TaytoTot

A little girl in Aaun held the magazine in her hands, barely able to read the words on the pages but gushed over the beauty of the dolls. "Ich need to go buy vone vitt zhe money Papa gave mich!" She told herself before rushing to Haense.

A certain someone wonders if the others actually took the time to read the missive.

Thérèse is saddened that she cannot attend her sister's wedding, but sends the couple her congratulations!

The Commissaire is very proud of her cousins!

Thérèse von Theonus reads over the oath, happily signing her name at the bottom!

After seeing the invitation, Thérèse quickly made her way to the forge of her new castle and went to work on a gift for her dear friends!

—The Union of Sun and Moon— [!] A painting of the bride and groom TO THE PEOPLE OF PETRA AND AAUN, It is with the utmost joy that we extend invitations in preparation for the union of Her Excellency, Thérèse Amorie von Theonus, and His Lordship, Julius John Haverlock. Bare witness to the Union on Malin's Welcome at Vallagne’s Chapel. We hope that you all will be able to attend the ceremony. SPECIAL INVITATIONS Die Haus von Theonus The House of Haverlock His Lordship, Kazimir Kortrevich Her Ladyship, Nesrin Carrion His Lordship, Gabriel d’Arkent Her Ladyship, Marlena d’Arkent His Lordship, Peter von Leopold Miss Frinna Glennmaer Sir Peter von Stroheim NOBILITY and PEERS Her Royal Majesty, Queen of Petra, Renilde I, and her noble pedigree The Marquis du Clermont, Sir Laurens Henri Halcourt d'Artois and his noble pedigree The Right Honourable, the Count of Azor, Sir Ledicourt d'Azor and his noble pedigree The Right Honourable, The Count of Stassion, Richard Leonus Novellen and his noble pedigree The Honourable, The Viscount of Mies, Anthony Marcellus Temesch and his noble pedigree The Honourable, The Baron of Brasca, Sir Baldwin Pascal Halcourt af Brasca and his noble pedigree The Honourable, The Baron d'Artois, Sir Yves Olivier Halcourt d'Artois and his noble pedigree The Honourable, The Baron of Wittenbach, Sir Nicolas von Wittenbach and his noble pedigree The Honourable, The Baron d’Anaplais, Maximilian d’Anaplais and his noble pedigree The Honourable, The Baron of Marignan, Karl von Theonus and his noble pedigree The Honourable, The Baron of Celia’Tahn, Xavier Adiler and his noble pedigree Her Ladyship, The Vavasour of Florynn, Cecily d’Amaury and her noble pedigree Her Ladyship, The Vavasour of Rivers, Estrid Rivers and her noble pedigree His Royal Majesty, James Leopold, King of Aaun, and his noble pedigree His Highness, Brandt Barclay, Grand Prince of Minitz, and his noble pedigree His Highness, Heinrich II Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather, and his noble pedigree His Grace, István Ivanovich, Duke of Stran, and his noble pedigree His Lordship, Olivier de Rosius, Margrave of Haute-Epine, and his noble pedigree His Lordship, Konstantin von Augusten, Count of Hohengarten, and his noble pedigree His Lordship, Waclaw Jazloviecki, Count of Warsovia, and his noble pedigree His Lordship, Richard von Leopold, Baron of Edendorf, and his noble pedigree His Lordship, Helwig von Bardenwig, Baron of Arentania, and his noble pedigree His Lordship, Fernand de Lewes, Baron of Virdain, and his noble pedigree EXTENDED INVITATIONS The Honourable Electors of the Waldenic Diet Citizens of Vallagne Citizens of Whitespire GOTT mit uns, HER EXCELLENCY, Thérèse Amorie von Theonus, Commissaire of Petra, Deputy Defender of Liberty, Heiress uf Marignan HIS LORDSHIP, Julius John Haverlock, Magistrate of Aaun

Thérèse von Theonus had spent saint's hours in Aaun, waiting for her betrothed to come back, but he never showed. After hearing this news, she returned home and dug through her storage, digging out the sword he had gifted her. "Dear bruder, shall ve head to Balian? Ich vill nicht fail mein sunshine nov." @Deets

The Baroness cried tears of joy in her husband's arms.

An elf had heard of his death, but did not mourn for she did not care. "Finally."

—MAYORAL ELECTION of 1934 — Issued and averred by Her Excellency, THÉRЀSE AMORIE von THEONUS, in the year of our Lord 1934 In accordance with the Salvian Charter, We the Crown of St. Emma do by this Missive promulgate and declare that the Election for the Mayor of the Free City of Vallagne has achieved completion. Correspondingly do We provide to you the Citizens of Our Commonwealth these results derived in percentile format from the ballot submissions. In the Election, a total of 3100 votes were cast, with 100 being deemed invalid. The Candidates of Our called election for the mayoral seat did receive the following percentiles of the vote; ● ESTRID RIVERS [ @Pinks ] — 3.3% of the vote for Mayor ● XAVIER ADILER [ @Mockingbird-art ] — 3.3% of the vote for Mayor ● DE of PETRA [ @Viraj Dobrial ] — 40% of the vote for Mayor ● ALICE TEMESCH [ @Eryane] — 53.3% of the vote for Mayor

—MAYORAL ELECTION of 1934 — Issued and averred by Her Excellency, THÉRЀSE AMORIE von THEONUS, in the year of our Lord 1934 The candidates of Our called election are; ● ESTRID RIVERS [ @Pinks] ● XAVIER ADILER [ @MockingbirdArt] ● DE of PETRA [@Viraj Dobrial] ● ALICE TEMESCH [ @Eryane] In order for a vote to be counted, it must be cast by; A citizen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, And who is above the age of 18, The Citizens will have 2 saint’s days to send in their vote. (Closes 6pm EST on July the 25th) May the Citizens choose wisely. VOTE HERE

—MAYORAL ELECTION of 1934 — Issued and averred by Her Excellency, THÉRЀSE AMORIE von THEONUS, in the year of our Lord 1934 The candidates of Our called election are; ● ESTRID RIVERS [ @Pinks] ● XAVIER ADILER [ @MockingbirdArt] ● DE of PETRA [@gamerdude09] ● ALICE TEMESCH [ @Eryane] We host the Mayoral Debate of 1934 to allow the populace clarity on the plans and desire of our future Mayor, and ask all Citizens to participate in the debate and hitherto influence of our Mayoral system. [ TODAY, 23rd of July at 5PM EST in VALLAGNE]

Surname: N/A Firstname: De Residence Address: Lyons Lane 3, Chambery Year of Birth: ??? Elligible: Yes mc name: gamerdude09

—MAYORAL ELECTION of 1934 — Issued and averred by Her Excellency, THÉRЀSE AMORIE von THEONUS, in the year of our Lord 1934 To all Lords Spiritual and Temporal and all other Our Subjects whatsoever to whom these Proclaims shall come; Hail. Know ye that We of Our distinctive benevolence, certain erudition and mere motion do by these Proclaims institute the MAYORAL ELECTION of 1934. This notice shall serve as a formal application of candidacy with the Office of the Privy Seal. There shall be a one month ((due tomorrow at 4 PM EST)) nomination period in which the Privy Seal shall verify the candidacies and issue a short letter of confirmation. ((Candidates for the Election please respond to this post with the format)) Candidacies for the Mayoral Elections of 1927 SURNAME: FIRST NAME: RESIDENCE ADDRESS: YEAR OF BIRTH: Are you registered and eligible to vote in the Commonwealth of the Petra: ((MC NAME)): O SAINTE RÈGNE PETRÉRE, Her Excellency, Thérèse Amorie von Theonus, Commissaire of Petra

Thérèse heads to the forge, trying to think of the perfect wedding gift for the newly weds!

A Waldenian bard takes these words to her lyre to produce an accompaniment for vocalists!

Annette sees the missive, proud of Bianca. "Mein honourable dottir."

A Waldenian woman sat in her home next to her husband. "Ich miss zhe life ve had back in Reinmar, liebe. Zhe people zhere...vere like nein ozher." She told him as she gently struck the strings of her lyre. "Ich vonder vhere zhey all are nov." @Deets

In Nor’asath, the missive was plucked from the notice board, eyes looking over the message. “Pirates? My namesake was one of those once.” The elfess said to herself, looking over to her wife. “A change.” @MokoMochi

The mother of the bride looks over her invitation, tears welling in her eyes. Her youngest daughter was now getting married. "Ich can sleep easy nov." She stated before going on with her duties.

The Theonus matriarch cries as she cannot attend!

A Waldenian woman sat in the comfort of her new home. She stared out the window that overlooked the main street of Minitz, heart heavy with guilt. She had heard of Rosalind's passing and couldn't help herself wishing she had done more. She found herself eventually writing a letter addressed to Rosalind, but knew she would never get it. "Dear Rosalind, Ever since the day my husband had introduced us, I have always thought of you as a daughter. Even if you have your own parents, and our exchanges were short, I am proud of to have known you throughout your life. If only you had more time, I am sure you would've changed the world for the better. I wish there were more people out there like that. I am saddened that you will not be around anymore for my children, but your legacy will live on through them. I will make sure of that. Rest in Peace, Annette " She folded up the parchment and put it under her pillow. She let out an exasperated sigh, tears beginning to fall from her cheeks.

THE FALL OF MINITZ S.A. 127 The town of Minitz was a flurry of activity, the air thick with the sound of clanging armour as soldiers raced up and down stairs, taking up positions on the city walls. The Minitzers were preparing their weapons of war, the loud clanks of cannons. The whoosh of a catapult being readied filled the air. Suddenly, a deafening roar of buzzing filled the dark skies above, as a horde of flying insectoids with carapace wings descended upon the city. Hundreds of red-eyed spiders emerged from the forest, crossing the bridge that separated Adria and Minitz. Sir Brandt Barclay, the Duke of Minitz, unsheathed his sword, holding it high above his head. “Men of Minitz!” He began, his voice booming as the Mori edged closer. “Today we face the Scrooge of Almaris, with our swords drawn! They seek to conquer our city and take away our freedom. But I stand here before you today as your brother-in-arms, to assure you that we will not let that happen. We will not let them destroy what we have built together over the years. We will not let them harm our families and loved ones. However, as your leader, I must also make a difficult decision. After much deliberation, I have decided that the best course of action for us is to retreat from the city.” As Brandt spoke, a great black blot of large locusts then began their terrifying swarm, a part of the mass cloud breaking off from the rest. The vicious buzzing almost made a vibration in the air due to the sheer volume of the locusts present. The locusts that broke off from the rest dove down towards the soldiers surrounding the catapult, still flying towards them just out of melee range in their descent. Brandt’s voice echoed with determination over his people.“We cannot risk the lives of our people for the sake of my pride and inheritance. But make no mistake, this is not a surrender. We will not let the Mori take our city without a fight. We will defend our city with all our might and allow our civilians to retreat safely. Our soldiers will fight valiantly and will not rest until the enemy has been driven back. I ask you all to be brave in the face of this adversity. We have faced many challenges in the past, and we have always emerged victorious! Remember, we fight not just for ourselves but for our families and our future generations. Let us show the Mori what it means to be REINMAREN! We will hold this wall, until our people have retreated, or we will die trying. I am ready to die here today, my friends, my brothers and sisters. Will you die with me?” “Wer Rastet, Der Rostet!” The warriors shouted in response “Long live Minitz! Wer Rastet, Der Rostet!” The Duke replied! “With all your might, my brothers!” The flying insects slammed into the front lines, with the sound of clicking and bolts soaring through the air. The defenders fought back with all their might, their weapons cutting through the swarm of locusts. The air was filled with the crunching of exoskeletons and the spewing of gore as the flying insects fell from the sky. Some smashed into the walls, leaving behind a trail of ichor on the stone. Despite the defenders' valiant efforts, the sheer weight of the horde pushed some of them back. The buzzing of the swarm continued to vibrate the airspace as more flying insects descended upon the wall defenders. Just then, BOOM! The cannon on the left side of the gate resounded with great thunder, the projectile springing forth. The initial locusts that were hit by the impact were cut down, crushed and mashed by the wall defenders who swung, kicked and battered the large insects. As the insects chittered and the locusts continued to funnel out from the seemingly massive cloud of black that was over the city. The buzzing seemed to grow in intensity as the cloud grew thinner as more and more of the flyers dove down at the walls. From afar, the rustling of arms and armour, the thundering of a march, cries of commands and other such. The ground shook across the entirety of Minitz, and a mass of bubbles began to surface in the centre of the lake. Utter gore and ichor of the locust splattered over the front lines of the wall. The insects were bashed and hacked into bits, yet the cloud of locusts continued to thin out forth in the skies above as they dived into the defenders upon the walls of Neu Brandthof. Bodies and pieces of the flying insectoids began to pile in heaps upon the ground at the base of the walls. On the other side of the gatehouse, the cannon misfired, exploding with a crackling rupture as shrapnel, and flame was sent at the crewmen. Many sustained injuries in this moment. With a sudden explosion, a torrent of water shot forth from the lake into the air before a distant churning sounded out. “Ordered retreat! Group in front of the main gate! Shields up, in front of the main gate!” The Duke shouted for the Minitzers to hear. The sounds of clicks and tripping of string came as crossbows and bows were shot once more, impacting and slaying multiples of the locusts who swarmed at the walls. More and more would be cut down by the melee defenders, causing the bodies of the insects to continue to pile up higher and higher at the base of the wall. Blood and gore smeared both the stone and the armour of the warriors. The thinning swarm did little to stop the evacuation. Marching drew closer to the descendants of Minitz, Mori forces sighted crossing the bridge. Dreadknights in droves, followed by various infantry armed with ranged weaponry. Rising from the waters was an oscillating orb that appeared to be constructed of an obsidian and red crystalline material. A violent shake echoed across Minitz, stirring the soldiers as the orb slowly drifted towards the city. The buzzing of the locusts above had gone silent as the last of them were all slain in the tactical retreat of the men and women of Minitz. The oncoming forces drew closer and closer and the Mori were almost at the gates! An order was shouted in their foreign tongue. The orb slowly continued its approach upon the city. “We will have to open the gates, men!” Brandt said towards the regrouped retinue in front of the city. “Be ready for the onslaught!” The defenders of Minitz rushed to form a shield wall as the gates were being ripped apart by the Dreadknights. They braced themselves as the Mori soldiers charged forward, their swords and spears held high. The large lumbering husks of steel ignored the pleas of the Gatekeeper who questioned them, simply trudging onwards followed by their ranger escorts. They approached the gates of Minitz. “On my call, open it up. Disorient the knights so we can take charge!” The Duke ordered The Dreadknights simply approached the gates and proceeded to tear them apart, using their overwhelming strength to aid each other in prying the bars apart for their comrades. “Once the gate is open, HOLD!” Men banged their weapons against their shields as if taunting the Dreadknights to test their strength! They screamed their war cries as they braced themselves for what was coming next. The dark orb continued to trace across the sky now resting above the gatehouse of the city. The belts of material that surrounded it began to rotate. Sir Brandt Barclay unsheathed his sword in front of the gate. “Hear me, brave warriors of Reinmar! Our enemies may outnumber us, but they shall never outmatch our courage or our determination! For we are REINMAREN! We are the sons and daughters of Horen! The fate of our people hangs in the balance, and we stand as the last bastion of hope against the hordes of Mori who seek to destroy our lands. Make your last stand, not in my name, but in the name of MINITZ! YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS!” He raised his warhorn to his lips, blowing a sombre note that echoed across the city. The first gate was pried asunder, the large metal husks now moved forwards, and with the gate now open they marched forwards, halberds raised. The oscillating orb continued to rotate before glowing a bright red hue. The ground about Minitz began to shake and tremble as cracks began to form on various buildings and walls. The Duke then began to spit out orders at whoever would listen. He ordered plans and fires to be set in the city. Immediately as the Dreadknights barged through the gates, they were washed with a wave of purple fire from the atronach’s flamethrower, the fire swirled forward fast. “Stand tall, sons of Reinmar, for we are warriors!” As the flash powder was used the constructs suddenly halted their advance, and were blinded for a brief moment, standing still as the other ranged infantry filtered into the gatehouse. Sir Brandt Barclay would go over to prime a red-looking liquid potion, going over to open the cork and swig down the liquid. “Close the gate on 'em now Maxwell!” Sounds of lanterns being smashed apart by a sword would be heard from the tavern; flickering of light in the windows of the establishment betrayed what was going on inside; the lanterns, torches, fireplace and oil… The tavern was set ablaze. Sir Brandt Barclay withdrew his sword and then began to advance towards the Dreadknights with his sword extended forward as they were momentarily blinded by the flash powder. “Now is our chance, brothers! Now!” The first line of soldiers began their advance, charging at the Dreadknights! Farmers, civilians and citizens behind the warriors scattered about in a panic as the warriors held. The backline of the Dreadknights is thoroughly skewered, impaled from head to toe via the oculus they were pinned, creaking as they attempted to move. The others in the fore, still blinded, were now wailed against the combined might of the descendants; the sheer force of the charge sent the Dreadknights in front stumbling backwards into their comrades. Two of the Dreadknights were sufficiently annihilated, lucky blows striking in vital areas. A great tremor was felt through the city as cracks stretched across the ground, as the orb continued to churn and thrum out. Beginning its process of ripping the city apart. A great 'WHOMPH' was heard coming from behind the tavern as a barrel full of alcohol went up in flame. Sir Brandt Barclay nodded his head after the line buckled with the Dreadknights. “First line, abandon your pikes, second line, charge and hold our advance! The first line then will relieve you!” After the Dreadknights were sufficiently impaled, Brandt moved back for the second line to take his place. “First line, on me!” Sir Wilhelm Barclay threw another bundle of flash powder at the trapped infantry below him, hopefully, it landed before the Minitzers charged. Vials of alcohol and other medical supplies were emptied onto the floor as the clinic was set on fire from the inside out. The line, though at first buckled, was slowly regaining its bearings one of the Dreadknights raised its halberd and send a blow at Brandt, the blow glancing off of his crown and into the ground, as the other husks regained their bearings and prepared their arms for relation, they were blinded yet again, along with the rest of the descendants, the fighting stalled as everyone was essentially blinded. The echoing sound of rocks falling upon themselves echoed loudly from the North of the city, as the machine continued to rotate before then moving to drift within the centre of the city's square. “Second line, retreat! General retreat!” Brand yelled in panic as the second line had just completed their duty. “Frode set up the gunpowder now!” “Explode the Rathaus and the Moot hall from the back so that the buildings collapse upon them!” Waclaw Jazloviecki pulled back from the line, keeping his shield raised. “YOU HEARD THE HERZOG!” The Duke staggered by the blow of the Mori onto his crown, a negligible head wound drawing blood. Sir Brandt Barclay grabbed Saxton by the shoulder, pulling the man next to him. “You open the gate to the military district, take John with you, and open both gates of retreat.” Maxwell’s bolt impacts handily into the Dreadknight sending the thing lumbering rightwards as it stumbled, then attempting to stand to its feet. The Dreadknights, having finally recovered, finally got to their feet and raised their great halberds, arranging themselves into a line. Those pinned still struggled to free themselves. As the orb drifted through the area a wave of energy washed off of it striking into some of the surroundings causing them to crash and fall into the city below. Then a loud BOOM would sound out from the north of the city, crumbling rock would fall along with the sounds of more footsteps and marching. Soft chants would echo out from the source of the explosion. “^L'puul shinduago xellased, satiir l'xal d'l'arc.” The thunderous sounds of marching would echo forth from the north as a line of Mori would move down the path towards the square, around their hands would be flickers of flames, voidal power beginning to rise up from their palm as they continued their unionised chanting. The Dreadknight line advanced, pacing forwards as they sought their targets. The fires continued to spread through the city as the ground quaked. Buildings slowly crumbled apart as the orb continued to churn in an ominous nature. The gunpowder barrels stacked strategically to collapse on the legion, and the Dreadknights exploded with a fierce BOOM, coupled with the destruction of the orb, likely collapsing towards the legion and the Dreadknights. The Mori mages were slow-moving, though a majority had escaped the fate of the Dreadknights, destructive flames conjuring around them as the descendants made their escape, though the Mori were still hot on their tail. “Men of Minitz, we retreat. The side gate opens up to our port. We all board the boats, and sail off.” The Mori forces march onward towards those who stood behind the last gates of their salvation. The earthquakes due to the actions in the skies above, the mages bring up their hands and conjure forth destructive flames that billowed upon the gates, slowly beginning to melt away the steel. It was now for them to make their escape or there would be none by the time the Mori got through. “Retreat now! Retreat! The gate will not hold for much longer “ Brandt raised his warhorn to his lips and blew a sombre tune that indicated a general retreat. As the city continued to fall the orb began to drift through the eternal night towards the location of the remaining Minitz men. A looming thrum sounded out. “Board the ships!” Was called out and the sound of rustling and then footsteps upon wood as the Minitzers boarded the ships. As the citizens of Minitz continued to flee a bright red glow could have been seen from the centre of the city. Followed by an intense thrumming sound as the sound of crackling fire echoed out through the sky. Before what looked to be falling stars began to appear falling upon the city. Crashing into the surface with a fury. As the men and women flee Minitz the sounds of flames would be near deafening the lands all but lost to the Mori now. The flame enraptured it all as they fled from impending doom. It was now that the Minitz citizens began to sail away to Savoy, leaving their city in ruin. As Lord Brandt and his people sailed towards the new land, the sun began to rise on the horizon, casting a warm and golden light across the sea. Excitement filled the people as they neared the beaches, prepared to finally disembark after the long trip. “The sunny beaches of Savoy, cousin...” A man of dark complexion awaited the men of Minitz on the shores. “Hail! Where are you from?” He questioned the Minitzers “Hail, are you a resident of Savoy's remnants?” The Queen of Aaun answered and stepped forwards then, “Minitz, we evacuated from Aaun with the Mori insurgence.” “The Heartlands have fallen too . . .” His brows sank and he rubbed his chin. “I see... Bring any others you find here. We have managed to repel the cave dweller's darkness for now.” Brandt turned to his people, his voice just above a whisper as he addressed them. “But we have not lost everything. We still have each other, and we still have the will to fight. We will rebuild what we have lost, we will make a new home, and we will honour the memory of all that we have left behind.” “I am sorry for what you have endured, friends, but now you can rest. Situate yourselves and find comforts where you can here in San Luciano.” The Duke turned towards Majid, then. “Thank you for the shelter.” Majid bowed his head. “Of course.” And with that, the Minitzers, lost of their home, sought out unclaimed territory in the comfort of Savoy.

THE CHARGE ON THE MORI The Deep Cold, 127 S.A. A group of soldiers assembled around a gaping cave opening that had suddenly materialised in Aaun, causing a stir among the passersby who gazed upon the dark void with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. The entrance was littered with ropes and equipment, signifying that groups before had gone down to explore the unknown depths of the cave. The Warchief, a towering figure with a commanding presence, stood at the forefront of his Warband, outlining their strategy for the perilous journey ahead. A select few volunteers stepped forward, grabbing the ropes with purpose and determination, preparing to embark on the initial descent into the abyss below. The surrounding soldiers watched with bated breath as the brave quartet slowly lowered themselves into the unknown darkness, their forms quickly swallowed up by the unfathomable depths. After what seemed like an eternity, the signal was given that it was safe for the remaining members of the Warband to follow suit. The soldiers, equipped with lanterns and a fierce determination, began their descent down the rope, the only lifeline between them and the unknown dangers below. The group found themselves plunged into an inky blackness, yet, slowly but surely, the flicker of torches and lanterns began to illuminate the darkness, casting shadows that danced and shifted along the walls. As the light grew stronger, intricate red crystalline runes etched into the walls became visible. The air was thick with palpable tension as barked orders and urgent whispers filled the space, the group hastily forming into a tight formation as they prepared to navigate the treacherous terrain ahead. As the group pressed on deeper into the cave, the previously dim red crystalline runes began to emit a soft, pulsing glow, casting an eerie light that illuminated the pathway ahead. The troops moved with a sense of urgency, the path becoming increasingly narrow and treacherous, as they navigated their way deeper into the unknown. Suddenly, the runes covering the walls began to emit a thick red mist, which hung heavily in the air, obscuring their vision and causing a feeling of unease to wash over them. The mechanical churning sound echoed out once more, now occurring in rhythmic pulses that seemed to reverberate through the very walls of the cave. The troops pressed on, determined to uncover the source of the strange phenomena they were encountering. The sound grew louder and louder with each passing moment until they could hear the sound of clicking chants reverberating through the cavern, sending shivers down their spines. As the troops entered the massive cavern, their sense was overwhelmed by the sight before them; a massive floating orb hovered, drawing in the red mist from the runs in the cave system. The mist swirled and eddied around the orb as if it were feeding on the energy that it provided. The attention of the Minitzers was quickly drawn to the many Mori cultists that surrounded the cavern, their dark robes billowing around them as they chanted in a language that was immense, more like an invading force than a small group of fanatics. Taking a moment as they reached the opening, the band of Minitzers began to formulate a plan. The Warchief, Speermenn, Ritters and the elderly Lord Regent all began to convene in hushed whispers, ever-weary eyes cast towards the Mori. Numerous suggestions were made, ranging from destroying the cave above so that it collapsed below, to simply attempting to storm the cavern and smash the runes. As the group convened, the orb continued to draw in the red mists that had been obscuring the vision of those below. The dark ritual began to intensify, the orb at the centre pulsating and gyrating with increasing ferocity. Tremors grew stronger and more frequent, causing cracks to appear on the surface of the orb and surrounding machinery. Whatever the Mori had planned would come to fruition soon and with great urgency, a plan was decided upon. A small number of the Ritter of Saint Tylos were to descend into the cavern itself, to destroy the runes from which the mists came down below, whilst the larger group destroyed those runes they had seen in their arrival to the cavern. The Ritters moved down the side of the cavern, their weapons at the ready. The clicking chants continued unabated, the Mori seemingly lost in a trance-like state. The Ritters were in fact not stealthy with their actions, shouting and bringing their weapons down upon the Mori’s head. As the Ritters dealt with the Mori, there was a palpable shift in the atmosphere. The red mist that had been pouring out of the runes began to dissipate, causing a whirling sound to echo throughout the cave. As the sudden change occurred, it did not go unnoticed by the other Mori who were scattered throughout the cave. Their panicked calls reverberated off the walls, alerting their comrades to the loss of power. The Ritters, battle-ready, sprang into action. With their weapons at the ready, they quickly made their way through the cavern, footsteps echoing ominously against the stone floor. The runes on the walls continued their otherworldly glow, the Ritters were quick to smash them without a single thought. The rune was too noticeable, shouting and footsteps growing louder towards the group. At the same time, those who’d remained in the tunnel the group had entered from within began their own assault upon the runes they had encountered in their initial descent. In the short period of time, before the Mori began to shift their attention to the upper party, several attempted to aid the embattled knights below, lobbing crossbow bolts into the chasing Mori cultists, felling a handful of their foes. The Minitz forces above in the tunnel were swift and efficient, working together to destroy the runes that lined the walls, their weapons clanging against the stone as they shattered each crystal one by one. As they worked, the red mist slowly dissipated, clearing the way for the party to continue. Suddenly, a distant whirling sound echoed through the tunnel, followed by the unmistakable impact of a blow landing somewhere in the distance. The sound of shouting Mori soon followed, indicating that they had become aware of the Minitz forces' presence. With this, their attention shifted. Relieving pressure on the small band of Ritter below, at the cost of the unending tide of Mori making their way towards the tunnel the party had descended from. Above, the Minitz forces continued their work, focused and determined until the last of the crystals had been destroyed. The reserve and medics labouring tirelessly in their search to destroy the run surfaces. As they finished, they caught a glimpse of the party that was now making their way towards them, just entering the entrance of the tunnel. The farthest Minitz men hurried to regroup with their comrades, prepared for whatever lay ahead. Shouts erupted from the Warband, commands being spewed from the Lord Regent and Warchief. The men began to form a wall of their shields upon the Lord Regent’s order, holding back the approaching Mori to allow their group to begin an escape. In the slow withdrawal, the rearguard swung as the advancing horde as they continued back the way they came. The Mori slammed against the shields, a number of them moving arms to pull them down as the force pushed against them. Some of the swings made true to the soldiers, causing them to stumble back, but that did not stop the horde, as they simply shoved the wounded and otherwise dead to the side. As the Minitz soldiers that remained in the larger group moved back it was then that the cave turned into a bottleneck. Only allowing one or two through at a time, the group fell back in turns and grabbed onto the ropes still hanging down from before. By the grace of GOTT above, the Minitzers made it from the cave but a moment before the horde made it through the bottleneck. As the troop emerged from the cave, a sudden tremor began to shake as something beneath continued to stir. But for now, they were safe. In the depths of the cave, the Ritters and company managed to fight off a Dreadnight and make their way back to the surface… REPORT BY ANNETTE VON THEONUS INJURIES: MINIMAL