you don't get out at all. He discussed his concerns with the healer. "I am trying to understand the scale of things here. Your armor is designed to withstand the blows of demons, and is not even phased by a bullet fired by some kind of gunpowder based weapon, no matter how advanced. And yet these," holding his CS issue "Hellfire" plasma cannon, "seem to vaporize humans, elves, even an ogre, yet some races have adapted to these weapons, like a Rahu-man, or a Titan, most monster races. I just don't understand how the abundance of ley lines has created changes in certain creatures over others."

"Hmmmm... I don't know how to answer that..."

<img src="http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/448/riftsfreehold.jpg"align="left"> FREEHOLD, City of Dragons is known to be a city-state ruled by the infamous Dragon Kings, and as such, is a haven for dragons, and other creatures of magic and inhuman character. It is believed that there are over 150 dragons living in Freehold, some say over 500, with 10 ancient dragons in power. Nobody really seems to know how many there are at all. It is really two cities in one. The Outer City where most of the non-dragons live, and the Inner City, or City of Dragons where most of the dragons live. The whole City is roughly 2/3 the size of Tolkeen, with maybe 20% of her population.

Freehold is built on a man-made island. The outer walls are 60 feet tall, the inner walls are over 200 feet tall, and half that thick. And surprisingly enough there are no defenses anywhere to be seen. Not even outside the City walls. It's as though Freehold is pretending there is no war...

The Outer City is surrounded by a castle-like wall, and Inner City is surrounded by even bigger castle walls. There are residential homes, and markets just like Tolkeen between the two walls. There are Dragon statues, paintings, sculptures, and art of all kinds everywhere. Some buildings are constructed to look like giant Dragon Kings, and children everywhere are wearing leather Dragon costumes, and chasing each other, pretending to fly and breathe fire. There are mages, and magic shops of every sort, weapons and armour, repair and demonic hide outs are spread all around the Outer City. (unfortunately you don't get any discounts here...). The majority of the people are human, with a large amount of gargoyles and Brodkil. There is a sizeable Simvan population as well as tens of thousands of other Dimensional Beings.

Pluto Company travels right up to the main gates in the South Wall. The giant gates appear to open on their own, and close again when they are all through.

Dragons can be seen flying around above the Inner City, and some are resting on high towers, with their wings or tails hanging down off the sides.

A short transmission comes in over the radio. Major Karno says "Hold up here".

Some of the other soldiers sit down, or lean against buildings while waiting for the major to come back with orders.

Na-wa stops Silonar and waits along with everyone else.

---

Now that the column has stopped, Na-Wa's T-Rex takes the time to take a shit in the middle of the street. Semi squatting, the creature raises its tail, spreads its legs and relives itself. By the time the T-Rex is finished there is a pile of excrement nearly five feet high that is predominantly greenish in color. Bits and pieces of white bone can be seen among the excrement, including that of a human skull.

Dyvalis looks toward Inner Freehold, the domain of some of the most powerful creatures in the megaverse. There's something about it that makes him sick to his stomach. Perhaps it's jealousy. He stops his hovercycle and rubs his forehead as though it ached. "Time unfolds the same, over and over again," he mutters to himself, "and the distribution of power is always the same. But I've something to best them all."

Severin breathes in the magic simply pulsing in this wonderful place. "Bet there is some cool shit here boss." Severin will take this time to make sure everyone keeping alert, even though this was a 'friendly' city.

From among the crowds of people, stands a massive beast (just under 15 feet). The winged-creature is dressed in ancient-style plate armour, and decorated with magic amulets and talismans. Tall, even for his species, he looks directly at Lieutenant Portia and starts walking towards her...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Fri 17 July 2009.

Portia sitting sidesaddle smoothly dismounts her hovercycle and confidently strolls forward towards the Baalrog waving a hand to indicate Severin and Burd should hold their position. The site is very odd considering on her tip-toes she does not even reach the demons knees. Speaking Demogogian she speaks in a tone that coveys the feeling of trust and authority even to those who cannot understand the words of the harsh language. "Greetings demon I am First Lieutenant Portia Lynn, third platoon, Pluto company".