Topic: The ants go marching...

HX-909-A

Date: 2008-06-29 12:57 EST
((Events in this post take place on Friday the 27th))

The Legion of Chain had been given their orders, and at daybreak on Friday the camps had been struck, and 18,000 soldiers had begun the march to the gateway that would take them to their target. The portal was a full day's march from Rhydin City, so they would not arrive till late Saturday. Hex intended to camp overnight at the portal site before crossing through, to ensure the soldiers were fresh should there be any resistance to the sudden appearance of an army coming through the gate.

As the Legion moved across the landscape of Rhydin, with farmers and small townships flocking to see the spectacle, Hex traveled in it's Scorpion Frame alongside the troops. Multiple eyes swiveling this way and that, both watching the native citizens, as well as the Legion's soldiers for lapses in discipline. Hex found none however; not only were the soldiers eager for battle, driving their spirits up, but the recent punnishment of fifty soldiers by nerve-whip had served to keep everyone focused. Drunken displays had become very rare since that night, and every guard was watchful not only for trouble, but also on the lookout for Elites. It could even be said that the Legion's mechanical commander had made the common soldiers slightly paranoid. If this was the case, Hex either did not notice, or did not care.

Finally, the march was done and the Legion camped outside the trading town established at the permanent portal's location. Easy travel to another world always encouraged these kinds of towns; chaotic and often violent, the mixing of cultures often wildly different from each other promoted a sort of lawless frontier atmosphere. Soldiers from the Legion were allowed leave only in small shifts through the night, and everyone was encouraged to get as much rest as possible, for tomorrow they marched again.

HX-909-A

Date: 2008-06-29 12:58 EST
((Events in this post occur on Saturday the 28th))

The day started early for Hex and the Colonels of the Legion of Chain. Hex held a briefing in the command tent, using it's humanoid Frame.

#Today we will march the Legion through the gateway, however we will have to do so in stages. At most the gateway can only support a maximum of five hundred crossings each hour. We will send two companies through each hour until the Legion has crossed. The first crossing will potentially be the most dangerous. Gemonom, select the companies under your command with the most battle experiance. As soon as you cross over, send scouts out as far as you deem viable, then establish a staging grounds.#

Hex then turned to the others.

#Salbeth, once Gemonom's division is through the portal, yours will be next. After that I want all the support personel through the gate. Arak, you and Benisk will complete the supply portals as quickly as possible, while the Engineers work on fortifications at the campsite. Salbeth, your troops will begin work on fortifying the campsite and await the Engineers.#

Next the machine looked to the last Colonel.

#Deacon, your division will bring up the rearguard. I have been assured that radio communications is possible through the portal. Should Gemonom's soldiers encounter serious opposition, we will withdraw through the gate back to Rhydin. However that outcome seems highly unlikely. Equally likely is the possiblity of attack on *this* side of the portal, so be prepared to secure this area if necessary. You have your oders.#

All three officers saluted, and the Sunari just flipped a wave, then all four left the tent to carry out their orders.

Arak Kryyn

Date: 2008-06-29 13:00 EST
So far the crossings had continued without pause or incident. Gemonom's entire division had finished crossing, and sent out scouts and patrols to get the lay of the land around the portal. So far no opposition had been detected, and as the first half of Salbeth's divison came through, they were hard at work digging earthworks to fortify the campsite settled by the first division.

Finally the support personel came through, and Arak stepped out of the swirling portal alongside a group of Medics. The avian head swept over the seemingly peaceful valley they had arrived in. A soft chirp and a snort and the Sunari moved out of the way for the next group which was already emerging from the gateway.

Arak padded bare-pawed down the slope of the hill the portal was situated on. This side of the gate showed no permanent settlement, indicating that perhaps very few knew of it's existance. That would serve Hex's plans wonderfully, and just might keep Arak out of the fighting for now, and that was always a good thing. As the Sunari moved among the soldiers, some stopped briefly to watch the unusual sight of the humanoid gryphon, then quickly got back to work as a group of Elites marched by.

Arak stopped for directions, then moved down to the tent indicated. Yes, there were the small supply portal frameworks out back, and the four APC-like transports they would be housed in. Benisk had already come through before Arak, and was even now getting to work. "About time Arak, we need to have these things active and open before Hex crosses the gate. You know how impatient he gets!"

Arak just laughed and shrugged his wings, "Quite true, our mechanical slavemaster has been spending too much time with that Lord Brutin. I finally got to meet the man, down in the city."

"Oh? What's he like? I've only seen him through that bay window in the main building."

"To be honest I wasn't all that impressed. I'm certain he's an imposing sight to the slaves and soldiers, but I'd be more concerned with Hex getting upset than Brutin."

That got a laugh from the human mage, as the two of them bent down to lift one of the portal frames. Crafted to fit inside the bus-sized supply transports, the portals looked like solidified spiderwebs. In actuality they were composed of spun carbon fibers, resembling diamond threads. The crystaline nature of the material would hold the spells in place and cross the dimensional gap between worlds. It helped that there was already a stable gateway back to Rhydin. Arak and Benisk would simply be creating an offshoot of it's energies, allowing travel back and forth between any of the supply gates, and their mate back at the SA compound. As soon as the first of these gates were opened, the one on Rhydin would open automaticly in response.

As Arak made sure the last connection was made, he sat back in the confines of the transport. "Okay, looks like we're ready. You didn't tax yourself too much for the connection spell have you?"

"Not a chance feather-duster, I can still outcast you any day!" The human grinned and laughed at the Sunari.

"Oooooh really? You're on skinjob! Soon as we get back to Rhydin, I'll see you at the dueling rings!"

"Only if you're not afraid to make it interesting. Three days wages!" Benisk kept grinning, then held out his hand. Arak eagerly accepted and the two shook on it.

"Alright, let's get this thing open so we can go back and I can kick your ass." Arak grinned, then still smiling, settled into a meditation pose. Already he could feel this worlds magical energy responding to his touch, settling into his hands as he began to trace runic symbols in the air. Benisk was doing the same, and both mages began to chant under their breath in time to some otherworldly tempo.

A soft glow began to suffuse the spiderweb portal construct, quickly building as the mages chanting grew faster and louder. After no more than a handful of minutes, the light had grown to almost blinding intensity. As the last rune was traced, and the final syllable of the spell spoken, the portal flashed white, then settled into the inky darkness of a dimensional gateway. At the same instant, the other three portals in the other transports, as well as the one set up in a corner of the SA compound also came to life. The connection had been made, and the Legion now had it's lifeline to Rhydin...

Verishia Duket

Date: 2008-06-29 20:19 EST
Verishia stood calmly as she watched the camp form up and the troops assemble on the Campaign side of the portals. The scouts had been out for several hours now and she watched under her cloak as a scout rushed up to her and bowed, he was trembling.

"I have a report for Hex." He said and she waved to him to continue, the man nodded and spoke quickly, telling her of the last bit of information collected by the scouts in the area. She listened intently and then turned on her heel, not even bothering to dismiss the man. She walked straight up to Hex and bowed her head.

"Word from our Scouts. This side of the Canterline Passes is clear of any enemy. There are three routes up and through the passes, North, Center and South. At the height of each pass is a small redoubt manned by the enemy. They are all equally garrisoned by what looks like between 300 and 500 men. The routes to these redoubts are narrow and channel our men. From the looks of it, the enemy is armed with melee weapons as well as bows. The Redoubts are not armed with any type of cannon. The passes are a half day's ride between them. This Galra fellow has his own troops stationed at the bottom of the passes guarding against invasion, no Phaesian troops have passed them." She said from memory and then bowed to Hex again indicating that she was done with her report.

She waited calmly for further instructions as Hex processed the information. War was at hand and her heart swelled with the prospect.

HX-909-A

Date: 2008-07-02 20:48 EST
((OOC Note: Okay, I'm back now and things are more settled. I will timestamp each post to indicate what day events happened on. Aaaand, back to the show!))

((Events in this post occur on Sunday the 29th.))

Hex had taken Verishia's report, and the machine had been cryptic in it's immediate response. The only order issued right away was to continue bringing the Legion through the gate, and fortify their position here on the hill. After that Hex had ordered increased patrol activity, but no group larger than ten men was allowed within visual distance of any of the passes just yet.

One of Hex's Elites had gone with every scouting party, and all rode the quiet, steam-driven motorcycles. The Elites, armed with sniper Impacters, had all been given the same orders. At the first hint of enemy scouts, those scouts were to be hunted down immediately. Hex wanted no chance of the enemy discovering their presence too soon.

Now today, Hex was ready. Today the Legion would taste it's first battle, and Hex intended it to be brief and bloody. Summoning the senior officers, the machine waited in it's humanoid Frame. Once the Colonels and Commander Verishia were assembled before the holographic map, Hex finally spoke.

#Today we will face the enemy in battle. We will attack the Northern pass, the one furthest from our ally. I want this to serve as a test of the enemy's capabilities, so for that we will give no quarter whatsoever. Salbeth, ready your Division to march, we leave as soon as your men are ready.#

As Salbeth saluted and turned to leave, Hex turned to the others, #I intend to lead this fight myself, and Commander Duket will accompany me into battle. Gemonom, your Division will guard this command site for now, and we will leave the Command gate with you. As for you Deacon, I want you to take Deacon's supply gate and split your forces in half. Each is to march to base of the other two passes and fortify those locations. Be prepared for a counter-attack at any moment. Once you are well dug in, send word to Gemonom to begin marching his forces to the South pass. When he arrives, withdraw your men through the supply gate to the center pass.#


This news seemed to upset Deacon, as he was ready for battle immediately, but neither he or Gemonom would think for more than three seconds to speak against their commander, they had seen the machine fight Verishia and never wanted to be on Hex's bad side.

#Commander Duket, bring half your Elites with you when we march. The other ten are to be divided between the other two Divisions. When we finally reach the enemy camp at the top of the pass, we will attack without pause. This pass is too narrow to take advantage of our numbers, so we must be swift and merciless. I will breach their defenses, you and our combined Elites will clear the encampment. Capture any officers you can, but I want no captives from the enemy ranks. Oh, and one other thing, be absolutely certain that no messengers or scouts escape down the other side of the pass. I want no survivors.#


It would take the better part of the day to march to the pass, so it would not be till mid-day tomorrow that they would meet the fight. Hex considered that the Legion's soldiers might feel cheated of a fight, but Hex simply wanted this route secured with no losses, no lengthy battles, and most importantly, without the enemy command ever knowing about it.

Tomorrow would be a bloody and one-sided battle indeed.

Verishia Duket

Date: 2008-07-08 21:22 EST
Morning of June 30th

"Verishia, I will breach the walls, take the Elites forward and engage the enemy." Hex said in his scorpion's body and Rishi bowed and turned to the gathered Elites. She took her cloak off and handed it to one of Hex's aides and then turned on her heels and made for the top of the pass.

"I want you to stay back until the gate drops." She said and the men closest to her a mix of her own men and Hex's grunted acknowledgment. Forty one against the garrison. Hex was testing the Elites and herself. "I will not be with you, I will meet you in the middle of the keep." She said and then men blinked, instead of slowing down to let them pass, she sped up. "Stay out of range." Was the last thing she said to them.

She pulled her saber free and kept up her fast pace, she was spotted by guards on top of the wall, drawn to Hex's heavy weapons targeting the gate. Arrows fired from bows and bolts fired from crossbows zinged out towards her but she was still too far away. As she neared their range she pulled her hand across the horizon, even with the crenelations of the keep and Force reached out to shatter against the stone in archs of lightning. The defenders ducked down in both shock and safety as Rishi sprinted forward with Force enhanced speed and then leapt high, landing next to the crouching defenders.

The Elites shouted in surprise and then cheered her as the defenders suddenly realized they were under attack and stood up to defend themselves. The saber ignited into life and suddenly defenders were dying. She made her way across the wall, clearing defenders as fast as she could, their missile weapons presenting the most danger to her Elites below.

She had killed perhaps ten men when the heavy weapons Hex wielded brought the gate crashing down in wooden rubble, the heavy timbers had no chance of stopping him and suddenly there was a cry from downhill as the Elites saw their opportunity and charged. The defenders on the wall were now trapped making a choice, face down the charging enemy or stop the lithe red blade of the lightsaber calmly cutting a swath through their ranks.

Most closest to her faced off with her and that was fine, but most further away turned their attention to the coming group of men to turn them away as Rishi hoped but it was too late for them, those pitiful defenders that faced her realized that their swords and shields could not block her saber and her swings were deadly regardless of their attempts at defense. They died quickly and then she was among those facing down her men and they died without ever knowing they were in danger.

The Elites for their part went raging through the now open gate and those men sent to plug the gaping wound in their defenses could not reinforce themselves fast enough, the Elites settling into a routine, Rishi's men savagely throwing themselves into the lines and cutting through the men helter skelter while Hex's Elites methodically and skillfully cut down the rest.

Seeing the men in the courtyard Rishi saw the wall defenders turn to see her and she thrust out her hand and pushed with the Force, sending those men left over the side before turning to face down the way she had come and catch those men she had missed and who had come running up to defend against her to meet the same fate as they fell back and fell off their safe perches.

She had no sooner cleared the walls than she turned to see the Elites swamped in a sea of enemy, and though they were clearly holding their own they were soon to be surrounded. She jumped to the ground, ignoring the stairs, she never halted, reigniting her sword and pushing her way through the group of waiting defenders. Still they tried to block or parry and again her saber cut straight through and the men around her started to fall back and get distance with her. The Elites on her side moved forward into the gap and then suddenly the defenders broke.

There was no way to defeat the woman and as they turned to run those behind them could only follow suit after being told more and more inaccurate stories to encourage them to go faster.

Even with Rishi and the Elites pursuing the defenders the rout threatened to break free and down the Canterline Pass. Rishi concentrated and shut the gate on the opposite side, closing in those defenders too slow to try to squeeze through. The Elites never hesitated and cut a swath through the men to the gate, her men slaughtering left and right while Hex's men mathematically downed man after man or took prisoners.

As Rishi made it towards the gate she saw the Elites losing steam in their forward movement and she noticed why, they were gathering defenders in droves who were surrendering as soon as they saw quarter being given. She remembered Hex's orders and kept up her attack but as men threw up their hands she passed them, telling them to fall in line with those already collected. Those that sought to use it as a ruse she cut down coldly and moved on.

But this slowed her down and as she turned her attention forward to the gate and those defenders organizing themselves there she saw Hex and his efficient Scorpion body covered in blood scything a path through the defenders, their arrows and spears harmlessly bouncing off of him.

By the time she could come shoulder to shoulder with him the routed and trapped troops were surrendering enmass and then battle ended. Rishi turned to her men and motioned for them to search the various buildings and stables. Hex's men collected and disarmed the defenders.

By the time the soldiers of the First Division reached the shattered gate to do battle it was over, the defenders stood aimlessly in the middle of the body strewn courtyard guarded by 20 men while another 20 men stood to the wall, watching as those that managed to flee ran for their lives.

Rishi put her saber back on her belt and walked straight up to Hex who was busy surveying the situation and giving orders on his com unit. She bowed to him and then looked around. It was obvious but she was going to say it anyway.

"The North Pass Fort is ours."

HX-909-A

Date: 2008-07-09 21:25 EST
Hex moved past another pile of corpses to meet Verishia.

"The North Pass Fort is ours.", and the Sith woman saluted.

#Well done Commander Duket. Arrange a detail of your Elites, send them out on bikes to hunt down and terminate any enemy soldiers that managed to escape. I want no stories of our battle here to reach the enemy commanders, is that clear?#

Hex watched as the forward elements of Salbeth's first division moved in to secure the remains of the fort. The Colonel marched up to the machine and saluted. Hex dipped it's head slightly, #Colonel, have your men secure the fort and police these bodies. All weapons and equipment are to be salvaged and delivered to the supply corps. Then have your men work with the engineers to re-fortify this position in case of a counter-attack.#
The human saluted again and turned to carry out his orders, for now suppressing his dissappointment with the missed battle.

Hex turned back to Verishia at last, #Once your Elites are dispatched, go through the supply gate to our forces marching on the south pass. Once they arrive, begin establishing a forward outpost at the base of the pass.#

#When the fortifications here are complete, I will travel to the base of the center pass and set up a forward base there as well. My Elites and I will secure that location while Deacon's forces at Center will march for you at South. Gemonom's forces at the main portal will then join me at center pass.#

Now Hex turned and all of it's eyes focused on Verishia, #As soon as the remainder of Deacon's soldiers join you at the base of the south pass, you are to attack the fort there. Unlike this battle, limit your useage of heavy weaponry. I would like that fort taken with minimal damage if possible. In addition, I want to give Deacon's soldiers a change to prove themselves in battle, so let them do most of the fighting.#

#Also unlike this battle, I have new orders concerning prisoners and escaping enemy. Capture any soldier or officer that chooses to surrender. Any who flee are to be let go, to tell their commanders what happened. Be ready for any possible counter-attack. Fight well Commander Duket, I will contact you again once I have completed fortifications at the base of the center pass.#

Verishia Duket

Date: 2008-07-11 14:41 EST
Verishia stood there and watched as Deacon pointed towards the northern side of the wall, already troops were assaulting the walls, using ladders to scale up and over the walls into the hands of the defenders. The battle was not going well, at least by Verishia's standards, it had been three days already and no one that attained the top of the walls lived.

Deacon for his part kept his cool and made impassioned speeches that got the men moving again but fifteen hundred men were keeping five thousand from advancing up the pass and she knew Hex would not tolerate this for much longer.

A man upon the parapet was baiting the attackers with a continuous stream of profanity and jibes meant to lower morale and while Deacon was clearly out of crossbow range, he was well within sight of the heckler. "You should have him killed, perhaps three crossbowmen with a little incentive?" Verishia offered and Deacon thought about that and then nodded.

He pointed at three men standing nearby and pointed to the heckler who got more vociferous as he realized he was attracting attention. The crossbowmen took their time trying to pick him off, two defenders that had come over to see what was going on fell under the sniping but the heckler remained. Verishia had returned to her Elites and stood there watching as the crossbowmen hit everything and everyone but the heckler. "If they keep that up they will clear the walls and we will only have to fight off one mouthy lad." One of her Elites said and the rest laughed. She couldn't help but smiling with them and she longed to get involved but Hex had given orders. This fight was for the men.

"Oh! Listening to the advice of your whore are you?" The heckler was back on the wall calling off insults but at this admission her Elites were on their feet and heading for the wall. The heckler hooted as Verishia called them back.

"It's good you find passion in my defense, it gives you strength but this is not our fight, this is Deacon's fight. None of us may scale that ladder to do battle until Deacon commands it." She said and they grudgingly calmed down returning to their small encampment to wait further news as the Heckler jeered them and then started stroking his chest.

"Show us your good love! It is the only thing you are good for, if you are just going to stand there give us a show!" he called off and Verishia looked over at Deacon who watched her and then she smirked. She strode over closer to the wall but clearly away from the scaling ladders, the Heckler stood up and continued making lewd faces and expressions at her.

She raised her hand and the man was drawn out into the middle of the air, his feet dangling free as he cried out in surprise, then suddenly he flew against the heavy stone of the wall, backed out and up against it again, while Verishia moved her arm in accompaniment. Finally after the third impact she turned and walked back to her encampment and her waiting Elites, the body of the heckler fell as if it's strings were cut, but instead of falling back inside the keep, he fell down to the ground below.

"I never once stepped foot on the ladder." She commented dryly but her Elites only smiled at her. She turned and watched as Deacon exploited the stunned silence of the defenders as they stared at the spot the heckler had been in. No one had missed that display.

Deacons division had their foothold and started pouring over the top as the fighting shifted from the wall to inside the keep itself. The Legionnaires below cheered and many shouted her name. Her Elites were on their feet, moving up around her yet none dared slap her on the back or shoulder. But at least they were close enough to hear her lesson in obedience.

"Hex will not be happy with me for this."

HX-909-A

Date: 2008-07-11 17:36 EST
Meanwhile, as Verishia watched Deacon attempt to drive his men over the walls of the southern pass outpost, Second division of the Legion was led by Hex itself. The mechanical commander was wearing it's humanoid frame for this battle, and like the one that Verishia commanded, this fight was for the troops of the Legion. Hex wielded only a blade this fight, all it's arsenal kept in reserve.

The initial charge had been only partially effective. Two hundred men had rushed the walls, with Hex at the lead. These had used steam-driven grapnels and climbing winches to haul themselves to the top of the walls. This tactic had been drawn up by Gemonom himself, and Hex was impressed.

Swinging over the wall, Hex used it's legs to grab onto the neck of a defender and snap the man out over the wall. Another twist and Hex landed, drawing it's sword and impaling another man as he gaped at the bluish-white mechanical man. "Hold this position! Signal the ladders!" Hex called out to the men as they formed defensive ranks and pushed back the assembled defenders. A signal bolt fired out over the walls, and the massed troops of second division rushed forwards bearing ladders. As the Legion soldiers came into range, archers defending the wall tried to push them back, but a wall of shields fended of most of the arrows.

In response, Hex jumped past the front and into the thick of the archers, limbs and swords flailing, and soon no more arrows rained down from the walls. By now those enemy soldiers in the outpost were starting a counter attack, and the Legion troops on the wall started to fall back. Hex saw the situation, but could not get to the other side in time to assist. A war cry went up as the first of the Legion troops made it up the ladders, more and more waiting behind. These bolstered the defense and began pushing the enemy back again. Hex spared a smile, then dove into another group of enemy as they tried to climb the stairs up onto the wall.

Over the course of the next day, a vicious tug of war played out across the center pass outpost, but by the end of the second day every enemy soldier that had not surrendered lay dead or dying, and the Legion's flag flew from the walls. As the men made camp, tended to their wounded, and rebuilt any damage to the fortifications; every man knew that this victory was theirs, not handed to them by their inhuman commander. They knew that no matter what happened in the future, no matter how one-sided future battles seemed, this day was theirs.

And that was what Hex wanted from the start...