The world of nostris is vast in both size and scope, but only in one large location. The continent of Jeriha stands in the middle of every map of the world, both because of its sheer size, but also as the focus for some of the largest species diversity ever seen. But it does not merely end there, the diversity expands into the ruling powers, which currently exceed into the three digits in size alone.

Emperors, kings, sultans, lords, tribe leaders, and various other leading bodies are spread across the land. But, on the southeastern side of the continent, only one kingdom is lead by a Pope.

The Holy Elven Kingdom, a religious monarchy, whose ideal’s focus on the White Elven race as being the purest, and thus, the closest to the true gods…….the primordials….beings of immense power whose magical strength rivaled that of dragons. They believe that they are the descendants of such beings and that the other elven races are impure.

The white elves, known for the color of their skin, are considered the most magically capable, as well as the longest-lived. Unfortunately, long lives tend to mean fewer births, which is why the war fifty years ago had cost them dearly. Only through the kind and benevolent guidance of Pope Callixtus allowed their kingdom to return so quickly to their former glory.

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“Useless,” Callixtus yells from his chambers, throwing a chair against the wall, the wood splintering from the impact. “Karander was a prime location for blood crystal creation,” he seethes. Quickly he turns his sights to his chancellor by the door,” what of those two guards?” he asks, eyes slightly crazed.

The chancellor bows slowly,” Holy Father, I have sent those two pathetic guards into the dungeon…….to join the others for their failure.” he answers, all emotion nonexistent from his form.

Callixtus nods, eyes slightly unfocused, his left hand slowly starting to shake. “Good, their lives will be put to good use. Our blood crystal supply is running low. Have we gotten any from invading the Dark Elf forest?” he asks, setting his shaking hand on the table.

“We had gotten quite a few initially, but many of the villages were quickly abandoned afterward. We dare not travel into the forest or risk getting ambushed, even with the high quality enchanted armor and weaponry we currently have. As you know, we have lost a blood paladin already.”

Callixtus nods slowly, the paladins are the strongest mage warriors in his kingdom, their loss is felt greatly as the sheer quantity of blood crystals needed to create and sustain them.” You may leave. Find me again if new information presents itself.”

The chancellor bows, turning on his heel, he exits the room, passing two very imposing paladins, their eyes glowing red, while their Mythril steel armor glows subtly with power. As the chancellor passes the guards, his face takes on a scowling expression, hands tightly wound in a fist, hidden by his robe.

As Callixtus watches a paladin close his doors, he quickly walks towards a dresser and opens it up. Before him are beakers, ground crystals in a bowl, and a few red potions. Quickly, with a shaky grasp, he grabs a filled potion, removes the cap, and shoves the liquid down his throat.

The shaking in his hand immediately stops, a content smiles finds itself on his face, eyes glowing red with power.”I do this for the kingdom's survival,” he whispers to himself, dearly hoping that he actually believes his own words.

___________________________________________________________________________

Adalwolf stands before the council of Karander, his arms folded around his chest, watching the dwarves, elves, and beast-kin bicker. That was completely fine with him, considering it was their fault for not replacing the captain of the guard.

When he came to the council and gave his report, the idiots went into a full rage, blaming each other for where the fault lies instead of thinking up ideas on how to protect the city and its inhabitants. Taking a deep breath, his face becomes hard as he his fur straightens out, making him seem far larger.

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“Silence!” he yells, the bickering quickly stops. “I have stood here for an hour, listening to you all yell and scream at each other, wasting my precious time.” he glares at the council members, all completely shocked and silent from the interruption.” I will be taking over as the captain of the city guard,” he exclaims adamantly.

“You can’t just announce that. There are protocols,” a dwarf council member interjects.

“Shut it!” Adalwolf yells, his fur bristling with mana, hardening and straightening noticeably.” A crater formed from a magical reaction, completely wiping out the building and damaging the ones around it. This was from only a few crystals becoming unstable.” he glares at the council members, his eyes glowing with power. “ If all of the crystals were to undergo such a catastrophic explosion, I fear that half this entire city will be but a crater.”

The council stares at the angered Wolfkin, his menacing look creating both fear and awe. None dare interrupt though, the idea that their city could have been destroyed leaving them all speechless.

Finding that none of the council members will interrupt, Adalwolf calms down, his eyes stop glowing and his fur slowly returns to normal. “As soon as this meeting is over, I will have the guards enter every residence in this city. We can’t risk a possible explosion.”

Most of the council members all nod, the others starting to sweat.

___________________________________________________________________________

“So they left?” David asks his crew, his hand holding a mug of a beer as he sits on a chair in the mess hall.

“Aye, he left dis evening,” Alfred replies, a mug in his hand, two empty ones on the table before him.

“Ughhhhh,” Jeeves groans, holding a small revolver in his hand. “He didn't leave me any ammo,” Jeeves replies, a frown adamant on his face.

Jessica starts to chuckle beside him,“ Don't complain, he never promised you ammo anyhow,” she answers, sipping from a mug.” It was your fault for not being specific with your request.”

“But…..mmm…..urgggg,” Jeeves groans, the revolver mostly useless without the ammo to fire in it. Hopefully, his mum will be able to get some insight from it.

“By the way David, when I stripped Valen of his armor, I didn’t find anything on his back. I was sure he be one of dem Xerafin outcasts.”

David looks to his first mate, nodding slowly.” Yea…….the correct term is Forsaken. Those Xerafin that have had their wings clipped and exiled from their home.”

“So what, nobody knows what he is? Are we literally working for an employer that we have no knowledge of?” Jessica perks up, her eyes focused on the empty mug in her hand.

“Unfortunately yes…...but he has been honorable so far, thus we will be too. I don’t want anyone saying anything about what he is since I think he would rather keep it a secret.” David announces to the group.

Smiling at the nodding heads, he turns to his Quartermaster. “ How are we doing on supplies?”

“Mmmmm…...the goods are almost fully loaded. Granted, we didn’t get any good cannons for the ship, and the enchantment are very basic……but what can you expect from a trading port.” she shrugs her shoulders.

“That's fine,” David replies, his thoughts focussed on a large number of coins left over.” We're going to sail to the Great Dwarven Stronghold and order some custom built cannons from the Smith's.”

“And the new crew members?” Jeeves asks, referring to the huge number of non-dwarven crew aboard the ship.

“The Dwarven Stronghold won't be able to say crap,” David waves offhandedly.” This ship isn't dwarven made, so no stupid laws about only dwarven crew on a ship will matter. If those council shits want to complain about it, they can complain to the traders guild.”

The others nod, agreeing with the decisions of the captain.

“Well, I need another drink,” Jessica announces, picking up an empty barrel next to her and hauling it back to the kitchen.

The other dwarves stare at her, watching as her muscles strain to hold the barrel, her massive ass squinting as she places the barrel down.

“Cap’ain,” Alfred starts, his eyes on Jessica's overly large trunk,” We need to set sail as soon as possible.”

_______________________________________

“I can't believe she's gone,” Garren mopes, all strength leaving his body.

Darius stands silently beside Garren, his eyes focused on the rising sun, afraid to look Garren in the eye.

“It's not your fault,” Garren announces. “You couldn't have known that they had an army on that ship.”

Darius continues to stare silently at the galleys, watching the soldiers unload the former slaves locked in the ships. Guilt continues to strike his heart. Garren's newest student…..dead, all because he sent her aboard a fully crewed ship.

“Garren,” Wukong yells from behind, an annoyed look on his face as he walks towards the two.”I understand that you served aboard a ship before…...would it be possible to take one of these ships and hunt down the orcs?” He asks.

Garren turns around, finding a disheveled Wukong, a complicated fearful look on his face.

Garren shakes his head “ We don't have people trained for the sea. We can't just put random people on a ship and expect them to compete against trained orc sailors.”

Wukong tisks his tongue,” If they send a massive orc fleet, we won't be able to defend this beach. We need time to prepare.”

“Hmmmmm,” Garren thinks, his eyes turning towards the sea, reminiscing of his past…...reminding him of a good friend of his.” I may be able to get us protection….but I'm going to need a ship and crew.”

“That…...won't be much of a problem. Many of the former slaves were sailors captured on their trip here. I believe they would be more than happy to take you wherever you want,” Wukong explains, his eyes gaining a bit of hope.

“Good, get a ship ready and supplied, it's going to be a long trip for me.”