C2:Jamais vu
Umgi:Khazalid(dwarf language) for humans
Dawi:Khazalid for dwarves
Grob:Khazalid for greenies
--
He scurried through the small tunnels, the darkness not being an obstacle for the ratkin as he made his way to the usual raid site.
The other clan rats followed close behind, eager for more loot as well as being excited to crush more head-skulls for the Horned Rat.
Krixalk, one of the many clawleaders stalked and hid behind the mining equipment left behind by the dwarf-things.
'Strange, usually we would have smelled their stench by now-now,' the leader thought. Save for the musk of his minions and the surroundings, there was no trace of the "green things".
As they came nearer to the upper levels, the smell-musk of death was prevalent. And they saw why. Instead of goblins they found some animated skeletons engaged in mining works.
With an eerie turn of their heads they looked straight at the intruders.
"FOR CLAN MORS!"
The clan rats descended upon the skeleton workers, who promptly met the charge wielding their pick axes.
Krixalk bashed his shield at the skeleton, and it got crushed by the impact, shattering its body instantly.
His minions had varying degrees of success. Those who wielded maces fared much better than the others.
He saw one of his rats getting his head caved in by a skeleton, who was promptly crushed by another mace wielding clan rat. And so the skirmish went on.
Some time later, all of the undead workers perished.
He took a quick look at his minions.
'Fifteen lost, out of hundred. Acceptable losses'.
He squeaked out an order. It was time to proceed.
Before he knew it a throwing star similar to what Eshin night runners use, was shot out of nowhere, instantly killing one of his minions. Soon, there was a hail of such stars from all directions, and most of them hit their marks.
While the skaven of clan Mors were brave for skaven standards, even they had their limits.
And so he gave the most unneeded order for the situation.
"RUN-FLEE !"
Suddenly from the shadows, a human clad in an attire similar to gutter runners literally leapt from one of the clan rats' shadows.
The human quickly grabbed hold of the rat's head. Not even a moment later, only a snap was heard after the lifeless body of the rat man collapsed, his head turned in an unnatural way.
Moments later several other skeletons arrived, and this time they looked like they were soldiers in their previous lives.
That was the last thing he saw before he bolted to the direction the rats first came from.
He heard the death-squeals and cries of his minions behind them, they only motivated him to run-skitter faster.
He found his rat hole he used to come here. He entered it just before a hand tried to grab him. The human tried to give chase only to find out he couldn't fit.
Krixalk gave praise to the Horned Rat as he reached his nest-lair. It appeared he was the only survivor.
...
Three days had passed since the stronghold known as "Iron Rock" was seized by Ainz. During that time, many steps were taken to consolidate the place.
Using the many cheap summons and the free pop monsters, the process of renovation and cleanup had taken place.
The corpses were seized, no doubt for experiments and resources like magic scrolls. Besides using golems to repair damaged structures, other summons like shadow demons and hanzos scouted the mines, where they found incomplete labyrinths that were planned to be used by the original settlers to extract resources.
Ainz knew of the attempted raid from the "rat people" because of his hanzo summons. 'They were able to handle it, but I can't just have those high tiered summons be stuck there doing guard duty. I suppose we could flood the deeper levels, should stop those vermin from coming back for now.'
Ainz sat in front of his desk. 'The one good thing about all of this is that I have less paper work for now.' Indeed, compared to what he was used to before coming to this world, there were fewer reports he had to review.
Ainz picked one up. It included a map of the surrounding area based off Nigredo's intelligence reports and from interrogating the captured orcs. To their north resided human settlements and a tribe of "night goblins", while the "Broken Tooth" lived south of Iron Rock. The latter was actually a part of the now displaced "Iron Claw" tribe that used to call the stronghold their home. 'Hmm, I should expect a counter attack soon, they didn't seem to be the most forgiving of people.'
The report also mentioned an outpost and a massive dwarf stronghold to their west across the river. 'Maybe I should pay them a visit, if they are anything like the dwarves of the New World, they may also have runecraft items or something similar, which can be of help with our current situation. Plus, we need more intel about this world. Although, it might be problematic if they want Iron Rock back. Still, I suppose there is no harm talking to them first.'
The other documents were results from Demiurge's experiments. 'High tier magic nullification seems to be working fine apparently, though how can that be? Maybe he had buffed himself earlier? No, that can't be right. Says here that he was made to cast everything he knew. Maybe the stronghold gives a race specific buff?' Ainz thought as he read the findings reported in the document.
'Oh well, he has only started testing, he'll figure it out eventually. Although I could ask him to explain in detail later. Maybe I could even ask the native dwarves here.' Ainz thought as he remembered the broken statues of Iron Rock.
'First things first, those night goblins have to go. Though, who do I send? Albedo and Demiurge are already preoccupied, and I let Shalltear take charge in securing the outer regions of the tomb. That leaves the twins and Cocytus.'
Having made a decision, he got up from his seat.
[Message]
...
Badlands, Blood river valley
Hulkan Nightbeard crouched low, overlooking the exodus of a large number of greenskins. He was on top of a cliff, having a clear view of the commotion. His fellow rangers were out of sight, covering his blind spots.
A few days ago, a ranger reported a mass rabble of goblins and orcs routing away from the direction of Iron Rock. Coincidentally, Storm Lord Karnji Ravenbeard and one of his patrols spotted a rather strange outpost some distance away from Iron Rock. Apparently, it didn't look like it was built by greenskins.
Iron Rock was left alone for decades by the Dawi. It is a settlement that is hard to take, and easy to hold. The survivors that made it to Barak Varr had always lamented their loss, often reminiscing about the impressive mineworks they made.
'Perhaps one of those Umgi princes took the fort?' Hulkan thought as he spotted a big Orc boar rider being escorted somewhere. 'No, we would have known about an Umgi throng in this area.'
After a few more hours of scouting, he gave the order to return to their outpost. He gathered his squad and made their way to their temporary outpost.
Well, temporary for dawi standards.
The outpost in question was built several decades ago to warn the main hold of Barak Varr against any greenskin invasion. While certainly not as defensible as a dwarf hold, it could repel most raids and even hold out against invasion attempts until a throng from Barak Varr could reinforce them. If overwhelmed, the built-in tunnels offer a safe retreat to the main hold.
As the rangers made their way through the rough terrain, covered by the relative darkness of the red sky. They were joined by more squads of rangers, no doubt finishing their own patrol duties.
Hours later, they spotted their outpost. Hulkan judged that they would reach it shortly after sunrise.
Suddenly, he was alerted to the sound of a ranger sprinting towards him. "Slow down ranger, report!" Hulkan ordered while handing him his wineskin.
Much to Hulkan's annoyance, instead of taking a small sip, he took a large gulp. "Captain, night goblins to our south! And I spotted too many for it to be a mere raiding party."
"I see. Go and warn Lord Karnji." replied Hulkan. The ranger nodded, and then made his way to the outpost.
Hulkan considered his options. On one hand, they could go back and reinforce the throng, another option was to skirmish those green wazzocks.
He looked at his rangers. Despite hours spent in scouting, many of them were still not winded. In addition, though they tried to hide it, they were itching for some action.
With a grin, he made up his mind. "All right lads! Let's shed some grob blood!"
"KHAZUKHAN KAZAKIT-HA!!"
...
"How annoying," said the dark elven ranger after snapping the neck of a downed night goblin.
A few minutes had passed since the twins finished their massacre. Combined with Mare's AoE abilities and Aura's beasts, they made quick work of the goblin tribe.
"Are you sure we shouldn't pursue them? Around half of them managed to get away." She told her brother who bashed a goblin's skull.
"Ah sis, there are dwarves around there, Ainz-sama had said we can't risk running into them. Besides, from what I've heard from Demiurge-san those dwarves would more than likely finish them off." He replied while using his earth magic to create a makeshift wall.
Besides clearing the area, the twins were also ordered to prepare the construction of an outpost.
"I see. Good thing I didn't bring Iris."
Silence ensued for a few seconds, save for the sounds of the beasts feasting on green corpses and the howling of the nearby river. Indeed, the sound of the rushing river was more akin to a howl of a wild dog or wolf.
"Is something bothering you, Mare? You've been more distant than usual since we came to this world."
Mare stared at distant space.
"I dunno sis. Maybe I'm annoyed that all our hard work amounted to nothing because of that lizard. Or maybe-"
"Don't worry, Ainz-sama will find a way back, and we'll have his hide in no time!" Aura replied enthusiastically.
"I was going to say, I feel like we're being watched".
The female elf tensed on hearing her brother's words. "Are you sure? I didn't detect anyone here, and we have anti-scrying measures put in place. Maybe you mean this world feels off?"
"Yeah that must be it. Thanks sis, I feel better now, it's times like these I remember why I always listen to you."
And so they resumed their task, finishing off any survivors as well as putting up structures meant to ward off hostiles.
...
Barak Varr outpost
"I see. You're dismissed, ranger. Have some rest." With a curt bow, the dwarf ranger exited the Storm lord's cabin.
The speaker was clad in gromril armor, with the usual black coat found among the storm wardens. His black winged helmet lay in front of him on his desk.
Karnji Ravenbeard, the leader of the throng known throughout the Dawi lands as the "Storm Wardens", went over his findings of the past few days.
From the strange towers spotted near Iron Rock, to the erratic movements of the greenskin tribes, it was clear something was amiss.
As for the ranger's news, to say he was concerned would be an understatement. The night goblins were seen rushing without any siege equipment and that too not in formation. While it is true that goblins were not known for their smarts, Karnji was well aware that they were not stupid, and compared to the orcs, less suicidal.
'Attempting to invade this place? What are they thinking?!'
Even though this was a mere outpost by dwarf standards, for the greenskins it might as well be a minor fort.
Built decades ago to warn the main hold of invasions, the outpost has gone through many raid attempts and even a couple of invasions.
The walls, though not as high as a regular hold, were still extremely tough. Maybe even nearly as tough as those manning it.
Combined with Dwarven resolve and plenty of firepower, they were always able to hold out or even drive away waves upon waves of hostiles. While the ranger claimed that the night goblin throng was an invasion force, after Hulkan is done with them, it wouldn't take much effort to finish the rest of them.
'That ol'deadeye is as bloodthirsty as ever.' Karnji thought with a smile. 'Well, time to prepare the throng.'
He stepped outside of his cabin after putting on his helmet and equipping his two-handed axe. The cabin was guarded by two hammerers of his personal guard. They followed, flanking both sides of their leader as he made his way to the common grounds.
The place was bustling with activity. Longbeards were sparring with younger beardlings, striking their teachings into the stubborn dwarves.
Some quarrelers and thunderers manned the walls and towers, while others saw fit to take the time for weapons maintenance and other miscellaneous work.
The artillery crew checked their respective bolt throwers for any defects while Iron breakers were having their drills.
The rest of his hammerers made their way to him.
"Tell them to form up, we will have company soon," Karnji said to one of his guards.
Hours later as expected, Hulkan and his rangers returned to the base. After restocking on ammo, they took concealed positions, eager to shed more blood.
Two hours later, the first of the goblins came within range of bolts. A lot of them rode wolves, some squigs while the rest were on foot.
Not that it mattered, anyway.
Those who escaped the artillery bolts were subject to a rain of crossbow bolts. Those who miraculously escaped were ripped to shreds by volleys of gunfire.
None made it past the gates, as such those who wielded melee weapons waited for a fight that never came.
This was no battle, to say such would be extremely generous for the goblins. Oh no, to say this was a slaughter would be more accurate.
However this did not last.
The northern patrol reported movement of the Broken Tooth tribe, and contrary to the goblins, they seemed to be prepared. It was also a much larger force.
Karnji immediately organized the throng to meet the new threat.
'Those blasted goblins have made us waste too much ammo,' the storm lord thought as he tried to form a plan.
He turned his attention to a beardling.
"You! I have a job for you."
"Yes my lord?"
"Go to the tunnels, tell the prospector to expect us. We may have to retreat to Barak Varr."
With a nod, the dwarf warrior sprinted away.
'Though I would much rather hold this place, it's not worth wasting precious dawi lives. If push comes to shove, we'll retreat to the tunnels, where the others could help'.
Not even one hour later, a massive "WAAAAAGH!" was heard.
The bolt throwers fired away hitting many targets. Yet they pressed on undeterred.
For every greenskin skewered by bolts or bullets, several more pressed forward.
Eventually the greenkins started scaling the walls with their makeshift ladders. Those with ranged weapons abandoned the walls, the quarellers went behind the frontline of Iron breakers and other warriors, young and elder alike. Thunderers took other elevated positions with their handguns ready.
"For the Ancestor Gods!" The dwarves roared out as the orcs and night goblins broke down the gate with a battering ram and charged head first to the wall of dawi.
The left wing, which had the iron breakers, threw grenades before the orcs in front of them had the chance to meet in melee. Limbs and organs separated in an explosion of green blood, though it failed to deter the hostiles. The resolute guardians of the tunnels, clad in dark gromril armor held their shield walls when the inevitable clash happened.
Quarellers engaged the goblin archers who made it to the walls, while here and there a dwarf fell, the greenskin archers died in droves.
Thunderers fired volley after volley, their guns, in systemic fashion, blowing holes in their targets who were busy fighting the front line.
Karnji fought alongside his hammerers and the longbeards. His two-handed axe nearly cleaved an orc in two, while his hammerers swung their weapons in sweeping arcs, hitting orcs and goblins with such vigor, instantly breaking bones and crushing skulls.
The air filled with the stench of sweat, blood and gunpowder.
This went on for hours.
And yet, the greentide was seemingly endless.
A normal commander would be worried, but the Storm Lord was anything but normal. So far everything was according to his expectations, even the casualties they had experienced till now.
'Time to give the order. We'll finish these wazzocks off in the tunnels.'
Before he had the chance though, he noticed that his throng was actually GAINING ground, instead of being overwhelmed. Karnji held no illusions of his throng, while a small part of the storm wardens were present, most of their fighting force here were composed of the fairly young garrison.
Still, he won't say no to small blessings as he decided to stand their ground a bit longer.
Strangely he could see that the greenskins were getting decapitated by an… unseen force. Soon enough, they slaughtered the hostiles in front of them.
As the last of the greenskins was finished off, he heard the sounds of boulders being crushed outside.
'Another throng? That can't be! I would have known first if there were allies behind them. The only place they could have been attacked would have been from…'
He grinned. 'Time to see who you really are.' He wiped the blood off his axe, and made his way to the walls to get a better view.
Suddenly, the sky lit up with a blue explosion that hit the center of a large blob of greenskins outside. Some distance away, he saw the flashes of millions of sword slashes happening at once as the amassed pieces of their targets hit the ground.
He saw scores upon scores of greenskin corpses, burnt, slashed and crushed in addition to the ones who did the deed.
There were hundreds of golems of different materials, some stone, some metal, others both, being led by a rather tall masked mage in dark regal robes. How'd he know he was a mage? The fact he was floating in the air a few seconds ago gave it away.
But the… thing that accompanied the mage was nothing Karnji had ever seen or heard off. It had multiple arms and held a halberd with one of them. It also had a long curved sword, similar to what was found in a place he believed to be called "Nippon".
It gave off a literally icy aura, and despite its insect-like mandibles and blueish color, it gave off the impression of a respectable warrior instead of a brutish monster.
The thunderers who accompanied Karnji took aim, awaiting the command to fire.
"By the order of the Storm lord, identify yourself!" One of the hammerers bellowed.
"I am Ainz Ooal Gown, I've come to speak with your king."
...
Wissenburg,Wissenland
Erhardt Schmidt was in a black mood. Though it is not uncommon for master vigilants to be unpleasant individuals, Erhardt was not a dour person. In fact he can be quite jovial sometimes, if it is an act or simply his nature, is a question no one could answer.
But today was different.
He held a letter addressed to him. It was sent from his order within the College of Altdorf. A magister had visions of the future relating to the undead. They had also detected an unexplainable phenomenon in the Badlands. Such an event may be the cause of a Chaos incursion.
As a master vigilant of the Celestial order, he is hereby tasked to investigate the region. He is even authorized to enlist assistance from Witch Hunters.
Such a thing is quite unprecedented. Usually the college does not depend on the templars of the Cult of Sigmar. They exclusively used the masters vigilant, who in turn made extensive use of proxy agents.
Master vigilants seldom operated outside the shadows, indeed the "College witch hunters" as some would call them preferred to use their agents to do most of the wet work.
Though on rare occasions, a master vigilant would be forced to directly intervene, as stronger sorcerers and necromancers would force their hands. However leaving their designated locations to conduct an investigation far away is unusual.
Besides, he had grown fond of the peaceful settlement of Wissenburg.
Normally when one talks about a province, they talk about its capital first and foremost, for it is said to be the most vibrant, the richest and the most majestic of all the places in their region. But alas, that is not the case for Wissenburg, for such titles are reserved to its cousin city - Nuln, the capital of the Empire.
But, Erhardt would rather stay in this quaint city. While less majestic and advanced, Wissenburg was still the capital of the province of Wissenland, and as such it enjoyed the protection expected from a capital city, yet without the attention, it was quite rarely the target of hostility. Indeed, he was rather attached to its calmness.
He had heard tales of other master vigilants having to constantly deal with sorcerers, vampires, necromancers and all sorts of dangerous threats. In contrast, Erhardt never had to personally deal with "threats" here, his agents got the job done all the time.
Until now, that is.
Yet, Erhardt understood their decision. While they had agents in the Border Prince confederacies, it would take too long to contact them. In addition, the region is quite perilous, even a wizard like him won't survive alone.
As he thought of a plan, he took a coin pouch and exited his apartment. Preparations need to be done.
--xxxxxxxxxx--
AN:I'd like to thank the Usual Gang of Perverted Idiots of the Overlord fanfiction discord server for the beta reading.
Also thanks for the support shown for the story,and I apologize if updates are slow.
As for the reviews, yes I understand that Ainz and Nazarick are no longer the biggest fish in the pond, so while there are factions that can be stomped,to say that others would take a bit of work would be an understatement.I'll try my best to do both verses justice, as I do like them both.