by A Uscila
Whispers about monsters and uneasy glanced accompanied those remaining - as no man could mimic a sound as horrifying as that. Accompanying it - a wave of snarling, crawling creatures of pure horror charged out into the open. Groping their way on all fours towards the defending forces. Goblins. Armed in scavenged weapons - they practically strode across the field. Dragging their barely clothed bodies towards the defending lines - descending upon them like a tidal wave.
A keen tactical decision to be frank - considering that it was these simple-minded creatures that carried it out. Since the defenders were scared out of their wits, after witnessing what they faced - their archers delayed before shooting. Which only supplied the goblins with more time to charge in - unchallenged and without casualties. Not that the miniscule amount of casualties those few archers could inflict would have made a difference.
Eventually, the defenders regained their senses and released a few volleys of arrows - which did hit their marks and wound, maybe even kill a few assailants. Sadly - it was all futile as the brown mass of crawling horror fell upon them. Their infantry that so valiantly held up a shield wall to the very end - did manage to hold the first few waves. They even managed to slay a few - bracing from the impact and stabbing through the holes between their shields. Sadly - they would not be able to do so for long - as they were sorely outnumbered. Stretching their strength to the utmost limit - all to delay the inevitable gruesome death.
Slowly, but surely the great big blob of unpleasant creatures began absorbing and surrounding the tightly knit line of infantry-men. Threatening to put the defending forces to an abrupt end. Which was the perfect opportunity for their cavalry to shine - which it did. In perfect timing - the tens of light cavalry that the defenders possessed, slammed into the side of the goblin forces. Trampling the earth-hugging forces without mercy. Though their weapons seemed to fail them - as those armed with anything other than a spear were unable to reach their targets. These hunched abominations seemed to be completely free of any insecurities regarding their size - capitalizing on it to the max and using it to their advantage. Amazing psychological resilience to be sure - and it seemed to be paying off. Those that were not pierced by a wayward spear or trampled under the hoofs of a rampaging horse - managed to do extraordinary damage.
They scampered around - slicing at the legs of the attacking cavalry men. Abruptly stopping the hopeful assault in its’ tracks. Forcing the cavalry to take an unexpected and permanent pit-stop.
One by one - they fell, swallowed up by the tide of goblins without mercy - until nothing was left. Not even the horses. As the desperate counter-attack ended - the goblins slowly started to surround their prey. Slowly, but surely moving towards their back lines - the archers that kept on loosing arrow after arrow.
All hope seemed lost - fair maidens screamed while hiding behind their valiant defenders. As if a savior would arrive at the last moment - just to save their lovely behinds from harm. Some young noble joined in on the chorus - most likely wishfully thinking of a similar sort.
Life was a harsh mistress though - as no one in their right mind would charge in even if they had the time for it. What idiot would sacrifice his own life for something as absurd as gratitude from a bunch of strangers?
An answer to that came quickly enough as a scrawny man walked past the hunched pack of cowering herbivores. Chunks of missing hair from the scalp, an ugly mug and the complexion of a dying man.
This new arrival quickly conjured a fireball and set the nearest goblin assailant on fire - watching it scurry about in pure torment with a satisfied smirk.
Without a doubt - the unexpected savior was none other than Wail. Accompanied by a bulky, to say the least, orc and a bunch of armed homeless people. Though an overzealous individual soon charged out from within the group - standing out with his actions as well as looks. Body covered with a set of completely ruined armor, a broken sword was held within hand. Scorched skin and a face that would beat even the ugliest orc any time of the day. Indeed - seems like Wail brought minion number one to this endeavor of chivalrous glory. Strange how Wail mostly surrounded himself with individuals uglier than even himself. Clear insecurities.
Either way - as Wail’s enthusiastic minion rammed himself into the overflowing enemy forces - another individual could not contain himself any longer. An oversized orc - covering his, most likely, wonderful features under a bent helm of steel. Macrosh. He lifted up a slab of metal that served as a weapon and swung at the nearest approaching foes - simply obliterating their physiques. Blood and pieces of flesh flew about - sprinkling on nearby civilians and evoking a new tide of screams - the battle rearranging itself once again.
As the other side of the barricades ended up well protected - the infantry escaped an unwelcome end from being surrounded by the goblin forces. Even more so due to the fact that they were now fighting with no escape - their backs pushed against the barricades. Which in turn made them fight all the more desperately - like the cornered animals that they were. Goblins squirmed in every direction - relentlessly assailing and constantly searching for chinks in the armor. Thus the men could do nothing but fight. Fight to the death - gripping a slim hope by a hair, though most likely unconsciously by now. A last defiant stand.
Seeing that his presence remained unnoticed by the failing shield wall - Wail decided to hurry up. There was no time for breathers. He ordered his ragged party of outlaw followers to reinforce the archers with heated waves of a free hand - as well as protect the civilians just in case. It was in question if the last part properly carried across without any verbal explanations. Yet at least a part of it, definitely did – since the bandits performed their task with visible pleasure, clearly unattracted by the notion of charging into the mess up front. Some even found the time to hit on cowering females - encouraged by the fact that some of the males had already wet themselves. Surely their value rose due to circumstances of poor availability? Hope dies last indeed - preferably, may it not come to that.
What an intense battle.
Chapter 27
Dust and wisps of steam rose into the air as a battle raged on the winding road, a shadow cast upon it by the forest looming on its’ side. As if an extension of that same shadow, a dark mass of goblins churned at its’ very edge – clashing against the stalwart defenders like the sea would against cliffs. Taking away a piece with after each clash, attempting to slip though deeper into the land - seeking to consume all beneath its’ uncompromising mass.
Land resisted though - and so did the defenders - completely annihilating all who tried to slip through the barricaded wagons. Macrosh alone made short work of any who dared oppose his greatness - swinging a slab of steel around like a tornado, littering the ground with scattered remains of his foes. Minion number one did a nice enough job as well - as it agilely darted around - slicing and stabbing all who dared get near. Who could have guessed that a dead body with half-frozen muscles could move that fast?
Seeing the two main accomplices work so hard - Wail had no choice but to step-up his act. He made sure that the archers supported the infantry as much as possible. Since they were the ones who held back the main tide of enemies. Once that was done and over with - he took pleasure in throwing an additional barrage of fireballs around – his full concentration now dedicated to the activity. Which resulted in a pleasant surprise.
*Fireball has reached Intermediate level 8.
Fireball – Intermediate level 8 (0.02%)
The most basic fire-based spell. Conjures a fireball – can be managed in any way decided upon by the wielder. Can set on fire and cause damage over time. The over-time effect causes damage according to set circumstances.
Base fire damage – 225-351.25 damage.
Base over-time fire damage – 15 damage/sec.
Mana cost – 11.25 mana per use.
Casting time – 1.2 seconds.
*Damage increased by 25% due to wisdom.
*Mana cost reduced by 25% duo to Intellect
> *Casting time reduced by 25% due to intellect.
A pleasant surprise indeed. Usually Wail would pay no heed to the messages popping out in the corner of the eye - but this one caught his attention. Two more levels and he’d reach advanced - which in itself was amazing. Considering how slowly the skills climb in levels here. A twisted plot carried out by the makers of this game - all to extend the time people spent inside. Wail would love to meet those evil masterminds behind all of it and shake their hands. Since this ingenious plan was working perfectly - even on someone as devious Wail. Amazing.
Still. There was no time to stand around in amazement. Wail finally activated Soul Link - a barely visible purple line trailing off towards minion number one, once used. After that – the magician froze up for a few moments - staring off into the mass of targets beyond his momentarily safe haven. Which resulted in a gust of black dust materializing and settling upon the fighting force - including the soldiers. Un-affected – the sadistic magician continued on with his matters, completely uncaring for the fact that an infantry-man fell to the ground soon after the spell’s activation. Not a flinch. Seems like the one thing that Wail had an endless supply of - was cruelty. That or he just didn’t have the time for any of it - charging off into the fray without delay. Though another interesting message caught his attention during his hastened charge.
*Soul syphon has reached intermediate level 1.
Soul Syphon– Intermediate level 1 (0.01%)
Curses an area - dealing periodic damage to its victims. Channels the suffering of those afflicted by the curse - and turns it into health for the caster. Upon death, the victims’ soul is brought under the will of the caster. Reapplying the curse upon a target only refreshes its’ duration.
Damage over time – 58.75 damage/sec
Damage-to-life: 40%
Area of effect - 30 meters.
Duration - 40 seconds.
Mana cost – 128.5 mana.
Casting time – 3.5 seconds.
Cooldown – 14.125 seconds.
*Damage increased by 25% due to Wisdom.
*Mana cost reduced by 25% due to Intellect.
*Casting time reduced by 25% due to Intellect.
Today was indeed one of those lucky days. Wail could not complain. This little adventure proved to be quite a gain-filled endeavor without a doubt. That’s already so without including the experience gain. All of it a consolation, since there wouldn’t be much loot worth money awaiting at the end of the battle. Goblins. Never the money-giving type in life or death. At least not those that Wail had the displeasure of meeting. And usually killing.
During the rush - he signaled minion number one with a nod. How could he expect for anyone to even take notice of such a gesture - let alone react to it during this chaos, was mindboggling. Yet - minion number one did indeed react. Not only react – the corpse actually managed to disengage and reposition itself in front of Wail.
A dysfunctional relationship of master and minion the two may have - but a deep bond it was indeed. Judging by this particular situation at least.
Both climbed on the wagon in front - positioning themselves behind the desperate infantry-men. A perfect position to observe their desperate circumstances.
*You have received 55 shared physical damage.
*You have received 5 health.
*You have received 4 health.
*You have received 6 health.
*You have received 5 health.
…
*You have received 61 shared physical damage.
*You have received 4 health.
*You have received 6 health
*You have received 7 health.
*You have received 4 health.
…
*You have received 47 shared physical damage.
*You have received 4 health.
*You have received 5 health
…
Though the repositioning was a questionable decision - since they did offer themselves as suitable targets for the half-blind goblin archers. Luckily most arrows missed even from a distance of a few meters - only a limited number of them actually reaching their mark. Which gave ample time for Soul Syphon to do its’ thing - resupplying both minion number one and Wail with health.
Wail pleasantly observed the health gain drown out the damage received - his mind finally flickering back to reality. With the base conditions in place - this scrawny fella could finally put in motion the last piece of his usual sequence.
Considering the number of spells at his disposal - one did not need to guess what came next. A few seconds of complete stupor passed and a fresh scar appeared on Wail’s right hand - accompanied by a series of events below.
Numerous bodies rose up from their places of eternal slumber. Disfigured, mutilated - ripped apart even - none of it mattered. Those once dead, rose up on feet, hands - both or hoofs even, and instantly engaged everyone in sight. Shocked, those nearby this miracle were unable to react in time and by not doing so, were the first to suffer the consequences. This act of vengeance carried out by the deceased.
Most of the risen were simply goblins - with arrowheads sticking out of their eye-sockets and other parts of the body. Some lacked an arm - some were barely held together after a clean cut through their ribcage. Yet they still proved useful - if not as a fighting force, than at least as a distraction. A few risen soldiers did join the fight though - together with a horse. Which turned out to be the ace in the hole - stomping and biting its’ way though the mass of scampering critters without remorse. Dragging its’ entrails across the slippery ground. Unfazed by stabs and scratches it wreaked havoc - most likely better than alive or with a rider.
Sadly - the sudden rise of the dead surprised more than just the attacking force. Members of the failing shield wall - who were incapable of following what went on behind, could only see the risen as new enemies. A sick trick carried out by an unknown mastermind of such a merciless slaughter. Without thinking, considering that the risen were attacking the goblins and not them, they thrust their swords at the closest deceased. What a mistake that was.
Since the dead do not discern friend from foe - the unexpected attack could only be met with equal hostility. Thus the dead defended - adding another batch of possible victims in their vendetta.
Seeing how the turning tide ended up as complete chaos - Wail could only sigh. Allowing himself a quick respite - all to perform his signature movement.
With a bright red forehead - the fake necromancer had no choice but to take drastic measures.
He sighed again as a transparent shadowy glow engulfed his body - dispersing the second it materialized. A barely noticeable notion - Life Tap. Seems like Wail needed to stack up on mana - which could mean only one thing.
A quick flick of his fingers and a spark materialized from between them. Like a snowflake - it slowly fell to the ground - stopping only a meter above the presumed destination.
Once there, the spark started growing - shaping-up into a swirling disk of fiery fury. From it? A familiar creature with an oversized head jumped out - taking it’s time in observing the surroundings.
To Wail’s surprise the fella seemed quite tame for the time - refraining from any mean-spirited phrases or unnecessary profanity. It scratched its’ stick like body and observed the carnage below. A line of white teeth appeared from deep within the thick mane - displaying a predatory sneer.
“Now this is what I call a welcome!” - It announced loudly enough for Wail to hear through all the ear-numbing noise that the carnage released - “If only you’d have summoned me during such an occasion on the first attempt - we’d have avoided our previous misunderstandings!” - It complained even - flickering its’ devilishly clawed fingers until two large fireballs were conjured. A few quick hand-movements and the two smoldering projectiles flew towards the swirling mass of goblin flesh - exploding in an extraordinary display of smoke, burned body parts and blood-freezing squeals. Sparks from the explosions falling upon those nea
rby - some of which caught on fire. Turning its’ victims into mobile candles.
Visibly reacting - the goblin horde shifted and changed its’ priorities - targeting Wail’s location. Things seemed to go easier for the infantry - yet repelling all those goblins trying to climb up the barricade got a little tricky.
Wail’s devilish little minion did not seem to care much for the prospect of melee combat, though – as the demon was busily throwing even more fiery projectiles into the mass. Which visibly irked Wail - the fireballs were at least three times in size when comparing to the warlock. Without a doubt - pride has been wounded.
Like that wasn’t enough - the little bastard started giving out orders “Hey! Soul-link with me, I’ll show you something!” - It shouted, before jumping into the mass of foes without a care in the world.
With visible resignation and dissatisfaction - Wail obeyed. A hard choice to be sure - since the prideful magician had a very hard time taking orders from a creature of an inferior size. Literally.
Either way - what unfolded next could only serve as compensation for all the pain and anguish Wail felt by lowering himself to the level of sidekick.
A large explosion erupted in the middle of the enemy’s ranks - tearing apart and scorching every single thing in a three-meter radius. Wave after wave of fiery fury kept on rising from the epicenter of that peculiar phenomenon - the source? The little devil of course. What a show.