The Dwarf looked over the shoulder for a few moments, judging it for any issues. A ruler in hand, the Runesmith measured a series of different angles in the search of numerous pieces of information. After being satisfied with his measurements the smith took a small needle and pocked the high king with it.

Daedric felt himself bleed for a moment. However as he did so the man watched as his blood gave a golden shine that seemed to interest the dwarf for a moment.

Satisfied the Smith made his way to a nearby desk while writing a few things down, “Alright then, Daedric, I think we can definitely make you something.”

“Is that so? How long will it take?”

“I cannot really say you see.” The Dwarf admitted as he let a drop of Daedric’s blood settle on a piece of paper, “Your life force is quite able enough, though I will admit it is kinda odd that it glows gold like that.”

“But that does not answer the question.” Daedric pointed out as he raised his brow, “How long?”

The Dwarf shook his head, “I guess the times of war are making folk a little faster for me. I can say maybe a year for a good quality making.”

“A year! Could you make me a bad one than work on a better one later?”

“Things are not that easy.” The Dwarf admitted as he looked at the paper slowly burning up, “When it comes to making new limbs for people their bodies tend to bind themselves to it. While I can replace it later, it would need to at least be made by the same material or your soul might reject it.”

“Alright then, what do we have?”

“I think a silver limb would do you well, but that one will take a year. A Bronze limb will be about six months and one made of gold will be two. I’ll admit the gold one might be best suited for you, but I know we are in the middle of a war right now.

>Gold
>Silver
>Bronze

>>4995717
>Gold
Alloy it to make it stronger.

>>4995717
>Gold
>tell him to take 3 months to make it a little sturdier, and that should we survive this war we are shure to come back with payment for a better arm
(We can't keep getting things for free, we at least owe him some form of payment for this even if It was commanded by his king)

>>4995717
>Bronze

>>4995717
>Gold
Daedric "Goldarm" "grudgebearer" of the line of Alaric.

Ugh, I don't know who realized it was suppose to be two years or thought it was 2 months. I'll, figure something out.
>>4995724
>>4995781
>>4996062

Bronze
>>4995899

“I think gold will be the right choice, but I feel you messed up in your words somewhere.” Daedric pointed out as he scrutinized the last sentence.

“About…” The Dwarf thought to himself for a moment before his eyes widened, “I meant two years my lord not two months!”

“That is fine, for I have a few ideas.” Daedric pointed out as he got started, “First it does not need to all be made out of gold, but an alloy. See what you can do if you mix it with other metals to make it both sturdier and easier to work with. Add to that I am more than willing to hire more artisans to help you on this project.”

“Hmph, hiring more to help me.” The Dwarf laughed for a moment before shaking his head, “But now it not the time for pride, if you believed gold will take two months I will recruit as many smiths it would take for that to be reality!”

Daedric nodded with a smile, “I await your results.”

“Lord Daedric!” Called out a voice that quickly came through the halls into the Smith’s workshop, “The demons have sent someone to seek your audience!”

“Audience?” Daedric felt his tongue full of icor as he said those words, “Is there not an army nearby?”

“It seems they are… employing the Dwarven traditions of parley before battle. Many of the men are split on whether to follow our law, and need the highest ranking individual to determine what to do.”

>Fire upon him
>Welcome him, but we kill him while he is inside
>Actually talk to the monster

>>4996183
>>Fire upon him

>>4996183
>Actually talk to the monster
>Have everyone get ready to kill the monster on sight.

>>4996311
>support
Let's see what they got

>>4996311
support

>>4996311
>Support

Talk, but hold with caution
>>4996311
>>4996417
>>4996568

Fire upon him!
>>4996253

“Make sure all your weapons are aimed upon this creature, but I will move forward to hear it out.” Daedric said as he rose from his seat to meet the Dwarf, “Come now, we should not leave the emissary waiting.”

“Understood, Lord of Man.”

The Dwarf and Daedric soon started traveling through the halls and caves that made up the Dwarven Stronghold. Unlike before where the place was full of life everyone was busy doing their effort for the war. Even children who normally would be playing have been recruited to the smithies to prepare for battle.

They began going up, arriving at a small bit of confused dwarfs discussing about what was happening. Quickly Daedric’s guide ran to them and told them of his orders, the Dwarfs nodding before returning to their posts.

With his job done the courier turned towards Daedric, “Alright Lord Daedric, I have arranged for a guard if you so desire it. As current Regent of the Keep it is your duty to talk to them.”

“Understood, let us go.”

Just as the Dwarf said Daedric was flanked by a series of bodyguards. These Dwarfs all wore near golden armor and weapons that were at least double their size. Daedric kinda wondered if they could use them, then painful memories of being beaten up by these kinds of warriors quickly brushed his mind.

The cold air quickly hit Daedric who could feel it crawling in his bones. However he dismissed it as he and the escorts made their way towards a being who looked too fat to be a real creature.

“Ahh, the entourage has finally arrived!” Sputtered the creature with a sinister grin before turning into a frown, “Oh my, is that the High King of man inside a Dwarven Fortress I see?”

“And may I ask who sent you?”

“Oh that would be the Duke of Schemes.” Answered the creature as he gave another chuckle, “He has sent me forward to negotiate the terms of your surrender.”

“You think we are going to surrender just because of one person?”

“Its worth a try, don’t you think?” The demon answered while giving a small bow, “I am after all just an expendable pawn in his great game.”

>Something is not right, FIRE UPON HIM!
>Leave, we have no purpose for you here
>Bring him inside, then chain him up and get some damn information from him.
>Order the Dwarfs to run from him, NOW!

>>4996719
>Order the Dwarfs to run from him, NOW!
Booby trap

RUN!!
>>4996960

“YOU ALL GET AWAY FROM HIM NOW!” Daedric called out as he quickly took out his sword.

“Tsk, I guess I gave it away too soon.” He said before his body suddenly started expanding to the size of a dangerous balloon.

The size of the explosion was large enough that almost all the snow around them became water. That was the least problemsome part of it all since the creature’s guts were thrown everywhere. Daedric however stood his ground and received the impact by being an immovable object.

Once the explosion cleared up Daedric could all but give a cough as he wiped away the guts from his face. Of course he looked like he just went through hell, which was helped by the fact he was already missing a limb. Still, what the hell were they trying to do here!?

Moments later Daedric watched as a series of flames became lit from one side of the mountains. Quickly most of the Dwarfs began moving around as if their lives depended on it for some reason.

It was when those who were his bodyguards came over to explain that he got the story, “Lord Daedric, we must return inside immediately! Enemy forces are approaching as we speak!”

“Damn!” Daedric cursed himself as they quickly ran into the fortress for safety.

He saw numerous men and dwarfs preparing for the incoming siege. Soldiers were moving left and right with barely any oder among the ranks.

It was obvious now was the time for him to act. He needed to unite all of this manpower into a force capable for recieving the enemy.

>Order the gates shut and prepare for an evacuation!
>Prepare for a proper siege!
>Assemble the army for a quick retaliation!

>>4997045
>Prepare for a proper siege!

>>4997045
>Prepare for a proper siege!

>>4997045
>>Prepare for a proper siege!

Prepare for a proper seige!
>>4997198
>>4997258
>>4997320

“Set up the Balistas and prepare to fire at them!” Announced Daedric as he ran through the hold, “Set yourselves up to defend the grand gates so that these demonic invaders do not even think to come towards us!”

With the will of a single soul being placed upon the fortress the movements of the defences quickly became far more organized and able. The schemes and ability of the men were organized through this will so that everything was set up to the desire of the leadership.

It must have been a few hours later, but the bastards did infact throw a series of monsters right at Daedric and the Dwarfs. However the attempt was half hearted and resulted in the goblins being loaded up with ballista bolts.

A day passed after the death of those scouts, however it was obvious the siege had begun. Just beyond the range of the ballistas were columns of smoke hinting at the staying of troops.

Of course it was much harder to seige an active Dwarf stronghold like this one, but Daedric guessed that they were planning to send numerous monsters over to try and infiltrate them. Hell, they might even try and break into the tunnels that gave their stronghold the longevity that it had.

Daedric was within the war room of the fortress looking over a map when he was approached by five dwarfs and a man, “So what is the situation?”

“Sir, their army is about equal size to the forces that we have within our fortress.” The head Dwarf responded with a firm assessment of the situation, “The fools must have thought we would lock up our doors the moment they came, as they have brought numerous monsters that would help them in a siege.”

“Would it help them in open battle?”

“Not as much as a siege sir!”

>Head out and meet them in open field combat
>Keep up the defences and wait for a relief force.

>>4997414
>>Head out and meet them in open field combat

>>4997414
>Head out and meet them in open field combat
Can we sneak out a few hundred or few thousand men from hidden and smaller passages and tunnels?
I want to hit them from multiple angles and run skirmishers through their rear and surprise a few of their more isolated units and supplies.

>>4997414
>Head out and meet them in open field combat
>Can we open the ground under them. (One group does a frontal assault while others storm out of tunnels).

>>4997414
>Head out and meet them in open field combat

File: Untitled presentation (1).png (44 KB, 960x540)

44 KB PNG

“Then we prepare to meet them out on the battlefield.” Daedric announced as he looked over the map infront of him, “We will likely meet them on a nearby plateau, correct?”

“Indeed, Lord of Men.” The Dwarf said while pointing on the map, “This here is the best place to meet those fuckers head on. Their trickery can do nothing as there.”

“Would it be possible for there to be a flanking force?” Daedric asked as he towered over the dwarf, “If we could take out their backline I am sure we can get a good fight in.”

The Dwarf shook his head, “I am sorry milord but we do not have any tunnels that open up there. To do so would risk the bastards getting into the keep if we were to lose.”

Daedric gave a solemn nod of understanding, “Then prepare the men for a battle. I want to make sure these creatures are slaughtered to the man.”

“Of course, Lord of Men.”

Within only a day the forces were brought together. Numerous men and dwarves were brought together line by line.

As for those who were there, Daedric counted several men under his command. In total he had about seven units of dwarven hammers with two units of dwarven archers. The humans brought two squads of swordsmen and a group of archers. Lastly, for the back line, Daedric counted two sets of Ballistas prepared to spear his enemies.

It seems the demons and monsters have reared their heads to fight the fight. They themselves held about fourteen of those small goblin creatures as their frontlines. This is followed by two giants who were probably the siege monster.

The one who really Caught Daedric’s eyes was another fat monster, this one looking almost identical to the one who blew up on him earlier. He thought the suicidal creature would have been up front but the monster was sitting pretty in the middle of the monstrous host he brought with him.

>Widen the forces out to receive the enemy
>Wrap around the Ballistas and Archer to protect them.
>Put pressure in the middle to try and penetrate the enemy’s ranks

>>4997886
>Widen the forces out to receive the enemy
Let’s not give the gobs the opportunity to flank us due to their numbers. Also this will give time for our archers and ballistas

>>4998131
Alright, I'mma let this go for a little bit. Yes I know I have a vote, but I think people will like the actual fight here.

I just blame school going into full swing for the few posts. I know most of you are college or high schoolers.

>>4998131
>support
>Once our archers have a clear line of sight have then focus the giants along withe the ballista as well

>>4997886
>>Widen the forces out to receive the enemy

Widen out to receive!
>>4998131
>>4998160
>>4998321

File: Battle Set Up.png (62 KB, 960x600)

62 KB PNG

With the battle start the enemie’s forces quickly ran themselves into the front lines of Daedric’s forces with a crush of metal against wood. Goblins and Dwarf fighting against one another for supremacy.

“WIDEN OUT MEN WIDEN OUT!” Daedric called out as many of his soldiers began their fights in earnest.

It was pretty easy to see that the Goblins were quite weak to the full brunt assualt of Dwarven hammers. Their skulls were caved in by the dozen and their statures were made even shorter with a single swing of the hammer. Though the sight of the Giants actually doing the good fight was enough for Daedric to become angered.

Daedric moved on to his archers and ballistas, “Fire upon the Giant on the left! Cut his head off!”

The archers responded in kind, firing a series of bolts and arrows right at the beast with impunity. It was working against the beast that it was so tall, as the ranged units did not need to care who was near him to fire at his face.

As this fight went Daedric watched as the enemy’s back line of Goblins started to move out and prepare to either reinforce the forces or flank him. Daedric could not tell what they were planning but of course he needed to fear the worst.

Still the battle was in the favor of his forces, as thanks to his commands the first real casualty of the fight was the Giant. While they were small, anything can die if it experiences a thousand cuts.

Right now Daedric need to make sure he was the one controlling this battle. To do that, he needed to focus one of his flanks to their fullest potential.

>The left flank!
>Take the Right and kill the last Giant!
>The center, for Daedric will fight the commander!

>>4998515
>>Take the Right and kill the last Giant!

>>4998515
>Take the Right and kill the last Giant!
>Envellop on both sides.

>>4998515
>Take the Right and kill the last Giant!

>>4998515
>Take the Right and kill the last Giant!

>>4998515
>KILL THE LAST BOMBER.
JUST REREAD
>KILL THE BLOATHED FUCK.

>>4998755
But he’s in the middle of his army, if he were to explode he’s taking most of his forces with him

To the Right
>>4998517
>>4998628
>>4998669

KILL THE BOOMER!
>>4998755

“The other Giant the other giant!” Shouted Daedric as he quickly started moving himself towards the right side of the battle field.

Swords against sword clashed as the archers tried their best to move themselves to a proper view of the giant monster. The dwarves underneath the Giant’s feet were taking a beating that left quite a few dead for sure. However they kept their ground as numerous arrows began to rain upon the monster.

As Daedric moved himself to confirm its death he watched as inaccurate arrows rained down upon the dwarven center. Those who were not in the midst of combat were forced to defend themselves against the rain of arrows with only a shield to defend themselves. They of course looked pretty worn but their spirit kept them going.

Beyond them the warriors upon the left flank were taking the worst beating out of everyone. They were starting to swim in Goblin bodies as the green fuckers started to flood onto them with a fury. Such a bloody event Daedric forsaw, but damn was it brutal regardless.

Just as those men were struggling however Daedric’s left flank was winning far more. The Giant had went down faster than the previous one, allowing the archers and ballistas to turn their fire upon the horde of green.

Those green were slaughtered like chickens. None of them could defend against the full assault of arrow fire along with those who saw themselves backed up by their own commander. The two companies of Goblin began to flee within only a minute of this brutal fighting.

With the way clear Daedric was able to advance forward and challenge the ones who stood in the back meant to reinforce their brothers in arms. Their forces clashed with Daedric’s getting a good amount of speed before the impact. With arrow fire like this they might be able to crumble this flank for good.

However he was not a fool. He saw the enemy commander moving over and doubling down on the left flank. It was a roll of the dice if whether or not those men would stay there, but it could be hardened with arrows as these goblins did not stand much of a chance against it.

>Archers to the left Flank!
>Remove the right with impunity!
>Equal it out, we can do both!

oops

>>4999032
>Archers to the left Flank!
>have the ballista fire on their archers

>>4999054
>support

Split the fire between archer and Ballistas
>>4999054
>>4999253

File: Battle Set Up (2).png (74 KB, 960x600)

74 KB PNG

The fight became a race as the two sides were slowly widdling down one another with arrows and swords.

The first to start and crumble, luckily, was the forces who Daedric was leading. With their power they fell into the next wave of enemies with a fury and began fighting the goblins for supremacy of their backline.

With this side of the battle secure the forces quickly moved to cover the other flanks of the fight. The Ballistas began to fire their bolts into the archers at the back line with mixed results. At the very least the archers were taking fire which lowered their efficiency significantly.

This was followed by the archers in Daedric’s forces turning to receive the forces on the left flank. Arrows rained upon them and caused the numerous forces of greenskins back as many of their kind were being killed by arrow fire. This however did not deter the forces of evil, who were able to force two units upon that side to rout.

There were still dwarfs, the stubborn bastards, who stood in the way against the encroaching horde.

With that Daedric was able to comfortably push the right flank. One of his forces did fall to the fire of the remaining archers, but that was nothing compared to the two forces combined of dwarf and man rushing down the rear end.

While one of the rear guards came to receive one group, the other group was able to come in and terrorize the archers. Just from the sheer sight of the rampaging humans the archers had begun their retreat.

As he had won the race Daedric was going to win, the question was now how to finish it?

>Collapse into the front line and sandwich them
>Chase off the Archers
>Try and capture the enemy leader

>>4999316
>Try and capture the enemy leader
My guess is that since he's a leader, he may not have the explosion power. Even if he has, it's better to finish him now and weaken a link of the daemon lord

>>4999316
>Try and capture the enemy leader
Rest are meaningless, and will scatter to the wild.

We can raise some forest rangers to deal with them at worst.

>>4999316
>>Collapse into the front line and sandwich them

Capture the Leader
>>4999354
>>4999481

Sandwich them

“Collapse onto the enemy’s lines, bring me the head of their general!” Shouted Daedric as he declared his intentions.

His soldiers extended his will nicely, those behind moving towards where the general was. Following them the other flank finished off their goblins and started marching over there.

Looking over Daedric could see the expression upon the demon’s face change to one of resent. He raised his hand towards Daedric and declared, “You have won it seems, High King. Do not think we are at the end of this war. I will be back!”

It was then that Daedric noticed his body starting to inflate. Just like before where Daedric was the only one caught in the blast, but this time both dwarf and goblin were caught in it. The explosion was large and devastating across the battlefield.

The explosion flattened both sides of the fight, with the boom large enough that it finally gave the Goblins the spook needed to flee. One after another they fled. Many however were cut down by the advancing dwarfs or man.

Daedric cursed the bastard before he thought to himself for a moment at his declaration. It did not matter much now but it was something to keep in mind as he guessed how they were going to meet again.

The battle was soon over, Daedric’s side collecting a series of prisoners for interrogations.

Overall it was a victorious battle, though not in the best way Daedric desired.

>Work on interrogating the prisoners
>Send out a messenger to inform people this happened
>Prepare the hold for another attack!

>>4999590
>>Send out a messenger to inform people this happened

>>4999590
>Send out a messenger to inform people this happened
Propaganda is a powerfull tool.

>>4999590
>Send out a messenger to inform people this happened

Send out a message of what happened
>>4999594
>>4999595
>>4999979

“Upon this day I, Daedric Grudgebearer, defended the Dwarven Homekeep from the numerous abominations that seeked to infiltrate it.” Daedric said to the messenger as he gave the young boy a glare, “I want all to know of this achievement and know that the enemy is active. Do you understand?”

“I understand Mi’ Lord!” Cried the messenger as he finished writing it down, “I shall tell all the holds of what happened today!”

“Good, good.” Daedric nodded to himself as the boy ran to deliver the messages through the underground.

“And with that all will know of your triumph.” Answered a dwarf of the honor guard with a grin, “pity how many dwarves we lost in that fight.”

“Well most of the able bodied ones went with the Deep King.” Daedric told the fellow as he gave a solemn nod, “There is nothing we can do about it unless we want to fail at the war.”

“I guess you’re right.” The fellow admitted as he took a swig of mead.

“That does not mean we can be lazy.” Called out another Dwarf with a good bit of spite in his words, “If we are low on men there must be something that can fix it.”

“I think having children would be a little slow.” Said another dwarf.

“Then we need to improve something else.” Daedric answered them as the thought to himself, “What goes into the Dwarf warmachine besides mead?”

“Swords, Runes, and metal.” Answered the Royal Guard member to Daedric’s question, “Those are what makes us Dwarves so great.”

>Improve the runes then, I know some theories from mankind
>Sharper swords are always better swords
>The metal itself, maybe it can be improved

>>5000137
>Improve the runes then, I know some theories from mankind
A creation of Dwarfs and Man, I like It. And maybe it can improve the runes if the metal arm if Daedric, ir even learn a little more about them.

>>5000137
>Improve the runes then, I know some theories from mankind

>>5000137
>>Improve the runes then, I know some theories from mankind

Improve Runes with mankind's ideas.
>>5000158
>>5000315
>>5000337

“Then we improve the runes.” Daedric declared as he rose from his seat, “Surely you guys have been working something up just for this instance haven't ya?”

“Of course we have.” The Royal Guard announced as he rose from his seat, “The Dwarven Runes are our finest achievement.”

“But have they been improved?” Daedric once again asked.

“Runes are tried and tested sort of magic, you humans would not understand it that much.” Answered one of the Dwarfs in the back.”

“Well, I might have a few suggestions you see.” Daedric said as he thought to himself for a moment, “Maybe not the runes themselves, but how you can apply the runes.”

The dwarfs of course looked at him skeptical but it was the Royal Guard who answered, “Then I shall summon the Grand Runesmith. He’ll bite your tongue for us.”

A little bit of time went by as Daedric wondered through the halls and once more arrived in a familiar abode. The Grand Runesmith was of course the same Dwarf who was working on Daedric’s arm. The two looked at one another for a moment weighing the other against themselves.

“So you have a suggestion?”

“Of course, as you know my mother is the Grand Sorcerer of the Academy. Even if I was not formally trained in her craft I was around when she did some of her experiments.”

“Were you now?” The Smith seemed both curious and insulted at the same time as he leaned in, “Then tell me, Daedric, what is your suggestion?”

>We should quickly test to find if there is a special alloy that improves magic. We know gold is best, but is there better?
>Put runes inside of plates with runes! A rune Matryoshka Doll
>Shrink the runes to fit even more on it!

>>5000603
>Put runes inside of plates with runes! A rune Matryoshka Doll

>>5000603
>We should quickly test to find if there is a special alloy that improves magic. We know gold is best, but is there better?

>>5000603
>We should quickly test to find if there is a special alloy that improves magic. We know gold is best, but is there better?

Improve the metal
>>5000735
>>5000815

Matryoshka Doll

“Well, as we both know gold is the best conduit for magic.” Daedric told the Dwarf with a good sense in his voice, “Surely there must be something better than just raw gold.”

“Already tried using a gold/silver mix.” The Dwarf admitted as he reached over and took out a small off looking dagger, “Overall its not that good. Only capable of putting three runes on it, which is about as many as Silver can have by itself. So ya know, a good waste of gold this project was.”

“Hmm, what about the material that is not gold.” Daedric pointed out as he remembered back to the sticks her mother was testing, “You use leather and wood on the handle right? Surely we can use something better than just those ordinary items.”

The Dwarf opened his mouth, then closed it again. He was thinking hard to himself as he thought to himself, “Do you have any suggestions on the kind of material we could use, oh wise king?”

Daedric thought to himself for a moment, reaching back to the times his mother had him around for experimentation. The woman had devoted her entire life to making the vessels that enable magic smaller and smaller so that they can be used almost anywhere. He knew she was getting close, using sigil inscribed metal rods placed within woods. If he remembered right…

“I think it was evergreen wood that my mother found the most use.” The King announced as he nodded to himself.

“A tree that never wilts in winter?” The Dwarf guessed correctly as he kneeled over a table and started working things out, “That tree is supposed to have magic in it right? Since its able to survive the winters without falling to decay.”

“You’re right, so you think there is something deeper than that?”

“Why yes, its well known that Dragon’s blood is quite the empowering fluid that is flooded with magic. Any blood has magic in it but a Dragon’s is so powerful that it makes a person immortal.” The Dwarf summarized with a smirk, “And since any person has a little magic in them maybe we should be using blood instead.”

“Sounds brutal.”

“Not if we use your prisoners.” The Dwarf pointed out as he grew a smile, “Those buggers are not natural, so surely they got a bunch of magic in their veins.”

Daedric could not help but agree that is an idea, and might even be a quick one to perform, however, “What about the hide of creatures then. Their hide and bone might be useful.”

“Ha, now that is something.” The Dwarf laughed for a moment, “Who knows what kinda armor can be made with that.”

>Use the wood of the Evergreen
>Blood of the Prisoners
>The hide of monsters

>>5001091
>>Use the wood of the Evergreen

>>5001091
>Use the wood of the Evergreen

>>5001091
>Use the wood of the Evergreen
We won't become monsters ourselves.

>>5001091
>Use the wood of the Evergreen

The Evergreen
>>5001108
>>5001167
>>5001183
>>5001410

File: file.png (2.81 MB, 1510x898)

2.81 MB PNG

“We should see about using an evergreen.” Daedric declared as he thought to himself for a moment more, “We are not the enemy.”

“Aye, might be a tad morbid to use the blood of our enemies to quench our blades. The warriors can do that in the middle of the fight.” The Dwarf said as he took a swig of mead, “I am sure someone around the keep has some evergreen furniture. I’ll just pay em off and see what I can do with it.”

“Good.” Daedric said as his work here was done.

Time went by, about a month passed since the attack on the fortress. There was not much news and Daedric was busy helping the Grand Runesmith in his duties as well as organizing the reinforcements. The winter was finally starting to kick in and snow was on the surface.

Daedric however could not stay in the warm heart of the fortress. He was at the front gate waiting for an army who was soon arriving through the doors.

As the men passed Daedric looked forward seeing a young man who looked to have grow up several years. The other man had grown a smile as he looked at Daedric, then widening his eyes as he gazed upon Daedric’s missing limb.

“I did not believe it happened.” Daedric’s brother Helric said as he looked at the missing limb of Daedric’s, “The Dark Lord really did a number on you.”

“He did, though I almost gutted him too.” Daedric said to his brother with a smirk, “Is the winter starting to get that bad?”

“Its the worst winter any of the men and dwarves have seen. Even the demons are freezing over as snow layers upon everything. Maybe the gods are trying to help us.”

“Or the demons are trying to recoup their losses from the last few battles. I had some messengers give me information, but what is happening out there?”

Helric nodded as got out a small map and showed Daedric, “The monsters have quickly gone up north and taken almost all of the east. With them I have heard the northerners are pouring down from the North but seem to mostly be going for our cousins in the west.”

“Well our Father neutered them, so I am not too worried about those folk. And of the Dukes?”

“One has been killed, if we are to believe the messengers and bards. A group who were there during the fall of the Mountain Gap Bastion took him out as they defended a village in the eastern fringe.”

Daedric’s eyes widened for a moment as he was getting a guess of who these people were. If those bastards actually did it, Daedric was correct in employing them for the war.

“We will be stuck here for a few months.” Helric said as he gave a sigh, “After that, the war will be back on.”

“Indeed it shall be.” Daedric admitted as he shook his head.

>Train up the men
>Get the population to reinforce the army
>Start arming them with better weapons!

>>5001561
>>Train up the men

>>5001561
>Train up the men
We can give them better arms once we can secure a save supply route and have some improvements on the dwarven runes

>>5001561
>Train up the men

Train the men up
>>5001627
>>5001659
>>5001686

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The next few months were used as wisely as they could be. Daedric and his brother both worked hard upon the army. With perfect formation the men were able to bring their spears and swords forward to give the best stab they can. A problem of not liking to be charged was something only practice would edge out.

Yes, making your men into a wall of meat was slightly immoral, but what else can man do. When the monsters come forward and strike, a single man would die. Two or three can fight, but if some sacrifice their lives to fight these damned horrors for others to bring forward their spear and kill their many than that was what needed to be done.

Though these were trained men were tainted by all the horrors that the enemy had brought about.

Yes, the horrors...

“Brother, what has happened on the outside?” Daedric asked as he was with his brother for a night, “The men whisper in hushed tones of horrors comminuted just soft enough for me not to hear. Whenever I ask them what they have witnessed their eyes widen and they become speechless.”

Helric nodded to himself as he seemed to weigh those words, “You see, brother, we tried to rescue Cloric’s Keep from those dreadful beasts. We were crossing through numerous towns that were held by the monsters and…”

There was a pause, long enough that Daedric felt that he should fear the worst. It was after a few minutes that the man spoke, “The towns still stood, but in this places there were numerous fortresses built to the glory of their dark gods. Come to find out that they had killed all the men and used the woman as breeding stock.”

“Breeding Stock?” Daedric’s words were in near disbelief.

“Those Goblins, the little monsters they are, seem to grow with the rape of woman. They are fast to grow, and if the woman is fertile they are able to birth their bastard within so little time.”

“So they are the perfect troop for invasion.” Daedric realised while slamming his fist against the table, “They can take half the population and nearly double their ranks, using the children to kill off other humans in a horde the size of their previous town.”

“The only luck we have is that they are weak.” Helric admitted as he took a strong drink of mead, “If they were the strength of a man we would lose.”

Daedric thought to himself again, “Brother, that is the foe we are fighting. However, with the fear these men have, what if we tune it.”

“What are you suggesting, my King?” Helric said in jest.

“Well….”

>Amplify the religious aspect to drive them into a religious fury
>Drive home that there is no survival after this. That they need to fight to a man
>Tell the men they are fighting for humanity! That they should have pure hatred for these creatures!

>>5001758
>Drive home that there is no survival after this. That they need to fight to a man
It's a simple fact.

>>5001758
>Amplify the religious aspect to drive them into a religious fury

I'll wait for someone to break the tie here.
>>5001882
>>5001908

>>5002197
>Drive home that there is no survival after this, that they need to fight to a man

This option, but more inspiring hope than the last stand than it seems to connotate. We are the true lords of this world! Man and dwarf!

>>5001758
>>Drive home that there is no survival after this, that they need to fight to a man

Drive Home
>>5001882
>>5002205
>>5002259

Amplify the Religious element
>>5001908

In the next few months when the winter started to ebb away and the feet of snow started to melt the people were gearing themselves up for a new season of war.

This new season of war was to be brutal, maybe more so than the previous one, for the enemies of man were finally upon them. The Soldiers spoke of rumors from the far north where the enemies of mankind would rape and pillage the villages and towns that had spawn up there.

These rumors were fueled by what the men had already seen. The horrors that not even the most fantisful of minds are capable of. None of these rumors were exaggerations on what they had seen before.

However through the training given by their liege, they had learned to forget these freights. Their fear had ebbed away as they were trained to rely upon one another for the future of man and dwarven kind.

The day before the snow melted completely, all of the armed forces were brought within the grand roads of the Dwarven Keep. Ordered by the superiors to stay in formation they all stood in wait for what was rumored to be the High King himself appearing.

Those rumors had proven themselves correct as Daedric looked over the series of formations assembled before him. Most of the men remarked how he was so small from there, but all had first hand experience with the power that was Daedric. That was the reason they could not believe it when they saw it.

HIs voice however was not small.

“Men, tomorrow you will march upon the soils of the Kingdom once again.” Daedric announced as he looked over them all, “These are the dark times that Alaric, my great grandfather, foresaw so many years ago. My fathers since then had attempted to stem the tide but could not stop it.”

There was chatter among the men but that was stopped as Daedric spoke again, “Now we are placed in the back foot, forced to face a near extinction of our entire species. All of you already know that, the fear well known within these last few days.”

The High King took a breath, “But just like the era where mankind was forced to fight the orcs we are here to fight off the damned monsters! They are pushing mankind to the wall well we will use the wall to hold up our backs and fight! Human and Dwarf, we will never fall to the monstrous existences that are these things!”

Daedric took out Fortage and held it up high, “In the name of Mankind we fight! For even if we die here today our children and fellow man shall kill them all! For Civilization!”

“For Civilization!”

“For Civilization!”

“For Civilization!”

>Head out into war with an army of men, even without a new arm
>Stay here and continue being the guard of the Keep
>Travel to the Bastion of Mankind to check on the last brother.

>>5002412
>Head out into war with an army of men, even without a new arm

>>5002412
>Stay here and continue being the guard of the Keep
Till we get the arm we should stay but we should also send out messages providing support for the men and dwarves out there fighting and give hope to the people of our kingdom and ask them to continue to give support to those fighting

>>5002412
>>Travel to the Bastion of Mankind to check on the last brother.

Welp, I guess we are carrying on to the night.
>>5002493
>>5002510
>>5002611

>>5002493
>Head out into war with an army of men, even without a new arm
This, but we have to be intelligent about not getting involved in the fight too much. We should be clear with our fellow generals that we are there for the morale of the troops and strategizing, until we regain our full strength. It would spell the doom of man if we were to die before slaying the Dark Lord.

Head into War!!!
>>5002493
>>5002673

Stay Here
>>5002510

To the Bastion of Man
>>5002611

The speech of the previous day was within the heads of men throughout the entire army as they gathered up and prepared for war. They knew the risks now, but with words and training to reinforce the will of sacrifice was enough to drive these men into a fury.

Daedric sat upon the back of Byk, the mount that was for most purposes immortal to the changes of time. Next to him as they began marching was his brother Helric, who also rode a Ragoo of high standing.

“So, brother.” Helric began as the two looked forward, “We must figure out which direction we need to take, eh?”

“Of course, the dukes of the enemy are assembling themselves to push the north.” Daedric assumed as they rode forward, “Which leaves a single duke to cover the rear.”

“We forget about the Dark Lord himself, unless you think he is still recovering.”

“The strike of Fortage was deep, however it pains me to note that the armies of his have yet to settle into squabbling.”

“So he is still strong enough to keep them going.”

Daedric gave a nod as he looked around to see the still melting snow across the lands. It was a beautiful look all around as he noted the crystal like reflection of the sun upon them. What got Daedric the most though was that it was bright, brighter than it has been in nearly a year.

“I take it Stog will be fighting in the North?”

“Do I really need to answer that brother?”

“No you do not but I wanted to make sure I was right.” Daedric laughed as he took a decision.

“It it helps, I heard that the Duke of the Mountain Gap has an army out there to.” Pointed out Helric with a smirk, “Seems he wants revenge for his father’s passing.”

>To the North to the Fight the incoming armies
>Straight east to cut them down there!

>>5002936
>>To the North to the Fight the incoming armies

>>5002936
>To the North to the Fight the incoming armies
The enemy isn't allowed to expand. More expansion means more "breeding stock" for their armies.

>>5002936
>To the North to the Fight the incoming armies

>>5002936
>>Straight east to cut them down there!

Fight in the North!
>>5002944
>>5003023
>>5003049

Straight East
>>5003153

“Then we shall join him.” Daedric told his brother with strength in his voice, “If we let them expand up there, then we are only granting those fools more breeding stocks for their foot soldiers.”

“A sound reason that I am sure no soldier can argue with.” Helric admitted as he pushed forward, “It will be almost two week’s travel with this many men, Daedric, prepared to live life on the saddle.”

“Don’t worry, I have this handled.” Daedric laughed as Byk continued its march forward.

The journey was a long one, that much his brother did not lie about to Daedric.

The almost two thousand man army moved through the wilderness and roads that dotted the landscape. The numerous places where Daedric previously placed roads was enough to move them just that little bit faster.

Looking around at the country side, Daedric saw the numerous farms that surrounded the Bastion of Man. When the people looked upon the army there was hope upon their faces, doubly so when their eyes widened upon the back of Daedric.

They knew he was the High King, and while they realized the rumors about his injury were true, they still felt hope seeing him. It was an almost instinctual effect that the possessors of Fortage had upon these people.

As for the men they were growing a bit weary thanks to the long travel. The journey however was not nearly as bad as they expected, and the sights of every person’s glowing faces was enough to raise their hopes.

It was when Daedric saw one of their head scouts returning to him that Daedric felt a little cautious. The young boy upon his Ragoo looked almost frightened but relieved to see Daedric, “Mi Lord! I have sighted some monsters hiding themselves amongst the trees in the north east.”

“Is it an ambush?” The King asked the soldier.

“No, it looks like they are trying to lie low my lord, they are hoping that we pass them up.” The Scout said with nerves running high.

>Walk into them and just kill them
>Set up a counter ambush
>Send for a flanking army to come and help flesh them out.

>>5003381
>Set up a counter ambush

Set up a counter ambush
>>5003437

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Was lying in wait for the enemy an improper act?

Was letting them do whatever they wanted until they crossed you dangerous?

Did they really think they could jump a bunch of monsters?

The answer to all of these questions for Daedric were no, not really, and why not try?

Daedric lied in wait along with a series of swordsmen sitting next to him. Everyone was looking into the clearing among the numerous trees about the area. They all were aware that these monsters would not take the roads but instead the wilderness, but that did not mean they liked traveling through trees.

No, Daedric had a good guess that they did not. Based on the fact the Goblins were abominable little humanoids and their brethren did not look to be any better. And since they seemed too dumb for the concepts of footware well Daedric was smiling when he saw them slowly make their way about the Horizon.

There were numerous cries of anger and bitching through the air. None of them however were able enough to stop the warlord from leading them through the open fields. Getting a good look at the creature it stood upright like a man but its face had more relation to a beast than any of the other creatures Daedric had seen.

Daedric felt it was giving off a regal vibe, its glare enough to silence those it looked at. Though it was obvious that the creature was the only thing keeping this herd of monsters together as is.

Still, they were within the range for an ambush. Because of this Daedric was going to hit them hard!

>Hit them from both sides!
>Charge their leader and cut the bastard’s head off
>Shove a massive force into the middle and cut them into two armies.

>>5003567
>Hit them from both sides!
Let none escape.

>>5003567
>Hit them from both sides!

>>5003567
>>Hit them from both sides!

>>5003567
>>Hit them from both sides!

From both sides!
>>5003604
>>5003672
>>5003742
>>5003830

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“CHARGE!!!”

Called out by Daedric himself, both sides of the clearing were quickly filled up with men and dwarves. Blades in hand and the desire of survival in their war cries they flooded the area with preparations to slaughter all before them.

Of course this would spook the creatures and cause them to almost run away, but the head of the army growled with a fury that forced them all back into line.

It did not matter for them anyway, as thanks to the combined efforts of Daedric’s men and brother they were all trapped within a gauntlet of men. Goblin were slaughtered as the fearful little monsters were forced to the blade.

“RAAAAAH!” cried the leader of these creatures as he quickly turned his horns towards the forces of man and started his attempt to slaughter as many men as he could.

It was brutal, as unlike his goblins he was not bound and could freely kill man after man. Few men stood a chance against his domination making it clear that while these Goblins were meant to be chaft he was meant to be a true war machine.

Daedric felt his hand go towards Fortage. He could try to fight the creature directly but he was at a disadvantage. He would be risking his life for what is a show of force and might.

He could also have his brother fight, allowing him to start making a name for himself. Daedric wondered if his brother was capable of fighting the good fight, and this would show him the capabilities of that man.

Still, against all of this, Daedric could just have the archers load the bastard with arrows. It would be kinda humiliating for the creature.

>Fight him directly
>Allow the brother to prove himself
>Just fire the archers,

>>5003979
>>Just fire the archers,

>>5003979
>Just fire the archers,

Archers, kill him
>>5003983
>>5004058

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“ARCHERS!” Daedric called out to his men with a firm authority, “FIRE UPON HIM!”

The numerous archers quickly changed their aim and began releasing a torrent of arrow fire upon the monster. While many of them did not hit, many still landed upon his hide. However it seemed that even though he was being stabbed like this, the bastard quickly ran himself into the nearest crowd of swordsman and started his murder spree.

The battle itself was quickly becoming something of a cluster fuck. The enemy forces tried their best to rearrange themselves to welcome in the coming onslaught. However even with that they were still forced to fight an ever closing wave of men with swords pointed in their direction.

From afar Daedric could see his brother join in the slaughter. The man, even if he was not trained just for war like he was, still sowed through these monsters like they were grass against a sythe.

The Dwarfs in these combined forces did their best, becoming the caps that kept the Goblin army from leaving, but it was the numerous forces of man that slaughtered them. Sword against flesh these creatures did not find themselves in the best situation.

Even those Goblins who took up archery found themselves in a struggle as they all gave up upon. The forces of men were not large enough to encapsulate them but the archers did not want to even bother fighting for a lord who cared nothing for them.

As the slaughter continued Daedric noticed out the corner of his eye the bastard commander breaking free from Daedric’s swordsman and rushing him.

Its eyes were feral as numerous wounds were across its back. It seemed that even with a few hundred arrows placed upon it the enemy general was still kicking like the hound he was.

The archers who were in his way quickly moved to avoid him, knowing that if he was in their ranks the bastard would murder all of them. However he did not care for the soft humans.

He was going straight for Daedric.

>Kite him and let the arrows finish him off
>Charge him and cut the fucker’s head off.
>Just run him away and let the idiot tire himself out.

>>5004736
>Charge him and cut the fucker’s head off.
He's softned enough

Charge the Fucker
>>5004775

Daedric was currently a maimed man who for all accounts and purposes would be counted as 4/5ths of a man. However the man himself drew Fortage and prepared himself for the coming foe. Gripping his steed’s rein’s by his own teeth the man quickly started a charge towards the creature!

As Goblin after Goblin was slaughtered in the background Daedric charged their beastial leader with blade held high. The creature, seemingly unstoppable lest the numerous arrows in his body, ran towards the High King with the aim of murder.

Wind went through Daedric’s hair, the High King counting the seconds it would take before the two of them made contact. Barely even a heartbeat could be felt through his body as the man focused every part of his flesh into this one strike.

When the two men, the creature going head long into Byk, Daedric was able to move the beast just slightly to the left. Such a move allowed him a clear shot at the general and landed a devastating blow that went across the shoulder and removed it from the bastard's body.

With his blade put away Daedric looked to see the demon like monster fall onto the ground.

The rest of the goblins were slaughtered, as none could flee from the murderous hatred of the humans. They knew that if one of these fucks got away they might be able to start raising a horde of their own kind using the neighboring villages.

After what was an hour more of slaughter the army came back together and Daedric was with his brother. The two giving a brotherly gesture as they smirked, “Good job Helric, I did not know you had that in you.”

“When you fight so many monsters you tend to learn how to fight.” The man said before giving a cheeky smile, “Gotta say though, nice way to kick a monster while its down.”

“Complaining I did not face that abomination in an honorable fight.” Daedric gave a small chuckle, “There is no reason to give these monster quarter or rights, simply the most effective means of battle is our aim.”

“You’re right, as always.” Helric admitted while pointing his sword to where the monsters came from, “Think we can track those fuckers down, figure out where their armies came from?”

>Yeah, lets go!
>No, we need to meet up with the other army.
>Better yet, lets see if we can trick some more monsters

>>5004891
>No, we need to meet up with the other army.

Best to group up and play it cautious. A win is a win.

>>5004891
>No, we need to meet up with the other army.

>Post the grisly remains of the monsters on stakes here for every foul army that passes this way to see

>>5004891
>No, we need to meet up with the other army.

>>5004891
>>No, we need to meet up with the other army.

>>5004891
>>No, we need to meet up with the other army.

Meet up with the other armies!
>>5004895
>>5004918
>>5004966
>>5004970
>>5005054

“No brother we need to meet up with the other armies.” Daedric told his brother as he started moving to round up the rest of the soldiers, “Come now, we cannot be late.”

“Aye.” Helric answered back as they got their people together.

Where they caught the enemy army trying to flank the north, it was about another week’s of travel. If Daedric was honest he was pretty happy he got to see them now, as if they were getting messages about a force on their rear they would not have been able to react fast enough to stop them.

After a few restless nights they arrived at the Northern Bastion, where the great fortress defending the Kingdom from the sea stood. It was not very hard to find the other army there, and after that it was only a matter of time till they found Stog. Though Daedric found someone else as well talking next to him.

“Ah, Daedric.” Called out Hev as the man approached, “I was wondering where you had ended up. Last time I saw you, you were heading out on a scouting mission.”

“Yeah that mission did not go as planned.” Daedric had to admit while scratching the back of his head with his lone hand, “But it does not matter now, I am here to make battle!”

“Good.” Deep King Stog huffed with a smile, “I got word a while back you defended by keep, that true?”

“It is, Stog. Some bloat monster was coming over and attempted to get inside with an army of goblins.”

“Really, well thanks for keeping my people safe.” The Dwarf said genuinely, “Now that you are here we need to deal with the bastards up here. Two armies of the enemmy are here, both headed by what I heard were the Dukes. If we are talking bloated monsters, well one of the Dukes match that description.”

“They match it?” Daedric felt confusion take him, “But he blew himself up when we tried to kill him ourselves.”

The Dwarf shrugged, “I cannot say. What I can say is that the other is a nast bugger who can even growback his limbs. Simply put we need to pick our fights and take them out.”

>Fight the Exploding Duke
>Aim for the Ogre Duke
>Wait and see what they do, lay a trap maybe...

>>5005257
>>Aim for the Ogre Duke

>>5005257
>>>Aim for the Ogre Duke

>>5005257
>Aim for the Ogre Duke
time to torch it up

>>5005257
>Aim for the Ogre Duke

Let’s work hard to keep the enemy armies divided.

Aim for the Ogre Duke
>>5005259
>>5005322
>>5005329
>>5005553

“I think the Ogre Duke shall be our target.” Daedric told his fellow with a firm determination, “I know how to kill his kind already.”

“Then I will trust you with him.” Stog agreed while taking a drink of mead, “My army shall prepare to face off against the Bloated Duke.”

“The Bloated Duke? You can’t help me with the Ogre?”

“Nope, fuckers will just take that change to run past us and start wrecking terror once again.” The Dwarf admitted with a good laugh, “We can’t have that now can we?”

“No, that would not be good at all.” Daedric admitted as he looked in the King’s hands, “Where did you get the mead?”

“If you go down the ways over there we got a barrel already prepared.” Pointed the Deep King with a laugh, “You should have brought some mead from my home while you were coming up here.”

“I did bring a little.” Daedric said with a smirk, “I drank it all though.”

“Get out of here ya dumbass.” Laughed the Dwarf with a wave of the hands, “Repent over a bottle of wine!”

“Yeah yeah.” Daedric got away from the joking dwarf before he actually got serious.

He took in a few drinks of the mead, taking the moment to study the surrounding forces for whoever was here. He noted that there were just some ordinary soldiers, but what quickly caught his eye was the worned down group of adventurers. They looked to have just gone through hell, with two new faces among their ranks. The two who were still there, the Priest and Young Man, were still alive of all things.

Lastly, Daedric thought about his family’s friend Hev. Fellow has been with his dynasty since ancient times, so it might be good to meet up with him.

>The Adventurers
>The Soldiers
>Hev the Wise

>>5005780
>Hev the Wise

>>5005780
1st
>Hev the Wise
2nd
>The Adventurers
3rd
>The soldiers

In that order if we have time for them all, if not then it's priority

Hev the Wise, but it seems we want to talk to more people
>>5005842
>>5005960

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With a hearty smile Daedric got another mug of the mead together and started making his way over towards the now departing dwarves. He had to admit, seeing the look on his advisor’s face was plenty worth getting the old bastard a drink.

“Ha, thanks M'Lord.” The Dwarf said as he accepted the drink with a grin, “And here I thought I would need to head all the way over there to get myself a drink.”

“Well my folks owe you atleast a drink, or a couple thousand.” Said Daedric as he gave a hearty laugh, “You been holding up?”

“Of course laddy, things have been pretty insane these days.” He laughed while taking a sip, “If I was any younger I would probably be keeping up. Here and now I am falling behind everyone else.”

“Falling behind? You’re still alive in a war for civilization.”

“You got me there.” The Dwarf had to admit, “Here I am kicking after three of your fathers passed before my eyes.”

“Quite the life.”

“Aye, it has been.” The Dwarf took another swig of drink as he thought to himself, “Ya know, there is something of an irony happening. Well, if you are willin’ to hear me out.”

“Of course.”

“Here your ancestor Alaric charged his way towards the east and kept conquering in that direction. Tomorrow we march west and will keep going in that direction, reclaiming all that was lost thanks to this war.”

“It was against Orcs, right?”

“Yup, led by the biggest bastard we’ve seen to date. Alaric took that bastard down with a swift cleave of Fortage though, and I expect you will do the same.” The Dwarf once again laughed to himself as he finished his drink. He seemed to sigh for a moment before standing before Daedric in a regal manner, “Well Grudgebearer, might be a little silly of me but I wanted to ask ya. Have I served your family well?”

“Where did this come from?” Daedric had to ask the Dwarf.

“I was just curious. Here my entire life has been devoted bringing your family along with humanity up to snuff. Kinda wanted to know if you guys were hiding a grudge for getting your ancestor killed or something.”

>Well getting Alaric killed was a bit of a problem
>Nah, you’ve served us long enough. Lets make you a title *Make One*
>Hell yeah, you did a good job dwarf.

>>5006035
>Hell yeah, you did a good job dwarf.

>>5006035
>>Hell yeah, you did a good job dwarf.

>>5006035
>Hell yeah, you did a good job dwarf.

>>5006035
>>Hell yeah, you did a good job dwarf.

Hell yeah, ya did a good job.
>>5006052
>>5006073
>>5006137
>>5006225

“You did well by me and my family, Hev.” Daedric told the Dwarf with a smirk on his face, “I don’t think my family would have gotten this far without your guidence.”

“Huh, I did good eh?” The Dwarf said as he started to tear up, “Ah damn it, now you’re makin me cry.”

“Its in joy right?”

“Of course it is M’Lord.” The Dwarf said as he gave a laugh, “What, you think I’m sad it took this long for you fellows to tell me that.”

“I’m pretty sure we’ve been saying it for a while.”

“And thats why these are of joy!” The Dwarf quickly ran over and downed two mugs of mead, “By the Gods I am going to be drinking myself away tonight!”

“Let us do so!” Daedric laughed as he tossed his mug towards the dwarf, “A night of drunken revelry with a Dynastic Friend.”

The night quickly came as it went, but it was one hell of a night for both of them. The soldiers were of course worried about the next day, but many partaked in the activities just to feel the joy that they felt.

Just as things were getting fun for them all they all had to retire for the night. No one here, even while drunken, were fools to think they were invincible.

When Morning came Daedric was out of his tent with only a minor headache. The amount he drank last night was more than enough to drive a man to uselessness but he was raised by Dwarfs.

He took stock of those around him, the adventurers and the soldiers all preparing for the coming march. Warr was here and they will need to wage it.

>Go talk to the adventurers
>Address the soldiers
>Go straight to the fighting

>>5006348
>>Address the soldiers

>>5006348
>Address the soldiers
> we talk with the adventurers if we have time or if they are traveling with our army

Address the soldiers.
>>5006387
>>5006401

Seeing it was the soldiers who were preparing to go to war Daedric made his way towards the men with a smile on his face. At the end of the day these men needed to know him as the valiant warrior, and even if he was one, Daedric needed to make sure people knew him as such!

The man all looked his direction with a sense of both awe and wariness as he approached. So much was to be expected, “You fellows can calm down, I’m not here to string you up or something like that.”

“Um, no one was thinking that.” One of the soldiers said with a little bit of panic in his voice.

Daedric simply shook his head as he realized his joke did not land, “Are you fellows fairing alright?”

“O-Of course!”

“Really?”

The man who was talking lost his words before shaking his head, “If we fail here today we will lose our homes and families sir. That is what we fear.”

“Is that the same with all of you?” Daedric asked the men around him.

There was a bit of wariness to those words but the men slowly began to nod one after another. They were not panicked though and still had a good pair of heads on their shoulders.

Still these men all stood before Daedric with purpose and were not fleeing. These men were not afraid of death now but afraid they were going to fail. Pressure was placed upon them that while they might fight to the end that little bit of fear is enough to worry them.

>They are the army under Daedric, probably the best there shall be
>The King fights with them! They have nothing to worry about
>You know, that fear is exactly what Daedric wanted to cultivate.

>>5006848
>They are the army under Daedric, probably the best there shall be

They are the army of the High King!
>>5006944

With a smile Daedric made his way forward and placed his hand upon the man’s shoulder, “Look, you are all part of my army. The Army of the High King of Mankind! Have faith in yourself, for you are the best that shall ever be!”

Daedirc let the man go as he presented himself to the men, “All of you are! We might march into hell but know that I would not want any other men behind me! All of you have answered the call of duty and were not found wanting! Forward we march for Humanity!”

“For Humanity!” The man all cried out as they quickly started moving and assembling their gear.

As the soldiers went off Daedric heard a pair of feet making their way towards Daedric. Turning about he saw the last of the people he wanted to see, a little worse for wear but there. It was the adventurers, the men and women who were all prepared to fight the good fight.

“My Lord.” Said the young knight who was no longer the skippity young man he saw earlier, “I guess we missed each other, didn’t we?”

“Indeed we did. I was hoping you all would come to back to me as soon as you could though.”

The boy looked a little squeamish as he bowed his head, “I am sorry my Lord, but the Fortress was falling and the people needed my help.”

Daedric simply shook his head and gave a chuckle, “I was not hurt, but a message would have been good.”

“We did send you a message.” The fellow said before cursing himself, “The Goblins must have gotten him.”

“Indeed.” Daedric admitted as he gave the boy an authoritative glance, “Is there a reason for you coming to me?”

The group looked between one another before the priestess took her steps forward, “We want to join your army, Gods permit.”

>Sure, come on along
>Go fight with the deep king, he needs the help
>Why don't you all… go torch their camps or something

>>5007078
>Sure, come on along
An elite group is gonna be great

>>5007078
>>Sure, come on along

>>5007078
>Sure, come on along

Sure, come along
>>5007177
>>5007222
>>5007263

“Of course you all can join my forces.” Daedric told them with a welcoming smile, “I can always use some extra hands to take out the demons that come against us.”

The party did a variety of nods and eyes of wonderment, but at the end of the day it was obvious they were all excited and prepared to fight alongside him. Such a desire to fight, even this worn down, was quite commendable from these folks.

“I want you all at the front lines you hear.” Daedric ordered them as he started to walk away, “I have heard that you killed one of the Dukes yourselves, I expect for you to do that again.”

“Understood, Lord Daedric.” The Priestess said before they finally departed from one another.

Soon the army was marching on the open fields, one unit by one unit moving past a series of damaged fences and homes. The army, which for all intents and purposes be depressed about going to war, were all prepared to throw their lives if it meant being here!

As they travel Hev was seated on Byk along with Daedric, “M’Lord, any ideas on how we should get in there?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well we can go into their territory and lay a trap for them all.” The Dwarf pointed out, “Or we can see about destroyed what little infrastructure they have.”

“Would they even need it?”

“Any army of their size needs it.” The Dwarf pointed out, “We should be able to debilitate them if we work on it.”

>Raid their camps and infrastructure
>Lay a trap for the monsters
>Go in and just search for a fight.

>>5007297
>>Raid their camps and infrastructure

>>5007297
>>Raid their camps and infrastructure

>>5007297
>Raid their camps and infrastructure
It forces them to have to attack us. We can ambush them and prepare our defences better (defence in debt)

>>5007297
>Raid their camps and infrastructure

Specifically, target their less-replaceable stuff-- the forces of darkness probably aren't great at making wagons, artisan tools, etc.

>>5007297
>Raid their camps and infrastructure

Raid their lands
>>5007310
>>5007439
>>5007562
>>5007632
>>5007669

Torches were out and men worked their way forward towards the lands of the enemy. As expected, the monsters had used the chance winter gave them to set up small bases all across their mockery of a Kingdom. Daedric however was not having any chances with this.

Old places that belonged to farmers now infested with goblins, burnt.

Cottages filled with rotting flesh that the monsters ate from, burnt.

The sparse towns that spawned around this part of the world, well those were burnt too as they were infested with goblins and their concubines.

Yes that was the most disheartening thing that Daedric had to deal with, numerous woman who were turned into their sex slaves. Many were simply put out of their misery as they begged the men to do it, others were simply forced to flee the now burning city.

The swarms of Goblins who managed to flee the city seemed to have finally told their superiors what was going on.

“Sir!” One of the Scouts quickly came to Daedric as they set up a tent within what remained of the city, “There is an army coming our way!”

“How fast are they traveling?” Hev asked as he sipped some found mead.

“They will be here in two days!” The scout announced as he panted for breath.

“Aye, so we finally got their attention.” Hev laughed as he pointed around the city, “Daedric, I think it would be fine enough if we just wait here for them.”

“And what makes you say that?” Daedric asked his advisor.

“This city has walls, we can use em to bash the heads in on the enemies as they try to break through.”

Daedric thought about it before turning towards the scout, “How big is their force?”


“It is massive my lord. I want to say they grained half an army among their ranks!”

“So they must have rounded up the other Goblins.” Daedric rubbed his chin as he though about what was to happen.

>Go and fight them in the open anyways! We just need to kill the Ogre Duke
>Wait here and let them come
>Rush and try to make an ambush

>>5007838
>Wait here and let them come

>>5007838
>Wait here and let them come

Let them come
>>5007899
>>5007939

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“We will wait then.” Daedric said as he looked towards the Horizon. There was not much time so he needed to act face and command, “Men! Prepare the walls and raise the barricades! We welcome the enemies of the Kingdom today!”

The words of a King carried themselves through the world, going through every ear that would listen to it. Within moments men started to act upon the sheer will that Daedric held. They were given a command and they would follow it through!

Trees were cut down and stacked upon one another. Swords were taken from the ruins of old blacksmith shops and given to each man who stood here.

The new walls, made from the ruins of homes and nearby trees, were raised within a day. The day after the men assembled scaffolding that allowed them to stand upon the walls and fire upon the foes with countless arrows.

All of these were in preparation for the tide that was now upon the horizon.

Daedric looked out, the monsters filling the horizon. He felt sickened at the sight of what was likely an army descended from man but turned by the cruel powers of monstrous gods.

“Today we all fight for this town, today we become the bulwark that keeps these monsters from running us down!” Daedric raised his weapon into the air and cried, “We shall cut them down though, we shall cut them down to the Goblin and Ogre! For today we kill them, tomorrow we march upon their domain!”

A roar came from the crowd as Daedric sliced the air before him with his sword, “War is upon us men, fight for HUMANITY!”

Alright thats it for this thread, next one will be either Monday or Tuesday at the latest.

So how is the relative that seperated from our kingdom fairing? How other the other groups faring like the elves? It can't be that its always us that's getting attacked and raided now are we?

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>>5011759
>>5011759
>>5011759

>>5009053
Well they are being attacked by northern raiders and other monsters.