The world has changed since the Great War had ended.....What seemed like the start of a new peaceful era was yet the begining of another war. a war that will once again swallow the world in shadow...

Draconis' armies have returned and begin to ravage the lands, and sought to bring the downfall of the Four Great Kingdoms of Bethakra. but the four kingdoms would not let this come to pass.

The kingdoms had called upon their soldiers to rise up and take arms against the invaders. but will they be able to repel draconis un time?

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From the old ruins that was the Fortress of Snake Mountain. a dark, shadowy figure sat in a strange throne that was carved out by the kladori of old, to have the appearence of a winged-snake-like beast, with it's wings streched far from both right and left. the mouth was wide open reaching to the ground, in the center of the mouth was the seat and there was the figure. as he held an orb that viewed images of war, death, and battle, corpses of humans, dwarfs and elves could be seen in the battles, and within the room, a chilling chuckle could be heared. he laughed and laughed slowly, as he stood and settled the orb on a small pillar. soon a masked man approched the dark figure. bowing to him. "Oh lord Draconis..." he said. i have news from the front. i think you will find it pleasing..."

It was Draconis, the dark lord of the south. he turned to the masked one with his eyes glowing of bluish color. he gave off a tense feeling to the man with his very pressesnce. "...Speak" he started. what is so importent to disturb me...."

"My lord" the masked one replied as he slowly stood up. after months of fighting. our armiies have finally broken though the enemy defences and have marched forward the north. it will soon be yours, my lord"

The eyes begin to dime as Draconis is indeed satisfied of this infomation. "Very well...you done well my servent. now go, leave me in peace so i shall regain my power....lead my armis to ictory and bring the Four Great Kingdoms to their knees..."

Seminara Vaine paced in her quarters. Candle light flickered off the stone walls of her glamorous prison. She'd been here since she was twelve... and over the past 15 years her situation hadn't changed much. She could only see the night sky from her window, hardly ever allowed to roam unless they were traveling.

Draconis only called for her when needed. She could read minds, see into the future, and had developed her telepathy to where she could pick up a chair and throw it across a room, but as for a warrior, she was not anything close. She was a petite woman with flowing dark hair and fair skin. She was strong, but nothing when it came to Draconis' men. They were trained killers.

She dreamed of life beyond her captors, she regressed into a simpler time.

"Bram, knock it off!" She yelled, splashing him with water from the stream next to her in retaliation. They were on one of their hunting trips, a tradition after they'd lost their father to the war. She rolled her eyes at him as he laid back in the grass, feigning innocence."

"Good god I miss you..." She whispered to herself.
She loved her brother Bram, for he was the one person she could ever rely on. They were always cracking jokes and messing around but when she was in a jam her was always right behind her, on her side.

Or at least he had been, until 15 years ago during a Draconis raid. She could still hear him screaming. They had come for her at their home, taken her from her bed, and when he tried to stop them he'd be shackled to roofing beams in their cabin and burned alive. Imagining it now, she could almost smell burning flesh and her stomach lurched in anger and pain. They had raped her that night, thrown her in the back of a caravan and ushered her into the Draconis' presence.

Apparently word had spread of her gift, her ability to predict the future, and read the minds of others... The Draconis' and his men had found out and thought it a strategic move to have someone of her... abilities on their side.

So here she was, in her misery. She sat on her bed and took out a piece of parchment like she did every day. She wrote until her finger was sore and then gave in to the lull of dream filled sleep. She never dreamed without her nightmeres... they were now a part of her. She would see the past, present, and future... and none of them would hold much hope...

Deep within the slumbering woods a shapless blur darted with lethal percision from tree to tree, being sure to keep the shadows wrapped around it.
Amber had spent many months hunting- so to speak- with her younger brother Amerythist. They were on of the few younger high elves left of their own race that had not been slaughtered by the ravaging plague of the dark armies. Sweeping across the lands everything was raped and mutilated until people could no longer know their own bodies and selves- much less their family. The elves have not bent... "no matter how fiercly the wind howles, the mountain will not bow to it."
Or at least, that was what the elders had taught. They would accpet death before they bowed to their knees in shackled chains. And she was proud to be one of them. Strong and independant, they had finally breathed a long needed sigh of relief when the warring had come to an end- but all too shortly after, wars had begun anew and even now the old threat stirred once more.
That was her purpose for being there at that particular time. The elves had become fed up of wasting precious lives they could no longer afford to give and sent out spies and assassins to rot out the evil heart from the inside.
This was the last straw- they had cut the chains in a way that did not become obvious to the armies at once but when they needed... certain.. resources they would find themselves .... short.
She chuckled at the though before her midn turned to the task at hand.
Forcing her brother to omit this mission, she deemed it far too dangerous to risk his life- or any of the others and took the burden upon herself.
She was here to rescue the evil lord's sorceress, clairvoyant, telepath... the girl he kept locked up to do his bidding and predict his futures so that he could twist it all to his behalf. But once she was gone... he would find himself open and blinded as if a curtain should be cast over his eyes.
Stopping suddenly she crouched against an ancient tree and soundlessly slipped an arrow from her quiver, cocking it in her exquisite bow.
The arow glowed a silvery illumination as she held it, and poising it she shot rapidly, catching her mark. The first guard was down and so inconspiculously no one heard or noticed his collapse. He looked to be sleeping, but the poison had already claimed his life.
Now.... if she could only find a way in, perhaps the girl could help her on the way out... unless she liked being there and in that case well... Amber was prepared to do what she must to stop the threat.

Kari sauntered into the room with Daconis' throne from his left. Her foot-falls were utterly silent and the skirt of her black dress flowed lightly around her ankles. She stood silent for a moment, then giving a curtsy she spoke, "Good evening m'lord." Her melodic ellven voice echoed in the near empty hall.

She looked up at him with her piercing eyes and smiled mischeviously, simply waiting for his leave to stay.

Draconis simply sat there for a few moments till he got up to greet. "Ah, kari" he began with a soft tone. you have came just in time"

He stood up and slowly walked over to Kari till he was in front of her. Please, rise"

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The Empire of Xing, the city of Mor'deri

At the bordor of one of the four kingdoms, a battle begins at the fortress city of Mor'deri. a force of 20,000 consisting of orcs, skorne and humans loyal to draconis. beseige the city and try to take the gates. the defending army of the city fights it's hardest to prevent from the enemy advancing to the heart of the empire.

Watching from a command post in the central castle. General Bergan of the Bordor Defence Legion, is at awe and shock of the numbers he is seeing.

"Its amazing that bastard can muster so many troops within ten years..." he thought to himself while looking toward to his officers. prepare the men for when the enemy breach tthe walls. im not going to let the city fall without-"

"Pardon me, general" interurpted one of the officers. with all due respect. but defending the city is pointless"

"You dare think of such an act is pointless?" the general asked angerily.The Empress herself ordered that this city not fall in the hands of Draconis! if that where to happen, the empire would surly fall in a few months. you have not seen his tactics.......now do as ordered. we stop this now"

As the general left to defend the walls. the enemy general watchs the city from his camp.

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Enemy Camp, outside the city

On top of a small hill overlooking the troops. an Orc along with two skorne praetorians, sat atop of the hill in his command tent. drinking as he thought he knew he would win. he was like any other orc, tall and muscler, green skin and a gruff look on his face with a short beared.

"Hahaha! this is a good day for battle!" shouted the orc warchief. victory is near, and i shall please the master indeed, he will reward me for this....."

While the orc was savoring his moment. a figure came right behind the warchiefs two Skorne Praetorian guards. the guards reacted and held their weapons up, only to figure out it was once of draconis' agents. it was the same masked man who met draconis earlier.

"I see your enjoying yourself, Warchief" he said in a clam voice. but to think the master entrusted for for such a task like this...i am quiet surprised really"

"Do anger me peta!" he shoutd out his name.and i shall ensure your suffering! the master choice me because i am the strongest of the orcs! remember that!

Peta then gave a bow to the orc and gave him a message scroll. "That shall be noted..." he replied. but first here"

He handed over the scroll to the warchief containing news from Draconis himself. peta began to smile behind his mask. " It appears theres been a change of plans..." he said. it seems the master has relieved you of command and has given me surprme control of the advancing armies here. Now leave me, 'captain'"

Enraged by this, the Orc warchief had the need to strike down peta, and grabed his axe. but before such an act. peta struke first and cut the orc in half with a hidden sword. the spated out his last words. "Damn you...." and fell with blood leaked from the corpse downhill.

Soon the new commander turned to the skorne soldiers. "Tell all officers to report to me for now on" he ordred. the master expects the city to fall within the week, once then....the kingdoms will be ours.."

Kari straightened herself from her curtsey and looked up into Draconis' eyes, he was nearly half a foot taller than she, but she felt comforted always by his presence. He was close enough to her that she could smell his breath and body as his pores released a slight excitement.

She took a step closer to him, batted her eyelashes twice then asked "And what might it be that I have come in time for?" Her eyes scanned his for any sign of what it might be that he had to tell her. It was obviously something of importance and something good at that, but what could it be.

Perhaps they had a new prisoner for her to torture information out of! Or maybe she was to see to that phycic that had been with them 15 years! Curiosity was getting the better of her and so she wrapped her slender arms around his strong neck and gave him a sad puppy-dog look, "What fortune has befallen us now? Please, do tell me, don't keep me in suspence."

(ooc: where'd everyone go?....... ok I know I'm gunna get in trouble for the under 10 sentences rule, but really, this sucks! lol. Anyways... post people)

The Empire of Xing, the city of Mor'deri

The seige grew more intense by the hour. as large groups of hulking beasts drag the seige towers from across the battlefield. within the towers were hordes of battle-ready orcs, bloodthirsty skorne and a host of creatures brought from the south.

But the real threat was above the fields. large bird-like creatures with serpentine features, soar thoughout the skies and swooped down upon the wall's defenders.

The Xing Imperial Guard held their ground and fought off most of the creatures. but the question would remain. will they be able to repel the seige towers?

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Draconis was happy to know his servents were so willing to serve. he smilied and left her arms off him as he spoke. "My dear" he begun. the task i give you is of a simple one. one of our agents have reported of ruins of some sort to the far off land of hextel, to the southwestern regions. they have found....something. a large structure. he paused for the moment and continued.

"I believe this structure could be the vary same prison that Kito'la, lord of the kladori. is traped in with his army of 50,000 strong. that is why i wish to send you there, for i need one of my trusted ones to oversee the work of breaking the seal on the prison.

His head turned to the large doors as it opened, revealing behind it were three figures. one was a creature with four legs and pop-out antenna eyes, it had red skin on the head and blue scales on the rest, two large fangs sticked out from both cheeks with smaller setys of fangs in the mouth.

The second figure was a human male in black and red armor, with spikes on both shoulder plates, he had long frizy black hair, a long slinder moustache, and a beard that sterchs near the neck area, he held a shield bearing the symbol of draconis and a long sword at his side.

The final one was a unknown, possibly human. dons a ghastly skeletal mask, with a green spiked wig attached to it, wearing a grey cloth and folding the arms together, it was unknown if the person was male or female.

The three bowed to draconis as he approched to them. "All hail draconis!" the middle man said. we have awnsered your call and have come to serve!"

Kari listened intently to Draconis' instructions. Excitement appeared in her features, but inwardly, she was a little disappointed in the role she'd play. However, Draconis had chosen her as one of his most trusted, and so she tried to feel better about it.

As the doors opened to the three... beings... Kari let out a shudder of discust at their appearences. She would have to go with these? 'Discusting creatures.' She thought, 'I might as well change myself as one of them.' It wasn't that she was really angry about it, she just didn't like going with any beasts, let alone humans (besides Draconis who was more than a man).

She pushed aside the feeling and smiled as she realised that she would still dominate them. "Well then, m'Lord. I shan't keep you waiting for your army."

Draconis steped over to the three strangers as he introduced them to kari. "These fellows here" he begun. are members of my elite guard, the Lords of Astraea, as most of them hail from the land"

He point to the red creature, it then spoke, in a high tone voice. "I am Mantenna. hehehehe.... the best known scout in the lords. i can be indeed deadly in combat when caught off guard. hehehe....

Draconis went over to the next one, the human, they both nodded. "I am General Raihi, commander of the southern front. i have led the the master's hordes with my ruthless command. but, i go as draconis commands"

Draconis then reached his hand over the strange person with the mask. "This is Chimera" he said. chimera is one of the more silent ones....it, and thats most say about chimera. is one of the most skilled in the arts of combat and a number of magics.

Chimera simply nodded to kari and nothing else. while darconis walked over to kari. "Now, kari, as for your mission. you four will leave in a few hours by boat, the nearby river will take you to in a three day journey to the jungles of Hextel. now go, prepare yourself"

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Kingdom of Cygnar,City of Caspia

The Cygnarian Capital city of Caspia, a great mavel of the cygnar kingdom, people busy thoughout the city, children playing along the streets, it all seems peaceful, but deep in the king's castle, problems have stired up with the war reaching near the kingdom.

At the throne room, several of the King's Advisors and two of his generals begin to agrue one another on how to handle the events unfolding. and from the center of the room, King Leto the Younger, as he is known. sat upon his throne and just watched as they argued.

"This is insane!" shouted general Turpin, leader of the military. your highness, we must act now before draconis' forces reach our bordors. allow me to aide our allies and stop this before-

"This can not be done, general" interupted one of the advisors. we must look to our own bordors, do not act so rash, have you forgetten the safty of cyngar?

"Sooner or later" spoke General Bolden Rebald of the scout forces. draconis and his armies will be at our doorstep if we do not hault his advance in xing. once then, we can end this war in the matter of months then years"

As the keep on, the king grew angery and wanted to cease this. "Enough!" leto ordred. i will not have my generals and advisors bicker among themselves, nor will i allow draconis to move any deeper in xing. but.....i can not ignore my kingdom in need.

General Turpin steped in front of the young king. "Your highness" he began. allow me to take my troops to xing, the empress will need the help she can get"

One of the advisors steped up as well to protest. "My king, if we let the blk of our armies leave cyngar, we will be open for an invasion"

Leto then stood up to make his command clear to the group. "I have made my mind, in order to protect the kingdom and provide help for our allies. general Turpin will take four regiments of troops to the empire of xing. my messenagers will send word to the empress for your arrivel, understood?"

The general saluted in a cygnar fashion with his fist is slamed to his chest. "Yes, your Highness. i will not fail you, nor the people of Cygnar or the four kingdoms"

Kari nodded to each of the lords as they were introduced but took no step closer to them. When Draconis told her of their mission, she nodded again and curtsied as he bid her leave. She walked quickly back down the hall she'd entered the room from and went up a flight of stairs to her chambers.

Hastily she pulled out her travel sack and shoved in a pair of pants and a long sleeved shirt. After she'd finished packing her bag she took out another set of clothes, similar to the ones she'd packed, and changed out of her dress and into them. After such she went to the mirror across the room and began brushing through her hair, preparing to braid it. She had no desire to go with these brutes, but she'd do anything for Draconis, and so she knew she would go anyway.

In no time she had her hair pinned up utop her head, so as to keep it out of her face. She knew she could have just shortened her hair at will, but for one, she prefered to look more feminine, even if she were in men's clothes, and for two, she wanted to have some time away from the creatures she'd be travelling with for the next little while.

She sighed, and grabbed her travel cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders. One final look upon herself in the mirror and she grabbed her sack and left the room to do her master's bidding.