Palisade: Day 15


    “When will this stalemate end?”


    The sounds of magical artillery shells exploded, shaking the cramped bunker. A small cloud of dust fell from the ceiling, a group of eleven people looked down at a massive map that was spread out on the floor.


    None of them were bothered by the dust falling on them or the explosions, simply focusing on the map.


    “The trenches at the East Gate have had no luck in getting deeper into no man''s land.”


    The map depicted an area where lines crossed. map. Which had around 150 chess pieces placed on the map, both black and white pieces. The white pieces were on northside of the map, while the black pieces were located on the southside.


    “Our tanks have had no luck in breaking through Central, too much firepower and too many obstacles.”


    In the center of the map was a thick line, an opening was present in the center, with a dozen white pawns right behind the gap in the thick wall. On the sides of the walls were forts with 2 pawns in each and 2 pawns behind the forts.


    “The forts are still manned, preventing the enemy from moving past the wall.”


    At equal intervals were more forts with the same opening to the central opening. Each with the same set up, 2 white pawns in it and 2 white pawns behind it, with a dozen holding the line at the opening.


    “The front line is still defended and well manned


    3 flags were placed at equal intervals all south of the thick wall. Behind the last flag were two white knight pieces on each side, in front of them next to the second flag were the Rook pieces.


    “Our tanks are having difficulties moving towards the front, so I have ordered them to remain in the back as my engineers fix up our spaghetti trenches.”


    While the Pawns were placed all along the trench lines, they became denser when one got closer to the wall. The total number of pieces on the southern side of the map were 100 chess pieces in total.


    “Our battalion is at full strength with only a couple of undermanned squads.”


    With Pawns numbering in at 85 pieces alone, there were 10 rook pieces, 2 Knights, 3 Bishops with the queen and king pieces missing from the map.


    Meanwhile on the northern side of the map it was less clear on what the positions of the black units were. Closest to the wall they were able to tell easily due to only one hundred feet separating the two sides.


    “We have identified several enemy squadrons of tanks. Their forward lines are filled to the brim with bunkers. There''s at least 100 by visual count.”


    The eleven individuals looked at the map uncomfortably, silence reigned, each one clearly deep in thought on how to deal with this deadlock.


    “We could send in the behemoths? Let them tank the damage.” Major Forthelolz said.


    “Really and get them annihilated by the 100 or so Anti Tank Guns waiting for us on the other side?” Major Fishman responded.


    “The plan could work, but we need to attack when they are most vulnerable.” Everybody looked at the highest ranking officer in the room. Colonel CeoMacNCheese.


    “Ten bombardment spells with all the Lieutenants using Volley, while the Warrant Officers use Healing on the front line directly?” Major Silenz suggested.


    JacktheRipper responded, “Look we tried using volleys and bombardments before, their forces on their vanguard are understrength for a small time then their other companies come and counter attack. While the other companies directly attack our flag when our own forces are busy fighting over the other flag. That''s ignoring all the artillery that would’ve bombed our troops to oblivion while under the healing spell.”


    He shivered at the time they nearly lost their flag only to barely push them back to the middle a mere ten days later.


    Colonel CEOMacNCheese responded, “While all what you’ve stated was true, Jack. We’ve only been using infantry supported by artillery and very rarely any tanks with the infantry. You know why?” Jack shook his head, CEo answered. “because you’re scared our troops will run out of points to spawn in as tanks.”


    “So we’re going to blitz them then?” Major JacktheRipper said.


    “Essentially, we’re going to need more tanks though.” MacNCheese said, “first we’re going to need to deal with those bunkers.”


    Pointing down on the forward most trench system on the northern side of the map.


    “That''s where the most casualties will be caused. Even with the tanks providing mobile cover for the infantry, there''s bound to be a bullet or two which will get through. That''s also ignoring the possibility of the tanks getting stuck in the abandoned trench systems. And as Fishman stated there are a hundred or so anti tank guns in the lines alone that ignores the dozens of artillery guns in their back line.” MacNCheese said pointing towards the second line it''s incredibly hilly back there making it a perfect place for artillery.


    “I agree, I could start employing infiltration tactics to try and get troops behind their lines to cause as much damage as possible.” Major Sharkfan suggested.


    “If this was any other map then it would certainly be possible, Shark. But this is Palisade which is infamous for being extremely difficult to do any other tactics than just human waves and overwhelming firepower.” Major Jjvillage said.


    “You do know historically battles are always won with superior firepower?” Major Memesboss replied.


    “Well if it is about superior firepower, then why haven’t we ended the battle by now? Last time I checked we fired thousands if not millions of shells at them with constant charges.” Major Jjvillage retorted.


    “Because we haven’t used enough firepower.” He turned to CEO. “Colonel.” Memesboss said, throwing a glare at Colonel MacNCheese.


    “If I use my personal spell you know full well the Noxu will just simply respond in kind.” MacNCheese said.


    “What if we’re quick enough about it ,you could fire it before they even have a chance to respond.” Major Buzzsaw suggested.


    “It takes a full minute for my spell to fully charge, and a minute is more than enough time for them to react. Not only that I need visual contact for the spell to even hit the target properly. So in that minute I need to be at the front with direct sight of them. I also can not move while the spell is active so I am extremely vulnerable to artillery fire.” CEO explained, Buzzsaw simply looked down at the map.


    “We could do a combination of all those plans. Use a distraction frontal assault while several squads infiltrate behind enemy lines by jumping the wall, with the goal of destroying as much equipment as possible. While in the confusion of the attack you could activate your spell, due to the commanders being too busy to respond you’ll be able to activate it without any concern.” Major Shadow suggested.


    “That possibly could work, let''s try it then. If it doesn''t. Back to the map then.” CeoofMacNCheese said, turning towards Shark, CEO started giving out orders. “Major Shark, have your Stormtrooper Company get ready for infiltration. Place them here.” MacNCheese pointed towards the western gate “here.” pointing towards the eastern gate “and here.”


    “For the finer details I’ll leave it to you and your men, Shark. As long as you get behind enemy lines.” MacNCheese added.


    CEO turned to Buzzsaw. “Major Buzzsaw, have your artillery company begin concentrating fire on the flag and the fortifications. Have your anti tank gun platoons to shoot the bunkers one at a time, make sure all of your men know what to target. I want those bunkers gone in a single volley.” Buzzsaw nodded, CEO turned to Shark.


    “Major Shark I want more than a single platoon of tanks at the ready. Major Jack, Village, and Silenz I want your men to get ready for a charge on Central gate. Memesboss have your engineers on standby to help build fortifications once the flag is taken. The rest of y’all wait till the forward trenchline is taken, during that time simply hold our lines and wait for the order to move forward.” Everybody nodded.


    “Any questions?”


    “Colonel, do you mean all of my anti-tank guns to target a single bunker fire all at once to try and destroy it before the engineers could repair it?” Major Buzzsaw asked.


    “Yes. Anything else?” CEO responded quickly.


    CEO looked around and there were merely shaking heads.


    “And I’ll prepare the spell after the assault begins. All of you are dismissed, start giving out your orders. We’re attacking by morning, forecasts show that there''s going to be a heavy fog tomorrow so have everything presighted.” Everybody gave nods of affirmation before all leaving, several minutes had passed and now order after order filled MacNCheese’s virtual ears.


    The morse code informs the Colonel that the plan is being executed.


    Palisade: Day 16


    A dense fog covered the battlefield, visibility was only ten feet. Hundreds of men sat down along the forward most trench. The thick concrete rebar wall 10 meters in thickness was the only thing between them and No Man''s land.


    Only one order, one sound separated them between silence and total hell. Officers were running across the back line yelling out orders.


    “Warrant Officers save your healing spells till you get to the enemy lines!” Yelled Lieutenant named Bomblitz, spellbook in hand.


    “Arm Bayonets men!” Lieutenant Topha ordered, the sound of metal on metal filled the silent trenches as soldiers put bayonets on their guns.


    A battalion wide order came out, the distinct sound of morse code filled everyone''s ears. Up in the sky, visible even through the dense fog, was an imposing, impossible to exist floating text.


    “All non warrant officers prepare volley and bombardment spells on the whistle. Artillery prepare to fire. All soldiers assigned towards Vanguard prepare for a charge. Warrant Officers save your spell books for healing.”


    The text remained there for 30 seconds, the soldiers quieted down at that order listening intently for the whistle. Several slow seconds passed, then the high pitch sound of a whistle filled the air. Lieutenants and Majors both responded in kind with their own whistles.


    Stolen story; please report.


    Dozens after Dozens of men jumped over the trench into no man''s land, a man holding bagpipes played scotland forever, after he jumped over the trench as well. Hundreds of magic circles appeared in the sky above where the officers were in the trench. Quickly followed by hundreds of explosions as they all landed onto their targets.


    The kill feed suddenly blew up with hundreds of names, as the trench line and the pillboxes that remained lining it were wiped from existence, leaving only collapsed pillboxes. Assuming they weren’t outright destroyed the night before.


    A gutteral war cry from the soldiers filled the air rivaling the deafening explosions including the bagpipe wielding soldier. The air was silent as bullets and explosions weren’t filling the air.


    Each man moved as fast as their legs would take them, crossing the mud stricken, crater ridden no-man''s land, filled with landmines and dead bodies. Then the first explosion detonated, a loud rumble filled the stagnant air. A land mine was detonated and men slowed down as land mine after land mine had to be disarmed manually.


    Several men working on one mine instantly removed it from existence; the pace picked back up as land mine after land mine was methodically removed. Before long men started arriving at the now desolate nearly non-existent trench line and starting deepening it. While others continued on further into enemy trenches.


    Distant hums were heard, men looked up and saw dozens of red streaks of light, forgetting what they were doing. Men jumped into the trench line if they weren’t already, they huddled down with their helmets protecting them. Others couldn’t respond in time as the magical shells rained down hell fire on them killing dozens, including the bagpipe wielding soldier.


    Few remained in the trench line as another distant sound of a rumbling, a counter attack by those that remained in the captured trench line looked over.


    “Enemy counter attack!” They yelled, as others desperately typed into team chat the same message. While others pulled their rifles and LMGs over the trench line waiting for the first signs of the enemy.


    An order appeared over the captured trench line.


    “Get to the new vanguard trench line now!” Orders from Ceo MacNCheese


    “Spread out to cover all the spots on the trench line!” A warrant officer ordered,


    Soon after another rumbling could be heard from behind them, reinforcements. Soon after the first enemy could be seen in the early morning fog, in response an inconsistent staccato of bolt action rifles and LMGs opened fire on the charging horde.


    Dozens fell as round after round were pumped into them. Artillery started raining down onto the enemy’s charge but they kept charging, more friendly soldiers started to arrive to try and reinforce them.


    Due to the lack of heavy machine guns, they eventually started reaching the trench line as brief moments in between fire, bolt pulling, and reloading allowed them to inch closer.  Some even use their dead comrades as meat shields to protect themselves.


    A Noxuian soldier armed with a rifle and a bayonet flew towards a Vost Dorian medic. In response the Vost Dorian Soldier dropped his gun, brought out his knife to try and block the incoming attack.


    But the bayonet had stabbed him before he could respond. Despite being stabbed the Vost Dor Soldier responded with a stab to the Noxuia Soldier in the head.


    But a struggle ensued between the two as neither had the strength or skill to overpower the other. But the Vost Dor soldier lost as he bled out from the stab. After the victory the Noxuia soldier. Couldn’t enjoy it as they were shot dead by the remaining Vost Dor soldiers.


    Being left on top of the now dead Vost Dor soldier.


    At the same time dozens of more soldiers on both sides arrived, leading to a brutal melee. Explosions rocked the trenches, as glowing magical grenades were thrown. Explosions from magical anti tank rifles fired into the trench line by both sides. Taking dozens of more lives in the brutal fighting.


    Eventually the sound of tanks rumbled over the war torn battlefield, as the forward trench line near the flag was secured by Vost Dor soldiers as they started mopping up the remaining troops from the Noxuia counter attack.


    The tanks stopped right in front of the trench line as soldiers gathered at the communication trenches, stopping any and all attempts at further attacks.


    Another order appeared in the sky.


    “Continue pushing and raise our flag!” Orders from Fishman


    The Vost Dorian Troops continued along the trenches getting closer to the flag. While armor continued pushing towards the flag acting as a magnet to draw artillery fire away from the trenches.


    During that time as enemy forces and artillery support was drawn away from the East and West gates leaving the defenses there undermanned. Only the AI pillboxes, a few engineers and rifle men were left to hold the line.


    This severely undermanned trench line was their major mistake as squads and companies rushed from their positions to reinforce the attacked central Trenchline. This allowed a platoon of storm troopers to sneak across, destroying the remaining pillboxes with dynamite, and grenades.


    “Continue on going, the attack should lose momentum by now. Make sure to split up into your squads in the forest.” Major Shark ordered over the clipboard.


    The Company didn’t acknowledge only moving deeper behind enemy lines. The further one got away from the front line the greener it got. Soon after it turned from dead trees, endless snow mud and craters to an evergreen forest. The dense forest was clearly untouched due to lack of any discernible trench lines or sandbags.


    “Dig a trench line around this tree.” The lieutenant ordered his platoon “this will be our base of operations until tomorrow morning once operations are to begin.” At the lieutenant''s orders the 50 men under his command started to quickly dig a trench. In several minutes the digging was finished as sandbags, barbed wire and land mines were set up in the surrounding area.


    Friendly Soldiers could see land mines that were buried appearing in bright lights. To the enemy it would be invisible until they got close.


    Elsewhere behind enemy lines other stormtrooper Platoons either began digging in for long term hit n run tactics or started immediately causing havoc behind their lines.


    During the time of the charge, and infiltration behind enemy lines, there stood a single person on the Wall. Holding a book in their hand they started a spell, magic rune after magic runes appeared some spinning others turning. Some overlapped each other while turning and spinning. In the chaos of the battle few saw the massive magic spell and extremely visible spell appear.


    Those that did see it tried to get the message out but were killed. By the time they would respawn it would be too late for a retaliatory strike. After a minute the magic runes soon floated above its caster and then compressed itself into a single multilayered magic spell. It was pointed at the enemy''s back lines, for several seconds it spun. Its charge up finished MacNCheese was free to move.


    During that time its caster, Colonel MacNCheese jumped behind the wall on the Vost Dor side hugging the ground, then it fired. A beam of red light quickly flew out, and just as fast followed by a bright flash of light as hundreds were incinerated in its heat.


    Soon after a shockwave followed blasting everybody down onto the ground. Almost everybody within its shockwave radius died from burns, both friend and foe. In the game''s term it was just instant death.


    MacNCheese wasn’t spared from the death and destruction as while the wall held the fast moving superheated air, MacNCheese wasn’t in a ditch and didn’t have time to find one, so also burned to death.


    The body despite being burned beyond all recognition suddenly and miraculously reformed itself.


    This included everybody that was burned and killed by the blast, returning to their pre-death state.


    In the end the only thing that remained was rubble and thousands of fresh dead bodies. An eerie silence the map didn’t have ever since it was being generated and the first minutes of the battle.


    ‘You know, I never expected the spell to be that powerful and designed to cause damage to all players in its blast radius.’ I thought, simply staring at the menu in front of me. Beneath me was an aerial view of the Vost Dor side of the map.


    The games menu was simple to say the least, a selection of 3 classes was available, Infantry, Vehicles, and Specialists. At the top right corner of the tablet-like menu was a button that would send me to another external menu. I quickly checked how many points I had left.


    I did, having over 3000 points. Being single with very little economic responsibilities lets you buy a lot of in-game stuff, such as points to continue playing as an officer.


    I was surrounded by darkness and then slowly brought into the battlefields of Pordier at Wars: Dive Palisade map.


    Quickly taking a look around I saw other players were spawning in. Not wanting to stand around doing nothing, I checked out the bunker the officers used 20 minutes earlier. The one used to plan out the disastrous attempt at ending the stalemate with a nuclear bomb or a pseudo magical nuclear bomb.


    Moving through the dead body ridden trenches I arrived at the Officers bunker. After stepping over several more dead bodies in front of the entrance to get inside, the bunker was to say the least open. In the middle was an empty space where the map once stood.


    A desk was off to the back of the room, with several drawers, and an empty rifle rack next to it. The desk, drawers, and rifle rack all came from my external inventory all designed by myself. A flare if you would say.


    Then there was a small room divider on the right side corner, inside the room divider was a cot on the ground. The wall divider and cot was also externally brought in and of course designed by myself. Actually most external items in the bunker were designed by me.


    In the left corner was another room divider and a small restroom was in it. With a shower head, a sink, and a toilet, along with basic plumbing. Although did it lead somewhere? No, it was for decorative purposes only as was everything in the bunker.


    Then there was also the hallway connected towards the other bunkers.


    The other bunkers were spread throughout the Trechlines. All of course connected by tunnels and trenches. They mainly acted as places of command, or for more roleplaying purposes as they had barracks, supply depots, kitchens, and restrooms. But also played a defensive purpose.


    Everything was covered in a layer of dust, the game Pordier at War was well known for its extremely detailed background. Very little of which was scripted.


    Focusing in the top right corner of my vision, the time was currently 23:29 pretty soon a game wide announcement will occur.


    Then a message appeared in my vision, “Game Shut Down in 30 minutes.”


    I made my way towards the forward trenchline. The Chat log was in a sense going crazy, on both sides many called for a cease fire for the last 30 minutes of the game till shut down, which in game is around a day and a half.


    In response I sent out a battalion wide message.


    “Cease fire, don''t shoot unless shot at first.” I quickly wrote out on my clipboard. Sending out the message, morse code went off and if you knew it which I actually did, sounded like what was written. A wall of text appeared in the sky.


    Everybody stopped what they were doing and quickly read the message, followed by cheering.


    From what I could see, some were leaving for no man’s land for what I had to guess was to remove mines so it’s safe to cross or to the other side to interact. Some went to repair artillery batteries even though they would be deleted in thirty minutes, others simply explored the map, the other side probably did the same.


    Soccer was played, aiming competitions were held, boxing matches occurred. A lot of things actually happened, sometimes distant explosions could be heard followed by the kill feed adding a new casualty to the list.


    I was currently sitting in a recently repaired trench in no man’s land with a dozen other players.


    “Wait, you''re from Japan? How did you get past that firewall that separates that corporate hellscape of East Asia from America''s?” Someone asked, there was a yellow armband with the rank insignia of a lieutenant.


    The person who was asked that question was on the Noxuia side, “I use-“ before the foreign player could finish he was interrupted by the person from before.


    “You know what don’t tell me I heard they record everything and use it to black mail people. Best to keep it a secret.” The Lieutenant said.


    One thing for sure I could confirm my suspicions of life in Mega Corporate Japan “Can I ask you a question?”


    “Sure, go ahead.” The Japanese person said robotically, clearly the work of a translation software on the Japanese players’ end.


    “I’ve only heard rumors and bits of information and the complaining of my boss''s boss. After the corporate takeover, 10 years ago did you notice there was a sudden change in life?” I asked.


    “Um…” he paused thinking it over “at the time I was only around 5 at the time. So I didn’t work back then but I remember overhearing my mother and father talking about trying to leave for the States, but couldn’t afford it. Several years passed and my dad died from over exhaustion to try and provide for my education. Recently my mother died from exhaustion as well. Now I have to get a job by the end of the month.”


    The mood suddenly sombered after the Japanese Player explained.


    “Sorry for asking.” I replied.


    “It''s alright, I’m just one of thousands of kids who had to drop out due to the death of our parents. I’m assuming the same is true in America is it?” He asked.


    I raised my eyebrows in complete confusion then I realized what he said. “You have to pay to go to fucking primary school in Japan, who is leading the education system in Japan? Fucking barbarians?” I paused for a second. “A child''s parent doesn’t need to bend over backwards to simply provide a basic education for them! Education is a human right and is what allows a modern country to properly function.” With my rant over I simply relegated himself to a corner of the trenches fidgeting with my rifle.


    The trench line was only covered in solemn silence, several minutes passed some left to join others, while those that stayed slowly started talking again. I remained in my grumpy mood writing in a virtual piece of paper for reminders to ask for a CIA report on Japanese living conditions.


    When the clock struck midnight, nothing happened. I was confused, I should’ve been sent to the home menu but I wasn’t?


    “What the hell is that smell?” Someone yelled, I grabbed and closed my nostril, gagging a little.


    “It smells like blood?” I guessed, looking around we were still in the game.


    The trench I was in hadn’t been replaced with my living room or the virtual bluescape I used, the area was still covered in the same muddy blood stained snow that had covered the battlefield for the past 3 hours.


    “Wait?” I said, towards no one in particular, “My voice is different.” It was more feminine slightly higher pitch than my usual middle C voice, but was more similar to an octave D instead.


    Looking down at myself I was still in the randomly assigned character I was in. The gray trench coat of Vost Dor, touching my head I felt not only my hair which was longer than it should’ve been, but another tuft of hair or fur.


    It was cat ears, which Vost Dor player characters had.


    Just what is going on?


    I swiped down on nothing in an attempt to bring up the menu that was required to be coded in by law.


    Nothing happened, no matter what alternate gesture I tried, nothing worked. Contacting the moderators was out of the question, chat wouldn’t come up as well.


    Panic was soon spreading, as no one could open the menus, contact the real world, or anything really.


    “Colonel, what''s going on?” Someone asked in the growing panic.


    Everyone stopped in their tracks and looked at me.


    I sighed “I’m gonna be honest I have no clue what’s happening. I am just as confused as y’all are.” I said, I knew the result of what I would say. I had no lie to soften the blow.


    Yet no one panicked and instead simply looked at me “What do we do?” Everybody looked at each other.


    “First of all we need to get into contact with the others, and get out of this cold!” I said, pretty much shivering and trying my best to warm up.


    Everybody else also realized it was freezing, who quickly agreed with me. We made our way towards the bunkers.


    While I was heading there, I brought out my clipboard and hoped that it works the same as it normally does.


    I wrote down the order, tore out the paper from the clipboard, then it burned up in the air and reappeared in front of me floating without a care for gravity. I tried grabbing it but my hand just went through it, meaning it was some sort of illusion and not real.


    “Everybody get to the bunkers, before you freeze to death we’ll figure out what to do once there.” Orders from CeoMacNCheese.


    I made my way to the main bunker complex, everybody was slowly shuffling into the multiple bunkers present across the entire map. Vost Dor players weren’t the only ones present as some Noxuia players were with us.


    I looked around and saw a couple of Noxuia Officers, their ranks I’d have to ask.


    “Noxuia Officers!” I yelled to them, not knowing their names. They came up to me.


    “What’s going on?” One of them immediately asked.


    “I don’t know as I said before. But have you received any information from your superiors? Colonel or Lieutenant? It doesn’t matter who.” I responded.


    “Yes we have received orders. Colonel Rex sent out an order for everybody to head to the bunkers just like you told us to.” The Noxuia officer said.


    “Can you send a message?” I asked


    “We already did, the Major told us to stay here, they’ll try to get to the Vost Dor side when morning comes.”


    “Tell them the Vost Dor Colonel will be waiting for them, if they can reach us.” I told them.


    “Going to send the message out now.” The second Noxuia officer said, bringing out her own clipboard.


    “I would like to ask what gender you are?” I asked.


    “We''re both be male in real life. But the characters as you know are randomly assigned. You look female just so you know.” He answered, granted, the voice was more akin to a girl''s voice in pitch but highly masculine.


    “What gender do we look like? Because you look like a girl, but your masculine sounding voice tells me you''re a guy.” The Noxuia officers asked.


    “Smurf, Female, and blue skinned.”I responded.


    They snorted at that response “Make sense, they are randomly assigned looks.”


    I got serious once again. “Just keep me informed on their progress.” I said, “Before I go, what are y’all’s names?”


    “Gamer or real name?”


    “Doesn’t matter.”


    They gave their names before I departed for one of the many entrances to the bunker complex.


    Looking out I saw the same mud blood stained snow mixture with the same heavy fog from earlier in the day.


    The smell of blood, gunpowder, and ash was still present as it was a few minutes before.


    I couldn’t see much farther than a few feet as darkness took over, on top of that fog prevented any moonlight from coming in.


    The freezing air went inside the bunker, no longer wanting to be out there anymore. I quickly went inside and closed the door.


    When I got inside I ordered another player to inform the majors of a meeting, and to immediately report to my bunker.


    Several small figures watched the entrenched bunker complex, as CEO went inside and closed the door behind her. They spoke in hushed tones amongst each other.


    “demi human.”


    “Girl.”


    “live underground, perfect home for new nest.”


    “Let’s return home, and report to the shaman and champion.”


    They all spoke to each in high pitched nasal voices, no one heard or saw them. They all left from their hiding spots in the snow as snowfall picked up removing any trace of their presence.