Reviews:

Guest 1: in distant past Titan Forged no question they're designed to defeat a foe that is constantly spawning troops and with Gods and titans (WHFB sky-Giant sized) among their foes. But basically since that war concluded and before the whole "curse of flesh" really kicked in, they fell from power dramatically. Lizardmen meanwhile had far less drastic of a fall and landed in a much better position and with powers available to them that they can actually use. Aka Titans tossed aside their creations virtually right as they had served their purpose while the Lizardmen had been one of the Old Ones planned races that had a long term role.

Guest 2: We will have to see, though the plan may be simple and direct or complex depending on what she's working toward.

Dragon King of the West: Well some sort of manipulative dirty dealing certainly happened.

JiggyliFAP: Well you might want to look up who her adoptive mother and idol since before that is. And for the Azeroth side, that's likely book three to show everything there melting down.

Hakuryuu: i shall never stop speaking of the glory of our lord and savior, hornes rat...praise him or he will eat you. so i giess you will never stop talking about yah boi.

But part of that Orthodoxy vs Ice Court mechanic is a "old lore" detail of the relative independence of the Boyars. The Boyars don't owe their station and authority to the Tzar thus its by other means one brings the Boyars and the lesser Atamen into loyalty of their faction via diffrent means. Kislev is less stable than the Empire politically but the set up obviously works since the massive invasions of Chaos have not Broken Kislev. As for any journey through Kislev we shall see.

As for the rapid fire questions. maybe, maybe, oh most definitely.

And indeed what is Irma's objective? Perhaps we will learn in this story.

As for the Diplomacy, well think of it this way. What does Karl think the Empire has to gain? That will help you determine what plan B likely is.

As for the Secret Police. Oh they probably have elements who know, but if news has gone up the chain is a whole other question. But lets see what Kislev or at least this Boyar is aiming for.

As for that last bit *-For the Damaged Coda- intensifies*

DragonANGL: Actually that's a bit iffy. See the reason Warhammer fantasy "failed" was because GW virtually abandoned it for over a decade more or less refusing to really add anything of substance or to rethink the gameplay rules. But back to the oceans, the reason they aren't addressed is because GW had and abandoned a spin off naval warfare tabletop game for Warhammer Fantasy. Their worlds oceans are actually horrifically occupied by a little too much, and not enough at the same time.

The Dark Elves are pirates and Warhammer Total War doesn't quite do this aspect of them justice. but they go everywhere and raid everyone. The Vampire pirates are as they are presented but one note is that lore wise they're more underwater than most people think...but also a bit less prevelent. but then there's the Mortal Pirates, both of Saratosa and Araby, and Nippon's pirates/offical fleets (it's still been up in the air for decades), then there are the sea giants (Warhammer Giants are extremely varied and kinda sad if you know their history ), the krakens, the massive sea serpents/Dragons that tow the NE vessels and that serve chaos, then there are the children of Mannan Sea monsters that serve the sea diety, and one maybe two different sub-aquatic races one that makes the crews of ships mysteriously disappear only leaving behind signs of the crew's frantic struggle if the ship is found, and another or maybe the same that the NE discovered who control a underwater passage that allows the NE to cross from the Eastern coast of their continent to the western coast. but again a lot of this stuff is shrouded in vague statements because GW made this side game, then abandoned it going "well get back to it"...and over 4 decades later have only done the bare minimum to keep hold of the IP. How little GW actually did with WHFB then going "It's the game's fault"...well if you refuse to ever feed or walk your dog whose fault is it when the dog dies or runs away?

But in terms of semi-friendly amphibians/XP PiƱatas with undersea towns they invite you to go have dinner at/burn down with underwater fire? Yes Mallus does have a lack of those as most their sea monsters are aquatic creatures rather than amphibians and even more scored extremely low on their IQ scores. But the Lizardmen, Snakemen of Kuresh, and several others still are supposes to effectively fill that role.

OscuroSignore-51: Unfortunately the situation is just not what she wanted, almost the opposite even.

As for the rest...muhahahahhaha.

micelzod: Poor Shandris, her situation has been janked, and as for Kyn'ra let us see what is to come.


Trials and Tribulations


Shandris stood silently outside the 'Prince of Bechafen's Palace. The Shadowmancer Luitgard Reichen had gone ahead of the General to announce their arrival to the household servants. The General was then left alone allowing her to rest slightly still recovering from her surgery and the frantic running battle that she had engaged in so shortly there after. Even resting though Shandris was busy, the General had too much to consider, too many vital decisions that needed to be determined now, within several hours from now at latest.

Kyn'ra had escapped, likely even now her Pioneers were breaking free from the marching column that could be hours or days away from Bechafen, all trying to escape to the north to follow the directions of their insane leader. Something that had happened on this world had not only fed Kyn'ra's insanity but had instilled a fanaticism in the Pioneers which could be matched by the Paladins of the light or the Twilight's Hammer cultists.

And with Kyn'ra's escspe had come multiple questions, new difficulties for the General to settle, and a mystery to solve. Was she going to take the Sentinels to hunt down the Pioneers, or should she remain in the Empire and continue down the path that would hopefully take them back to Azeroth? And of course, who had killed not only a SI:7 spy but also the Pioneer Rogue he was detaining, and then stole anything the spy had on themselves that Shandris could use to prove that the man was exactly that, a SI:7 spy? Then who had connected Kyn'ra with the Kislevittes and was that individual one and the same as the one who had framed Shandris? And lastly what was the Elector Count of Ostermark going to declair as he and Shandris met for the first time?

Some time of pacing and consideration later Shandris made up her mind. She knew her duty was first and foremost to her home and to her men. Kyn'ra could wait as much as Shandris hated to admit it to herself, but she knew her duty and that was to Darnassus first, her pride shouldn't distract her from that reality. And she knew Kyn'ra was here on Mallus and very unlikely to return to, or even contact, Azeroth without having to encounter Shandris and her army first.

Thus now matters were simple, have a peaceful interaction with this Wolfram Hertwig, hopefully gain his support or permission to hire some adventurers or hire some mercs. Then work to try to create ties between the Alliance and Empire, return home and win whatever conflict the Horde had sparked. Focusing on this Shandris told herself that a strong first impression and of course clearing the names of her Sentinels and herself would be key to this.

Then the doors opened and a small gathering of court ladies emerged from the building alongside the court crier. The Six individuals marched out into the large fornt garden area outside the palace where Shandris had been waiting, silently ignoring the gawking crowd just beyond the palace gate and the slowly growing number of State Troops meant to keep the crowd in line.

Fortunately it was only Shandris and Uydron who were present, but even the two Night Elves alone had drawn a massive crowd of people who gawked and were absolutely enamored by their appearance. Many of the humans quite aduably making comments on the ears of the two Kaldorei. Others offering prayers to Gods Shandris didn't know, or bemoaning the 'sickly individuals' that their Lord had accepted into his Palace.

Still the Court Ladies surrounded Shandris all of thrm using their bodies and dresses to form a wall between Shandris and the crowds as the Crier stepped up to the General. "General Shandris Feathermoon, you are now invited to enter the court of Elector Count Wolfram Hertwig, Prince of Bechafen, and Chancellor of the League of Ostermark. Todays topics of discourse on which the council acknowledge your voice are as follows, the conclusion of the hostilities between the Army of Darnassus and the Armies of Ostermark. Granting official recognition to the claims of existence, territories, and personages of the Kingdom of Darnassus, the Alliance and their leaders and nobility. The stewardship of Mordheim. Ostermark trade regulation, tariffs, and migration. Lastly resolving the string of murders that have followed the path taken by individuals associated with the self declaired Sentinel Army of Darnassus. On the topics of Garrison redistribution, the granting of noble titles and fiefs, taxes, forge and land management, the council does not recognize the General's voice and denies her permission to speak regarding these matters reserving the right to have her silenced if she speaks on these topics without the Chancellor's express permission."

Shandris nearly rolled her eyes at the level of pomp and circumstance that was going into just letting her into the building. And they had to lay out her permissions on what she was even allowed to talk about, meaning that Wolfram Hertwig and his council were showing that they had absolute power here even over what she was allowed to say. Still she needed to play their game, and so with a single hand gesture the General summoned Uydron to her side. "Thankyou. I'll go see them now."

Then one of the court ladies stepped in front of the General while curtsying. "I shall lead you lady General." The woman stated before standing tall with her back stiff and walking ahead of the group of eight as they all marched into the palace of Bechafen.

Inside the building was obviously well maintained but not nesrly to the beauty of Darnassus nor the Castle of Stormwind. Still it was enough to give Shandris an appreciation to the amount of care put into the building. Occasionally different weapons which were put on display caught Shandris' eye, or the presence of a man in a full suit of armor caught her notice. The white armor with blue cloth and a seal denoting a lit candle on their robes being intriguing enough for the Kaldorei as she passed. A candle of all things as their symbol, though she supposed that compared the the over abundance of Lions, Tigers, Griffins and Dragons used in Stormwind that the symbol itself was truly something outstanding, though the symbolism or the importance of the Knights keeping watch as she and her escort passed was lost on Shandris.

Still eventually the group lead Shandris to the Council room. Inside the room was long and for a room of its supposed importance was oddly narrow by Shandris' reasoning. Otherwise the room was well decorated along its walls, while a large long table dominated the center. Along the length of the table sat a multitude of representatives and nobles though there were clearly many places that were empty, the nobles meant for those seats not currently present.

At her end of the room some chairs were set at a cleared end of the table where no documents, or food waiting for her, though a seat to the right of hers did have a man in a full suit of armor siting and present clearly not a regular and likely someone 'invited' much like herself. On the other end of the room the Grey Wizard Luitgard Reichen stood on the other side of the room near a simple wooden throne where a clearly old noble sat watching the proceedings with interest but a scowl clearly marring his face, that man must have been Wolfram Hertwig.

Still once the General had stepped into the room the Crier then shouted out to those present. "Presenting General Shandris Feathermoon of the Sentinel Army, and her Aide-de-Camp Uydron Dusktree, come to petition on behalf of the groups calling themselves the Alliance and the Kingdom of Darnassus!" The Crier proclaimed stepping aside to allow the pair of Kaldorei to walk into the room.

As Shandris walked towards the table and her assumed seat the Elector Count across the chamber stopped her with his raised voice. "Before you sit, say your name. I'll hear you speak for yourself here. Also what are you? You're not any Elf I've seen."

Shandris froze slightly and based off the subtle glare coming from Luitgard Reichen, she was certainly meant to answer and her answer would decide alot. "I am as your crier named Shandris Feathermoon, the General of the Sentinel Army of Darnassus, the daughter of Tyrande Whisperwind who is leader of the Kaldorei. The Kaldorei are my race, though other species who know us often refer to us as Night Elves."

With her self introduction Shandris took her seat and Uydron sat down next to Shandris and across from the stern faced knight. As Shandris sat she could see many of the nobles and representatives staring at her, while the Knight huffed and crossed his arms. At the other end of the table Wolfram continued to scowl watching the pair.

The Elector Count then turned back and spoke to the Nobles and Representatives at the table. "Now I think you were making an argument about Embargoing trade with Sylvania for the foreseeable futute and Mordheim until we can determine an official stewardship of the city?" The Old Man stated his hard stare turning to one of the Nobles.

"Yes, Sylvania shouldn't leech off us while Vampire activity there is apparently increasing. And Mordheim has now been occupied by first self serving Mercenaries, then multiple hostile forces one of which we're still not sure if or if not we are at war with them, and then reports are trying to assure us that the Mercenaries hold the city again...the Mercenaries who handed it off to these foes." One of the men stated sitting up in his seat slightly. Shandris was tempted to speak, but stayed silent. Technically, these men thought themselves to be at war with the Sentinels and peacefully resolving that was one of the issues for discussion.

Even as she forced herself to stay quiet the old Elector Count's eyes closely watched Shandris as if staring into her very being. He was judging her even as he pushed the table's discussion on to the next topic. The redeployment of the order of the Everlasting Light and compensation for service. Shandris listened carefully noting the names and trying to match them to places she had seen on the map days ago. The General remained carefully quiet as she knew she hadn't been allowed to speak and she noticed that even in the midst of negotiations with the Knight to her side that Wolfram's eyes still scanned her, but it must have been done subtlely or the lords present were deliberately ignorent of the Old Count's gaze.

But the negotiations mostly concluded with the Knights of the Everlasting Light being assigned to bolster several southern garrisons. But as the topics and minutiae were dying out and it appeared that Wolfram Hertwig was going to move the council to the next topic the doors of the chamber opened and a knight rushed to the side of the other one in the chamber. What he whispered to his leader almost shocked Shandris and the General was certain that the Council was going to be frustratingly stopped.

But then the Knight stood giving a almost embarrassed smile to the room. "I apologize, but I must leave now, Sir Adolf Helmke had unfortunately tripped and fallen from the third floor window." And then the Knight marched out of the chamber with a few looks of pity and, shockingly, some mocking laughter following him. The Knight just said one of his comrades had fallen to their death and these Imperials were laughing. What kind of cruelty infested this land?

Meanwhile Wolfram Hertwig shook his head as if he felt some shame. Then the Elector Count assumed command of the room his voice booming. "Now, General Shandris Feathermoon, you have come to argue on behalf of your army. A army that I'm told is marching towards my city as we speak. Why is it that you think we should not interpret this as a hostile force trying to march on our capital?"

This snapped everyone back to focus as their eyes turned to the pair of Night Elves before them. Then Shandris straightened in her seat and prepared to speak. With a single breath her voice commanded the room full of the arguements that would convince the Ostermark Lords of her intent. Or that's what would have happened if she had not been cut off.

"Her army marches here on Bechafen? Is this the actions of someone who wishes peace? We should detain this enemy here and now!" One of the Lords at the table snapped, cutting Shandris off before she could speak.

"My army is being escorted here by an army from Reikland as well as your own army after we fought side by side against evil ratmen, undead and a cruel Horde from my world that wished to unite these forces to destroy both my world's Alliance and your Empire. We have similar foes, we've fought together, we're already well on the way to being Allies ourselves already. " Shandris levelly replied slowly shifting her gaze over the near dozen nobles and Wolfram in the room.

"Do you take us for fools? An Alliance made by warring enemies because a single battle? You really think this is the foundation for an Alliance? Well then maybe the Empire should dismiss all our diplomats all we ever needed was a common foe, something that exists in abundance, we're already all the way to world unity according to this woman's lunacy. Tell me Sir why are you hiding behind some camp wench?" One Guild Representatives spoke up, insulting Shandris and then addressing Uydron. The druid growled, the tone more beastial than his frame would suggest almost sparking fear from the representative and causing guards to place their hands on their swords.

Shandris placed her arm in front of Uydron. "If that was all it took then I wouldn't be here, nor would Lady Emmanuelle Nacht be on her way here as well. We came seeking not only to offer peace, but to offer coexistence, friendship and even Alliance to you. Trade opportunities and favoritism in future trade... in exchange for your assistance." Shandris explained, now earning raised eyebrows and increased interest.

"And what can a bunch...And what can you offer to Ostermark in trade?" One of the Nobles asked, the man clearly calculating.

"On the Immediate, Gold and technology. But once the Alliance gains a better understanding and more open trade routes with your Empire there should be plenty of rare metals including some which can touch the incorporeal, can touch ghosts." Shandris offered simply before pressing on. Though she noted the mixture of disbelieving and now interested stares.

"And you think Gold and Technology can purchase anything from us. My gold mine isn't anything of note, but probably produces more gold in a month than what you look like you could carry." One of the Nobles stated, a smirk on his lips.

"Well if we had peace between us, My army is currently willing to provide one quarter ton of gold in exchange for negotiated services." That certainly silenced the noble and grabbed the attention of the rest of the table.

"And your Alliance, what will they do once this connection to your world is cleared? Already they occupied one of our cities and refused surrender to our forces. Not to mention the reports of violence and the other group of 'Pioneers' who have proven themselves a danger to the Empire's citizens and territory." Yet another Representative pointed out, a hint worry in his voice.

Shandris sighed before answering. "The Alliance places the security of it's member states over the sovereignty or will of other nations. However those who associate with the Alliance, or are willing to join the Alliance. Often the Alliance will support whatever claims these nations make. The situation with Mordheim is that the portal there leads directly to what is not only a crucial Holy site for my people but also a location of cruical magic for the survival of our world." The General's answer earned some hard stares before the men at the table then began to debate among themselves.

"Who knows what they'd commit to try to keep such a place secure." Shandris later recalled that one stated.

Another had responded with, "If she's telling the truth. Not only has Holy site been used as a excuse to claim Empire territory before, we ourselves had used it in territorial disputes with Ostland, Kislev, and even with the Dwarves!"

But that one had been mainly ignored as another man spoke up. "Association, Join? It seems these Alliance insist that they rule unchallenged and all other kingdoms be their subjects. No this Alliance will respect Ostermark, respect the Empire's claim to it's own land!" This one had several voices giving their support to it.

Shandris almost voiced a complaint but another noble spoke instead. "But the Empire has made sacrifices both in the name of trade and to secure our lands. If Mordheim becomes a disputed or jointly held territory in exchange for Ostermark recieving profitable trade and Mordheim itself becoming fortified against The Vampires, then that would be profitable, but of course we would need to establish a state of peace with these...Kaldooreye."

And then Wolfram Hertwig, Prince of Bechafen and Chancellor of the League of Ostermark called those present to a vote. The various men slowly started voicing their vote, and the majority clearly all voted for peace. But there were some clear holdouts who refused to acknowledge peace, but every one of them did chose to recognize the Alliance and by extention Shandris.

And thus within many long minutes, certainly less than a half hour at most, since Wolfram Hertwig called for the vote the Nobles and Representatives in the room had ended the 'state of war' between herself and Ostermark. This of course then broke open the dam holding back the tide of new debates ranging from trade, to attempting to induct the Sentinel army into the Empire. And still others were talking already about placing taxes on the Sentinels, from road taxes to ones that Shandris could not even possibly imagine being real.

Seeing how this was going Shandris rose her voice in protest. "You will need to sign a treaty with Darnassus to force a tax let alone induct us as non-citizens into your military without starting a war!" This was answered with some glares and then the men went back to debating.

Still with a few firm words from the Elector Count the details of the discussions started to shift and eventually some eager speaches and musings about new trades, tariffs and even taxes involving the 'portal to the Alliance'. As Shandris watched, virtually ignored finally the conversation turned back to the Sentinels who were already within Ostermark and then to General Shandris. The General could clearly see the greed and plotting in the eyes of the nobles and representatives present.

Then the conversation was diverted by Wolfram himself as the Elector Count's voice cut through the din of the conversation. "General Shandris Feathermoon, is this your first time commanding alone?" The Count's question stopped all sound and silence dominated the room.

Shandris herself froze slightly. The way it was worded, the feeling behind the old man's words, and the stare he gave Shandris, there was a deeper meaning, something this Old man was seeking in her or already saw. And so Shandris paused silently for several moments.

Her entire life played out in her mind as she thought on the question. Had she really never been the one at the top? During the War of the Ancients and even well beyond she had always been following Tyrande, quite litterally chasing after the Priestess at many times. She almost always was enacting an order from Tyrande or rushing to Tyrande's defense. And then Shandris understood, maybe the Elector Count could see it, or had some sense and was looking for it. But the truth was, "Yes. Tyrande or another commander had always been with me. But cut off from Azeroth this is the first time I've ever had to lead without the guidance of Tyrande or the leaders of the Alliance making the grand decisions."

With this admission Shandris recognized the feeling that had been plaguing her this entire time. This dread she had been feeling. And the Old Elector Count smiled before leaning back in his seat.

Then the old man spoke with another question while the room watched on with silent intensity. "Then tell me, what do you want to buy from Ostermark?" Wolfram Hertwig's voice was level, calm and very pointed. Shandris knew she needed to answer immediately and she unfortunately couldn't lie, or even try to say what she wanted in a way that would sound good to the assembled men before her.

"I want your soldiers, I want an army from the Empire to march through the portal to fight on the behalf of the Alliance. Both to show that there are those still worth befriending here in the Empire and because the Alliance's enemies formed alliances with and brought over enemies from this world who now fight under their banner. But while I have Gold and Technology, I don't have nearly enough to buy a army, even supplying my own army might get difficult if I spend too much, so I was also hoping that I could on the behalf of the Alliance negotiate a sponsor or loan." Shandris answered straight taking only a couple seconds between when the Elector Count asked his question and she gave her answer.

The room errupted, complaints, demands and proposed compomises or denials flew. But now Shandris watched the hard faced old man, Wolfram Hertwig controlled this council and whatever he wanted was certain to become the result of a vote held here, so all Shandris needed was him, she could ignore the men about her, their importance, and the limits of their importance now slowly becoming clear to her. Because ultimately Wolfram would convince them, or cower them, to vote the way he wanted.

Then Wolfram spoke and even Shandris was stunned for a moment. "Done. I have some troops I can send down to Mordheim now, with instructions to turn themselves over to your command when you return, and a ally of Ostermark sent his diplomats looking for information concerning what was happening in Mordheim, now I can present this to him and certainly a small army of his will likely be there for when you plan to make your return to this Alliance of yours. BUT this Alliance will deal with Ostermark before anyone else! If I catch you trying to weasel out from this by crawling to Franz, or even your Alliance tries to, I'll have your head."

Shandris sat still hearing that, the Elector Count of the Empire had just given her what she wanted, just like that... yet somehow she felt like she was now getting cheated. Even the Nobles and Representatives in the chamber sat in stunned silence, at his side even Luitgard Reichen sat her expression slack-jawed and stunned. And then everyone exploded into debate and shouting, accusations, demands for explanation, refutals flew but Shandris heard none of it, her own mind lost trying to understand what was going on, what detail she was missing or why would Wolfram Hertwig just skip all the pretense and this entire system he had put between himself and her to grant her request like this. Across the room, Wolfram's stern face softened and smile slightly as he ignored the Council about him, refusing to even acknowledge their complaints.


Hours later with very little input from herself Shandris left the council with instructions not to leave the Palace. So Shandris roamed eventually finding herself, and the Ladies of the Court attending her today, in one of the Palace gardens, a small garden certainly but one that Shandris could feel comfortable in. Here the General sat down and felt the weight of all the responsibility, something she had without even realizing always passed on to Tyrande or to one of the Alliance Leaders, press down on her. Still now she not only had to take command but she held ultimate responsibility for everything and everyone under her, even the Alliance and its future relations with the Empire was to be decided by her decisions and actions.

Uydron stood across from.his general giving her his quiet support and Shandris certainly appreciated the Druid's presence. Still she was strong and had for short times stood on her own. So Shandris wasn't suffering from a breakdown, or even a nervous episode, more she was experiencing the epiphany of what her situation was and the nagging sensation that had been eating at her. While her lack of guidance and her mental slips falling back to the example set by her adoptive mother was one issue Shandris also knew that this epiphany that tore the shroud away from one of the issues that had hounded her for the last several weeks. There was still another deep set feeling of disturbance that also plagued Shandris, like she was supposed to know something yet didn't.

However Shandris was tore from such musings as the door to the garden opened and escorted by guards Captain Gerard Sessler and Lady Irma Schoff both stepped into the Garden. Captain Sessler looked winded and frustrated, meanwhile Irma looked more like a Saber who had caught the Harpy with the grin on her face.

Gerard was the first to speak. "A running battle through the city streets, a murder, by Verena what did they sentence us to?" The Captain loudly complained.

"Nothing." Shandris quickly answered. The answer shocking both Captain Sessler and Irma, preventing the Imperial woman from making whatever quip she had ready.

"N-nothing? Well it looks as though Ranald smiled upon you. Though..." The Captian began but Shandris cut him off.

"I didn't intend to, but when she arrive let lady Nacht know that I may have already made some negotiations with Count Hertwig already. The deals so far have been rather vague but it looks like we'll get significant investment at this rate." Shandris informed the Captain earning another astonished stare, and now laughter from Irma.

"Well you'll have to tell her yourself the riders say she's a day's hard march away from the city. No use sending a runner now. But good job, now lets see what sort of political hole you've gotten yourself into." Irma informed Shandris her tone somewhat mocking as the woman slowly pulled out her flask to take a drink. As always for some unknown reason Shandris' stomach rebelling at the sight. She considered questioning why the sight disturbed her, but then dismissed the notion of such thinking, only to in her retrospective state question why she wasn't questioning this.

None of this crossed Shandris face, though Irma seemed to frown at her slightly. "Hello, land of the living to Shandris, oh please Morr return this lost soul to us. Again I call upon Shandris from the land of the brain dead." The woman mocked waving her hand in front of Shandris' face as the General was lost for a moment in contemplation.

Gerard Sessler just frowned. "Well do you know what you promised the Elector Count, or what he's promised you?" The Captain seemed very irritable today, but instead of Shandris, Uydron answered the Captain's question.

"The specifics are still being determined. The Alliance's futute trade deals need to be negotiated with Ostermark first, In exchange we are to be loaned a large sum that various lords are still debating on, each wanting to by the sound of things donate more than their compatriots while still donating as little as possible. And the orders for the various military units are still being written." The Druid answered for his General but earning a scowl from the Captain.

"So we could be getting pittance in exchange for major concessions." The Captain seemed to growl before continuing on. "Lets hope that Lady Nacht is capable of leveraging more for us then."

Shandris just sighed. "Could be but I think not." The Night Elf woman said simply while raising a book. "I think there's a little something more here." She added displaying the cover and title 'a treatise on Hertwig's Folly'.

Before Irma or Gerard could say anything more the Court Crier stepped into the garden. "Lady Shandris Feathermoon, you are to follow me to the office of Lord Hertwig immediately." The Crier proclaimed, turning and already walking away causing Shandris to leap her feet to swiftly follow after the man.

Again General Shandris Feathermoon of the Sentinel Army and Druid Uydron Dusktree walked through the palace taking in the odd sights as they walked behind the Court Crier. And then they both were waved through a thick set of doors into a finely lined, but otherwise spartan room with the onky decerative items seeming to be ones of personal importance to the man currently sitting behind the desk. As Shandris took a seat across from the Elector Count the man just slid a paper over to the General.

"It needs your signature and it's done." The Count stated as Shandris read over the paper.

Five Hundred Spearmen, Four Hundred swordsmen, three hundred Halberdiers, two hundred and fifty Greatswords, and sixty Knights. Along with Three hundred archers and four hundred crossbowmen and three Great Cannons were all to be dispatched to Mordheim to garrison the city until Shandris' arrival to reinforce and take command. There was also listed units that Shandris had to read, reread and try and make sense of. Twelve Swan riders? Fifty Poachers? Thirty War Sheep Riders? Twenty Rooster Knights?! Then six hundred free militia with a notation that most were already in Mordheim. What was this, Swan Riders, Rooster Knights were these like those Candle Knights Shandris had seen earlier in the Palace?

Shandris needed to ask. She could well enough understand the first troops being assigned, the Humans of Azeroth had some comparable soldiers though few weilding Spears or Halberds. But Roosters, Swans and sheep as mounts for war? Now that seemed too far fetched, people rode horses, sabers, raptors, and Kodo into war, maybe Giant Rams, but not sheep and tiny birds.

"Excuse me Count Hertwig, what is this part here?" Shandris asked pointing to the paper. In response the Elector Count squinted his eyes trying to read the paper upside down.

"Free Company Militia, in otherwords Mercenaries, many of them base themselves out of Mordheim. Seems perfectly reasonable to hire them on for your mission really." The Count stated trying to explain the Militia helpfully.

However Shandris could only sigh in exasperation. "No these, Rooster Knights, who or what are they?"

"They're not rightfully Knights, they just call themselves that. But their skill in battle and the viciousness of those Giant Birds they ride certainly has earned them a little bit of fame particularly for their viciousness in battle." The Count provided while Shandris stares in near disbelief.

"Giant Roosters, ridden by men into battle." It felt like Shandris was testing out each word as she spoke it. Like what she was saying was somehow alien to her. "And these Poachers and Swan riders?" Shandris then asked.

"Honestly the Poachers are good scouts and skirmishers if you can get past the trouble they tend to cause. And the Swan Riders tend to fly over a battle shooting down into the enemy as they pass." That was ridiculous, too ridiculous for Shandris, next those sheep riders actually charged headlong into the enemy?

Instead the General let go of the discussion and llowed herself to sign the document securing the Count's financial backing immediately placing several tons of Gold into her stewardship to use to purchase future support for her return to Azeroth.


Thousands of miles away Alyzz Kneecord looked about the Sentinels and the various market stalls and humans and Gnoblars rushing around. Clear Adventurers either were out offering their services or guarding small groups of wagons spread through small areas. Meanwhile the Gnoblars and obvious locals darted out of small caved and tunnels dug into the massive rock formations, many of them bringing out wares to try to sell.

Meanwhile the Ogres at her side and of course Zhang Genji looked about the place with their own interests. The Ogres eyes searching for food, weapons, and supplies for the march ahead. The Dragon Blooded more with a mixture of wonder, and disgust. So the P.I. walked over to her servant and companion.

"First time here?" She asked with a cheeky grin which caused a stearn expression to spread over the Cathayan's face.

"Yes, I have never been past the Mountains of Mourn." Zhang Genji answered with a practiced neutrality.

"Soooo...is there anything here that interests you?" Alyzz then asked with a hope to pull something more from the Shugengan.

"We are being watched." Zhang Genji answered sharp and shortly. This just caused Alyzz's ears to drop as she gave a deadpan stare to her Cathayan companion.

"Noooo, really? Why would anyone take interest in a large group of new arrivals who likely are loaded in trade goods or money walking into town." Alyzz deadpanned back to the Shugengan, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"No not that." The Shugengan then responded after a poingant silence. "Someone else is watching us, someone with a malicious intent." The woman stated simply her hands now crackling with very small doses of power and shifting shadows flowing about her.

"No, No, No! Zhang, No! So were being watched. Lets find out by who, and we'll decide what to do about them after. I'm sure between a number of hungry Ogres if we catch them, it'll be easy to make them disappear." Alyzz acted swiftly stopping the Shugengan from acting foolishly.

"Fine. But I have to, to keep you safe and I'm certain that whoever this is has intent to attack us." The attitude of the Shugengan at her side rather irked Alyzz.

"Look were here to buy stuff, and then move on." Alyzz insisted looking over her shoulder seeing the Lanterns of the Cathayan army off on the horizon. "And we need to move quickly."

Alyzz and the Ogres had gotten further ahead of the Cathayan army, but the Cathayans were still clearly following them, and doing so effectively. Alyzz wanted to pull away and eacape from the Cathayans but she could never get the Ogres to either care or just move quick enough to escape the sight of the Cathayans. For now Alyzz had to put up with that, and now, now some spies were watching her apparently. But what bandits would be dumb, or powerful enough to attack a bunch of Ogres?