[u][b]The Kingdom of Zakol[/b][/u]

[u][b]Hakurei, Capital of Zakol - Beast Pens[/b][/u]
In amongst the growls, thumping & banging of the kragfangs in their stalls, the beast master enters carrying slabs of raw meat in a metallic create as he start walking up to each stall in the pen. "[color=Darkkhaki]Right you lot settle down!, dinner time![/color]" the beast master unceremoniously walks along lobbing a cutlet over each stall door which is followed by the beasts loud snorting & eating sounds. The beast master entered the next adjoining section of the pens when he noticed another ogre roughly petting one of the kragfangs just outside of its stall the beast snorting & licking the ogre back out of affection "[color=lightgreen]you're an ugly bastard ain't ya!, oh yes you are![/color]" the ogre started scratching the beasts neck under its chin like a human would a dog the beast still enjoying it "[color=lightgreen]Whoo'ze a good lil'monster![/color]".

The beast-master sighed as he continued his job while making his way over "[color=darkkhaki]You're here again Loxa?, i wish you wouldn't treat these things like a pet, they're for battle![/color]", The Beast roars at the beast-master & starts growling at him Loxa smiles as she looks back up at the beast-master "[color=lightgreen]See he thinks your threatening his loving owner, better be careful master-Igug![/color]". The beast-master chuckles to himself "[color=Darkkhaki]I guess there's some merit in treating them occasionally...[/color]" Loxa lead the kragfang back into its stall while he spoke, When Igug approached Loxa took two cutlets of meat from the create & threw them over the stall she was next to & before Igug could say anything Loxa winked & said "[color=lightgreen]occasional treat![/color]". Igug finished feeding the beasts in the section and while heading to the next he turned back "[color=darkkhaki]Isn't there a meeting at the palace?[/color]" Loxa waved one hand in the air as she was walking away towards the exit "[color=lightgreen]Yea, yea i know its starting soon gonna head there now!, Later'z Igug!, & save some of that meat for the beasts![/color]", as the door was shutting behind her Igug shouted back "[color=darkkhaki]Aye sure!, these things eat better then i do![/color]".


[u][b]N.Zakol - North-east boarder - Ogre-side of the DMZ[/b][/u] (18,19)
Along the wooden makeshift boarder fortress wall overlooking the DMZ stood 500 Heavy Ogre infantry fully equipped in their armor & gear, their spacing along the wall intermittently interrupted by the additionally garrisoned 100 Javelin Ogres placed between their ranks, which where backed up by a war magi & 20 of his magi subordinates, & several trebuchets positioned behind them along the line. In the distance on the Dwarven side of the DMZ they could see the dwarf infantry mirroring them in a display of their own forces, how many of them where just magical illusions has become a local betting game between some of the grunts, leaving the war-magi trying to figure out how they intend to find out who's won the bet...

"[color=teal]Anything?[/color]" The human War-magi almost leaped in surprise from the deep booming voice behind him as he spun on the spot to face the Ogre commander "[color=lightblue]S-still nothing general Mokur sir!, it's just the usual staring contest...[/color]" Volaq Mokur silently stared into the distance inspecting the boarder before he spoke "[color=teal]Right, Ave'some of our boy'z do marching drillz in full view of them dwarfs, to get their blood movin, then have them swap shift with the other half to do the same[/color]". The Human War-magi nodded in acknowledgement "[color=lightblue]sir did you remember to send off today report?[/color]". Mokur nodded "[color=teal]Yea sent, three just so i A'd somethin to do writing each one out...[/color]" the general sighed as he turned to walk away "[color=teal]I'm gonna go do a stock-take of the supplies, again... i guess...[/color]" slowly wandering back into the camp.


[u][b]Hakurei, Capital of Zakol - Palace barracks, Training-field[/b][/u]
Off duty palace ogre guards stood around the outskirts of the training field cheering for the combatants, the Elite hellfire banshees where all trying to take down one fighter in a friendly competition, but most of them had opted out conceding defeat by now. three charged the solo defender who sucker punched the closest hellfire stunning them long enough to pick them up and throw them towards the second closest knocking her down, the third managed to close the distance powerfully lunging at the opponent and landing several hits on their torso before they got pushed back, realizing only to late her arm was being held as she was quickly pulled back towards her opponent & smashed in the face with a hay-maker punch the force of which sent her spinning head over heels a couple of times as she flew several feet before smashing into the ground. A massed cheer & applause erupted from the onlookers as now the only person who hadn't bowed-out of the contest now was hellfire archoness Ozma Torth who kept pacing around her opponent slightly altering her fighting stance while trying to find an opening.

"[color=yellow]You can, give up Ozma! nobody will think ill of you, you're [b]ONE[/b] of the best fighters in Zakol[/color]" Her opponent jested, watching Ozmas moments while standing like a rock. Ozma grinned as she slowly advanced several steps before pacing around again as she spoke "[color=lime]I can't, i need to train & become stronger than you, so i can better protect you princess Yui![/color]". Her opponent Yui Wolph laughed before abruptly charging towards Ozma "[color=yellow]stronger then me?! Ha! you can try![/color]". The two of them continued fighting like demons possessed when Warren Rahmas (minister of the interior) arrived at the spectacle walking over to some of the other humans watching the fight "[color=gray]Nobility from other kingdoms would never spar with their guards... why do i serve one that does?[/color]" he said in jest but his sense of humor was so dry others took his comments seriously & stepped away from 'dissident' minister, the space around him made him stand out from the crowed.

Princess Yui stopped when she noticed Rahmas & waved "[color=yellow]Is it time for the meeting?[/color]" she could see Rahmas nod in the distance of the field, during which Ozma took advantage and charged head-on at the princess, only at the very last second getting a powerful kick in the stomach which sent her rolling backwards eight feet across the field before she managed to stop herself in a kneeling position looking up at the princess who had the widest self confident smile possible on her face "[color=yellow]So close!, yet so far![/color]". The princess started brushing her hands together & slightly cracked her neck  till there was a little pop sound as the crowed cheered & applauded again. Ozma made her way over to the princess "[color=lime]good fight my lady[/color]" Yui nodded "[color=yellow]same to you, ya really landed a few good ones on me[/color]" Yui feigned injury as she spoke Ozma in shock panicked reaching to care for the princess when she got nudged back, Yui sticking her tongue out "[color=yellow]I'm fine really!, now lets get to the meeting[/color]".


[u][b]Hakurei, Capital of Zakol - Palace throne room[/b][/u]
As most of Zakols senate members had already gathered and taken position in their respective areas behind where their lead representatives (ministers) stood the only person everyone was waiting for was Gildas Claymont who eventually arrived in his own time, he wasn't usually late for meetings quite the opposite so everyone knew he must of had pressing matters to deal with. "[color=slategray]Apologies everyone, and sorry princess, i won't waste any further time with excuses[/color]" he bowed gracefully at Yui before walking towards his position near the throne & then moving off the elaborate carpet leading to it taking his place. An announcer in the back declared the meeting in session signalling the guards to close the main doors.

Princess Yui dressed in the finest white & red silk robes, lay sideways on the elaborately decorated & cushioned couch-like throne holding her head up with her right hand, slightly behind the throne on the left stood archoness Torth in silence dressed in her combat gear ever-ready for trouble. In-front of the throne stood all her vassals to either side of the luxury carpet which lead from the main doors to the throne. "[color=yellow]Right lets get started then[/color]" Yui said as she sat upright on the throne, Glasha Yotul the head priestess bowed first and spoke "[color=goldenrod]Firstly I'm proud to announce that there are many talented Magi in-training at the temples seeking to be of service to kingdom, the god & goddess have truly been kind to bless many of our people with their powers, but i fear it may be due to their warnings as-well your highness[/color]". Yui nodded in acknowledgement "[color=yellow]you mean the omens, have their signs still not lessened?[/color]" Priestess Yotul slowly shook her head "[color=goldenrod]No, the omens from the divines continue to allude to something dark & dangerous coming, despite any appeasement we offer the divines, the omens & visions of our seers are no more clearer, less frequent or foreboding...[/color]". Princess Yui frowned lost in momentary thought "[color=yellow]thank you Glasha for your input, and for the work of your subordinates[/color]" Yui bowed in respect as the priestess bowed back in response.

Gildas Claymont cut into the silence that had filled the room as he bowed & spoke up "[color=slategray]My lady, unlike some who would suggest otherwise given the omens... that the dwarfs are plotting something is doubtful the peace treaty is holding & they seem to be making no major moves in preparations for war, their military grandstanding at the boarder is nothing more than an attempt of intimidation to put pressure on the ongoing discussions over mining disputes, might i suggest the recruitment & training of 500 light infantry from the rural areas in northern Zakol to supplement the boarder-guard, while info is leaked to the dwarfs of us raising new troops for defense out of 'fear' of them invading, if they panic thinking they're escalating matters it might make them stand down & help ease tensions[/color]".

Loxa Venn snorts in frustration "[color=lightgreen]Why all this diplomatic rubbish?! It's simpler if one of us fights one of their best fighters, we beat them down in a fair fight!, matter is settled, arguments over the end![/color]". Gildas looked at general Venn with a smirk "[color=slategray]If only all things in the world where so simple & directly to the point like you Loxa[/color]" Loxa stood proudly missing the veiled insult entirely "[color=lightgreen]I know right![/color]", Princess Yui trying not to smile cut in "[color=yellow]I'll consider it Gildas, after I've heard all matters[/color]".

Warren Rahmas bowed in turn to speak "[color=gray]Nothing much to report business is running smoothly, the serial arsonist causing trouble in Lakai the past month was apprehended trying to torch an unmanned ship at the docks his trial is set for next week, As for agriculture we're still producing & stockpiling in considerable excess across the kingdom we actually need to construct more grain silos to deal with volume... in all everything's going smoothly of late your highness![/color]" Rahmas paused but seemed anxious to add something... "[color=yellow]Warren?[/color]" Rahmas bowed again "[color=gray]Sorry your highness, again i must bring it up due to the amount of people requesting, would you please reconsider & allow human citizens of Zakol to enlist & serve in the main body of the military not just in support roles, many people come into my office daily making impassioned cases & reasons on how they want the right to fight for and defend their home as Ogres can, they go on about how we humans may not be mighty but how they will fight with every bit of strength they can muster in service to you princess...[/color]". Loxa spoke up "[color=lightgreen]this again?...[/color]" she sighed "[color=lightgreen]Yui, i know they're weak but they're loyal and there is no doubt they mean what they say!, Sides! its not like they'll be fightin other Ogres in a war they'll be fighting with us against the other weak races with some training they'll be Gu'd at it so i say let em!... I'm just happy Mokur isn't here or we'd have to sit though another of his spee'tchez against it![/color]".

Gildas Claymont pulled a stack of papers from one of his pouches "[color=slategray]About that General Mokur has a lot of time on his hands up north, and he sent this forty-page essay which states on the front page: 'In-case the humans try voting to serve more actively not as Magi in the military please read the following in my absence...'[/color]" Gildas clears his throat in preparation but is interrupted almost in sync by Yui, Loxa, & Warren, even Ozma stepped forward raising a hand as if she was reaching out to stop him. "[color=yellow]S[/color][color=lightgreen]t[/color][color=gray]o[/color][color=lime]p[/color]!" they all looked at each other before composing themselves & Yui took over "[color=yellow]No need, we know his reasoning & views from the last few speeches on the matter just leave that essay with me afterwards...[/color]" Gildas bowed trying to hide a grin "[color=slategray]As you wish[/color]".

"[color=yellow]Right anything else?[/color]" Rahmas nodded "[color=gray]Could we consider looking into retrofitting our transport ships for expand the cargo-holds & thus increase the capacity of trade goods?[/color]". Now that the basics of the meeting has started all the senate members began quickly discussing what proposals they each want forwarded while Claymont added on to what Rahmas has said "[color=slategray]Actually i think we should focus on expanding our military as skilled & powerful as it is with the ogres our numbers pale in comparison with the military numbers of other kingdoms in Alria, That and we should also be more focused on technological advancement for warfare and not messing with how much more cargo space we can get in a trade ship![/color]".

Rahmas shook his head "[color=gray]No!, everyone tends to leave us alone due to our neutrality and our central position as a trade hub, we should be focused on domestic advancements![/color]". half the senate clapped in support of Rahmas, Claymont not backing down "[color=slategray]Yes we're left alone!, but though history every so often someones got the bright idea of picking a fight with us regardless!, Our military forces albeit better trained & outfitted are smaller than they where back then & from the info my informants have been sending other kingdoms have started their own military buildups... not directly against us for now but that can easily change better to be prepared than not! Not to mention the Omens the seers keep talking about if my info is not a sign to heed their omens are![/color]" the other half of the senate started clapping in support of Claymont.

Priestess Yotul added in "[color=goldenrod]I fear i have to agree, even if its small precautionary act, we should consider raising additional forces until the seers can get a better idea of the threat...[/color]" most of the senate members, Rahmas & Claymont where all too caught up in their arguing to notice Yotul's addition which irked Princess Yui "[color=yellow]ENOUGTH!... Lady Yotul thank you for your guidance in this matter![/color]". the two quietly backed down and apologized to both Yui & Glasha before Claymont added in "[color=slategray]Please i understand our political position more than most, and i know we can't do everything at once!, but i strongly believe we should be taking steps against our neighbors intentions the times are changing as is technology we're already behind some other kingdoms in that regard... we should look into researching these black powder weapons that can pierce armor...[/color]" Loxa spoke up "[color=lightgreen]a lil metal ball is nothing to an ogre even if it goes through armor...[/color]" she pounded on her chest triumphantly as Claymont continued "[color=slategray]...Other kingdoms have machines to use in combat even ones that can fly! our forces could be in trouble without a counter to such weaponry...[/color]" Priestess Yotul added "[color=goldenrod]If the Divines had intended for us to fly, we'd have been born with wings!, its unnatural!, besides our Magi could smash or incinerate any such... ungodly abnormalities! before any damage could be done & that's if they even dared to pick a fight with us!, & if so for what reason we've not bothered anyone for generations![/color]".

Princess Yui could tell this was going to go on for ages like it usually did, so she raised her hand to quiet the room "[color=yellow]All right, i can tell everyone's worries about different things the foreign news, the divines warnings, or losing our neutrality though dangerous actions...[/color]" everyone settled down as the princess went into thought. "[color=yellow]Ok all domestic & commerce issues are running smoothly as things currently stand, & i see no fault in taking precautions considering we don't know what the sun god & moon goddess are trying to warn us of...[/color]" Priestess Yotul stepped forward "[color=goldenrod]Your highness, i intend to travel the holy trail to the peaks Zakol Mountain with some of my eldest subordinates & seers so we might get a clearer understanding of the omens[/color]" Yui bowed to the priestess "[color=yellow]I wish you well in your endeavors[/color]".

Princess Yui paused in consideration again before speaking "[color=yellow]Alright, 500 light infantry will be raised from the rural area in the north to support the boarder guard, Adn...to start with... 200 crossbow troops will be raised from human volunteers! i want extensive training arranged to get them drilled for combat & Warren see to it they are properly outfitted with the necessary equipment[/color]" a large portion of the senate began clapping happily at that declaration. "[color=yellow]Additionally i want another 80 Ogre kragfang knights trained their numbers have always been short we should see to that[/color]".

Princess Yui paused in thought again "[color=yellow]As for what the scribes should focus research on...[/color]" Claymont spoke up "[color=slategray]Out of all other concerns I've raised on that matter, i would suggest the most dire... our navy alone is so outdated everyone else has moved onto superior & modern weaponry like cannons another black powder weapon which are far more powerful than the current ship mounted catapults & ballistas not to mention the superior range[/color]". A humbled Rahmas joined in "[color=gray]That is a pressing matter but with the preparation of additional troops & our current forces, we should invest in improving the quality of their armor & equipment for better survive-ability during combat[/color]".

"[color=yellow]Hmmm... we'd have to start with learning how to create black powder before any advancement such as cannons could even be started... so we should focus on things with a more immediate benefit, have the scribes look into ways of improving our forces armor & equipment, to better protect our forces in the field![/color]" Yui felt confident in her choices thus far as she overlooked everyone in the room, "[color=yellow]If that's everything for the time being, i declare this meeting over, everyone please return to your duties![/color]".

[hider=Actions]
> No external actions made towards other factions yet.

> [u][b]Recruitment[/b][/u] (Nts = note to self, so disregard :p)
- 1 units light infantry (Ogre) (18) - (Nts: of 5 units)
- 1 units Crossbowmen (human) (25) - (Nts: of 8 units)
- 0 units heavy Cav (Ogre) (??) - (Nts: of 8 units)

> [u][b]Naval Construction[/b][/u]
- 2 war ships (18)
- 1 war ship, 1 transport ship (25)

> [u][b]Research:[/b][/u] Superior Armor
[/hider]
[hider=Garrisons]
[b][u]North Zakol (18)[/u][/b]
- Volaq Mokur - The Shield of Zakol
- 5 units, Light infantry (500)
- 60 units, Heavy Ogre infantry (1500)
- 4 units, Javelin Ogres (200)
- 4 units, War Magi
- 4 units, Magi (80)
- 2 units, Heavy cavalry (20)
- 4 units, Trebuchet artillery

[u][b]South Zakol (25)[/b][/u]
- Yui Wolph - The Fire Princess
- Loxa Venn - The Blade of Zakol
- Glasha Yotul - Priestess of the Sun & Moon
- Ozma Torth - Hellfire Archoness
- 1 unit, Hellfire Banshees (25)
- 10 units, Light infantry (1000)
- 40 units, Heavy infantry (1000)
- 4 units, Javelin Ogres (200)
- 6 units, War Magi
- 6 units, Magi (120)
- 10 units, Heavy Cavalry (100)
- 6 units,Trebuchet artillery

[u][b]Navy Locations[/b][/u]
- 3 warships (E12)
- 2 warships (E13)
- 55 transports (Trading/Various)

[/hider]