https://www.deviantart.com/francescabaerald/art/Vampire-Night-Battle-Camp-288194333

Note to Readers: Sorry guys for taking so long with this one, went through quite a few re-writes as I tried to figure out which storyline would work best.

It wasn't long after that you were walking along the edges of your new encampment whilst hundreds of black tents were being pitched up all around you, the skirmishers vanishing into the woods ahead to act as sentries, while dozens of demons blades and guards patrolled the area for hints of the third goblin host.

Arrayed in neat rows beneath the cover of the trees, the camp sprawled for several miles beside the lake, the reeve insisting that you remain close by to the Fae'lon camp in case they should try to flee. That way the threat of your presence would dissuade them from making such a foolish mistake, not that you were likely to attack their camp, but Coredan did make a good point. The Fae'lon and their allies had no reason to remain here, only the threat of an attack would force them to speak to you. There was also the matter of their wounded to consider, from what the scouts had reported, the Fae'lon had at least hundred or more casualties with more than half too severally injured to be moved. Still if you were in their position, you'd most likely abandon them to their fates instead of becoming entangled in another possible battle with an even greater foe.

Pausing at that unpleasant thought, you consider re-positioning some of your forces around their camp but quickly dismiss the notion. The Fae'lon after all would never abandon one of their own, and besides they had to be curious as to why a dark mage would save them from a fight they would surely have lost without their intervention. Plus it wouldn't do to provoke them just yet.

Shaking your head, you survey the great frozen lake once more, it's icey white surface broken up by jagged outcroppings of stalagmites, a part of you surprised at how far your friends had managed to travel on their own. It wasn't too long ago that you'd parted ways with them on Gilgathan and already they'd marched into the heartland of Caldasher. The losses they must have suffered to reach this point must have been great indeed judging by the number of survivors left behind, but you fear there would be even greater battles to come. From the vision you'd been given, Tazrael must be marshaling his armies beneath the Mountains of Kalswan, millions upon millions of goblins, along with what could be possibly a whole army of dragons taken from the mountains.(You may now change out of robes if you wish and equip more suitable items.)

(Click here to visit the healer.)

Spoiler: Spoiler

With a chance to finally rest, and do something about your wounds, you have Coredan send for one of the Harvesters to come heal you. While their blood magics are more geared towards battle, they are quite adept at healing as well and soon you're feeling much better. (You've been restored to full health.)

(Click here to visit the master blacksmith. Quest Item Dragon Scale required.)

Spoiler: Spoiler

Having learned from a few mages, that they have their own blacksmith who specializes in creating unconventional armor, you head towards a tent, where you find a well muscled orc, stripped to his waist hammering a dented shield on an anvil.

After a few seconds the orc grumbles, "What you want?"

Showing the piece of dragon scale you'd taken from a dragon, you see the orc's eyes light up with interest, the blacksmith setting aside his tools to take the heavy scale from you reverently, almost cradling it like a new born babe.

"Wait here."

Immediately getting to work, the orc moves about the tent tirelessly, sweat dripping down his body as he hammered, and worked within the steaming hot tent, acrid smoke flooding your nostrils.

Several hours pass by before the orc's work is finally complete, and he hands you a finely wrought breastplate that still glows with heat, the magical markings bound into the bone glinting with energy before slowly cooling. (You've acquired Dragon Armor, +20 Resilience, +250 Fire Resistance.)

(Click here to see what Tower Supplies are available.)

Spoiler: Spoiler

Potions & Elixirs for Sale (You may only purchase 1 of each item)

(Prices have been cut in half, however the mages still need to make gold in order to pay their hunters, and alchemists.)

Shield of the Ancestor's Potion: Reduce the amount of damage you receive by half.(Can only be used once)Cost 750 Gold Pieces

Blood Reckoning Potion: Imbues the user with greater resilience for a short period of time +10 Resilience. (Can only be used twice) Cost: 750 Gold

Life's Glory Potion: Brings you back up to full health. (Can only be used twice) Cost: 1,250 Gold Pieces

Tear's of the Gods Potion: Allows you to deflect all damage. (Can only be used once) Cost: 1,000 Gold Pieces

Health Poultices: Heals 50 Health Points. (Can only be used once) Cost: 100 Gold Pieces

Bandages: Heals 35 Health Points. (Can only be used once) Cost: 75 Gold Coins

Mana Potions: Adds +50 Mana. (Can only be used once) Cost: 100 Gold Pieces

Given a great black tent in the center of camp, you head back towards it, mulling over why they were taking so long to reply back when a goblin in fur armor darts towards you, stopping just short to nervously hand you a piece of parchment.

Taking the scroll, you quickly flick it open to see a simple hand drawn map marked with the locations of their two camps and the meeting point between, along with the words, "come alone", and the time of day.

Dismissing the goblin, you immediately start towards the meeting place when Coredan appears at your side like a pet ghoul hungry for flesh. "My lord, shall I assume that the meeting place has been set."

You nod your head in reply without pausing to stop, feet crunching through the snow. "They wish to meet me by the lake."

"Then allow me to accompany you my lord."

You open your mouth to refuse, but see no real harm in bringing him along, after all dark mages were expected to be treacherous and deceitful, so for the moment it was better to play the role you were given, and besides the reeve could provide invaluable insights into the workings of the tower.

Passing the sentries huddled up in the trees, you exit the cover of the forest, and walk out into the open ground, the area empty of all life except for the two of you, a perfect place to avoid any kind of duplicity and ensure the meeting goes well.

With a strong breeze blowing against you, you calmly wait in the chilly snow for the second party to arrive, Coredan's eyes nervously darting all around him for the hidden archers that must surely be secreted nearby. But as far as you can tell, it all seems fairly quite with no movement at all from either side. "How far out are the goblin skirmishers if we needed them?"you ask softly.

Head jerking upwards, the mage opened and closed his mouth like a caught fish before muttering uncomfortably, "Apologies lord, I did not wish to undermine your command, but I had thought it best to have them close to hand in case trouble should arise."

Not really all that surprised that the dark mage had taken extra precautions, you remain silent and continue your vigil. The reeve was simply doing his job as caretaker of the tower, but still it wouldn't do for him to go behind your back to order your warriors about without a direct command from you. You'd seen first hand the kind of trouble that could cause in merc companies, especially when there were no clear lines of command. If it happens again, you might need to do something about it in order to keep a tight leash on such activities in the future.

Allowing the silence to deepen to show your displeasure, you continue to wait when you spot the fae'lon party first. Coredan letting out an audible grunt and pointing his stubby pale finger towards the treeline where three figures emerge out from the opposing forest.

Two of them you instantly recognise as Lorna and Gorrack, both of them bundled up in white furs to protect themselves from the cold, but there was no disguising the orc's familiar heavy set bulk, and Lorna's silky smooth grace. The pair of them were led by a tall rangy elf, armored in white steel chainmail that contoured his slim body, blades strapped to his back, and burning blades etched into his shoulder guards .

Stern of face with cold hard blue eyes, the male elf regards you with wary caution, his hands folded behind his back as he studies you from beneath a thick bush of snow white eyebrows, his gaze briefly flickering over your single companion before exchanging harsh looks with both Lorna and Gorrack. Clearly the fae'lon had expected you to bring a much larger entourage than he, and disliked losing face so quickly.

The game of words had already begun, and you had struck the first blow.

"I am Gly'del, leader of this flame. Your messenger came bearing news of a truce, and a desire to speak, so speak. I do not wish to linger here long."

Half smiling at the greeting, you begin to speak, when Gorrack's eyes widen open in recognition, the large warrior letting out a loud guttural growl, teeth half bared in a snarl as he unslung his battleaxe and charged towards you. Lorna staring at you disbelief as though you were a returned ghost, though in all likelihood she had probably assumed that you were dead, so it was not entirely far from the truth.

Skin rippling as he began his transformation, you feel a quiver of fear run down your spine at the blood thirsty expression on your friend's face, the ground quaking beneath you at his lumbering footsteps when Glydel's voice cracked across the air, "Hold!"

Hesitating at the sound of his voice, Gorrack let out another rumbling growl, murder still in his eyes before finally shaking his head to regain control himself and falling back to Lorna's side, his hate filled gaze never leaving yours for even an instant.

(All companion reputation points with these two characters have been removed.)

Fury barely held in check, the Commander of the flame bowed his head in apology for Gorrack's rash actions, veins protruding from his neck as he shot the orc a telling look which spoke of more words to come.

Twice now, the fae'lon had been shamed in front of his enemy, something for which the elf wasn't likely to forget it. If there was one thing you'd learnt about the fae'lon was that they were almost as touchy about their honor as the minotaurs, which put them squarely in the palm in your hand.

You hadn't really counted on Gorrack and Lorna being here, but taking in Lorna's dress, and manner had suggested she had been used to command, and so you had hoped the two of them would be here, unfortunately there would be no time for a reunion or explanations.

"Now that we're done playing games, I would like to propose an alliance between the two of us."

If you'd expected surprise to register on the fae'lon's unblemished face at your offer you were sourly disappointed. "And why would we ally with you?"

"For one, my army is much greater than yours, and with the tower under my command we can reach the mountains much faster. Two, you and I share the same enemy. And Three..."You pause to take in a breath, "You need me."

It was hard to tell what thoughts were going on through the elf's head, but even you could sense that the battle was half won. You'd proven you could be trusted, saved what's left of his army, and added to which the many gains he could receive from such an alliance.

"And what would stop you from betraying us.?"asked Gly'del.

Smiling grimly you reply back, "Nothing."

In that very moment you could tell that the Commander had made his decision, but even he knew better than to cave in immediately, so instead he turned to confer with Lorna. The female elf all but glowering at you furiously as she too realised the impossible position they had been placed within. Either they refuse the alliance and be forced to continue fighting their way through Caldasher, in which case they would all end up dead or take up your offer in the hopes you wouldn't betray them, and bring them that much closer to their goals.

An obvious choice really if you think about it.

After great deal more talking, Gly'del turned back. "Very well, we shall accept your offer, but it is I that shall command the army."

Having prepared for such an outcome, you shake your head in response, "I'm afraid that will not work. The tower will only obey me, the greater number belongs to me, and it is not I that tried to shed blood under the banner of peace."

Grimacing at each word as though they were nails, Gly'del's shoulders began to sag beneath the weight of it all before nodding his head briskly.

"Then our business here is concluded. Assemble your officers and bring them to my camp immediately to discuss the upcoming campaign."

With that final word, you spin around before they can reply and march back the way you've come. Coredan half running to catch up to you as you re-enter the cover of the forest. Once you're certain you no longer within their view, you slow down for the mage.

Despite sweating from the brief exertion, the mage was grinning from ear to ear. "That was well played, my lord, well played indeed. You are a most masterful manipulative. I did not think it was possible to shame an elf into doing anything, and yet that is exactly what you've done."

Aye, but the hard part was yet to come.

***

Back amidst the safety of your camp, you await news of their arrival, but it seems Gly'del was in no rush to get here. The stiff necked elf's defiance, a clear message that he would not act as your pawn. It would have been a clever move on his part, if time had not been so short but now it just seemed petty when compared against the gravity of the situation.

Thrusting aside your anger at his foolishness, you look down at the stone table where a detailed map of Caldasher sat laid out atop it, miniature statues of dark mages anchoring the edges.

There were almost half a hundred goblin tribes that resided in the area, but the three most prominent were the Dra'shar, Aroy'sika'lorie, and the Kal'kerie. Each of these tribes alone boasted at least a dozen cities each, and numbered in their millions, if each them or all of them should join their forces to Tazrael, the fight could go easily against you. Numbers such as that could keep you at bay for far too long for them to win through and face the demon lord before the Bloodstorm, and as Coredan was keen to remind you, the tower could not transport itself to an area with uneven terrain, meaning landing directly ontop of the goblins was not an option.

They either had to knock out all three tribes before striking for the mountain or find some way to get around them quickly. Unfortunately the only way to do that would be to send scouts ranging further out in order to collect the information necessary to move, but with so few forces available, it might prove a useless effort that would bear no fruit.

Hearing the tent flap open, you peer up to see Coredan. "My lord, your guests have arrived."

"Good, have them brought here immediately, there have been enough delays as it is."

"As you wish my lord,"said Coredan with a bow before leaving the tent.

Taking in another gulp of air, you prepare yourself for the next battle of wills when the tent flap opened again to reveal Gly'del, the elven commander still armored for battle followed by Gorrack.

Head brushing the ceiling of the tent, the huge orc lifted his arm to pat the haft of his battleaxe as his eyes quickly scanned the room for danger before settling upon you with a deep scowl.

Choosing to ignore him for now, you turned to greet the elf with a simple nod of the head, just as two new faces strode into the tent armored in the same style as Gly'del, one a grizzled werewolf and the other a thin faced minotaur who appeared more like a mage than a warrior. "My Captains, Razor, Shardan, and of course Lorna."

Entering last, the female elf gazed about the tent, her white chainmail much the same as her fellow officers, though hers were made of finer chain links. Sniffing her nose, Lorna positioned herself by the tent wall opposite you, her arms folded across her chest.

With everyone here presumably, you indicate the three locations on the map. "From the reports my scouts have gathered so far, Tazrael seems to gathering all of Caldasher towards the mountains, however as far as I can tell, these three tribes will be our biggest obstacle to reaching the mountains. What I suggest we do is strike at them first, decimate their cities, before launching an all out assault upon the mountains."

Gly'del's mouth tightened into a thin line. "That would require time we do not have. The storm clouds gather over the mountains already. If we are to stop the spell from being cast we must leave now."

The visions you'd received had indicated as much, the brief flashes revealing hordes of enemies mustered below the mountains of Kalswan, the clouds above darkening to a deep crimson red, but it all felt like it was happening much too quickly. You needed more time to plan your assault or at least learn more about what you'd face there, but there was simply no more time. And as much as you wished to disagree with the elven commander, and hold off on your assault, you knew there was no other way.

Sighing heavily, you resign yourself to fighting blindly, and begin planning what you could with your new allies, going over the capabilities of the fire warriors, their tactical assessment of where to transport the tower, the numbers and strength of the enemy, the supplies that would be needed, and finally when it was all said and done, you sent them all away to break camp and begin making their way towards the tower.

"Lorna, Gorrack hold a moment. I wished to speak to you alone."

With Gly'del nodding his head for them to stay back, you wait until all of them had left the tent.

"What is it?"said Lorna, "Have you decided to spout more lies?"

(Click here to make your peace with them.)

Spoiler: Spoiler

"I never lied to you Lorna, nor have my goals changed. Like I said before we have the same enemy, and no matter what you believe about me now, you can trust me. We needed an army so I got one, but I am not a dark mage. Not one truly,"you say.

"And how exactly do you we know that is not a lie as well,"asked Lorna vehemently.

You smile sadly. "We've traveled together long enough for you to know me better than that. We have never liked each other, but I could always depend on you two to help me. Does me working alongside the dark mages really change all that? Has everything we've been through meant nothing to you?!"

Staring each of them in the eye, you could see Lorna's anger over your betrayal fade. Gorrack looking away in shame. "I should not have doubted you brother, my axe will ever be at your back."

Lorna let out a rueful smile. "I suppose I may have judged you far too early."

It wasn't exactly an apology for the way you'd been treated, but you supposed it was as good as you were going to get out from her.

With the little time they had left, they sat together drinking heart-knocker, while the camp was broken apart, spoke of their travels, of how Gly'del had found them half frozen to death, their battles with the goblins, and their brief encounter with Dywin.

Apparently the old dwarf was still alive, and leading an army of dwarves towards the mountains as well, as for what purpose and reason, your companions had yet to divine.

(Click here to send them away.)

Spoiler: Spoiler

For a moment, you consider making your peace with them, and putting an end to the bitter silence, but eventually you shrug your shoulders. They were all going to die, what use was there in making peace with two fools who were yet to see the bigger picture.

"Nevermind. You may go."

Face flushed red with anger, Lorna looked ready to explode at your abrupt dismissal, but she soon regained her composure, and stalked out of the tent. The big orc looming over you briefly before leaving as well.

With nothing to do but wait, you head back towards the tower, and prepare to leave.

Transported to the top of the tower by a portable device that allows quick access to the higher levels, you stand by the window gazing out towards the frozen lake that shimmers in the sunlight.

Heart strengthened with resolve, you place your hands upon the desk, and whisper, "Let us begin."

The air crackles with magical energy as Coredan begins the incantation once more, however this time it feels different, more ominous if that were possible. Red flashes of lightning blur the air in front of you, blinding you momentarily, the entire tower shaking hard as though it was gripped in the hands of a titan using it as a hammer. The world shaking all around you, thunder crashing, and with a massive explosion of light, you find yourself hurled out of the tower to smash head first into the ground which rushed up towards you.(-120 Health points.)The snow that covered the surface the only reason you were still alive.

Back, neck, and ribs aching you pain, you look up to see the tower keeled over on it's side with large gaping rents in it's structure. The tower half submerged into the mountain. Red thunder clouds darken the land overhead, beating at the tower with bolts of energy, lightning crashing down all around you. And just as you think things couldn't get words, thousands upon thousands of goblins pour out from the caves that riddles the slopes of the mountain, shrieking their warcries to attack the few survivors who stumble free of the tower.

1. Do you rally the survivors and lead a counterattack?

2. Do you rally the survivors and defend the tower?

3. Do you try draw their attention towards you?

4. Do you focus only on preserving your own life?

5. Do you run away and hide till the fighting is over?