bad news, then good, then dispatches.

> monday was simply tears in the rain. Now lets kill stuff!

>>12996274
Seconded.

rolled 29 = 29

>ME WANT BAD NEWS THEN GOOD! THEN WE KILL STUFF!

We missed you Monday Pax T.T....

"I would have the bad news first, follow with the good then dispatches." you reply, motioning for Sansa to follow.

her horse, 'Whiskey' apparently, nuzzles your aid as she moves to follow you. sansa sighs and pulls out a flask, larger than the one you bought for her, and judging by the scent when she opens it, not filled with the mystery brew. The horse opens its mouth, and is rewarded with a drink of whatever brew she has in the larger flask "Now thats all you get for the rest of the day." she chides the horse before sending it off. You simply raise an eyebrow at your aide "I finally find a horse I can get along with and you give me _that_ look?" Sansa asks incredulously. "Either way, unfortuanately we did not encounter any flying cavalry on our journey north. And it would seem that Commander Nomzs foe has re-filled his ranks with mercenaries. On a happier note, High Commander Renkus was VERY grateful for the aid, and wanted me to inform you that he will put in a good word for you at the end of the campaign." Sansa informs you, handing you a sealed envelope. "We also received our soldiers dispatches from the capitol, the quartermaster should be distributing them by now, I would hope. Do you need me for anything else right now, Justinian... I AM rather tired."

>>12996391
"Get some rest. I'll fill you in on the details later but you should know our friend Lord Stant paid us a visit during your absence. Our plan might of failed but we got the same effect in the end."

rolled 56 = 56

"Sleep, and maybe if you are lucky there might be some left over valkyrie meat left over from yesterday for you to try."

Take letter to "office" then read and see how the dispatches and other men are handling things.

rolled 27 = 27

Hmm. Practice roll to see if I should roll tonight. Also, does anyone remember what our hunters were armed with? We might want to get them training with the longbows we took soon...

Pax, do you have an e-mail that can be used to contact you for general questions? Don't want to litter up the thread with some since they're not really relevant to the current situation.

>>12996391
"One, the fort was happy to get the new balistea?

Then you can go off and rest, i'll tell you how our last battle went when you're more well rested.

"Get some rest. There will be a staff meeting later tonight, but you should have enough time to eat some valkerie meat and take a nap." you reply, walking next to Sansa until you are near her tent, at which point you take your leave of her until the meeting later that night.

You sit down behind your desk and begin going through your dispatches. Cornelius and Nomz are both reporting that their forces are hovering at about half strength, while StoneFort reports about a quarter of its men are dead.

Cornelius predicted that he would be able to finish his foe off on the field of battle by tomorrow, but you feel he may yet be underestimating his foe after Laeliths report.

Commander Nomz now reports that Lord Graos has been reinforced by several mercenary bands, but does not predict it will prove much of a problem for him to defeat them before the Black Week begins.

StoneFort estimates that they will be able to sally and at the very least break the siege by the end of the Black Week, and thanks you for the reminder that it is approaching, citing the fact that few soldiers pay attention to the sky, despite how much it affects their plans at times.

>skip ahead to the staff meeting now, or do you want to work on something else for the few hours you have?
>paxcomquest@yahoo.com

>>12996631
Part of me thinks we should talk to Lena's sister at some point if we really want Lena to join us. Not sure why I think that, but it's there nagging at the back of my mind but that can go on the back burner for now I suppose. Beyond getting some wooden shields for our ranged units and light infantry for protection against the elves, I can't think of anything that needs to be done right away.

>>12996631

practice elementalism

also, Pax, what is our next promotiongoing to be? commanding an entire legion?

also, where can we find more shock-stones?

>>12996673

curse you old keyboard and your sticky space key!

>>12996673
we'll probably get command of a cohort before we get command of a legion unless the chain of command gets fucked between now and our next promotion

>>12996659
>>12996673
sisters or practice?
and yea, Cohort before Legion

>>12996673
Think we could get our boss spear or sword giving a little boost by Shockstone?
Oh, i know, lets check up on Kryia and her rune craft f she's not busy. Plus we have something to return.

>>12996806
Practice. We can talk to the sister later. Laelith is back and we should get the class to keep on learning since we need to get more trump cards for future battles.

>>12996806

practice then see lena's sister if we have time

>>12996808
Wasn't the purpose of taking her sash so she'd have to come to us? I think that's what Justinian's reasoning was at least.

>>12996818
>>12996820
then take a roll to see how the practicing goes

rolled 79 = 79

>>12996848

rolling

rolled 31 = 31

>>12996829
Ah, right i forgot.
test roll.

Just reminder of tonight's agenda:

>1. Debrief Sansa and Laelith on the respective away missions.
>2. Brief the nomad leader on our plan to attack the enemy on the Festival of the Black Sun (also, on Blackbird's raiding efforts, don't want any friendly-on-friendly incidents).
>3. Demonstrate the use of the NV paste Blackbird showed us using the sample we got from the physicians.
>4. Pour over the intelligence that the RapidRider scouts will have brought back by then.
>5. Formulate an attack plan.
>6. Ask around about the emblems we found on the slavers' bodies.

>And then afterward we hit on the girls.

>>12996659
We can probably do that since Lealith would be too busy right now for any practice.

>>12996848
d100 right?

>>12996871

fffffuuuuuck

test rolls are now a must

rolled 15 = 15

>>12996880
Correct
>>12996879
Dont forget our questioning of this sage like mage who can see the fog and her sister.

>>12996892
On that note...

>>12996911

shes not exactly a sage, more like an eighteen year old girl who now thinks she's her culture's equivalent of a witch

we must comfort her

with our penis

rolled 26 = 26

>>12996930
Crap.

Trying again.

rolled 17 = 17

>>12996892
Test rolls are always key.

rolled 14 = 14

>>12996933
Ok, just because she's a cute redheaded germanic/nordic mage girl doesnt mean we're going to go after her. And her sister.

Even though i did ask for that type of mage girl.

>>12996958
reread your post and then put yourself in justinian's sandals. The only way we aren't fucking her is if Wulf calls dibs or something

Pax, what is the empires stance on pillaging enemy villages?

After you finish with the dispatches you decide to head out to your forts training area and get some practice in. Wulf and Gaius are sitting at a table, the tactics game your ward was taught back in DragonsReach set up, the game about halfway through. Cornelius is propped up against the wall reading a letter, Degrian and Kyria are going over the kaskyanas sketches in a different corner of the yard... and you are utterly unable to focus. Your elementalism works just fine, but nothing seems to be snapping, getting easier, no revelations hit you... its almost infuriating. "Having problems, Justinian?" you hear Laeliths voice from behind you, almost mocking.

"None at all, just trying to pass the time." you reply, turning to face your most skilled elementalist, wearing her form-fitting battle robe, one of the new ones, not the incredibly revealing one she was wearing when you first met her, her sickle through the sash around the robes waist.

>>12997000
shit happens, dont be a dick and lower yourself or your men to rape/murder. Hell, the offensive half of this campaigns goal is to inflict so much damage on the Uurlanthian countryside that the bastards dont start another war for a while

>>12997008
Hmm. She did say she needed to practice fighting. Perhaps we should practice with her right now?

Might also be worth asking about that stuff Nomz let us smoke and see if she's tried it. Might be another thing to use against the elves if we can get enough from Nomz or if not a lot is needed.

rolled 64 = 64

>>12997000
I dunno is we'd want to be Roman Raider Justinian
Demanding some supplies sure, but no need for violence.

>>12996975
Oh alright fine.
Safety Dibs.

>>12997008

martial/elementalism training with laelith?

see whats up with cornelius and this letter?

supervise degrian and kyrias efforts with his designs?

see how adept wulfe's tactical mind is?

or all? in that order?

>>12997039
So looting is fine, just try to keep the body count to a minimum.

At some point we need to chat up the gods if we haven't already.

And make a pass at Nyetini while we're at it.

>>12997008
check out what's up with cornelius then laelith

>>12997039

well, that's kind of contradictory isn't it?

if our goal is ravage the country side and eliminate their capacity for warfare, then that implies that some pillaging is involved

rolled 38 = 38

>>12997094
In which case:

Ask Laelith if she'd like to practice her melee combat skills, then excuse yourself to check on Cornelius for a bit.

After practice, check on how Wulf's game went.

take a roll for this practice round then

rolled 99 = 99

IT'S TIME TO
DU-DU-DU-DU-DU-DUEL_DUEL_DUEL
I kind of would like to see where we are on the elementalism scale as of now.

We can see to our men after.

rolled 90 = 90

>>12997143
son of a bitch......
>rolled 99 = 99

>>12997143

wow

>>12997143
since you posted at the same time I did I'll discount the catastrophic failure

>>12997126
Pillaging in terms of taking their stuff so they have nothing to fight with is fine. Rape and murder of civilians is not.

rolled 36 = 36

>>12997142
We'll throw in a few compliments and flirty winks to throw her off, but we'll have to try to not get thrown off ourselves by her gaze

>>12997143
You've lost your powers of awesome die rolls it seems. That or you used up your super bad roll for the night... I hope. I assume it's too late to roll.

rolled 31 = 31

>>12997157
true enough, but the fact of the matter is, I posted again and still rolled a 90 T.T

>>12997126
That doesn't necessarily mean raping women and killing civilians.

What we COULD do is take all of their useful military supplies and cut down their reserves. At the same time we can drive the populace further east while taking/destroying any agricultural supplies we find so that it'd take them some time to get their previous holdings productive again.

rolled 22 = 22

>>12997206
Slash and Burn tactics?

>>12997206
Killing and raping is basic in pillaging. Only spare the children.
Psychology at it's basic. Survivors spread the tales of your tactics, entire country falls like fear-sprung dominoes.

rolled 59 = 59

>>12997240
But it also doesnt mean that we'll encourage raping and killing. There's being at war with one country for breaking a treaty, and then their being at war with 3 countries for being a murderous rapist douche.

>>12997217
The proper term is "scorched earth" strategy, actually.

But yes, basically that.

Although I would like to create opportunities for those willing to defect. Not that there's likely to be too many of them, but it'd be nice to do it in any case.

>>12997240
Except our Empire looks badly upon that. So some of that stuff are things we cannot resort to unless we want to jeopardize our position amongst the nobles and such. And I for one say screw that.

>>12997240
> Killing and raping is basic in pillaging. Only spare the children.

No, pillaging just means taking their stuff. It's robbing a place using force during wartime. Looting, essentially. The rape/murder part is often implied because usually the soldiers involved do that too, but it's not a required part.

>>12997265
Apologies. I am new to this particular quest.
In this case, yeah, Scorched ground would work best. Level the homes, salt the fields, but let the survivors go without breaking any unnecesary bones.
How'd you roll again?

>>12997240
The Empire abhors slavery and, as mentioned earlier, necessary brutality.

We would not be looked at favorably when we get back to the capital.

>>12997288
Fair enough. To be fair, we just learnt above that our empire is against the whole rape aspect of pillaging so it's all good. To roll: dice+1d100 in the e-mail field. We like low numbers in this quest.

rolled 52 = 52

>>12997288
Sup Kirk, roll by putting Dice+1d100 in the email field, also, yeh, Justinian is a nice guy when it comes to violence. Only when necessary do we employ it. Also, tactical genius.

>>12997288
But the Empire also wants this land. Salting the earth is counter to the long-term strategic goals of the Empire.
Now, once we breach the Uurlanth border, though, then that's a completely different story.

>>12997314
and he has just a hint of Palpatine about him that comes out to play when we're manipulating captives

>>12997338
Don't forget his biggest flaw: He's a ladies man. He currently had 4 women after him and some still wish to increase that number.

tactical genious?
JUUUUUSTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN
Anyhow, rolling for duel and having the man with the letter read it while we fight.
Failing that, just duel.

>>12997176
> We'll throw in a few compliments and flirty winks to throw her off, but we'll have to try to not get thrown off ourselves by her gaze

I think maybe flirting with the woman who can control fire with her mind and incinerated her previous husband is something we should probably be a bit careful about. This isn't Jayne.

"You wouldnt happen to be willing to spar with me then, would you?" Laelith replies, drawing her sickle.

"I would be happy to." you reply, drawing your sword.

Laelith thinks for a moment before stating "My sash is off limits, by the way." at that she charges you, her balance too far forward, so you sidestep and strike her shapely rear with the flat of your blade. To her credit, the elf doesnt spill to the ground, but she does get the message. As she turns around and takes a proper stance she stares daggers at you with a smile on her face.

After ten minutes you had 'killed' Laelith twice, and landed another good slap to her hindquarters, her temper clearly flaring by then. She launches herself at you again, steel ringing out against meteorite, the pace of the blows ever increasing. The fury of Laeliths attacks drives you back a step before you see her pattern, which you swiftly break, sending her blade flying. You advance, snaking your right foot around behind her right and body checking the elf, spilling her to the ground. "Predictability is death." you advise the exhausted elf, sitting down net to her on the ground.

"But, I was trained in sequences, my studies taught me even more..." she replies her face a tome on confusion, as if she has forgotten something she shouldn't.

"That may work, but not when you allow yourself to be put into repetitive loops, never use a single sequence more than once." you reply. "You did well for having much of your martial prowess sapped by your ex-patrons leaving you though." you reply.

"I know my skills." Laelith replies, clearly not one who is gracious in defeat. "As well as my limits. thank you for the help, Justinian." she replies, rising, and slapping you hand away as she does so... you hadnt actually intended to...

>well, what do you want to check on now?

Rolling, I mean.

>>12997353
And we aren't Khalless.

Justinian is the guy who snapped her out of it and gave her a chance a redeeming herself.

Granted, he was also the one who messed up her face.

>>12997366
I say the tactical game. Last time Gaius knew Wulf was going to beat Cornelius and he's more experienced. Let's see how Wulf is doing against him.

>>12997366
Hmm... That was a colder response than I thought we would get. It looks like she still needs so time to warm up to us.

>>12997398
Sure, let's watch them play and then catch a short map before our tactical meeting. We haven't been getting enough sleep lately, what with assassins and early morning battles.

Ach, I dunno why the rolls won't just happen.
>later, taiteaud
In what arcane language do you insult me, captcha-chan?

rolled 57 = 57

I kinda wanna see Cornelius, maybe it's Jayne's sister, and then Degrian and Kyra.

>>12997366
>My sash is off limits, by the way."

Hmm.

Looks like someone's talked to Kyria. Good to know she's gotten more familiar with the rest of the ladies.

>>12997416
I'd warm up to her if you know what I mean.

>>12997366
"No, thank you Laelith, its good to have you back."

Shall we go and see the sisters?

I suggest we look over to the letter. Misives adressed to other commanders are important for everyonw.

>>12997431
That might be a bad thing though.

"I didn't mean to offend..."

I suggest checking on Corenlius and then check up on Wulf's game.

rolled 13 = 13

Trying to roll once again. if it don't do I give up
Throw one of these at the elf

rolled 89 = 89

She also might be playing the game you know. She IS an elf, an ex-seductress and what not. Hard to get, you know that details.

>>12997444

well, she's a fire elementalist, so she wouldn't have trouble......

ohIseewutyoudidthar.jpg

>>12997513
If she's trying to seduce us, I'm pretty sure she would know that she doesn't need to play hard to get to do that.

I think it might be the fact that we just kicked her ass again.

"I have no intent of embarassing you, Laelith." you reply, rising as well.

"Oh, I know. I just think you will have enough fun with one extra sash, and I can assure you that pulling such a prank on me would make your life very, interesting." she replies with a hint of playfulness in her voice. At that the scarred elf leaves the training ground.

You walk past Wulf and Gaius, the older man smiling, with a dominant position on the game board "Your the one who said Captain Cornelius wasn't a challenge to you any more... I'm beginning to think you lied however." he taints your ward, moving one of his pieces. Your protege, seating, makes his counter, earning him a quizzical look from Gaius, before he replies. After quietly watching for a few minutes it is obvious that Wulf is outclassed, but you do believe that he is beyond the young Legionary captain you are currently heading towards. You dont even need to ask who the letter is from, the ghost of perfume on it is enough to tell you, Cornelius, of course, is oblivious to your presence.

>>12997561
I'd make her life very interesting, if you know what I mean.

Though in all seriousness let's see what's up with Cornelius and the letter.

>>12997561

"a letter from your beloved I assume?"

>>12997561
Huh... I have no clue how to read Laelith at the moment. Damn women.

Maybe we should just sit there and wait to see how long it takes for Cornelius to finish that letter.

rolled 27 = 27

>>12997594
Or if he does anything lovvy dovvy to embarres(sp) himself.

rolled 75 = 75

I get the feeling that the board game is gonna last less than Cornelius' woman issues.
I suggest going back to the game and analizing it for a bit. If it drags along, we have the choice of going for a nap or snatching Corn's attention somehow.

>>12997588
>>12997594
>>12997618
Its Jaynes sister or did you three forget?

>>12997639
I'm well aware on who it's from. I'm just wondering how long Cornelius is going to read that letter and if he's going to read it over and over or not. Honestly, I didn't even want to bug Cornelius at this moment so I don't know what to say.

>>12997639

what about my post implies that i forgot that?

>>12997561
"So, you really made an impression on our double date for her to send you a letter ehy?"

>>12997669
Unless it's a Dear John. That would suck.

rolled 42 = 42

>>12997639
see
>>12997428
It's always fun being on a personal level enough to be able to poke fun at your immediate subordinates.

>>12997663
>>12997665
>>12997687
Re-read sorry about that I wasn't thinking straight.

You open your mouth to say something, but a hand grips you at the arm and turns you around, quickly. Its the older sister. "What precisely did you tell Lena? What did you offer her? WHY did you mention our home?" Its clear that the older sister is quite angry with you... the only problem is that you arent sure why, and without even a name to call her by, you are feel at a loss for a way to diffuse her. At least she didnt interrupt anything important...

>>12997715
I was wondering when this would happen. I knew she'd be pissed at us. Let's take her aside to talk privately.

>>12997715

what has lena said about our talk?

rolled 20 = 20

>>12997715
"I came to speak to both of you, she awoke by herself and followed me willingly and of her own accord. I asked if she wanted you to tag along, but she said you needed rest. You sure looked it as well." Say it comforting and calmly, just to get the initial friction over with. Then ask her name.

rolled 29 = 29

>>12997726
agreed. and ask her name. But don't just hunch and appear sorry, you're a commander for (inserdeityhere)'ssake!

>>12997715
Calmly reply to her questions.
>What precisely did you tell Lena?
That I understand slightly the power that she has.
>What did you offer her?
I offered her a way to hone her powers, and gainful employment using her innate talents.
>WHY did you mention our home?
Because I like to know some of the background of prospective employees.

>>12997715
Respond honestly.

"I believe your sister may be gifted with a talent for magic. When she talked of mists I was reminded of a recent experience involving arcane training tools. I felt that I needed to inform you sister of her potential, Miss...?"

>>12997758
I don't actually remember talking about her home...

>>12997715
"I told her some speculation, and offered a potential future. I did not mention your home at all. Now, please remove your hand from my arm and introduce yourself properly if you wish to continue speaking with me."

>>12997715
Alright. Let's walk and talk. Say that she was on the list of people we wanted to talk to today and thank her for making our day a little easier by seeking us out herself.

Then ask her name. Assure her that we merely wished to talk to her sister about the mists that she has been seeing, as they are of interest to us.

>>12997779
We didn't.

Best ask the older sister what she ment by that.

>>12997808
looking over it, she had said during the conversation that, something suddenly reminded her of home, and we asked what veedma meant, witch

You free your arm from the older sisters grasp "I had intended to wake you when I went to talk with Lena earlier today, but she insited on my letting you sleep, miss..."

"Belatrix." the black haired Kharynchek replies. "very well. Now what did you speak of?"

You pause, leading her into the command tent before replying "I have in my possession multiple arcane items. One of them allows me to see the same 'mists' your sister sees. She is not blind, she has the potential to be incredibly powerful. I told her as much, and offered her the opportunity to learn to harness that power... or return to your Gohraht, if she did not wish too. Though with her power, i feel she would be safer trained rather than untrained."

Belatrix sighs "You spoke in ignorance. Our Ghoraht was destroyed when we were young. Our home is where we travel to, and where I feel we are safe. Mentioning what we lost..." Belatrix trails off, stifling emotions, it is a surprisingly fast, practiced process; as if she had been doing this for years.

>>12997877
Yes but WE didn't mention it.

Justinian only asked what some of the foreign words she was using meant. It was Lena who mentioned her home, which we honestly didn't learn much about, actually.

>>12997891

im sorry for bringing any bad memories to mind

how has lena taken my proposal?

>>12997891
"I apologize for bringing up such painful memories then. Your sister seemed distracted when she left - has she returned to normal since then or has she been odd and thus why you approached me?"

>>12997891
But... but all we said was
>if not you are free to leave with your people once we have freed the others
We didn't mention her homeland at all, or returning to it, or anything other than her people! Urgh, we are claiming to have made social fuckups that we did not.

Well, whatever. Have a seat, offer some wine, ask if she wanted something in particular other than to angrily ask us a few questions.

>>12997891
My apologies if I brought up any unpleasant memories.

Do you and your sister have no other family, then? None among those held captive?

"I apologize if I inadvertently brought up any difficult memories." you reply.

"When you offered training aids, were you serious? would we be safe here? And how dangerous would it be if we were to deny your offer?" Belatrix replies, immediately moving from the subject of 'home'.

>>12997994

i was completely serious, and of course you two would be safe here

you can take or leave the offer as you see fit

>>12997994
"Of course I was serious about offering her help, although I will give you the same warning I gave her in that it could be dangerous. How safe will you be here? As safe as one can be in the middle of an army unless we're in the middle of battle. If you have no interest in my offer, it'll be as dangerous as the rest of your people make it for you as I assume you'll be going with them. I have no intention of making life difficult for you if you refuse, although this decision should also be made by your sister as it directly affects her."

rolled 13 = 13

>>12997994
"We can only offer training aids when it comes to equipment. The actual training in itself would come down to her and maybe you if you try to assist her by being there. If you imply, that it would not be safe at the refusal because of my own disapproval, then yes, I am not a vengeful man and I believe that everyone has the right to his or her own choices. If by you meaning this general area, no, not really. If what I am told is correct, it will soon become a very widespread warzone very soon."

Also, I think these two may be getting a bit young for us to hit on, we should probably look at these two sisters more as daughters then potential bedmates. Just sayin'.

rolled 67 = 67

>>12997994
I was completely serious. You would be safe here, but as I told your sister, I may require her abilities in combat, where I cannot guarantee her safety. If you refuse my offer, you may stay or go as you see fit. I am no tyrant.

>>12997994
"I rarely make false offers, Belatrix; I am quite serious. If she accepts, she will have access to all such arcana and knowledge as I can provide to let her control and expand her abilities, as well as the protection provided to any of my valuable officers, in exchange for her loyalty to me and deployment of her abilities at my direction. If she chooses to decline, I will treat her just as I do the rest of your people. She will be in no more danger than if I had never noticed her potential skills."

>>12997994
>"When you offered training aids, were you serious?
"Completely serious. I myself and several other have been using training tools in learning elementalism. Though this is the first time I have seen someone with potential for magic."

>Would we be safe here?
"As safe as any of the other members of my retinue. I am a battlefield commander, after all. There's an element of danger to the job, but you WILL be attached to an entire Imperial maniple."

>And how dangerous would it be if we were to deny your offer?"

"Only as dangerous as your own path takes you. I won't force you or your sister to take the offer."

>>12997994
"I was serious about the offer of training aids. As for safety, well, you'd be as safe as anyone in an active war zone, but I would make all reasonable efforts to ensure you and your sister's safety.
"There is no danger to declining my offer, though I am concerned about possible complications in the future with your sister's power. I had a difficult time maintaining my sense of self, when I attempted to see the Mists, and another of my retinue had to have the training glove forcibly removed.
"All of this, is after all, a free choice for you and your sister to make."

>>12997994
"I could train her, so that she might even see clearly, that, i am not one hundred percent though. I could also train you, how to fight, undoubtedly you already know how, but better.

You would be as safe as anyone is at this camp, safer still when known to be training with me. As for the danger drawn by rejection of my offer, you're as perfectly safe as you were before, you can stay around the camp, or you can leave whenever. It is all up to you Miss Belatrix."

>>12997891
> Belatrix
Somebody went to see harry potter

rolled 50 = 50

Also, Pax, our retinue includes right now, Collin, Laelith, Sansa, Degrian, and Wulf right? Or do we consider Wulf and Degrian as just like a cabinet of sorts. Laelith, Sansa, and Collin are actual Retinue members where as Wulf and Degrian are just our aides?

rolled 90 = 90

>>12998066
MOTHER FUCKING DOBBY IN THIS HOUSE
also spoilers don't work on /tg/ so don't spoil it for others, gotta say, Dobby was pretty fucking intense in that movie.

>>12998097
seconded about the intensity but it seems silly to be worried about spoiling plot points of an adaptation of a book that came out 3 years ago

>>12998066
>>12998097
>and considering trying to marathon the series just for the hell of it/as an excuse to get drunk too

"I am quite serious in my offer of training supplies. So long as you are in my camp you will be safe, or as safe as one can be in a military camp. If you should leave, I fear now that Lena is aware of the mists instead of believing herself blind, she may begin inadvertently exerting her will on them, which could prove quite dangerous... or that is what my research has lead me to beleive." you reply hearing voices outside your tent beginning to gather.

"You offer this freely? asking nothing of us?" Belatrix replies, eying you suspiciously.

>>12998185

only that you and your sister join my retinue and follow me on my escapades

>>12998185
"Honestly, that entirely depends on your sister and how well she can learn to control her talents. If she is willing to assist us, I would welcome the use of her talents during my campaigns but if your sister refuses, I will not force her to use her talents on the battlefield."

>>12998185
"Well, I would like Lena's employment in my retinue, of course, but I believe that it would be far better to have her trained and able to control her powers, than to have her wandering about with no control over unknown forces."

Were we going to offer her training for free, or was it going to be conditional on her joining our retinue? I forget.

>>12998219
I'm of the opinion of at least teaching her to use her abilities so she doesn't do something damaging to herself or others. Even if she doesn't join us.

>>12998185
"To be honest, if you sister does indeed prove to have a talent for magic I would like to recruit her to my retinue. You would accompany her, of course. Personally, I feel that she could prove to be quite helpful in the future."

"Change is coming Belatrix. I've noticed signs: rebels dabbling in the arcane, gods long thought to be forgotten becoming more involved with the mortal realm. I feel it best to prepare for whatever may come."

"Of course, as a commander in the Empire I can promise you and your sister good accommodations and remuneration for you services, the same as with the other members of my retinue."

>>12998185
"I freely offer to let her join my retinue. With that comes benefits- all the protection and training I can give, certain rank and social prominence- but it has its obligations as well. Loyalty to me, and service to the empire at my direction. I cannot in good conscience give control of such powers to anyone who might prove a danger to my nation and people, either of their own will or if they are discovered and forcibly used by others. She is free to refuse training with no obligation, but if she desires it she must swear herself to me."

rolled 52 = 52

>>12998230
I agree, and no one has said anything about my previous comment. How old did these two appear to be Pax? I figured they were just turning 18 or something of the sort. Which is why I don't necessarily openly approve of going for either romantically. Keep in mind I say openly, I have a bit of a jailbait lover in me. shhhhhhhh

>>12998230
If she doesn't join us, we cannot give her training. She's too potentially dangerous, and someone is sure to start using her talents. I'm frankly on the fence about ordering her assassinated if she turns us down, just because she's far too great of a potential risk. But that might be too paranoid/nasty on my part; probably a bad idea.

>>12998263

there's a little bit in all of us

>>12998277
If she's not going to help us out, she won't help others out to harm us. Plus, I don't mean train her to use her abilities to blow things up. Just enough so she doesn't do anything to harm others or herself if she tries to use her talents now that we've told her about them. It may backfire of course, but I think it's better than letting her run around without any training.

"Should your sister choose to accept the aid I freely offer, I would like her to enter my employ as a member of my retinue. Where she will be paid, protected, housed, clothed, fed, and valued for her skills." you reply honestly.

"What skills..." Belatrix replies, low anger begining to creepo into her voice.

"Her magic, the arts being re-born to the world, of which your sister is the first to awaken to in this new age. Change is coming Belatrix, criminals dabble in the arcane, soldiers learn to command the elements, runes once again glow with power, and yes... the gods once again speak to mortals. I have seen this with my eyes and smelled it on the wind, you would be wise to follow one so prepared for the coming turmoil. Think on my offer." at that you gesture to the tentflap. Blankly, Belatrix rises and leaves as your command staff, and the two scouts file into the large insulated tent.

>so, what is your first order of business for the staff meeting?

>>12998263
Depends on how old they are. If they're too young, they're obviously not going to be touched. Just hope they aren't too young and still fall for us so we have to resist, heh.

>>12998263
they are young, halfway through their 19th year you would estimate; but their eyes show maturity, most likely learned from having to fend for themselves

>>12998304
Debrief Sansa and Laelith on what happened while they were gone and I suppose get first-hand updates on what they saw at the other fronts.

>>12998304
Is the nomad leader here with us?
We were going to tell him our plan, so that he will understand what we're trying to accomplish, and will help to keep his people in check. Also, hopefully he will reciprocate our trust.

Then we should hear the report from the scouts.

>>12998304
As I mentioned before:

>1. Debrief Sansa and Laelith on their respective away missions.
>2. Brief the nomad leader on our plan to attack the enemy on the Festival of the Black Sun (also, on Blackbird's raiding efforts, don't want any friendly-on-friendly incidents).
>3. Demonstrate the use of the NV paste Blackbird showed us using the sample we got from the physicians.
>4. Pour over the intelligence that the RapidRider scouts will have brought back by then.
>5. Formulate an attack plan.
>6. Ask around about the emblems we found on the slavers' bodies.

With the Vohzd and the map we have from the scouts, I'd say planning the assault would be the lengthiest item on the agenda. So I suppose let's do that last and ask about the emblems before moving on to that.

>And then afterward we hit on the girls.

>>12998332
We could also read some of the dispatches we retrieved to the officers as well. Keeping everyone up to date.

rolled 50 = 50

>>12998320
>>12998300
>>12998324
I'm assuming they are fraternal twins then? If so, we are what, about 9 or so years older than them.......this is...... doable :D

We should immediately ask for any input or suggestions so far. We don't need to ask how we are doing because if we do, it makes us look unsure. After that, battle plans need to be drawn up.

>>12998302
Let's say that our current opponents discover that she has the potential for the arcane. What do you think they would do? Does, say, capturing her sister or people and slaughtering them slowly and painfully unless she makes them arcana/blasts their enemies/does whatever other legendary shit arcanists can do seem out of the question to you? Because it's the very first thing that I think they'd try, and I suspect strongly that she would do ask they ask given such a situation. It's a huge danger- and if we give her any control at all, the odds of her killing herself if pressed in such a situation go down massively. Sucks to say it, but if she's not working for us she needs to be dead.

>>12998304
Reference the points here: >>12996879. Points 1, 4, 5, and 6 should be gone over immediately; I don't think the nomads are at the staff meeting so skip the bits involving them.

gentlemen, does anyone think it may be a good idea to post guards should Lena decide to train?
maybe I play too much 40k but I don't think people can use magical powers without some strings attached.
what are the consequences of using our talents and unlocking new ones?
The last thing we need is a possessed Lena running through our camp.

>>12998360
Based on Beatrix's reaction though to asking what skills we'd want from Lena, I don't think we should hit on them at all at this point if people do want to do it. I think she's assuming the worst out of us at this point.

>>12998367
I still think it's a little too far to just kill her if she says no though. If she refuses, we could just tell her and her sister that we'll send them to a safe place in the empire where they can live in peace and give them some money if you're worried about others taking advantage of her. Granted though, you have a good point. I just don't think we should resort to that.

>>12998374
Agreed.

The other ladies are challenge enough right now.

>>12998374
agreed. i think our harem is big enough at the moment anyway

>>12998371

that.................sounds EXACTLY like what i want! we make a deal with the demon(if they exist in pax's universe) and get a daemon host for our retinue

cue freaky demonic sex

>>12998371
I think the negative effects of arcana in this setting lean more towards personal insanity and creating unintended effects than demonic possession, though admittedly they're quite real. I would strongly prefer to have someone trusted with her as she learns, if we can't do it personally.

>>12998360
For now, I think we should focus on the ladies we already have. Particularly Laelith. Tall and leggy elven damaged goods.

And we can crack jokes about her warming our bed.

Also remember we still need to hit on Nyetini.

>>12998418
Cue our bedsheets going up in flames.


>>12998402
>>12998401
If the other ladies are any indication, it will take a mere year or two of hanging out in close proximity to our staggering charisma and manliness before we find the sisters inexplicably unclothed in our tent.

But agreed, we don't need to chase them for it.

>>12998436
I'd set her bedsheets on fire if you know what I mean.

>>12998371
>there are no demons of the mists in my setting. the danger comes from biting off too much/losing control. These risks are at their greatest when the mage is either a)totally untrained (accidentally doing shit) or b) at the 'intensely overconfident of their own abilities' phase of their lives as mages

"Greetings, friends." you greet your staff as they enter. Once they are all seated you continue to summarize the events of the last few days, mostly for Sansa and Laeliths benefit, but also to insure that everyone is thinking in the same reality. "I also received my dispatches today, Commanders Pontius and and Nomz are both on the precipice of victory, and our forces in StoneFort should be able to at the very least break the siege by the end of the Festival of the Black Sun. By which time we should be victorious, if my plan is effective."

Gaius is the first to speak up, after you list off the specific numbers for the other maniples "Commander, what exactly is your plan?"

>>12998436
Of all our ladies I think Laelith is the only one we need to put serious effort into wooing. The others are already chasing after us.

>>12998429
Pax already said that's way beyond our league in a previous thread. Let's drop that for now.

>>12998487
We still need to go over the details guys but the gist of it, if I remember right, was to create a diversion during the festival to lure out the majority of their army and then crush their base while it was lightly defended right?

>>12998487

We need to free those families.

...

Does anyone remember how we intended to do that?

>>12998518
> Pax already said that's way beyond our league in a previous thread. Let's drop that for now.

I never really meant seriously trying to woo her, just make a pass at her sort of as a joking thing. So far it's consistent with our shameless womanizing and our current relationship with the gods, plus it would be pretty funny and maybe a bit endearing to a goddess of love.

But alright.

>>12998519
The idea needed touching up but I suggested during the festival to build either a camp close to their camp or set up a lot of fires that we light at once to make it look like there's an army. Something that the enemy could not ignore immediately and hopefully go out to engage, and then we hit their camp when most of their forces are gone. Now that I think about it, we might need real troops there to make it look like a real army but during the darkness of the festival, we could likely make the army look bigger than it really is using fires. Then they could use the darkness to escape or harass the enemy while we hit their base camp.

Adjustments to plan people?

>>12998567
We should begin preparations to move out during the rest of this week, so that Stant's scouts can see us preparing to leave the safety of the fort, presumably to attack him directly.

>>12998605
It has to be limited though, otherwise they might attack us early. With the second sons last failure, I'm wondering if the more brash son might be in charge this time, which is why I'm hoping we can lure them out during the festival. I don't think Creed-son would fall for it honestly, which is why I wish we had captured him. Hell, I wish we could convert him to our side. It'd be nice to have a proven strategist amongst our retinue.

>>12998567
Key points:

-We need to be able to move large numbers of troops significant distances without being seen by aerial scouts or tracked by their elf types. That's a bitch.

-Their elves will start raiding us as soon as we leave our safe, cozy little base. That includes anyone on deception duty.

-The overall objective, that being luring out most of the enemy and then seizing/torching their lodging and supplies, is a solid one. It should result in our being able to solidly rout a demoralized and much less capable foe in a matter of a week or less afterward, unless they start sacking their own villages to feed themselves. Which is hardly out of the question.

-Still, any plan that relies upon the enemy being deceived is not a solid one- we need layers within layers, like with the shipment plan- if they attacked it we won because it was a trap, if they didn't we won because we shipped the stuff successfully. Likewise, here we need to set things up so we win if they attack the false base and still win if they do not. How can we do that?

rolled 40 = 40

Let them know we intend to capitalize on the black week, also, the plan Justinian is talking about, is the one we will lay out now. *cue the two scouts with the map and intel*

>>12998567
i don't know. the brother saw through our caravan idea, he might not fall for it.
we have cover of darkness and we won against khalles by being sneaky. maybe it will work again. we just need to be sure there are no enemy scouts (or elven archers) around. then free the slaves, the ones we freed earlier know where they are

>>12998646
For the first two points, that's why I think it might be best to do that when the festival starts and why we shouldn't do the false camp idea. Just have our troops suddenly appear near their camp by lighting the fires. Sacking their villages will also only work to a point. They won't be able to get enough food to feed all their men consistently and it'd only provide them a bit more time to keep fighting.

In regards to the last point... Yeah, I know what you mean but I was having trouble thinking up of something to fit that criteria when I first thought of it.

>>12998673
The slaves are right outside their camp. We'll only get so far before they notice us no matter what we do. So we need a distraction of some kind or lure them out...

>>12998567
We'll need our stealthiest men on the forward to look for forward scouts when he make for the 'camp' though.

Pax, do our siege weapons out range their elf longbows? If so, we actually could build a camp near them and if they don't march out to meet it, we can harass their base camp from where we are. I just dislike it because we won't be able to save the slaves at that point.

>>12998739
>they match maximum ranges at 500 yards (mangonel can hit at 600, but is damned inacurate outside of 450)

>>12998739

there's still the possibility that they have more mangonels that probably outrange our repeater ballistae, and even though our improved mangonel has greater range than theirs do, what if they have ten normal ones to our one improved one?

>excessive use of the word one

>>12998708
>>So we need a distraction of some kind or lure them out...

how about a fire. bring laelith, she can start fires in their camp. while they are putting out the fires. we get the slaves.
do we have any enemy uniforms? dress like the enemy, while they are busy with the fire move up close. they will do a double take before they realize something is wrong

>>12998766
I believe Janos got the mangonels and pitch from other lords. That and none of the troops we've captured have mentioned siege weapons.

I know the hope they are deceived idea isn't the greatest but does anyone have any other ideas on how to use the festival? I wish we had asked Janos or Kaitlyn earlier about the other two brothers personalities but I'm really hoping the eldest of the three brothers is eager to take the field at this point after his other two brothers failed. I'm hoping he ignored the smarter brothers advice when he thinks it's a trap. A bad thing to hope but I can't think up of any other ideas that might work out.

>>12998770
Too risky. Even with their uniforms, they're going to wonder who the hell we are and where we came from. I doubt any of our captives will give us info that would let us in and they'll know we don't belong to the camp.

>>12998770
The problem is the limited range of Laelith's elementalism.

then how about this:
whatever side the prisoners are on we attack the Opposite side with 3-5 units of infantry.
this will draw attention to the other half of the base
which will allow a quick strike force of our ranged and bear cavalry (supported by another unit of infantry) to blitz through the guards and begin rescue. once all are freed, withdraw from both sides. anyone not in use already can stay in reserve.

>>12998820
I think her range is Ok if there is already a fire on her target.

>>12998890
Seems just as obvious as my idea though. They'll know we're going to go after the slaves at some point and I dislike the idea of assaulting their fort while they're completely encamped in it. Their archers will make mincemeat out of our diversion units if they're on the walls.

>>12998890
and if we can get laelith in range, the brother has to worry about:
-stopping the infantry assault on one side
-stopping his base from burning down
-preventing the prisoner escape

>>12998939
Also his eagles are on Fire
Dare we attempt capture of some?
Capture the prince?

>>12998939
We'd have to get within 20 yards of his walls to even start a fire though. Laelith's range isn't that great. That plan sounds like it's going to be a meat grinder for our men and we need to pull this off with as few casualties as possible.

Before I go afk, there's something I think we ought to consider:

The scouts we sent reported that they say the valkyries kept at a certain part of the camp. If we can take them out, or even scatter them before anyone could mount them, then we could deny the enemy any air units. Or at least the majority of theirs.

Perhaps some chained boulders into the middle of their nest/stable might spook them enough to cause sufficient chaos.

>>12998923
they know we are going to try to free the slaves anyway, just not when.
speed, darkness, and surprise are our best advantages.

maybe an earthquake would solve the wall problem.
it worked for khalles, it can work for us

can we get the nomads to make us a map of the camp?
its tough to plan without a map

I can't believe we didn't ask for this sooner.

Pax, can we get a map of the enemy camp, like we asked of the scouts to make?

>And with that, I'm off.

>>12998993
Was it an earthquake though? I don't think we're at the level where we can take the walls down that easily. Khalless was pretty badass in earth elementalism based on what he was doing.

What does layout of the enemy camp look like? We should know its basic or at least the exterior layout as we have prisoners from it, slaves that were held next to it, and have had the Rapid Raiders scout it.

>green boxes are the supplies, blue circles are noble tents (the head of the family is away from the camp) purple stuff is where the prisoners are.

>>12998990
>>12999034
Add the scouts to the list as well since I'd forgotten about them.

>>12999046
Plus all the soldiers we've interrogated/can interrogate

>>12999072
Those were the prisoners I spoke of first.

>>12999064
Hmm. Given that layout, feigning an attack/fire in the direction of the supplies might be a believable ruse. Plus it might even do some damage in addition to being a good distraction.

>>12999094
We won't be able to get close enough to do that though. The enemy won't be in absolute darkness at their camp since there will be torches and fires there. A direct assault while they're all encamped there will be a bloody affair and I don't think it'll work. We won't be able to get inside the fort and Laelith wouldn't be able to light the supplies from outside the walls.

we also need to be on the lookout for traps and alarms. speaking of which, we should set up some alarms on our perimeter

>>12999094
Create the false camp in the direction of the supplies, and use fire arrows to attack them.
Meanwhile, our cavalry loops around and frees the slaves, with the help of the nomads.
Heavy Infantry and siege equipment set up in the south; siege engines ranged to fire inside the encampment where the elven archers would be, and infantry advance under cover fire from repeaters.

>>12999127
Maybe set a fire outside the camp and have Laelith give it a nudge in their direction?

And how is Wulf coming along with his elementalism?

>>12999127
If we set up our false camp well beyond the enemy's envelope of fire, and then have our archers (with wooden shields to take cover behind) march out of the false camp and begin firing, might be enough to get the enemy to come out.

>>12999134
How easy would it be to move the balistae and catapult along with the distraction force? and Remove.
They have a good max range, where we dont need to be accurate when hitting the main camp, because they'll have to do something fast if they're getting simplely destroyed by the shots. Ah, and flaming balistae rounds.

something like this perhaps

I say we should send another night scouting party to get a better look at their defensive layout particularly how their guards are spread out along the walls and prison camp.

Also due to their depleted number I would suggest we relegate the Rapid raiders to mostly recon duties (If I remember correctly they're down to 25/75)

>>12999134
The entire point of this though was to wipe out the base easily without a pitched battle. We want to take part in the counter attack and assaulting their fort with all their forces in it will be bloody for us. No question about it. That's why I've been trying to stress we need to lure the enemy garrison out so it's weak. If we can strike their base camp while they're weakened, we can burn it to the ground and all their supplies.

>>12999147
Might work. Arm them with fire arrows and all? Might be worth trying to just lure them with the fake camp/lots of fires and if they fail to respond to that, then move out and fire at them.

A theory has just come to mind:

Given reports from other parts of the front, and the fact that Lord Stant seems to be away I believe they may be planning to ambush us with mercenary reinforcements.

What units did the the RapidRider scouts observe? We know that Stant has some elven bowmen doing special ops on us. He might have even more lying in wait, with additional mercenaries.

Then again, he might not be able to afford more mercenaries given the loss of all those slaves in the last battle.

>>12999185
Having our archers use fire arrows to attack the enemy supplies means that they either need to sortie out with infantry or cavalry to break up our archers (at which point our archers fade into the darkness with the advantage of NVG paste), or allow their supplies to be set on fire.
For this plan to work, though, our archers need to have shields that they can use as cover to fire behind from, otherwise they'll be locked in an arrow volley exchange with the Uurlanth elven archers. Our archers can't survive firepower of that magnitude.

>>12999219
Yeah, I know they'll be forced to engage us but we have to make it look like there's more than just archers doing the harassment, otherwise htey'll just send out the men-at-arms that are mounted (I think they still have some left) and that's all. If it looks like there's a sizeable force, they'll have to send out more, which would let us hit the fort with more.

Pax, I assume the entrances to their fort are all gated?

Remember folks we are going to be able to see them long before they should be able to see us so their accuracy is going to suck and useing flaming arrows is like lighting up a sign that says HERE SHOOT HERE.


You know what we may be able to get around that if we have Laelith light them mid flight and have the archers shoot and scoot unless Laelith's wand has a flame on it which would render this useless.

>>12999237
So include a century of heavy infantry with extra torches to inflate their numbers?

>>12999237
Also, the scouts saw the size of their walls and all. Based on what they described, do they seem like walls we could knock down using our elementalism?

>>12999246
Hence the shields I guess. And we want them to know we're here to lure them out.

"Simply put, I intend to raze the enemy camp, and free the slaves they are holding hostage. I intend to move by the middle of the Black Week. What I need help with is an appropriate ruse to draw the enemy from their camp so we can accomplish our goals." you reply to Gauis, nodding to the scouts that they can leave, now that their map is on the table.

"How do you intend to sneak up on the enemy camp? Torches and fire are all very noticeable in the black." Aurelius asks, not nervous but aprehensive of your plans most basic description.

You nod to Laelith, who already knew of this part of the meeting. The fire leaps from the torches illuminating the tent, feeds her arcane torch, which she then covers without quashing. You take out small jar of the paste Blackbird told you of, and apply it. You can hear several gasps around the table as you hand it to Uurist, who is sitting directly to your right. "Apply it directly to your eyes. It is perfectly safe unless you keep the application fresh for more than two days. I intend to use this on the main force, while a secondary force uses fire and torches to draw out the enemy." you reply "what I am unsure of is what the best method for that is." you finish, as Uurists eyes light up a vibrant green next to you.

"Well fuck me senseless an call me a rapist for it." the dwarf curses, looking around.

cont'd...

>>12999246
>Laelith's wand has a flame
It does. She can't create fire, only control it, so needs a source.

We want our archers attacking the supplies to be easily visible; they're the distraction and the bait to lure Stant's forces out of their fort, allowing us to hit them from behind.

>>12999246
Distribute fake torches to make it look like there's a large infantry formation ahead of the archers. That might draw off some of the return fire. Or the previous idea of herding a bigass fire in their direction with elementalism.

I just thought of a use for that knife that changes colour of things it cuts! Our unit attacking the enemy camp can now be wearing black clothing, making it even harder to spot them.

>guarded, not gated, this is a temporary camp that they expect to be moving in the future

Finian clears his throat "If you give me a large detachment from Kyria and Aurelius' units, as well as some legionnaires and enough time to fortify I could man the distraction." you can hear maps sliding towards him at the table "Since the supplies are at the far east end of the camp, I would expect Laelith and the rest of the hunters could set fire to that, and escape in time. With the bulk of the enemy force moving to deal with what they think is the bulk of our maniple You could lead a fast moving, hard hitting force to free the slaves and kill whatever is left behind to protect the camp. Most of our forces would be able to stay here to ensure our foe does not execute a similar plan." As he finishes Lealith applies the paste, and her eyes begin to glow a brilliant piercing yellow "fucking shit..." the dwarf adds

>finian had an idea (since you guys were kind of piddling around with half-ideas and arguments for so long)

>>12999276
Finian's idea is kind of a distilled and more professional version of ours.

I think it's good, and we should go with it.

Also, the idea of using that knife to change the color of our armor so that it's harder to see is a great idea.

we have stuff that lets us see in the dark, he won't expect an attack at knight. that is a serious advantage. not to exploit that would be tragic. after a few volleys they are on to us and we are no closer to the slaves.
there must be another way to get his attention.
what if we just staight up blitz the slave quarters? forget everything else. by the time he can react we should be busting them free.

>>12999288
Pretty much what we were coming to. Just a lot faster I guess.

Another idea - what if we took one of the supply caravans heading to Lord Stant's camp and have Laelith and some of our men in it so they can approach the camp after our enemy goes out to meet Finian's men? It'd help them get into the camp easier if it worked and it'd just let them approach the camp easier. Or maybe we should just let them to their infiltration stuff.

>>12999257
So she can cover it without killing it excellent that mean means it can still work.
>>12999264
They may not be visible but that will make them more of a threat as the fire arrows are coming from a general direction but they will have a hard time nailing anyone due to the archers no longer being where the flaming arrow came from.

>>12999304
The slaves will be guarded and if the rest of the camp isn't distracted, they'll be down on us quick enough before we can get the slaves out of there. Plus, the entire point of this attack is to cripple them at the same time before Lord Stant returns with whatever devious things he has planned.

Also, I assume Finian isn't planning on performing a pitched fight with the forces he has but to harass and run?

>>12999276
I think we should attack sometime within the day After the start of the Black Week, while they're still rushing to adjust to the Darkness which persists. they'll be sleep deprived and disoriented heavily if they have to march out toward a torched camp, Especially, when they're near it, All The Lights Go Out.
I say the distraction force should be also equipped with NVPaste, we'll draw them out, and make the field of battle entirely in out pocket.

But know, We've set a nummber of traps around our base, we'd been fools if we didnt expect him to take a page from us and ready some pitfalls.

>>12999319
>ready some pitfalls
I suggest heavily exercising and training our Earth elementalism before the attack. Justinian's primary role during the attack should be to use his earth elementalism to either feel out where the traps are, or collapse earth in a safe path that our troops can use.

>>12999319
Finian needs time to fortify his position and that won't work until the festival starts. Plus, a pitched fight even in the darkness will hurt us too much to continue the campaign I think.

>>12999319
A quake may help with that but just in case I say it might be a good idea if we have the rapid raiders or the scouts do a bit of night probing to check but that.
Also Creed son may think that the attack is going to happen from the direction of the quake as he's seen us use it.

>>12999342
I was thinking that he could seal the gates to the enemy fort with earth, stopping them from effectively responding to the strike at the slaves outside the walls.

It sounds like all the cavalry with Justinian hitting the back. Where else do we want to put people? Who will man our fort back here? Will we be bringing heavy repeaters, and if so, how will we get them out there undetected?

"Your plan is in the same vein as my thinking, now expand on it." you reply, curious "your end. will you strike and fade or fortify?"

Finian pauses for a moment "Cant win a strike and fade fight against the elf bowmen, we would be like pincushions after the first fade. I would need three days to prepare. layered defenses, trapped. Once the archers have their ranges my men fall back through the defenses to the next layer. I expect five layers will suffice for what you need to do."

Gaius speaks up "the toll will be heavy on whichever legionary battalion is your shield, Finain... how far apart will these fortifications be?"

"50 yards at most. I would like for there to be some manner of security for you or Cornelius however..." the exiled dwarf relpies, searching for a solution

>>12999382
Well we were going to try to kill whatever is in the camp/capture the second son since I imagine that's where he's going to be staying. Now I wish we had some light infantry we could rely on to go with us... Not sure if we can rely on the Cornwall mercs to assault the base well.

I'm late.

Sup folks.

Guys don't forget chemical warfare.

IF we can fire jars of toadstool at the elven archers, they won't be shooting anything. At all.

Clarification Pax:

Did the scouts see any guards on the far side of the slave holding area?

>>12999400
Security from what? The archers or the ground forces? I had assumed their shields would be enough for the archers if that's what he means.

>>12999409
The problem with toadstool is finding a supply out here. We're weeks away from any major city that might have a large quantity.

>>12999382
I don't think it would be wise to remove anymore of our repeaters from it also I think we should darken the fort during the op or a siege as it'll play hell with the enemies combat abilities.

>>12999413
>being able to fall back to the next set of defenses without being run down
>yes, the slaves are guarded

>>12999430

I was considering sending Aquila multiple times to commander Normz.

Hopefully we should get enough for a few rounds.

>>12999435

Heavily guarded?

What was the average guard complement when the scouts were there?

Open question to the commanders and the floor, is there any way to create lots and lots of smoke?

>>12999457
>the scouts counted 50, plus pens and shackles to prevent further escape attempts

>>12999457
With a forest at our backs, we should be able to get tons of wet wood.

>>12999435
Couldn't the use of Kyria's rangers with the repeaters provide cover-fire for the retreating heavy infantry? Have them stick near Gaius' or Cornelius' troops so they can stop fast advancements by the enemy with their fire? That and the traps at the defensive lines/place some traps between the lines as well?

>>12999435
How well can Laelith keep that flame hidden without extinguishing it and still use the wand? I ask because if she can keep it out of sight we can use >>12999246

>>12999466
Alright. So the nomads are obviously going as part of the flanking force to free the slaves. Plus the Rapid Riders. Who else should go with them?

Does anyone have an up to date overview of our unit strength?

>>12999466

So the slaves are locked in pens and are shackled up?

If we want to rescue them, we're going to have to dive in...

>>12999466
Are our Riders entirely dependent on being mounted.
Dismounted troops work just as well, and if the Velociprey take orders well from their masters, we could have the raptors attack the stables swiftly killing the horses while we get covering fire from the short bow weilding mercs.

>>12999482
Heres the up to date for the enemy but Pax shall have to provide the friendly one.


Elf Skirmishers: DEAD

2x Armored Sergants (pikemen): initially 200 men strong 80/200

2x Knights (Valkeries, horses): initialy 50 men strong 55/100

Levied Halberdiers: 300 strong 200/300

Levied Swordsmen: 300 strong 300/300

2x Elf bowmen: 150 strong 300/300

Longbowmen: initially 200 strong 80/200

Mounted men at arms: initially 150 strong and fought as two seperate wings of 75 40/150

Footslogging men at arms (heavy armor, shields and maces): 150 strong 80/150

5 mercenary units, all medium infantry or better: two destroyed by traps, one fought, was 200 strong initially. the other two are at least 150 men strong 2/5 (300)

>>12999510

You can't assume that their mounts will be able to take any verbal orders. Lots of rider-mount communication is non-verbal, touches and pressure on the sides.

>>12999535
Depends on the intelligence of said creature. Raptors might be able to take a command to go and hit the stables and retreat. From their masters of course.

>>12999535
correct.
and yea, since your by woods you can make smoke, but it will already be pitch fucking black...

We should get a move on. Start dividing into distraction, flanking, and garrison forces. Who should go with Finian to draw attention and stall the responders, who should go with the nomads to help free the slaves, and who should stay and hold down the fort.

>>12999521
Now that I look at it, what could out run Gaius or Cornelius' troops beyond the men-at-arms on cavalry? Ranged fire and traps should keep them from keeping up or only a few would while the other units would be moving at similar speeds, wouldn't they?

Is it safe to assume that the Valkeries are going to be grounded?

>>12999552
Those knights might be able to respond on normal horseback.

>>12999552
Well we know what few knight valks they have left will be grounded by the darkness so that just leaves the Knights and Men at Arms on horseback.

>>12999571
Oh definitely but they're worried about the heavy infantry making it between the defensive lines and they want some kind of security. Honestly, I can't think of much at this point other than Kyria's repeaters and traps to stop anyone from running them down as they move between the lines. Anyone else got ideas?

>>12999594
Our earth elementalism has proven good at stalling an enemy advance. That's if we want to go with the distraction force.

>>12999594
If Degrian can complete his improved wagon in time, perhaps he can have a heavy repeater mounted on it for extra covering fire. Make sure it's plenty protected with wooden shield panels, too. Otherwise, I got nothing else.

>>12999609
I think it might be best then... If that's where the main amount of their forces will be, we should be there to disrupt them as long as possible I guess.

Most recent list I found. In need of updating.

196th Legionary
Gaius Rex
165/200
(5 with Blackbird)
average


98th Warlords
Uurist Titius
140/150
(10 with blackbird)
average
50th Dwarven Scouts
Finian Gaurush
95/100
(5 with Blackbird)
average

65th Dwarven Rangers
Kyria Esfelda
-arm useable, but nowhere near full capacity
65/75
(10 guarding Laelith)
average

House Garlian Uursan Cavalry
Lady Jayne Garlian
60/75
average

-Impetus Marauders (Elf)
Aeristus Beztia
Chainmail, twin combat axes
150/200
Low

-Cornwal Mercenaries
Buckmoore Kystris
Chainmail, spear and shield
170/175
Average

Kyrtosh RapidRiders (elf)
Bastius Glenth
Velociprey, leathers, shortbows, longblades
30/50
below average

>>12999619

Pax, could we get a more up to date list, perhaps also including any nomads we might be bringing with us?

>>12999619
Missing the Horse mercenaries.

If we are doing this in the dark I don't think the archers would be nearly as much of a problem as normal, guys. You can't truly hit things you can't see. They would be as inaccurate as regular bowmen.

196th Legionary
Gaius Rex
165/200
(5 with Blackbird)
good

454th Legionary
Cornelius Hoursch
150/200
good

98th Warlords
Uurist Titius
140/150
(10 with blackbird)
average

99th Hunters
Aurelius Caspius
65/75
(10 with Blackbird)
good

50th Dwarven Scouts
Finian Gaurush
95/100
(5 with Blackbird)
good

65th Dwarven Rangers
Kyria Esfelda
-arm useable, but nowhere near full capacity
75/75
good

House Garlian Uursan Cavalry
Lady Jayne Garlian
60/75
good

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

-Impetus Marauders (Elf)
Aeristus Beztia
Chainmail, twin combat axes
150/200
Average

-Cornwal Mercenaries
Buckmoore Kystris
Chainmail, spear and shield
170/175
Average

Kyrtosh RapidRiders (elf)
Bastius Glenth
Velociprey, leathers, shortbows, longblades
30/50
average

Alright, it's too late for me to go on and I have to head to bed. Figure out a plan to protect our Legionary units and someone else archive when it comes to it. See you all later.

>>12999660
>Kyria Esfelda
>-arm useable, but nowhere near full capacity

We really really need to get her armed fixed.

Ask her if the runes she forge will have any use in this battle. Possible applications and such.

>>12999660

Gaius and Finnian with us on the diversion.

Nomads, rapid riders, and horse cav in flanking force.

The flanking force probably needs some real infantry. And maybe something with some range.

Who else should we bring?

>>12999673
She didnt look all the close last time we checked up on her, and we're waiting for her, to come to us.
Though maybe we should make a little more obvious opening like saying to a guard near her tent that we'll just be working on paper tactics in our office.

We still have enough troops for a good attack, but we cant send Everyone because of the over two hundred prisoners we have...

Let's have the Cornwal Mercs shield Finian's forces. They have large shields to ward off arrows and spears to keep the cavalry at bay if they try to catch up. Also they are mercs, so heavy losses is more acceptable.

>>12999687
Impetus Maruaders and Cornelius to be a part of the slave-freeing force.
Cornwal to provide the screening force for Finian (they've got shields to protect against arrow volleys).

Gaius to garrison the fort.

>>12999687

Which plan are we doing?

I'd say we shouldn't give them infantry since they'll be slowed down. The rapidriders are ranged cavalry. They should do fine.

>>12999702

Didn't we call for aid from Florence to ship out prisoners? They should be arriving soon.

Distraction force:

50th Dwarven Scouts - Finian Gaurush
95/100

196th Legionary - Gaius Rex
165/200

Cornwall Mercs
170/175

Justinian and Retinue.


Flanking Force:

Nomads
(?/?)

99th Hunters - Aurelius Caspius
65/75

House Garlian Uursan Cavalry - Lady Jayne Garlian
60/75

Kyrtosh RapidRiders
30/50

Esperitus Raiders
40/60

Impetus Marauders
150/200

Further suggestions?

>>12999795
Who's going to stay behind to garrison the fort and keep an eye on the prisoners?

>>12999809

We called for reinforcements to take away the prisoners.

>>12999809
Uurist and Kyria?

I suggest having Cornelius's legion hold the fake-torch racks.

>>12999814
Yes, but are they scheduled to arrive before or after our attack is scheduled to occur?

>>12999809

Garrison Force:

454th Legionary - Cornelius Hoursch
150/200

98th Warlords - Uurist Titius
140/150

65th Dwarven Rangers - Kyria Esfelda
75/75

Yeah, that does seem a bit weak. Move someone down to garrison? Maybe the Impetus Marauders? Or Jayne and her Uursan cavalry? The Hunter unit, perhaps?

>>12999832
The problem is that we want as much ranged firepower as possible in our attack, to make full use of the darkness.

I think the warlords would be more useful defending the diversionary force, or part of our main attack force, than as garrison.

>>12999832
That will probably be enough. The darkness will help our forces.

>>12999832
Remember guys... this is an attack on the enemy camp. This is the turning point. We need to hit as hard as possible. One or two captains can hold out at the fort long enough for us to get back, and that's all we will need.

>>12999853
I think we at least want two units holding down the fort. Cornelius and Kyria would be good, I think. Maybe put Uurist and his warlords with the flanking force for maximum ransacking and destruction?

>>12999830

Not too sure.

Pax, can we get an ETA for the prisoner relief force?

a little under a month (its either drag wagons _through_ [for all intents and purposes fangorn forrest] or slog _around_ the forest

>>12999912
Oh, well, whatever then.

Why does Uurist's unit have Average morale when all other non-merc units are Good? Maybe we should talk to him.

>>12999915
botched update, hehe, sorry

>>12999795
>>12999832

Are there any more major issues with this list, except for perhaps putting the Uurist and his warlords in the diversion force?

Hey guys, since Laelith is playing hard to get (well not really, but compared to the other three) I think we should covertly slip in some questions about her research in the past sometime soon. Then when we get somewhere that would have it, buy her some books on the subject. Nice ones.

>>12999935
That sounds fine. Maybe we could slip in the questions while having dinner with her or something. Good relationship building opportunity, ect. She is disappoint in army food from what I remember so we could be a little vain and send the hunters out to shoot some fresh game for it too.

>>12999933
I see no major problems with this plan, and I think we can move forward with it.

>O.K. you guys seem to have figured out how you want to do this, and I'm tired as shit. so friday at 9pm server time you can finish up the last around camp shit before we time-skip to your attack. (I've been prepping literary candy for this scene since you guys decided on an attack during the Black Week, so I dont wanna be tired or trying to squeeze it into a bump-limit thread)
>someone archive please... I collapse now

>>12999928
So they're actually good morale? Nice.

Updating...

Diversion:
Justinian and Retinue
50th Dwarven Scouts - Finian Gaurush (95/100 - Good)
196th Legionary - Gaius Rex (165/200 - Good)
Cornwall Mercs (170/175 - Average)

Flanking:
Nomads - Vozhd Lennis Starahk (?/? - ?)
99th Hunters - Aurelius Caspius (65/75 - Good)
House Garlian Uursan Cavalry - Lady Jayne Garlian (60/75 - Good)
Kyrtosh RapidRiders (30/50 - Average)
Esperitus Raiders (40/60 - Average)
Impetus Marauders (150/200 - Average)

Garrison:
454th Legionary - Cornelius Hoursch (150/200 - Good)
98th Warlords - Uurist Titius (140/150 - Good)
65th Dwarven Rangers - Kyria Esfelda (75/75 - Good)

Potential changes:
Swapping Uurist's Warlords and the Impetus Marauders
Moving Uurist's Warlords into the diversion or flanking forces without changing the Marauders

>>13000010
Sounds ok, but i think we should take Kyria's men with us, we do need ranged attacks if we're the Diversionary force. Really really need them.

>>13000073
But do we really want to leave the camp bereft of ranged guys?

>>13000010

Looks good.

Have some of cornelius's men be attached to Gaius. The extra men will help.

Alright, I've swapped the Marauders and the Warlords.

Diversion: Hit first at the supplies. Flaming arrows aided by fire elementalism, fall back to staggered defenses, be prepared for return fire from archers and a heavy cavalry response. Use earth elementalism to stall enemy response force. (Maybe expand Scout and Legionary units slightly with additions from garrison force.)

Justinian and Retinue
50th Dwarven Scouts - Finian Gaurush (95/100 - Good)
196th Legionary - Gaius Rex (165/200 - Good)
Cornwall Mercs (170/175 - Average)


Flanking: Hit hard on far side, free slave, and generally smash as much as they can. (Maybe slaughter grounded Valkeries if they can find them.)

Nomads - Vozhd Lennis Starahk (?/? - ?)
99th Hunters - Aurelius Caspius (65/75 - Good)
98th Warlords - Uurist Titius (140/150 - Good)
House Garlian Uursan Cavalry - Lady Jayne Garlian (60/75 - Good)
Kyrtosh RapidRiders (30/50 - Average)
Esperitus Raiders (40/60 - Average)


Garrison: Hold the fort, use extra torches to inflate numbers. (Cornelius in command until we return?)

454th Legionary - Cornelius Hoursch (150/200 - Good)
65th Dwarven Rangers - Kyria Esfelda (75/75 - Good)
Impetus Marauders (150/200 - Average)

We need to take something of Laelith's. Her torch, maybe. I take her comment as a challenge.

Let's get into a prank war with her. See how inventive she is.

>>13000306

Not the torch. That's a bit vital. I think we should just accept her challenge and take her sash. See just how interesting she can make things.

A short addition to Finian's idea of layered traps. Justinian is currently a capable, if not good, earth adept. He will cut short the time needed to build those traps/trenches/whatever. In fact, if crudeness is not a factor, he could probably build it on the go, thus requiring little to no preparations.

Time to up your elementalism skills, Justinian!
If we can put up a wall dividing the camp, that would cut their army in half. Though reinforcements and ambushes must be accounted, or at least be prepared for.

I am also advocating striking within a couple of days of the start of the Black Week. The first or the second night, in fact.

>>13000318
Also! Push Wulf to work harder with his air, and tell him to go with Laelith. With his aid, he can either pump air into the blaze to make it bigger, or bring a breeze to extend a flare, improving Laelith's efficiency and use.

>>13000316
Eh, I didn't want to reuse the same idea. Sash has been done, we need to take something that is vital and she will want back.

Maybe we leave her sashes alone but take her robes instead. Teehee.

>>13000335
Oh, that's good. Sneak in when she's out of the tent and do it. Leave her sashes laying out on the bed to show that we didn't take them, but no robes to go with them. So deliciously ironic and taunting.

>>13000335
> Teehee

...

As much as I want to ridicule you for that, it's actually a pretty funny idea.

>>13000335
>leave her sashes alone but take her robes instead
Do it. Make this face when she confronts us.

>>13000335
Leave exactly one extremely revealing robe for her to wear.

Am I the only one who thinks that perhaps antagonizing a powerful fire elementalist in the middle of a campaign might not be the best move?

>>13000840
> Am I the only one...
Yes.

>>13000840
"Antagonizing"? It's flirting, dude.

So yeah, you are.