Greetings! Commander Eason here with a report for you all. The report, or more story, details the hunt to Ilshenar on the eve of Monday, 20th December 2004. The original objective was to slay two or three Balrons and then fall back to Cove. However, a somewhat different tale unfolded... *puts on his scary voice*
T'was all too quiet on this eve of great adventure. Not a creature stirred whilst the brave guardsmen of Cove waited at the Minoc moongate; ready to set off on their crusade against one of the most feared creatures ever known, the Balron.
There was much appreciation from Commander Eason that legendary warriors would accompany the Covian force to Ilshenar; a mercenary Paladin, and the famed Captain of Cove, Lady Mavis. Others in attendance included Baron Octiovus, Irregular Recruit Ailric Windsbane, and Guardsmen Recruit Vicentius; all whom nonetheless demonstrated stout heart, and level headedness.
On command, the optimistic band entered the moongate. Their destination? Chaos...
Upon arrival not a Balron was to be found. Recruit Ailric displayed his effective scouting skills by stealthily creeping around the local area, looking for tracks and signs of Balron activity. However, none could be found. This was perhaps a good thing, as the force was already under attack from Paragon Stone Harpies and Gargoyles, whom proved quite the match for our melee warriors.
The Balron was discovered somewhere south of our position by Captain Mavis; and was drawn back to its home, the Abyss. The Covian force immediately engaged the Balron. Showing no fear, they slashed, crushed, and obiliterated the Balron; with Captain Mavis's well trained kiryu from the new lands proving an exceptional ally.
The Covian force went on to slay Balron after Balron, until there was more than ten corpses rotting upon the ground. Having successfully completed the objective of "slaying one or two Balrons", the merry band returned to the Chaos moongate. But the hunt was not over... With the band thirsty for more, Captain Mavis suggested a most enticing proposal; to venture further into Ilshenar to a dungeon close to the Valor moongate, and engage Paragon Blood Elementals.
The location of the Paragon Blood Elementals was quickly found, and the Covian force practised their skills with regular Blood Elementals, waiting patiently for the Paragon.
When it arrived, certain doom was expected.. Such creatures are legendary in tale; and hold a great deal of fear over the regular citizens of our world. However, with the leadership and direction of Captain Mavis, the Covian force were able to slay the Paragon Elemental and exit the foul dungeon to live and fight another day!
Quick flight was made, and a sudden immersion into the daylight and freshness of open Ilshenar left the Covian guardsmen, irregulars, and mercenaries quite content with their achievements this eve.
As they walked the forests of Ilshenar, the infamous Chicken steeds were spotted en masse looking for food and shelter. Captain Mavis offered to tame these steeds for any of the band; to which Baron Octiovus and Commander Eason graciously accepted.
And so, our tale of adventure, courage, and.. Chickens... comes to an end. The guardsmen of Cove are indeed a force to be reckoned with, and their spirit is one that is unmatched in the world of Ilshenar. It seems our concerns remain with the world of Britannia, where lies an Enemy that can never be predicted nor vanquished - the fellow human.
Loot: The amassed gold pieces must have reached over thirty thousand, or perhaps more; along with various enchanted items, at each hunter's discretion. The first gold pile in the Covian Barracks has been filled.
Note: Thankye to all who attended. It was a good hunt. Also, special thanks to our mercenary Paladin Khasar, and to our great Captain Mavis, for whom we would not have survived without.
Signed, Commander Eason
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