"I would not say you were obvious. I just have many with similar talents within my maniple and I have an item that helps me identify people with such talents."

>>14118282
Pretty much this.

>>14118252
"No, you hide it well rather. But, when you march out into town looking for someone with your abilities, it's easier to notice. Can i get you something, a bite to eat, a chair?"

You slide down to sit on the ground next to her "I would say you hid them quite well, however I was looking for one with your particular skills, so it was easier to find you."

She hums quietly "I would assume your intent to having me brought here was an oblique way to attempt to recruit me to teach your students?" she asks, waving her hand at the empty barracks the 30 prospects had recently moved into.

>>14118392
Chuckle.
"Am I that transparent?
"Yes, I require all of the instructors I can lay my hands on. I intend to not be caught unawares when things become...more pronounced, in the coming months and years."

>>14118392
"Not entirely. Although it's minor at this point, it might not be a good idea to have the man with the arcana I mentioned walking around town too much. Plus I have no clue what skills those propects will specialize in just yet and if you did assist me, I would hope you'd be working with the life elementalists."

At least I think that's how we wanted it. Correct me if I am wrong.

>>14118448
>>14118442
Just combine these two; they're close enough that it should work out.

>slow start in here tonight, isnt it?
"Am I truly that transparent?" you chuckle out nervously.

"To one as old as me, perhaps." she replies, still not answering your unasked question.

"Though I would very much like to recruit as many instructors for the academy I intend to start, I'm certain you could see the reasons to keep the man connected to the Syptionus vine from going around in public when possible." you qualify yourself.

"True enough, though I am curious as to why you are so determined to start this academy now, especially when you have a war to fight." the lacertan replies, curiosity seeping into her raspy voice.

"Talents such as ours will not remain as hidden and uncommon as they are for much longer. I am a pragmatist, and would rather enjoy having the best head start I can when others begin doing as I am now." you explain to the old healer.

"If I were to teach at this, academy, you are looking to start, how much longer would this first batch of students be in the city? they are scarcely more than wide eyed children in the world of the arcane at the moment. And to loose such talent to impatience..." the sibilant voice of the ancient lacertan woman next to you trails off, clearly interested in what you are proposing.

>>14118679
"That depends. The majority of those within my maniple that could teach them need to travel with me when I deploy in the next week. If I could find someone to teach them while I'm away, I would leave them behind to continue training. I don't forsee them being major use in combat and it would be an unnecessary risk but if I have no choice but to bring them along I will."

How does that sound guys?

>>14118679
She has a point. This batch of elementalists will not have any of the combat training that our other elementalists enjoyed, or much time training before they're thrown into the firing line.

On the other hand, combat experience is a great teacher.

Should we keep this batch of elementalists behind and have them continue training?

>>14118679
"It took me longer than a week to be what I am now, which is why these men should stay behind and continue their training whilst i move out with unfortunately most of our actual trained elementalists for the mission.

>>14118771
Make whether the new ones stay or come with us contingent on whether the old woman becomes an instructor?
I think it can work. I'll second your suggestion.

>>14118796
I'd say stay. Less than 2 weeks is a shit amount of training for an elementalist, a profession that needs years of study. Our maniple got lucky because of the talent we found and that the normal soldiers who could become elementalist were already in good physical shape. No, the recruits stay.

Okay, if they're staying behind, we'll need to make sure that their physical conditioning regime continues.

Also, we'll need the old lady to take a look at our mystic's leg.

"I would rather they not come with me on this deployment, however as all of their potential instructors in my maniple will be leaving with me in a week, I fear that I may have no choice." you answer honestly.

Silence hangs in the air for a while, only interupted by the sounds of Blackbirds new recruits training. Finally, the old healer sighs "What would the pay be, and will
I be able to leave the Sewer?" before you can answer she qualifies herself "It is a shame to see talent wasted to false necessity, and I feel I deserve something better than a decrepit, forgotten shop in my old age."

>>14118990
I honestly have no clue what would be fair pay in this world. If anything, we should go a little above fair pay since she's a cut above the average elementalist. And I see no problem with giving her a place to stay. She may not be apart of our maniple but if she's an instructor, we should provide for her. Don't want an old woman like her walking back and forth all the time too I imagine.

>>14119018
I agree.
From the IRC, we seem to be gravitating towards 3,000 dragoons a year.
I'd also like to include an apartment or townhouse near the barracks when Janos can buy one.

>>14118990
"Oh, well it could be very rude of me to ask that you commute daily back and forth from the Sewers to here, and on a officer's salary? It just wouldn't seem fair, i'd have to get you a room here at the compound."

>>14119091
>>14119065
>consensus?

>>14119164
I believe so.
We know the others are here; they just seem to want to lurk for now.

>>14119065
I'll support this.

>>14119091
This seems better to me.

>eh, this'll be the last down time session for a bit, provided we can actually get somewhere tonight, maybe that will help you guys who are just lurking waiting for the pickup to help move things along a bit?

"Say, 3000 dragoons for a year as an instructor, and I will have one of my men look into finding a better place to live near the barracks." you offer after considering for a while.

"That seems fair, I will take up residence in one of the unoccupied barracks until your man finds my new home. Would you be so kind as to send some men to help me move my supplies?" she asks after accepting your proffered hand.

"I dont see why I would not." you reply easily. By midday the old lacertan is moved into one of the empty barracks halls, and is able to help Laelith with the days training of your new elementalists.

However, you are not able to take part in the training session, as Jaxor arrives at your barracks complex' gates, true to his word from last night.
>so, go to meet him alone, or fetch Jayne first?

>>14119314
Might as well bring Jayne along. In the event she knows something we might have no clue about.

>>14119314
Go to meet him alone and get one of your soldiers to get get Jayne down.

Is there any reason NOT to bring Jayne?

>>14119314
It may make more of a difference if we go alone rather than having another noble on our hip.
Let's go meet him, alone.

>>14119314
Fetch Jayne along the way.

>>14119380
Wouldn't it make more difference if we DID have a noble on our hip?

Casually wearing nobility (even minor nobility) makes a hell of a statement.

>>14119380
I think it would be better to have Jayne with us.
Having her coach us shows that we are trying to learn the proper protocol when it comes to nobles, allowing Jaxor to excuse any mistakes we make.
Also, the two of the have experienced the same problems of losing breeding stock; they'll likely have business to talk about.

You set off to find Jayne, which is thankfully easy, as she is sitting in the dining hall of the officers barracks eating, hair still moist from a trip to the baths. She fakes a begrudging sigh, and takes her pastry with her as you slide an arm around her waist and lead her to the main gate, where Jaxor is waiting for you, his horse already being led to the stables. "Ah, Commander Trentz, Lady Garlian, I suppose you enjoyed last night then?"

>>14119587
Offer no response but the biggest grin we can manage without looking like an idiot.

>>14119587
"It was quite the experience. I just hope every party doesn't have similar situations as I saw the one you in with House Reshkai. The Uurlanth don't need extra help in causing unrest amongst our people."

>>14119587
"Yes, Lord Morlan. I must admit, such social outings are quite a change from the military dinners that I am used to.
"I take it that this is more than just a social visit, however."

>>14119667
>>14119640
How about these two. People okay with combining them?

>>14119745
Yeah I guess but I thought we knew he was coming to see us. He said he would before we finished out conversation with him. I believe it was about a new breeding stock and such.

>>14119756
New breeding stock, and a few simple maneuvers/exercises with his men to test out a few ideas we had.

>>14119756
Wasn't it also about testing new tactics with us?
He can speak with Jayne about alternative sources of breeding stock, and we can hammer out how he will be coming along with us to test new tactics in the field.

You let a deep grin slide across your face "It was a most interesting outing, nothing like the ones I am frequently on with my maniple. Though I do hope the unpleasantness between you and Dominu Reshkai are not the norm at such outings."

The nobleman sighs, trying hard to hide his gawking at your training elementalists "Sadly, that is not the case of late. You had the right of it, this rift is growing, and it could very well prove catastrophic."

"As much as I would like to discuss politics, I assume you are here for more than a friendly visit." you add, beginning to able towards the stables.

"well, Lady Garlians sister directed me here when I stopped at her villa earlier today hoping to discuss the possibilities of a breeding exchange, or see your best animals." Jaxor freezes as an errant bolt of lightning from the training elementalists smashes into the wall next to him. "I, uh, also wanted to work out the details of my griffons observing your new tactics, as I am on this side of the rift for better or worse now." he stutters out.

>>14119799
"Then I shall allow Jayne to speak to you about the animals since that's outside my realm of expertise. You can handle that now or after we discuss observing my tactics, although it seems you just got a peak at one of them now."

Yeah, those elementalists definitely need more work.

>>14119845
Also, now that he's seen them, we need to swear him to secrecy.
Remember, the praetorians were quite clear that this was to be treated as a military secret and only released to those that need to know.

>>14119799
Don't worry about the pyrotechnics, they're only dangerous if you're an enemy of the Empire. Or, you know, within fifty feet. As for the breeding, I have found Lady Garlain to be extremely resourceful. I daresay that she'll be able to provide you with what you need, and as a commander in the Legion I will work to pull whatever meager strings I can as well. We need to stick together in this, after all. For the good of the Empire we have to drag them into the present, kicking and screaming if we must.

"Then I will let you and Jayne discuss that matter, as to the new tactics, you are currently being treated to a rather unskilled demonstration of some of them. LAELITH, KEEP THE RECRUITS UNDER CONTROLL!" you bellow out, fake iritation in your voice.

The graying nobleman smiles nervously "I suppose this means I can hear the complete tale of how you took Lost Conflux then?"

"Provided you can keep to the same orders of secrecy I am under, yes, if you still wish to hear it once our negotiations are complete." you reply amiably, as the three of you enter the Jaynes stable in your barracks complex.

"Aside from that, what other tactics and innovations have you? And, what service would you call fair for my men observing your tactics?" he asks, his voice shifting from conversational to businesslike and professional in an instant.

>>14120006
"A member of my retinue has created a faster wagon that has allowed my maniple to move at a much faster rate, while one of my captains designed a crossbow that fires multiple shots without reloading at the cost of reduced penetration. As well, a member of my maniple is from the old orc clans and it's thanks to him that I've gained my nickname.

In regards to your men, I have no intention of putting them into combat. If you would allow it and if the enemy doesn't have a dominant control of the air, I would like to use them for recon purposes."

Not sure what else we want to do with them. And I suppose before we leave we should test out the paste on the valks and see if they can actually be used for night attacks.

>>14120006
"I have several technological items; improved weapons that my Head Engineer and engineering corps have been able to put together. Crossbows which have nearly doubled the rate of fire, and the same with ballistae. Also, wagons which do not require horses or other animals to pull.
"Finally, a paste which can be applied to the eyes to allow full vision in complete darkness.
"As for services, most important would be reconaissance. As the enemy is highly mobile, we must find him before we can attempt to crush him."

>>14120134
>>14120072
Oh, well we both essentially covered the same stuff.

The only other idea I can think of is of medevac, and maybe dropping off and picking up raiding and recon units.

Okay, so we're basically going with what Maximus wrote, and we're making sure to have the NV paste tested out on one each (in case of strange side-effects) of the types of mounts we have: uursan, valk, horse, and griffon.

Let's tell him that we would like to also have a "grey area" for what we can use them for, as we invent new tactics in the field all the time. Our needs and uses for them may change, but we shall assure him that they will be restricted to non-combat roles.

>tryin to power through the last of this slow bit now, so I'll just go with the fewer posts.

"Well, my head engineer has devised wagons that move mostly under their own power, and at the speed of a horse at canter, as well as crossbows capable of a much higher rate of fire, and balistae using the same ideas. He has several other projects in the works at the moment that I hope to incorporate yet on this campaign. Additionally the orc of the old clans I employ has provided me with the device to my moniker, tough I have yet to test it on any animals." you inform the man as Jayne leads the uursan cubs from their pen next to Stormcloud and Spites pens. "As to your services, simple reconnaissance and possibly swifter evacuation of wounded troops from the front in the event of a longer battle would be sufficiently low risk." you offer.

"I do hope you have more like the beasts in the next few pens, and fewer cubs to offer." Jaxor jokes dryly to Jayne, before turning to you "Yes, that would be acceptable. My son will be around with my strongest riders before you deploy, though, in the event of combat I will expect some recompense."

>so, what else do you want to take care of before you deploy?

>>14120300
We need to test the mooneye paste on animal test subjects before we leave so that if it ends up being crippling, we can swap out the crippled one for a replacement easily.

Also, give Janos a rundown of the old Lacertan, how much she's to be paid, that a townhouse or apartment near the barracks is to be rented for her.

Then tell him to be on the lookout for cheap land outside the capital that we can use for building our Academy.

I think that's it.

>>14120300
Might as well talk to Janos with what we want him to look into while we're away so we can jump right into that on our return. Then maybe our final search in the library before we leave. Can't think of anything else we might want to do.

>>14120350
>what would you want to look for?

>>14120300
I suppose we share a drink of the good stuff with our new friend and tell the tale of how Lost Conflux actually fell.

>>14120356
Books specifically on high mages. Might as well get something specific to help out Lena's training. Also if possible, perhaps trying to find if there's any magic or type of arcanist that counters necromancy.

Oh crap! What about our mystic, Autronius? Should we bring him along, or have him heal and continue to train here?

Ah, and finally, we need to make sure that the slum lord is taken care of, permanently. Daestu should be informed of the power vacuum, though I suspect he already knows. Ask him if this has created a negative impression of us in the underworld, and if attempts on our life or other unpleasantness is being planned.

>>14120371
Also any books on mysticism for our mystic. He'll also need the glove to help him train.

>Buying, Temple Lands, Academy Space (Old Gladiator school grounds or old actual school could work.), Workshop(s), Tenament buildings near our Compund that could act as Dorms for the Academy children, investments left up to him, Exotic animals
Ask he speak to Blackbird about the final bit, he might know of some good arena beasts

Ah, another thing I forgot!
We wanted to send money and aid supplies to our orc friends in the north.
But with that Uurlanth division in the area, it might not be a good idea at this time.
Maybe after we clear them out.

>>14120380
I say leave him behind. He needs to learn to control his abilities and an empty barracks will be nice for him to do that in. Plus he might be able to get some healing. On our return we can start using him or if we're being sent out to the front lines again right away, perhaps we can have him come to us.

"That seems fair enough." you reply, before leaning back and watching Jayne go through the finer points of Uursan breeding, as well as how to discern the quality of an animal. By midday Jaxor seems very confident, and ready to enter an agreement with House Garlian, the advantage quite clearly to Jayne, both monetarily and in terms of political gains.

The next day you visit the archives with Laelith, Lena and Wulf, though you are not able to discern what the young man is searching for with how busy Laelith keeps you. You are able to find a few tomes for Lena to begin learning from, as well as one for Autronius. unfortunately your research into necromancy counters is scarce, outside of what you already knew of.

The day after you spend training your fresh elementalists, and hammering out the specifics of the sort of buildings you are looking to purchase for your planned endeavors with Janos. Though you loose the man fairly quickly when you mention talking with Blackbird about good arena beasts, he truly is excited about that endeavor you muse to yourself as he begins searching for the big orc.

The next few days pass uneventfully, though the day before you deploy, you have an unexpected visitor. Governor Ovidius' son rides through your gate, clad in clearly new cloths, the dagger you gifted him on his belt unanounced, a Kanixias pacing energetically at his horses feet, its tail jet black, fading more towards red all the way to the creatures nose, which is a briliant bright red. He dismounts, but does not release his horses reins to the stableboy.

>>14120724
Well, let's go see what the boy wants.

>>14120724
Greet the 'man'. The distinction should be clear that we now consider him an adult.

"Ah, Rufus. Good day. How can I help you?"

>>14120771
This sounds good

rolled 37 = 37

>>14120724
>Kanixias
Do tell Pax. Do tell.

You make your way over to the lad "Rufus, my friend, what brings you to my barracks today?" you ask amiably, despite the Kanixias' snapping at you a few times.

"I, well, I wanted to thank you for how you settled things down at my feast. My father was angry with how you handled it at first, but I convinced him that you had been in the right." the young man informs you, looking around the central yard of your barracks. Mostly his face has a sense of longing and wonder to it, though a definite snap of jealousy cross it. You look back to see Wulf and Lena crossing the yard to a lesser gate.

"Thank you for that." you reply, not sure what the boys intent is.

"Also, my father wanted to speak with you once you return from this campaign. He, um, also wanted me to inform you that if any of your subordinates remaining in DragonsReach needed help with anything they should let him know. Also..." the boy trails off towards the end, a look of defeat in his eyes already, though he clearly hasn't finished his last thought.

>>14120924
>My father was angry with how you handled it at first, but I convinced him that you had been in the right.
That's not good. We should find out later why or interference was thought to be problematic.

>>14120924
"Give your father my thanks then. I look forward to the chance to speak to him again and perhaps I'll have some interesting things to tell you after my return. What else is on your mind though?"

>>14120961
The guy is known for sitting on the fence and only joining a side that looks like it'll win. He probably wanted the nobles to settle it on their own I guess.

rolled 7 = 7

>Kanixias
Pax, still wanna know what it is ><

>>14120924
"What is it my friend"

>>14120987
Ah, you have a point.
Also, seconding your response.

>>14120924

"speak your mind if something vexes you, Rufus."

>>14120924
"There may be a few remaining that may need something. As your father would have more knowlage of the property and zoning of the city that would help one of my ventures.
Though i have been meaning to say, I was sorry for my stepping in before, I just wished to ensure that your happy evening was uninterrupted.

Ah, I'm sorry, you were just about to say something,, go on."

>>14120999
Remember those spitting lizards that were being ridden by the guys we found harassing poor Degrian waaay back when we first met him? Those. Later, we took Sansa to a race with those things.

>>14120999
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/12647596/
>the racing lizards you saw with Sansa in the linked session

"Would you be so good as to thank your father for me then, and tell him that I look forward to meeting with him. And, it would seem that something is still on your mind, speak it, if you would." you reply, clapping the young man on the back.

"I, well, I had talked to my father about trying to join your maniple for the next campaign, said he would hear nothing of it." the boy blushes some "And, he said even if he would allow it, I have no skills to offer an accomplished commander such as yourself... and that I have to learn the art of statecraft before he will let me learn the art of war." the boys attention seems to be drawn to the ground as he finishes the sentence.

>>14121104
Hmm... You know, just for the sake of completionism, what about we wave the crystal at Rufus to see if it gets a reaction?

>>14121104
"Your father has a point. Logistics, infrastructure, support and industry; all of these things are what allows soldiers such as me and the men of my maniple to fight to the best of our ability. It is men like your father, and like what he is trying to teach you, that are just as essential to a successful campaign as martial skill or some brilliant tactic."

>>14121132
I will laugh if it pings on him.

>>14121104
"As much as I would enjoy having you along with me on this campaign, it would be irresponsible of me to let you on a battlefield when you haven't been trained to fight. Throwing someone onto the battlefield is never the best way to learn but I promise you this Rufus - when you've learnt the ways of warfare and are ready, if you still desire to join me on a campaign in the future and your father would allow it I'd be glad to take you along."

rolled 25 = 25

>>14121132
Pax is pretty much baiting us with it isn't he......
DOOO EEEET

Also, if not, see if we might gain an audience with Rufus's father before we leave. We don't expect to be routed, at least I hope to the high dragons we don't, this is pretty much a run and find and slaughter said enemy mission, ask if, he can come, to observe purely as an additional gift for his coming into manhood. Not only would it mean a very great deal to him, but he can see what maniple and legion life is really like and see if he wants to further his career choice into it.

>>14121104
"If you can convince your father to let you go, I will allow you to join in my command meetings and be present for battles. I am training a man called Wulf already, and I think that the addition of one more will not go terribly amiss. You will, of course, not be participating in combat if that is what your father wishes, yet surely he could see the benefits in having you learn tactics and strategy at a young age.

After all, what is the world of politics if not yet another battlefield?"

>>14121187
Second. Let's give him some ammo to use to convince his father. Reassurances that he won't be put in danger and that he will learn tactics and strategy. He already convinced his father of us being awesome at the feast, he clearly knows how to work his parents.

I think his dad might be okay with it if we keep him in the back with the mages during the real fighting. This is a great chance to forge a strong bond with the heir of a high noble house. We can't let it go to waste.

>>14121187
>>14121232
I get your points, I'm just worried he might start talking widely about our elementalism and all that. Despite the fact we can make him swear to tell no one, he is still pretty young and might let his excitement get the best of him. And if he does convince his father to bring him along, I suggest we bring our assassin on campaign with us and tell him his mission is to make sure the kid is safe. The guy we're fighting is sneaky and I'm expecting a night attack or infiltration of some kind so we want to make sure we have the best protecting him. If anything happens to him, we are in so much trouble.

I dunno guys, I'm not really feeling like having to babysit a lordling for our next fight. Keep in mind, the guy we're hunting this time is supposed to be fairly rape-tastic.

rolled 23 = 23

>>14121232
>inb4 stray arrow hits the governor of Dragonreach's son

As Maximus on IRC pointed out, how can we be sure that this kid won't go blabbing about our elementalists?
We can make him swear to keep it secret, but he's still just a kid.
And without a legionnaire's discipline, can we really trust him to not disobey orders and attempt to get in some combat on the front line?

>>14121256
>the guy we're hunting this time is supposed to be fairly rape-tastic.
Don't forget, he's also an Uurlanthi, and might have brought along some assassins, especially since he's operating so far behind enemy lines without support.

What if an assassin gets through and kills the kid? How do we explain that to his father?

You think for a few minutes before responding "I would have you, if your father will allow it, experience is one of the best teachers after all. I would not let you near the front without proper training of course, and there are a few conditions you will have to agree to. If your father worries of your political tutoring, i can offer the services of one of my retinue members to tutor you if your father wishes some form of repayment for time lost. You will have to hurry though, I leave tomorrow at midday." the boy perks up, ecstatic at your words, thanking you profusely as he mounts his horse and rides off.

Smirking you make to head back to your barracks a voice comes from behind you "What have you done now Justinian?" Janos asks, his face buried in his left hand, his right still around Kaitlyn.

>>14121325
>What have you done now Justinian?
"I believe I have just put the son of the Governor of DragonsReach in the line of fire."

>>14121325
"Given you the chance to have a pupil of course. With your knowledge and what he'll likely learn from his fathers tutors, I'm sure he could have an interesting view on politics."

Regardless, if he is coming with us I recommend we again find out assassin and get him to come along with us. I want to make sure Rufus has the max amount of protection he can have.

Fffffffuck.

>>14121325
"Probably something that could bite me in the ass, BUT, I feel it may be a good learning experience for the lad. Assuming, of course, he's persuasive enough with his father to get his way."

>>14121325
Wat? He would have to bring his own political tutor or whatever, and I wouldn't exactly like him having a retinue of (possible) political spies anyway. The kid sure, he's young, impressionable, and is an excellent step forward into the world of politics. Not so much some salty old political backstabber who would be looking in on us constantly.

>>14121427
Okay, but if he brings along his own tutor, then that's ANOTHER security risk we have to take into account.
I wish I could strangle you!

>>14121440
You misunderstand me. I'm saying that his political education can go fuck itself while we are on campaign. You don't go to war to learn politics. We don't want some crusty old steward spying on our shit.

There's an IRC for commander quest?

>>14121465
No, but his father is already grooming his son for statecraft and to become the next governor of the capital. Time on the march would then be time away from what he wants his son to become.
So why did you support bringing the kid along, when he's only going to be dead weight, and if he gets injured or killed, will be a major catastrophe for us?

>>14121498
Not necessarily. Pax said the governor is picked from the noble families so it doesn't sound like it's passed on through the family.

>>14121470
Yes.
#CommanderQuest
It's located on the sup/tg/ IRC server.

We have an amazing opportunity here. We can instill, at a young age, respect and a sense of awe for the Legion into a future head of a noble house. We can show him the realities of war, so that he understands exactly what happens every time those pieces on the table move together and one gets removed. We can show him the bravery of the men who serve the Empire. Especially our own, I want this kid in utter awe of us when he gets back home.

Gentlemen. Let us show him War.

>>14121515
>Let us show him War.
Alright, what contingencies do you have in place for keeping him safe during the march?
Will he be marching at all? Will he be carrying his own kit? How will we ensure that he isn't targeted by assassins?
Do you have ANYTHING resembling a plan?

"Simply given you an opportunity to teach a young man your skills. And greatly increased my potential standing with the Governor of the capitol of Degnar." you reply nonchalantly, as all the potential flaws in your plan begin to surface.

Janos pulls back on his hair, and not gently "But, but, all the ways that could go wrong. WHAT POSSESSED YOU??"

You shrug "Not the strangest thing that has done so." you reply "We will need Daeseu to come with me now, protect him from assassins."

"A TURNCLOAK UURLANTHI ASSASSIN?? There are hundreds of better men for that job in this maniple alone!" Janos half shrieks, following you to the vault you keep your arcana in.

>>14121553
"I never said he would be the only man watching him Janos. Daeseu has had chances to hurt us already if he wanted. Such as the fact he's aware you're both in the same situation in some ways. He will definitely have other soldiers watching him and he will not be on the battlefield."

>>14121553
"Yes, Janos, and those hundreds will be used to keep the boy safe. I'm not completely daft, you know. He will be nowhere near the front-lines. If anything, I plan to have him with the medicae most of the time."

Guys, Daesu needs time to work his way into the DragonsReach underground; taking him out now will negate all of the work that he's started on.

>>14121595
I'm still too flustered at the moment to think of anything else to say. This will have to do.

>>14121618
I'm aware but I rather lose all that work to help ensure our escort mission objective stays alive. I can accept losing that work to ensure the governor's son returns to him unharmed.

Well, I hope the people that voted for bringing the kid along likes escort missions, because that's what this entire campaign is going to be.

>>14121553
Would you prefer I leave him here with a turncoat Uurlanthi noble who engineered the war we are now fighting?

trolljustinian.jpg

"I'm not completely daft Janos, he will not know that he has a shadow, will dress as a member of the Legion, and spend much of his time in the medicae tent. He will learn of tactics, and the reality of war. His father looks to be grooming the lad for positions of high power, I intend to do everything I can to make sure that he knows exactly what hell he sends men into when those carved pieces are slid around the map." you chide Janos, retrieving the arcane detection crystal.

"A noble plan but there must be... ah, I give up. At least I will have an easier time buying your properties now." Janos sighs out.

"Could you track down Daeseu now, we will need him more likely than not." you answer, heading out into the barracks main yard again. Almost on cue The governor and his son ride through the gate.

"Commander Trentz, I am surprised you were willing to take my son with you. You will keep him safe, and I fully expect this to be the greatest military learning experience of his life." the man greets you as he dismounts, his voice gruff. "If I am to be pulled into your camp by my son, I will have him an expert on these new tactics. How do you plan to keep him safe?"

>>14121829

Maybe we should give a short demonstration of the general abilities of our elementalism crew?

Say something like "To put it simply, there are members of my maniple who are deadly even without a blade in hand. Consequently, this is not information for public consumption. At least not from -reliable- sources, right?"

>>14121829
"He will be well guarded by some of my finest men, as well as dressed to appear as a member of my legion to avoid standing out. You can rest assured he will be no where near the front lines so he won't be at risk of being attacked, while he'll have the chance to observe our strategical meetings and how my maniple operates."

Might as well test out the crystal now and see if he has any talent. Might have to mention that to the gov if he does.

Well? Any bright ideas from the crowd that wanted the kid to tag along? Any other contingency plans for when thing inevitably go wrong? Such as the Uurlanthi elves targeting the medicae tents in a flanking move and sending pin-point accurate arrow volleys into the field hospitals?

>>14121878
Let's give the crystal a wave then.

>>14121884
Well we did talk to that one noble who had the griffons along to observe and not engage directly. Perhaps he can hitch a ride with them at times and be off the battlefield entirely. Assuming the enemy doesn't have control of the skies.

>>14121829
I have in my employ several men who are experts in the arts of personal defense. Collin McMarhen, a swordmaster of peerless skill. Myself, and my ability to detect anything that moves on the ground for miles in any direction. Experts in fortification and defense the likes of which the Empire has rarely seen. Not to mention healers who, let us say, are more than capable should all of these measures fail. In addition to all this I have myriad other layers of defense which I cannot discuss, I am afraid.

Rest assured, if your son comes with us he will see first-hand the face of war to come and be safe while doing so. In return I must ask your steadfast and solemn oath that your son not reveal what he sees while with my maniple, at least until high command gives the go-ahead on doing so. These are highly classified state secrets, I am afraid, and must be treated as such.

>>14121829

"why I plan to have an Uurlanthian assassin protect him."

>>14121878
The only other assurance that we could provide is our very, very good healers.
Also, we have several contingency plans in place, one of them being an emergency evacuation via griffon for the boy.

>>14121896
We probably should do this. Hell, think how loltastic it would be if the governor could learn.

Do it discretely, though, last thing we need is him thinking we are messing with his mind with arcana or something.

>>14121932
Definitely mention this escape contingency.

>>14121913
If we task Collin with bodyguard duty, then he will not be available on the front line.
We are unlikely to be able to set up fortifications, unless we can somehow grab an objective that the enemy desperately will want (unlikely, as they're only here as raiders and will bypass strong defenses).

>>14121968
Or... If we could armour one of the moving wagons, give the boy a crossbow and a few guards, also with crossbows, and use that.

Wait, fuck, elves, nvm.
>Inb4 he gets shot in the eye.

>>14121968
I can accept Collin not being on the front line in this case. It'll be a pain but we'll have to make do. I just hope we have enough infantry... How much money do we have left Pax? Might be worth a quick look at the mercs before we leave to see if we can pick up a cheap unit or two to fill up our ranks more.

>>14121968
You... know this is for show yes? Make him feel secure and all that. We'll assign what we feel is an appropriate level of defense for him, but fathers need to be reassured that we have the best on hand.

Shouldn't the boy already have his own bodyguards? I mean, probably not a large force, given he's not involved in combat, but he's the son of a fairly high ranking official, surely he has /some/ protection?

>>14121992
>I can accept Collin not being on the front line in this case
I knew you would pick up on it. I'm just not confident than the others would actually understand the consequences of the choices that they are making.

>>14121992
It's not like Collin singlehandedly turns the tide of battles, guys. He's basically a bodyguard already, someone we assign to whichever one of our ladies is going into the hottest combat, because we don't want our harem hurt.

>>14122014
Yes, I know that most of these plans are just posturing.
But the problem still stands that you have failed to come up with an actionable defensive plan that we can implement.
Something that we can use while in the field and in battle.

>>14122034
He hasn't turned the tide of battle at times but he's helped hold the line in dicey situations. Like that last battle we had where he was with the marauders I believe. I'm aware he's not going to make our break our units but it also means he's not going to be around to buff them a little.

>>14122016
Do you realize that having bodyguards, even ones in regular Legion uniforms, is still a big "Shoot Me, I'm An Officer" sign?

"To start, he will dress as a member of the legion, and simply act as a new addition to my maniple. Failing that, I have several extremely skilled warriors in my maniple, some of them so skilled at infiltration that the attempts of most infiltrators are trifling matters to their skills. Additionally, Jaxor Morlan will be sending a contingent of his best griffon riders to observe my tactics, would your son somehow be in any danger at the back of the line where I will keep him during battle, he will be ferried to safety. Finally, my healers are among the greatest in the empire, should any harm come to him."

"Very well." the governor replies surprise still on his face "Rufus, that means Grontus will have to stay here." the man informs his son. Rufus opens his mouth to protest, no doubt something about how the Kanixias would keep him safe "How many men of the Legion can afford a Kanixias, hmm?" the boy sighs, but begins petting the creature goodbye. "Normally I do not favor bold actions, but perhaps this will be good for him, hmm? Now this tutor you offered if I do not think my sons learning is appropriate for the time lost from his political learning, when will I be able to meet him?" As the man questions you, Janos walks in, grumbling, Daeseu behind him, looking incredibly amused.

>>14122059
You realize that there are a couple dozen officers on the field and one who is sitting back not giving commands or, really, doing anything is likely not going to be a high priority, right? Especially when the actual commander is standing in the middle of the front line unit ripping the hell out of your army and shouting about how you have a small penis which could never even compare to the massive one he uses to satisfy his four beautiful concubines.

Okay, I took some liberties there, but the point stands.

One more thing to remember: we're going to be fighting elves. Uurlanthi elves.
Remember when we fought Stant's elves, and they were able to sneak within firing range of our camp to snipe the guards?
I expect that to happen to us. How are we going to protect the kid from that kind of sniping? Even if he's not on guard duty, a lucky shot could still get him.

>>14122090
I'm not talking about in the middle of battle, I'm talking about on the march, and when we're making camp.

Yes the other command officers will be easily visible. But the one obvious command officer who's not giving orders, who is in plainclothes to attempt to direct attention away, is going to be a target as well. Because obviously he's valuable enough to be kept out of a fight.

"Ah-ha, here he is now. I am pleased to introduce my VERY good friend, and recently financial advisor, Janos."

>>14122128
You had better mean Daesu, and only refer to him as Janos as a cover.
Because we need the real Janos to stay in the capital and oversee our businesses and projects.

>>14122059
I'm not saying they should be assigned to him in the middle of battle, they probably wouldn't be any use to him there anyways, but they should be trained to deal with security /outside/ of battle, like assassins and shit.

>>14122126
No no no, they don't obviously guard him, he hangs around with them as if they were just another part of the maniple.

>>14122095
Well to do that, they have to know we're after them, then know where our camp is. Then scout it first, make their way past any traps set.
Best case scenario is that we catch them at night when they've camped.
We move fast, strike fast, strafing assaults hitting their walking scouts or knocking over torches or anything set up while our main assault force is moving forward in an enclosing V formation.

>>14122080
God, we didn't actually offer that Pax. We *can't* offer that. Janos is staying here. I don't know why you said it in the first place.

>>14122177
And you expect a boy who just turned 16, and has never undergone even cursory Legion basic training, to be able to do that?

You and the other guy are going to get us screwed over.

>>14122195
You are acting like there are going to be skilled assassins coming for him in a military camp, on the move, in leiu of better targets, bypassing Daesau, and knifing a 16 year old boy in the middle of our camp.

I think the burden of proof is on you to prove that the kid is going to be in severe danger merely by being present in what is likely one of the safest places in the Empire, considering virtually nobody will know he is there except his family.

"The man just now entering the complex now would be the man I volunteered to tutor your son should you not like what he learns on this campaign with me. The elf will be one of the gentlefolk helping keep him safe; Janos and Daeseu respectively. I expect you will become better acquainted with the former, as he is also in charge of my finance, and will most likely be purchasing several properties for me during my absence." you inform the governor.

"Let us hope my son will return to me safe, and well versed in the reality of war. I would very much have to add more to the mans most likely busy schedule once you return from campaign." At that, the nobleman climbs onto his horse and rides off through the main gate.

"You have your father by the short hairs, dont you?" Daeseu asks the young man after the gate shuts. Rufus tries to act it off as some trifling feat, though he does a poor job of it.

"You had best see to a uniform Rufus, you march on the morrow." Janos deadpans, heading off to the officers barracks.

>well, I think I'm gonna wrap it up right here for tonight
>someone archive please
>I'll be back sunday at 9pmish server time
>if you have any CQ/setting questions email me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com

>>14122195
Hey, I didn't support bringing him along in the first place, but if we are stuck with him, putting a few guards to cover for his lack of training and pretend to just be another group of troopers, of zero value to infiltrators, is probably our best bet. Sure, we /could/ put him in with the non-combat personnel, but they and the officers will probably be prime targets for infiltrators hoping to fuck us over. Unless we want to assign the governor of the capital city's son to something like chopping food or doing laundry, that's about as close to making him invisible as we can get.