I assume Degrain and his enginseers have been crafting more repeaters for our arsenals?

How many do we have currently?

Set a trap for the valks. Make sure it's as vicious and horrific as possible. Have hunters/stalkers sneak into position and wait beforehand, disguised so they won't be seen from the air. Have engineers and crack shots manning the repeaters, and have them covered in the wagons until the last second. Then everyone pops up and wipes out the eagleriding bastards.

If we kill enough of his eagles then he might be cautious and wait until the eclipse.

>>12847946
Can you retcon us asking one last question to Gaius I forgot to ask last night? How does he feel about arming his and Cornelius' unit with pikes and spears rather than just spears. Now to think what to do...

>>12847946

Pax, a quick question.

The mantiple has been in position for over a week?

What has the weather been like? Rain? Sunshine?
What sort of plants dominate the plains we currently defend? How dry are the plants?

Also, the enemy's flying knights and mounts. How are they "charging"? is it a bird of prey's attacking swoop? Just how vulnerable are the mounts to wing/shoulder damage from arrows? are they armored?

>>12847993
3 complete, 3 halfway finished. They take two men to turn the cranks that fire them if you want the highest possible rate of fire, one guy to aim and one to reload at the minimum. And yes, you are training guys to operate them.

>>12848012

err... series of questions. possibly not so quick.

>>12848016

Oh, meant the smaller repeaters. After we armed the poorest shots in our armies, how many do we have?

>>12847946
I'd say go ahead and let Janos and Kaitlyn spend some time together, carefully monitored of course(perhaps we invite the pair of them to a meal with us?), and then separate them again when the time has passed. It's okay if they see each other every now and again but we must be sure to keep them separated.

>>12848041
I don't know, if we want them discussing turning to the Empire we might need to leave them alone together.

>>12848041
I don't think they'll talk about what we want them to talk about if we're with them though. Which is why it should be a small amount of private time.

Also, when you said this Pax: Is the risk of having to use one of your few remaining trump cards without it even striking its intended target greater than the potential of denying your foe one of his greatest assets?
Were you referring to the repeater crossbows or the caravan plan?

>>12848041
They've behaved themselves, we will let them have their meeting.

We'll make it a double date to make them feel more comfortable, shall we invite Jayne or Sansa?

>>12848016
How many men do we have currently trained to operating potential?

>>12848012
youve been here for nearly two weeks. The terrain is dense ancient forest (think Fangorn) to your west, that is what you are defending. To your east is an ocean of grasses. most of it is shin high at best, there are some patches of thick-ass vegetation that gets about waist high, as well as periodic areas of really tall grass. Were it not for the fighting in the area the grasses would be shorter, but the grazing herds tend to run from big camps of soldiers that fight on a fairly regular basis. It has been mostly sunny.

the Valkerie knights attack by swooping down to pick up crazy amounts of speed, then level off to charge like normal cavalry (but 6 or>>12848010
7 feet off the ground) The birds have light plating on their heads, breasts and the fronts of the base ends of their wings. their talons have steel casings, bladed front and back. The riders are in full plate and have a variety of polearms.

>>12848010
Gaius thinks its possible to work out given time, but there is no precedent for such a unit in the empire.

>>12848056
A good point. I still think we should have someone attempt to listen in to their conversation while they have their private time.

I think we should keep our Legions as they are. They are highly effective in melee combat and we don't want to sacrifice that in my opinion.

I second the ambush the eagle riders plan.

>>12848141
The problem is the enemy pikemen though. Their initial charge did more damage to our Legions than ours did to them and it took a few rounds in combat for our men to recover.

>>12848123

We'll probably be giving them a tent. We just need someone hanging around outside or behind out of sight. They should be discreet after all.

>>12848037
50, enough to equip the less skilled half of Kyrias rangers.

>>12848111
9 crews, so all they do is man the big repeaters for the watch right now.

>>12848081
both types of repeaters are a trump card. the caravan plan uses both. ergo if a unit of outriders belonging to a different lord encounters them, the surprise is gone and your clever foe will most likely start scheming around them.

Some other questions:
1) Do we have any nets? (we're near water sources, I assume we'll have some for fishing)
2) How much do we have?
3) How long would it take to make?
4) Do we have plenty of rope?

>>12848160
Yes, but if you will notice our men destroyed them after the initial charge. Plus our Legions would be much more effective than the pikemen in rough terrain and are more versatile overall. I don't think changing them is a good idea.

>>12848116

Has there been rain since our arrival?

If the prevailing wind doesn't blow toward our camp, we should have blackbird's raiders attempt to light the grasses ablaze up wind of the enemy camp.

if the wild fire works, we have the potential to injure enemy forces and damage their supplies. If blackbird's raiders do keep his promise of crippling their supply lines... oh goody.

Also, could we perhaps claim some trees to make 7-8 ft "flyer fences" i'm sure we have an engineer or something that could make a bunch of thin poles portable and able to screw up a pesky bird or two when they strike the pole at those wonderfully fast speeds they like to charge at? or we could just have 5-10 guys in each unit carry a long ass stick straight in the air?

>>12848206
Were they destroying them? Didn't pay close attention to the numbers. Regardless, pikes replaced spear formations for a reason in history so it might be worthwhile doing after this campaign if we don't do it now.

I'm thinking we should do the caravan plan guys. Right now, the enemy has the advantage with their air cavalry so they are likely going to try to abuse it as best they can before we have a counter. I think the chances of the caravan being spotted by the valks are better than random outriders and it's a risk we should take. Plus, a minor escort might be able to deal with any outriders that find it or at least stop them from closing in.

>>12848239
Interesting idea. Sort of like those sharpened stakes archers used against cavalry, but for valks? I like it.

>>12848239

Exactly my idea, hence the question about nets.

>>12848253
combination of that and the viet cong tactic of putting bamboo in clearings to take out helicopter blades when they attempted to land. Couldn't see the damn things due to being above them.

>>12848279

Problem being that they don't hover and descend like the hueys did.

>>12848242
Yes, once they got past the pikes they absolutely annihilated them. It was a massacre.

Also bear in mind that the greatest advantage of our legions are versatility. Going long spear is going to really hamper that.

>>12848253
>>12848279
Sound like we have a plan, blasting them out of the sky, perhaps catching a few, and skewering the others

And our power still grows, try maintaining an effective formation as an earthquake goes on beneath your feet, the very ground opening up to swallow you.

>>12848182
yes. 7 or so. make what, a net? depends on whos making it. yes, you do have some (fucking) rope, and yes, that means I get to keep my knife.

the fences are another good for one use idea, after that the fliers will simply come at you from a different direction, or wait until friendly infantry take the poles down

>>12848300
at the "crazy amounts of speed" they're going, a pole roughly 4-6 inches wide shouldn't be very visible, and even if they DO see it, they may not have time to dodge a rough wall of them.

The idea is mostly that the mounts will strike the poles with their wings and be disabled. bonus points if the rider is crushed by the tumbling mount or killed by the impact with the ground.

Actually now that I've thought it through a little more, I think we should save our trump cards for the next attack. They're going to plan their attack with no idea they exist and having their, hopefully, devastating effects occur in the middle of a pitched battle could be more useful than the caravan plan just eliminating the unit. I don't know... What are your thoughts on the matter guys? Think we should use the trump cards in the next pitched battle where they will be a surprise or hope we can take out some valk units before the battle with the caravan plan?

>>12848328
What if they never take them down? We can have a few soldiers in the formation carry them with the unit. We don't need many to completely fuck up a charge.

>>12848300
Yes, they rocket down at high speeds, which makes it so much better when we have spears up. the helicopters might've been damaged or found that they had to find a new landing zones, the dive bombing birds will impale themselves.

>>12848328

Net fences alone won't cut it.

The idea being to affix large hooks onto the nets.

The moment those fliers plow into them, they'll get cut up and trapped and be unable to fly. Once they drop to the ground, our infantry can finish them quickly.

If we make several of these fences to them so that they can raise them at the last minute, they'll be hesitant to even dive down to charge.

>>12848334
The valk ambush plan should be used immediately, but I think the poles should be used in the next battle.

>>12848328

even if the fence only works the first time, it still remains as area denial for those flyers. Anything static we have (ie: siege weapons!) would carry enough to screw with flyers from any direction.

>>12848349
>>12848330

The main problem I see with this is that we're doing this in the plains, not in the forest where daisycutters had prepared landing fields. It worked for the VC because they knew exactly where to expect the enemy.

We cannot predict where the enemy will dive down for speed and it takes quite abit of time to prepare. It just takes a different angle of approach and a sharp eyed rider to notice the stakes and they'll just dive elsewhere.

>>12848383
That's why we have like 5-10 men in every unit carry these poles around as the unit moves. Even a 3 to 4 inch pole will completely destroy an eagle's wings at those speeds.

>>12848405

Um, they don't charge directly on top of our units.

>>12848116

>the Valkerie knights attack by swooping down to pick up crazy amounts of speed, then level off to charge like normal cavalry (but 6 or 7 feet off the ground)

Unless I read this wrongly, they fly about, choose an empty area, swoop down to near ground level and charge towards other units like conventional cavalry.

The fun thing about our unit is the regular is thrown entirely out the window. You're out of range of our catapult? No you're not. You're charging after the first round of bolts expecting time to reload? Well do we have bad news for you.

The cunning son will have no way to prepare for us as we're constantly changing and improving

so, what do you guys want to do then?

rolled 93 = 93

FUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu, leaving to see the opening of Harry Potter 7, CURSES! Oh well, it will still be going when I come back, I won't tell you guys the spoilers either xD.

>>12848437

they charge on the level, but they would probably FLY BY while attacking, avoiding getting stuck into a fight.

confirmation on that, Pax?

>>12848461

implement caravan trap plan

>>12848443
That's kind of why I don't want to do the caravan plan. We'll have so many surprises for them in the next battle, he's going to be in over his head and hopefully we can exploit that fact and either crush a lot of their units or capture him. Assuming he comes at us next.

>>12848461
Ambush with carts and hunters. Send Sansa to be sure it works right, we can trust her to be smart. Start crafting mobile poles to haul around in the formation for next battle to keep eagles from doing anything to us.

>>12848484

However theres also the good chance that we can catch a good number of his valk knights and take them out of action.

The moment this is done, his best tactical resource is depleted and he'll have to fight our ballista anyways.

Pax, need some confirmation.

Based on our last battle, what was the equipment of the valks knights? Did they have bows or just CC weapons?

>>12848506
It's more the repeater crossbows on our rangers that I want to keep as a surprise for the real battle. Against a cunning foe, the more you can surprise him the better the battle will likely end up is the way I see it. We could still decimate his valks in the battle and it would likely make the guy speechless seeing a unit like that get ripped apart in seconds when he's expecting our units to scatter.

>>12848480
yea, they buzz over the unit, beginning their assent after they hit something. They are at the 6-7 foot level for only a few seconds. Its drop, fly level for 10 to 15 feet (at maximum speed) hit the target, start gaining altitude before you are slow and at striking level.

>>12848482
>>12848486
it will take a few hours to get the big repeaters down from your walls, and 5 days for wagons to get to stone fort and back. You will need to send at least one crew to man the repeaters with the caravan. The Black Week starts in 4 days

>>12848526
full plate armor and polearms (halberds, lances, spears, scythes, polehammers ect) for the riders. some have javelins as well, but not all (its too damn hard to be accurate moving that fast from as far out as these guys normally are. Elves are known to train to use bows while flying, but most men lack the natural skill, or years of fighting condition to train enough to do so)

>>12848550
Why are we sending the carts to the stone fort? Why not send them out and pretend we are making traps or something and using supplies from the carts? That way they can stay close and not have to go all the way to the SF, yet still do the ambush. We can also set up a lot of archers or whatever in the surrounding terrain too, instead of relying just on the repeater ballistas.

Considering that we appear to be sending a convoy of equipment to Stone Fort, this needs a substantial guard in order for them to take the bait.

What I suggest is having Jayne's unit, one of our legionarie units and one of our ranged units. A small, tactically flexible force to guard the caravan. Jayne's presence will show that we place a great importance on this caravan's safe delivery.

If the valk knights have bows, our legionaries can shield our archers while they loose arrows. If they attempt to charge, the legionaries can then use the nets+hooks or spikes to trap and deflect the valks.

Should they encounter another force from another lord (non-valks), the ballistas should only be used as a last resort, allowing us to keep them under wraps.

If they are attacked by the valks, they should the turn back and return to our camp since the mission is complete. If not, perhaps they should deliver the prototypes to Stone Fort to help in their siege. In such a battle, they will see heavy usage.

>>12848621
The whole point is we won't have a heavy guard on it to try and entice an attack. If it is heavily guarded they won't attack.

>>12848607
you are up against medieval Creed. If they seem to be loitering he will suspect that something is up. And since the flying scouts are most likely small groups, not the whole wing they would need to stop back home to get everyone together, which would mean reporting whats up (a group of caravans just kind of meandering around a ways away from the enemy camp. hmm, I wonder what that smells like?)

>>12848621
That's a lot of guys you want to send away for this plan... If we're going to get hit soon at our base by the enemy, we're going to wish we had them badly. At best, we'll be taking out a unit of valks but leave our fort under strength.

On that note, I think we should set up some minor barricades outside the fort in the directions the enemy can approach for our ranged units. In front of these barricades, we should also put some of those covered pits to hit any units of cavalry that try to charge what is behind the barricade.

>>12848550
Then we should order the repeaters down from the walls for combat deployment
maybe 2 at most.

And is the rags meets riches couple getting their meet or are we going to listen in on it?

>>12848646

It's not a heavy guard.

This is the same size as the scouting force we first demolished with mostly cavalry.

He might want the chance to do the same back.

>>12848654
That and didnt you say we'd be able to see them now? before we weren't watching for them and as we expect them now we could keep an eye out.

>>12848717
they ARE small groups then. 2 to 3 flying around at extreme altitude, look like small birds in the distance unless you know better/bust out your telescope and check, which your men are under orders to do now

Ah screw it. I seem to be the only one opposing the caravan idea at this point so we might as well go in it all on the same train of though. I just hope they get seen earlier rather than later and we don't have to wait the full 5 days to find out what's happened.

so, caravan with two heavy repeaters and crew, Jaynes wing, Aurelius' hunters, and a Legionary battalion (tell me which), with two wagons, one for each repeater?

>>12848888
Send whichever Legionary battalion that has less men. I think we'll want the one with more men back with us to defend in the event we do get attacked. I hope they don't attack us all out.

>>12848888
Some of the other carts as well, perhaps with some food we really dont need or trash.
what worrys me is that some 300 troops would be seen as too much of a risk for the knights.

I disagree with using Jayne's wing. Use the merc cavalry instead.

>>12848888

The legionnaires should bring the anti-valk measures we noted.

Some sharpened poles along with the net fences with hooks on them to stop valk charges.

can we modify the heavy repeaters to throw flechettes or shrapnel?

>>12848923
Same honestly. There's the chance they might send multiple units to take it out although I'm hoping that's not likely due to this caravan being in our lines.

>>12848962
No, save that for the battle.

Don't use Jayne's wing. As others said, that's too many troops gone. We might get hit by his main force if we send that much out on this plan.

>>12848923
>>12848977

I suspect after losses and detachment duties for Blackbird and Laelith, we're looking at a maximum of only 250. Likely about 230.

>>12848979

We're trying to take out as many valks as we can. As many anti-valk measures we can throw out now will catch them repeatedly off guard allow us to kill more.

so then 99th hunter (65 men (10 guarding Laelith until she returns tomorrow)) 454th Legionary (130 men (20 guarding Laelith)) 2 valistae and a merc cav unit? which one?

>>12849021
If it won't delay the trap, I say do it then. If it will delay it though, let's save it for battle. I don't want these men gone longer than necessary during the eclipse. The sooner they get back, the more time we have our troops for a potential offensive during the next week.

>>12849060

Without Jayne we don't have decent field commander.

Since Jayne was targeted for assassination, her presence in this convoy makes it much more likely that it will be attacked since she's viewed as a high value target.

>>12849060
Send the horse cavalry I guess. The velociprey still might be useful if we come across the men-at-arms, unless Creed son has found a way to counter them.

>>12849060
The horsemen, not the velocipreys.

>>12849088
This is true. I change my mind to have Jayne go. Her elementalism might be useful in taking out more knights as well.

>>12849088
We should send Sansa. She's a hunter and a good archer too. Clearly the best for this mission. I mean, you would send Jayne if it was a cavalry raid right? Send Sansa for an archery trap.

>>12849113

I was thinking of sending Wulf to be attached to the archers.

Budding tactician, air elementalism, good with bows. He's a good match for this ambush.

>>12849106
I doubt it, they have to get very very close for that remember? She isn't going to be stopping the hearts of a dozen of them at once and having the ranged capabilities of the horsemen is better than the standard melee-only that the bear cavalry has.

Just send Sansa if we need a commander.

>>12849113
They likely won't be able to spot Sansa though while the bear cavalry will jump out at them that A) Jayne is involved and B) This is important enough for us to send our heaviest cavalry.

>>12849113
Hmm, you're right, we should send Sansa with the Merc cav, their numbers were things a bit but they should be fine.
Should Sansa walk with the rangers of ride on a borrowed horse?

Which reminds me, we should give each of our Captains a horse.

>>12849138

The normal horse cavalry has only melee. They don't have ranged either.

Pax raised a point that they might be attacked by other elements from another lord. They would be a powerful match against such an outrider force.

>>12849142
It's already important if we are sending all these forces out, dude. We don't want to OVER prepare here. We still need to lure them in. This is an ambush, not an attempt at secure transport.

>>12849178
They have javelins. Yes, a ranged attack but not something we can rely on against valkyries. Javelins aren't known for their range or armour penetration.

Why haven't we tried the hussite wagon fort ruse yet?

>>12849178
Esperitus Raiders
Kurt Dorias
Horse, spear, chainmail, javelins
40/60

They have javelins. What are you talking about? It will only enhance our chances of wiping out eagles.

>>12849181
I suppose. It just seems like having Jayne there makes it seem even more important since they went so far as to try to assassinate her.

Ugh. If we can capture Creed son, life will become so much more simple. I hate all this analyzing we have to do just to make a simple trap work.

>>12849189
Javelins have fantastic armor penetration, they just have limited range. But that won't be much of a problem if things go as we think they will.

>>12849226
Because the 300 odd troops protecting the TWO WAGONS isnt evidence.
We likely dont even need to send Jayne or Sansa.

>>12849189

dude, javelins completely fuck armour up

last campaign when we were assaulting the first site of ruins they had lacertans with javelins that went through shields and plate and still had enough momentum to kill

if the raiders hold their fire until the very last moment before the enemy dive/charge then all throw at once, i think they could get a fair number of valks

so The Espiritus Raiders for cav and Sansa in command? If yes I'm gonna get this pony show moving again

>>12849226
Having Jayne there is not important at all. For all you know, those assassins just picked out the targets after they got to camp.

No bears, they can't even hit the eagles. Use merc horses with javelins.

>>12849240
Bwah? From what I've read, javelins wouldn't be the best thing to rely on penetrating plate mail.

>>12849224

I doubt it'll be of much use against a fast moving target. Javelins were meant to be thrown into masses of infantry.

>>12849181

They'll see Jayne (High value target) guarding a caravan. Implication is that its another high value target.

The chance to destroy both will be a big incentive for him to try and destroy them.

>>12849262
Yes, do eet. Let's go, this discussion is taking forever.

>>12849255
And our Legionnaire group should be Cornelius', give him the chance to gain renown ourside our command and we'll need the vet incase of Elf skirmish.

>>12849255

It's not 200. We barely have over 200 men after attrition and detachment for other duties.

>>12849268
Or an incentive to send a real force to attack it rather than raiding with eagles. Remember that the flyers have telescopes! They will see Sansa is there and she was targeted too.

>>12849262

No, Jayne's cav.

Just start off with the two lovebirds while we keep arguing.

>>12849262
Just go with this then. We're not going to settle it at the rate we're going and you guys have fair points. Although I still maintain we send the Legionary battalion with the least amount of troops simply because we might need the one with more guys for defence.

>>12849265

it depends on the missile bra

the roman pilum went through just about anything, shields, armour and flesh (in that order)

the greek peltasts on the other hand had simple wooden throwing spears that weren't as effective

>>12849268
It's also highspeed with little last second chances for moving, hence you could really lob a javelin in the way A javilin might not have much penetration or a lone footmen, but a fast moveing eagle rocketing towards you only gives the throwing weapon more punch.

Ok, I'll concede as well but attach Wulf to the Archers.

His budding air elementalism and knowhow of bows will help out.

>>12849323
I agree.

Sansa in command.

Merc horse cav, Hunters, Cornelius's legion, two ballista carts.

Go!

>>12849345
Huh. Should of read up more on Roman history then. That and I figured the reason Khalless' men did so well was because they were Lacertan's doing the throwing. The guys built of muscle and all. My mistake then.

Gentlemen, last thing on the ambush agenda is ROE.

This is what I propose:
If attacked by flying cavalry, spring the ambush, then return.

If attacked by normal elements, attempt to keep the ballista secret.

If no attacks, bring ballista to stone fort and return.

>>12849413
I can support this.

>>12849413
Return WITH the ballista, right? We don't need to be giving away our trump cards.

>>12849413
if they dont get attacked at all then they should come back where we need them for the impending attack of creed son

also, Pax, where can we find and capture a griffin?

>>12849427

News from degrian is that we have 3 more half-finished.

If the ambush fails, stone fort could do with the artillery since they seem to be in a bad situation.

And of course there'll be the difficult talk with Sansa telling her that we'll be wanting to use her as Bait.

two wagons and some 200 soldiers protective them should be evidence enough that it should be attacked.

>>12849427
Stone fort isn't doing so hot and I believe we have 5 ballista. Any help we can give them will look good on us and good for our overall campaign.

>>12849439
I'd prefer a pegasus. They can hover.

You make your way down your tower, passing Kyria on your way down, she stops and places her hands on her hips and opens her mouth to start saying something "Dont know what your talking about" you cut her off, planting a peck on her cheek, sash held in your hand in your trousers pocket. As you round the second to last corner to leave the tower you still havent heard Kyria begin to move from where she froze. Within three hours the ambush force is ready. Sansa stands near her horse near the front of the group. She repeats the plan back to you flawlessly before adding "If this works I think I get an answer out of you."

>>12849439
I don't suppose theres a chance we could hold out for a drake is there? Cuz that would be awsome and considering the draconic theme that the Empire has that would score us bonus points.

>>12849459
We had three, working. another three are in production.
We also have a small catapult, was that modified to it's increased range yet?

>>12849459
Dude, we are facing the best commander on this front and the Stone Fort has two maniples plus reinforcements. It's FINE. We need to stop giving away our firepower. First Laelith now this. We need to be ready because this guy is going to fuck our shit up if we aren't careful.

>>12849469

Oh damn, did they bring the traps?

>>12849467

well then we can get a hippogriff

>>12849469
That depends entirely on the question.

>>12849469
If it works then you'll have *earned* an answer. Good luck and stay safe.

>marry, defarl
Yeah, seems things are heading that way capcha.

>>12849483

Not sure. We'll have to check.

>>12849484

Stone Fort has suffered 30% casualties and has specifically told all other maniples that relief from them is not possible. They're taking a bad battering.

>>12849480

the emperors palace is made out of the bones of a dragon

i seriously doubt we can find one to ride

>>12849484
Based on the last reports we got, they weren't doing fine. It's not like we're crippling ourselves by giving it to them since we have more and more that will be done soon. It's going to take 5 days for them to return anyways.

>>12849469
"If it does work, I'll gladly give you one Sansa."

>>12849517
Yes, and two repeater ballistae aren't going to turn that tide. They could turn it down here.

>>12849480
The dragon theme is due to the fact that the EMpire was formed ny killing three of the 7 immortal dragons, the most of any of the kingdoms in the Land during the wars that ended the First Age. Most everything draconic in nature got corpsified due to how horrible of a war it was (which is why Griffins are the kings of the sky, as opposed to drakes or dragons.)

>>12849489
its a sharpened wooden pole, your Rangers made a few while the rest of the force was mustering.

>>12849522
Well how about a wyvern then? Though I was only talking about a drake then smaller cousin origionally...

>>12849541

How about the nets + hooks fence.

The fence isn't too important. The nets + hooks are.

>>12849535

Actually it can.

The siege engines need to be used from a fixed position and the enemy forces are assaulting a fixed one: stone fort.

We might not be able to use ours since we may engage them in the field. Stone fort WILL since it's the site of the battle itself.

We should give Sansa a hug too before she goes.

>>12849541
>>12849522
Welp that shuts me up then

>>12849541

so where can we find a griffin nest?

>>12849585
"I'll need you to come home to get that answer out of me Sansa, am I understood?"

>>12849561
>yes, they have three full hooknet fence sections.

"If it works I suppose you would have earned one." You reply, as Sansa pulls you into a hug "Stay safe" you add as she releases you. You give her a boost up onto her horse and watch the caravan set off. You really hope this works.

An hour later you find yourself outside Janos' locked room. "Janos, good news!" you announce as you enter; the noble is sitting sullen in a corner staring at his hands as he flexes them in the dark.

"What is that?" he asks "My father already paid my ransom so he can marry me off?" he is starting to grow a slight beard, it isnt very becoming in your opinion.

>>12849585
>>12849618
And should we slip the Kyrias sash into her pocket when we hug her?

>>12849607
>mountains, either the peaks or near plains

>>12849650

"Kaitlyn is with child."

/trollface.jpg

>>12849653

why? we dont want them getting TOO competitve to the point where it becomes a problem

also, are we a bonified man-whore?

>>12849650
Fortunately for your love life, that is not the case. To show you I am a man of my word, I'm allowing you and Kaitlyn to have some time together alone. You can see that I have not harmed her in any way."

>>12849668

then once this campaign is concluded, i think a mountian hike is in order

>>12849650
"Better, he's arranged for the marriage to happen when you get back, I've met the lucky person.

He's seems nice.

Jokes aside, both you, your beloved, and your men have been excellent house guests, so i've decided to allow your meeting with her again."

>>12849682
No. A wife and concubines is normal in the Empire, so we are just awesome. Hopefully we can find some hot magess to add to the collection eventually too.

Tell him that because they have both behaved we're going to let them spend time together, and have food brought for them. Also say that we suspect she is with child but trying to hide it from him.

>>12849682
No, we are a bonified pimp.
>>12849650
"close but no. actually I was going to see if you wished to see kaitlyn"

>>12849732
We could always go the Old Realm route and make them all our wives.

>>12849751

we would have to push three beds together

>>12849766
Custom bedroom: Bed takes up 500 square feet. Room for all!

>>12849783
Although I would see that as a challenege to find a way to collect a harem large enough to fill it.

>Hopefully we can find some hot magess to add to the collection eventually too.
I can support this. We need a redhead. Pic related?

I vote for a hot redheaded elf magess, personally. Elves are always hot by default, right?

>>12849805

we're Justinian mofuggin' Trentz

we'll find a way

>>12849812
I am suddenly thinking of an attractive nordic redhead mage.

>>12849814
Truer words have never been spake

"Better. You and the mother of your child have been excellent guests, so I will allow the two of you to spend some time together. Come." you reply, motioning for him to follow you with your left hand, right resting on your swords hilt to remind him not to try to run.

"I didnts, she's... rrrrgh" is all that Janos can utter in way of a response as he moves to follow you, the eagerness showing on his face. You deposit the lordling in the tent you chose and made your way over to Kaitlyns tent next.

"Ah, my _polite_ guest" you greet her as you enter. She was waiting four you, watching the door, her face falls at your intonation.

"What did Janos do then?" she asks, her face falling nearly to tears again. The thought of having any less time with her beloved before she looses him must be crushing.

"Nothing I would have done had he just given me the news I gave him." you reply, sitting as you did for your last conversation with her.

"And that is?" she asks, cresfallen.

"He was... agitated, when I told him that the Lord he is to be wed to is a stronger man than he. I recieved a letter from his father; a veiled threat, Lord Gandrior is a mountain of a man, famous in both of our nations, had I not bested him on the field during the last war I would have released Janos today." you reply, your face not betraying your lie in the least, though you do almost crack at the look on Kaitlyns face. "Considering the circumstances I decided to forgive Janos' transgressions. Come." You lead the young woman into the tent.

>cont'd

She rushes over to Janos and embraces him as soon as she enters "I'm so sorry." she exclaims, her grip intensely tight by the look of it.

"W-why?" Janos asks, confused and worried.

"She tried to abort your child" you respond nonchalantly. Both of them turn to glare at you,growing tired of the bad joke.

"I heard you were to be wed to Lord Gandrior on your release, Commander Justinian told me about the letter." Kaitlyn replies seriously.

The color drains from Janos' face and he begins to visibly shake, barely managing to stutter out a "what" over a few minutes.

>how do you want to lay the ground rules for their chat?

>>12849897
Wait, what? Why did we lie to them like that? If they ever find out those were lies, this entire thing goes bust. Bloody hell.

We'll let them talk in private for 30 minutes and then re-enter the room to separate them. I think that's a generous amount of time. Of course, the tent will be watched from outside to make sure they don't try to escape and such.

>>12849897
Tell them that they will be given two hours together, and to cherish them. We will have food and drink brought in a few minutes. Make it something salty and/or dry, and have the drink be wine. That should loosen mental restraints and make things go better. Apologize for the jokes and say that we truly are sorry that they have so little time together, and wish the war didn't force it to be so.

>>12849930
>simmer, I'm not railroading your work to hell, just wait for it. Your game has been keeping them off balance, and the preggers thing isnt going to work much longer. Your evolving your game

>>12849936

This will do.

However give them 3 hours when we said 2.

They will be appreciative of the extra time.

>>12849936
Two hours should be good, with the occasional eavesdropper coming by giving us what's been said so far

>>12849936
>Make it something salty and/or dry, and have the drink be wine.
Devious. Make sure it's unwatered wine. Potent stuff.

>>12849897
"what Janos? I thought you would be pleased to learn of your upcoming nuptuals. Lord Gandrior will make a fine husband although I have a few doubts about the likelyhood of this union producing an heir"

Lying to prisoners who you are trying to Stockholm or gain the trust of, even if it's a joke, is retarded. That just undid everything we've accomplished so far.

>>12850004
I have to agree... Those jokes were in poor taste.

Abortion jokes? When we're trying to set the mood for them to be sentimental?

Really?

>>12850047
Sorry for that, seems he took my initial wording and rolled with it... into a ditch

>>12850047
eh, he's our prisoner. I know we're trying to woo him and everything but I think we get to be a bit of a dick to him every now and again. Really as long as we don't make it too serious I think we're okay, we just made a joke about the love of his life attempting to abort his possible firstborn, I doubt he's going to take us very seriously when we say his father told us who Janos is to marry when he gets released

"Arent you pleased over your coming marraige Janos? You wont even need to worry about there being an heir to raise." you continue, your facade barely holding. However between Janos shrinking back from you, and Kaitlyn, who barely reaches Janos' chin steps between you and him in a show of protection, your mask breaks and you laugh. You take some time to collect yourself before continuing "There has been no letter actually. Your Lord father has known of your captivity for at least two days, and a fast rider could make the trip here under a white flag in half of one. I would never let a falsehood linger amongst myself and any of my friends, and though we be on opposite sides of this war, that is how I count the two of you. I will give you two hours to share a meal with each other, I will provide both food and wine for you, as well as near perfect privacy. I will stop by the outside of the tent from time to time to ensure you arent plotting an escape and that is all that will break your privacy together. Cherish this time, as your days together are numbered, and the time within those days controlled by me. Continue your politeness and I will do my best to maximize it." you reply, before leaving. the chef brings them salted trout, roasted roots, and some of your best red wine.

You go about your business in the camp, you walk past periodically, the conversation going from "are you certain"s to "how quickly"s to "but what can we do?"s. One subject never broached, even though you pass nearly once a quarter hour.

>how do you want to end their time together today?

>>12850119
>one subject never broached

Clarification please?

>>12850119
Bleh. The joke idea was still bad I think. It just made us look kind of stupid. Make our presence known before coming in I guess and telling them time is up.

>>12850119
Stick our head in, and tell them to say their farewells, we will be back in fifteen minutes to take them to their respective cells. Add that we hope that they will get to see each other again, but feel that his father may attack soon and... well, we can't promise anything. Much to our sorrow.

Then we should probably talk with Katelyn alone to see how she is doing. Tell her that it's obvious Janos loves her, and sympathize with her. Maybe some suggestions about how she can always control her own fate.

Make a passing remark as to how a man, while he can't change his stars, can choose to pay no heed to them.

>>12850150
the obvious out you have half-mentioned. and yea, the jokes weren't the best idea you guys had, but there were plenty of bad joke suggestions, so I was kinda obliged to roll with them 50/50 suggestions and all. :(

>>12850119
First off, what subject isn't broached? As for breaking up the two, I would suggest we do so in a delicate manner and ensure them that as long as they maintain the good behaviour that they have displayed so far, they will be able to see each other fairly often-perhaps even daily.

Man, I hope we get better at this manipulation and jokes stuff before entering politics.

>>12850189
We never suggested dragging the jokes out like that, it was supposed to be a quick witty comment. And the abortion thing? Nobody suggested that. Ugh.

>>12850189

I think the idea was that he sounded so dour we could poke him a little before we got down to business.

Not a whole mess of bad jokes.

>>12850189
>idea you guys had
Wut? Forgive me, I didn't see that trainwreck suggested anywhere.

>>12850215
Hey, Justinian is having a tough couple of weeks, we are apparantly the only maniple not getting raped and that's only because mini-creed hasn't decided to attack us yet. If we have to crack a few bad jokes to keep us from going insane, I'm alright with it.

>>12850215
>>12850207
>my bad, I suck with comedy so I wont use any that you guys dont clearly outline from now on

You put your head through the tent flap, both of them are flushed in the face and Kaitlyn is practically on Janos lap, the bottle of wine you gave them missing a decent amount of what it had when you gave it to them. They aren't drunk, but their heads most certainly aren't clear "I will be taking the two of you back to your cells next time I pass this tent. I will do my best to give you more time together, but with the high probability of Lord Stant attacking in the near future I am unable to promise much." you make sure to add a hint of sadness to the second comment. The couple nods sadly in way of response.

"He really does want to help us, doesnt he?" you hear a voice ask as you leave.

"Perhaps, but his humor can be aggravating." the other adds bluntly, but not without humor.

"Perhaps he can be a jester in our hall after we are freed and wed." comes the response.

"What, and frighten off all of the other nobles? We would have no sway in the kingdom!" the other replies, clearly in good humor.

"Thats how he would help us spend more time together, I wouldn't mind a few poor jests if it bought us more time alone." comes a cooing response.

"You have an excellent point, love. If only this were more than fantasy." the masculine voice responds.

"Well, we could always..." the response trails off before the thought can be finished.

>>12850351

it seems like kaitlyn is thinking about defecting, and if she decides to do it, then janos cant be far behind

>>12850351

And the Inception is complete.

Now for a push.

It's about time we suggest sending the prisoner train elsewhere.

>>12850351
When we take Kaitlyn back to her tent we should sit with her and apologize that we can't give her more time. Add that we know they have all too little together as it is, and it's obvious that Janos loves her and she him. Lastly ask her if there is anything she wants. She is an enemy, so we can't do as much for her as we would otherwise be able to, but as the commander here we can at least try to let them say goodbyes before he is ransomed off.

That should be enough to push her over the edge.

justasplanned.jpg

>>12850298
I cracked the joke about the male suitor, but only lightly mentioned.

>>12850351
How nice, seems they dont want to have us killed. Maybe we should ask about propaganda used against us next time we drop by?

>>12850413
Do it near the tent so they can hear it. Just talk to a nearby guard about how full our pens are and then mention aloud at how we may have to send the normal soldiers away soon.

>>12850424
I'd say mention that she is a soldier of the Enemy nation, rather then saying she herself is our enemy.

>>12850429
Have one of the prison guards talk loudly to us as we the tent, voicing his concern about the amount of food and water being consumed, and the drain on personnel and resources that having so many prisoners is.
Agree, and say that we are considering having a detachment from Fluemos come and take them away.
Guard: Including the lordling, sir?
Us: No. He's still too valuable. He will be staying here, in any case.

>>12850429

This would be good. Something casual.

Let that stew for abit and then reenter the tent.

>>12850469

Abit too much info I'd say. Makes us look weak instead but it's the right idea.

Have a soldier come up to us regarding the prisoners and ask for orders.

We then tell him to begin preperations for moving the prisoners save the lordling.

As you return to the tent you decide to give the pair a few more moments "What is the status of the pens, guard?" you ask the guard after dismissing his salute.

"Near over-full sir. what are your plans for the prisoners?" he responds, businesslike.

"Prepare them for transfer to Flumenos then." you order, the guard does not leave immediately however.

"Thank you, commander. watching the lot of them is becoming tiresome. What of the Nobleborn one?" the guard asks, curious.

"Well, he is worth considerably more, as are his guards. I suppose I'll keep them on-hand. Besides, I feel somewhat sorry for his situation. Arranged marriages are seldom happy, and to be forced into one after finding ones soul-mate... One of the reasons I'm glad to live in the Empire. No such worries."

The guard grins "So have you made your decision yet commander?" clearly your men have been watching your progress with some interest.

"I havent decided yet, to be honest." you reply truthfully, feeling the conversation has run its useful course you salute the guard and enter the tent. the couple share an embrace, then you motion for Kaitlyn to follow you. "I truly am sorry that I am unable to give you more time." you tell her as you escort her back to her cell. "The feelings you and Janos share for each other are obvious, if there is anything you would ask of me, feel free to do so. While your status as soldiers of the nation warring with mine limits what I can do; as Commander of this Maniple I can still do much for the two of you." Kaitlyn thinks quietly for the rest of the short walk back to her cell. "Think on it, I shall return tomorrow eve if the both of you are well behaved. You may make your request then." At that you close and lock the door to her cell.

>anything you want to put in Janos' ear while walking him back?

>>12850599

"What would you do, should your father decide to ransom for you."

This should not be the first thing we ask. Make some small talk and drop this question.

>>12850599
Apologize for the tasteless jokes. Blame it on the, I assume, not so well rested night we had thinking up strategies. Then I suggest we tell him that we're going to send his father a letter soon about his capture so that he may have his chance to leave our camp sooner than he thinks. Hopefully that puts a bit more pressure on him to think about staying. Thoughts guys?

>>12850599

offer the same thing we offered to kaitlyn

>>12850599
I think we've said all that we need to say, we need to get some group training in.

>>12850599
Tell him that we understand he is at a difficult time, but while we will do whatever we can for the two of them while they are here... but once the ransom is paid we will be forced by the rules of war and his status as our prisoner to send him back to his father. Apologize, and say that you can see they obviously love each other... and hope our relationships with our ladies work out to be as full of love as theirs is. This might provoke some questions, hopefully, and we can tell him about how we're courting for love... indeed, even considering marrying a former enemy of ours who sought a better life.

>>12850644
and all three of you didnt realize we were walking with kaitlyn this whole time?
The lordling was escorted away by guards while we lead her to her cell.

Apologizing for the jokes though, good.

>>12850599
"even though I was jesting about your arranged marriage earlier, you know it is an inevitability. I understand you feel loyal to your father but I also understand that you love Kaitlyn greatly. Your father has other sons, there is only one Kaitlyn." or something to that effect

>>12850704
I think that's a bit too blunt for what we're trying to do.
>>12850641
I agree with this.

>>12850689
hmmm, looking at the last part is confusing, we walked all the way back to the tent to escort Janos back while giving no parting words to Kaitlyn?

Did we ever check and see how the gods felt about us? The Love and Earth goddesses specifically.

When you return for Janos he is standing, waiting for you. "I apologize for my humor, your family has been keeping me busy; and my taste in humor goes when my sleep becomes less than restive, or to sparse."

Janos chuckles "It is of no concern. My brothers were the same when they were fighting. At the very least it gave me another topic to discuss on with Kaitlyn."

You smirk "Any jest made at the expense of your captor must be a sweet one." comes your reply. "On Kaitlyn, what you no doubt overheard is the truth. I do feel for you and Kaitlyn, and will do my best to give you time together, and anything else I can reasonably provide a soldier of the army I am deployed against."

Janos' smile fades as he returns fully to reality "Thank you. You are far kinder than I expect my father will be once he re-gains me." Janos replies.

"I had surmised as much from my conversation with you. Once your ransom has been agreed upon and paid I will be bound to free you however. and with what you expect your father to do, I doubt your guards will be freed with you. I would suggest you take every opportunity I give you to spend with her. Provided both of you continue to behave well I will allow you a dinner with your love tomorrow eve. Until then." you reply, nodding at Janos as you move to close the door.

"Thank you, Commander. Until the morrow then." Janos replies, nodding at you as the door shuts; though his eyes are clearly not focused on much of anything.

>well, anything else you want to do today?

>>12850724
>she was lost in thought. she nodded at you, but you did a good job of making her think treason again, stuff that heavy tends to make one forget their courtesies. Since that is kinda your goal, you let it slide.

>>12850788
In before Justinian adds the goddess of love and beauty to his harem since she's single.

>>12850804

ask Raynha whats up then have another elementalism training session

what are we gonna do with these guys once the're fully trained elementalists?

>>12850834
New quest objective: Added!

>>12850804
Get the engineers to make some traps in the field near our base. If the enemy engages us at our camp, we might want some traps here to deny certain paths to the enemy or hopefully have them walk into some as they try to charge our men in battle.

Otherwise see how the gods feel I guess. Oh, actually let's see if Finian is done the notes. Maybe we can find out what those last two gloves do exactly.

>>12850845
Also dig a bunch of those fall-through pits that heavy infantry or cavalry will fall through but our scouts, rangers, and hunters can stand on. We can shower the enemy with arrows then retreat... only to have the cavalry plunge into the pits as they give chase.

I just thought of another bit of leverage we have over janos... Kaitlyn, more specifically her ultimate fate. we need to start mentioning(subtly of course) that the men in Flumenos are from the nearby area and thus probably aren't going to be as civil as we have been to a member of the fairer sex captured in battle against the empire and that we are worried about how safe she will be once we eventually have to move her there.

>>12850839
Also Nyetini since we've been courting, favoring love (with the two captives), and sent those orcs supplies for growth. She should like us now.

>>12850890
That's just blunt and uncouth. It would be painfully obvious what we are trying to do.

>>12850897

talk to neshai too

>>12850890
Hmm. Perhaps the next time we see Janos, we can ask him how likely he thinks his father will ransom for his bodyguard back. The most likely answer will be no and then we can comment on that outloud as if we're mostly talking our self rather than him.

>>12850890

Let him bring that up. If we tell him that, we've just gone from friendly to THREATENING HIS LOVE INTEREST WITH RAPE.

How would we react to that?

That is right. We'd kill everyone that got in our way.

>>12850912
Neshai is an evil goddess of undeath, though. Then again, if we are going to study thought reading and necromancy (or other ways of extending life) we should probably get on her good side too.

Then again, she's probably at odds with Nyetini since their portfolios overlap.

>>12850890
Weeeee, really shouldn't.
We're starting to look at a friendship with us and Janos, no reason to make him fret.

Not saying we might not be able to help out the other members of his longbow bodyguard. Though they would have a good chance in the gladiator arena dontcha think?

>>12850914
no, we are not threatening her with rape. we are warning the poor man about the fact that the men who are not under our command might not be as well-behaved as ours. I was thinking of this as more of a desparation move but I still think it couldn't hurt to begin planting the seed in his mind that the men in flumenos are known as boorish womanizers with a grudge against Uurlanth. Maybe have his guards have a conversation about it where he can "accidentally overhear" it.

>>12850982
Dude, it would be as good as threatening rape. It's not fooling anyone here, it sure wouldn't fool him. It's painfully unsubtle and obvious.

You spend a few hours instructing Degrian, your engineer apprentices and Kyrias Rangers on the next set of traps they are to construct. You take care to mention that they are to be dug at night only, to avoid enemy flying scouts from noticing their addition.

By the time you are done with that it is nearly nightfall. You prepare to head to the elementalism tent; but you realize that you had dismissed the class until Laeliths return tomorrow. You instead decide to see what your standing with the divine is. You drop into your meditative stance, but instead of focusing on the earth below you, you focus on nothing waiting to see what comes to you.

After what feels like hours, though is likely mere minutes your minds eye places you in a stark white plane, totally barren. Incorporealy you float, surrounding your are 10 lights two red, two gray, two brown, two blue and two green. 4 of them feel warm and inviting, the others cold, or hot, and unhappy; while two seem indifferent to the demeanor of the others, though one sits grouped with those inviting shades, and the other with those more malicious seeming shades. With some focus you feel the kinder brown and green orbs presence more distinctly, as well as that of the indifferent green shade. With focus you could easily discern their source and have a better idea of their thoughts on you.

>well, which one do you want to check first?

>>12851021

raynha (ie friendly brown shade)

>>12851021
Nyetini. Then Raynha, then Neshai, then whoever else seems inviting and/or neutral.

>>12851046

Then Nyetini. Pray for Janos and Kaitlyn.

>>12851079
I don't know if we should be praying to them so much as just being bros with them. Ask Nyetini to keep an eye on our relationships, and Raynha to keep an eye on our women's safety. Those are pretty bro things to ask.

Ask Neshai if she knows anything about, you know, immortality or whatever.

>>12851121

One needs to be on an even footing to even begin that. For now, they're our patrons.

Praying to Nyetini so that she might use her influence on them so that they might defect faster.

>>12851175
Are they our patrons? As I recall, the last words that we really exchanged with them were "If you'd help me out, I'd see what I could do for you", or something to that effect. It was far more of an evenhanded business arrangement than a god/worshiper paradigm. Which, really, is probably as it should be; we don't want to get super-religious in a world that doesn't acknowledge the gods. It would make us look crazy and weak.

>>12851175
They aren't our patrons... they never have been. We've been generally being bros to them, and they are bros to us. We don't worship them, we just know that they exist and treat them with respect.

>>12850992
okay, maybe it was a touch... indelicate. I was just thinking that maybe it would light a fire under Janos.

First, you focus on the inviting brown shade, one of the two most interested in you. Raynha, goddes of the loyal defender, and earth. She approves of you, though is curious as to why you have not pledged allegiance to any of the gods now that you know of their existence. There is a warning from her as well, a great test within her domain awaits you when you awaken tomorrow; one she doubts you will be able to pass.

You feel yourself slide away from that presence into the embrace of the lighthearted playful green one. Nyetini, goddes of love and growth. She is happy with you for your work to aid her children in the north. She finds your antics with Jayne, Sansa, Kyria and Laelith amusing, and is quite glad that you were able to steal a worshiper away from Lamynus. She is proud of your efforts to save Janos and Kaitlyns relationship, and wants you to know that the tipping point of your efforts with them approaches soon.

Next you feel yourself slipping towards the shade opposite Nyetini. This one belongs to Neshai, goddes of death, wasting away and patience. She finds your manifold schemes to be interesting, if not simple. Your subversion of enemy nobles, and slow building of a power-base in your homeland. If only you had a more concrete endgame than "greatness".

>cont'd

As you leave your place at Neshais side you feel yourself fly past most of the others, to kind, to tame in your desires or parties, to many morals preventing you from grasping power... For a moment you are at the feet of Garagush, approving of your profession and thankful for giving HIS children a second chance, after the bitch took them from him. Then you are gone again to the Jogras Fireside, being admired for your placing your friends so highly amongst the facets of your life, and your willingness to befriend more, and show to them the same regard you keep those you already have in.

As quickly as it began you are once again in the center of the ring. You feel as if you are falling, moving faster than a Valkerie in flight, yet perfectly stationary at the same time. Your eyes jolt open suddenly, you look down to see the word "slaves" etched into the dirt between your legs. You move to get a better look at it, but when you finish shifting your body the earth is once again unmarred.

You are unable to think on the cryptic message however, as you can hear Finians voice outside your tent, asking permission to enter.

>>12851260
>Garurush, thankful

Now that was unexpected.

Who were his children?

>>12851260

well apparently mini-creed attacks tommorrow

i dont really know what "slaves" indicates

maybe the gods are slaves to some greater power?

>>12851260
Slaves, is it? Hmm. Seems there is some power that considers itself higher than the gods.

Let Finian come on in. Ask him about Runecraft while he's around since he's a blacksmith's son, provided there's nothing pressing.

>>12851282

I think he meant the orcs

That or some of the gods that dislike us consider us slaves to the other gods? There's also the potential that the more brash son is attacking us tomorrow, which could work out in our favor potentially. Regadless, the next battle is going to be painful if one of the gods thinks we won't do well at this trial... Let Finian in.

>>12851282
Garagush and Nyetini were intitially husband and wives. Nyetini is thankful for your helping her "children in the north".

Remember, Uurlanth has slaves as well...

>There is a warning from her as well, a great test within her domain awaits you when you awaken tomorrow; one she doubts you will be able to pass.
Fuck. Wake up fast, and stay on our toes. Everyone on alert.

>You are unable to think on the cryptic message however, as you can hear Finians voice outside your tent, asking permission to enter.
Talk with him first, I guess.

>>12851313

are the gods formenting revolt amongst uurlanth's slave population?

are we to free the slaves in the name of some god?

>a great test within her domain awaits you when you awaken tomorrow; one she doubts you will be able to pass.
>she holds domain over earth, loyalty and stability

So what domain are we talking here? Not stability, since we're already at war. Loyalty and earth are both possible. We should practice elementalism. I wonder if we learn Stonesense we could pull jedi-like tricks where we sense all the enemies around us and block and such.

I also advocate refining our earth-spikes into the ability to generate earth shields we can shoot up from the ground. Maybe like pull up a half dome or something.

>>12851340
I recommend we keep working on whatever aspect that will let us hollow out the ground without disturbing the surface. It would be hilarious to do that under enemy formations and have the ground collapse underneath them.

>>12851334

I expect we are meant to try and free them...

...and my worst case scenario is them being driven to attack us.

>>12851313
So, we're going to be fighting slave troops that are Empire citizens, and have to make the choice between protecting them or killing them to end the battle fast for glory. Hmmm.

>>12851313
has slaves, or recently gained a few on the road, and some wagons...

I feel like we should borrow one of the shades and send them out fast on a horse to check on the caravan, returning as soon as they find them, or evidence that they were attacked

Has the captain who never ceases to annoy us making steps on our own beloved? Has the mercenaries purses been feeling too light?

>>12851282
>>12851299
I think Nyetini is thanking us for helping the New Orcs (the pacifists), while Garagush likes what we're doing with Blackbird (Old Orc stock, and extremely war-like and militant).

>It is rumored that before the defeat of the Immortals and their dread legions there was a 7th Praetorian, one who spoke the will of the gods to the Emperor, but the Archivists will neither confirm nor deny this.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/12257873/#12257938

Justinian Trentz, Seventh Praetorian

I like the sound of that.

>>12851410
Our first step to becoming Emperor, surely, since you have to be one to be chosen.

>>12851410

well, we just became significantly more awesome

>>12851340
>the other chunk of her domain is defending things, especially those who cannot defend themselves

"Enter" you instruct Finian, almost no light entering the tent as there is still no mood tonight.

"I have finished the index, there are 9 tomes on necromancy, one one mysticism, and 6 on magic, 3 on the gods, 5 on arcana and the creation thereof, and at least 3 on the practical and theoretical applications of each element. The missives are in three groups, half are to or from "master" the rest are to "fellow lordfathers". I Also fully translated the descriptions of the arcana Khalless had. The amulets do indeed filter poisons, the monacl will show arcana, or the concentration of the arcane mists in the area. The former with the rings we initially grouped it with, the latter with the set of two rings. The marking blade can create white, black, and the base color of each element, the other two blades were accurately identified by the service you hired." Degrian takes a deep breath before finishing "Finally, the white glove is a training aide for magic, the purple for mysticism; both can destroy the sanity or body of a wearer who lacks the skill to use them after multiple uses. What would you like me to begin work on next?" Finian asks, sitting next to you on the ground.

>>12851425
>The marking blade can create white, black, and the base color of each element

What does this mean? Do the colours affect things or is it just cosmetic?

Difference b/w mysticism and magic?

>>12851425
Oh dear. We have so many delicious options. I say let's have him either start on the research into magic or the missives. It seems like Khalless was up to something with others and we might want a heads up on that to warn the rest of the empire and all. Might give us a hint on where his other wife went too.

>>12851425

i want you to work with kyria on developing runesmithing

i was thinking about this, and we should really match up finian with kyria

finian needs to get over his last wife, and kyria is nice and all, but finian needs her more than we do

>>12851425
What is the difference between magic and mysticism?

Tell him to translate the letters first, then elementalisim tomes, then mysticism tome, then the gods tomes, then magic tomes, then necromancy tomes, then arcana tomes, then everything else.

>>12851448
cosmetic, I'm sure you could find some uses for something like that if you think on it.

>>12851374
keeps slaves. Aurelius has been behaving, and the mercs are mostly happy as far as you can tell

>>12851464

In any case, send word to double the patrols and to keep their eyes open. Something is afoot today.

>>12851455
>finian needs her more than we do
That's not how love works. Ur doin it wrong.

>>12851459
magic: "I dont have to explain shit"/doing things that should be impossible

mysticism: fucking with other peoples heads (reding minds, putting images and thoughts in them, shit like that)

>>12851410
It does have a nice ring to it
>Justinian Trentz: Emperor
I like the sound of that a little better

>>12851459
Sounds good, we want to know what the hell Khall was up to.

At least The Widow doesnt seem to have gotten her hands on these items, had she, things could've been much worse.

>>12851480

as of yet, none of our POTENTIAL harem members have proclaimed their undying love for us

we have far too many women chasing after us as it is

finian is lonely and depressed after hearing that his wife, the one thing thats been keeping him going for many years, decided to dump his ass

dont you think helping him out is far more important than getting another piece of ass?

>>12851459

2nd working on the letters.

They're the most time-sensitive documents we have currently. After hes done, we can choose what to work on.

"Slavery" so the theme is forced submission
I think this is a sign for us to become the beacon of FREEDOM.
-tell janos that he shouldn't be a slave to his father's wishes, he must walk his own path with kaitlyn (and us)

-if the mini-creed attacks tomorow, we should try to undermine his command. before the battle begins try to talk to his soldiers and say something like "the only reason you bring war to my country is because a man in a far away castle wills it." and that they should think for themselves. it may do nothing for the battle but it could encourage them to desert later.

>>12851512

It's not what we want, it's what kyria wants.

We are not her father, it's up to her to decide.

>>12851512
Mmmm... no not really. I'm sure Finian can get back on his horse for a ride when he's good and ready. We don't need to be wetnurse for everyone and meddle in their lives. He's doing fine now, and it could be that a relationship is the last thing he wants. Dwarves live for hundreds of years, he has plenty of time.

>>12851499
Is it possible to master both?

>>12851512
And you think getting him a piece of ass, though a very nice one, is going to help eitherway?

Asides, they have all expressed an interest in us, and we've done the same. How do you think Kyria would feel if we sudden locked away and tried to force her on Finian? I really dont want to have a pissed off crafty marksmen and stealthy git wanting to go after us.

>>12851530

well, okay but i just kinda feel like a dick when we have pussy swarming all over us, and finian is alone as fuck

>>12851554
Beta as fuck.

"The missives please" you reply. "And what do you know of runesmithing?" you ask.

"Some. My father had me draft runes for my families blade. Though I dont know how well they worked, and if the blade was reduced from total perfection after the fact..." Finian replies, the subject still tender, but he brought it up himself this time, so he must be more comfortable with his past now. You hope.

>>12851512
Look, we have wars to run here, and our own romances to handle. Let's not start playing matchmaker with our captains- that will add a layer of complexity that we really don't need to our life.

>>12851425
We have those items all with us, right? Let's ask him to learn a bit more about the tomes on magic- if any of them can give us advice on how to learn it without going insane, that would be most excellent. The tomes on the creation of arcana take second place, since that could be an invaluable tool as well.

>>12851546

i wasnt proposing a one-night stand, just kinda introduce them and see what happens from there

>>12851562

"I'm sure not. They have inspected the runes first as they stand out the most. No, the flaw must have been something deep within it's grain. Don't worry about it, carry on."

>>12851562
Eh, let's not venture down that road yet. Kyria was doing fine on her own, best not to set him back to smithing just yet and reawaken his past until it has healed some.

>>12851512
>his wife
She wasn't his wife, man. She was his fiance.

>we have far too many women chasing after us as it is

Poppycock! Our antics amuse the goddess of love. It'd be a shame not to take them to the logical conclusion.

>>12851559

dont pull that shit on me

ALPHA AS FUCK is just an internet meme and you know it

>>12851578
How about no.

>>12851578
...
Maybe we should find Other dwarf women though. Kyria already knows Finian, and also knows he went through that Emo my armor isnt as black as my soul phase. I think most of the woman in our manple might not have wanted a piece of that.

Yes, it will be a possibility to find him a nice girl and our helping in that. But i dont think Kyria would be the best choice because she might be frightened by him. Many may still be.

>>12851578
>just kinda introduce them and see what happens from there

Dude. They've been serving under you for two campaigns now. They've met.

"I'm sure the fualt was not yours, carry on, friend." you reply, groggily. As Finian leaves you rise to head for your cot. As you drift off to sleep, you cant help but wonder what tomorrow will bring to your doorstep.

>This seems like a good place to stop. Someone archive please, I'll hang around to answer any questions until then. I'll be back late sunday (cant be sure as I'll be trying to prune up Bambi's family tree/celebrating my 21st this weekend so... yea.)

>>12851617

I also remember that we had a captain's party once our first campaign was over.

>>12851636

Pax, any chance the "have blackbird's raiders set a wildfire in the grasses to harass/damage the enemy's camp" idea would be allowed? Or are conditions not right for such shenanigans?

>>12851612

whatever, im too tired to keep arguing with you guys, i just wanna finish up this session and get some sleeeeep

>>12851653
their kinda cut off from you right now. You more or less gave him some men and said "go do your shit" since he more or less informed you that raiding is one of his ancestral pastimes. He might do that when he realizes that you are approaching endgame with this Lord, or he might have a more devious plan.

How is a Morale overall throughout the camp?
We'd taken some hits via the terrifying Valkyrie knights, but now that they see we've taken many measures against them will they perk up?

>>12851653
A wildfire could spread to hit us and go everywhere unfortunately and he's too far to give orders at this point. I think it's too risky anyways.

Thread archived. Assuming we are facing slaves the next day, any ideas on how we should deal with it?

>>12851671
about average. your usual soldier complaining/armchair pattoning, no one is really in "oh god we're getting our shit tossed" or "hells yea we're kicking these fuckers asses" mode; simply waiting for the next fight and hoping/training for the best

>>12851678

Theres the easy way and the hard way.

I expect, we'll be taking the hard way. For now though, we have no idea what we're facing.

Pax, when is Laelith due back?

>>12851669
Ahh. I didn't think he'd left yet.

also, about that tiny engineery guy we currently employ...

you mentioned that his body is ferret-like with a beaked cutebold head? Does he have ferret-like ears or more cutebold style ears? absolutely no reason why this is being asked. no sir.

>>12851695
Oh I meant any ideas on the hard way. I know what the easy way is and I fully intend to do the hard way. If we can get a gods favor, that will be a huge benefit in future campaigns. The assistance of a god in any manner would be damn useful. Hopefully our scouts can see what's coming before they get too close to camp. I don't want to waste the new traps on slaves.

>>12851695
tomorrow

>>12851699
cutebold ears, less of a dome-top though (flows into the beak fairly naturally)

>>12851715

thanks for the info!

Did we ever find out of those suicide amulets were actual basic'ish' arcane items?

Or are these some sort of creation only seen or heard around the Duchy?

>>12851715
So soon?

Huh, and here I thought we would have to wait for Cornelius to engage the enemy.

But then I just remembered that he's been fighting practically daily.

>>12851708

Well... We're gonna have to pray hard.

I'd suggest using the knife to recreate the symbols of Raynha, Danarius and maybe Jogra to beseech their aid in this time of crisis.

If we do it properly, giant valks of our own or the spirits of fallen warriors to help.

>>12851715
By the way: How big are orcs in this setting, anyway?

And I remember that I forgot to ask for a physical description of Blackbird.

>>12851744
Y'know, given our recent discovery of runesmithing, the permanent marker dagger might just come in handy.

>>12851744
Definitely... I think tomorrow's event will help determine if we can get that earth goddess support in the future though. If we can pull it off, we might get some help this campaign but we shall see what we are dealing with on Sunday hopefully. Looking forward to it.

if tomorrow we fight slaves, maybe we can scare them off with our elemental skills.
or maybe use our speechcraft to incite them to rebel.

>>12851794
I hope so. It all depends on how their forces are arrayed I imagine. Most likely the slaves will be leading the front as cannon fodder to slow us down and we're going to have to find a way to take out their professional units and crush their will to fight so they surrender. It's not going to be easy... We might take some harsh losses to try to save them.

>>12851754
Orcs (Young Clans) are about the size of a well muscled, tall human on average. They have greenish gray skin, and vestigial horns. Live 30 or so years.

Blackbird is about as tall as a Lacerta (7'8" or so) black skin (retconned salamanders black), muscular as hell, blue eyes, and a set of springbuck horns growing out of his forehead that give him another 6" or so.) He normally wears leathers (armor and cloths) and has more than a few scars on his body

>>12851819
Ah, thanks.

Oh, and have a happy birthday, Pax.

>>12851819
Indeed. Happy Birthday.

"I am addressing the ones who are here against their will. Your overseers are COWARDS, forcing you forward with a barbed whip and pointed sword. They are leading you to your deaths because they know they cannot defeat our might. If you continue on the path they lay before you I regret it with all my heart but I will be forced to cut you down. But you may redeem yourselves.
I will defend my home from allowing your overseers from making any slaves of the citizens I am sworn to protect. You may join me in stopping your overseers HERE. join me and redeem yourselves. redeem yourselves and you shall earn your freedom and honor back. JOIN ME AND SAVE YOURSELVES
TURN ON YOUR OVERSEER
TURN ON YOUR OPPRESSORS
STRIKE BACK
STRIKE NOW!"
If we fight slaves I want to shout this before the battle begins. I hope someone reads this