[Payne]

He awoke with dread filling his head and heart, this could be the day, his last day. He had tried to accept this truth. The day he fell upon the battlefield, the day he was killed for treason, or worse, the day he opposed his Zulkir. Against so many odds, how could one not think this was to be his last?

The Necromancer was too arrogant though, he knew he would find a way to last the day. And if not, he would die with his head held high, he would die a Red Wizard. He would be an example this day, he would show them all how it was to be A Wizard, a Thayan.

Dressing, he heard a knock on his door. Taking up his staff, he let the shining red gem upon it show him to his door.


Elvita Fierce: [Talk] Ah... I am glad I found you

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Elvita? What a pleasant surprise. Do come in

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] It seems an army is approaching the city

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] So this is the day *nodding in thought*


Shit, I was right..


Elvita Fierce: [Talk] I just thought I should report to you... this is something definitely to be regarded as danger

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Thank you Elvita, I am pleased to have been in your thoughts at the news.

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] *She nods*

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] She we go see what we can learn?

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] Sounds like a good idea

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Which way do they come?

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] From west I understand

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] I think the protector will inform the citizens in the north square

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] West? Hrm, I expected north....*trails off thinking*


The news confused him, he was sure this was just the undead army of the fallen Thayans that fell to the botched attack to the north. If it was not them, then who lead this attack? His heart darkened more, before he choose a side, he must know what banners flew.



[Shout] Runners throughout Bezantur spread the word: The Protector Ryech Voralt will be addressing his captains, legionnaires, and conscripted mercenaries in the square north of the Central Citadel within the hour

[Shout] Those near the gates to the city watch the legionnaires station there proceed with their order to close and bar them. The city is sealed off...



Elvita Fierce: [Talk] *She watches the city officials rush to prepare*

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Has there been word from any scouts?

Durn Leonall: [Talk] I'm sure we will hear soon

Vortar "The Mad" Blood of Tharax: [Talk] The army approaches...half dead scouts reported demons and undead and mercenaries...

Reesa: [Talk] None that I have heard, your Omnipotence.

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] *nods to both speakers then looks up to Vortar* Any banners being flown?

Vortar "The Mad" Blood of Tharax: [Talk] *ominously* None.

Durn Leonall: [Talk] Hmm

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] That is actually, rather good, for me anyways

Durn Leonall: [Talk] Hmm issat so?

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] I came here dreading to hear the banner of Tam was flown, Durn


Why not be honest? Let one of them challenge me.


Elvita Fierce: [Talk] The scouts I have heard speak only of impending doom, master. Many seem in a bad shape upon returning to the city. No reports of any banners as far as I have heard.

Durn Leonall: [Talk] oh?

Vortar "The Mad" Blood of Tharax: [Talk] You know what I think...

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] *nods to Elvita then looks to Vortar*

Vortar "The Mad" Blood of Tharax: [Talk] I think the protector will be disgusted with this sloppy formation.


Typical soldier, all assembled may die, and he worries of how they stand. He begins to ignore the soldier banter and glances around.


Kaiser Signe: [Talk] *looks Reesa over* I do not know you

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] *She studies Ressa carefully as Kaiser addresses her*

Reesa: [Talk] I am Reesa, your Omnipotence.

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Reesa? I have heard your name being associated with this. Tell me what you know

Reesa: [Talk] As already has been stated, the armies are of mercenaries, undead and demons. Likely to wear down the city, so that there aren't as many losses to the main forces of those wanting to take the city.

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] From where does this army come from?

Reesa: [Talk] They seem to be stragglers gathered throughout Thay, with the undead I imagine being sent by Necromancers, your Omnipotence.


Maurin has come, he decides to ignore him a moment. Best not make it look like he was waiting for the man.


Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] Did I miss anything?

Duston Conners: [Talk] *bows to Maurin*

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] *glances at Kaiser*


Shit, don't look at me yet, Maurin!


Reesa: [Talk] *bows to Maurin* Your Omnipotence.

Durn Leonall: [Talk] Not yet dread lord

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] *She nods politely to Maurin*

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] I see, could the undead be the fallen soldiers from the botched attack to the north?


There, theory is out there, convince them this is Thruls fault and not Tams.


Reesa: [Talk] Some could very well be, your Omnipotence.

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] So they will be strong.


Good enough excuse for why they will all die, if I hear Tam is involved.


Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] Ready for this, Kaiser? *grins*


Gods, stop grinning. Alright, maybe the grin can be taken for an eagerness to fight. Though who can notice anything, these fools have been jockeying for standing positions for the last twenty minutes.


Kaiser Signe: [Talk] I think so Maurin, though I am a fool and prepared no undeath spells

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] Most other spells will work anyway, not worth making your selection too specific.

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] *nods* Oh and Maurin, this is Elvita.

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] *nods*

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] *She bows graciously to Maurin*

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] Any reason for the line?

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] Probably a legion thing.

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Battle formation I assume

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] *shrugs*

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] I believe it perhaps strengthens their sense of camaraderie... maybe good for morale

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Not the wisest formation

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] If the army has spell slingers, you present a clear target. A wedge shape might be better.


He is promptly ignored, the Protector had arrived. The Necromancer still wants to find out how he managed the multiple wives idea. But he stops musing and listens.


Ryech Voralt: [Talk] *bows respectfully to the Reds*

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] *nods* Nice to see you again, Ryech.

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] and you, Master Maurin

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Protector *inclines his head*

Durn Leonall: [Talk] Attention! *salutes*


Oh shut up Steamy, we are talking here. Suck up..heh


Ryech Voralt: [Talk] we are honoured to have two such as yourselves assisting in the defence of the city

Duston Conners: [Talk] *comes to attention and salutes*

Gwendolyn Marshall: [Talk] [Snaps to attention, the metal of her heels clanking as she salutes]

Elvita Fierce: [Talk] *She studies Ryech*

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] You honour us, Ryech

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] with your leave, I will address those assembled

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] *nods to him* Let's not waste time.

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] *inclines his head and gestures to the others* As you will

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] *his gaze turns to Reesa and Sarin*


Yup, definitely those are the two. Perhaps I can find them after, if they, we, all live. But who, or where, is this supposed Priest?


Reesa: [Talk] *pushes up her glasses, fidgeting a little*

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] *with prelude* as you know, a large force is approaching the city

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] from all indications, they mean to attack the city proper as they are manoeuvring toward the western wall and gate

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] i need soldiers or mercenaries trustworthy and skilled enough to man the artillery on our north-western wall

Durn Leonall: [Talk] *standing at attention* I recommend Duston and/or Gwendolyn Sir!

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] in addition, I need those with the ability to hurl fireballs -or other spells of such mature- protecting the western gate

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] *nods curtly to Durn* you are in charge of the defences there then. choose who you feel is best

Sasspriina: [Talk] *raises a hand even if its helpless* I can help there....


Body like yours, Elf. I can give you somewhere to help...


Durn Leonall: [Talk] of course sir! salutes*

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] *turns and looks over and then turns back to the legionnaires*

Reesa: [Talk] I could also assist at the Western wall, Lord Protector.

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] do so then. both of you

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] I should also need at least one individual to man the northern gate - or more if you are squeamish, in case they try to flank and attack from the north

Durn Leonall: [Talk] Ser Vortar?

Elvita Fierce: [Whisper] Do they have any means to signal each other?

Kaiser Signe: [Whisper] Good question


He continued to focus on the conversation, when his guard Elvita suddenly steps up behind him.


Elvita Fierce: [Whisper] *She turns to the man rushing toward the wizard*

Vortar "The Mad" Blood of Tharax: [Talk] My Master has asked me to take the position most advantageous to the defence..

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] i will be taking up a command post at one of the towers along the north-western wall

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] I anticipate fighting will be heaviest along the north-western front

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] *glances at Dante, then nods as Elvita stands in defence*

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] the western gate is strong and should repel most attacks, but that is a weakness as well

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] *glances at Dante*


Heh, now the man goes interrupting their precious formation. Comedic relief, good to have.


Durn Leonall: [Talk] *ahems at Dante*

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] you omnipotent's, I would not presume to command you, so i would only ask you position yourselves where you feel you can provide the most assistance.

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] *to the reds*

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] Our efforts would be best directed if we knew the composition of the attacking force. What is the most up to date information you can provide?

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] Vortar, Durn, i leave specifics to you after this briefing. position those here as you see fit when we are finished

Durn Leonall: [Talk] *salutes* yes sir!

Vortar "The Mad" Blood of Tharax: [Talk] *nods*

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] *inclines his head to Maurin's words* I agree with Master Maurin, as for where, I would think we would be best facing the main battle group, we will likely take down more en mass than those with swords.

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] many undead - zombies, ghouls, and so forth. unfortunately, the attack will take place at night, so we can also expect vampires spectre's, and the like *shakes his head, the grimness of his tone showing*

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Hmm

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] a few living mercenaries, but not as many

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Can you confirm no banner is flown?

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] and several demons - including those with the capability of translating themselves through space or flying

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] correct, master. there is no banner


There it is then, without word from his Zulkir, he had best join them. To refuse would make him the coward, or raise too much suspicion. Not to mention, there may be a surprise for them all in the end...


Kaiser Signe: [Talk] Thank you Ryech

Kaiser Signe: [Whisper] Then I have no reason to worry of taking a side, I am glad.

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] Any obvious leader?

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] none so far identified, i am afraid

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] *nods*

Maurin Greyhand: [Whisper] shall we stick together?

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] If there is no further information, I will make my way to the Sea Wolf to prepare my spells. Join me Master Maurin?, I have the suite.

Kaiser Signe: [Whisper] Absolutely

Ryech Voralt: [Talk] of course masters, the rest are details the legion can handle

Maurin Greyhand: [Talk] *nods*

Kaiser Signe: [Talk] *bows his head* Fight well Ryech

Durn Leonall: [Talk] Shall I start assigning positions then sir?



They leave to prepare themselves, allowing the Soldiers to place their pawns upon the great chess board. And with no clear indication that Szass Tam is involved, Kaiser Signe, places the Black King with them. He just hopes that in doing so, he had not made the worst mistake of his life.