Awesome.

Wake our veteran Legionary Captain.

The word of an old war horse should be persuasive.

>>12681296

Wake Sansa.

A commander doesn't go anywhere without his aide.

Should we bring Wulf too?

>>12681421
>>12681316
both, all? just deleted the update post because I saw a conflicting post that cropped up while I was typing...

>>12681445
give a straitforward recount of what happened and include vivid detail of khalless' attacks on loyal towns and cities.

Any captains that witnessed first hand Laeliths support in battle perhaps?

>>12681463

Bring Wulf as an observer.

If he's going to be our protege, he needs to watch how we work.

Having an idea of Imperial Law and what he can do when he earns his laurels will give him a good start.

>>12681463
I don't think we need Wulf to come along, though Sansa might be a good idea simply since she's our aide.
Also bringing Gaius along to help corroborate our story with specific details as required.

Sansa wouldn't be bad to bring along I think. She was with us in every battle.

Also what kind of powers do we have in this trial?

What do we need to prove in order to get her off her sentence until the 3 years are up?

>>12681463
all of the prior mentioned plus Colin, Didn't he come from a town that was raided by Khaless? Have Wulf give as heartbreaking of an account of the attack of his city as possible, don't have him lie but definitely have him make it sound as bad as possible

>>12681505

Too many would be stifling. A few principle witnesses and viewpoints would probably be best.

You knock on Gaius' door, and hear a stirring inside it almost immateriality. "Gaius, I have need of you at Khalless' trial. We leave as soon as possible, hurry please." You also knock on Sansa, Wulf and Collins doors, giving them similar messages The rest of the early morning goes uneventfully, very little talking, lots of growls and groggy noises from Gaius, Wulf bumping into everything in sight, Sansa going on about having lost her flasks hairband, clearly you do not command a maniple of natural morning folk. The six of you walk to the High Court, a massive domed building, several chimneys bellow smoke around the edges of the structure, twelve score of lone columns fill the courtyard around the building.
upon entering and identifying yourself you are led to the main antechamber, where you see three Lord Tribunes, and their attendant judiciaries sitting trial for... a wooden box, dark from moisture. "Ah, Commander Trentz, seat yourself please. We will begin with the trial with your testimony as soon as the list of crimes has been read" the center Tribune greets you, motioning to a set of chairs to the right of Khalless' box.

>so, you want to tell the truth, have Collin and Wulf provide proof of the raiding, Sansa and Gaius will be here for?

>>12681559
Tell the truth although I doubt we should talk about any god realted things WE did. Gaius and Sansa can cover for us when we were knocked out in the final battle I suppose if that's necessary on how the enemies acted after their leader fell. Shows how dangerous this guy can be if he makes people this zealous I suppose.

>>12681559
>Sansa and Gaius will be here for?
Providing testimony as to Laelith's cooperation with our forces and how her intelligence concerning Khalless' forces and her participation in the final battle was influential to the outcome.

>>12681559

We mustn't forget to mention his alarming ability to manipulate his followers in his nefarious aims.

Paint Laelith as a victim to circumstance and also request for her to be the executioner when the trial is over.

This list of offenses already gathered is quite long, the fact that each count of each major offense, such as the sacking of a city or village has to be listed individually prolonging the list, which you find to be adequately comprehensive. At the end of the list the Tribune announces "Commander Trentz, you may have the initial prosecution."

You rise from your seat "Thank you, Lord Tribune." you turn to where the judiciaries and trial witnesses are seated "As the Commander of the campaign to bring this rebel down, I have firsthand proof of the heinous crimes committed against the Empire by this" you begin, smacking the box "rebels band, under his command. As the list of crimes IS lengthy, I will simply start at the beginning. When my force was roughly two weeks ride from Khalless' base of operations, we began to encounter sacked towns and villages, and those that were not sacked were bereft of any living creature. I eventually reached the village defended by Collin McManerhan, a member of my retinue, one of my Maniple Champions. At that point we were able to interrogate one of the raiders, and learned that the raiders had been brought to the northern mountains from our fair Empires southern borders by word of mouth that a rebel leader was hiring their ilk to do his bidding."

"I did no such thing!!" a voice announces from the box. "I am a dwarf of morals that surpass the codes of honor laid down by my ancestors; one so stringent that the Elder Council of the Dwarven Duchy conspired to expel me from my homeland. I would never stoop to hiring the likes of them." for a voice from a box it has a remarkable level of poise.

>how do you wan tto respond to the prisoners first workds of the trial?

>>12681726
A dwarf of morals? Is that why your entire body has been stripped of all your hair making you covered in blue? Something only done to the most heinous of Duchy criminals? If you were so moral, the people of the Duchy would never of allowed such a thing to go unpunished."

>>12681726

Can we call Collin to speak on what he heard at the interrogation?

Also mention that said Raider was crucified for his crimes and thus unavailable to give his testimony.

(We're a bloody lawyer)

>>12681758
This

>>12681726
Then whypry tell good dwarf did so manu of their ilk decide to persoanll align themselves to your banner? Were thy merely sorely misinformed about your personal convictions and moral standing that they would believe this and attempt to serve your percieved wishes against your will?

>>12681787
so many spelling mistakes agh

>>12681758
>>12681763
"Honor? Morals?" you mock "Is that why your body is covered in the blue scars of Duchy exile, and bereft of hair, a punishment reserved for the most heinous crimes in the Duchy. Collin, prove this scums honor for me." you order Collin goes on to recap the several weeks of raiding that his village endured prior to your arrival, taking care to mention the sigil shared by all of the raiders coming from further north, and the fact that he saw several bands head north, then return to strike at his village with the same sigil. "Thank you Collin. Now that we have established the 'honor' of this character, and how trustworthy his word is, I aim to prove the extent of his crimes. First, another member of my retinue, Laelith Desteerioth will inform you on the approximate number of active raiders Khalless led at his rebellions peak; then my ward, Wulf, will attest to the savagery of the raiders he loosed on the northern countryside." You continue, nodding to Laelith.

Before the elf rises however, one of the Tribunes speaks up "What qualifies this elf more than yourself to give us the disposition of Khalless' troops, commander?"

>>12681884
"She was formerly a follower of Khalless, considered to be one of his wives. However, she saw the error of her ways and has attempted to redeem herself through cooperation. The information she provided us is one of the reasons the campaign was successful. Thus, it's obvious she's much more intimately familiar with the things Khalless has been up to than we are."

>>12681884
" A former wife of the prisoner who wishes to aid the empire. Without her aid, our victory would have had a much higher cost. She has better knowledge of enemy disposition than I."

something like that?

"When I met her she was one of Khalless' aides, considered to be one of his 'wives'. I subsequently helped her see the error of her ways and she is currently doing her best to make up for her past transgressions. As such, she has more intricate knowledge of Khalless' troops prior to my defeat of him than I do. Laelith?" your elementalist keeps her report short and sweet, more than a few shocked faces appearing in the antechamber when the numbers are added up. Wulf does an admirable job of describing the raids preceding to the sacking of his village, though he is clearly not one cut out for public speaking.

"How is it that Wulf came to your attention Commander?" the leftmost Tribune asks, looking at the young man.

"He ended up leading the unit of Archers raised from the village's survivors. I was impressed that one as young as him had the ability to do so, so I kept him on as part of my retinue." You reply matter-of-factly

"Conscripting peasants? How very... Uurlanthian of you, Justinian. and refugees no less, such an honorable man you are, helping them help themselves by adding them to the Legions ranks like that." Khalless comments from the box. You feel all the eyes in the room fall on you.

>>12682067
"They were volunteers that offered to assist us on their own. All courageous people that wanted to stop your reign of terror once they had seen what your men had done and what we were facing. They were made into an archer unit precisely so they would remain out of the thick of combat."

>>12682067
" you destroyed their home. I gave them the opportunity to strike back. As the council can note, they are all still alive and well."

>>12682168
>>12682128
where is everybody? are we the only ones here?
its more fun when more people talk

>>12682229

I just got here, and it seems that you and maximus have a knack for on-the-spot speeches

>>12682262

Seconded.

There just doesn't seem to be anything decent to add to those sound bites.

Yeah, I miss the days where we had more people. I know there are things I might miss out on so I hope others cover for me on that.

>>12682262
Not always. I'm not the greatest when it comes to the open social game. I much prefer to be doing things in the shadows whenever I RP my political people in games.

>>12682128
Seconding this, with the inclusion of "All courageous people who that wanted to stop your reign of terror once they had seen what your men had done and what we were facing. Good citizens of the Empire that saw their civic duty and did not disappoint."

"If the council would note, the unit was made up of volunteers, and I formed them into an archer unit so that they would remain out of combat; which they did surviving the campaign with zero losses." this seems to diffuse most of the anger in the looks you were receiving, but it is obvious that Khalless hit a soft spot. "This of course leads me to the sack of Avensgate. Perhaps the worst of Khalless' crimes in its immediate magnitude. After breaking down the walls, Khalless slaughtered nearly the entire population of the city, leaving only a few survivors, most of them of broken mind and spirit." you begin to continue, but are inturupted by one of the judiciaries.

"Your report stated that this rebel and his... disciples, used an unknown force, possibly 'elementalism' to break down the walls, do you care to explain that obvious fallacy? what did you do with his siege engines, commander?" there is more than a little venom in the judiciaries voice, but he hides it well.

"Laelith, if you would please?" is your response. Laelith flicks her wrist, and the fires warming the room all spit out a perfect sphere of fire, each sphere orbiting a different person or object before Laelith motions again and extinguishes the fire.

"Very clever use of arcana" the same judiciary continues, though most of the rest of the council seems satisfied. "But that does not answer for your lie commander. How did Khalless break down the walls of Avensgate, and why did you try to hide the reality of the situation both in your report and to this council. You ARE under an oath of truth, remember."

>>12682335

show him our elementalism and explain it as best as we can

Definitely mention that they were volunteers.

>>12682335

It's 3am and I'm having trouble understanding some parts.

What exactly does he think we're hiding? Or he doesn't believe that elementalism could bring down the walls?

>>12682335
And I truthfully reply that I found no siege engines at avensgate. (I think this needs something added to the end)

>>12682397
he doesnt know what he thinks your hiding, but he knows for damn sure that Elementalism is as Dead as Mgic, Mysticism, and the Immortals... and that that wont be changing anytime soon In other words, a logical person of the times

>>12682335
"There were no siege engines. Khalless does have access to this elementalism and he used it to destroy the walls. Laelith can attest to that. You can ask any of the members of my retinue about the wounds I received fighting him for further proof. The reason why my initial report (I assume he means the one sent by eagle?) report did not mention it is because I merely saw the results of his attack on the city and assumed it was the use of arcana or siege weapons. And if you truly believe it is arcana causing this, I'm sure there are ways it can be proven no arcana is being used."

Tempted to show that even we have started been able to manipulate the elements but that sounds way too risky...

>>12682381

i realize i was a bit vague, tell him that elementalism is differant than arcana and that anyone can be an elementalist

i dont think explaining that the old gods are back would go over well

>>12682381

I guess honesty would be best here but lets down play the amount of power we hold.

>>12682437

just some simple pebble tricks then?

>>12682424
I like this

>>12682416

I guess we should do a demonstration? I don't think we should do this, except as a last resort.

Also I can't remember clearly: Emphasize that we mentioned "wives". That Laelith commanded fire. That the others commanded other elements can be assumed and corroborated with Laelith.

Firstly, swear that we encountered no siege engines.

If hes still not convinced, bring Gaius out to testify as well.

>>12682381
I'm not sure if thats a good call. it might make the empire nervous. Perhaps laelith can answer.

if she can't ...then show them.
then say: "I learned this after a few weeks of practice, it is not impossible to believe that one could topple a city wall if determined to learn how."

>>12682468
I like this. do this. if that fails,

>>12682469
do this

alright then, try maximus' approach and if that doesnt work then show them some simple examples of our own elementalism

>>12682424
Going with this, bringing up Gaius and Sansa to testify that no siege engines were recovered and that Khalless was able to manipulate earth without the presence of any arcana.
If that still isn't enough, then inform the judiciary that we can prove that we have currently no arcana, and are capable of manipulating Earth. It is true that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof; but once that proof is supplied and verified, the logical mind must accept the extraordinary claim or be illogical.

>>12682335
Indeed I am under an oath of truth, so I can say no differently than I have already. The dwarf is a potent elementalist, and commands the earth. By harnessing his powers and those of his followers he broke the walls of Avensgate. I can give you naught more than the proof already established here, before your very eyes, that such relics of the past were used.

I might surmise that it was some artifact of the ages past that he used to enable this, as unfortunately his other "wife" was in command of a 2000-strong force which we were never able to apprehend. It is possible that she still holds such things with her group.

Don't demonstrate, just say that the other wife might hold other artifacts which could have granted Khalless his powers over the earth. The fact that magic once existed is obvious even to a modern learned man, so surely he will accept that there is some relic of the past that could have granted Khalless these powers.

being flashy and showing off might give us a huge boost in standing.

>>12682627
Or it might make powerful people fear and hate us.

>>12682635
This. People are pretty content with magic and such being dead I imagine. Us just showing it off will make a lot of the hardcore traditionalists dislike us.

being feared isn't so bad..

>>12682562
>>12682582
I understand that this would be the more believable story, and would be the easy path. But if people really are starting to show signs of elementalist manipulation, then the Empire should start thinking up countermeasures for it now, before Uurlanth or some other power fields it and routs a Legion in battle.

>>12682656
We haven't been playing Justinian as that kind of person though and while you are right, one has to have the resources to not be affected by being feared. We're way too low rank to be able to ignore any threats people might throw at us.

>>12682635
yeah, let's keep our elementalism close to the vest, if we have launch a coup later on it might be helpful to have that as an ace-in-the-hole

"There were no siege engines. Khalless does have access to this elementalism and he used it to destroy the walls. Laelith can attest to that. You can ask any of the members of my retinue about the wounds I received fighting him for further proof. The reason why my initial report (I assume he means the one sent by eagle?) report did not mention it is because I merely saw the results of his attack on the city and assumed it was the use of arcana or siege weapons. And if you truly believe it is arcana causing this, I'm sure there are ways it can be proven no arcana is being used." you reply plainly. The nonbeliever seems unconvinced however.

"We could find your followers arcana, but that would be a wast of our time and yours. What destroyed the walls at Avensgate?" The disgruntled Judiciary replies, beginning to sound annoyed.

As a response you levitate a rock to yourself. "As you all know, Khalless was stripped of ALL of his possessions by the Second Praetorians chosen men after I left him off at the DragonBone Palaces dungeon. So you know for a fact that he has NO arcana on his person, correct?" The nonbeliever simply nods "So if I were to do this" you continue, dropping the small stone into Khalless' box "my supposed arcana should not be in this dwarfs possession, and he shouldnt be able to do anything with that stone. Correct?" as the naysayer nods in agreement, the stone shoots out through the side of the box, grazing your leg and digging itself into the wall across the room. "Are there any other doubts as to what caused the fall of AvensGates walls?" when no one else opens their mouths you salute the Tribunes "Aside from the troops under my command that Khalless slew, that is my account of his crimes. Am I free to go?"

>cont'd...

"No, you are not, Commander. You are part of this trial, and as our key witness against him your input on his punishment will be required. You may sit." The center Tribune replies. the trial goes on for several more hours, Sansa and Gaius being called forth to attest to the treatment of the prisoners after the last battle, why there were so few, and to verify several other accounts from mercenaries brought forth from the bands that returned to DragonsReach looking for work after Khalless was defeated. At the end of it, the center Tribune finally announces "In that case, this court finds the criminal guilty on all charges. Commander you shall cast the first stone, what is his punishment to be?"

>>12682732

D:

Holy fuck, that was dangerous.

>>12682751

Defer that to Laelith. We did promise her we'll help her get back at him.

>>12682751
"Death. He's caused too much death to our people to let him live his days out in a prison."

I wonder if we should point out his death might also buy us with some points with the Duchy. I'm sure there are people there that would be glad to see him dead.

>>12682793
Right. I forgot about that. And she didn't tell us why she wanted to kill him like she said she would.

Damn do we have to do everything in this empire? Arrest him.. prove his guilt... then sentence him.

I nominate torture and/or experimentation so the empire can try to learn counter measures.

I believe that in light of his previous punishment of exile for formenting dissent having not altered his actions at all and, indeed, allowed him to amass an even greater threat... the only solution to this demagogue's blatant desire to overthrow our government is execution.

I further request that my his execution be conducted by my attendant Laelith Desteerioth, in view of witnesses to assure his death.

>>12682846
this

On far earlier threads, some Anon mentioned reading of names and denunciations as Khaless' sentence is being done?

Laelith to heal most grievous wounds as sentences are brought out, keeping him alive and dragging out the punishment?

>>12682806
Pretty sure she did. The whole "ruined her life and made her kill her family by proxy" part.

"Death, he is far to charismatic, belligerent and dangerous to be kept alive. I also feel it would be fitting that one of those whose life has been severely damaged by him be his executioner. We happen to have such a person sitting in the room with us." you reply swiftly, knowing the threat he poses.

"And who might that be?" The rightmost Tribune asks, for the sake of formality.

"Me" Laelith replies, rising from her seat "When his verdict is passed, I would like to be the executioner." The votes go around the room, and the penalty is indeed death. However, when a pair of indentured men begin pushing in the headsmans chopping block a debate springs up. After a short span of time, the block is pushed out of the room, and the Tribunes nod to Laelith. "Khaless Dextriantis" she announces "You have been found guilty, and your life forefitted by your crimes." perfectly reciting the informative words that all enemies of the empire have the right to hear, as she brings forth all of the fire in the room, forming a blisteringly hot orb of red, orange and yellow above the box Khalless is in. "May your soul be cast to the deepest darkest pit of the Shadowlands." she adds to the end of the legal statement as she crashes the sphere of fire down on the box. at first the woods moisture saves the dwarf from Laeliths blaze, Khalless' laughter can be heard above the sounds of the fire emitting from the box, then it all bursts into flame, Khalless screams in pain, as Laelith move the fire from every stray splint of the now shattered box to his body, a look of serene concentration on her face. It is all over in a few seconds, the fires return to their original places, only a blackened spot on the marble floor of the antechamber attest to the dwarfs presence.

>anything you guys want to do now? or skip ahead to your briefing?

>>12682951
Could of sworn there was something else though... Maybe I'm getting things mixed up. You're probably right.

I dislike this, there is no body and we did not see him die.

>>12683004
I think talk to Laelith and see if this whole trial has helped her sort out her feelings on the past a little or not. Otherwise, skip ahead I guess. Can't think of anything at the moment.

>>12683004
Skip ahead.

We should probably speak with Laelith about this sometime later.

>>12683035
Eh, let's do this later in the comfort of familiar spaces. In the middle of a courtroom is not so hot for that sort of thing.

>>12683034

Gotta second that feeling.

Next time we execute someone, we keep the severed head as a trophy of the empire and to confirm death.

>>12683063
Didn't mean RIGHT this instance but yeah that's fine. We can do it later after briefing. I suppose we should let her simmer for a bit.

so, check the second glove, talk to Laelith, and... anything else you want to do during your leave?

and you did see Khalless die, he was writihing in pain and burning, she just burnt up the corpse as well

>>12683004
Find out if degrian(?) was able to outfit Kyria's unit with repeaters, and see if finians done translating yet

>>12683103
Is it possible to get equipment to improve our units? Might be worth investing in that if possible.

Otherwise, I don't think there's much else for us to do just yet unless we want to try to work on our social life in the city. I think we should wait after this last campaign though since most of the noble houses thought our last campaign wasn't impressive.

>>12683096
they were wheeling in a chopping block to behead him RIGHT FUCKING THERE anyways, so that wasn't much of an issue. Degnar doesnt fuck around when it comes to justice and capitol punishment.

>>12683103
Actually, could we test Sansa in her strategic and tactical thinking? Just want to get an idea on if her strengths lie as a logistical aide or if she can take care of things without us if necessary.

>>12683103
Check out the progress made by our R&D (Degrian and Kyria), and Finian's progress in translating that list of magic items. Also, how is Spite dealing with becoming a Fightan' Uursan of the Empire?

Upon returning to your Barracks complex, you first make an effort to find Finian, who is sitting at the desk in his room, going back and forth between several sheets of paper, only one of them the scroll that he said was the index of Khalless' small library. "any progress?" you ask casually, leaning against the doorjamb.

"Some" Finian replies "I have managed to decipher a few words, and was able to set aside a decent piece of the papers as pages to a personal journal, and correspondences." Finian replies. Courious, you walk over and look over his shoulder, you see Khalless' full name, several operator words, "Necromancy" as well as "Tome" "encyclopedia" "manual" and "search". the words translated dont even scratch the surface of the remaining text labels, but they present themselves regularly in several groups on the list.

>>12683380
Hooboy. Looks like leave time in the future might consist of finding what this guy was looking for. I don't want any one having that kind of stuff in their hands.

>>12683380
Well, don't overwork yourself friend. And don't be too disturbed by what you find, remember that Khalless was smart but also quite insane.

>>12683380
Manual of Necromancy? That doesn't sound good.
And Khalless' second wife is still out there, with 2000 fanatically loyal troops.

>>12683443
Aye. I'm hoping Khalless kept this to himself and she has no clue on it. He didn't seem like the type to share his plans.

>>12683380
I wonder if there are any keys to immortality or godhood in ye olde eldere knowledges?

"Very good Finian" you announce after glancing over his work "Just remember that you ARE on leave, and if things start to disturb you, that Khalless was not wholly sane. Keep at it." at that you make your way into the courtyard. You see Wulf returning to the barracks as you leave the building you sleep in. He had left you before you returned here to improve his equipment, and now that he's back it seems that every archer in your maniple has gathered around him, along with Collin and Degrian.

>>12683604
Oh boy. What did he do this time?

>>12683604
Just curious but is someone going to randomly take care of Khalless' other wife or are we gonna have to clean that up later as well?

>>12683742
>you'll just have to wait and find out.

You make your way over to the crowd to see Wulf proudly cradling a REALLY nice composite bow, and Collin doing his best to get a look at the shiny new broadsword on your wards belt. It looks like he finally got around to spending his pay then. You decide to pull Degrian and Kyria aside, to ask them a few questions while they are together "How goes the upgrading process?" you ask them.

Kyria is the one to respond "We have gone through the list of emplacements my soldiers are expected to be able to construct and revised about half of them, and with 1500 Dragoons we will be able to outfit half of my battalion with repeaters. Do we have the gold?" Kyria asks eagerly.

>>12683860
Most definitely. Also for a future project for them - see if they can find a way to up the penetration of these rapid-firing crossbows.

>>12683860
Hell yeah we have the money! actually this might be a good thing, we can have the soldiers pair up so that each pair has a regular crossbow with the increased penetration and one with a repeater, Also the troops with the best aim shouldn't be the ones to get repeaters.

>>12683860
Yeah sure. It's all on the empire!

"Of course. See me later today to get the Dragoons, then get to work at your leasure, just see that the better shots keep their standard marksmans crossbows, and that the unit is ready by the end of the month." you reply. Degrian and Kyria exchange grins and head off to cull out the 50 worst shots in her unit for their new weapons.

>anything else? if you want to work on Spite, elementalism or anything else in the skipped period roll for it.

>>12684046
Could we test Sansa in her strategic and tactical thinking? Don't even have to RP it, you can just give us an idea on how good she is. As well, look into the missing individual that was raped by Sansa's former commanding officer. Does she have family living in the capital?

rolled 51 = 51

>>12684046
Rollan for Elementalism

>>12684089
She's a little worse than Wulf, who you are begining to realize is pretty damn good for his age.

as for the possible rape victim, after poing around for a bit you learn that her family lives in Compitum (south of DragonsReach, well west of the border)

rolled 14 = 14

>>12684159
And for Spite.

Also seconding the testing Sansa on her knowledge and whatnot. Also, can we talk to Laelith about how she feels now? And maybe try our hand at the healing stuff too since we get hurt so much.

>>12684175
So I would say she's fairly competent then. Good to know that we have two back ups then. Is this time skip going to be the entire leave or will we have a bit of time to potentially get more mercs and supplies after the briefing?

>>12684222
>yea, I'll let you peruse the mercs again.

Over the course of The month you spend quite a bit of time practicing and meditating. You are now able to reliably carve the earth with naught but your mind constantly for nearly and hour (4 foot earth spikes, 3x9 fissures, fist sized rocks can be flung about 20 yards with enough force to shatter a large oak target... if you can hit). Of course Laelith still beats you handily in every sparring match.

Spite acclimates to his barding very well once you get it, and in your exercises with Jaynes wing he stays in formation well, and even remembers that the other Uursan arent his rivals most of the time.

>test the purple glove now, or later?
>Laelith now or after your briefing?
>Mercs now or after your briefing?

>>12684368
Test purple glove now, and the rest after the briefing.

>>12684392
Agreed.

>>12684368
Purple glove now.
Briefing next.
Mercs after briefing, probably will take until dark.
Laelith in the evening after everything has settled down and people have started to turn in for the night.

The night before your briefing you are once again meditating, trying to get your nerves up to try the second unknown glove. "Jayne, if your out there watching; go to bed" you announce just to be sure, you don't particularly feel like saving her from herself again tonight, as you will need her battle-ready before long. You take a deep breath and put on the purple glove.

At first you feel nothing, then you hit a wall of everything. Its like every voice in the city is screaming directly into your head, you can hear them all, and more. The live, dead real and imaginary, all of their voices pour into your skull. You see what they see, what they might see and could see; real or not you can scarcely tell, you feel as if you are drowning in a sea of reality and madness, yet your breath comes as naturally as ever.

>what do?

>>12684518
See if we can block out the voices or focus in on certain ones. Maybe voices we recognize?

>>12684518
Try to erect a mental wall, envision a barrier between us and the other voices. In this wall will be a gate, and only those we want to listen to shall pass.

Compare it to the mists the white glove shows us.

Clawing frantically you attempt to block out the voices, and it seems ot work, you know that every voice you are hearing is attached to a real person somewhere... and it seems like all of them are shouting. You try your best to focus on one voice, but you have no natural talent for this... whatever it is, and are unable to whittle the voices away. You try your hardest to focus on only one voice, and at random you decide on Sansa, focusing entirely on her, you feel your hands go to your temples, clutching your hair, your body beginning to shake at the exertion... Sansa Sansa, only hear one voice, hear Sansa, block out the others.

"Commander?" asks a concerned voice most certainly not belonging to Sansa as you feel your body strain even more. It feels like your head is about to split open...

>>12684675
Glove off. Apparently we have no skill for mindreading.

>>12684675
Time to take this glove off then and see who's found us doing stuff this time.

Hey guys. We going to try for True Magic or Mindreading Necromancy?

Because both of them seem way more awesome than elementalism.

>>12684710
I think we're going to have to decide based on what we're good at. So far, elementalism we're doing alright at. The rest, we seem to suck at. I think we should tell Laelith about what we found out about these gloves. I think they might be more along her talents since fire magic is more mental based.

>>12684718
I don't know, it could be that no mortal has a natural talent at these things and we just have to work at it.

Hell, compared to Jayne's reaction we're positively a savant. She couldn't even move.

>>12684740
Honestly, I think elementalism could still be cool. We don't know what True Magic can do at this point I believe and I don't think we should dabble in necromancy myself. If we can get a better control on earth magic, we could decimate regiments in battle big time or make assaulting fortified positions a breeze. Can you imagine the damage we could do if we could erect a line of earth spikes right in front of charging cavalry?

>>12684773
More damage than simply turning all those charging cavalry to stone? Because that sounds like something magic could do.

I personally favor this mindreading glove. We will rule the empire in under a decade if we can master it.

You pull off the glove, and the world slowly re-focuses around you. You realize two things fairly squickly, one that you are sprawlwed out on your side, and that a very concerned looking Jayne is leaning over your body... a bit more properly dressed than the last time this happened, but still not what most would consider properly garbed. "I thought I told you to go back to bed" you squak, your throat not wanting to make any more noise, and your head wishing it would agree.

"That's what woke me up" Jayne replies, helping you to sit up "Did you know that you've been doing this right in front of my window?" she asks you offhandedly picking up the purple glove.

"Your not going to..." you begin to reply but are cut off.

"Of course not, I dont think this one had anything worth watching judging by your reaction however. It is an interesting passtime you seem to have found for yourself however. Why?" Jayne cuts you off, before returning the glove to your lap

>>12684802
We don't know for sure true magic can do that but if it could, yes you are right it would be more effective. Unless it completely exhausts us to do that, which I imagine it would. The things with elementalism that we can do don't seem to make use dead tired.

Also yes, if this glove does let us read minds, it would be pretty sweet to master. We could finally find out what that damn ale is quite easily, heh.

>>12684816
"Khalless had these for a reason and I'd like to know why. If I can find an advantage that will help out my men in some way, it's worth pursuing."

>>12684816
The world is changing. I've felt it, and seen it. These things I have here... they are tools to use the powers that will bring about the change. I have been lucky enough to see the start of this, and recognize it. I plan to be ready for the future, whatever it brings. And, perhaps, use whatever power I can acquire to forge my own future and assure the future of others.

>>12684903
Heh. Dream big or go home.

"Times are changing, and I intend to change with them, and climb as close to the top as I can in the chaos. I want to be able to assure not only my own safety and livelihood, but that of those around me once the dust settles. As for the gloves, I want to know what Khalless was up to, and see if anything he had would be useful to me." you reply, seriously.

Jayne plops down in front of you, mimicing your meditation pose "So I just think very hard and then nature bends to my will?" she asks, and you cant really tell if she's joking or serious... she's so much harder to read when no one else is around.

>>12684998
"A little more complicated than that. It's almost like you have to feel the element you want to manipulate. As you become more aware of it, you can slowly learn to control it."

Hmmm. Bear cavalry with an elementalist leading them? Heh.

>>12684998
Sort of. What I practice is earth elementalism and... well, it's an introverted thing. I don't think anyone can tell you how to do it, you just have to feel. And it will take time. Don't expect to split the ground asunder your first night, week, or even month.

If you are serious about this, you might want to give some thought to what element you want to practice.

"Close. you need to choose an element, and truly focus on it, until it feels like its part of you. When you feel that you can start truly training and practicing... its a long road to even become a beginner. If you are truly serious about this I will help you... but as I chose Earth, which is more introverted, it may be difficult." You respond, part of you afraid that Jayne will laugh at your sudden seriousness, the other eager to see her start down this road.

You are rewarded however, as Jayne settles into the meditative pose a bit better "What are the elements?" she asks, her eyes sliding shut.

"Earth, fire, life, air and water. you can only manipulate one of them if it is close to you, that's why we kept Khalless in a wooden box, so long as he couldn't see or feel the earth he was powerless." You reply.

"So life would be, plants, people, dwarves, uursan, horses..." Jayne continues, her breathing slowing further as she focuses... you could probably leave now and she wouldn't notice

>>12685130
That would be a jerkish move to just leave her. I guess help her out tonight? Unless it seems like she actually gets the whole meditation thing in one go.

>>12685130
Hang around. Just leaving would be an asshole move. Practice our own elementalism.

Man, I wonder if this is Jayne somewhat trying to hit on us and do things with us. She's surprisingly aggressive if it is.

>>12685130
Maybe we can get Laelith to help too. Fire and Life are pretty closely related, and Laelith was even able to heal with her abilities. Plus, it totally increases the chance of multi-wife action if they become good friends.

You settle back into your meditative position, feeling the need to re-center yourself after using the purple glove. After about two hours your feel Jayne stir through the ground. You get up as well, wondering how she is doing. "That was... interesting." Jayne remarks, clearly not quite sure how she should feel, but looking refreshed "DO you think you would be willing to lend me the glove that goes with... life? was it?" she asks.

>>12685219
"Gladly. Just be careful with it. They're frail and not meant for battle - only to ease the training."

>>12685219
I will, but I think you should take the first steps without it aiding you. Riding an armored Uursan into battle is a no-brainer, but it would be foolish to try your first ride on one. I'll give it to you to hold until you feel you are ready, however.

By the way, thanks for not laughing. A lot of people find the thought of things like this... ridiculous. I'm glad to know I can be honest with you about things like this.

And then we give her a quick one-armed hug.

Bow-chika-bow-wow.

>>12685265
Aiming for Jayne then or are you aiming to seduce multiple people?

Regardless, I collapse now. See you guys later.

>>12685289
Nah, I personally favor Laelith. But it's not like we're sleeping with Jayne on the spot here.

>>12685289
>>12685339
Errr, but just for clarification, I would be fine with Jayne or Sansa too. They are all delicious. Multi-wife end is, of course, an interesting option but highly doubtful and I don't expect such to happen.

>>12685375

Also might provoke repressed trauma and flashbacks in Lellith.

"Of course, but be careful with it, they are only meant to be used in training, anything more will likely destroy them." you reply "I'll get it to you when I return tomorrow." Jayne thanks you as you make your way to your respective rooms, and go to sleep.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is mid-morning by the time you reach the Second Praetorians office. already there is your Commanding officer, High Commander Timurus Renkus, who also leads the Cohorts I Maniple. Also waiting in the room is one of your fellow Commanders, a Lacerta who is introduced as Braeliush Nomz, commanding the II Maniple. Shortly after you a dwarf by the name of Kaelus Grentz, who commands the IV Maniple. The last man to enter is most certainly a familiar face. "Justinian, I'm surprised you made it here before me"Cornelius Pontius, your rival from the officers academy, greets you.

"Cornelius, its good to see you passed as well." you reply, as warmly as you can.

Before the conversation can devolve any further the Second Praetorian clears his throat and begins "You will be part of the first stage to retake the lands siezed by Uurlanth, along with the rest of the Tenth Legion. The fifth Cohort will see to the southernmost edge of our holdings in the Halrian Valley. The plan is for your Legion to hold the Uurlanthian advance while the Legions decimated by said advance recoup their losses, and the rest are returned to full combat strength. Once that has been done, we will begin a counter-offensive, and your role in that will be dependent on your operational strength at the time. Do you have any questions on the wider war-plan, or are you prepared for me to turn this briefing over to High Commander Renkus?" the praetorian finishes.

>>12685386
Eh, I'm of the opinion that:
F(LJS)(Laelith >= Jayne > Sansa | Floor(LJS) = 3 && L > 1, J >1, S > 1).

>>12685415
Sir, will seizing Uurlanthian territory be an objective of this campaign, or merely defense of our currently occupied holdings?

>>12685426
wat

>>12685509
Laelith could be better than Jayne, but they could also be equal. Sansa is less good than both Jayne and Laelith currently. However, Laelith, Jayne, and Sansa are all awesome enough that none of them exceed each other by a very large margin, making them all acceptable choices.

It was simpler to say all of that in one line, though.

>>12685547

You could have just said "They're all good" and been done with it, you know.

>>12685555
Well just saying "They're all good." doesn't give us a choice, and let's face it... we're getting to the point where we can't be wishy-washy anymore. We're going to have to choose one pretty soon, so I was casting my vote for which one I preferred. Laelith or Jayne, with a slight edge to Laelith because I'm a sucker for emotionally reliant damaged goods.

"Sir, will we be attempting to seize Uurlanthin territory then, or merely re-take what is ours.?" you ask promptly and respectfully.

"The Emperor Instructed me that we should endeavor to teach Uurlanth a lesson for breaking our peace, that is our aim. I now give the briefing over to High Commander Renkus." The Praetorian responds, stepping back.

Renkus pulls a cloth away from the table, revealing a map of the Halrian Valley. "As the Second Praetorian said we are to hold the southern portion of the line across the valley. It will be vital that we maintain control of the forest, and river along this front, as the logistics of keeping our watchfires burning, and water stores full from the next nearest, Degnarian controlled source would be a nightmare. Commander Trentz, you will see to keeping Uurlanth out of the forest. Commander Pontius will be positioned north of your position, at the easternmost point of the river. Commander Nomz will hold the rivers source, Myself and Commander Grentz will hold the fort tying off our Cohorts front. Any questions?" Renkus summarizes briefly, clearly wanting to get to business as soon as possible.

What of the Vth Maniple?

>>12685590
Sounds fine.

>>12685657
thats Cornelius; you are the III.
my bad, wasnt very clear on that

>>12685682
Onward, then. Orders are orders and I can see no reason to object.

>>12685555
By the way, do you have a preference anon?

right-o then, I think this is as good a point to stop at as any. someone archive please
>I'll be back sunday at 9pm 4chan server time, see you guys then

>>12685682
Can we go about hiring more mercenaries now that we know what kind of terrain we will be fighting in? Light infantry, skirmishers and archers are going to be more dominant than heavy infantry, and cavalry will be of precious little use in trees.

>>12685753
you need to keep the Uurlanthians out of the woods, so you'll be just outside the forest, I would expect

Ah well, next time. Goodnight, and see you Sunday.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Commander%20Quest

Archived, don't forget to vote!

Wow missed commander quest.

I say Jayne, but Laelith or Sansa is good too so that's 1 in favor of Jayne and 1 in favor of Laelith with both being ok with the other choices too.

It looks like polygamy end is what we are actually shooting for here. We just need to get them all to love us so much that they will accept it.

>>12686507
>It looks like polygamy end is what we are actually shooting for here.

With a dwarf, an elf, and a human, I might add.

Personally I approve.