The Wastelands Border Patrol

[Traxien Cion]

Eight men are stationed at one of the many waypoints on the border. A new threat has risen, but they are unaware of the devil they face. The sun is setting on the first night of the patrol and the fire from the other waypoint is visible on the horizon. Then, suddenly, the fire is violently extinguished and the men are left wondering what happened to their comrades a mile down the makeshift wall.

"What was that?" one man asks as the fire on the horizon is snuffed out.

"There is evil. That is why we have been stationed here."

"Evil? Hah! What are you talking about?"

"The...Suujali."

"Wait, what's a Suujali?" a third asked.

"They don't exist."

"Hah! So you say."

Then, with a whimper, their fire disappears and the camp silent, save for the gurgling of blood as the men are torn asunder by some unseen monster.

[Traxien Cion]

A silent war is being waged in the wastelands.

Creatures known as the Suujali have surfaced and have been killing unsuspecting travelers for several months. They were contained in the wastelands for some time, but then they started to move south, at which point Terrenus created the border patrol. In the beginning, the soldiers were unaware of what they are fighting and suffered huge losses. The beasts seemed invincible for the better part of a season until an unnamed officer managed to defeat one at the cost of his entire unit. With its body recovered and able to be examined, the Gaians have made significant progress in the war against the creatures and have been able to hold them at the border.

The public, however, is unaware. They just know that the wastelands are forbidden.

[Traxien Cion]

Description

Suujali are species of wolf-like quadripedals found in the wastelands of Terrenus. They are extremely large and aggressive, which is part of the reason why the travel into the wastelands is prohibited. They range from ten to fifteen tall at the shoulder and typically weigh between one and two tons. Unlike wolves, these creatures have no fur, and their skin is described as being darker than the abyss itself. This makes them almost impossible to see at night, save for their glowing red eyes. Suujali are also said to have the ability to burrow into the ground.

These beasts have three main weapons: their large claws [~five to eight inches in length], a whip like tail, and an almost indestructible carapace that covers their head. Suujali are completely immune to all forms of magic (including psionics) and fire, but are vulnerable when faced with conventional weapons. Due to their strong skin, only weapons derived from Vakar or any of its alloys are useful against the Suujali, at least in the hands of normal men. A large steel blade, if sharp and carrying sufficient momentum, would be able to cleave through the Suujali as if they were any other beast. Their greatest strength in melee lies in their massive size and agility. (Note that magical effects can still harm them, like a summoned rock storm.)

The carapace is the most valuable part of the Suujali, because it retains its magnificent qualities even after the beast is killed [indestructible and immune to magic]. Vakar seems to be the only metal capable of cutting and therefore shaping the carapace. The skin, while durable, does not retain any extraordinary qualities and will also decay if not treated.

Physical Attributes

Average Height at Shoulders: 4m
Average Length, from Head to Tail: 9m
Average Weight: 4 tonnes
Top Speed: 85km/h
Vertical Jump: 10m
Horizonal Leap: 25m

[Traxien Cion]

[Traxien Cion]

Border Patrol

Mission: Contain the Suujali threat and prevent entrance into the Wastelands
Headquarters: Hell's Gate
Head of Operation: General Tren Magelne
Personnel: 12,000

Knights: 3500
Archers: 1300
Rangers: 500
Elemental Warriors: 500
Snipers: 200
Officers: 1500
Support: 4500

Special Armament: All soldiers in the Wastelands Border Patrol are equipped with vakar weapons, specifically designed for slaying beasts and monsters. This is the only type of weapon that is effective against the Suujali.