1181 Heracles' Travels: Volume Two DoctorTinman I begin this adventure at the Laurelin docks. I had just exited from the Druids' Grotto when I saw a group of people storming down the path. These men seemed to be quite invigorated and in a hurry to get somewhere. My non-confrontational ways caused me to duck behind cover until they passed by. Curious as to what was going on, I followed the rag-tag band of elves, dwarves, and orcs. After a short jog, I caught up to the men in discussion at the Laurelin Gauntlet. There was a great commotion amongst some of the Laurelinians around the square. A tall green orc extended a finger, pointing to some of the onlookers, "You! How would you like to join the Grand Army of Aegis?!" From my position behind the crowd, I could barely count their numbers, but they were quite a large group, comprised of 3 of Aegis' main races. A small questioning session began as the bystanders asked the Orcish captain about this Army's intents and purposes. :: The orc explained, "I am Munifex_Sornof, and we are Aegis' Grand Army in the war against the evils of the Undead. We accept warriors of all races!" This went on for a few minutes until the group announced a voyage to the far north in order to seek an audience with the Humans. A clamor arose as the swords and armor of these people went marching onward. :: I tagged along as this motley crew paraded down King's Road at a brisk pace. In less than a day's travel, the kingdom came into view, nestled between the mountains. We gathered around the gates as the leaders of the pack pulled off to the side. They spoke in low whispers in far away from the group, so nobody knew what had been discussed, but on of the dwarves seemed to leave promtly after they concluded. We summoned a guard to open the gates for us, and once inside of Oren we were confronted with the sights of people everywhere. Al'Khazar is always so crowded! :: We crowded into a local shop as the same sort of events from Laurelin took place. There was much talk as I sat in the corner to begin writing. Soon, a few humans joined the ranks of the order, but our band was denied access to speak witht he Royal Court, as they were away at the time. :: Next, someone mentioned that the races were not fully unified until they had spoken with the Ascended. After a short debate, the horde decided to leave promptly en route for Haven. They took the White Road while I took a shortcut. I managed to meet them at the gate and summoned Master Riizu. In lieu of recent thievery, we are not allowed to grant entry to Haven to anyone who is not a descendant of the Aenguls. The weary travellers pleaded that Sage Riizu allow them refuge inside the city. However, he knew it was a decision that had to be made by the entire council of sages. :: He could see that the small army was upset at this verdict, and assured them that their deeds would be sanctioned by the Ascended. He made it clear that we would lend our support to their cause as much as we were able. One of the humans asked if it would be possible to establish a sort of rally point outside of the city's walls. Master Riizu seemed to like this idea, as it would allow for a nearby defense force, as well as informants, and it didn't require letting the others into the city. :: "I believe I can arrange that," said Riizu. He chose a spot of land just a little way off the path to the main gate. "Let me show you the power of Aeriel," he told the mortals, "Now please stand back." He offered a few silent prayers to the sky and then began to mark out spots in the ground. Suddenly, as if by some miracle, a tower bursted forth from the ground. In just a few moments, the entire 3-story structure was erected before all of our eyes. Riizu gave the deed to this tower to the leaders of the warband. :: The leaders then decided to named the group the UAC or United Aegis Coalition. This tower now stands as proof to the magic of the Aenguls, a testament to the power of the Aenguls, and the new headquarters of the UAC. Perhaps the UAC will prove to be a powerful ally against the evils of the Undead? We shall all find out eventually. For now, their camp is still small, but might gain popularity and grow larger very soon.