>bump, since /tg/ is moving along at a decent clip tonight

rolled 49 = 49

Well, first, I'd like to make sure we are crucifying the right person. If we are to crucify anyone at all.

rolled 26 = 26

>>14410420
But, mostly steel and buster with a mix of devious planning for the most part.

>>14410546
>>14410519
These
oh and lets raid the guys wine cellar to find some new leads on our mystery liquor

>>14410546
>>14410519
>confirmation, anything you want to take care of before you head to Northmont?

Well, I figure you could go in victorious, request to speak with the governor to talk about the Uurlanthian elf assault and coup d'etat him in his office.
Problem is with the cult's spy network, he may already know what you are gonna do if you show yourself.

Are we gonna send Rufus back with the gryphon observers? If we are, I think we should write a letter to Lord Helmet to allow Rufus to meditate with the rest of our recruit elementalists, plus if our elf (name escapes me at the moment) has any books for him to study, to allow him access to them. However no experimentation until we get back.
Also, a report to the 2nd pretorian. He needs to know we're done here and are going after the governor.

Last week on IRC there was a concern that these orders weren't issued by the 2nd but rather by a member of the cult, I'd suggest that we send a couple of our valks to go to the capitol and confirm, also we should send desau ahead of us to begin investigating the governor

rolled 48 = 48

>>14410671
Agreed. It was also a possibility that the 2nd sent the orders, even if he had reservations just because it is protocol. Also, Pax, can we get a confirmation on if hte 4th is the female, the one under suspicion at cult infiltration?

also we need to talk to gaius about the battle with the infantry

"Mostly steel and bluster, though I do intend to make certain that this man is guilty before I see that justice is served... so I suppose there will be at least _some_ planning and deception involved." you reply amiably. Not much conversation is had past that point, though it doesnt bother either of you overly much.

The next morning you actually manage to find Daeseu more easily than normal, though the fact that he is still sleeping was some help. "Whh-blaAha... wasnt me!" he exclaims as you rouse him.

"I'm certain" you deadpan "however, I'm afraid it is you whom I need to speak with."

The assassin stands up, and brushes the dust and grass from his cloths "How can I be of service then?" he asks groggily.

"I received orders to see to a treacherous governor in Northmont, I want you to ride ahead to see what you can find of him." you reply curtly.

"And Rufus?" the assassin asks, glancing about, no doubt in search of his tent and belongings.

"I do not think that he will be under my care much longer, I would like for you to be on your way before midday however." you respond, before dismissing the man and heading out into the camp proper.

>so, what do you want to take care of first then, Gaius, confirmation letter, your House Morlan Observers?

rolled 24 = 24

>>14410747
House Morlan Observers, then actually, I kind of want to talk to the mercs. See if they don't mind staying till the end.

>>14410671

seconding confirming our orders from the 2nd.


As for how to go about the orders, we should enter the city under the guise of resting our force before moving to aid the front. Perhaps have our story be that we've only been told we'll be moving the front, but not specifics.

>>14410747
Gaius, letter, observers. In that order.
Probably could use the observers to deliver the letter if they're gonna go back to DragonsReach.

>>14410777
good Idea, and then when the valks return with confirmation we can say that we just recieved orders to execute order sixty s- i mean execute the governor

>>14410789
this

We still need to debrief Gaius.

I think we should send Rufus back to DragonsReach for now. No need to get him stuck inside a besieged city.

>>14410828
but before we do we should ask him if he knows anything about this governor, maybe he met him at some point

We also have a tribute to our enemy's valiant (but ill advised) "climbing charge at enemy valks with crossbows and rocks" from a few threads back.

You make your way over to Gaius, who is going through his usual morning exercises "Commander, how can I help you?" he greets you, saluting mid-rep.

"I was hoping you would be able to bring me up to date on how last nights battle went." you reply.

Gaius stops his exercising "Certainly commander. We arrived just before nightfall. They fired on us from the forest, and the light infantry, or, most of them, charged us. It was sloppy, but by nightfall we were ready to move into the forest proper. The blademasters and archers were trying to play us at our own games for quite a while, though the dark left them all dead by the time you arrived. Is there anything you need me to expand on, or will that be all, sir?"

>>14410860
>>14410932
inform him of what we're going to be doing and then go on

>>14410932
"Anything surprise you with their tactics thus far? Or did they just seem to know they were sent there to die?

Captives? Arcana of any sort? Elementalists dispatched?"

Ask Gaius whether the enemy fielded any elementalists during the battle.

>>14410932
Gaius was curious about our divine visions and shit before, we should sit down and talk to him about it now since we already are.

"Any unusual tactics, elementalists, slaves, or just a lot of elves sent off to die?" you press.

The old legionary shrugs "A few elementalists, one tried to burn the forest down, but Laelith saw to that, a few others, but we ended them just as surely as we did the rest of them."

You nod "Thank you, captain. we will be headed to Northmont now, the governor may have turned and it has fallen to us to right that."

"So long as my battalion is replenished, and my men rested I wont raise any complaints to garrison duty after this last week." he replies, saluting.

You return the salute, before heading out into the camp again. The men from house Morlan are rather easy to find, though it is not a rapid process either "Greetings, Commander, and congratulations on your victory as well. How can I help you then?" the captain greets you, sitting back down after saluting you.

>>14411112
Second.

Ask them to give Rufus a ride home later. (Ask Rufus about the governor first.) Also ask them to deliver a letter for us, to the Second Praetorian, in person. The regular couriers can no longer be trusted.

The rest of the House Morlan observers can stay, but warn them that we'll be defending a city that is going to be besieged soon.

>>14411127
Ask if they're returning to dragons reach or if they're going to tag along with us to Northmont

>>14411127
We need confirmation on whether they're going to continue with us to Northmont. Also, what's their general feeling for our new tactics?

We have some letters to write:

To the Second:
- status update
- request confirmation on previous orders

To Rufus's father (governor of DragonsReach)
- status update on his son
- maybe tell him about Rufus's abilities (talk to Rufus on this first), try to play it off as a good thing
- tell him that Rufus has permission to continue his training at our home barracks

To Janos:
- tell him to help Rufus if Rufus gets into trouble with his father, gets thrown out of the house, etc.
- ask for status update

>>14410546
I still say we wangle a dinner invitation and "surprise arrest" him during the dinner.

>>14411302
I see no problems with any of these.

So, we're sending Rufus back, then?

You shrug, taking a seat next to the captain "Since I am to move to Northmont I was curious as to whether or not you will be joining me or returning home to DragonsReach. And you thoughts on my tactics of course."

The emissary scratches at his beard "We lack the supplies for a flight home as a group, especially with Governor Ovidius' son in tow. So, we will be flying with your for at least a while longer."

"Would you have, perhaps, enough supplies to fly a message to the second for me?" you ask, hopeful.

"A single rider I can do, do you have it ready?" you shake your head negative "Very well, inform me when you do and I will see it done. As to your tactics, they are most intriguing, and from how the Skywings worship the crossbows you gave them I find it obvious that the inventions you have employed are at the very least excellent in function. The arcane however... unpredictable, to say the least." the man replies.

I assume we have intel on the garrison and layout of Northmont? And possibly any forces that the noble family we have orders to arrest maintains?

>>14411302
I dont know if we should tell his dad about the whole necromancy thing. Could end badly, for Rufus i mean

>>14411331
Safety concerns aside, he's tying up some of our resources. We had both Collin and Daeseu guarding him. Daeseu needs to do investigative work now.

Talk to him about it, first, I guess. If he really wants to stay, Laelith can help him find some books at the local library in Northmont.

I think we should send him home with a reading list, and tell him to train hard. If we are lucky, we get to recruit him after we get back to DragonsReach.

>>14411364
When we have the letters ready, give them over to the Morlan Observers to send them back.

In regards to the one for Rufus' father, it may be best to simply say that Rufus appears to be manifesting some elementalism potential, and that he is welcome to further develop them with our other gifted staff/Academy.

Finally, before we get going, could we talk with the captain of the Skywings, see how the repeaters worked out for them, and if further training with them would be useful.

>>14411364
Now all we need is an Uurlanthi baron on a red valkyrie.

>>14411407
Second.

Also, if the Skywings are going to continue to be with us for longer, we should probably have a few of them trained in repeater crossbow maintenance. They don't have to be good enough to build one, or even fix a broken one. Just good enough to keep one from breaking.

You nod, salute, and set about getting camp to break and move. The letters dont take to long to compose, and your rider is off a day before you reach Northmont. The gates of the city are not nearly as crowded as they were on your first visit this campaign, though the streets are still bloated with refugees. You and your men receive some cheers as you enter, though mostly, the citizens and plebians look at your kitchen wagon with yearning eyes. A small, thin man rides up next to you on spite "Ah, commander Trentz, how good it is to meet you. I suspect that you were allocated to garrison my city after you dealt with the marauders then? Your new standard is in the barracks complex in the government district, where I hope you will stay until you are relieved. Governor Dorin Lobis." he finally introduces himself, extending his hand.

Wait, I thought we went to a different fort last time. Can you double check, Pax?

"Aye, sir. I was told to garrison here and hold until further orders. How kind of you to come greet me in person." Shake his hand. Surreptitiously check him with our detector stone.

>>14411554
Keep up our appearances for now. We still need confirmation and evidence that this governor is really a traitor, and this isn't a Cult plot.

Shake his hand, make some small talk, that we hope that food supply wagons will be able to make their way out here again. Also ask for when our replacement troops are expected to arrive.

Also, when we get settled at the barracks, send a letter to that logging town's mayor, that we were able to save most of the town, and sorry about the palisade wall. But it's destruction allowed us to utterly crush the Uurlanthi force that attacked his town, so we're thankful that he had it.

>>14411554
Hungry citizens. And the city's not even besieged yet. Great. :(

Oh, and also:

"Governor, I notice that while there aren't as many refugees as when I was here last, there seems to be a problem with the food supply. How long do you expect it to take before regular food shipments are restored?"

>>14411656
Strike that part about "when I was here last" and change it to be "not as bad as Stonefoot".

>>14411613
>>14411604
these

>>14411554

Ask about:
The city's food/water supplies
How many refugees are estimated to be in the city
If there have been problems involving refugees
When we can expect a briefing on the city and the surrounding area

How are the food supplies for our force? If the refugees are as hungry as their stares may suggest, could we spare some of our supplies?

>>14411554
Should probably read "The gates of the city are not nearly as crowded as they were at Stonefoot..."

rolled 4 = 4

>>14411554
"Well, I would hope you wouldn't mind if my command staff went about. I was hoping for a night to relax with my command staff before we completely settled in."

>>14411730
I wouldn't say 'settled in', he doesnt know we're his replacement, and exacutioner
use something of more along the lines of thanking him for his offer to stick around

>I derped, make that "expected" not "last visited" you havent been here before

"Certainly. Though I am curius as to how many refugees you have in your city, and how long you suspect it will be until you have enough food and water for them again." you reply aimiably, doing your best to ignore the... interesting, odor the man has about him.

The thin governor tilts his head before replying "Truly, I am not certain, as to the food... the better part of the first harvest that would feed the folk in this city were lost along with the farmers homes. I am moving as much as I dare to up from the south."

"I see, are they getting ujnruly, or simply unhappy?" you press, as Spite growls, clearing the way a bit quicker.

"No, though a few malcontents and rabblerousers are already calling for any house but mine in the next election." he replies, tilting his head to the other side, as his leg starts twitching. Before long you reach you temporary barracks. A near mirror image of your home barracks your men fall into their normal routine quickly. "So Commander, do you want me to show you to your new standard first, or did you want me to show you something else?" Behind the man you see Daeseu drop over the wall, and salute you as he stalks off towards a side building.

Lets see our new standard

>>14411798
Let's see the city militia commander and other city defender captains, if any exist. We want a unified battle plan in the case of a siege by Uurlanthi forces if they breach the line.

Also, it will give us a chance to size up the local resistance if we have to use force against the city.

"I'll be shown to our new standard for now, though I will have need of you at a later point."

While he's turned around, wave crystal at him.

rolled 16 = 16

>>14411875
>>14411865
Seconding these.

Ask him if he could be troubled to give a quick tour of the city. We'll need to know important locations such as the local smithies, library, place to recruit mercs (not really, I know), restaurants/bars, etc. Places that would be of interest to an up-and-coming maniple commander. This is all just to buy more time for us to observe him, and ping him with the detector stone when he's not looking.

>>14411865
>>14411875

also seconding these

>head tilting
>leg twitching
Oh no we have a skin-dancer. D:

>>14411935
or a man with several nervous tics, he could just be paranoid but it's probably better to be prepared for the skin dancer possibility

You sigh "For now, I would like to see my new standard, and perhaps you could arrange for me to meet with the captain of the guard and garrison commander in the near future?"

Dorins left eye blinks, his right squinting then opening as wide as possible as he replies "Certainly, the meeting will likely not be until tomorrow at best, though I can show you your standard now." when the man turns around, you pull the detection crystal from your pocket, nothing.

"Thank you, Governor." you reply, following the man to his villa.
>cont'd

"I kept it here for safe keeping, such an artifact would be a tragedy to lose." he explains, his right hand effecting an almost rhythmic tic against his leg. "I kept the others all in separate chambers in my vilia, and had prisoner servants polish each of them." he continues, the tic abruptly switching to his left hand, and becoming a regular rhythm. The standard is ebon in color, save for the gold trim outlining the fingers. The central finger is enameled in crimson, a golden "I" on the center of it, meaning you are the first commander given that finger, and third along the line of progression for the Thumb of this fist, after the two men on the index finger. Currently, it is wrapped in a long cloth tabard, the names of each commander to have held this position recorded on the cloth, which criss-crosses the fist, and wraps around the wooden pole temporarily holding it aloft, spilling down to the floor. Reverently, you lift it from the pole it is resting on, folding the cloth as you do so, seeing your name at the bottom of the list seems almost unreal. Never taken, any of these standards, in the 4000 years since the Praetorian of the Legion was allowed a second fist, never has this standard fallen into the hands of enemies, and scarcely has it witnessed over a defeat. A treasure of the Empire, now in your care. "Congratulations, friend." Lobis' high-pitched voice interrupts your thoughts "perhaps a dinner in my villa is in order tonight, it seems only proper that you properly celebrate your advancement."

>>14412109
"I would be honored but are you alright? If you are ill perhaps one of my medics could be able to assist you"

>>14412109
"Thank you, sir. I believe I shall take you up on that offer. If I may bring along a single escort?"

Should bring along Jayne again, for her social skills and knowledge of noble society and their ways.

Now, we need to see to the merc captains, and if they'll stay for this garrison job. We don't need to actually RP it out; just a yes or no is fine.

Also, a talk with the Skywings captain on his troops use of the repeaters; training they'll need to maintain them and how his soldiers performed with them.

rolled 86 = 86

>>14412109
seconding asking if he is alright. Thought, not sure about asking about the medics, perhaps a bit demeaning if we do in my honest opinion. Though, we DO have life ele's, perhaps rephrasing is in order?

"Is everything alright Joblis? I have most excellent and expert doctors and medics in my maniple, perhaps you would like to see one if you are ill?"

>>14412190
>>14412204

seconding both

You turn to face the man, who is now perfectly still smiling and watching you "Thank you for the invitation, and, might I bring an escort with me?"

"But of course my friend, what fun is it to eat with but one other?" the man replies, his voice smooth and controlled.

Nervously you ask "Not to be rude, but, were you quite allright before, you seemed rather..."

"FINE! Fine fine. Nothing wrong with me." he quickly and almost panickedly responds, before he returns again to the controlled, demure man he seems to have suddenly changed into "And I look forward to meeting with you again later this night." at that he smoothly turns about and strides from the room calmly.

By midday you have convinced all of your mercenary units to extend their contracts until your current mission is complete. You are on your way to speak with Jayne, Daeseu or Rufus, whichever you can find first, when you hear a commotion from the medicae structure.

>>14412309
Check out the medicae tents!

>>14412309
Well, he's sure as hell hiding something...

>>14412322
seconding

Sighing, you make your way to the medicae building, hoping nothing bad has happened. You walk in to find a rather groggy looking Wulf trying to sit up, though Lenas onslaught of kisses, apologies, and what you can only assume is a particularly fierce hug seems to be keeping the young man down. "Its... its alright Lena, can I sit up please?" she shakes her head rapidly, before visibly squeezing him again, smirking the young man greets you with a salute. "Commander, I apologize for the time it took me to recover. I hope nothing requiring my skills happened during my tardiness."

"We simply met with one of the least trustworthy, and most cowardly heads of a noble house to be elected governor of any city, and Justinian here has agreed to feast his promotion with him this night." Jayne informs the young man.

"And we killed some uurlanthi elves" Rufus adds amiably, and, suddenly you realize that the boy must be going through one last growth spurt, as his cloths seem to ill fit him now. Wulfs mood almost seems to sour, though not overly much, no doubt the fact that it was Lena who he first saw after finally waking up has something to do with that. "And my father always did smirch the competence of Governor Lobis, though his skills at politicing impressed him well enough." the noble boy adds, realizing that his first statement had only garnered him rolled eyes and exasperated looks.

>>14412486
"It's good to see you up and about, Wulf. Since we're to be garrisoning this city for a while, get yourself checked out by the medicae. You'll be practicing with the other elementalists for anti-elementalist training.
"We can go over the tactics used in the last battle, and the actions of certain third parties, when you're more recovered."

Let's talk with the Skyrider Captain now.

"Wulf, you have no idea how glad I am to speak with you again. I understand you were in a strange place. But you had someone looking out for you. "

I assume the Owl eventually flew off on it's own?

It was mentioned on IRC that if our medics are free we should set them to helping the refugees if they require it

If we have no injured soldiers that need taking care of by our medical staff, we should have them set up shop somewhere (perhaps by the town's main gate?) to help refugees and locals with any injuries that can be treated.

If we're forced into a battle for the town, the people are always a powerful ally.

>therapies aroveri

The captcha may be in agreement

>>14412569
>>14412563
I'm okay with that. It keeps the medicae occupied.
But the life elementalists should be training their powers, and should only be called in for charity cases are that are in dire need.
We need our life elementalists to be able to act as Life Batteries for Lena's arcane artillery ( as well as any other elementalist or our maniple if we're driving them hard ). Also, they should get some basic anti-elementalism training done with the others.

"You are behind on counter-elementalism training, but, since we're on garrison duty here in Northmont you should be able to rectify that easily enough. Did that Owl fly off on its own then?" you ask no one in particular

"No, Tassadus probably only flew off to get some..." he trails off, as he realizes everyone is staring at him "I, erm... got attached quickly?"

"There is no way you've been awake long enough to forma bond with that bird, let alone name it." Jayne observes, suspicion in her voice.

Rufus realizes that all of the medical staff are glaring at him, and quickly leaves the building, save that, silence fills the space.

>so, who will you take with you to the meal then?

>>14412601
agreed

>>14412601

wouldn't treating injuries be a form of training for life elementalists, depending upon their area of specialty?

>>14412613
Jayne (and wulf?)

>>14412613

"Travelers may to form bonds more quickly than others, Jayne."

>>14412613
I think Jayne will suffice, although we should get a report from Dasesu about our friendly governor.

We should see how much control we can get over determining the defenses of the city. We might want to build some new defensive siege engines if we can and we should probably take a better look at the walls. Perhaps we can patch up parts of it as an earth elementalist.

>>14412613
We need Jayne to come. She's our lifeline in dealing with political situations and, in case we get poisoned there, we have a life elementalist to heal us.

Also, Rufus should not come. I don't like him being in the line of fire, and in the political backstabbing games, attacks can come from everywhere.

Maybe Gaius should come, as a reward for doing well against the elves. And being a big guy in case betrayal happens, or we capture the governor, is always useful.

I have no other opinions on our other commanders.

>>14412613
Guess we know for sure the owl is one of Eago's bros, then.

You shrug "Travelers form bonds quickly, I suppose." you answer for the boy "And Jayne, would you be so kind as to escort me to the governors dinner tonight?"

The noble lady opens her mouth, presumably to ask what you meant, but her words change before they can escape her mouth as you inform her of your plans "Of course... love." she replies, leaving no question that she does not particularly want to speak with the governor, let alone eat with him.

Smiling you set out from the medicae building, in search of Daeseu. You find the elf in a small room of an unused mercenary barracks, honing his blades. "Commander, I had wondered when you would come to speak with me. Would you like the unsettling, damnig, or unpleasant information first?"

>>14412783
let's start with the unpleasant

>>14412783
Unpleasant. Let's start with the least of it and hear the worst last.

damning, then the rest as it comes.

>>14412783
Unpleasant first. Then the unsettling, then the damning.

>>14412815
>>14412817

Unsettling first. If we go with the damning first, the rest will be too bland

Ah, got a genosect now. delicious.

>>14412883
This is what happens when you're on two blue threads at the same time and forget which tab you're on.

You sit on the chair across from the assassin before replying "Unpleasant first, then unsettling and finally damning."

The elf nods "The man is paranoid, his Vila has its own set of walls, and a few towers. He keeps at least four guards at the gate at all times, and the three towers all have a trio of archers in them at all times. His guard is 24 strong, though a good portion of them are away from the Vila at most times... I already have a way around that however, so it is simply unpleasant." the elf flourishes the blade he had been working on, and it disappears in the blink of an eye "Unsettling, I may not be familiar with the gods, but I think you may recognize this." he replies, handing you a small piece of cloth. "I found this in the governors inner sanctum, along with a sizable chest of Uurlanthi coin. It was well hidden, but I was still able to find it."

>>14412905
"I assume you weren't lucky enough to spot any documents or letters within his inner sanctum? Regardless, it seems that he must be dealt with sooner rather than later. Any idea on if the man has allies amongst the other houses?"

>>14412905
"I'll take that as evidence enough. How easily is it to get through that place that you've found in. Would say, myself, you, and Blackbirds force be able to get in?

I've a dinner planned with the gentleman, i hope he wont mind if i arrive early."

Overall this should be simple enough. As long as we can storm the governor's villa, capture him and announce the fact he's a traitor, the city should fall in line even if he has allies amongst other houses or within the guard. Then we use this time to try to find out who else is in on his game before we start executing him so we can stop any possible traitors within the city helping the enemy when they try to siege this place.

>>14412956
>>14412990
seconding these

>>14412990

Our force should still prepare to seize the city should it come to that.

Perhaps our remaining valk riders could "stretch their wings" above/around the city while we make our move? That way any movements by the governor's allies should be spotted and can be reported to our forces.

Guys. We'll be having dinner with him. He'll be easy to capture then. Have Gaius's men standing by, just out of sight of the villa, in case it goes bad.

>>14413040
If we take him quick enough, his allies likely won't act yet if we keep our men on guard and ready to march. They'll wait and bide their time, especially if we don't kill him right away. That'll give us the chance to interrogate him and find out more on our own hopefully.

Also, one thing we should do to help out the population and prepare for a siege - use the money he got from the Uurlanth to purchase more food supplies from other cities if we can. Or at least try to deal with the food situation amongst the refugees and all.

Finally, we might want to investigate our standard a little more. If this guy is serving a god, I want to make sure he didn't do anything to it that could bite us in the ass at some point.

>>14413048
He'll be expecting us to walk into his dinner and it'll likely be a trap meant to eliminate us or capture us. Better to act before he's ready and take him captive before he even expects us to arrive.

>>14412905
Oh wait. Basheek, god of cowards. We might be getting poisoned at dinner.

Do NOT eat what he serves. Capture him as soon as he sits down at the table. Flip the table if we have to.

What's the final damning piece of news? Or are the Uurlanthi coins supposed to be it?

>>14413076
Bring Collin, our heavy cavalry noble, and Cornelius as well then.

He said we could bring an escort. He didn't say that it has to be just one person.

I'm more worried about it turning into a mini-siege, if we try to storm his villa with our men. His villa has its own walls and towers. He might hold out long enough to:
1. contact allies and rally support
2. destroy or hide the evidence

You sigh, always a trap lately "Evidence enough to act though. Would you be able to get, say... myself, Blackbird, and his raiders into the Vila undetected?"

Daeseu shakes his head "No, too many. And, from what I learned of the man, he plays the long game. He will likely try to subvert you tonight, and at some point in the future ask you to his Vila again, where he would either slay you, or set you to his cause. Most of the remaining noble houses are either soon to meet with him, or already have, and survived... it never ceases to surprise me how much servants know, and how loose their lips are in their cups." The assasin hides his last blade away, though he does not take his eyes from you "Tonight, in my opinion, you should enjoy your meal, and take measure of the guards, bother personal and city. Unless my memory fails, this sort of thing has members of the Imperius Excolo officers to see to the families exile on hand. You would do well to know your allies in situations such as this, lest you slay them in your haste. And, considering that the guard at this mans Vila is skeletal at best around midnight, perhaps a strike tomorrow, with but a handful garbed in dark robes and using your mooneseye paste would suffice to your ends." the assassin bows slightly, seemingly a habit "Taht is, however, the opinion of but a mere assassin, if you still wish to strike now, I will aid you however I can

Pax, can life elementalists detect or neutralize poison?
In fact, if we were to be poisoned at the dinner, could Jayne fix us up, so that as the dinner continues, and we continue to eat, the governor gets more and more unsettled and flustered as we've consumed enough poison to kill ten men, yet are still talking and with our full faculties?

>>14413064
this, we need to grab him or take the villa quick, I'd say blackbird's troops and or the hunters for the grab and have gaius have the rest of the maniple ready to move out if we send a signal

>>14413103
Dasesu knows how to get around the walls and we can likely shape our own entrance through the walls with our stone warping ability. Plus Dasesu said he only has around 24 guards. We don't need that many men to storm the villa.

Having the valks in the air should only be done if we know the city doesn't have a lot of anti-air defenses ready that can hit the inside of the city.

>>14413090
Indeed. A large chest of their coins hidden within an inner sanctum. Suspicious enough with the added fact this guy worships a god of the moon pantheon who likes trickery and likes power at any cost.

How do we recognize these Imperius Excolo officers?

>>14413108
I say go with the expert's plan in this matter.
And yeah, we should avoid accidentally killing members of the Imperial intelligence service. It would not look good on our record if we did.

>>14413108
I assume he's saying this based on what he's heard and in that case, I have no problem. Especially because we need to have a better idea on who we can or cannot trust in regards to the other nobles. We should spend our time in the next day doing that before we strike the next night so we don't eliminate possible support to hold this city.

Wait....could this be a double-trap?

That the coins and symbol were planted, in order to frame the governor? This is the god of trickery and deceit we're talking about here.
I may be getting too paranoid, though.

>>14413167
It's possible but that's why we don't kill him right away. Interrogations are always key and once we have control of the villa, we can get more information from the servants and his family. See if this guy really is worshipping this god or not and see how he can explain having a chest of gold like that.

>>14413108

I don't see why anyone GOOD at plotting would think "oh, let me see if I can turn a finger of the praetorian against his country"

I mean, that isn't even a good plan by comedic villainy standards...

>>14413182
Alright, that's a plan I can accept.

Also, was Daeseu able to identify any Imperius Excolo agents already, or is there any secret signs that he knows of that we can use to identify them?

I am also nervous when the GM puts up a giant neon sign that says "YES THIS IS A BAD GUY".

Consensus seems to be going with Daeseu's plan.

>>14413308
yup

>>14413204

seconding

>yes, life elementalists can counteract poison, and you DO have those nifty poison-negating amulets as well

You nod your head "Fair enough, have you identified any of the Excolo agents?" you ask.

Daeseu shakes his head "They must be particularly good agents, as I was unable to identify them. They are among the servants, but that is the best I can do. I hope you will be taking my plan then?"

You shrug your shoulders "The part where I bide my time at the very least, thank you friend." the assassin lazily salutes you, before pulling out yet more knives and going to work on them.

-----CQ-----

That night, you and Jayne walk to the governors Vila, where he meets you at the gate "I do hope you wont be overly bothered if my family joins us, they have been missing me ever so much lately." he apologizes as he leads you to the main hall, where a modest feast, though still far more than you would expect considering the food shortage in the city, is set out.

"Ah, commander Trentz" a gentle-featured, larger woman, roughly of age with the governor greets you "after hearing so much about your exploits it is truly an honor to meet you." she continues, offering her milky hand. To her right, a young girl, perhaps 10 and already well down the road to beauty is staring at you starry eyed, and past her a pair of young boys, twins, 7 at the oldest are loudly arguing about some myth that you are almost embarrassed to realize is your own.

Governor Dorin smiles warmly "My wife Lynda, my daughter Cheyis, and my boys, Marcus and Restan"

This fucker's good. Knows we won't sell him out with his kids watching.

>>14413403

Hiding behind children will not save traitors from justice.

>>14413364
Too bad he'll be executed and his family exiled to likely die at the hands of bandits. Oh well.

Well, let's get to the dinner, then. Ask about current situations between Northmont and the other cities along our northern frontier. Try to sound out what kind of man this governor is. Also, keep watch for any odd changes between his nervous self and his calm self.

>>14413403
Why wouldn't we, exactly?

rolled 7 = 7

>>14413403
Indeed
>>14413364
Have the dinner, talk with them casually. Then ask to talk business afterwards. Alone, in a private place. We need to take him by surprise and just blankly bring out the fact that the evidence is there and we need to see it. Now, and perhaps his sentence will be more lenient. See if he denies it like a smooth criminal, breaks down, or fumbles the ball. Either way, it will be one of those three.

>>14413364
We are wearing the poison-negation amulets?

>>14413442
That's not the plan, man.

>>14413442
That's not the plan.
Doing that now would tip our hand, and we won't be able to carry out the strike tomorrow.

rolled 34 = 34

>>14413454
Not arrest, just call him out. I don't want to end up furthering a cult's work is all. Daesu couldn't even pick out hte Excolo agents, so the evidence could be just as well be planted. I mean, it's pretty bad as it is that this guy seems to be doing alright besides the bad moral in the food supply. One hint I can already see that he might not be guilty is the fact that he is actually helping our war effort by NOT taking all the food he can get to help his refugees.

>>14413508
Then he'll flee the city, and we'd have to explain to the Second why we failed to apprehend the traitor.

We were ordered to arrest him as a traitor. We don't need ironclad proof. We just need to crucify him ASAP.

>>14413539
No, I don't like this situation. It stinks far too much of possible deception by Baashek.
I want that confirmation reply from the Second and more proof before we crucify him.

rolled 22 = 22

>>14413556
Or we could wait to do that as well.....

>>14413556
Yes. Arrest, seize command, and interrogate.

Whatever we do, let's not traumatize the kids. Have a nice dinner. Keep probing the gov for information. Ask him about the city's defenses, etc. Act natural. Play the part of the "young, naive commander who suspects nothing."

>>14413556

Agreed. Apprehend and await confirmation from the 2nd.

rolled 100 = 100

Also, accidentally drop the stone from our pocket while we are sitting, see if it pings anyone.

>>14413556
this

>>14413622
That's not how the stone works. You have to be holding it.

Consider the following: The wife or the children could be the traitor or accomplice.

rolled 90 = 90

>>14413651
We have to reach down and grab it don't we?

You smile, acknowledging them all "And this is Lady Jayne Garlian." you introduce your lady before sitting down to dinner. The conversation is pleasant, though a tad banal, mostly watered down stories that yourself, Jayne, and the governor went through over your lives and travels. Eventually, Lynda herds the children off to bed. You point the crystal at them, enough to discern that one of the young ones has potential as a shadow mage, but you cannot tell which.

"So, what did you think of my family? I do everything for them more than anything else, to be honest." The governor brags, smiling warmly, though he does twitch ever so slightly when he starts his second statement.

"Their lovely" Jayne replies politely.

"Such a demanding job however, the governor of a city this large. That surely must be difficult." you add, pressing.

The nobleman shrugs "I climbed high for them, a little higher is of no harm. And the gold gives me leave to more than make it up to them. Besides, I can always treat myself, and what few legal cases go over the tribunes and to me are easy enough to close without ruining any of my other plans."

Jayne raises an eyebrow "Such as?"

Again the man twitches "Oh, family plans, house ventures that wont involve sending my sons off to fight these... pointless, wars. Five-thousand years and not a single one accomplished anything" he begins, taking another drink from his glass of wine "we really arent all that different from them, and when we dont taunt them to attacking, they leave us be, our fellow mortals in Uurlanth. and the money I saved on garrisons have allowed me to improve the city so very much as a trade center." he boasts, twitching and taking another sip from the ridiculously ornate goblet... a trio of yellow slashes can be seen on it as he sets it down, before promptly turning the glass.

>>14413668
Something is definitely affecting this guy... Either controlling him or making him think what he's saying is the truth. He's twitching at times when it seems like he's lying or might not be telling the truth. There's definitely more to this than it seems.

We should look into his history as governor at some point. See if he was always seen as cowardly or if he was loved by his people. Perhaps he only started acting odd recently...

>>14413653
Someone mentioned in the IRC that the governor's "tics" could be him trying to resist active mind control from someone else. Could be the wife. That would be some deep cover.

>>14413668
>we really arent all that different from them, and when we dont taunt them to attacking, they leave us be
Raise eyebrow at this.
"Really? I understood that the several wars before this one had been instigated by the Uurlanthi.
"Fellow mortals...yes, the Uurlanthi are fellow mortals. But that was an Age ago, when we were united against the gods.
"In the present, I would not be surprised if the Uuralanthi were to court the divine as a desperate man would an arms merchant promising that their wares could solve all of the man's problems, for a modest fee."

Try baiting him about the divine.

>>14413668
Ask him where he acquired that goblet. If he tries to downplay it, mention that you've always had an interest in the gods, and Basheek in particular.

What do you guys think. Too risky? Someone in this family definitely worships Basheek, and is not trying very hard to hide it.

rolled 60 = 60

>>14413752
Seconding

Interesting. He seems to be twitching more when mentioning his family. Or am I imagining things?

>>14413752
Let's not get too confrontational yet. I say nonchalantly ask about the goblet. If that doesn't work, drop the hint that we are interested in learning more about Basheek.

I think he's probing us to see how loyal we are.

rolled 63 = 63

Mentioned in IRC that we should try either calling in a favor from Rhyna or focusing on Baashek to ask what the balls is he doing in here.

So, eat-and-be-merry only for tonight? Also, be prepared for either poison or proposition by the Governor.

And keep the eyes off the little girl!

>>14413752
Also, as a military officer, we can always demure to comment on politics.

>>14413752

seconding

Man... Late.

Also, start probing if the family is the reason of his subversion, as in that he wants them to be in comfort and safe. That can be a button to be pushed if we either want to break him down or re-subvert him.

Unsure of goblet and Baashek influence.

Now it is your turn to raise an eyebrow "Truly? From my experience, the last few wars were started by Uurlanth, unprovoked by us. As to kinship? perhaps in the last age, when we were united against the gods, but not now, after five milenia of animosity, I highly doubt any kinship remains"

The governor sighs "Their king is powerhungry, had we let him take the lands past our borders he wanted to, our power would have been undiminished, and when the overstretched kingdom began to come apart at its seams, our power would have grown as we took the whole valley for ourselves. As to the gods, rebelling against them was foolhardy, they make such, powerful, allies. Especially to a family politician such as myself." he smiles contentedly at the last statement.

"So, baashek..." you begin.

"Helps me with my illness. The ticks are ever so problematic for a politician such as myself." he smiles "Just as he has told me much of you during this meal, though the deities that favor you protected most of your secrets. But by now my dear Lynda will be waiting for me. I do look forward to talking more of this matter on the morrow, however. Good night, Commander, and may your power never cease to grow." he finishes, rising from his chair and leaving the room before you can collect yourself to respond.

-----CQ-----

When you return to your barracks you find the 2nds reply has arrived. In short, some of the only members of the Excolo he trusts found this man guilty, most of them are in the stable, or kitchens for their cover. Their were more of them, though they were reported dead by their commrades. Enough remain to see the law carried out, but the 2nd highly advises to beware of poisons and toxins in the mans presence. 4 noble houses fled the city after pox or unexpected death ravaged their number, the few remaining are known to be the mans close friends, or are openly courting his house.

>>14413938
It's really too bad that we have to exile the entire family. I would have liked to have a shadow mage amongst our Academy.
Though, given that's the case, it may be more prudent to also execute the entire family.
We should not allow a rogue mage to develop their powers alongside an animosity towards the Empire.

rolled 91 = 91

>>14413968
I......sadly agree with this sentiment.

Which kid was it I wonder......

Tell our life elementalists to be on high alert for sudden disease.

We move in on the morrow.

>>14413938
We're not scared of him. He should be scared of US.

Dorin: So what could you tell me about him?

Basheek: Not much. He's favored by Nyetini, Raynha, AND Garagush.

Dorin: ... Oh shit.

Basheek: Yeah.

rolled 93 = 93

>>14413968
HOWEVER, we should send a request with all due haste to teh 2nd to see if we can take the child with the black mage abilities to our academy.

>>14413968
No, no, no...

This actually could be a good in into the good graces of Baashek. I am unsure how to spin this, someone more brilliantly tactical-minded have to get it, but that deity seems to favor the guy already, can we not make the guy favor us and in return get him to ask Baashek to favor us too?

We do want at least no ill will from all the deities, right?

>>14413968
If the shadow mage is the little girl, I bet we can totally turn her.

>>14414003
I can agree to this.

"Though your father was a traitor whom cavorted with the enemy, and even took their offered money, you and you alone possess the ability to bring honor back to your family's name."

Or something to that effect.

>>14413938

Can we get some meditation going and talk to Raynha, Garagush and whichever god covers disease?

Mostly I just want to be sure to have our bases covered should pox or plague suddenly break out in our camp. And we might manage to find out what information on us was given and protected.

>>14414018
>Go against direct order to execute a traitor to the Empire
NO.
What you are suggesting is treason. The ONLY way to get the sentence lightened, would be a direct command from the 2nd Praetorian, and even that might not be enough. We might require the Emperor to intervene, and we have nowhere near enough pull to be able to do that.

> As to the gods, rebelling against them was foolhardy, they make such, powerful, allies. Especially to a family politician such as myself." he smiles contentedly at the last statement.
Family, as I say before and I repeat now, is the in to the man. What was the order against this man again?

Try not to harm him or his family unduly. Even more, try to set it that despite possibly losing his career at politics, his family will be still kept well. Like his chosen deity, he might bend easily to favorable winds.

>>14414018
No. We have our orders. The evidence is damning. The testimony is trustworthy. The governor is gonna get put down.

I think it won't be hard to get the city's military (garrison plus police forces) on our side. However, the noble houses remaining here are all obviously turned already.

Pax, are we able to meet with the local military commanders before the scheduled "storming the villa"?

>>14414060
"The Emperor's Justice": Used against traitors among the noble houses. The offender is crucified. His family is exiled to the corners of the Empire. Each can only carry at most 5 gold coins with him.

rolled 55 = 55

Either way, we need to reply to that letter we received, perhaps asking if we can spare the child with the talent, and have him trained in our academy being developed.

>>14414050
Darn, there is a direct order to execute?
Well, depending on the result of interrogation (gentle, I hope), we can decide. And trying to get a permission to stay the execution (from the Emperor, no less!) might garner us respect from the family, even if it might fail.

Just my two cents.

>>14414111
No. Asking for a stay of execution, without some damn good evidence, would only invoke the Emperor's and the 2nd Praetorian's ire.
Your suggestions are laughably naive in the face of Degnarian pragmatism.

>>14414079
Double damn. My White-knight heart bleeds.

>>14414128
Welcome to Commander Quest.

Lawful Good does not equal Lawful Nice.

>>14414143
It had been awhile, and I haven't caught up after healing up Laelith's scars and tattoos, but I am no newcomer to the quest.

Still a white-knight. :)

My advice friend, is to pick up skype and find yourself a cheap web cam. Me and my group do it from time to time, and one of my guys moved to Spain recently.

Sansa walks into the room after you set the letter down "So, is it for sure then?" she asks, almost timidly.

You nod "The sources are trustworthy, the man is a traitor. Tonight we move, on the morrow he will be crucified and his family split up and exiled, all according to the law, and overseen by agents of the Imperius Excolco." you reply, trying to keep your own feelings on the whole event in check.

"Will I have to..."

You smile "No Sansa, you and Lena are too gentle for this sort of justice. You can stay here when I make this move." You spend most of the day meeting with the military and city guard officials. Solid Dwarfs, defensive minded, and very angry at how few funds they have been left with to protect the city and maintain the peace. they sway to your cause easily. By midday you are at the baracks again, agonizing over who you will take with you to storm the Vila. There will be 10 guards at the most, and your group needs to be small enough to not be noticed when they approach, but have enough power to take care of the entire guard, plus any hidden defenders the governor may have. If you choose well the assault should go easily, if not...

>blargh I'm tired, calling it here for tonight, even though I had hoped to get the storming of the Vila in
>someone archive please
>I'll be back Thursday at 9pm server time
>if you have any CQ/setting questions just e-mail me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com

>>14414143
Lawful good is pretty damn terrifying sometimes.

rolled 7 = 7

>>14414177
So far, for the beginning of hte next thread we have down, letter about the child with talent, talk to the valkyrie wing commander, and deciding on who to storm the villa with.

If I missed anything, lemme know.

>>14414177
I'm more worried about "too many cooks". A lot of our guys can take on 10 guards single-handed.

We should ask the Second for permission to keep the shadow mage potential.

>>14414226
Can't think of anything else.

Archiving complete.

>>14414238
I'm thinking Collin, Daeseu, Blackbird, and some of his Raiders.
Also, yeah, I guess we can hang on to the kids for a reply from the 2nd about them. They ARE a strategic resource right now, and we need to close the arcane gap that exists between Degnar and Uurlanth.
I expect some resistance from the Imperius Excolo, though.