The sky was dark a few clouds moved through blocking the full moon that hung in the dark sky. The stars could be seen doting the sky as Sarne looked up. The cool breeze was blowing gently bringing a thin fog hung on the grass. As Sarne started to look out across the rolling hills of Prairie grass. With almost everyone in their homes, it was almost an eerie quiet. The occasional animal was making some noise dog bark or horse neigh. Sarne felt ready for the storm that was coming.

Sarne had everything moved inside the Village even Screech was in the village square. The village did give two warriors to help in the defense of the village two archers. Kell and Brig are two muscular, good-sized men, and stout hunters in their own right. Armed with bows two quivers of arrows and their fighting knives and a big smile.

Sarne did spent some time out near the village setting some traps and trip lines. [1] They were almost invisible the trip lines were signals they would flash and a puff of smoke if they are tripped. The other traps were stake pits, some explosive traps, and a mix of stuff that will burn the Gnolls of they set them off.

Sane sat on the wall near the entrance to the village the large gate was closed. All ways in were blocked there was no easy way into this village. He knew that the Gnoll scouts were watching by this time. Sarne wanted to go out there and kill them. He knew better the Gnolls would draw him off and into a trap. They would come to him soon Sarne would just have to be patient.

After a few hours, the sound of footsteps pounding the earth can be heard. Sarne glances out to see a pack of ten Gnolls rushing towards The village. "This is it!" mumbled Sarne who gave a loud whistle to alert the others. It all comes to this fight how well will it go thought Sarne. Are small crew must stand against this pack of Gnolls, using barricades as support to hold off the attack. Using their minds as the best weapon they have.

[1] Now a master of your craft, all of your creations no longer take an action, letting you create up to three different combinations in a single post while also doing other things. Additionally you have learned the inner workings of trap creation, able to locate and even disarm other traps. Your movements no longer trigger systems that are hidden like traps and can be disarmed by you without being triggered.

---

Quest Name: Hold the line
Chapter: Two
Description: After a few hours of setting up your post, the sound of footsteps pounding the earth can be heard. You glance out to see a pack of ten gnolls rushing down the road towards you. This is it, the moment you have prepared for. You and your small band must stand against this pack of gnolls, using your barricade as support to hold off the attack.
Requirements:
- Requires at least two people (you and one other, the other does not need to be interested in the guild)
- You must make at least 8 posts with each post being 150 words to complete the mission.
- You must defend from the attack and defeat the gnolls
- Once you complete this mission you have finished this quest line

The first whispers of the Gnoll's movements nagged at Taki's dreams, spirits chittering excitedly as the ravenous group drew closer. Carefully getting out of her hammock, she retrieved her gear and shifted her Morph Suit into a form fitting suit of cloth and silk reinforcements. A quick check that she had all she was willing to bring, and she quietly slipped out of the tent into the cool night. There were few clouds, though they were large formations, dark with the heavy burden aloft in their cottony mass. One covered the moonlight after a short while as it drifted on the currents high above, while Taki had sent Hakaze to scout their positions and harry them if possible.

Touching the golem's shoulder, she and Shuchu headed for town, the construct's body built of sturdy crystalline and flexible bamboo, and encoded with Taki's personal Formulae. While she hadn't intended it, her connection to the various spirits of the world had woven into the Formulae and imbued the construct with a spirit of it's own. They reminded Taki a great deal of Kamina, when she'd first been born and began learning about the world. It didn't take long for either to grasp most ideas, though Shuchu was the stoic, patient mountain to Kamina's errant, untamed storm. Taki smiled at the memory as she approached the wall, waving up to those above. One called down about the gate, but the shaman declined politely. Instead, she moved out of view of the gate's immediate area and found a sheltered spot flanking the gate.

She let out a breath, concentrating on a familiar and loved summoning spell. While she reached out to contract with the spirits directly, her magic flowed through the earth and into Shuchu. A moment later, a pair of floating spirits¹ appeared on either side of the golem, bobbing and flitting about in a loose orbit.

"The plan is simple, strike towards the flanks after they crash upon the barricade. From here it should be a good bit before anyone catches on, and I'll have Hakaze watching over you for any threats. I'm heading to the front line to provide support there, so if anyone gets past Hakaze, you're both to retreat to town."

"Understood, Miss. Be safe."

"You as well." She smiled, then looked up to see Hakaze circling above. Giving the drake a set of hand signals, she started for the wall as the first shouts from the guards above echoed through the still, dark trees.

---

1: Summon: Flame Sprite, used twice [Elemental Master: Air, Overwhelming Magic]

Theme Music

The Gnoll leader Tall Fang looked at the Village from a little hill his instinct was to pass by it. This had defense walls and it was too quiet sniffing the air. There was not much on the wind they had looked around for some time now. The scouts reported little traffic in or out of the village. So the Gnoll leader did not think it was an ambush. This was the fourth village they had raided most were easy with little losses to them.

He looked at the man in full armor sitting on the wall looking out randomly into the hills. This made no sense to Tall Fang. Just sitting there was the armored man a decoy just sitting at the front gate. Did they hire an adventurer to help guard them? That would trouble some, but not hard to defeat they had numbers. Tall Fang thought to himself killing two adventures a few days ago. Tall Fang signaled his men to move forward and surround the village He knew that had surprise.

Sarne knew they were coming. Sarne could hear them moving through the high grass. "Well, it started now no turning back," said Sarne so some people around the gate could hear him. He put his legs over the back side of the wall and slipped down the side making almost no noise. That was For a man of his size and how much armor was very unusual. Sarne drew his sword. The sword gold and sliver long sword shimmered in the moonlight. Sarne gave a loud whistle to alert the others.

Sarne knew where Shitakibo was and most of the other people Sarne looked at his Fallower's "Positions" He ordered the three of them disappear into the shadows. looking at the two village archers. "ready yourselves" said Sarne with a reassuring smile.

Suddenly some of the traps triggered there are flashes and explosions. The scream of Gnolls rang out there was some confusion as some Gnolls ran and some charged. Some yell with their barks and snarls. "We are under attack." with panic 

in their voices.

The Gnoll's shouting and panic, along with the sounds of explosions and gouts of smoke and flame were the first indications of battle Taki saw as she broke the cover of the forest. A moment later, a pair of shimmering bolts went sailing by to strike at the rear of those who'd charged. Both shots went wide, but the sudden snapping of tree limbs and distortion in air currents was enough to send another series of shouts into their ranks. Chuckling softly at their panic, the shaman sprinted to the squat, reinforced wall. Sprinting up it's sheer face, a couple of the guards stationed there stared on in a mix of surprise and terror. While they'd fashioned spikes to repel anyone trying to scale the wall, the Orochi's agility and grace were more than capable of slipping between the spikes.

"Hello gentleman, don't lose sight of your objectives."

"Y... Yes, Ma'am!!" the pair replied in unison.

With a nod of acknowledgement, she scanned the town for a good spot to lend her support. Below, the guard were clashing with the disoriented vanguard while they were trying to regroup and retreat. Seeing a large parapet atop the town's temple, she waved to the soldiers before leaping from the wall and over the wide street below. With a twist, she tumbled onto the shingled roof of a warehouse and headed towards her objective. She spotted Sarne atop the walls, his companions not far to either flank harrying the Gnoll pack with their bows. Things were going as planned so far... but this was the opening act, and the play was far from over. The thick hide of the hyena like humanoids proved to be tough, dulling arrow strikes and turning aside all but the sharpest of cuts or thrusts. Fire seemed to be the biggest boon from this vantage, those caught by the incendiary blasts were having trouble putting out the flames lapping at their scruffy coats. Hopefully the others would notice as well, but for now she needed a good spot to start unleashing her own barrage.

It did not take too long for the Gnolls to regroup and attack again. Tall Fang was surprised by the traps but it would not stop his clan from attacking. The traps did slow their assault on the town. Now looking for traps the Gnolls attacked again moving to the walls now only losing two more to the foot spike pits.

Sarne knew now the Gnolls were ready to breach the walls. Kell and Brig the two archers started to shoot arrows one right after the other trying to injure as many Gnolls as possible. Sarne gave a signaled Vamir who shot an arrow of light high into the air signaling the village Gnolls were at the walls and gates.

[1]Three Gnolls made it over a wall within Sarne's sight. Sarne grunted. His movement was fluid and quick rushing into the three. Sarne moved at inhuman speeds. This allowed Sarne to close the gap between Sarne and the three Gnolls. Smashing into one of them with his spiked shield. The shield bash was devastating [2] to the Gnoll as he flew back and landed on his back from the impact. Coughing up blood from his mouth. The Gnoll lay there trying to catch its breath.

Sarne spon to his right with his sword cutting another deeply. The Gnoll screamed in pain and stepped back from the cut from Sarne's sword. blood spilled onto the ground. As the Gnoll yelled from the hit from the sword.

---

[1] Inspiring Presence: An aura of energy begins to radiate from your person, filling your allies with hope and strength. You begin to inspire those around you to continue fighting, filling them with the will to continue going. Anyone who you consider to be an ally standing in your immediate area will feel their strength grow. For the next three posts any ally affected by this spell, including you, will deal double damage with their physical attacks. (does not affect spells)

[2] Rushing Charge

Scanning the situation unfolding from atop the temple parapet, Taki chose a target from the group of Gnolls. Their back was turned, but she could seen the guard's broken haft straining against the creature's strength. Her Spirit Guardians¹ appeared at her side, each flanking her with their soothing, empowering aura. Focusing on her target, she envisioned swirling currents of air² gathering at her fingertips as her spell completed. Each of the small, dart like shots spanned the distance in just a few seconds. They impacted against the Gnoll's spine, boring neat punctures through hide, sinew and bone. Jerking up as one does when toying with electricity, they clawed at the offending injury defiantly as their legs gave way and they collapsed to the ground.

Hakaze circled lazily above Shuchu, scanning the battle as it unfolded. One wild eyed Gnoll came crashing into the edge of the forest where they were taking cover, presumably scared off by the burning, blasting traps. The drake descended on the dog-man, pumping large leathery wings as they hovered for a brief moment before unleashing a powerful Air Breath³. The Gnoll slid backwards, claws fighting for purchase before breaking loose and sending them tumbling back towards the gate end over end. Shuchu shifted behind them, just as a pair of bolts⁴ went streaking by headed for the battlefield. One struck home, causing a Gnoll to flip end over end right into the second shot. This one caught the beast squarely in the chest and rocketed them into a sturdy tree trunk. The pair looked at each other with a kind of understanding as the drake banked back into the sky to keep vigil.

---

Taki;

1: Summon Spirit Guardians x 2
2: Air Bullets [Overwhelming Magic, Spirit Shroud]

Hakaze;

3: Air Breath

Shuchu; Passive mode

4: Summon Flame Sprite x2 [Overwhelming Magic, Elemental Master: Air]

The battle for the village was on and so far the heroes were holding their own. Not that it was easy and things were going to get harder as the night went on. there was just enough light to see with the moon out. Sarne was in the battle now. Trying his best not to get bogged down in one spot.

Nordic and Naesala were on the other side of the village now watching the back wall of the village. Gnoll started to come over the wall, four of them. They looked to be scouts to see what was there. The Gnolls tried to stay in the shadows as they moved away from the wall moving by a stable the animals started to make some noises. a dog started to bark at them one of the Gnolls looked at the dog and growled.

That's all Nordic and Naesala needed with Gnoll's backs to Nordic and Naesala they came from the shadows[1] with their fighting knives ready. [2] Their blades appear a deep red the red hue is not bright but the blades are hot enough to burn anything they touch.

Coming up from behind Nordic and Naesala's first cuts was the back of the leg which would cripple them. The sconed strikes deep cuts to their back dropping them as their fur ignites into flame. The two Gnolls scream in pain and shock from the attack rolling on the ground and trying to put the fire out.

The other two Gnolls jump back surprised by the attack and roar at Nordic and Naesala trying to intimidate them. Nordic looked at Naesala "Bird time!" said Nordic with a smile. They took off at a run towards the center of the village. In a zig-zag pattern, two Gnolls were not far behind them. Nordic and Naesala stepped over a trap as they went. The two Gnolls hit the trip wire and crashed to the ground. The Gnolls roared in frustration. getting up and pursuing Nordic and Naesala.

They rounded a house and saw Nordic and Naesala looking like they were hiding by a barn. The Gnolls started to go after them as the Gnolls got close and they thought they had trapped them and a shadow overcast them. The 15 foot tall Terror Bird attacked one of the Gnolls. the Gnoll made a muffled sound as his head got crushed By Screech the body's arms flailed as the Gnoll shook back and forth in the Terror Bird's jaws. the other one attacked Nordic swinging his blade and cutting across his chest sending Nordic back.

Naesala attacked the Gnoll with one of her blades cutting deep into the Gnoll. Its fur started to burn the Gnoll Raored in pain and threw its arms out checking Naesala sending her backward into a stall in the Barn. The Gnoll dropped his blade and started to back up trying to put the flames out. Before the Gnoll could do anything his eyes went wide when the Gnoll backed up to the Terror Bird. Screech attacked with a bit that took half the Gnoll's torso the body hit the ground with a thud blood spilled everywhere as Screech swelled the other part and let out a Triumphant scream.

[1] Invisibility, Silent Step

[2] Enchanting Sigil Fire Rune

Nordic Loses one hit prevention from Gnoll

While the town's defenders and preparations were holding steady, the Gnolls themselves weren't sitting on their claws either. Wily, clever, and now a veteran of several successful raids, their leader had sent the smallest pair of warriors towards the town from a much different route. These two, whose patterns were more muted than the others, slipped quietly through the fallen underbrush. They skulked through the forest, having left well ahead of the main group and slipping outside the scouting perimeter. Now they approached, opposite the assaulted gate and from a barely patrolled angle. As the pair scaled the wall and came over the top, they silenced a guard with lethal efficiency.

A booming bellow rang out across the town, from beyond the gate where Hakaze was circling. Having spotted the Gnolls only when they'd come into view, the Drake could appreciate their skill... though that meant they were now the biggest threat to the battlefield. Hearing this, Taki's head went on a swivel to follow the direction her companion was looking. She only caught a glimpse of one of the Gnolls, who were making their way into a guard tower nearby, likely to try and force one of the other gates open. The air around the shaman crackled with magic and electricity, her guardians already streaking ahead in pursuit as Taki launched herself from the parapet. The spell propelled her across town at great speeds, sailing over the building as if fired from some great siege weapon.

Across town, Hakaze held position as the Sprites unleashed another volley into the Gnoll lines. One of them turned, scanning the woods for the source, their eyes widening in panic as they spotted the Wind Drake circling overhead. Meanwhile, her guardians followed the Gnolls' path, driving them forward with spectral wails of pursuit. Taki smiled at the sound, hearing the gnashing, guttural responses as the pair argued with each other. Stepping through the door at the base of the tower, the shaman awaited their arrival with a relaxed and devious grin... they were clever, but they'd pay for taking a life and trying to destroy the hard work everyone put into surviving.

At the front gate, Sarne was waiting just a little longer. He wanted to get to the leader and end this. The Gnolls had not met resistents like this before. Most of the raids in the other towns were relatively easy. Sarne heard Screech's scream on knew the back was now being attacked as well. The big Terror Bird was his backup back there with Nordic and Naesala defending it.

Sarne had taken a few hits but nothing major his armor was still holding and he had only cuts and some bruises. drops of sweat were running down the side of his face and the cool air that came through the cracks in his armor felt good at this point.

Sarne heard the Drake roar and most would fear it Sarne had trust in it. Knowing it was a powerful backup and eyes for Shitakibo. Things were holding but Sarne also knew they were fortunate so far. If an all-out attack this would be going differently and so far mostly the Gnoll's scouting party was in the fray the main attack should be any time now Sarne had to be ready.

Vamir had been going from different parts of the walls and using some ruff tops to shoot from Sarne had given him his golden long bow to Vamir to use for the battle. Vamir could shoot normal arrows or the bow could shoot arrows of light. Vamir would switch between the two as he needed. Vamir was watching for the leadership and would target them with his arrows. It was going well for Vamir so far. But Vamir knew it was a matter of time before he was a target for their archers.

Tall Fang was growing more frustrated with the resistance that the village was giving most Villages would just fall fast people just ran in fear. They were easy prey for his raiding party. Tall Fang heard the Terror Bird's scream and then the roar of the Darke overhead Tall Fang had to do something and soon.

Looking over to one of the archers Tall Fang "I don't like it. But it will break the villager's fighting spirit." remarked Tall Fang. "Rain fire on to the Village use your fire arrows hit the roofs burn the building," ordered Tall Fang in a raspy growl the evil smile formed on his face. "Let's see what you do next defenders of the Village," said Tall Fing in a sinister tone.

Vamir's yell could be heard across the village "Incoming fire!" as Vamir released a light arrow it flew striking one of the Gnolls. The Gnoll yelled in pain as the Arrow disappeared leaving a hole in his chest blood started to run out of it. As the Gnoll fell to one knee.

There was a small fire in the field as the 5 archers lit their arrows and launched them at the Village. They randomly struck building roofs and started to burn them the light from the fires could be seen in the village.

As the pair of Gnolls crashed through the guard tower, Keta and Ryu in hot pursuit wailing haunting tones, Taki arrived at the base of the tower and opened the door. Above, the hammering steps of pursuit made her smile slyly as she waved a hand and five pillars of electrical energy appeared outside the door. She slipped stealthily into the corner of the room, watching as the Gnoll intruders came clattering down the final flight of stairs. They shoved and argued as they scrambled to get away from the spirits. The quicker of the two bolted straight out the door and into the shaman's waiting trap.

A howl of pain and anguish made the second hesitate, turning to look up the stairwell as a powerful aura washed over them. Taki took a step forward, walking into the sparse light from torches outside like some sort of cerulean nightmare. The Gnoll's terror was palpable on their face and in their posture, frozen as they realized they'd been herded into the trap of another hunter.

"Greetings stranger, what might bring you to this small town in the midst of such a battle?" Taki greeted, her voice calm and motherly, though she watched with the expression of a viper waiting to strike.

"Uhhmmm... ye a little loose in the screws are ye?"

"Whatever could you mean? You both don't seem to be accompanying the raiding party, are you fleeing them too?"

"heeheheheh hehehehehe hehehehe..... ya ain't real bright little snake..."

The Gnoll's fear switched to a boldness of pride, their body relaxing for just a moment before launching himself at the shaman. As their feet left the ground, a bright flash of lightning tore through both the intruders from each of the pillars. Taki marveled at the result, the Gnolls spasming on the ground as their eyes dimmed. She shook her head as she and her Spirit Guardians exited the tower. Outside was still chaotic, the clash of weapons and warriors a din in the night.

Whoever was coordinating this attack wasn't taking kindly to the town's resistance, something the shaman and others watched with mixed feelings as flaming arrows rained across a stretch of town. They quickly ignited many of the rooftops, though the few hit with tiled coverings were relatively unscathed. She was too far at the moment to be of help, but could hear the shouts of those brave souls who'd stayed to protect the town. She hoped Sarne and the others were fairing well, listening as the rapport of Shuchu's Sprites fired another pair of bolts... hopefully Hakaze would be able to locate and suppress the archers before things got worse, but time would tell.

Sarne had seen the arrow and could do nothing at the moment. Some people came out of their homes with buckets to throw water on the fires with water from the two wells they had in the village. Some of the family ran from there burning him to another building nearby. Sarne had killed a few more Gnolls and was feeling it now as he had been pushing his body to the max.

The Gnolls in the back gate were starting to come over the wall now and trying to get the gate open. Nordic, Naesala, and Vamir. Came from the shadows surprising them and the fight ensued. there was a lot of slashing from both sides. as a flurry of parries and strikes were given by both sides.

Sarne could hear the battle raging in the back of the village it was time Sarne had to do something to get the Gnolls to concentrate on him It was time to show his mother's side. [1] Sarne celestial features start to show for Sarne, His blond hair changes to almost silver which shines like metal. His complexion turns to tan-colored lustrous skin. Sarne's eyes change to a piercing gold. White feathery wings grew out of his back. [2] The hue from the crest on Sarne's armor instilled fear in the Gnolls around him. They screamed with fright as they ran from him.

Sarne lifted into the air with one flap of his wings. Sarne would not be hard to miss looking like an angel Sarne pointed his sword at three of the Gnolls on the outside of the gate. [3]Calling down a shaft of light, of pure energy cascading down from the sky. The light encircles the Gnolls, filling it with light. The light buried The Gnolls inside of it, scorching their skin and causing them to catch fire burning them to death slowly.

The other Gnolls outside the wall saw this and ran back towards the woods and tall grass. Tall grass the Gnoll leader roared in anger. Sarne saw him and knew that was the leader He was bigger than the others. The shock worked and Sarne took a breath but the fight of the leaders was about to begin. Sarne could only hope they could hold on a little while longer in the village.

[1] Beacon of Light
[2] Looming Fear
[3] Spell Piercing Light

Making her way to the center of town, she could see there was fighting going on at either end of town. For the moment, Sarne's companions seemed to be holding out against those at the rear, though the Knight couldn't be seen through the chaos towards the main gate of town. It would take powerful magics to turn the tides of this battle, but that was something the shaman had grown more accustomed to when she ventured out solo.

"Keta, Ryu, keep watch a moment... this will take all my concentration."

"Of course, Taki."

"Right away, Miss."

She smiled, knowing that the time she'd spent with her guardians and the journeys they'd shared had forged a bond of care and protection. The glowing spirits each took a direction, watching for any approaching movement while Taki herself stood still in the center of town. With her hands clasped together, she began a swaying series of movements that gathered her focus and magic. With fluid motions akin to Tai Chi, the shaman's spirit reached out gently into the earth to coax an acquaintance to action. This spirit was a friend of the ancient primordial she'd met back in the Ash Ruins, one who enjoyed a fiery display and the fury of battle. The ground before Keta bubbled, turning a bright red, then yellow, before melting back into the surroundings as a trio of serpentine heads¹ filled the growing pool of magma below. Each of the Magma Hydra's heads roared and snapped eagerly as they burst through the ground, picking out the Gnolls at the back gate who hadn't joined the fray before lobbing three great globs of burning rock. The sound was something like a catapult loosing a jar of burning pitch as the hunks of searing magma sailed towards their targets.

The Hydra would help, covering Sarne's compatriots and the rear of town from being overrun with furry beasts. The shaman turned her attention towards the front gate, knowing that battlefield was far more saturated for much of the wide spread arsenal in her spells. She supposed this was as good an opportunity as any to try out the spell she'd been working on inspired by another dear friend. This time, there wasn't an elaborate series of movements, but rather a tranquil stillness that washed over the shaman. Her eyes took on a soft glow similar to her guardians' as the area around the gate grew abnormally bright. In the skies overhead, beams of radiant energy solidified into an orchestra of magical instruments that began to play a battle sonata². Those allied with the town would feel a rush of vigor, their wounds and fatigue clearing away as those opposed were awestruck by the imposing magic...

'Let it be enough...' Taki thought, the world swirling in front of her vision as she slumped to her knees. Using such spells in quick succession was something she'd only tried a few times, and never in such a hectic battle. Her chest heaved, her nostrils flaring plumes of steamy breath in the winter cold as the Orochi tried to recover from the exertion.

---

1: [Magma Hydra 1/3, A 2/2, B 2/2, C 2/2, Overwhelming Magic, Spirit Shroud]; By forming a friendly bond with greater Earth Spirits, the caster may call on aid from their forces in the form of a Magma Hydra. 3 Serpentine heads of molten rock burst forth from the ground, and begin spitting large balls of fire at enemies within a Medium distance. For the next 3 posts, the heads will independently attack before slipping below the ground again. Each head has 2 hit preventions before being destroyed. This spell cannot be used for 4 posts after the Hydra ends or it's heads are damaged.

2: [Symphony of Light 1/5, Living Aura, Spirit Shroud];  Calling upon the strongest of Light spirits, the caster conjures a mystical concert over an area. These instruments play a battle sonata, curing allies of conditions and minor wounds. Enemies who hear the song are stunned to silence, unable to cast spells or use abilities for one post. Covers a large area for 5 posts, can only be used once per topic.

Hydra's heads roared and snapped eagerly as they burst through the ground, picking out the Gnolls at the back gate who hadn't joined the fray before lobbing three great globs of burning rock. The sound was something like a catapult losing a jar of burning pitch as the hunks of searing magma sailed toward their targets.

The three were being pushed back the gate finally gave way and opened some as more Gnolls came through the opening. Nordic, Naesala, and Vamir were fighting for their lives. They were taking the Gnolls down one at a time but they were getting injured too. The three hear the Hydra's heads roar wondering what was next. The roar was frightening even to the Gnolls.

Nordic, Naesala, and Vamir saw the burning pitch hunks of searing magma rock sailed toward Gnolls. Landing in the groups of Gnolls exploding and covering them in searing magma rock. The ground shook a little from the impact of the searing magma rock. They screamed in pain as they were burning the stench of their burning flesh and fur filled the air.

Nordic, Naesala, and Vamir had just got out of the way anay slower and they would have been burnt too. The Gnolls at the back gate ran ones that could out the back gate or back to the tree line they had had enough they had never fought with anyone like this. Their plan was falling apart.

Tallgrass the Gnoll leader saw what happened at the back gate he was starting to think this was not a normal villige and this was a trap. As he watched the back gate explode into flames hearing his worries dying. He grunted. and a roar. Tallgrass was going to kill one of the villagers before he left. Tallgrass spotted Sarne not that it was hard. A glowing man with angel wings with a glowing sword. Tallgrass ran forward towards the front gate Tallgrass was determined to kill Sarne one way or another.

Sarne was still defending the gate as the Gnolls ran for the tree line. He saw what He thought was the leader a tall, thick-looking Gnoll with a large War Ax running towards Sarne. This is the one Sarne thought. "OK then," said Sarne to himself. Sarne started to fly with the Gnoll sword and shield at the ready.

Hakaze spotted the shaman kneeling in the town square and bolted, rousing Shuchu from their cover to wade forward into the fray. The golem's body sparkled with glowing runes that seemed to flow through it's crystalline body in an intricate web. A wide field of electricity covered the construct as they barreled into the flank of the Gnoll archers, Sprites firing a pair of wind bolts that managed to send one archer spinning. Both themselves and another managed to get shots off, piercing the floating spirits and snuffing out their withering barrage. Hakaze was landing in the courtyards as Shuchu was squaring off with the remaining Gnolls.

"Miss, are you alright?"

"I'm fine Hakaze... just... need a moment to recover. How's Shuchu?"

"Last I saw, they'd joined the fray as I was making my way here. It seemed Sarne was about to engage the warlord of this foolish endeavor."

"Thank you for the update, please continue to give Shuchu your support for now. Keta, Ryu and I will reinforce Sarne's companions and we'll send these hounds packing... hopefully."

"Right away, Taki... be careful." The concern in the Drake's voice was thick as they kicked up another gust of wind and took off towards the main gate. They banked over a part of the town that was still in the grip of flames and unleashed a powerful blast of wind over the area. While it did toss anything loose about and break a few windows, it also drew the inferno away in it's wake and dispersed it harmlessly beyond the wall. The shaman smiled, watching as Hakaze put his training to a use even Taki hadn't thought of... leave it to a drake to put fire out with wind... She chuckled softly and picked herself up, having recovered enough to start towards the rear gate.

"Let's make sure everyone's alright, and wrap this up." She said to her Guardians, who fell in step as she walked past her glowing spirit friend. The pleased look on each of their heads was enough for the shaman to not feel bad for calling them... especially when they seemed to take such delight in the task. Each one let out a terrify hiss and fired again, more bolts of flame landing between the gate's defenders and the invading Gnolls. Taki followed their progress as she made her way through town, reaching the rear gate and it's defenders. Most were at least injured, though some were still fighting valiantly.

The shaman sympathized with their pain, but understood the need to settle things before they could start the long process of recovery. She turned to the Gnolls, a ghostly glow in her eyes and a devious grin on her lips as she spread her six clawed arms wide, opened her fanged mouth and let out a guttural battlecry of her own. If these fools were so keen on making a mess of things, she would become the thing that makes a mess of them... a nightmare for generations to tell their cubs around gloomy campfires. She took a sharp breath, then charged into the Gnolls at the rear gate already engaged. Taki hopped over their formation with the grace of a cat, wild eyed and howling as her tongue shot out and lashed itself around another Gnoll looking terrified. She descended upon her prey with primal ferocity, like some horrid cross between a serpent and a spider...

[1]Sarne flew at a blinding speed at Tallgrass. The Gnoll leader who now close to Sarne with his axe at the ready to receive Sarne and his charge. Sarne got close and turned spreading out his wings and knocking over the two guards with Tallgrass. sending them flying in two different directions. The two Gnolls rolled and were dazed by the attack.

Tallgrass took a swing at Sarne but all he found was Sarne's shield. there was a loud ringing noise when the large War Ax hit the shield that would normally send a man back. Sarne stood his ground redirecting the blow with his shield. [2] redirected the War Ax away hitting Tallgrass with the shield and its spikes with great force. The spikes ripped through Tallgrass's chest pushing the Gnoll back a Short distance. [3]This created an opening for Sarne to use his sword skills. Sarne moved with incurable speed and power as Sarne's sword moved in a instant.

Tallgrass had no time to recover from being hit by Sarne's shield. He did not even see the three strikes coming as he felt pain under his right arm as it fell limp. Tallgrass could feel blood warm his hide as it ran down his left side to form a slash on the top left side of his body. Then Tallgrass's right leg folded as his knee gave way to the last slash from Sarne's sword. The burn from the glowing blade hitting Tallgrass's body was on fire from the light as Tallgrass fell back onto the ground from the brutal onslaught of Sarne. Tallgrass just looked up at the dark sky in shock at what just happened.

[1] Rushing Charge

[2] Sarne's Way of the Shield

[3] Cyran's Haunting Blade