~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ Crystice ~ and ~ Emmra ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
._ The Ice Sorceress ~ ~ ~ The Sorceress Sisters ~ ~ ~ The Sweet Sorceress
"I believe I was assigned as your body guard."
With her attention focused on Tesonu's coming response, Crystice was caught of guard and abruptly turned towards the speaker. It was Dregs, the same Goblin from before.
"Oh, i-is that so?" Crystice replied in an unusually unsteady tone, caught both by surprise and with a distraction.
Dregs was a very new recruit, at least as far as she knew since Tesonu had personally introduced him to her and only just recently so. This was why she had to ask herself the reasoning behind such an assignment, for a new recruit like him to be bodyguard of someone as important as her. Well... he did seem fairly experienced. Maybe he wasn't new to the battlefield, but he was still new to Tesonu's dungeon.
"Hi again!" Emmra spoke cheerfully towards Dregs as her sister's mind wondered away from the scene, "I haven't seen you around, are you new?"
What also made Crystice wonder was why she needed him as a bodyguard? She was sure that if there was anyone to be given the position, it'd be Admortis or maybe even Kar'thus after proving his worth during the last major battle against the Heroes. Where was Admortis? Crystice was sure he'd be here, ready to serve as he always seemed to be.
"Now... Crystice. To answer your question, yes, you will be taking command once more. Allow me to inform you and everyone else on the coming forces... Let me just cast Sight-of-Evil... in the meantime, go look outside and familiarize yourself with the newly revised Trap Room."
Crystice became alerted immediately, replying with a nod, "Yes, my lord."
Crystice may have been loyal to her master, but it was whoever she deemed to be her master. Whoever she felt to be worthy. In a way, she had as much control over her master as they did over her. But Crystice shook such thoughts away from her mind once she passed through the steel door, not allowing any distraction to further disturb her while her time remained precious.
'And who is thys Keeperr Crrystyce to whom the Keeperr gyves hys allyegence then?'
Crystice's attention eluded Ortype's words, and fortunately so for she would have been especially irritated by the way he butchered what she would define as the elegance and beauty of her own name.
"Crystice?" Emmra repeated, having a bit of difficulty understanding the Troll wannabe, "My sister is not a Dungeon Keeper, she's just... um, where did she go? ...Oh! There she goes, she's in the Trap Room."
Entering the Trap Room, Crystice was amazed and impressed by not only the rebuilt Traps but additionally all of the newly built Traps. It didn't seem like much time had passed between the last battle and present time. She looked at the positioning of the Traps and Barricades carefully.
The first thing to do was establish a line of defense. Based on her experiences from the battle against Chuckles and his Heroes, she came up with three positions that were valuable to defend. The first was the Main Defense, set between the opening in the Barricades where there were no traps. The Secondary Defense was to be behind the Barricades to the West, to defend the Traps. The last was set to be behind the Barricades to the East, to defend where she planned the bulk of the support creatures to be.
After all, it was close to the Steel Door and thus made it easier to escape if things began going wrong if or when Hannibal's forces breach their defenses. It wasn't easy for a Dungeon Keeper to rescue a creature from battle, in fact it was dangerous. To place the Hand-of-Evil out where it was vulnerable to enemy fire, it was very risky. This much, Crystice knew from past reading meant to satisfy her curiosity about the Dungeon Keepers.
The Main Defense of course needed to be the strongest. It had to consist of two or maybe three creatures, with one of them being a backup fighter. Perhaps one of the Tentacles could assist there with Freeze. They would also be responsible for guarding the door in case others needed to flee. The Secondary Defense needed to be more mobile to move in quickly and form up when the Barricades fall, but also to be capable of escaping easily when necessary. The Support Defense would be uniquely selected...
Other fighters, those to go on the offensive like Suria, should remain on the West side. The East would be far too cluttered as it is with the Support. In fact, perhaps she could spread out the support a bit more. Maybe half of the archers could be on the West and the other half on the East or something along those lines.
Crystice felt that what she thought out should prove sufficient, for now. Without detailed knowledge of enemy forces or an updated status on ally forces, she could go no further with the plans. Even so, she felt more confident about the fight with some sort of plan formed out.
She returned to the Guard Room to see who was there. There appeared to be some new creatures, at least with the definition of new being those who had not been in the Guard Room before she left. She examined the room carefully, but then let out a small sigh when she noticed Admortis had not shown up. It didn't seem like him to miss such an important fight, and she was hoping to assign him to the Main Defense. She wondered what had happened, but knew she could do nothing about it.
Crystice's attention was instantly captured and she looked to and beyond the ceiling, to her master who she deemed worthy even if in disguise.
"Hannibal's forces are nearing. They approach the entrance of the Trap Room. Now listen carefully..."
"Their forces consist of a Black Knight, four Goblins, two Skeletons, three Rogues, a Salamander, Dark Mistress, two Dark Elves, and three Hero Guards. The Black Knight is their leader, and the Rogues appear to be invisible. They believe we are unaware of the Rogues' presence. However, do not underestimate them. They all appear to be quite experienced and strong."
Crystice immediately began making various calculations and assumptions in her mind on what their offense would be like.
"For anyone who missed this before, I am placing Crystice in charge of this battle. You will act in accordance to her orders as if they were mine."
Crystice's thoughts were interrupted when she suddenly began feeling Tesonu's own spiritual self present itself to her. She halted any further thoughts, and invited him within her. Her eyes flashed blue for a moment, and he was gone. But left with her was knowledge of her comrade's capabilities, what they had learned since they battled Chuckles. It was knowledge that he had free access to, access that they, his creatures, had given him when they swore loyalty and submission whether they knew of it or not.
"Now Crystice... you may go on... Give your orders..."
"Yes... my Lord Tesonu..." Crystice replied calmly and almost lovingly to express her loyalty, joining her words with a bow.
Crystice rose from her bow and turned to her comrades, who awaited her command, and even longer did they await this battle. Crystice took in a deep breath as she closed her eyes, giving herself a moment to soak in all of the newly gained knowledge and to apply it to her plan. Her eyes opened, now shining with determination.
She spoke loud and clear with a voice only to be described as confident, "Hannibal draws near, I only have time to say this once. There will be no questions. Go as soon as I assign you. If anyone is injured, you will see my sister, Emmra, who will wait in the northeast corner of the room."
First she began to form up the frontline, "I want Dreggory, Clara, all of the Knights and Tentacles, save for Trouse, to step forward. You all will make up the primary defense. Dreggory, Daryl, and Testi will take up the Main Defense between the opening in the Barricades where there are no Traps. Stay as close to the Freeze Trap as possible when they first enter, let the enemy consume the poison from the Gas Trap and not yourselves. In case a retreat is necessary, you are also responsible for guarding the door for others to escape."
She was tempted to send Rob to the Main Defense, and not Daryl. But the Main Defense did not have the luxury of number, and Rob was better suited elsewhere being an undead without the burden of his armor's weight.
"Rob, Tent, and Toe will take up the Secondary Defense, behind the Barricades on the West, guarding the four Sentries and Lightning Trap. Once the western Barricades fall, take up defense in their place."
"Kar'thus, Tara, and Clara will be on the East side, protecting the majority of the support. When the Barricades fall, Tara will take up the first defense with Kar'thus following her and Clara following him. Kar'thus, I also have special orders for you. Use your Rebound ability to deflect enemy fire aimed at the support back at the enemy's. Clara... take it easy and don't push yourself."
Next, Crystice focused on the other melee fighters, "Suria, Elatos, Vendetta, and Ortype, remain on the West side. Once the Western Barricades fall, let the Secondary Defense take its stand. Afterwards, charge them. Find an opening and put pressure on them. Most of you are inexperienced, so let Suria take the lead. She's one of the strongest fighters here. Stay close towards the Main Defense if possible, in case things look bad and you must flee."
Last was the support, split up between the physical and magical support, "Ithique and Bayli, form up behind the western Barricades. Bayli, focus on remaining at range and don't get up close. I think it will be safer that way. Focus on enemies with Protect enchantments."
Crystice definitely remembered that Dark Angels repelled Protect magic, both when striking an enemy and when it was cast upon themselves.
"Zael and Shaylum, remain on the east. There are invisible enemies to be found, and when you see them, give them your highest priority."
There was actually a reason, or at least a supporting reason, as to why Crystice kept Shaylum and Ithique apart. Tesonu had informed her of some sort of... dispute or dislike towards each other. She felt they would operate better if kept separate.
"Malsiah, Methras... Atrocya..." Crystice couldn't help but hiss out the Fairy's hated name, though she tried to cover it up as best she could, "...We will head to the east as well. Methras, try and use your Web to catch anyone attacking the Main Defense. Atrocya, perhaps try and fly over the Barricades to land some blows then hide back down again. That's everything. Let's go."
"Mhm!" Emmra smiled, following her sister out the door.
Crystice couldn't help but hear a sound as she gave her final orders to the support. It came from the Trap Room, a violent thumping. Crystice could only imagine it was Hannibal's forces striking at the Braced Door. This had caused her to rush herself along so she could hurry and take the field. When she entered the Trap Room and positioned herself behind the middle east Sentry, Hannibal had not yet broken in... Not yet... But she could hear the violent thumping much more, being as she stood before the source of the noise. It was true then, Hannibal's creatures were just on the other side...
Suddenly Crystice felt powerful magic being called forth. With power this great, it had to be a Dungeon Keeper. And it was most assuredly not Tesonu. With a strike of thunder did the Braced Wall collapse, along with the wall adjacent to it. Another roar of thunder, and the wall behind it fell as well. Thunder struck once more, and the third wall fell to ruin. Crystice's heart accelerated, for with these walls did she feel her own plans crashing down with an abrupt electric shock. Hannibal knew the Destroy Walls spell.
But then she took a deep breath, closing her eyes. Gently blowing the air back out, she felt at ease again. There was no need to worry; they only lost part of their terrain advantage. Their defenses still remained up and resilient. But with two paths to walk, Hannibal's charge would be stronger. There was one other advantage as well. Crystice knew very well that the Destroy Walls spell cost a lot of mana to cast. With three simultaneous castings, Hannibal had to be drained. His creatures would be on their own.
The Skeletons, not Viviona, were charging in the frontlines. They tripped the Gas Trap but were obviously unaffected. Only the Skeleton who triggered the Spike Trap felt anything. But being without flesh and blood, being impaled in the foot did little to the Skeleton. Arrows and Fireballs began flying into the Trap Room from behind the Skeletons, striking at the Gas Trap and Spike Trap. The Skeletons themselves stopped to attack the Traps before proceeding. Goblins, who remained right behind the Skeletons, covered their mouths and noses from the Gas Trap as they poked at it with their swords.
The Sentries and Lightning Traps triggered as well, letting loose on the closest enemies to them. The Skeletons collapsed when struck by the bolts, but were quick to recover before being struck by the fireballs. Being undead Skeletons, they shrugged off any pain and resumed their attack on the Traps.
There was something Crystice noticed as well. The Spike Trap that was behind the Braced Door remained, but was not attacking them. There was only one explanation.
Rogues...
Crystice's thoughts were quite spiteful. But it was indeed sabotage, and Crystice only knew more of its kind was to follow. Soon after noticing did the Gas Trap fall, and not long after did the Spike Trap also fall. The Skeletons stepped to the side and two Goblins took the front, beginning to advance on the Main Defense. They both had Protect and Rebound cast.
Worry crept up on Crystice's mind again. She was afraid of intimidation, but not within herself. Rather, within her comrades due to the abrupt change of events.
"Stay strong!" she shouted, directing her voice primarily towards the Main Defense with hopes of reassurance, "We won't let them through!"
More of Hannibal's forces poured into the Trap Room. They attacked the Barricades, tearing at the delicate string that was carefully tied up to form their defense. Arrows flew in their direction from Dark Elves beyond Crystice's view. A Salamander slid into the battlefield and began hurling fireballs at the western support with the aid of a Speed enchantment. Holy and unholy, Shine and Drain magic, suddenly began ripping through the air towards the Main Defense. It was all happening so fast... too fast...
A Goblin began bringing attention to himself, as he stood on a cloud and soared through the air. The flying Goblin quickly moved towards the support. Crystice let him get close, summoning up her ice magic. Once ready, she let it loose upon the Goblin and fired a blast of hail from her fingertips and into his chest. The Goblin was knocked off his cloud and onto a Skeleton that was casting Thunder. Crystice smirked at her success, then looked over towards the Main Defense. They were under a lot of fire.
"Emmra! Cast Protect on the Knight! Heal them but don't get too close!" Crystice commanded, not taking her eyes off of the main battle to meet her sister's eyes.
"O-Ok!" Emmra replied in a shaky and frightened voice.
Crystice wished she had given the order sooner; it would save Daryl a bit of trouble. Nevertheless, it was to be done now.
Emmra was scared. Undeniably frightened. There was so much chaos, so much happening all at once, and much death was to follow this chaos. Emmra feared it all. What would happen to the others? What of her? ...What of her beloved sister?
Emmra stepped towards the Main Defense to be at better range for the spells. Fear made her careless and clumsy, for she tripped over her own foot. But she quickly picked herself up and decided she was close enough. She held her hands out, trying to summon the protective magic and enchant their bodies. The magic began to form up from the mana within her... then suddenly it scattered and was lost. Emmra fell forward, but caught herself and took in a slow deep breath. She began thinking of very warm thoughts, pleasant memories, and personal but loving desires.
She began summoning the magic up again and it formed properly, before she released it upon Daryl. He received her magic, and now stood a better fighting chance with Protect. She focused her magic once more, reliving her previous thoughts, then cast another spell and healed Daryl for any damage (20%) he had surely taken from the massive wave of ranged attacks flying towards him and Dreggory.
Emmra then returned to her position in the northeast corner, watching her sister.
~ ~ ~ Crystice ~ and ~ Emmra's ~ ~ ~
Summary
Crystice/Emmra
Health: 100%, 100%
Level: 5, 4
Experience: 2/60, 2/45 [+2 for Combat] [+2 for Healing]
Gold in Hand: 0, 0
Gold in Lair: 642, 450
Current Equipment: None/Wizard Staff
Location: Trap Room, Behind Eastern Sentries/Trap Room, Northeast Corner
Status: Confident/Worried, Watching Crystice
Efficiency: 110%/75%
Summery: Crystice entered the Trap Room and examined it, then returned to the Guard Room and gave her orders. She then moved to her position in the battle. Hannibal cast Destroy Walls, breaking three walls, and enemies began charging in. They destroyed the Gas and Spike Trap. Crystice cast Hail on a flying Goblin, Noro, knocking him on a Skeleton, Six-Pack. Emmra, as ordered, cast Protect on Daryl and Healed him for 20% damage that he might have taken.
Battle Notes!
Detailed
Viviona, the Female Black Knight
Health: 100%
Level: 9
Location: Unknown, Hasn't Moved In
Description: Less armor compared to normal Black Knight, but still carries it in the most crucial places. Mainly around her chest, waist, and head. Equiped with a Glaive. Fast as a Samurai, but appears reckless and aggressive as a Barbarian with her persistent strikes. A formidable foe and the strongest faced thus far, and by far.
Notes: Fearless. Being their leader, the others will obey her command and protect her life when necessary. She acts strictly in accordance to what I say.
Dialogue Color: #8C92AC
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 3: Sight
Level 6: Speed Self
Level 9: Protect Self
Giramor, the Male Goblin
Health: 100%
Level: 7
Location: In the Opening of the Barricades, Challenging the Main Defense
Description: Within a full suit of armor w/sword and shield. Very skilled in one-on-one fights, being clever enough to outsmart most. Very brave unlike his kin.
Notes: Focusing on Keeping the Main Defense Occupied
Dialogue Color: #74C365
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 2: Sight
Level 5: Rebound
Level 7: Protect Group
Balina, the Female Goblin
Health: 100%
Level: 7
Location: In the Opening of the Barricades, Challenging the Main Defense
Description: Within a full suit of armor w/sword and shield. High awareness to keep track of injured allies and enemy projectiles. Brave but not as brave as her brother.
Notes: Focusing on Keeping the Main Defense Occupied
Dialogue Color: #B465C3
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 2: Heal Self
Level 5: Rebound
Level 7: Heal Group
Durgon, the Male Goblin
Health: 100%
Level: 6
Location: Near the Eastern Barricades
Description: Typical Goblin, lightly armored and fast.
Notes: Attacking the Eastern Barricades
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 4: Speed Self
Noro, the Male Goblin
Health: 93%
Level: 5
Location: Near the Eastern Barricades
Description: Typical Goblin, lightly armored and fast.
Notes: On top of Six-Pack, Getting Up to Attack the Eastern Barricades
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 5: Flight Self
Six-Pack, the Male Skeleton
Health: 69%
Level: 6
Location: Near the Eastern Barricades
Description: Average Skeleton.
Notes: Crushed Under Noro, Returning to Attacking the Eastern Barricades. Will use Thunder on Eastern Support.
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 6: Thunder
Bones, the Male Skeleton
Health: 79%
Level: 5
Location: Near the Western Barricades
Description: Average Skeleton.
Notes: Attacking the Western Barricades. Will use Lightning on Western Support.
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 5: Lightning
Slursi, the Female Salamander
Health: 100%
Level: 5
Location: Near Western Barricades
Description: Very fast and aggressive Salamander.
Notes: Attacking the Western Barricades. Opening Fire on the Western Support.
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 2: Fireball
Level 4: Speed Self
Level 5: Meteor
Fyla, the Female Dark Mistress
Health: 100%
Level: 7
Location: At the Southern Entrance
Description: More sane than a normal Dark Mistress and not wreckless. Doesn't fight with melee too well. Waiting for an Opening to Teleport.
Notes: Attacking the Main Defense
Dialogue Color: #FB607F
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 3: Shine
Level 4: Drain
Level 6: Speed Self
Level 7: Teleport
Zaulsi, the Female Dark Elf
Health: 100%
Level: 7
Location: At the Southern Entrance
Description: Very light and fragile Archer who possesses powerful magic. A bit resilient to magic.
Notes: Attacking Main Defense. Prioritizes Viviona over everyone else for her buffs. Saves Invisibility Group for an emergency.
Dialogue Color: #1E90FF
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 1: Arrow
Level 2: Heal Other
Level 3: Protect Other
Level 4: Speed Other
Level 5: Rebound Other
Level 6: Freeze
Level 7: Invisibility Group
Erath, the Male Dark Elf
Health: 100%
Level: 5
Location: At the Southern Entrance
Description: Cold-blooded Dark Elf assassin who enjoys killing, but otherwise expresses little emotion.
Notes: Focuses on sniping Enemy Support
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 1: Arrow
Level 3: Sight
Level 4: Poison
Level 5: Guided Bolt
Pilnit, the Male Rogue
Health: 100%
Level: 6
Location: Unknown, Hasn't Moved In
Description: Clever Rogue with some magic.
Notes: None
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 3: Invisibility
Level 5: Web
Corn, the Male Rogue
Health: 100%
Level: 6
Location: Unknown, Hasn't Moved In
Description: Daring Rogue that fights aggressively.
Notes: None
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 4: Invisibility
Level 6: Grenade
Alice, the Female Rogue
Health: 100%
Level: 5
Location: Unknown, Hasn't Moved In
Description: Cruel Rogue that fights dirty.
Notes: None
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 2: Invisibility
Level 4: Poison
Largo, the Male Guard
Health: 100%
Level: 6
Location: Unknown, Hasn't Moved In
Description: Very well armored. Strongest of the three Guards.
Notes: None
Dialogue Color: #8CE8D1
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 4: Heal Self
Level 6: Speed Self
Luis, the Male Guard
Health: 100%
Level: 5
Location: Unknown, Hasn't Moved In
Description: Heaviest of the three Guards.
Notes: None
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 5: Protect Group
Lena, the Female Guard
Health: 100%
Level: 5
Location: Unknown, Hasn't Moved In
Description: Fastest of the three Guards.
Notes: None
Dialogue Color: Undefined
Abilities:
Level 1: Melee
Level 5: Heal Group
Battle Status
Allies
Code:
LV6 F TENTACLE "Tara": 100% - [Unchanged] {Freeze/ProtectS Ready}
Behind Eastern Barricades, Guarding Support
LV4 M TENTACLE "Tent": 100% - [Unchanged] {Freeze Ready}
Behind Western Barricades, Second Defense
LV4 M TENTACLE "Toe": 100% - [Unchanged] {Freeze Ready}
Behind Western Barricades, Second Defense
LV3 M TENTACLE "Testi": 97% - [-3% from Various Enemy Fire] {Freeze Ready}
At Barricade Opening, Main Defense
Enemies
Code:
LV7 M GOBLIN "Giramor": 100% - [Unchanged] <Protect/Rebound> {Sight, ReboundS/ProtectG Cast}
At Barricade Opening, Attacking the Main Defense
LV7 F GOBLIN "Balina": 100% - [Unchanged] <Protect/Rebound> {ReboundS Cast, HealS/HealG Ready}
At Barricade Opening, Attacking the Main Defense
LV6 M GOBLIN "Durgon": 100% - [Unchanged] <Speed> {SpeedS Cast}
Near and Attacking Eastern Barricades
LV5 M GOBLIN "Noro": 93% - [-7% by Crystice] <Stunned> {FlightS Cast}
On Six-Pack Near Eastern Barricades, Recovering
LV6 M SKELETON "Six-Pack": 69% - [-8% by Spikes, -12% by Lightning, -9% by Sentries, -2% by Noro] <Stunned> {Thunder}
Under Noro Near Eastern Barricades, Recovering
LV5 M SKELETON "Bones": 79% - [-7% by Lightning, -14% by Sentries] {Lightning}
Near and Attacking Western Barricades, Casting Lightning on Support
LV5 F SALAMAND "Slursi": 100% - [Unchanged] <Speed> {Fireball, SpeedS Cast, Meteor Ready}
Near and Attacking Western Barricades, Opening Fire on Support
LV7 F MISTRESS "Fyla": 100% - [Unchanged] <Speed> {Shine/Drain, SpeedS Cast, Teleport Ready}
At Southern Entrance, Attacking Main Defense
LV7 F DARK ELF "Zaulsi": 100% - [Unchanged] <Protect> {Arrow, HealO/ProtectO/SpeedO/ReboundO/Freeze/InvisibleG Ready}
At Southern Entrance, Attacking Main Defense
LV5 M DARK ELF "Erath": 100% - [Unchanged] {Arrow/Sight, Poison/Guided Bolt Ready}
At Southern Entrance, Attacking Support
Traps
Code:
Barricade A "MiddleEast": 100%
Barricade B "SouthEast": 91%
Barricade C "MiddleWest": 100%
Barricade D "SouthWest": 85%
Sentry A "NorthEast": 100% [Discharged]
Sentry B "MiddleEast": 100% [Discharged]
Sentry C "SouthEast": 100% [Discharged]
Sentry D "NorthCent": 100% [Discharged]
Sentry E "NorthWest": 100% [Discharged]
Sentry F "MiddleWest": 100% [Discharged]
Sentry G "SouthWest": 100% [Discharged]
Lightning A "MiddleEast": 100% [Discharged]
Lightning B "SouthEast": 100% [Discharged]
Lightning C "NorthWest": 100% [Discharged]
Spike "South": 100% [Disarmed]
Freeze "North": 100% [Ready to Fire]
Steel Door "Pippy": 100%