Clash of the Titans

((OOC: I hope you don't mind me joining this battle.))

The almost endless columns of Imperial soldiers approached Ellesmare slowly. The synchronized marching seemed to cause the ground to rumble a bit as they passed by. On the edge of a small patch of dark trees on the edge of the valley, sat a lone elf. He peered out at the formidable force with his elven eyes and sighed. Gilanu wiped the perspiration off of his brow and sat on a tree stump.

He had notified the inhabitants of Ellesmare about the approaching force heading towards them, and they began building defenses immediately, although it was probably too late for them. The Imperial army has a force of at least 10,000 strong and willing soldiers. Gilanu did not want to see his whole country decimated by these Imperials, but it almost seemed like there was no chance for those elves.

The army would take a while until they arrived, but the sight of them was still unnerving. They would arrive to fight probably tomorrow. Gilanu looked out at the sun setting across the horizon. It was getting late, and he would have to stay at his post until the Imperial army got closer. So far it looked like he was going to have to spend the night at this spot.

Gilanu set up a small camouflaged tent up soon after and took out some cold rations. Having a warm meal was impossible because a campfire was too risky at this location. Gilanu finished his cold meal and went inside his tent to get some sleep before the storm...

((Edited))

OOC: Just to clarify this, the Imperials have not yet delved as deep as you think into Tamrodiil. They have only gotten to the outskirts of Tamrodiil actually, they are about to invade the forest.. although they are taking one day to rest and build up a camp. Tomorrow they would attack.

((OOC: I'll change it a bit then.))

EDIT: I edited the post...

OOC: Shweet, thanks!


In the early morning, every tent was opened by a single messenger. The messenger, clad in the normal Imperial armor opened the flaps and forced the occupants awake. Soon enough, all ten thousand were awake and arming themselves for the battle that would start in only hours. The low clinking of chainmail and plate armor could be heard everywhere in the camp from soldiers running to and fro to do their duties and follow their various orders. Oxe carts carrying food and essentials for the soldiers would be delivered later in the day, as everyone knew, even if most were silent, that this battle would take months.

After about two hours of preparation, Lieutenant Tyerdil rode past soldiers on his stallion, always in his armor it seemed. He hefted a great Dark Ore Halberd in one hand as he rode to the very end of the hill, facing the forest. The soldier watched him stop and then turn back toward all of them.

"FORM RANKS! STAND FAST!" Tyerdil yelled loudly enough so that all could hear.

The troops, highly disciplined, did just as he ordered and stood fast in rank with their weapons held in uniform. Through the lanes made between the regiments, platoons, and companies, rode the "Heads of Division", the CO's. Those were only military terms of course, since everyone else just called them the Imperial Guard.

The sun began to rise, it was 7:00 AM, and the battle would then begin. Tyerdil looked to the mass of troops, he had never commanded so many before in his entire life. All stood atop the giant hill, facing to their ultimate destination. Tyerdil aimed the blade of his Halberd high into the air, gaining every ones attention. The pointed tip, slightly serrated glimmered madly in the waxing sun.

"Imperials! You know why you have been called here, into this distant region, far from loved ones. You know where your duty stands for your Empire! Traitors to the Empire must be dealt with, lest you care for the future of your kin! Raise your blades! Raise your arms! This day we avenge! This day we conquer! THIS DAY WE CLAIM VICTORY!" Yelled Tyerdil.

The Lieutenant's speech moved the soldiers. All had become quite ready to march into battle, to charge, to take lived. The spirit of the Imperial Army grew tenfold, all due to the influence from one man. All throughout history, the Imperials were famous for having great leaders, and now, even in a time of collapse, that stood true. Tyerdil tuned his stallion around facing back toward the forest. Aiming his halberd directly to the woods, one hundred soldiers behind him withdrew large battle-horns, and blew such a note, that the entire forest shook in surprise. The charge was set, and the battle was about to begin.

Gilanu cringed as the battle-horns echoed through the valley. He had awoken an hour earlier than the Imperial army and was ready to move. The battle would start today. There was no doubt about it. Gilanu picked up his bow that he left on the ground and slung it over his shoulder. He had to assemble his ambush group and get ready for them, even though Gilanu assumed that they were already scurrying about because of that horn blast.

Gilanu got up from his kneeling position and started to run through the forest back down the valley. Tree branches whipped him in the face and leaves brushed by him as he swiftly made his way downhill to find his group. After a while he came in contact with his group. All the elves had their bows out and appeared to be very frightened.

"I know it may be obvious by now," Gilanu said with a grim face," But they are coming. They are coming swiftly and surely. Everyone go to their assigned positions and prepare to fire upon their ranks when they start to pass by. We need to take out as many as possible before they make it down to the bulk of our army."

The elves nodded in understanding and all went in separate directions to find their spots. Gilanu himself found a fallen tree and crouched by it with his bow drawn and an arrow ready. Now all they had to do was wait for the hammer to fall...

Adriana couldn't sleep that night due to the noise of metal scraping against stone as the forges were worked day and night. The Lost Guard had prepared themselves for this day, she walked through the catacombs beneath the Temple and watched as bows were strung, swords hammered out and armor mended. After checking on everything she went to her chambers and began to prepare for the next day, Adrian unclasped her hair and let if all to her knees, she then let her dress fall to her feet and climbed into bed. She did not sleep well that night, in fact she dreamed of Tamrodiil in ruins and Imperial banners flying form the palace, she saw the pools red with blood and the head king Ellessar on a pike help by an Imperial Guard. He looked to be of high rank, Captain maybe, but then she remembered the Captain, Xalerion was his name and he looked nothing like the one holding the pike.

She awoke early the next morning and geared for combat, by five the Lost Guard was ready. They mounted up and rode south, they planned to cross the sea by boat and to meet with the main force in Tamrodiil. They rode close enough to see the Legion as it marched but far enough away so as not to be seen. They fell behind when crossing the waters and reached Tamrodiil after the Legion, by the time they met with the main defensive force it was night and the Temperians had stopped. Adriana spent the better part of the night discussing battle plans with the General, around eleven she retired to her tent and dreamed the same dream about Tamrodiil's destruction.

~~~

Adriana was up at dawn, her entire company was also up and about. She looked at her armor and wondered what it would've happened if she had never lifted a sword in her life, where she would be if the Oracles Mandate was still in the Imperial City. But now was not the time for such thoughts, battle was at hand and she would be leading part of the defensive force. After clearing her mind of other thoughts she began to put her armor on and then grabbed her sword belt, she left her tent and looked at the camp, its inhabitants were still waking and those that were awake were still getting ready inside their tents. Using Nightfury she enhanced her voice and then began to shout out orders

''On your feet! This is no time to sleep in!'' She shouted ''You are soldiers of Tamrodiil, sleeping is not a commodity that we can afford these days, an army of New Temperia is on our doorstep, what do you think they are doing? Giving us time to prepare for their attack? I think not, I think that they are already on the move.''

Taking a break to catch her breath she continued ''I also think that you are brave men and together we can drive the so called ''Imperials'' back to whence they came, they believe all races must bow before them, I say it shall not be so! Today we can win a victory that will rally the other races of Ryerdae to rise up against this tyranny and then together we can put them back in their place like we have done before! If we want victory we are going to have to go out there and snatch from the Temperians, this can not be done by those of weak heart and minds, they will try to scare us with their numbers, but will we falter? No! We will show them the might of Tamrodiil and they will fear us, I promise all of you a round of your favorite drink after this battle and I will join you in toasting to our freedom! Show no mercy and give none! They have come here to take away our freedom and that anger me more then anything else in Ryerdae, now gather your weapons and stand strong for this day we will have victory! For Tamrodiil! For the King! Rise and fight Tamrodiilians!''

When she had finished every single Tamrodiilian had risen from sleep and prepared for battle, they had come together as strangers and now would march out as brothers. Turning to the General she spoke in her normal voice

''Now, let us end this war before it ravages the entire kingdom.''

((Sorry for taking so long to post))

The full force of Tamrodiil was gathered by order of King Elessar. It was the most even of matches, ten thousand against ten thousand. The elves had the advantage in territory, while the Imperial held the advantage in siege weaponry and tactics. From the eves of the forest bordering the very edge of the nation of Tamrodiil, they force of elves matched, gilded in brilliant armor, though elegant to the eye. Many held long bows, crafted from the best of yew, and carved with golden lines. Indeed, the elite of the Elves looked mighty, as might as an Imperial Guard. They wore grand suits of Mythril armor, along with the same weapons, curved longswords, bows of Mythril, and long pole blades. Flag bearers of green and brown made their debut at the forefront of the army.

The Imperials stood in ready for their ultimate foes. Battle had been sounded all over the land, and it was only fitting that the elves receive the same punishment as the rest. Both forces met at opposite ends of a long field. At one end, the elves stood, shadowed by the vast expanse of trees behind them. Upon the other end was a long hill, which boasted the Imperial Army and behind the siege artillery. Both forces marched to their places, spread out into formed ranks and units, and gazed with deep pitted fear at each other. Two seas of men in armor were about to collide in a battle to end all battles. Weapons lay in the trembling hands of recruited men, or in the hands of professional killers.

Another blast of horns was called from the back lines of the Imperial army, madly answered by Elven horns. The two armies, still far from each other started to quickly march across the field. The clacking of armor drowned out any other sound around them. Sword hilts and staffs alike were gripped tighter than before. It was finally time to show their nations grit, their absolute resolve for victory. The sun was red... did it foresee the bloodbath that was about to lay waste into the fertile fields on Tamrodiil?

Nero Tyerdil raised his halberd into the sky, he bellowed a fierce war cry, as the rest of the army did. Their march turned into a jog, and then to a run, and then... to a full charge. The line of soldiers, ten rows thick, and sixty rows wide let the adrenaline pump into their veins. The grass was flattened then by twenty thousand feet. The shrill songs of the rocks being released from the slings of trebuchets could be heard from behind the Imperial army. Far still in front of them, debris flew into the air, and the ground became pock-marked with large stones from the artillery. Soon enough... through the dust and debris that pervaded the field, the two forces met and smashed into each other. The first man fell dead, his helmet cleaved in two by a Claymore. He was not to be the last.


Aaaannnd here is the field of battle guys:



Dark Blue squares = Trebuchet positions
Light Green area = The Hill that the artillery and defensive positions of the Imperials are on.
Olive Green = The field on which the battle will take place
Dark Green = The borderline forest leading into Tamrodiil
Blue Arrows = The Positions of Imperial Troops
Red Arrows = The Positions of Tamrodiilian Troops

"Fire at will!" Gilanu yelled to his archers as soon as the enemy got close enough. Arrows flew from the side into the Imperial forces, killing a few, and injuring others. They were lucky to have strong armor, or the volley would have done much more damage. Gilanu himself armed for the necks of the Imperial men, often hitting his mark.

The battle was fierce. Men on both sides pummeled each other with their weapons. Swords clashed; axes chopped; and arrows flew. It was truly one of the fiercest battles that Gilanu has experienced himself. He continued to order his men to fire on various positions. Gilanu prepared another arrow, and fired on the Imperials, aiming to kill.

From behind the long lines of shield bearing Imperial Troopers, the archers let loose a rain of green feathered arrows into the ranks of the elves. Screams were heard from enemy ranks as many fell, their armor made useless against the barbed Dark Ore arrow heads. The dead littered the ground. Much of the wounded or dead were trampled beneath the feet of soldiers from both sides, or the hooves of the ensuing cavalry.

Tyerdil stood by the forefront of the army, his pike spun through the air, beheading a enemy soldier. His face could be seen from beneath a Dark Ore helmet, stalwart and serious. His Imperial Guards who rode on stallions beside him seemed to dominate their army; hacking, slashing, stabbing, and beating back the enemy before them. Many men had fallen from both sides, but the tide had turned for the Imperials.

The ground shook as the lines of soldiers clashed from giant boulders hitting the ground. The Trebuchets and catapults earned their own kills in this way until all ammunition was gone. Some debris was doused in oil and set aflame, adding only to the misery of the defenders. But, this was only the beginning...

The day had turned to night, and the battle grew ever near the eves of the forest. Many times, the sides would retreat for rests, begrudgingly of course. But, when the darkness came over the forest, and the titanic trees cast fell shadows in the red light of the hideous moon, the Imperial continued the attack without the elves knowing. Cranking and screeching of the Trebuchets being loaded was heard, and then the whistle as the flaming munitions flew through the air over the heads of the Imperial Army. The rocks were aimed however, deeper into the forest, an overall plain from the eves to the interior.

~~~~~

The elves were in their foxholes and trenches, resting for the last battle. The war would take many days, ten thousand was a number none had seen before. A scream shot through the forest. The night sky glowed suddenly, a color like flame... for indeed that is what it was. The debris and rocks flew into the forest, setting alight the trees it past, as well as the high grass. Smaller trees exploded into pieces which shot down to the elves below. Panic took hold of all the elves aside from the veterans, who were still very much surprised.

Trees burst into flame, and spread. Magic users used their wind powers to try and blow out the flames, yet it seemed only to encourage the horrifying inferno to spread. Smoke filled the interior of the forest, the elves most in two directions: Toward the battlefield after the eves, or deeper into the forest.

~~~~~

Nero Tyerdil sat upon his deep black stallion in his armor. His troops stood behind him, quiet. He brought a hand to his chin, scratching his short beard for a moment. He looked to the Imperial Guards and the troops behind and pointed to the forest.

"Phase Two of this battle is complete. The forces have separated and lost their link to command. They have become disorganized and disoriented by the fire and smoke. Now is the time to show these traitors how the Imperial take hold over a nation. But remember the Imperial Creed... do not kill civilians, lest you want your neck in a noose. Keep from burning any home or buildings unless the order comes from myself or a CO. It is time, brandish your arms, and let Phase Three begin!" Tyerdil commanded.

His troops got into position, rank and file were made, battle horns were called. The charge was set, and the troops started to move down the field, like a wave of fire.

As the Temperians advanced so did Adriana, she watched their leaders moves. Whatever he was planning it couldn't be good. She cast a chameleon spell on herself and then slipped towards the Imperial commander. She silently drew her sword and approached him

''Trespasser, I challenge you to single combat, if you win then you to continue on your way,'' she said ''However, if you loose then your men will return to your homes and leave our lands in peace, do we have an accord?''

She eyed him, noting his armor and it's weak points and studying his form, she had been told that one can learn a lot form a opponents form.

"Even if I die here, the orders have been given to all soldiers and CO's... they come from the Imperial Chancellor himself. Tamrodiil shall fall because of your treason."

Tyerdil glances over to the camouflaged Tamrodiilian. At the moment he was seen talking, the rest of the men near him saw the blurry form of a elf there. Their weapons raised for a lethal strike. Tyerdil lifted a hand to halt his soldiers.

"I accept your challenge, but be aware that I shan't go easy on you." Tyerdil said, his eyes blazing with anticipation for the duel. "All weapons and armor can stay on. And by the way... If you win, my men will allow you and your forces to retreat for one day."

At that, Tyerdil dismounted his stallion. His soldiers cleared a large circle for the duel to take place. The two soldiers, a Major and the enemy, stood facing each other within the ring of Imperials. Tyerdil cracked his neck and brandished his long Dark Ore Pike. By his side was a Dark Ore Longsword, and handing by a strap on his back was a Dark Ore round shield. The green stallion headpiece on his helm fluttered in the wind. His eyes were serious, as even his own men could tell. Both warriors, the pride of both nations, aimed to kill the other in combat.

"This duel will start at the call of an Imperial Horn." Tyerdil said proudly.

Adriana watched him, his form was perfect, his weapon was beautiful and he himself was a weapon, a weapon bred for war.

''Treason? Is it really treason to stand for ones freedom? We of Tamrodiil only seek our own freedom but you cast us down and call us traitors, your Chancellor has made it so none can survive unless they follow your rules and your laws,'' She said with anger in her voice ''My anger has gotten the better of me, I am sorry, now let us carry on with the fight.''

She raised her hand and created a ring of white fire around them

''There will be no magic used during the fight.''

She then unclasped her cloak and threw it to the ground and then undid her hair. Raising her sword in salute to Tyerdil she then took a defensive stance and prepared for his attack.

Tyerdil looked to Adriana and sighed. From a satchel by his side, he took out a furled piece of parchment. He unfurled it and showed it to Adriana. His face did not change at all from the serious expression he wore.

"Tamrodiil is indeed charged with treason, miss. For before this new Age, not months ago, Tamrodiil illegally seceded from the Empire willfully and under the leadership of Lord Elessar. All Feudal States beneath the grand Empire enjoyed over 300 years of peace and tranquility until His Highness Emperor Polius IV died. Tamrodiil seceded from the Empire, therefore making itself an enemy of the nation. Had Tamrodiil never done such a thing, I would not be here." Tyerdil informed.

The piece of parchment held the orders to forcefully subjugate Tamrodiil under the Imperial power once more by decree of the Imperial Chancellor. The nation was formally held accountable for treason to the Empire.

"Now, these are my conditions. Have your Lord surrender his army and merge back into the Empire... or we can do that the harder way. I only follow orders, for the glory of the New Temperian Empire." Tyerdil said.

Adriana listened to to his words

''Let me ask you this Temperian, do you truly believe that New Temperia is the supreme ruler of all of Ryerdae?'' she asked him ''And do you truly believe that innocents must be killed to enforce the laws of your land in another mans land?''

She stood ready and watched him, if he showed signs of regret then she would show him mercy, but if he did believe these things then she would give no quarter.

Tyerdil looked to Adriana. With a free hand, he pounded a fist into his breastplate of Dark Ore. His eyes seemed to suddenly take on a glimmer, like that of a dancing flame.

"It is not that we are trying to subjugate only Tamrodiil. New Tempera is a glorious Empire that has existed for over 800 years! But now, that glory is waning, and the only way to bring it back, is to restore the land to what is was before the war. I realize that I am a mere pawn in this entire conflict, but what you must realize, is that pawns are what drives everything forward. We will bring back the light to this world, Ryerdae will be whole once again, and I will stop at nothing to achieve my own, and my superiors' ambitions!" Tyerdil said filled with pride.

''Face me Temperian, show me that you would die to bring Tamrodiil under the rule of Temperia,'' Adriana challenged ''I myself would die for my home, but would you?''

She raised her sword and struck at him, then she backed up and readied another blow.

Tyerdil easily parried the blow with the haft of his halberd, then spun around and blocked the second that his enemy prepared. They stood face to face, eyes of fire peering into the others. Nero was a hulk of a man, well built and strong from many many years in the Imperial Army. His entire life was a stone, chiseled and refined until he was as the edge of a blade, sharp and strong.

"Would I die for the Empire?" Tyerdil asked out loud, a smile crept across his face.

With a sudden burst of speed, Tyerdil lifted his halberd and swung down, the glimmering blade of the axe head arched down toward the Elf. She managed to roll out of the way with fright, leaving a horrifying gash through the rocky ground.

"For the Empire... I would die over and over if it was to see her glory restored." Tyerdil answered with the same ecstatic grin.

Evelyn watched as the two opponents exchanged blows, parrying and counter-striking over and over. She had an arrow nocked on her bowstring, ready to retreat or fight for her life. Although she doubted that the elf would lose the fight, she was always ready. She turned her bow towards the sky, and fired an arrow. An arrow that exploded into a shower of sparks and a burst of light that rained upon the duelists. The elf adjusted quickly to the change, while the Imperial had more trouble. The sparks flowed around the two, dancing quietly in a circle, as if to ward off others.

Tyerdil laughed briskly as he parried another attack. Beneath his lofty helm, he looked to the archer who shot the arrow.

"You think that would effect us in the least... we live with fire, we control it. Don't get into the middle of a honor duel, lest' you wish to keep thine pride." He yelled.

His halberd swung in a wide arc at the elf woman and slashed slightly through her chest armor. Just as it came back, it was aimed forward for a great thrust. Before he lunged forward with the glistening tip, he looked to the surprised elves around him, then to his own men with much the same expressions.

"I suggest that the elves of Tamrodiil retreat back to Ellesmare and contact your king. Unless you want the entire forest to burn straight to the ground, diplomacy should begin." Tyerdil suggested, still keeping his halberds tip threateningly aimed to his opponent. " I promise that once these diplomatic meetings commence, there shall be no more fighting.. on my honor and the honor of New Tempera."