Wheel Of Life

Mark stood on the atop the fort ramparts, looking across the tattered clothed enemy that approached. They lacked fear from the fort occupants with deathly stares gazing out towards Mark and his Red Ribbons that adorned the walls. Mark held his spear loosely in his hands, a red ribbon tied below the spear head, blowing gently in the breeze.

Boudica stood to his left, her bow grasped tightly in her hand, with a white arrow knotted and ready to be loosened on Mark's command. She was wearing her tight black tunic with some leather armour protecting her shoulders and elbows, with a leather armour skirt around her waist. On Mark's right stood Dian Wei, he wielded two small halberds that he had grabbed from Sengo earlier. An imposing sight in a black open vest and leather pants, he wore metal armoured gloves on his arms that went from his fingers to his shoulders.

The three of them were an imposing sight, with the uniformed troops of the Red Ribbons covering the walls behind them. The ex Hunters and Cave Bandits had been given clean black tunics and Ribbons and were now honorary members of the unit. Boudica now had 17 archers under her Silent Division, including Belle who was on standby as an emergency medic. Boudica had temporarily appointed Orion as her number two as he had brought along a large contingent of men. Whilst Coyotl was her most trusted member who was stood to the rear of the fort watching the enemy that had circled earlier.

Little Tai was still resting against the fort wall on the side lines, agony on his face after Sengo had just burned his wound shut. He was bandaged tightly but held on to his Tachi and was ready to join his men if the enemy breached the gate. In his stead Bertrand had stepped up as temporary leader, with Wu Song in support with the ex Cave Bandits. The Heavy Division where a terrifying force now, with 16 well built members under Little Tai's command, however some of them were still receiving medical attention and it was to be seen if they would make a full recovery. Those that could stand and fight were 13, and they held their heavy weapons and wore heavy armour proudly as they stood behind the gate ready to strike down anyone that attempted to come through it.

Gan Ning was stood with Eduardo in the centre, a table has been pulled over by the head builder Simon, which Gan Ning and Eduardo looked over. They were in a heated discussion on where to place their 20 other members, some were currently supporting the Archers on the walls as additional eyes looking in to the darkness. Gan Ning wanted to keep a large force in the centre to reinforce any weak locations, whilst Eduardo felt it a better idea to split the force into 4 moveable squads that could work independently.

Tsubotai and his men were stood with Sengo and Jorg. The two blacksmiths had armoured themselves and were prepared to join the Red Ribbons if any assistance was needed. Some townsfolk were on the walls with bows and swords, prepared to repel any invaders. Tsubotai's role was to use this additional resource and make sure orders were passed throughout the fort.

The full enemy force approached until they were just within arrow range, where they paused. They massively outnumbered the Red Ribbons, with atleast 100 enemies within sight, however as intimidating as they were, Mark was confident as the defenders they held the advantage.

"They are within range." Boudica offered, "Should we fire?"

"Are you confident everyone can shoot that far?" Mark replied.

"Well I can?" She replied matter of fact.

"Ok, but what about the rest?" Mark questioned.

"I expect Orion can?" Boudica stated.

"There is someone approaching." Dian Wei interupted, stopping the conversation.

Mark looked out to notice a well dressed man in a burgundy suit approaching, the crowd of tattered foes parted, allowing him to pass through and pace towards the fort, their eyes following him as if he had a celebrity status. He walked with a certain level of calmness and authority, as if he was an man amongst ants. He had long black hair that reached his shoulders, with a single white streak in his fringe. He had a rapier strapped to his waist, that gently swayed as he walked.

Character Information

Name - Ned Lowe

Position - Captain

Age - 43

Relationship Status - Neutral

Level - 5

Additional Information - In a past life, Ned Lowe was an English criminal who changed his career to piracy. As a pirate he was relatively successful, however was known for his cruel streak. He was known to torture, maim and kill not only enemies, but also his own crews. He died young when him and his small fleet of sh.i.p.s were caught in a bad storm. During his short career he had captured, burned and sunk over one hundred sh.i.p.s.

Skills - Grotesquely Brutal, Savage Torturer, Smooth Talker.

Potential - 4 stars

More information upon level up

"I like his suit." Boudica commented. "Can I shoot him?"

"No." Mark replied, "Let's see what he wants."

Ned Lowe walked closer to the fort, fearlessly. When he was within shouting range he stopped, looking up towards Mark above the fort gates. A smile peering on his face.

"I am Captain Ned Lowe." He stated loud and proud, causing some shocked faces amongst the ex pirates amongst the Red Ribbons. "These here are my men. Give up the fort peacefully and I shall let you all leave with your lives."

"I doubt it." Dian Wei commented under his breath, whilst receiving a glaring look from Boudica.

"Sorry, we are not looking to move, why should we give up our legally purchased property?" Mark replied loudly.

Ned cackled loudly. A fake laugh that was forced on, he pressed against his c.h.e.s.t, feigning a loss of breath. He stood straight again and stopped laughing.

"This fort was the illegal property of Captain Zheng, who has illegally sold it's right without the prior approval of the General Claudius, Chief of the eastern fiefdom by our honorable King." Ned Lowe continued. "As a loyal follower of our King, I have joined in the local clean up operation of this shit dump of an area you call home. If you do not comply, by royal decree you are an enemy of the state."

"Captain Lowe." Mark replied, "I have legal rite to this fort, these are my people and as a mercenary group we can claim land as our own to support the kingdom. I am unaware of any 'clean up operation' you are involved in, and I am feeling let down as a mercenary captain to have not been invited!"

Boudica smirked at Mark's diplomatic reply, impressed that he had turned the situation in his favour through his words.

"Hahaha!" Ned Lowe cackled, "An interesting fellow indeed. Nether the less, as a Captain to a Captain, I am taking this fort tonight."

"He just wanted to posture himself, I feel he must love the attention" Dian Wei commented.

"Very well then Captain Lowe, show me what you have got!" Mark replied loudly to the arrogant Ned who was stood below.

Ned smirked and turned back towards his men, where he walked purposefully and fearlessly. The crowd seemed to gain a moral boost from this and roars and war crys could be heard.

"Can I fire?" Boudica asked quickly. She moved her bow and aimed it towards the Ned, who paced back in his burgundy suit.

"Go for it." Mark replied seriously, realising that this man really was insane.

She let loose the arrow she had held for so long, letting it fly true towards it's target, the retreating Ned.

At the sight of the arrow, the excitable crowd charged forwards towards the fort, sprinting enthusiastically as if their lives depending on the outcome of this clash. Their ragtag force was comprised of a mixture of units, light troops with short swords and axes, heavy giants with long swords and hammers, followed by their Archers who fired towards the walls in retaliation to Boudica.

And thus the battle began.