Assembling The Troops

Zachriel gazed upon the gathered NPCs. All of them stood at attention on his arrival before they began to introduce themselves.

First were the 3 Heads of the Beast. (Or 3 Beasts for short) They were gathered on the left. Each one was a Level 70 unit and made for commanding rather than be actual fighters. Due to Raiding Parties being made up of Level 100s they were typically not so effective in actually stopping anyone and better used as distractions than reliable obstacles.

"Zomez Dawnroar, General of Malik Ground Forces, presents himself before the Emperor. Say the word and the earth shall quake as we march toward your glory." The first of the three rumbled before kneeling. He was a lion-like Beastman dressed like a Spartan with a large shield attached to his right arm and a gladius sheathed on the right hip.

"Os, Admiral of the Malik Naval Forces, presents herself before the Emperor. The ocean is your waiting bounty and I shall deliver it all at your feet should you desire it." The next announced proudly. Os was a Lizardfolk with green scales, a white underbelly and a head similar to a crocodile. In her right hand was a trident while she wore a light purple toga.

"Hurra, Marshall of Malik Airforces, presents himself before the Emperor. At your call the skies shall display your splendor greater than the sun itself." Finally there was Hurra a Birdman with features similar to a vulture. He wore studded leather armor with a longbow and a quiver full of arrows strapped to his back.

Next to them was a man dressed in the attire of a stage magician. He was even weaker than them at Level 60. If Zachriel remembered correctly he was better suited to intelligence gathering rather than combat. Kneeling with his top hat placed over his heart was a Vampire with with a sharp trimmed beard and spoke with a British accent, "Xavier Sirius. Archduke and Prime Minister of Malik. Your word is law my Emperor."

Seeing that the rest were waiting on his reply the Angel player nodded before he spoke. "I hear and acknowledge your words and loyalty." Drawing upon his familiarity with RP. "Rise." As the lower leveled NPCs did as told he turned his attention to the center group.

The Champions were all Level 100 units each in charge of a tower found within the Citadel. In order for a Raiding Party to access the Castle they'd have to storm each one and get a key from all seven NPCs. There were various lesser units to back them up and the towers themselves host environments to play to each ones strengths and to an extent cover their weaknesses. While the 3 Beasts and Archduke were better suited to giving orders on the battlefield or covering logistics these 7 were made more in line with the thought of being leaders by action. Those who would inspire their fellows in the midst of battle.

Among the Champions the first to step forward was a Human woman. She was seemingly in her mid 30s dressed in a black and white shoulderless ballgown, white opera gloves and wore a black tiara on her head. Her black hair was braided into a ponytail that rested on her left shoulder and reach to just above her naval. In her right hand was a folded green fan. Her eyes were seemingly closed giving her a fox like demeanor. "Champion of Magic, Rose Von Marx presents herself before the Emperor. My vast knowledge is yours to weild."

Next was a young man with dirty blond hair and empty green eyes. He was dressed like a classic Cowboy with a red poncho on his shoulders. Two Magnum revolvers were holstered to his hips with a double barreled shotgun carried on his lower back and a rifle slung on his right shoulder. Unlike the others before him he spoke with no emotion in his tone. "This unit is designated Kris Locke, Champion of Artillery. All who take up arms against you will be shot down with extreme prejudice my Emperor."

Third came a woman with short light purple hair looking to be in her early 20s. She wore dark blue and black skintight bodysuit with her upper back exposed. Various pouches rested around her waist. Of particular note was the scorpion tail that stuck out of her midback and her eyes were compound like a fly instead of a regular human. "Phisys Vornari. As Champion of Shadows it is my honor and duty to seek your enemies and see them rot." She spoke softly with a French accent.

Fourth was a stout man wearing heavy armor carrying a morning star and heater shield. He was bald with a light brown beard and eyebrows so bushy you couldn't see his eyes. A trio of claw like scars ran down his face with a flask hanging from his neck. "The Champion of Beasts, Horgrim Maethar! No matter where the hunt takes us, me and my partners are always ready to answer the call my Emperor!" The shortman barked happily.

Stomping forward fifthly was a woman with messy white hair held back by a yellow headband, with blue eyes standing an impressive 195 cm. Her chest and forearms were covered by tattered red cloth and she wore black short shorts with black boots with white fur reaching to just above her calves. On her waist was a black furred pelt reaching behind her kneecaps. She had dark grey skin with black runes tattooed on her biceps, midriff, thighs and over her left cheek. Resting on her right shoulder was a double sided axe. "Anelai Wanderweaver, Champion of Rage. Give me an enemy and I'll break them my Emperor." She called with a hungry smile.

The sixth to step up was a man in seemingly his late 20s. He had bright long blonde hair and brown eyes with long ears. He wore a green tunic with a single silver pauldron on his right shoulder and brown trousers with black steel toe boots. On his arms were a set of silver clawed gauntlets while resting in his left's grip was a green and black spiral lance. On his right hip was a brown harp. "I, Lukian Windshadow, am the Champion of the Spear. I am yours to command my Emperor." He stated politely.

Finally the last Champion to step forward was a young woman about Zirin's age. She had tanned skin with small patches of scales if one looked closely enough, red hair done in a ponytail that reached midback and bright yellow reptilian eyes. She wore red and gold chinese armor with brown pointed toe boots. On her hips were a pair of falchions. "I am Thilixin Oriel, your Champion of the Sword. I proudly wield my blades in your name my Emperor." She stated as she thumped her chest armor covering her heart.

Once again there was a pause and once again the final Emperor of the Valorborn responded. "Well met my Champions. Your strength will be of great help in these coming trials." As his words reached all of them he noticed each Champion stood a little taller. 'So far so good on the not making a fool of myself front.' As the Champions stepped back Zachriel acknowledged the final two NPCs: His creations.

His daughter stepped forward boldly as she announced herself. "I am Zirin, Princess of Malik and Captain of the Guard. Always ready to serve Father."

'She's as spirited as I remember making her.' Zachriel thought to himself fondly before holding off a grimace. 'Zirin is Level 90. I was never able to decide if I wanted her to be a warrior who could use magic or a magic user who could use a sword. Whenever someone brought it up I hand waved them away saying it was for RP purposes to have her grow on her own. Is EXP even a thing now? Or is she and the other underleveled NPCs capable of growth? What about me and the other level 100s?' Before he could ponder further his second personal NPC stepped forward.

"Finally, I Ramnia, Head Priestess of the Exalted Church and Queen of Malik stand ready to assist and serve you my husband." She spoke softly but with an emotion that reminded him of his departed spouse.

'It's almost like she's really here.' He thought to himself. Later on when looking back on this meeting he'd be thankful to whatever feature was allowing him to feel his emotions but not letting them overwhelm him. He felt a step away from bawling his eyes out. "I am grateful to have you both at my side."

After sending him smiles that told him they felt the same they took back their places among their fellow NPCs.

"Now then," the guild leader stated as he instinctively activated his Rallying Aura, "I am Zachriel: The Silver Storm! I hearby swear to lead you all forward into this crisis! Just as we've overcome our enemies and challenges in the past we shall overcome this situation as well! Are you with me?!"

"YES YOUR MAJESTY!" The NPCs boomed proudly. Even the ever silent Royal Guards thumped their weapons in unison to show their solidarity.

"Very well then." With his aura still active Zachriel took his seat. "Now then share with me what you know."