The Huntresses' Game (Eve of Redemption Book 5)
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The Apocalypse (ME 3050-3058): The final war between Gori Sensullu and Seril, the Apocalypse saw perhaps Seril’s greatest effort in conquering Askies. Using the trust garnered by Kaelariel’s loyalists against them, Seril was able to weaken most of the major cities of Askies from within before her actual attacks began. In one long, calculated move, she was able to capture most of the major cities and nearly all of the important smaller ones within weeks. Under the command of Kaelariel and the demon king Celigus Chinchala, the mortal forces sought first to bolster those cities not already captured and to seal off the west side of the island from attack – thus protecting the holy city of Sarchelete. The two sides traded victories for years, as the mortals worked to liberate each of the captured cities. The brilliance of Kaelariel’s son, Kris Jir’tana, along the Barrier Mountains and the stonewall tactics of Chinchala along the Ceritan Mountains kept Seril’s forces contained to the heartlands of the continent. The breaking of the siege of DarkWind was one of the most significant victories for the mortals, as it broke the spine of Seril’s most powerful battalion. Soon after, the archmage Percival Cintalas was able to kill Seril’s mate, the warlock Shawn Gobrae, leaving the devil queen with few allies. Once the devil queen was driven back to Oge, Kaelariel besieged the city and fought the devil queen to the death. At the same time Kaelariel killed Seril, Gori Sensullu also died, bringing the conflict between the two to a close.
Appendix D: The Kings and Races of Mehr’Durillia
The Demon Kings: The seventeen kings of Mehr’Durillia, arranged into hierarchical order of their Council under the Overking:
The Overking – the highest ranking king and the undisputed ruler over the world of Mehr’Durillia. He rules over Mehr’Durillia by use of the kings below him, who are arranged into a hierarchy and meet twice per year in council.
Baal, the Storm Lord – king of the volcanic wastelands known as Antumorgh, Baal is second only to the Overking on the Council.
Koursturaux S’Bakthra, the Crimson Huntress – king of the realm of Mas’tolinor, believed to have once been the Overking’s lover. She is one of only two females among the Council, and is called a king to respect her equality among her peers.
Baphomet, the Lord of Curses – king of the realm of Teradda, Baphomet is also called the Harmauth Lord, for he resembles a black harmauth.
Abaddon, the Silent Destroyer – king of the realm of Vistarra, Abaddon has a reputation for being unmatched in his viciousness in battle.
Sekassus Siskarridis, the Calculating – king of the realm of Sorelizar, Sekassus is one of the eldest kings not included among the Ancient Ones (those of the top five ranks).
Celigus Chinchala, the White King – king of the desert realm of Sansrigar, he now makes his residence on the world of Citaria. Believed a traitor to the Overking and all of his peers, he yet remains a member of the Council.
Augrus Tiveron, the Ashen Warmonger – king of the realm of Horturris, this deity of the Koryon pantheon draws his roots from conquests upon Mehr’Durillia.
Sheila Darkstorm, the Queen of Nightmares – king of the realm of Malmortia, this succubus-turned-deity was first a king among demons on Mehr’Durillia. She is also a deity of the world of Koryon, and the only other female on the Council.
Morduri Irrasitus, the Reluctant Prince – king of the realm of Pataria, the elestram is one of the youngest kings on the Council, yet holds a high rank regardless.
Emanitar Te’Mordrin, the Spotted Lion – king of the realm of Tess’Vorg, the elder mallasti holds a low position on the Council despite being older than nearly all the other kings.
Xafastu Kenochian, the Advocate – king of the realm of Kalrossus, this cunning being is believed to be the son of the Overking and Koursturaux.
Ouraggra Gelarri, the Prince of the Air – king of the realm of Resaddek, this valirasi noble rose to the position of king through cunning and power-grabbing.
Lestanaek Cabra, the Blademaster – king of the realm of Ekkristis, the erestram was also a noble who rose to the position of king after many thousands of years of gathering strength. Reputed to be unbeaten in martial combat.
Garrivokt Solimant, the Great Herdmaster – king of the realm of Zaphatar, this harmauth is the sole surviving son of Baphomet. Rules a realm populated primarily by the mighty harmauths, lending his army greater strength than its numbers would indicate.
Arku Chinchala, the Black Reaver – king of the realm of Si’Dorra, this half-erestram king is reputed to be the cousin of Celigus Chinchala. A vicious king with few allies, he has invaded Citaria once before, unsuccessfully.
Arlerase Chinchala, the White Prince – king of the realm of Arlerase, the youngest and weakest of the kings is undoubtedly the son of Celigus Chinchala. Though weak in terms of station and military strength, Arlerase controls considerable trade of food and goods, making him an economic power amongst his peers.
The Races of Mehr’Durillia: These are the many races of the world of Mehr’Durillia, also called the Underworld. They are arranged here in order of their relative social station, as viewed by the demon kings, from least to greatest.
Syrinthis (sir-RIN-thiss): also called syrinthian in both singular and plural, these are the snake-folk of Mehr’Durillia. They are primarily found in the realm of Sekassus the Calculating, and serve him without question. They are of average human height, while being extremely slender and slight of build. They live for about the same amount of time as humans do.
Valirasi (vah-lerr-RAHS-see): considered repulsive by many, these humanoid vulture-like creatures are viewed as vicious, bestial, and stupid. They are actually very cunning but also volatile. They are usually between six and seven feet tall and have broad wingspans, and can live for a little over a hundred years.
Succubus/Incubus: these demons of temptation are normally mostly human in appearance despite the way the other races of Mehr’Durillia look. They are not known to have a defined lifespan, but are typically quite beautiful and serve the many kings.
Mallasti (mahl-YAHS-tee): also called hyena-demons, these humanoid hyena creatures are known to be powerful sorcerers. They are typically between six and seven feet tall, but are very dense, heavy creatures. They can live for almost 4500 years.
Elestram (EEL-ess-strum): also called jackal demons, these humanoid jackal creatures have an affinity for wizardry and stealth, and are incredibly intelligent. They stand between six and a half and seven and a half feet tall, are lanky and not as heavy as a mallasti, and may also live for nearly 4500 years.
Erestram (AIR-ess-strum): also called wolf demons, these folk stand nearly ten feet tall in most cases. They are very physically imposing and powerful, and have a natural resistance to magic of both the arcane and divine varieties. An erestram may live for as long as 4500 years.
Sylinth (SILL-inth): the partially humanoid cobra-men of Mehr’Durillia are about fifteen feet in length from snout to tail, and are considered vicious and cunning. They live primarily in the realm of Sorelizar as servants of Sekassus the Calculating. A sylinth may live for as many as 5000 years.
Harmauth (HAR-moth): also called ram demons, these great humanoid creatures stand at or over ten feet tall when fully extended. They are the most physically powerful of all the races on Mehr’Durillia, and generally serve as bodyguards or generals for the kings. A harmauth may live for as many as 5000 years.